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Laryngoscope Investigative... Oct 2021Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is an exaggerated immunological reaction to allergens (pollen) in the air. In a small subgroup of patients, SAR can be difficult to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is an exaggerated immunological reaction to allergens (pollen) in the air. In a small subgroup of patients, SAR can be difficult to control with first-line therapy. Intramuscular corticosteroid injections (IMCIs) are an additional treatment in this subgroup of SAR patients. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the efficacy and safety of IMCIs in SAR.
METHODS
Titles and abstracts were independently screened, followed by full-text screening based on predefined criteria. Included articles were critically appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. The primary outcome is reported as the final conclusion about efficacy that was stated in the included studies. The secondary outcome is the safety of IMCIs with regard to long lasting side-effects.
RESULTS
The search yielded 2139 records, of which 10 were relevant and valid for our clinical question. Critical appraisal showed high risk of bias, which was due to unclear description of methods. Four out of four placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials reported a significant and relevant difference in efficacy in favor of IMCIs compared with placebo. The occurrence of side-effects was not different between IMCIs and placebo or oral corticosteroids (OCs).
CONCLUSION
The outcome of this systematic review on trials concerning intramuscular steroid injections, despite being based on individual studies claiming favorable outcome with their use, is "inconclusive." This is because of the epidemiological high risk of bias in these studies that were mostly executed more than 30 years ago. The "inconclusive" rating allows for a description as an "optional therapy" for severe cases in guideline formation.
PubMed: 34667833
DOI: 10.1002/lio2.645 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jul 2024Climate change will impact the carrot seed industry globally. One adaptation strategy to limit climatic impacts on the production of commercial carrot seeds is...
Pollen-mediated gene flow from wild carrots (Daucus carota L. subsp. carota) affects the production of commercial carrot seeds (Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus) internationally and in New Zealand in the context of climate change: A systematic review.
Climate change will impact the carrot seed industry globally. One adaptation strategy to limit climatic impacts on the production of commercial carrot seeds is geographical shift. However, production must be shifted to climate-optimal places that are free from weeds such as wild carrots to avoid genetic contamination via hybridization. The process of gene flow between wild and cultivated carrots is critical to enable management of wild carrots in the face of climate change. This review systematically assesses the resilience of wild carrots to climate change and their impact on commercial carrot seed production globally with a focus on New Zealand as a major carrot seed producer. The literature was critically analyzed based on three specific components: i) resilience of wild carrots to climate change ii) genetic contamination between wild and cultivated carrots, and iii) management of wild carrots. The majority of the articles were published between 2013 and 2023 (64.71 %), and most of these studies were conducted in Europe (37.26 %) and North America (27.45 %). Country-wise analysis demonstrated that the majority of the studies were carried out in the United States (23.53 %) and the Netherlands (11.77 %). There was limited research conducted in other regions, especially in Oceania (1.96 %). Spatial distribution analysis revealed that the wild carrot was reported in around 100 countries. In New Zealand the North Island has a higher incidence of wild carrot invasion than the South Island. The findings indicated that the wild carrot is becoming more adaptable to climate change, compromising the genetic purity of cultivated carrots due to pollen flow from wild to cultivated carrots. Therefore, ongoing research will be helpful in developing sustainable weed management strategies and predicting potential geographical invasiveness. This study provides a guide for scientists, policymakers, industrialists, and farmers to control wild carrots and produce genetically pure commercial seeds amid climate change.
Topics: Climate Change; Daucus carota; Gene Flow; New Zealand; Pollen; Seeds
PubMed: 38754518
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173269 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2019Bee products including propolis, bee wax, pollen and royal jelly (RJ) have been used as medicine from ancient times. A vast number of in-vivo and in-vitro studies as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Bee products including propolis, bee wax, pollen and royal jelly (RJ) have been used as medicine from ancient times. A vast number of in-vivo and in-vitro studies as well as clinical trials have been conducted to investigate potential health related properties of RJ. A growing number of clinical trials have been performed to assess effects of RJ ingestion on different metabolic markers including glycemia, with diverse results. In the current meataanalysis, we aimed to evaluate effects of RJ ingestion on glycemic markers compared with placebo and set directions for future research. Electronic databases including Scopus, Pubmed, Scholar, Cochrane, Proquest, SID and Magiran were searched and 5 eligible studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Review Manager Software was used for statistical analysis and random effects model was used for pooling data. A total of 205 participants for FPG and 130 participants for HbA1c were included. The overall analysis revealed that RJ consumption reduced FPG by 0.95 mg/dl (95% CI: -5.83 to 3.87; p = 0.69; I2 = 0%; Tau = 0.00) and HbA1c by 0.32 (95% CI: -0.87 to 0.23; p = 0.25; I2 = 69 %; Tau = 0.16) which were not statistically significant. Funnel plot demonstrated no publication bias. In conclusion, RJ supplementation did not beneficially affect markers of glycemia. However, due to methodology issues and potential confounders like diet as well as diverse populations, we recommend future studies well designed and well controlled for major confounders so we can update these data to more precise results and more accurate conclusion.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Fatty Acids; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31126561
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.04.017 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Dec 2017Risk factors for suicide can be broadly categorized as sociodemographic, clinical and treatment. There is interest in environmental risk and protection factors for... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Risk factors for suicide can be broadly categorized as sociodemographic, clinical and treatment. There is interest in environmental risk and protection factors for suicide. Emerging evidence suggests a link between environmental factors in the form of air pollution and aeroallergens in relation to suicidality.
METHODS
Herein, we conducted a systematic review of 15 articles which have met inclusion criteria on the aforementioned effects.
RESULTS
The majority of the reviewed articles reported an increased suicide risk alongside increased air pollutants or aeroallergens (i.e. pollen) increase; however, not all environmental factors were explored equally. In specific, studies that were delimited to evaluating particulate matter (PM) reported a consistent association with suicidality. We also provide a brief description of putative mechanisms (e.g. inflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation) that may mediate the association between air pollution, aeroallergens and suicidality.
CONCLUSION
Available evidence suggests that exposure to harmful air quality may be associated with suicidality. There are significant public health implications which are amplified in regions and countries with greater levels of air pollution and aeroallergens. In addition, those with atopic sensitivity may represent a specific subgroup that is at risk.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Allergens; Pollen; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide
PubMed: 28915125
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0011 -
Journal of Dietary Supplements 2009An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology,... (Review)
Review
An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
Topics: Animals; Apitherapy; Bees; Biological Products; Cooperative Behavior; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Pollen
PubMed: 22435480
DOI: 10.1080/19390210903081381 -
BJU International May 2000To systematically review the evidence for the clinical effects and safety of the rye-grass pollen extract (Cernilton) in men with symptomatic benign prostatic... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the evidence for the clinical effects and safety of the rye-grass pollen extract (Cernilton) in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
METHODS
Trials were identified by searching Medline, specialized databases (EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Phytodok), bibliographies, and contacting relevant trialists and manufacturers. Randomized or controlled clinical trials were included if: men with symptomatic BPH were treated with Cernilton; a control group received either placebo or pharmacological therapy; the treatment duration was >/= 30 days; and clinical outcomes were reported.
RESULTS
In all, 444 men were enrolled in two placebo-controlled and two comparative trials lasting 12-24 weeks. Three studies used a double-blind method although the concealment of treatment allocation was unclear in all. Cernilton improved 'self-rated urinary symptoms' (the proportion reporting satisfactory or improving symptoms) vs placebo and another plant product, Tadenan. The weighted mean (95% confidence interval) risk ratio (RR) for self-rated improvement vs placebo was 2.40 (1. 21-4.75) and the weighted RR vs Tadenan was 1.42 (1.21-4.75). Cernilton reduced nocturia compared with placebo or Paraprost (a mixture of amino acids); against placebo, the weighted RR was 2.05 (1.41-3.00), and against Paraprost the weighted mean difference for nocturia was - 0.40 times per evening (- 0.73 to 0.07). Cernilton did not improve urinary flow rates, residual volume or prostate size compared with placebo or the comparative study agents. Adverse events were rare and mild; the withdrawal rate for Cernilton was 4. 8%, compared with 2.7% for placebo and 5.2% for Paraprost.
CONCLUSIONS
The Cernilton trials analysed were limited by their short duration, limited number of enrolees, omissions in reported outcomes, and the unknown quality of the preparations used. The comparative trials had no confirmed active control. The available evidence suggests that Cernilton is well tolerated and modestly improves overall urological symptoms, including nocturia. Additional randomized placebo and active-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness and safety of Cernilton.
Topics: Aged; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Secale; Treatment Outcome; Urodynamics
PubMed: 10792162
DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-410x.2000.00365.x -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2012Allergic rhinitis is a disorder of the nasal membranes and surrounding tissues, and a worldwide cause of illness and disability. Helminths are complex tissue-dwelling or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis is a disorder of the nasal membranes and surrounding tissues, and a worldwide cause of illness and disability. Helminths are complex tissue-dwelling or lumen-dwelling organisms that inhabit larger organisms and are frequently asymptomatic. Helminths modulate the natural immune responses of their human hosts, and may prevent or cure immune-mediated or allergic diseases (e.g. allergic rhinitis) in the host. Non-randomised studies support this hypothesis.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the safety and effectiveness of helminth therapy in people with allergic rhinitis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 24 June 2011.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials where the intervention was any helminth species or combination of helminth species, administered to people with allergic rhinitis in any dose, by any route and for any duration of exposure. We accepted both intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis patients.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently extracted data and assessed eligibility and risk of bias using a standardised data collection form. We resolved any disagreement through discussion. We combined dichotomous data using risk ratio (RR) and continuous data using mean difference (MD), presenting both with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
We found five reports of two single-centre, placebo-controlled, double-blinded studies (130 participants). Participants in both studies were a mix of adults with either intermittent or persistent allergic rhinitis. Both studies had a low risk of bias. One study, with 12 weeks' follow-up, used a single percutaneous application of 10 Necator americanus (i.e. human hookworm) larvae. The other study, with 24 weeks' follow-up, used three-weekly oral dosing with 2500 Trichuris suis (i.e. pig whipworm) eggs in aqueous suspension. Of 17 outcomes evaluated in this review, eight were positive (i.e. favoured helminths). Participants taking helminths had no reduction in allergic rhinitis symptoms, percentage of well days (i.e. days with minimal symptoms and no use of medication for allergic rhinitis), lung function measures and quality of life scores. Total use of medication for allergic rhinitis (eye drops, nasal sprays, tablets) did not change; however, in the helminth group there was a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of days during the grass pollen season when participants needed to take tablets as rescue medication for their allergic rhinitis symptoms (MD -14.0%, 95% CI -26.6 to -1.40); in a typical 60-day pollen season this 14% reduction translates into 19 days when tablets would be needed in the helminth group versus 27 days when tablets would be needed in the placebo group. Participants taking helminths percutaneously (i.e. as hookworm larvae) had local skin itching and redness in the first few days after administration. Participants taking helminths were more likely to report any gastrointestinal adverse event (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.45), moderate or severe abdominal pain (RR 7.67, 95% CI 1.87 to 31.57), moderate or severe flatulence (RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.81) and moderate or severe diarrhoea (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.37). There was no difference between the helminth and placebo groups in the incidence of serious adverse events, and in study withdrawals.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is currently insufficient evidence on the efficacy, tolerability and likely costs of helminth therapy to support its use in the routine management of allergic rhinitis. Administered to humans in carefully measured doses, helminths appear to be safe. More preclinical studies should be performed, before larger and extended duration trials of helminths for allergic rhinitis are carried out. Future studies should collect and report comparative data on the costs of helminth therapy versus conventional pharmacotherapy.
Topics: Adult; Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Helminths; Humans; Immunotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Trichuris
PubMed: 22513973
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009238.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2007Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the allergic diseases. Despite improved understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and advances in its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the allergic diseases. Despite improved understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and advances in its pharmacological treatment, its prevalence has increased worldwide. For patients whose symptoms remain uncontrolled despite medical treatment, allergen injection immunotherapy is advised. An allergen-based treatment may reduce symptoms, the need for medication and modify the natural course of this disease.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous specific allergen immunotherapy, compared with placebo, for reducing symptoms and medication requirements in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1 2006), MEDLINE (1950 to 2006), EMBASE (1974 to 2006), Pre-MEDLINE, KOREAMED, INDMED, LILACS, PAKMEDINET, Scisearch, mRCT and the National Research Register. The date of the last search was February 2006.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All studies identified by the searches were assessed to identify randomised controlled trials involving participants with symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and proven allergen sensitivity, treated with subcutaneous allergen specific immunotherapy or corresponding placebo.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two independent authors identified all studies reporting double-blind, placebo controlled randomised trials of specific immunotherapy in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to tree, grass or weed pollens. Two authors independently performed quality assessment of studies. Data from identified studies were abstracted onto a standard extraction sheet and subsequently entered into RevMan 4.2.8. Analysis was performed using the Standardised Mean Difference (SMD) method and a random-effects model; P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The primary outcome measures were symptom scores, medication use, quality of life and adverse events.
MAIN RESULTS
We retrieved 1111 publications of which 51 satisfied our inclusion criteria. In total there were 2871 participants (1645 active, 1226 placebo), each receiving on average 18 injections. Duration of immunotherapy varied from three days to three years. Symptom score data from 15 trials were suitable for meta-analysis and showed an overall reduction in the immunotherapy group (SMD -0.73 (95% CI -0.97 to -0.50, P < 0.00001)). Medication score data from 13 trials showed an overall reduction in the immunotherapy group (SMD of -0.57 (95% CI -0.82 to -0.33, p<0.00001)). Clinical interpretation of the effect size is difficult. Adrenaline was given in 0.13% (19 of 14085 injections) of those on active treatment and in 0.01% (1 of 8278 injections) of the placebo group for treatment of adverse events. There were no fatalities.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review has shown that specific allergen injection immunotherapy in suitably selected patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis results in a significant reduction in symptom scores and medication use. Injection immunotherapy has a known and relatively low risk of severe adverse events. We found no long-term consequences from adverse events.
Topics: Allergens; Desensitization, Immunologic; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Pollen; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal
PubMed: 17253469
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001936.pub2 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Feb 2023Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a general complication of diabetes, which has become a serious threat to human health worldwide. However, the best treatment is still under... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a general complication of diabetes, which has become a serious threat to human health worldwide. However, the best treatment is still under development. Qiming (QM) granules are mainly composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Pueraria lobata, Rehmannia Glutinosa, Lycium barbarum, Cassiae Semen, Fructus Leonuri, Pollen Typhae, and Leech, which are beneficial to qi, nourish liver and kidney, and clear collaterals and eyes. The treatment of DR is a comprehensive application based on the above traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, satisfactory results have been achieved for DR.
AIM OF THE STUDY
Through the traditional application analysis, network pharmacology analysis and clinical research summary of QM granules, to review the effectiveness and advantages of QM granules in the treatment of DR comprehensively.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Analysis of main active components of QM granules by network pharmacology and prediction of mechanism of action of QM granules on DR. Further, PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were used to search literature, using the keywords of "Qiming granules", "diabetic retinopathy", "clinical research" and their combinations, mainly from 1999 to 2022.
RESULTS
Traditional pharmacological analysis, Network pharmacological analysis, animal experiments, and clinical studies have confirmed that QM granules plays a role in the treatment of DR through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple channels.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review for the first time provides meaningful information for the further study of the pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of QM granules, and also provides a basis for further study of quality markers and quality control of QM granules.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Network Pharmacology; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Diabetic Retinopathy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 36332761
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115861 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2022Vegetables are a distinct collection of plant-based foods that vary in nutritional diversity and form an important part of the healthy diet of the human being. Besides...
Vegetables are a distinct collection of plant-based foods that vary in nutritional diversity and form an important part of the healthy diet of the human being. Besides providing basic nutrition, they have great potential for boosting human health. The balanced consumption of vegetables is highly recommended for supplementing the human body with better nutrition density, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. However, the production and quality of fresh vegetables are influenced directly or indirectly by exposure to high temperatures or heat stress (HS). A decline in quality traits and harvestable yield are the most common effects of HS among vegetable crops. Heat-induced morphological damage, such as poor vegetative growth, leaf tip burning, and rib discoloration in leafy vegetables and sunburn, decreased fruit size, fruit/pod abortion, and unfilled fruit/pods in beans, are common, often rendering vegetable cultivation unprofitable. Further studies to trace down the possible physiological and biochemical effects associated with crop failure reveal that the key factors include membrane damage, photosynthetic inhibition, oxidative stress, and damage to reproductive tissues, which may be the key factors governing heat-induced crop failure. The reproductive stage of plants has extensively been studied for HS-induced abnormalities. Plant reproduction is more sensitive to HS than the vegetative stages, and affects various reproductive processes like pollen germination, pollen load, pollen tube growth, stigma receptivity, ovule fertility and, seed filling, resulting in poorer yields. Hence, sound and robust adaptation and mitigation strategies are needed to overcome the adverse impacts of HS at the morphological, physiological, and biochemical levels to ensure the productivity and quality of vegetable crops. Physiological traits such as the stay-green trait, canopy temperature depression, cell membrane thermostability, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content, increased reproductive fertility, fruit numbers, and fruit size are important for developing better yielding heat-tolerant varieties/cultivars. Moreover, various molecular approaches such as omics, molecular breeding, and transgenics, have been proved to be useful in enhancing/incorporating tolerance and can be potential tools for developing heat-tolerant varieties/cultivars. Further, these approaches will provide insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms that govern thermotolerance and pave the way for engineering "designer" vegetable crops for better health and nutritional security. Besides these approaches, agronomic methods are also important for adaptation, escape and mitigation of HS protect and improve yields.
PubMed: 35837452
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.878498