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Nutrients Jul 2022Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterised by optic disc swelling secondary to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) of unknown... (Review)
Review
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterised by optic disc swelling secondary to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) of unknown cause. Obesity is the most established and prevalent risk factor in developed countries. As obesogenic diets are high in calories and nutrient-poor, there may be associated nutritional deficiencies that contribute to the clinical presentation of IIH. Yet none, aside from iron deficiency, are currently included in the inclusion or exclusion criteria for the diagnosis of IIH. Our primary aim was to determine which micronutrient deficiencies, aside from iron deficiency, could present with optic disc swelling associated with or without intracranial hypertension that could potentially meet current IIH diagnostic criteria. To this end, we conducted a systematic search of articles published between 1 January 1980 and 18 December 2020 reporting cases of optic disc swelling associated with micronutrient deficiencies. In total, 65 cases met the eligibility criteria from initial searches: all were case reports and case series with a high risk of bias. Our findings suggest that patients with IIH or unexplained optic disc swelling ought to be screened, investigated, and treated for associated micronutrient deficiencies in vitamin A, B1 and B12; and weight loss interventions in IIH patients ought to promote better nutrition in addition to overall calorie restriction.
Topics: Humans; Intracranial Hypertension; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Optic Disk; Papilledema; Pseudotumor Cerebri
PubMed: 35893919
DOI: 10.3390/nu14153068 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Mar 2021During the last six decades, extensive use of antibiotics has selected resistant strains, increasing the rate of fatal infectious diseases, and exerting an economic...
BACKGROUND
During the last six decades, extensive use of antibiotics has selected resistant strains, increasing the rate of fatal infectious diseases, and exerting an economic burden on society. This situation is widely accepted as a global problem, yet its degree is not well elucidated in many regions of the world. Up till now, no systemic analysis of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Pakistan has been published. The current study aims to describe the antibiotic-resistance scenario of Pakistan from human samples of the last 10 y, to find the gaps in surveillances and methodology and recommendations for researchers and prescribers founded on these outcomes.
METHODS
Original research articles analyzed the pattern of Antibiotic resistance of any World Health Organization (WHO) enlisted priority pathogens in Pakistan (published onward 2009 till March 2020), were collected from PubMed, Google scholar, and PakMedi Net search engines. These articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data about the study characteristics and antibiotic-resistance for a given bacterium were excluded from literature. Antibiotic resistance to a particular bacterium was calculated as a median resistance with 95% Confidence Interval (CI).
RESULTS
Studies published in the last 10 y showed that Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the most reported clinical diagnosis (16.1%) in Pakistan. E. coli were reported in 28 (30.11%) studies showing high resistance to antibiotics' first line. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in 49% of S. aureus' total reported cases. Phenotypic resistance pattern has mostly been evaluated by Disk Diffusion Method (DDM) (82.8%), taken Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) as a breakpoint reference guideline (in 79.6% studies). Only 28 (30.11%) studies have made molecular identification of the resistance gene. blaTEM (78.94% in Shigella spp) and blaNDM-1 (32.75% in Klebsiella spp) are the prominent reported resistant genes followed by VanA (45.53% in Enterococcus spp), mcr-1 (1.61% in Acinetobacter spp), and blaKPC-2 (31.67% in E. coli). Most of the studies were from Sindh (40.86%), followed by Punjab (35.48%), while Baluchistan's AMR data was not available.
CONCLUSION
Outcomes of our study emphasize that most of the pathogens show high resistance to commonly used antibiotics; also, we find gaps in surveillances and breaches in methodological data. Based on these findings, we recommend the regularization of surveillance practice and precise actions to combat the region's AMR.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Humans; Pakistan
PubMed: 33676421
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05906-1 -
Global Spine Journal Sep 2022Systematic review and meta-analysis.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
Cervical spine endoscopic discectomy and decompression have gained popularity in the last decade. This review aimed to shed light on the current outcomes of cervical spine endoscopic procedures for degenerative disc disease (DDD) and to calculate a pooled estimate of various outcome measures.
METHODS
We retrieved articles published in English related to endoscopic cervical spine procedures from 3 central databases from inception until September 2020. A subgroup analysis based on the anterior versus the posterior approach was performed.
RESULTS
Thirty-one articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and included 1,410 patients. A successful outcome was observed in 91.3% (88.6-93.4%, = 0.000). This percentage was lower for the anterior approach (89.6% [85.8-92.5%], = 0.000) than for the posterior approach (94.2% [90.4-96.5%], = 0.000). A higher percentage of poor outcomes was reported for the anterior approach (5.7% [3.2-10.1%], = 0.000 vs. 2.3% [1-5.5%], = 0.000 for the posterior approach). The overall complication rate was 7.2% (5.2-9.8%, = 0.000). There was a slightly higher complication rate for the anterior approach (7.9% [4.5-13.3%], = 0.000) than for the posterior approach (6.7% [4.4-10%], = 0.000). The revision rate was 4.2% (2.6-6.8%, = 0.000); and 4.2% (1.8-9.7%, = 0.000) for the anterior approach and 4.00% (2.2-7.4%, = 0.000) for the posterior approach.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a higher success rate and lower complication rate with the posterior approach than with the anterior approach. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are vital to evaluate the efficacy of these procedures.
PubMed: 34402323
DOI: 10.1177/21925682211037270 -
Accuracy of optical coherence tomography for diagnosing glaucoma: an overview of systematic reviews.The British Journal of Ophthalmology Apr 2021To assess the diagnostic accuracy (DTA) of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detecting glaucoma by systematically searching and appraising systematic reviews (SRs)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
To assess the diagnostic accuracy (DTA) of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detecting glaucoma by systematically searching and appraising systematic reviews (SRs) on this issue.
METHODS
We searched a database of SRs in eyes and vision maintained by the Cochrane Eyes and Vision United States on the DTA of OCT for detecting glaucoma. Two authors working independently screened the records, abstracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews checklist. We extracted quantitative DTA estimates as well as qualitative statements on their relevance to practice.
RESULTS
We included four SRs published between 2015 and 2018. These SRs included between 17 and 113 studies on OCT for glaucoma diagnosis. Two reviews were at low risk of bias and the other two had two to four domains at high or unclear risk of bias with concerns on applicability. The two reliable SRs reported the accuracy of average retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and found a sensitivity of 0.69 (0.63 to 0.73) and 0.78 (0.74 to 0.83) and a specificity of 0.94 (0.93 to 0.95) and 0.93 (0.92 to 0.95) in 57 and 50 studies, respectively. Only one review included a clear specification of the clinical pathway. Both reviews highlighted the limitations of primary DTA studies on this topic.
CONCLUSIONS
The quality of published DTA reviews on OCT for diagnosing glaucoma was mixed. Two reliable SRs found moderate sensitivity at high specificity for average RNFL thickness in diagnosing manifest glaucoma. Our overview suggests that the methodological quality of both primary and secondary DTA research on glaucoma is in need of improvement.
Topics: Glaucoma; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Nerve Fibers; Optic Disk; Reproducibility of Results; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Visual Fields
PubMed: 32493760
DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316152 -
Neuroprotective Strategies for Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review.Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO Aug 2023Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the second most common form of optic neuropathy. Most patients show no improvement over time. Until now, there...
PURPOSE
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the second most common form of optic neuropathy. Most patients show no improvement over time. Until now, there is still no definitive therapy for NAION. The available literatures on the possible treatment of NAION are quite diverse and controversial. Neuroprotection strategies have been suggested as one of the potential treatments for NAION. This review aims to critically evaluate the literature on neuroprotective strategy for NAION.
METHODS
This report was written in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. We performed a systematic literature search in Pubmed, Science Direct, Proquest, and Cochrane databases. Only neuroprotective agents that directly work in protecting neurons were included. The outcome of interest in this review is retinal ganglion cell density and apoptosis for animal studies and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness for human studies.
RESULTS
The systematic search identified 591 studies of which 24 met the eligibility criteria, including 21 animal studies and three human studies. Only a few of the studies evaluated the same treatments, showing how diverse neuroprotector treatments are currently being evaluated as NAION treatment. From 21 animal studies, 14 studies showed significantly higher retinal ganglion cell density (1.49- to 2.81-fold) with neuroprotective treatment compared to control group. Two of three human studies in this review had also found a beneficial effect of preserving retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in NAION patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This review suggests the potential of neuroprotection as a viable option in the quest for an effective treatment strategy for NAION. Further studies, particularly clinical studies, are necessary to establish its efficacy in NAION patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic; Optic Disk; Neuroprotection; Visual Acuity; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 37563973
DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2022.0166 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2020The current systematic review investigates the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates from the 1980s to the present day, deriving data from clinical and/or water...
The current systematic review investigates the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates from the 1980s to the present day, deriving data from clinical and/or water samples from studies carried out all over the world. Eighty-nine papers meeting the inclusion criteria, i.e., "" and "resistance to antibiotics", were evaluated according to pre-defined validity criteria. Sixty articles referred to clinical isolates, and 18 articles reported water-related isolates, while 11 articles included both clinical and water isolates. Several methods have been proposed as suitable for the determination of MICs, such as the E-test, broth and agar dilution, and disk diffusion methods, in vivo and in vitro, using various media. The E-test method proposed by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (EUCAST) seems to be the second most frequently used method overall, but it is the preferred method in the most recent publications (2000-2019) for the interpretation criteria. Erythromycin has been proved to be the preference for resistance testing over the years. However, in the last 19 years, the antibiotics ciprofloxacin (CIP), erythromycin (ERM), levofloxacin (LEV) and azithromycin (AZM) were the ones that saw an increase in their use. A decrease in the sensitivity to antibiotics was identified in approximately half of the reviewed articles.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Erythromycin; Humans; Legionella pneumophila; Legionnaires' Disease; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 32796666
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165809 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Dec 2021Tongfu traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation is a common alternative therapy for clinical treatment of patients with septic gastrointestinal dysfunction. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Tongfu traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation is a common alternative therapy for clinical treatment of patients with septic gastrointestinal dysfunction. In recent years, a number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of Tongfu TCM preparation in the treatment of sepsis gastrointestinal dysfunction, but all of them have been small sample studies, and the research conclusions have been controversial. Here, this study conducted a meta-analysis on the clinical efficacy of the treatment of septic gastrointestinal dysfunction with TCM preparation, to produce a more objective and comprehensive systematic review to guide clinical application.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tongfu traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation in the treatment of patients with septic gastrointestinal dysfunction.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tongfu TCM preparation in the treatment of septic gastrointestinal dysfunction published before February 2021 were searched for in the Chinese databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Disk (CBMdisc), and Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), and English databases PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and The Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software, and funnel plots were drawn to evaluate the bias of literatures.
RESULTS
A total of 22 RCTs involving 1,558 patients were included. There were 772 patients in the control group and 786 in the trial group. Meta-analysis results showed that: gastrointestinal dysfunction score [mean difference (MD) =-0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.61 to -0.38], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (MD =-3.30, 95% CI: -3.73 to -2.86), and mortality (MD =0.34, 95% CI: 0.25-0.47) in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The funnel plot results showed that there was little possibility of publication bias.
DISCUSSION
Tongfu TCM preparation can effectively improve the gastrointestinal function of patients with sepsis gastrointestinal dysfunction, prevent the deterioration of the disease, and reduce the mortality; however, more evidence is required to substantiate these findings.
Topics: China; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Sepsis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35016408
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2461 -
Pain Physician Jan 2024Calcified lumbar disc herniation (CLDH) is a subtype characterized by calcification, leading to increased surgical complexity. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Calcified lumbar disc herniation (CLDH) is a subtype characterized by calcification, leading to increased surgical complexity. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive technique, but its effectiveness and complications in CLDH patients remain to be fully evaluated.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness and complications of PELD in treating CLDH patients.
STUDY DESIGN
A retrospective cohort study combined with a systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Department of Pain Medicine, an affiliated hospital of a university.
METHODS
Data from patients who underwent PELD in our department between March 2020 and May 2021 were collected. Forty CLDH patients were included in the study group, and equally matched cases with uncalcified lumbar disc herniation (UCLDH) served as controls. A systematic search was conducted on October 5, 2022, using EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, the China Biology Medicine disk, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wanfang databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled results.
RESULTS
Eighty patients were included in the retrospective cohort, and 41 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Both the retrospective cohort and meta-analysis consistently showed a significant decrease in visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores in the CLDH group after the operation. In the retrospective cohort, the excellent or good rate according to the MacNab classification was 85%, with no reported complications. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled excellent or good rate of 91.8% and a low complication rate of 2.9%. Combining the findings from our retrospective cohort and meta-analysis, we observed that the CLDH group had longer operation times and slightly higher postoperative ODI scores compared to the UCLDH group.
LIMITATIONS
Small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up in the retrospective cohort, as well as limited inclusion of comparative studies in the meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
PELD is an effective and safe treatment option for CLDH patients. In comparison to UCLDH patients, CLDH patients may experience longer operation times and slightly slower functional recovery than those with UCLDH.
Topics: Humans; Diskectomy, Percutaneous; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Lumbar Vertebrae; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38285024
DOI: No ID Found -
Vascular Medicine (London, England) Apr 2024This study aimed to review the current literature exploring the utility of noninvasive ocular imaging for the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Our search... (Review)
Review
This study aimed to review the current literature exploring the utility of noninvasive ocular imaging for the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Our search was conducted in early April 2022 and included the databases Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and others. Five articles were included in the final review. Of the five studies that used ocular imaging in PAD, two studies used retinal color fundus photography, one used optical coherence tomography (OCT), and two used optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess the ocular changes in PAD. PAD was associated with both structural and functional changes in the retina. Structural alterations around the optic disc and temporal retinal vascular arcades were seen in color fundus photography of patients with PAD compared to healthy individuals. The presence of retinal hemorrhages, exudates, and microaneurysms in color fundus photography was associated with an increased future risk of PAD, especially the severe form of the disease. The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was significantly thinner in the nasal quadrant in patients with PAD compared to age-matched healthy individuals in OCT. Similarly, the choroidal thickness in the subfoveal region was significantly thinner in patients with PAD compared to controls. Patients with PAD also had a significant reduction in the retinal and choroidal circulation in OCTA compared to healthy controls. As PAD causes thinning and ischemic changes in retinal vessels, examination of the retinal vessels using retinal imaging techniques can provide useful information about early microvascular damage in PAD. Ocular imaging could potentially serve as a biomarker for PAD. .
Topics: Humans; Optic Disk; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Photography; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Biomarkers; Retinal Vessels
PubMed: 38054219
DOI: 10.1177/1358863X231210866 -
Ophthalmic Research 2023Although internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling facilitates macular hole (MH) closure and reduces late hole reopening, it brings some detrimental consequences to the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling facilitates macular hole (MH) closure and reduces late hole reopening, it brings some detrimental consequences to the retinal microstructure and functional outcomes. So far, previous studies have not reached a consensus on the optimal ILM peeling size.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of different ILM peeling sizes for idiopathic MHs.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and WANFANG were searched until April 10, 2022. Studies in English or Chinese that compare the effects of two ILM peeling sizes (>2 disk diameters [DDs] vs. ≤2DD) for idiopathic MHs were included. The overall closure rate, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), type 1 closure, and adverse events were extracted. BCVA was converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR).
RESULTS
Seven eligible studies (560 eyes) including 3 randomized clinical trials, 3 prospective trials, and one retrospective cohort were included. Pooled results showed a significantly better postoperative BCVA (mean difference = -0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.27 to -0.04; LogMAR) and higher type 1 closure rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.08-1.43) in eyes with ILM peeling >2DD than those with peeling ≤2DD. No significant difference was found in overall closure rate and adverse events between the two groups. Subgroup analysis indicated that in MHs >400 μm, peeling >2DD helped obtain a better postoperative BCVA (mean difference = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.04; LogMAR) and higher frequency of type 1 closure (RR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03-1.51).
CONCLUSIONS
Peeling >2DD shares similar safety level with peeling ≤2DD and has a superiority of facilitating visual recovery. Larger ILM peeling may be more beneficial for large MHs.
Topics: Humans; Retinal Perforations; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Vitrectomy; Treatment Outcome; Visual Acuity; Basement Membrane; Epiretinal Membrane; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 37586342
DOI: 10.1159/000531510