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Journal of Environmental Management Dec 2023The livestock industry accounts for a considerable proportion of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and in response, the Australian red meat industry has committed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The livestock industry accounts for a considerable proportion of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and in response, the Australian red meat industry has committed to an aspirational target of net-zero emissions by 2030. Increasing soil carbon storage in grazing lands has been identified as one method to help achieve this, while also potentially improving production and provision of other ecosystem services. This review examined the effects of grazing management on soil carbon and factors that drive soil carbon sequestration in Australia. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was used to compare effects of stocking intensity (stocking rate or utilisation) and stocking method (i.e, continuous, rotational or seasonal grazing systems) on soil organic carbon, pasture herbage mass, plant growth and ground cover. Impacts on below ground biomass, soil nitrogen and soil structure are also discussed. Overall, no significant impact of stocking intensity or method on soil carbon sequestration in Australia was found, although lower stocking intensity and incorporating periods of rest into grazing systems (rotational grazing) had positive effects on herbage mass and ground cover compared with higher stocking intensity or continuous grazing. Minimal impact of grazing management on pasture growth rate and below-ground biomass has been reported in Australia. However, these factors improved with grazing intensity or rotational grazing in some circumstances. While there is a lack of evidence in Australia that grazing management directly increases soil carbon, this meta-analysis indicated that grazing management practices have potential to benefit the drivers of soil carbon sequestration by increasing above and below-ground plant production, maintaining a higher residual biomass, and promoting productive perennial pasture species. Specific recommendations for future research and management are provided in the paper.
Topics: Australia; Biomass; Carbon; Ecosystem; Soil
PubMed: 37852027
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119146 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are a group of drugs that inhibit gastric juice secretion in gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is evidence to suggest that H2...
Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are a group of drugs that inhibit gastric juice secretion in gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is evidence to suggest that H2 blockers have a broader spectrum of activity. The antioxidant properties of H2 blockers have not been fully elucidated, and their anti-glycation potential has not been studied to date. Therefore, this is the first study to compare the antioxidant and antiglycation potentials of the most popular H2 antagonists (ranitidine, cimetidine, and famotidine) on protein glycoxidation in vitro. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was glycated using sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, and ribose) as well as aldehydes (glyoxal and methylglyoxal). In the analyzed group of drugs, ranitidine was the only H2 blocker that significantly inhibited BSA glycation in all tested models. The contents of protein carbonyls, protein glycoxidation products (↓dityrosine, ↓N-formylkynurenine), and early (↓Amadori products) and late-stage (↓AGEs) protein glycation products decreased in samples of glycated BSA with the addition of ranitidine relative to BSA with the addition of the glycating agents. The anti-glycation potential of ranitidine was comparable to those of aminoguanidine and Trolox. In the molecular docking analysis, ranitidine was characterized by the lowest binding energy for BSA sites and could compete with protein amino groups for the addition of carbonyl groups. H2 blockers also scavenge free radicals. The strongest antioxidant properties are found in ranitidine, which additionally has the ability to bind transition metal ions. The systematic literature review also revealed that the anti-glycation effects of ranitidine could be attributed to its antioxidant properties. Ranitidine showed anti-glycation and antioxidant properties. Further research is needed, particularly in patients with diseases that promote protein glycation.
PubMed: 37765081
DOI: 10.3390/ph16091273 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Oct 2023Despite substantial disease burden, existing evidence on the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been derived primarily from cross-sectional studies... (Review)
Review
Despite substantial disease burden, existing evidence on the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been derived primarily from cross-sectional studies without determining temporality. Therefore, we aimed to systematically synthesize the literature on longitudinal risk factors for sleep study-assessed OSA and questionnaire-assessed probable OSA from cohort studies in the general adult population settings. We systematically searched Embase and Medline (on OVID) databases. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were not conducted due to methodological heterogeneity of exposure and outcome measurements. There was consistent evidence that weight gain was associated with incident (n = 2) and greater severity (n = 2) of OSA. One study each observed an association of higher baseline body-mass index, male sex, asthma, a specific genetic polymorphism in rs12415421, and insulin resistance/hyperglycemia, with incident OSA. Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution (NO, n = 1) was associated with OSA, and menopausal transitions (n = 1) with higher apnea-hypopnea index. There were no eligible studies on long-term smoking or alcohol use. In conclusion, approximately 10% increase in weight, especially in males, might alert clinicians to consider potential or worsening OSA. Large, well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to consolidate knowledge on other associations with OSA development, especially on potentially modifiable risk factors.
PubMed: 37639973
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101838 -
Surgical Endoscopy Sep 2023The current evidence is inconclusive on whether robotic or laparoscopic surgery is the optimal platform for minimally invasive surgery. Existing comparisons techniques... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The current evidence is inconclusive on whether robotic or laparoscopic surgery is the optimal platform for minimally invasive surgery. Existing comparisons techniques focus on short-term outcomes only, while potentially being confounded by a lack of standardisation in robotic procedures. There is a pertinent need for an up-to-date comparison between minimally invasive surgical techniques. We aimed to systematically review randomised controlled trials comparing robotic and laparoscopic techniques in major surgery.
METHODS
Embase, Medline and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to 13th September 2022. Included studies were randomised controlled trials comparing robotic and laparoscopic techniques in abdominal and pelvic surgery. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Short-term, health-related quality of life, and long-term, outcomes were analysed.
RESULTS
Forty-five studies, across thirteen procedures, involving 7364 patients were included. All of the studies reported non-significant differences in mortality between robotic and laparoscopic surgery. In majority of studies, there was no significant difference in complication rate (n = 31/35, 85.6%), length of postoperative stay (n = 27/32, 84.4%), and conversion rate (n = 15/18, 83.3%). Laparoscopic surgery was associated with shorter operative time (n = 16/31, 51.6%) and lower total cost (n = 11/13, 84.6%). Twenty three studies reported on quality of life outcomes; majority (n = 14/23, 60.9%) found no significant differences.
CONCLUSION
There were no significant differences between robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery with regards to mortality and morbidity outcomes in the majority of studies. Robotic surgery was frequently associated with longer operative times and higher overall cost. Selected studies found potential benefits in post-operative recovery time, and patient-reported outcomes; however, these were not consistent across procedures and trials, with most studies being underpowered to detect differences in secondary outcomes. Future research should focus on assessing quality of life, and long-term outcomes to further elucidate where the robotic platform could lead to patient benefits, as the technology evolves.
Topics: Humans; Laparoscopy; Quality of Life; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Robotics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37442833
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10275-8 -
American Journal of Cancer Research 2023Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd, DS-8201) is a targeted antibody-drug conjugate that specifically targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In 2019, it was... (Review)
Review
Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd, DS-8201) is a targeted antibody-drug conjugate that specifically targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In 2019, it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, ongoing research is exploring its potential efficacy in other solid tumors, such as non-small-cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer, as well as in tumors with low HER2 levels. It is important to examine the safety and effectiveness of trastuzumab deruxtecan in these various types of solid tumors, as some studies have raised concerns about potential serious adverse events associated with its use. In this meta-analysis, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab deruxtecan in solid tumors. We used RevMan 5.4 software to perform a meta-analysis, calculating odds ratios (OR), risk ratios (RR), and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After an exhaustive search, we identified three articles that met our inclusion criteria, which included a total of 1268 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the treatment group had significantly higher overall survival (WMD=5.12, 95% CI (2.79, 7.44), P<0.0001), progression-free survival (WMD=3.45, 95% CI (0.8, 6.1), P=0.01), overall response rate (OR=6.49, 95% CI (4.90, 8.58), P<0.00001), and disease control rate (OR=4.68, 95% CI (2.78, 7.89), P<0.00001), TRAEs (RR=6.93, 95% CI (2.06, 23.25), P=0.002). However, there was no significant difference in TRAEs≥3 (RR=1.08, 95% CI (0.75, 1.56), P=0.68) between the trials. Based on the available evidence, trastuzumab deruxtecan appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for HER2-positive solid tumors. Although the number of studies included in this analysis is limited, ongoing trials are being conducted, further evaluating its potential in various solid tumors. The results of these trials will enhance our understanding of trastuzumab deruxtecan and potentially expand its applications, bringing hope to more patients with solid tumors.
PubMed: 37693138
DOI: No ID Found -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024Streptococcal infections may contribute to psoriasis development, and antistreptococcal treatments are considered potential therapies, but their effectiveness remains... (Review)
Review
Streptococcal infections may contribute to psoriasis development, and antistreptococcal treatments are considered potential therapies, but their effectiveness remains uncertain due to limited systematic evidence. Our objective was to analyze antistreptococcal therapies' effectiveness in improving psoriasis. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, evaluating antistreptococcal treatment efficacy in psoriasis patients from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases until August 14, 2022. Eligible studies included psoriasis patients undergoing antistreptococcal therapy, regardless of demographics or psoriasis type. 50 studies (1778 patients) were analyzed, with penicillins/aminopenicillins as the most studied antibiotics (21 studies), showing mixed outcomes, some reporting significant improvement in guttate psoriasis, while others showed no significant difference. Rifampin demonstrated positive results in most of ten studies, and macrolides showed varying effectiveness in two studies. Tonsillectomy in 14 studies (409 patients) mainly focusing on guttate and chronic plaque psoriasis showed positive outcomes, indicating improved symptoms and quality of life. Limitations include heterogeneous studies, sampling bias, and quality of evidence. This systematic review reveals limited and varied evidence for systemic antibiotic therapy efficacy in psoriasis treatment, while tonsillectomy emerges as a potentially beneficial antistreptococcal option, urging further well-designed, controlled studies with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols for better comparisons.
Topics: Humans; Psoriasis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Streptococcal Infections; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life; Penicillins; Rifampin
PubMed: 38850287
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03051-8 -
Cancers Jan 2024A systematic review and a meta-analysis is presented on published articles on the malignant transformation of oral lichen planus (OLP) and related conditions, which,... (Review)
Review
A systematic review and a meta-analysis is presented on published articles on the malignant transformation of oral lichen planus (OLP) and related conditions, which, based on current evidence, updates an earlier systematic review published by our research group that included publications until November 2018. In this updated study (Nov-2023) we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. We evaluated the methodological quality of studies (QUIPS tool) and carried out meta-analyses. The inclusion criteria were met by 101 studies (38,083 patients), of which, 20 new primary-level studies (11,512 patients) were published in the last 5 years and were added to our updated study. The pooled malignant transformation ratio was 1.43% (95% CI = 1.09-1.80) for OLP; 1.38% (95% CI = 0.16-3.38) for oral lichenoid lesions; 1.20% (95% CI = 0.00-4.25) for lichenoid reactions; and 5.13% (95% CI = 1.90-9.43) for OLP with dysplasia. No significant differences were found between the OLL or LR groups and the OLP subgroup ( = 0.853 and = 0.328, respectively), and the malignant transformation was significantly higher for the OLP with dysplasia group in comparison with the OLP group ( = 0.001). The factors that had a significant impact with a higher risk of malignant transformation were the presence of epithelial dysplasia, a higher methodological quality, the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, the location of lesions on the tongue, the presence of atrophic and erosive lesions, and infection by the hepatitis C virus. In conclusion, OLP behaves as an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD), whose malignancy ratio is probably underestimated as a consequence essentially of the use of inadequate diagnostic criteria and the low methodological quality of the studies on the subject.
PubMed: 38339358
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030608 -
International Dental Journal Aug 2023Migraine is a neurologic illness that produces intense throbbing pain on one side of the head and affects roughly 1 billion people worldwide. Recent research indicates a... (Review)
Review
Migraine is a neurologic illness that produces intense throbbing pain on one side of the head and affects roughly 1 billion people worldwide. Recent research indicates a relationship between periodontitis and chronic migraines. This study aimed to review the association between chronic migraines and periodontitis through a systematic literature review. Four research databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, and SpringerLink) were searched according to PRISMA guidelines to retrieve the studies included in this review. A search strategy was developed to answer the study question with appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of 34 published studies, 8 studies were included in this review. Three of the studies were cross-sectional, 3 were case-control, and 2 were clinical report and medical hypothesis papers. Seven of the 8 included studies showed that there is an association between periodontal disease and chronic migraine. The elevated blood levels of some biomarkers such as leptins, ProCalcitonin (proCT), calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRPs), Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor-like Weak Inducer Of Apoptosis (sTWEAK) play a significant role in this association. The limitations include a small sample size, the influence of anti-inflammatory drugs, and a self-reported headache measure that is subject to misclassification bias. This systematic review reveals a supposed correlation between periodontal disease and chronic migraine, as evidenced by various biomarkers and inflammatory mediators. This suggests that periodontal disease could potentially contribute to the development of chronic migraine. However, to further assess the potential benefits of periodontal treatment in patients with chronic migraine, additional longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes and interventional studies are needed.
Topics: Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Migraine Disorders; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37225630
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.04.007 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Variants in organic cation transporter (OCT) genes play a crucial role in metformin pharmacokinetics and are critical for diabetes treatment. However, studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Variants in organic cation transporter (OCT) genes play a crucial role in metformin pharmacokinetics and are critical for diabetes treatment. However, studies investigating the effect of OCT genetic polymorphisms on metformin response have reported inconsistent results. This review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the associations between OCT genetic polymorphisms and metformin response and intolerance in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
METHOD
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, and VIP database for identifying potential studies up to 10 November 2022. The Q-Genie tool was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Pooled odds ratios (OR) or standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to determine the associations between OCT genetic polymorphisms and metformin response and intolerance that were reflected by glycemic response indexes, such as glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c%) or change in glycated hemoglobin level (ΔHbA1c%), fasting plasma level (FPG) or change in fasting plasma glucose level (ΔFPG), the effectiveness rate of metformin treatment, and the rate of metformin intolerance. A qualitative review was performed for the variants identified just in one study and those that could not undergo pooling analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 30 related eligible studies about OCT genes (, and ) and metformin pharmacogenetics were identified, and 14, 3, and 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in , and , respectively, were investigated. Meta-analysis showed that the rs622342 polymorphism was associated with a reduction in HbA1c level (AA vs. AC: SMD [95% CI] = -0.45 [-0.73--0.18]; = 0.001). The GG genotype of the rs628031 polymorphism was associated with a reduction in FPG level (GG vs. AA: SMD [95 %CI] = -0.60 [-1.04-0.16], = 0.007; GG vs. AG: -0.45 [-0.67-0.20], < 0.001). No statistical association was found between the remaining variants and metformin response and intolerance.
CONCLUSION
rs622342 and rs628031 polymorphisms were potentially associated with glycemic response to metformin. This evidence may provide novel insight into gene-oriented personalized medicine for diabetes.
Topics: Humans; Metformin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glycated Hemoglobin; Hypoglycemic Agents; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Cations
PubMed: 37546319
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1183879 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Sep 2023Cell-based strategies focusing on replacement or protection of dopaminergic neurons have been considered as a potential approach to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cell-based strategies focusing on replacement or protection of dopaminergic neurons have been considered as a potential approach to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) for decades. However, despite promising preclinical results, clinical trials on cell-therapy for PD reported mixed outcomes and a thorough synthesis of these findings is lacking. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate cell-therapy for PD patients.
METHODS
We systematically identified all clinical trials investigating cell- or tissue-based therapies for PD published before July 2023. Out of those, studies reporting transplantation of homogenous cells (containing one cell type) were included in meta-analysis. The mean difference or standardized mean difference in quantitative neurological scale scores before and after cell-therapy was analyzed to evaluate treatment effects.
RESULTS
The systematic literature search revealed 106 articles. Eleven studies reporting data from 11 independent trials (210 patients) were eligible for meta-analysis. Disease severity and motor function evaluation indicated beneficial effects of homogenous cell-therapy in the 'off' state at 3-, 6-, 12-, or 24-month follow-ups, and for motor function even after 36 months. Most of the patients were levodopa responders (61.6-100% in different follow-ups). Cell-therapy was also effective in improving the daily living activities in the 'off' state of PD patients. Cells from diverse sources were used and multiple transplantation modes were applied. Autografts did not improve functional outcomes, while allografts exhibited beneficial effects. Encouragingly, both transplantation into basal ganglia and to areas outside the basal ganglia were effective to reduce disease severity. Some trials reported adverse events potentially related to the surgical procedure. One confirmed and four possible cases of graft-induced dyskinesia were reported in two trials included in this meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis provides preliminary evidence for the beneficial effects of homogenous cell-therapy for PD, potentially to the levodopa responders. Allogeneic cells were superior to autologous cells, and the effective transplantation sites are not limited to the basal ganglia. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022369760.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Levodopa; Transplantation, Autologous; Transplantation, Homologous; Allogeneic Cells
PubMed: 37679754
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04484-x