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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2022Functional constipation is defined as chronic constipation with no identifiable underlying cause. It is a significant cause of morbidity in children, accounting for up... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Functional constipation is defined as chronic constipation with no identifiable underlying cause. It is a significant cause of morbidity in children, accounting for up to 25% of visits to paediatric gastroenterologists. Probiotic preparations may sufficiently alter the gut microbiome and promote normal gut physiology in a way that helps relieve functional constipation. Several studies have sought to address this hypothesis, as well as the role of probiotics in other functional gut disorders. Therefore, it is important to have a focused review to assess the evidence to date.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics for the management of chronic constipation without a physical explanation in children.
SEARCH METHODS
On 28 June 2021, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, WHO ICTR, and ClinicalTrials.gov, with no language, date, publication status, or document type limitations.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed probiotic preparations (including synbiotics) compared to placebo, no treatment or any other interventional preparation in people aged between 0 and 18 years old with a diagnosis of functional constipation according to consensus criteria (such as Rome IV).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 14 studies (1127 randomised participants): 12 studies assessed probiotics in the treatment of functional constipation, whilst two studies investigated synbiotic preparations. Three studies compared probiotics to placebo in relation to the frequency of defecation at study end, but we did not pool them as there was very significant unexplained heterogeneity. Four studies compared probiotics to placebo in relation to treatment success. There may be no difference in global improvement/treatment success (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.26; 313 participants; low-certainty evidence). Five studies compared probiotics to placebo in relation to withdrawals due to adverse events, with the pooled effect suggesting there may be no difference (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.95; 357 participants; low-certainty evidence). The pooled estimate from three studies that compared probiotics plus an osmotic laxative to osmotic laxative alone found there may be no difference in frequency of defecation (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.57 to 0.56; 268 participants; low-certainty evidence). Two studies compared probiotics plus an osmotic laxative to osmotic laxative alone in relation to global improvement/treatment success, and found there may be no difference between the treatments (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.15; 139 participants; low-certainty evidence). Three studies compared probiotics plus osmotic laxative to osmotic laxative alone in relation to withdrawals due to adverse events, but it is unclear if there is a difference between them (RR 2.86, 95% CI 0.12 to 68.35; 268 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Two studies compared probiotics versus magnesium oxide. It is unclear if there is a difference in frequency of defecation (MD 0.28, 95% CI -0.58 to 1.14; 36 participants), treatment success (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.57; 36 participants) or withdrawals due to adverse events (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.04; 77 participants). The certainty of the evidence is very low for these outcomes. One study assessed the role of a synbiotic preparation in comparison to placebo. There may be higher treatment success in favour of synbiotics compared to placebo (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.54 to 3.47; 155 participants; low-certainty evidence). The study reported that there were no withdrawals due to adverse effects in either group. One study assessed a synbiotic plus paraffin compared to paraffin alone. It is uncertain if there is a difference in frequency of defecation (MD 0.74, 95% CI -0.96, 2.44; 66 participants; very low-certainty evidence), or treatment success (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.17; 66 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study reported that there were no withdrawals due to adverse effects in either group. One study compared a synbiotic preparation to paraffin. It is uncertain if there is a difference in frequency of defecation (MD -1.53, 95% CI -3.00, -0.06; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or in treatment success (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.65, 1.13; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study reported that there were no withdrawals due to adverse effects in either group. All secondary outcomes were either not reported or reported in a way that did not allow for analysis.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether probiotics are efficacious in successfully treating chronic constipation without a physical explanation in children or changing the frequency of defecation, or whether there is a difference in withdrawals due to adverse events when compared with placebo. There is limited evidence from one study to suggest a synbiotic preparation may be more likely than placebo to lead to treatment success, with no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events. There is insufficient evidence to draw efficacy or safety conclusions about the use of probiotics in combination with or in comparison to any of the other interventions reported. The majority of the studies that presented data on serious adverse events reported that no events occurred. Two studies did not report this outcome. Future studies are needed to confirm efficacy, but the research community requires guidance on the best context for probiotics in such studies, considering where they should be best considered in a potential treatment hierarchy and should align with core outcome sets to support future interpretation of findings.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Constipation; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Probiotics; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35349168
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014257.pub2 -
Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.) Aug 2021Lung cancer has emerged as a global public health problem and is the most common cause of cancer deaths by absolute cases globally. Besides tobacco, smoke infectious... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Lung cancer has emerged as a global public health problem and is the most common cause of cancer deaths by absolute cases globally. Besides tobacco, smoke infectious diseases such as human papillomavirus (HPV) might be involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. However, data are inconsistent due to differences in study design and HPV detection methods.
AIM
A systematic meta-analysis was performed to examine the presence of HPV-infection with lung cancer.
METHODS AND RESULTS
All studies in all languages were considered for the search concepts "lung cancer" and "HPV" if data specific to HPV prevalence in lung cancer tissue were given. This included Journal articles as well as abstracts and conference reports. As detection method, only HPV PCR results from fresh frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue were included. Five bibliographic databases and three registers of clinical trials including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through February 2020. A total 4298 publications were identified, and 78 publications were selected, resulting in 9385 included lung cancer patients. A meta-analysis of 15 case-control studies with n = 2504 patients showed a weighted overall prevalence difference of 22% (95% CI: 12%-33%; P < .001) and a weighted overall 4.7-fold (95% CI: 2.7-8.4; P < .001) increase of HPV prevalence in lung cancer patients compared to controls. Overall, HPV prevalence amounted to 13.5% being highest in Asia (16.6%), followed by America (12.8%), and Europe (7.0%). A higher HPV prevalence was found in squamous cell carcinoma (17.9%) compared to adenocarcinoma (P < .01) with significant differences in geographic patterns. HPV genotypes 16 and 18 were the most prevalent high-risk genotypes identified.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our review provides convincing evidence that HPV infection increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Alphapapillomavirus; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections; Prevalence
PubMed: 33624444
DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1350 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the oral immune system, acting as an enzyme that utilises HO to generate molecules with high bactericidal activity.... (Review)
Review
Salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the oral immune system, acting as an enzyme that utilises HO to generate molecules with high bactericidal activity. While MPO determination in plasma is quite common, the use of saliva is still rare. Our systematic review was designed to answer the question "Are salivary levels of myeloperoxidase altered in patients with systemic diseases?". Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included twenty-six studies. Altered MPO levels in saliva were most commonly found in patients with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Most studies concerned unstimulated whole saliva, and only a few of them stimulated, mainly by chewing paraffin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was the most common method for determination of MPO concentrations in saliva. Increased salivary MPO levels were more often observed for inflammatory diseases, except patients with inflammatory bowel diseases who were eligible for biologic therapy. In conclusion, MPO could be altered in the saliva of patients with systematic diseases, especially cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases. However, further investigations are recommended to validate these outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Hydrogen Peroxide; Peroxidase; Saliva
PubMed: 37569455
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512078 -
Cureus Jul 2023Uremic xerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus (CKD-ap) are the most commonly occurring dermatological problems faced by most of the CKD patients on... (Review)
Review
Management of Uremic Xerosis and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)-Associated Pruritus (CKD-ap) With Topical Preparations: A Systematic Review and Implications in the Indian Context.
Uremic xerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus (CKD-ap) are the most commonly occurring dermatological problems faced by most of the CKD patients on hemodialysis which are not only annoying and draining to the patients but also have an intense effect on patients' quality of life. The PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched for the literature with the following search terms: uremic xerosis OR CKD-ap OR uremic pruritus AND topical therapy OR topical ointment OR natural oil from the year 2002 -2022, and finally, 22 articles were chosen to write this review. Out of 22 studies, six used pharmacological preparations and remaining 16 studies used natural oils and components. All the articles were experimental studies (Pre/Quazi/RCT/True experimental) focusing on managing itch and xerosis associated with CKD and hemodialysis by topical application. The topical agents tried in various research studies are effective in managing itch and xerosis associated with CKD. They are safe, easy to use, and without allergic reactions. Natural oils like almond, chia seed, clove, glycerin, paraffin, and virgin coconut oil are readily available in home-care settings and can be used as a nurse-led intervention. Topical preparations for uremic xerosis and pruritus are effective, safe, and easy to apply on large body surface areas without systematic side effects. Natural oil-based topical preparations are cost-effective, safe, and easy to use.
PubMed: 37641756
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42587 -
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis Oct 2021Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children less than 4 years. Retinoblastoma (RB) contains about 3%-5% of all childhood cancers....
BACKGROUND
Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children less than 4 years. Retinoblastoma (RB) contains about 3%-5% of all childhood cancers. Recent studies demonstrated that interacting between RB tumor suppressor and oncoproteins of DNA tumor viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV). The objective of the current systematic review study was to present conducted studies in the field of HPV infection and its possible role in retinoblastoma.
METHODS
For this systematic review, all relevant original research studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science by using relevant keywords. The study was designed based on the PRISMA criteria. All publications with English literature and original researches are considered for screening.
RESULTS
Conducted search results lead to 4070 studies. The title and abstract screening lead to 11 studies. Data extraction was performed on 8 included studies. The prevalence of the HPV was ranged from 0 to 69%, and HPV genotype 16 and 18 were the most detected types. The most used method for the detection of the viruses was PCR, and the most assessed sample was formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
CONCLUSION
The association between HPV and retinoblastoma is still inconsistent. The prevalence of the HPV in RB was ranged from 0 to 69%, which indicates a wide range and highlights the importance of further investigation for more accurate statistical of HPV prevalence in RB. Thus, further worldwide studies of larger sample sizes of cohorts should be investigated to clarify this uncertainty.
Topics: Human papillomavirus 16; Human papillomavirus 18; Humans; Papillomavirus Infections; Prevalence; Retinal Neoplasms; Retinoblastoma
PubMed: 34462972
DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23981 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2023Penile injection of foreign materials is an obsolete practice often performed by non-medical personnel in order to enlarge penile size. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Penile injection of foreign materials is an obsolete practice often performed by non-medical personnel in order to enlarge penile size.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature from 1956 to 2022 was conducted in accordance with the general guidelines recommended by the Primary Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. We included full papers published from 1956 to 2022. We also described a case report of a 23 year old Bulgarian male affected by penile paraffinoma who underwent a 2-stages surgical technique.
RESULTS
A total of 152 cases have been reported, with a median age of 37.9 ranging from 18 to 64 years. Six different techniques have been described in the whole literature: bilateral scrotal flap, simple excision of the paraffinoma with primary closure, two-stage scrotum skin flap, medial prepuce-soprapubic advancement flap technique and penile reconstruction using split thickness skin graft (STSG) or full thickness skin graft (FTSG). An analysis of the distribution among early and late complications was then carried out.
CONCLUSION
In our experience, among the variety of surgical techniques described, a two-stage penile reconstruction using scrotal skin results in excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes, with a low rate of complications.
PubMed: 37048687
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072604 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2021Alo vera is a centenary remedy use for minor wounds and burns, but its mechanism of wound healing has not been know since. This article will evaluate and gather evidence...
Alo vera is a centenary remedy use for minor wounds and burns, but its mechanism of wound healing has not been know since. This article will evaluate and gather evidence of the effectiveness and safety of the use of aloe vera in the treatment of burns. A systematic review was carried out on the databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, DECS, SCIELO, in the last 7 years, with the descriptors: "Aloe", "Burns" and "treatment". 16 articles were found. After using the exclusion criteria; research in non-humans and literature review; 5 articles were selected. The article Teplick et al. (2018) performed an in vitro clinical experiment in A. Vera solution, and demonstrated that there was proliferation and cell migration of human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes, in addition to being protective in the death of keratonocytes. That is, it accelerates the healing of wounds. Muangman et al. (2016), evaluated 50 patients with 20% of the total body surface area burned with second-degree burns, between 18-60 years old, with half of the group receiving gauze dressings with soft paraffin containing 0.5% chlorhexidine acetate and the other half receiving polyester dressings containing extracts of medicinal plants mainly Aloe Vera. It had positive results, a higher healing speed and shorter hospital stay compared to the control group. Hwang et al. (2015) investigated the antioxidant effects of different extracts from 2,4,6,8,12 months of Aloe Vera. And the 6-month concentrated extract of 0.25 mg / mL had a higher content of flavonoids (9.750 mg catechin equivalent / g extract) and polyphenols (23.375 mg gallic acid equivalent / g extract) and the greater ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.047 mM equivalent ferrous sulfate / mg extract), that is, greater potential for free radical scavenging and also a protective effect against oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP), suggesting evidence of a bioactive potential of A. vera . However, in the article Kolacz et al. (2014) suggested as an alternative treatment the use of Aloe Vera dressing in combination with honey, lanolin, olive oil, wheat germ oil, marshmallow root, wormwood, comfrey root, white oak bark, lobelia inflata, glycerin vegetable oil, beeswax and myrrh, without obtaining significant and conclusive results that would allow the conventional treatment of burns to be subsidized. Finally, in the article by Zurita and Gallegos (2017), it carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study with 321 people, both sexes between 17-76 years of age, of an inductive nature, exploring the experience of this population and their behavioral attitudes regarding the treatment of dermatoses. Aloe vera had 13.8% cited by individuals in the treatment of acne and 33.6% in the treatment of burns. Even with evidence that suggests the efficacy in the treatment of burns with the use of Aloe Vera extract, further clinical trials with larger sample space on the use of Aloe vera dressings in medium burns are suggested for further conclusions.
Topics: Aloe; Burns; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Wound Healing
PubMed: 34550291
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.249209 -
Asian Journal of Andrology 2019Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to play an important role in the development of penile cancer (PeCa), but their relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to play an important role in the development of penile cancer (PeCa), but their relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate their relationship. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for case-control studies and cross-sectional studies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) or paraffin-embedded (PE) PeCa tissues to detect HPV (published between January 1, 2007, and December 29, 2017; no language restrictions). Twenty-two studies were identified, and 1664 cases were available for analysis. The combined HPV infectious risk of PeCa is 51.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.0%-60.0%). The three most common subtypes of HPV were HPV16 (28.5%), HPV18 (2.3%), and HPV6 (2.3%). The virus was relevantly associated with basaloid (85.5%, 95% CI: 77.2%-93.8%) and warty (50.0%, 95% CI: 35.2%-64.8%) carcinomas. The invasiveness of PeCa was not associated with HPV (χ = 0.181, df = 1, P < 0.671). HPV infection in PeCa tended to be moderately differentiated (54.4%, 95% CI: 47.7%-61.1%). This study found that almost half of PeCa patients are associated with HPV. The most commonly associated genotype is HPV16, but several other genotypes were also detected. In addition to types 6 and 11, other single low-risk HPV infections have been found to contribute to PeCa to a lesser degree. HPV-positive tumors tend to exhibit warty and/or basaloid features, corresponding to a moderate histological grade. The role of HPV in PeCa should be revisited to provide evidence for the development of PeCa in the presence of HPV infection.
Topics: Humans; Male; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Penile Neoplasms; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31134917
DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_39_19 -
Virus Research Oct 2023To review the available studies on the frequency of detection of the bovine leukemia virus in human samples, a systematic review with meta-analysis of the scientific... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To review the available studies on the frequency of detection of the bovine leukemia virus in human samples, a systematic review with meta-analysis of the scientific literature was carried out, including papers published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese in 5 multidisciplinary databases. We collected information from different populations following a detailed and reproducible search protocol in which two researchers verified the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We identified 759 articles, of which only 33 met the inclusion criteria. Analyzed studies reported that the presence of the virus was measured in human samples, such as paraffin-embedded breast tissue and peripheral blood from 10,398 individuals, through serological and molecular techniques. An overall virus frequency of 27% (Ranging between 17 and 37%) was observed, with a high-frequency data heterogeneity between studies. The presence of this virus in different human biological samples suggests the need to investigate further its transmission route to humans and its potential role in developing and progressing diseases.
Topics: Humans; Leukemia Virus, Bovine
PubMed: 37532141
DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199186 -
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences Jul 2023This review aims to determine the potential role of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) in the pathogenesis of cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This review aims to determine the potential role of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) in the pathogenesis of cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.
METHODS
A PRISMA systematic search appraisal was conducted. The Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases for publications in English were searched up to September 2022 for all relevant articles. All articles that have outlined the contributions of the MCPyV to cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas were included.
RESULTS
The six databases produced 6806 articles. Only six articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. The protocol of this review was submitted and registered with the PROSPERO (Code no. CRD42022369197). The total sample size across the articles was 1135; the age of the participants ranged between 18 and 75 years. In addition, the included articles were conducted between 2012 to 2016. All included articles have a cross-sectional design.Furthermore, different kinds of samples were collected in the reviewed articles, namely cervical tissue biopsies, cervical smears, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded resection specimens, and cervical adenocarcinomas. Moreover, five articles showed no statistically significant association between the MCPyV and cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. In contrast, one article revealed a positive association between MCPyV and cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.
CONCLUSIONS
MCPyV could not be associated with the pathogenesis of cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Further attention should be given to examining this association, and further studies with a large sample size are recommended to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Female; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Adenocarcinoma; Polyomavirus Infections; Merkel cell polyomavirus; Tumor Virus Infections; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38784202
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v33i4.18