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The American Journal of Clinical... Aug 2012The utility of iron fortification of food to improve iron deficiency, anemia, and biological outcomes is not proven unequivocally. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The utility of iron fortification of food to improve iron deficiency, anemia, and biological outcomes is not proven unequivocally.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives were to evaluate 1) the effect of iron fortification on hemoglobin and serum ferritin and the prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia, 2) the possible predictors of a positive hemoglobin response, 3) the effect of iron fortification on zinc and iron status, and 4) the effect of iron-fortified foods on mental and motor development, anthropometric measures, and infections.
DESIGN
Randomized and pseudorandomized controlled trials that included food fortification or biofortification with iron were included.
RESULTS
Data from 60 trials showed that iron fortification of foods resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin (0.42 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.56; P < 0.001) and serum ferritin (1.36 μg/L; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.52; P < 0.001), a reduced risk of anemia (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.71; P < 0.001) and iron deficiency (RR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.62; P < 0.001), improvement in other indicators of iron nutriture, and no effect on serum zinc concentrations, infections, physical growth, and mental and motor development. Significant heterogeneity was observed for most of the evaluated outcomes. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression for hemoglobin suggested a higher response with lower trial quality (suboptimal allocation concealment and blinding), use of condiments, and sodium iron edetate and a lower response when adults were included.
CONCLUSION
Consumption of iron-fortified foods results in an improvement in hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and iron nutriture and a reduced risk of remaining anemic and iron deficient.
Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Edetic Acid; Ferric Compounds; Ferritins; Food, Fortified; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron, Dietary; Nutritional Status; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Zinc
PubMed: 22760566
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.111.031500 -
PloS One 2014HIV viral load (VL) testing is the gold standard for antiretroviral treatment monitoring, but many barriers exist to VL testing in resource-limited settings, including... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
HIV viral load (VL) testing is the gold standard for antiretroviral treatment monitoring, but many barriers exist to VL testing in resource-limited settings, including storage and transport limitations for whole blood and plasma. Data from various studies indicate that HIV RNA is stable beyond current recommendations. We conducted a systematic review to assess stability data of HIV RNA in whole blood and plasma across times and temperatures.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
Using a pre-defined protocol, five databases were searched for studies where blood samples from HIV patients were stored at time and temperature points that exceeded manufacturer recommendations. RNA stability, the primary outcome, was measured by the difference in means compared to samples stored within established thresholds. RNA stability was defined as ≤0.5 log degradation. The search identified 10,716 titles, of which nine full-text articles were included for review. HIV RNA maintained stability in EDTA whole blood and plasma at all measured time points up to 168 hours when stored at 4°C, while stability was detected at 72 hours (95% confidence) in whole blood at 25°C, with data points before and beyond 72 hours suggesting stability but not reaching statistical significance. For EDTA plasma stored at 30°C, stability was maintained up to 48 hours (95% confidence), with OLS linear regression estimates up to 127 hours, suggesting stability. Overall, quality of studies was moderate. Limitations included small sample sizes, few studies meeting inclusion criteria, and no studies examining RNA stability in low viremia (<3,000 copies/mL) environments.
CONCLUSIONS
Whole blood and plasma samples in EDTA may remain stable under conditions exceeding current manufacturer recommendations for HIV VL testing. However, given the limited number of studies addressing this question, especially at low levels of viremia, additional evaluations on HIV RNA stability in EDTA tubes and PPT in field conditions are needed.
Topics: Edetic Acid; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; RNA Stability; RNA, Viral; Specimen Handling; Temperature; Viral Load
PubMed: 25437009
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113813 -
Cells Aug 2022This study aimed to identify the role of crosslinking agents in the resin-dentin bond strength (BS) when used as modifiers in adhesives or pretreatments to the dentin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to identify the role of crosslinking agents in the resin-dentin bond strength (BS) when used as modifiers in adhesives or pretreatments to the dentin surface through a systematic review and meta-analysis. This paper was conducted according to the directions of the PRISMA 2020 statement. The research question of this review was: "Would the use of crosslinkers agents improve the BS of resin-based materials to dentin?" The literature search was conducted in the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science. Manuscripts that reported the effect on the BS after the use of crosslinking agents were included. The meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager v5.4.1. The comparisons were performed by comparing the standardized mean difference between the BS values obtained using the crosslinker agent or the control group. The subgroup comparisons were performed based on the adhesive strategy used (total-etch or self-etch). The immediate and long-term data were analyzed separately. A total of 50 articles were included in the qualitative analysis, while 45 articles were considered for the quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis suggested that pretreatment with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), carbodiimide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), glutaraldehyde, and riboflavin crosslinking agents improved the long-term BS of resin composites to dentin ( ≤ 0.02). On the other hand, the use of proanthocyanidins as a pretreatment improved both the immediate and long-term BS values ( ≤ 0.02). When incorporated within the adhesive formulation, only glutaraldehyde, riboflavin, and EGCG improved the long-term BS to dentin. It could be concluded that the application of different crosslinking agents such as carbodiimide, EDTA, glutaraldehyde, riboflavin, and EGCG improved the long-term BS of adhesive systems to dentin. This effect was observed when these crosslinkers were used as a separate step and when incorporated within the formulation of the adhesive system.
Topics: Adhesives; Carbodiimides; Collagen; Dentin; Dentin-Bonding Agents; Edetic Acid; Glutaral; Materials Testing; Resin Cements; Riboflavin
PubMed: 35954261
DOI: 10.3390/cells11152417 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Tooth decay is considered a global scourge by the World Health Organization (WHO) starting at an early age. In recent years, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has regained... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tooth decay is considered a global scourge by the World Health Organization (WHO) starting at an early age. In recent years, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has regained interest, particularly in pediatric dentistry, used to prevent the development of carious lesions or arrest their progression.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess, through a systematic review of the literature, the effectiveness of SDF, used in pedodontics, in temporary teeth, in preventing or arresting dental caries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The effect of SDF on both temporary and permanent teeth has been considered.
RESULTS
The inclusion criteria identified 16 randomized controlled trials involving patients aged 18 months to 13 years and followed over a period of 12-30 months.
CONCLUSIONS
SDF is a practical, accessible and effective non-invasive way to prevent and arrest caries in temporary and permanent teeth. Its application requires regular monitoring. The resulting black spot is diminished by immediate application of potassium iodide but this may affect its effectiveness.
PubMed: 38671716
DOI: 10.3390/children11040499 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood Jul 2019To compare the efficacy and safety of theophylline or aminophylline for prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates and children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of theophylline or aminophylline for prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates and children.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis with application of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane renal group were searched from 1970 to May 2018.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised clinical trials and quasi-randomised trials comparing the efficacy and safety of prophylactic theophylline or aminophylline for prevention of AKI in neonates and children were included. The primary outcomes were: incidence of AKI, serum creatinine levels and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
A total of nine trials were included in the qualitative synthesis. Six trials including 436 term neonates with birth asphyxia who received a single dose of theophylline were finally included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate showed 60% reduction in the incidence of AKI in neonates with severe birth asphyxia (RR: 0.40; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.54; heterogeneity: I=0%) (moderate quality evidence), decrease in serum creatinine over days 2-5 (very low to low quality evidence) without significant difference in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.88; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.50; heterogeneity: I=0%) (very low-quality evidence). A significant difference in the negative fluid balance, increase in GFR and decrease in urinary β2 microglobulin was seen in favour of theophylline.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
A single dose of prophylactic theophylline helps in prevention of AKI/severe renal dysfunction in term neonates with severe birth asphyxia (moderate quality evidence) without increasing the risk of complications and without affecting all-cause mortality (very low-quality evidence).
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD 42017073600.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Aminophylline; Asphyxia Neonatorum; Bronchodilator Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Theophylline
PubMed: 30798259
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315805 -
International Braz J Urol : Official... 2022To explore the feasibility of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in diagnosing primary prostate cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Performance of 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen ligand positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the diagnosis of primary prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the feasibility of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in diagnosing primary prostate cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published before July 2020. The studies that used 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for detecting primary prostate cancer, and pathological biopsy as the reference standard were included. The selecting process used preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The quality of enrolled studies was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool.
RESULTS
According to our search strategy, 9 studies were included for analysis. A total of 547 patients with primary prostate cancer and 443 lesion segments that underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans were included and their pathological biopsies were compared. The results of these studies showed some differences. For instance, the lowest sensitivity of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in diagnosing primary prostate cancer was 67%, while the highest sensitivity recorded was 97%.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with conventional imaging examinations, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT had higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting primary prostate cancer. At present, most of the studies that used 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for detecting prostate cancer are retrospective studies. Based on its advantage of high detection rate, the use of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the detection of primary prostate cancer is worthy of promotion.
Topics: Edetic Acid; Gallium Isotopes; Gallium Radioisotopes; Humans; Ligands; Male; Oligopeptides; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34003611
DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2020.0986 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Aug 2014Ethambutol (EMB) is a first-line antituberculosis drug; however, drug resistance to EMB has been increasing. Molecular drug susceptibility testing (DST), based on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Ethambutol (EMB) is a first-line antituberculosis drug; however, drug resistance to EMB has been increasing. Molecular drug susceptibility testing (DST), based on the embB gene, has recently been used for rapid identification of EMB resistance. The aim of this meta-analysis was to establish the accuracy of molecular assay for detecting drug resistance to EMB. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched according to a written protocol and explicit study selection criteria. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were pooled using a random effects model. A total of 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The respective pooled sensitivities and specificities were 0.57 and 0.93 for PCR-DNA sequencing that targeted the embB 306 codon, 0.76 and 0.89 for PCR-DNA sequencing that targeted the embB 306, 406, and 497 codons, 0.64 and 0.70 for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates, 0.55 and 0.78 for detecting M. tuberculosis sputum specimens using the GenoType MTBDRsl test, 0.57 and 0.87 for pyrosequencing, and 0.35 and 0.98 for PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The respective pooled sensitivities and specificities were 0.55 and 0.92 when using a lower EMB concentration as the reference standard, 0.67 and 0.73 when using a higher EMB concentration as the reference standard, and 0.60 and 1.0 when using multiple reference standards. PCR-DNA sequencing using multiple sites of the embB gene as detection targets, including embB 306, 406, and 497, can be a rapid method for preliminarily screening for EMB resistance, but it does not fully replace phenotypic DST. Of the reference DST methods examined, the agreement rates were the best using MGIT 960 for molecular DST and using the proportion method on Middlebrook 7H10 media.
Topics: Antitubercular Agents; Ethambutol; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Pentosyltransferases; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 24899018
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.00560-14 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Mar 2020Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been extensively researched and proven effective for caries prevention and arrest in children. Limited studies support its... (Review)
Review
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been extensively researched and proven effective for caries prevention and arrest in children. Limited studies support its effectiveness in primary dentition at 38%. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride on control of dental caries in primary dentition. Multiple search engines and databases were searched in accordance with predefined inclusion-exclusion criteria. Quality assessment was done using Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine worksheets. Scientific works of literature were searched in October 2019 for articles. Four studies were identified that addressed the effectiveness of 38% SDF on deciduous dentition in children. All the four studies selected were controlled clinical trials. The cumulative results of the studies showed that 38% SDF application is efficacious and safe for the control of dental caries in primary teeth. Its advantages over different other techniques or placebo have been demonstrated. Based on this systematic review, 38% SDF is one of the best treatment approaches in control of dental caries in primary dentition.
PubMed: 32509608
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1017_19 -
European Journal of Clinical... Oct 2022Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with a wide range of symptoms. Severe asthma exacerbations (SAEs) are characterized by worsening symptoms and bronchospasm requiring... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with a wide range of symptoms. Severe asthma exacerbations (SAEs) are characterized by worsening symptoms and bronchospasm requiring emergency department visits. In addition to conventional strategies for SAEs (inhaled β-agonists, anticholinergics, and systemic corticosteroids), another pharmacological option is represented by ketamine. We performed a systematic review to explore the role of ketamine in refractory SAEs.
METHODS
We performed a systematic search on PubMed and EMBASE up to August 12th, 2021. We selected prospective studies only, and outcomes of interest were oxygenation/respiratory parameters, clinical status, need for invasive ventilation and effects on weaning.
RESULTS
We included a total of seven studies, five being randomized controlled trials (RCTs, population range 44-92 patients). The two small prospective studies (n = 10 and n = 11) did not have a control group. Four studies focused on adults, and three enrolled a pediatric population. We found a large heterogeneity regarding sample size, age and gender distribution, inclusion criteria (different severity scores, if any) and ketamine dosing (bolus and/or continuous infusion). Of the five RCTs, three compared ketamine to placebo, while one used fentanyl and the other aminophylline. The outcomes evaluated by the included studies were highly variable. Despite paucity of data and large heterogeneity, an overview of the included studies suggests absence of clear benefit produced by ketamine in patients with refractory SAE, and some signals towards side effects.
CONCLUSION
Our systematic review does not support the use of ketamine in refractory SAE. A limited number of prospective studies with large heterogeneity was found. Well-designed multicenter RCTs are desirable.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aminophylline; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Child; Cholinergic Antagonists; Fentanyl; Humans; Ketamine; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 36008492
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-022-03374-3 -
Clinical Nuclear Medicine May 2019PET/CT using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and choline radiotracers is widely used for diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, the roles of and differences in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Comparing the Staging/Restaging Performance of 68Ga-Labeled Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen and 18F-Choline PET/CT in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
PET/CT using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and choline radiotracers is widely used for diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, the roles of and differences in diagnostic performance between these 2 radiotracers for prostate cancer are unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the staging and restaging performance of Ga-labeled PSMA and F-choline PET/CT imaging in prostate cancer.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed for studies reporting the staging performance of Ga-PSMA and F-choline PET/CT in prostate cancer from the inception of the database to October 1, 2018, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Thirty-five studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled estimates of patient- and lesion-based sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for Ga-PSMA and F-choline PET/CT were calculated alongside 95% confidence intervals. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was determined alongside the Q* index.
RESULTS
The patient-based overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC of Ga-PSMA PET/CT for staging in prostate cancer (13 studies) were 0.92, 0.94, 7.91, 0.14, 79.04, and 0.96, respectively, whereas those of F-choline PET/CT (16 studies) were 0.93, 0.83, 4.98, 0.10, 68.27, and 0.95. The lesion-based overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC of Ga-PSMA PET/CT for staging in prostate cancer (9 studies) were 0.83, 0.95, 23.30, 0.17, 153.58, and 0.94, respectively, and those of F-choline PET/CT (4 studies) were 0.81, 0.92, 8.59, 0.20, 44.82, and 0.98. In both patient- and lesion-based imaging, there was no statistically significant difference in the abilities of detecting or excluding prostate cancer between Ga-PSMA PET/CT and F-choline PET/CT.
CONCLUSIONS
For staging and restaging performance in patients with prostate cancer, there was no significant difference between Ga-PSMA PET/CT and F-choline PET/CT. Ga-PSMA PET/CT and F-choline PET/CT have demonstrated high diagnostic performance for accurate staging and restaging in patients with prostate cancer, and thus both should be considered for staging in this disease.
Topics: Choline; Edetic Acid; Gallium Isotopes; Gallium Radioisotopes; Humans; Male; Oligopeptides; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Predictive Value of Tests; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiopharmaceuticals; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 30888999
DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000002526