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Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Oct 2022The aim of this publication is the assessment of the existing guidelines for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) superficial brachytherapy (BT) and make a critical review... (Review)
Review
H&N and Skin (HNS) GEC-ESTRO Working Group critical review of recommendations regarding prescription depth, bolus thickness and maximum dose in skin superficial brachytherapy with flaps and customized moulds.
The aim of this publication is the assessment of the existing guidelines for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) superficial brachytherapy (BT) and make a critical review based on the existing literature about the maximum dose prescription depth, bolus thickness and maximum skin surface dose (D) of the published clinical practice. A systematic review of NMSC superficial BT published articles was carried out by the GEC-ESTRO Head & Neck and Skin (HNS) Working Group (WG). 10 members and 2 external reviewers compared the published clinical procedures with the recommendations in the current guidelines and examined the grade of evidence. Our review verified that there is a large variation among centres with regards to clinical practice in superficial BT and identified studies where published parameters such as maximum dose prescription depth, bolus thickness and D exceed the constraints recommended in the guidelines, while showing excellent results in terms of local control, toxicity and cosmesis. This review confirmed that current recommendations on skin superficial BT do not include published experience on tumours treated with superficial BT that require dose prescription depth beyond the recommended 5 mm under the skin surface and that the existing literature does not provide sufficient evidence to relate dosimetry of superficial BT to patient reported outcome measures. The GEC-ESTRO HNS WG considers acceptable to prescribe superficial BT dose at a depth above 5 mm beyond the skin surface, and modify the bolus thickness to optimize the treatment plan and adjust the acceptable maximum dose on the skin surface, all pending clinical situation.
Topics: Humans; Brachytherapy; Skin Neoplasms; Radiometry; Prescriptions; Radiotherapy Dosage
PubMed: 36030932
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.08.022 -
Pharmacological Research Oct 2023To assess the effectiveness and safety of combining intravitreal endothelial growth factor inhibitor (anti-VEGF) and ocular corticosteroids for diabetic macular edema... (Review)
Review
Anti-VEGF combined with ocular corticosteroids therapy versus anti-VEGF monotherapy for diabetic macular edema focusing on drugs injection times and confounding factors of pseudophakic eyes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
To assess the effectiveness and safety of combining intravitreal endothelial growth factor inhibitor (anti-VEGF) and ocular corticosteroids for diabetic macular edema (DME).
METHODS
Articles concentrating on the efficacy and safety of combining anti-VEGF and ocular corticosteroids therapy for DME versus anti-VEGF monotherapy was screened systematically. Meta-analysis was conducted on the basis of a protocol registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023408338) and performed on the extracted continuous variables and dichotomous variables. The outcome was expressed as weighted mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR).
RESULTS
Add up to 21 studies including 1468 eyes were enrolled in this study. The MD for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement at 1/3/6/12-month between the combination therapy group and monotherapy group were 2.56 (95% CI [0.43, 4.70]), 2.46 (95% CI [-0.40, 5.32]), - 1.76 (95% CI [-3.18, -0.34]), - 1.94 (95% CI [-3.87, 0.00]), respectively. The MD for central retinal thickness (CMT) reduction at 1/3/6/12-month between two groups were - 66.27 (95% CI [-101.08, -31.47]), - 33.62 (95% CI [-57.55, -9.70]), - 4.54 (95% CI [-16.84, 7.76]), - 26.67 (95% CI [-41.52, -11.82]), respectively. Additionally, the combination group had higher relative risk of high intraocular pressure and cataract progression events.
CONCLUSIONS
Anti-VEGF combined with ocular corticosteroids had a significant advantage over anti-VEGF monotherapy within 3 months of DME treatment, which reached the maximum with increasing anti-VEGF injection times to 3. However, with the prolongation of the treatment cycle, the effect of combined therapy after 6 months was no better than monotherapy, and the side effects of combined therapy were more severe.
PubMed: 37666311
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106904 -
Journal of Physical Activity & Health Jun 2021The present study aimed to systematically review the literature on the effects of physical training on neuromuscular parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The present study aimed to systematically review the literature on the effects of physical training on neuromuscular parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
METHODS
The PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were accessed in September 2020. Clinical trials that evaluated the effects of physical training on neuromuscular parameters (maximum strength, resistance strength, muscle power, muscle quality, and muscle thickness) of patients with T1DM compared with a control group were considered eligible. The results were presented as the standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. Effect size (ES) calculations were performed using the fixed effect method, with α = .05.
RESULTS
Combined training increased the maximum strength levels in individuals with T1DM to a lesser extent than in healthy individuals (ES: 0.363; P = .038). Strength training increased the maximum strength (ES: 1.067; P < .001), as well as combined training (ES: 0.943; P < .001); both compared with aerobic training in patients with T1DM. Strength training increased the maximum strength in a similar magnitude to combined training in patients with T1DM (ES: -0.114; P = .624).
CONCLUSION
Both combined training and strength training represent effective strategies for improving the maximum strength in individuals with T1DM.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Exercise; Humans; Muscle Strength; Resistance Training
PubMed: 33952708
DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0797 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... May 2021The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to define the means and the upper limits of normal for endometrial thickness and uterine measurements in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to define the means and the upper limits of normal for endometrial thickness and uterine measurements in uncomplicated pregnancies at different postpartum periods.
DATA SOURCES
A search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, Cinahl, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases up to January 30, 2020.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included studies reporting sonographic parameters of the uterus in the normal postpartum period.
METHODS
The continuous variables were expressed as means with standard deviations. The upper limits of normal were defined as the 95th percentile. Clinically significant differences in the uterine measurements between subgroups were defined as ≥2 cm; significant differences in the uterine volume were defined as >10%. The primary outcome was the endometrial thickness; others sonographic parameters that were analyzed were the uterine anteroposterior diameter, longitudinal diameter, width, and volume.
RESULTS
A total of 5260 articles were identified. Of these, 80 were assessed for their eligibility for inclusion and 32 studies were included in this systematic review. These studies included 3106 women (55% multiparas and 82% with vaginal deliveries) who underwent transabdominal and/or transvaginal ultrasound from the first postpartum day to a maximum of 6 weeks postpartum. The upper limit of normal (95th percentile) for the endometrial thickness was 25 mm by 7 days postpartum and this continued to decrease (18 mm at 14 days, 12 mm at 4 weeks, and 9 mm at 6 weeks) in a similar manner for all the women regardless of parity or mode of delivery. All the other uterine measurements also gradually decreased during the puerperium for all the women regardless of parity or mode of delivery.
CONCLUSION
These upper limits of normal for the postpartum endometrium and uterine measurements in uncomplicated pregnancies provide clinical guidance for the sonographic evaluation of women with complicated postpartum courses.
Topics: Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Humans; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography; Uterus
PubMed: 33493704
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100318 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2023A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of resistance training under hypoxic conditions (RTH) on muscle hypertrophy and strength... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of resistance training under hypoxic conditions (RTH) on muscle hypertrophy and strength development. Searches of PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Sport Discus and the Cochrane Library were conducted comparing the effect of RTH versus normoxia (RTN) on muscle hypertrophy (cross sectional area (CSA), lean mass and muscle thickness) and strength development [1-repetition maximum (1RM)]. An overall meta-analysis and subanalyses of training load (low, moderate or high), inter-set rest interval (short, moderate or long) and severity of hypoxia (moderate or high) were conducted to explore the effects on RTH outcomes. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. The overall analyses showed similar improvements in CSA (SMD [CIs] = 0.17 [- 0.07; 0.42]) and 1RM (SMD = 0.13 [0.0; 0.27]) between RTH and RTN. Subanalyses indicated a medium effect on CSA for longer inter-set rest intervals and a small effect for moderate hypoxia and moderate loads favoring RTH. Moreover, a moderate effect for longer inter-set rest intervals and a trivial effect for severe hypoxia and moderate loads favoring RTH was found on 1RM. Evidence suggests that RTH employed with moderate loads (60-80% 1RM) and longer inter-set rest intervals (≥ 120 s) enhances muscle hypertrophy and strength compared to normoxia. The use of moderate hypoxia (14.3-16% FiO) seems to be somewhat beneficial to hypertrophy but not strength. Further research is required with greater standardization of protocols to draw stronger conclusions on the topic.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Resistance Training; Gastropoda; Hypertrophy; Hypoxia; Muscles
PubMed: 36871095
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30808-4 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2023Scheimpflug Pentacam Tomography is becoming crucial in the diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus, as well as in pre- and post-corneal refractive care, but there are... (Review)
Review
Scheimpflug Pentacam Tomography is becoming crucial in the diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus, as well as in pre- and post-corneal refractive care, but there are still some inconsistencies surrounding its evidence base diagnostic outcome. Therefore, this study aimed at employing meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the keratometric, pachymetric, and pachymetric progression indices used in the diagnosis of Keratoconus. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (Identifier: CRD4202310058) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE were used for data search, followed by a quality appraisal of the included studies using the revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2). Meta-analysis was conducted using the meta (6.5.0) and metafor (4.2.0) packages in R version 4.3.0, as well as Stata. A total of 32 studies were included in the analysis. All keratometry (K) readings (flattest meridian, K1; steepest meridian, K2, maximum, Kmax) were significantly steeper in keratoconic compared to normal eyes: [MD (95% CI)], K1 [2.67 (1.81; 3.52)], K1-back [-0.71 (-1.03; -0.39)], K1-front [4.06 (2.48; 5.63)], K2 [4.32 (2.89; 5.75)], K2-back [-1.25 (-1.68; -0.82)], K2-front [4.82 (1.88; 7.76)], Kmax [7.57 (4.80; 10.34)], and Kmean [2.80 (1.13; 4.47)]. Additionally, corneal thickness at the center, CCT [-61.19 (-73.79; -48.60)] and apex, pachy-apex [-41.86 (-72.64; -11.08)] were significantly thinner in keratoconic eyes compared to normal eyes. The pooled estimates for pachymetric progression index (PPI): PPImin [0.66 (0.43; 0.90)], PPImax [1.26 (0.87; 1.64)], PPIavg [0.90 (0.68; 1.12)], and Ambrosio relational thickness (ART): ARTmax [-242.77 (-288.86; -196.69)], and ARTavg [-251.08 (-308.76; -195.39)] revealed significantly more rapid pachymetric progression in keratoconic eyes than in normal eyes. The Pentacam Scheimpflug-derived keratometric, pachymetric, and pachymetric progression indices are good predictors in discriminating KC from normal eyes.
PubMed: 38143558
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S436492 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Mar 2020This systematic review included clinical trials of Food and Drug Administration-approved vaginal estrogens. The primary objective of this systematic review was to...
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review included clinical trials of Food and Drug Administration-approved vaginal estrogens. The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the comparative safety of the Food and Drug Administration-approved vaginal estrogen preparations among postmenopausal women.
METHODS
We performed a PubMed search of the primary literature from January 1, 1966 to July 16, 2019 for English-language clinical trials. Manual review of retrieved citations identified additional citations.
RESULTS
Of 882 retrieved citations, 75 clinical trials met inclusion criteria. Maximum trial duration was 52 weeks. None of the trials predesignated breast or endometrial cancer, cardiovascular events, or venous thromboembolism as primary outcomes. Studies were not designed to rule out an increase in endometrial carcinoma risk with long-term use of vaginal estrogen. There were few head-to-head comparisons. Fifty trials examined serum sex steroid and gonadotrophin levels; assay methodologies varied. Serum estradiol levels were 11 pg/mL at baseline or during placebo use and increased to a mean of 30 pg/mL after treatment. Estradiol levels were usually highest during the first 12 weeks of treatment, and were higher for estrogen creams than for inserts or rings. The 22 trials of endometrial thickness and the 15 trials of endometrial biopsy did not clearly demonstrate endometrial proliferation after vaginal estrogen treatment, but data were limited, and studies did not always perform systematic endometrial biopsy.
CONCLUSIONS
Newer low-dose estradiol rings, tablets, and inserts appear to induce the least increases in serum hormones, possibly indicating greater safety. Limited evidence in trials lasting up to 52 weeks suggest endometrial safety of vaginal estrogen use. Long-term trials are needed. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A513.
Topics: Administration, Intravaginal; Atrophy; Clinical Trials as Topic; Endometrium; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Postmenopause; Treatment Outcome; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases
PubMed: 31913230
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001468 -
Voprosy Pitaniia 2023Muscle weakness and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may persist for up to 6 months after surgery and cause re-injury to...
Muscle weakness and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may persist for up to 6 months after surgery and cause re-injury to the ipsilateral or contralateral limbs. Many authors state that adequate nutritional status during the rehabilitation period can contribute to faster postoperative recovery of muscle mass and strength of the lower limb, be an adjunct to exercise, or serve an alternative treatment strategy. of the research was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and evaluate the degree of influence of dietary supplements on muscle mass and strength of the operated limb after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). . The search for articles was carried out in international databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library. The time frame of the search was 22 years. To be included in the review, studies had to meet the PICOS criteria: participants were men and women over 18 years of age after ACL reconstruction; intervention - supplementation after and/or before and after ACL reconstruction; comparison - placebo group or no supplementary interventions; results - assessment of the dynamics of changes in muscle mass (cross-sectional area, muscle thickness or size of skeletal muscle fibers) and / or maximum strength (dynamic or isometric) of the operated limb; research design - randomized controlled trials (RCT). The quality of selected RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool. . A total of 1397 articles were found after searching in the databases. This systematic review included 6 RCTs with a total number of patients 186. The following dietary supplements were used: leucine - 1 article, glucosam ine - 1 article, creatine - 1 article, vitamins E and C - 2 articles. One study evaluated the effect of whey protein supplementation in combination with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on isometric strength of the operated limb. When comparing the data of 3 groups in the pre- and postoperative periods, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. When considering the protocols for taking dietary supplements based on creatine, glucosamine, vitamins E and C, none of the studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the parameters of maximum strength or muscle hypertrophy of the operated limb in the main groups compared with the control groups. Also, no results have been obtained indicating that these dietary supplements can slow down muscl e atrophy after surgery. In another study that evaluated the effect of leucine supplementation, by the end of the rehabilitation program, the muscle strength of the operated limb tended to increase more in the leucine group than in the placebo group, but without a statistically significant difference. At 10 cm from the patella, the femoral circumference of the operated limb in the leucine group increased more than in the placebo group, and the differences were statistically significant (р=0.009). Two studies were rated as high risk of bias, three as moderate risk, and one as low risk. . None of the supplements used had a statistically significant effect on the muscle strength of the operated limb after ACL reconstru ction. In terms of thigh muscle hypertrophy, the only significant improvement was associated with leucine supplementation and an increase in thigh circumference at a distance of 10 cm from the patella.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Whey Proteins; Creatine; Leucine; Quadriceps Muscle; Atrophy; Dietary Supplements; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Vitamins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37346024
DOI: 10.33029/0042-8833-2023-92-2-87-96 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023Exercise therapy as part of the clinical management of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) is complicated by the limited insights into its efficacy. There is an... (Review)
Review
Exercise therapy as part of the clinical management of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) is complicated by the limited insights into its efficacy. There is an urgent need for sensitive and non-invasive quantitative muscle biomarkers to monitor the effects of exercise training. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to critically appraise and summarize the current evidence for the sensitivity of quantitative, non-invasive biomarkers, based on imaging and electrophysiological techniques, for measuring the effects of physical exercise training. We identified a wide variety of biomarkers, including imaging techniques, i.e., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, surface electromyography (sEMG), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Imaging biomarkers, such as muscle maximum area and muscle thickness, and EMG biomarkers, such as compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, detected significant changes in muscle morphology and neural adaptations following resistance training. MRS and NIRS biomarkers, such as initial phosphocreatine recovery rate (V), mitochondrial capacity (Q), adenosine phosphate recovery half-time (ADP t), and micromolar changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin and myoglobin concentrations (Δ[deoxy(Hb + Mb)]), detected significant adaptations in oxidative metabolism after endurance training. We also identified biomarkers whose clinical relevance has not yet been assessed due to lack of sufficient study.
PubMed: 37959299
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216834 -
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Sep 2023Resistance training (RT) consists of planned exercise programs to increase muscle strength capacity through neural and structural adaptations, such as changes in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Resistance training (RT) consists of planned exercise programs to increase muscle strength capacity through neural and structural adaptations, such as changes in the geometric arrangement of muscle fibers. This study aimed to analyze the influence of RT on muscle architecture in older people.
METHODS
This PROSPERO-registered systematic review and meta-analysis (identification number CRD42022340477) followed the PRISMA guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that observed older individuals submitted to RT programs that reported muscle architecture outcomes.
RESULTS
Seventeen RCTs met the eligibility criteria with a total of 488 participants. The main results of the meta-analysis showed that RT interventions had a significant effect on the thickness of the medial gastrocnemius (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI: - 0.07 to 0.17; p < 0.00001; I = 0%).
CONCLUSION
Based on available evidence, studies included in this review showed improvement in maximum isometric force, pennation angle, fascicle length, thickness, and muscle activation after RT interventions. In turn, the meta-analysis suggested a potential for improving the thickness of the medial gastrocnemius after the intervention. However, any clinical implications drawn from the analyses should be interpreted with caution, as these findings are substantially limited due to a low number of included studies and a potential heterogeneity between studies.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Resistance Training; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Exercise; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 37043838
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105020