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Environment International Oct 2020As new scientific evidence on health effects of air pollution is generated, air quality guidelines need to be periodically updated. The objective of this review is to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
As new scientific evidence on health effects of air pollution is generated, air quality guidelines need to be periodically updated. The objective of this review is to support the derivation of updated guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO) by performing a systematic review of evidence of associations between long-term exposure to particulate matter with diameter under 2.5 µm (PM) and particulate matter with diameter under 10 µm (PM), in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality. As there is especially uncertainty about the relationship at the low and high end of the exposure range, the review needed to provide an indication of the shape of the concentration-response function (CRF). We systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from database inception to 9 October 2018. Articles were checked for eligibility by two reviewers. We included cohort and case-control studies on outdoor air pollution in human populations using individual level data. In addition to natural-cause mortality, we evaluated mortality from circulatory diseases (ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke) also specifically), respiratory diseases (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) also specifically) and lung cancer. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed when at least three studies were available for a specific exposure-outcome pair. Risk of bias was assessed for all included articles using a specifically developed tool coordinated by WHO. Additional analyses were performed to assess consistency across geographic region, explain heterogeneity and explore the shape of the CRF. An adapted GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) assessment of the body of evidence was made using a specifically developed tool coordinated by WHO. A large number (N = 107) of predominantly cohort studies (N = 104) were included after screening more than 3000 abstracts. Studies were conducted globally with the majority of studies from North America (N = 62) and Europe (N = 25). More studies used PM (N = 71) as the exposure metric than PM (N = 42). PM was significantly associated with all causes of death evaluated. The combined Risk Ratio (RR) for PM and natural-cause mortality was 1.08 (95%CI 1.06, 1.09) per 10 µg/m. Meta analyses of studies conducted at the low mean PM levels (<25, 20, 15, 12, 10 µg/m) yielded RRs that were similar or higher compared to the overall RR, consistent with the finding of generally linear or supra-linear CRFs in individual studies. Pooled RRs were almost identical for studies conducted in North America, Europe and Western Pacific region. PM was significantly associated with natural-cause and most but not all causes of death. Application of the risk of bias tool showed that few studies were at a high risk of bias in any domain. Application of the adapted GRADE tool resulted in an assessment of "high certainty of evidence" for PM with all assessed endpoints except for respiratory mortality (moderate). The evidence was rated as less certain for PM and cause-specific mortality ("moderate" for circulatory, IHD, COPD and "low" for stroke mortality. Compared to the previous global WHO evaluation, the evidence base has increased substantially. However, studies conducted in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) are still limited. There is clear evidence that both PM and PM were associated with increased mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and lung cancer. Associations remained below the current WHO guideline exposure level of 10 µg/m for PM. Systematic review registration number (PROSPERO ID): CRD42018082577.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Cause of Death; Environmental Exposure; Europe; Humans; North America; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 32703584
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105974 -
The Lancet. Oncology Apr 2022The clinical presentation and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma are unclear when compared with hepatocellular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Clinical characteristics, surveillance, treatment allocation, and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The clinical presentation and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma are unclear when compared with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. We aimed to establish the prevalence, clinical features, surveillance rates, treatment allocation, and outcomes of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception until Jan 17, 2022, for articles in English that compared clinical features, and outcomes of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma versus hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies and excluded paediatric studies. Study-level data were extracted from the published reports. The primary outcomes were (1) the proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to NAFLD, (2) comparison of patient and tumour characteristics of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma versus other causes, and (3) comparison of surveillance, treatment allocation, and overall and disease-free survival outcomes of NAFLD-related versus non-NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. We analysed proportional data using a generalised linear mixed model. Pairwise meta-analysis was done to obtain odds ratio (OR) or mean difference, comparing NAFLD-related with non-NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. We evaluated survival outcomes using pooled analysis of hazard ratios.
FINDINGS
Of 3631 records identified, 61 studies (done between January, 1980, and May, 2021; 94 636 patients) met inclusion criteria. Overall, the proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma cases secondary to NAFLD was 15·1% (95% CI 11·9-18·9). Patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma were older (p<0·0001), had higher BMI (p<0·0001), and were more likely to present with metabolic comorbidities (diabetes [p<0·0001], hypertension [p<0·0001], and hyperlipidaemia [p<0·0001]) or cardiovascular disease at presentation (p=0·0055) than patients with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. They were also more likely to be non-cirrhotic (38·5%, 27·9-50·2 vs 14·6%, 8·7-23·4 for hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes; p<0·0001). Patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma had larger tumour diameters (p=0·0087), were more likely to have uninodular lesions (p=0·0003), and had similar odds of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages, TNM stages, alpha fetoprotein concentration, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status to patients with non-NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. A lower proportion of patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma underwent surveillance (32·8%, 12·0-63·7) than did patients with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes (55·7%, 24·0-83·3; p<0·0001). There were no significant differences in treatment allocation (curative therapy, palliative therapy, and best supportive care) between patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma and those with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. Overall survival did not differ between the two groups (hazard ratio 1·05, 95% CI 0·92-1·20, p=0·43), but disease-free survival was longer for patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (0·79, 0·63-0·99; p=0·044). There was substantial heterogeneity in most analyses (I>75%), and all articles had low-to-moderate risk of bias.
INTERPRETATION
NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a higher proportion of patients without cirrhosis and lower surveillance rates than hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. Surveillance strategies should be developed for patients with NAFLD without cirrhosis who are at high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
PubMed: 35255263
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00078-X -
International Journal of Implant... Oct 2020Immediate implants are frequently employed in the anterior maxillary area. However, the installation of dental implants simultaneously with tooth extraction can also... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Immediate implants are frequently employed in the anterior maxillary area. However, the installation of dental implants simultaneously with tooth extraction can also provide with benefits in the posterior areas with a reduction in time prior the recovery of the masticatory function. Results previously reported in the literature show high-survival and success rates for implants placed in extraction sockets in molar areas; however, this topic has received limited systematic analysis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Electronic and manual literature searches were performed by two independent reviewers in several data-bases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, for articles up to January 2019 reporting outcomes of immediate implants placed in molar areas. Primary outcomes included survival and success rates, as well as marginal bone loss. Secondary outcomes included the influence of implant position, type of implant connection, grafting protocol, flap or flapless approach, implant diameter, surgical phase, presence of buccal plate, and loading protocol.
RESULTS
Twenty studies provided information on the survival rate, with a total sample of 1.106 implants. The weighted mean survival rate of immediate implants after 1 year of follow-up was 96.6%, and the success rate was 93.3%. On the other hand, marginal bone loss was 1.29 ± 0.24 mm. Secondary outcomes demonstrated that grafting the gap and the loading protocol have an effect on survival and success rates. Similarly, the presence or absence of the buccal bone affect crestal bone levels. Meta-analysis of 4 investigations showed a weighted mean difference of 0.31 mm ± 0.8 IC 95% (0.15-0.46) more marginal bone loss at immediate implant placement versus implants in healed sites (p < 0.001) I = 15.2%.
CONCLUSION
In selected scenarios, immediate implant placement in molar extraction socket might be considered a predictable technique as demonstrated by a high survival and success rates, with minimal marginal bone loss.
PubMed: 32770283
DOI: 10.1186/s40729-020-00235-5 -
Journal of Neurology Jul 2023Growing evidence suggests that atrial cardiomyopathy may play an essential role in thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Growing evidence suggests that atrial cardiomyopathy may play an essential role in thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the values of cardiomyopathy markers for predicting ischemic stroke risk.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for longitudinal cohort studies evaluating the association between cardiomyopathy markers and incident ischemic stroke risk.
RESULTS
We included 25 cohort studies examining electrocardiographic, structural, functional, and serum biomarkers of atrial cardiomyopathy involving 262,504 individuals. P-terminal force in the precordial lead V1 (PTFV1) was found to be an independent predictor of ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.29, CI 1.06-1.57) and a continuous variable (HR 1.14, CI 1.00-1.30). Increased maximum P-wave area (HR 1.14, CI 1.06-1.21) and mean P-wave area (HR 1.12, CI 1.04-1.21) were also associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Left atrial (LA) diameter was independently associated with ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.39, CI 1.06-1.82) and a continuous variable (HR 1.20, CI 1.06-1.35). LA reservoir strain independently predicted the risk of incident ischemic stroke (HR 0.88, CI 0.84-0.93). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was also associated with incident ischemic stroke risk, both as a categorical variable (HR 2.37, CI 1.61-3.50) and continuous variable (HR 1.42, CI 1.19-1.70).
CONCLUSION
Atrial cardiomyopathy markers, including electrocardiographic markers, serum markers, LA structural and functional markers, can be used to stratify the risk of incident ischemic stroke.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Brain Ischemia; Ischemic Stroke; Atrial Fibrillation; Risk Factors; Longitudinal Studies; Biomarkers; Cardiomyopathies
PubMed: 37014420
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11693-3 -
Neurosurgical Review Oct 2021Foramen magnum meningiomas (FMMs) account for 1.8-3.2% of all meningiomas. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, our goal is to detail epidemiology, clinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Foramen magnum meningiomas (FMMs) account for 1.8-3.2% of all meningiomas. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, our goal is to detail epidemiology, clinical features, surgical aspects, and outcomes of this rare pathology. Using PRISMA 2015 guidelines, we reviewed case series, mixed series, or retrospective observational cohorts with description of surgical technique, patient and lesion characteristics, and pre- and postoperative clinical status. A meta-analysis was performed to search for correlations between meningioma characteristics and rate of gross total resection (GTR). We considered 33 retrospective studies or case series, including 1053 patients, mostly females (53.8%), with a mean age of 52 years. The mean follow-up was of 51 months (range 0-258 months). 65.6% of meningiomas were anterior, and the mean diameter was of 29 mm, treated with different surgical approaches. Postoperatively, 17.2% suffered complications (both surgery- and non-surgery-related) and 2.5% had a recurrence. The Karnofsky performance score improved in average after surgical treatment (75 vs. 81, p < 0.001). Our meta-analysis shows significant rates of GTR in cohorts with a majority of posterior and laterally located FMM (p = 0.025) and with a mean tumor less than 25 mm (p < 0.05). FMM is a rare and challenging pathology whose treatment should be multidisciplinary, focusing on quality of life. Surgery still remains the gold standard and aim at maximal resection with neurological function preservation. Adjuvant therapies are needed in case of subtotal removal, non-grade I lesions, or recurrence. Specific risk factors for recurrence, other than Simpson grading, need further research.
Topics: Female; Foramen Magnum; Humans; Male; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neurosurgical Procedures; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33507444
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-021-01478-5 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Dec 2023To assess the clinical outcomes of zirconia dental implants based on an updated systematic literature review. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To assess the clinical outcomes of zirconia dental implants based on an updated systematic literature review.
METHODS
An electronic search was performed in three databases, last updated in June 2023, supplemented by hand searching. The eligibility criteria were clinical studies reporting patients rehabilitated with zirconia implants. The cumulative survival rate (CSR) of implants was calculated. A meta-analysis for marginal bone loss (MBL) under different follow-up times and a meta-regression assessing the relationship between mean MBL and follow-up were done.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were included (4017 implants, 2083 patients). Seven studies had follow-up longer than 60 months. 172 implants failed, after a mean of 12.0 ± 16.1 months (min-max 0.3-86.0), of which 47 early failures, and 26 due to implant fracture, the majority in narrow-diameter implants. The 10-year CSR was 95.1%. Implants with coronal part prepared by drills presented statistically significant lower survival than non-prepared implants (p < 0.001). Two-piece implants presented lower survival than one-piece implants (p = 0.017). Implants discontinued from the market presented lower survival than the commercially available ones (p < 0.001). The difference in survival was not significant between implants in maxilla and mandible (p = 0.637). The mean MBL fluctuated between 0.632 and 2.060 mm over long periods of observation (up until 132 months). There was an estimated MBL increase of 0.005 mm per additional month of follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Zirconia implants present high 10-year CSR and short-term low MBL. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022342055).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The clinical outcomes observed for zirconia dental implants are very promising, although these have not yet been extensively studied as titanium alloy implants.
Topics: Humans; Dental Implants; Treatment Outcome; Dental Restoration Failure; Zirconium; Titanium; Dental Prosthesis Design
PubMed: 38135804
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05401-8 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023To comprehensively reassess the efficacy and safety of different concentrations of atropine for retarding myopia progression and seek the most appropriate therapeutic...
To comprehensively reassess the efficacy and safety of different concentrations of atropine for retarding myopia progression and seek the most appropriate therapeutic concentration for clinical practice. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals (VIP) and China National Knowledege Infrastructure (CNKI) from their inception to 23 March 2023, to obtain eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that had atropine in at least one treatment arm and placebo/no intervention in another arm. We evaluated the risk of bias of the RCTs according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration for RCTs and quality of cohort studies by the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale. Weighted mean difference (WMD), 95% confidence interval were calculated for meta-analysis. All data analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3, STATA 12.0 and SPSS 26.0 software. A total of 44 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Weighted mean difference (WMD) were 0.73 diopters (D), 0.65 D, 0.35 D per year in refraction progression ( = 14.63, = 86.3%; < 0.001) and -0.26 mm, -0.37 mm, -0.11 mm per year in axial length progression ( = 5.80, = 65.5%; = 0.06) for high (0.5%-1%), moderate (0.1%-0.25%), and low (0.005%-0.05%) dose atropine groups, respectively. Logarithmic dose‒response correlations were found between atropine and their effect on change of refraction, axial length, accommodation and photopic pupil diameter. Through these curves, we found that atropine with concentrations ≤0.05% atropine resulted in a residual value of accommodation of more than 5 D and an increase in pupil diameter no more than 3 mm. Higher doses of atropine resulted in a higher incidence of adverse effects, of which the incidence of photophobia was dose-dependent ( = 0.477, = 0.029). Both the efficacy and risk of adverse events for atropine treatment of myopia were mostly dose dependent. Comprehensively considered the myopia control effect and safety of each dose, 0.05% may be the best concentration of atropine to control myopia progression at present, at which myopia is better controlled and the side effects are tolerable. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, CRD42022377705.
PubMed: 37767401
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1227787 -
Spine Deformity Nov 2022To assess clinical and safety outcomes associated with different rod materials and diameters in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To assess clinical and safety outcomes associated with different rod materials and diameters in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.
METHODS
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis evaluated ASD surgery using pedicle screw fixation systems with rods of different materials and sizes. Postoperative outcomes (i.e., Cobb, sagittal vertical axis, and pelvic tilt angle) and complications (i.e., pseudarthrosis and rod breakage) were assessed. Random effects models (REMs) pooled data for outcomes reported in ≥ 2 studies.
RESULTS
Among 50 studies evaluating ASD surgery using pedicle screw fixation systems, 17 described rod material/diameter. Postoperative outcomes did not statistically differ between cobalt-chromium (CoCr) vs. titanium (Ti) rods (n = 2 studies; mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] sagittal vertical axis angle: CoCr 37.00° [18.58°-55.42°] and Ti 32.58° [24.62°-40.54°]; mean [95% CI] pelvic tilt angle: CoCr 26.20° [22.87°-29.53°] and Ti 20.15° [18.0°-22.31°]). The pooled proportion (95% CI) of pseudarthrosis was 15% (7-22%) for CoCr and 12% (- 8-32%) for stainless steel (SS) (n = 2 studies each; Chi = 0.07, p = 0.79). The pooled proportion (95% CI) of broken rods was 12% (1-22%) for Ti (n = 3 studies) and 10% (2-19) for CoCr (n = 1 study). Among 6.0-6.35 mm rods, the pooled (95% CI) postoperative Cobb angle (n = 2) was 12.01° (9.75°-14.28°), sagittal vertical axis angle (n = 4) was 35.32° (30.02°-40.62°), and pelvic tilt angle was 21.11° (18.35°-23.86°).
CONCLUSIONS
For ASD patients undergoing posterior fixation and fusion, there are no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes or complications among rods of varying materials and diameters. Benchmark postsurgical outcomes and complication rates by rod material and diameter are provided.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Spinal Fusion; Stainless Steel; Titanium; Chromium Alloys; Pseudarthrosis; Cobalt; Chromium
PubMed: 35904725
DOI: 10.1007/s43390-022-00556-y -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Dec 2020We present a consecutive case series and a systematic review of surgically treated pediatric PCs. We hypothesized that the symptomatic PC is a progressive disease with... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
We present a consecutive case series and a systematic review of surgically treated pediatric PCs. We hypothesized that the symptomatic PC is a progressive disease with hydrocephalus at its last stage. We also propose that PC microsurgery is associated with better postoperative outcomes compared to other treatments.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. No clinical study on pediatric PC patients was available. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of the available individual patient data of 43 (22 case reports and 21 observational series) articles.
RESULTS
The review included 109 patients (72% females). Ten-year-old or younger patients harbored smaller PC sizes compared to older patients (p < 0.01). The pediatric PCs operated on appeared to represent a progressive disease, which started with unspecific symptoms with a mean cyst diameter of 14.5 mm, and progressed to visual impairment with a mean cyst diameter of 17.8 mm, and hydrocephalus with a mean cyst diameter of 23.5 mm in the final stages of disease (p < 0.001). Additionally, 96% of patients saw an improvement in their symptoms or became asymptomatic after surgery. PC microsurgery linked with superior gross total resection compared to endoscopic and stereotactic procedures (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Surgically treated pediatric PCs appear to behave as a progressive disease, which starts with cyst diameters of approximately 15 mm and develops with acute or progressive hydrocephalus at the final stage. PC microneurosurgery appears to be associated with a more complete surgical resection compared to other procedures.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Central Nervous System Cysts; Child; Cysts; Female; Humans; Male; Microsurgery; Pineal Gland
PubMed: 32691194
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04792-3 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Intravenous infusion of human alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (h-α-CGRP) has been applied to explore migraine pathogenesis and cerebral hemodynamics during the... (Review)
Review
Intravenous infusion of human alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (h-α-CGRP) has been applied to explore migraine pathogenesis and cerebral hemodynamics during the past three decades. Cumulative data implicate h-α-CGRP in regulating the vascular tone. In this systematic review, we searched PubMed and EMBASE for clinical studies investigating the vascular changes upon intravenous infusion of h-α-CGRP in humans. A total of 386 studies were screened by title and abstract. Of these, 11 studies with 61 healthy participants and 177 participants diagnosed with migraine were included. Several studies reported hemodynamic effects including flushing, palpitation, warm sensation, heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), mean blood flow velocity of middle cerebral artery (mean V), and diameter of superficial temporal artery (STA). Upon the start of h-α-CGRP infusion, 163 of 165 (99%) participants had flushing, 98 of 155 (63%) participants reported palpitation, and 160 of 165 (97%) participants reported warm sensation. HR increased with 14%-58% and MABP decreased with 7%-12%. The mean V was decreased with 9.5%-21%, and the diameter of the STA was dilated with 41%-43%. The vascular changes lasted from 20 to >120 min. Intravenous infusion of h-α-CGRP caused a universal vasodilation without any serious adverse events. The involvement of CGRP in the systemic hemodynamic raises concerns regarding long-term blockade of CGRP in migraine patients with and without cardiovascular complications.
PubMed: 37483452
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1204734