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BMC Oral Health Jun 2024The desirable properties of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) make it an effective agent for managing dental caries and tooth hypersensitivity. There are several clinical...
BACKGROUND
The desirable properties of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) make it an effective agent for managing dental caries and tooth hypersensitivity. There are several clinical instances that SDF application might precede the placement of direct tooth-colored restorations. On the other hand, SDF stains demineralized/carious dental tissues black, which might affect the esthetic outcomes of such restorations. Color is a key parameter of esthetics in dentistry. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review dental literature on color/color change of tooth-colored restorations placed following the application of SDF on dentine.
METHODS
Comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases (until August 2023) as well as reference lists of retrieved studies was performed. In vitro studies reported color or color change of tooth-colored restorative materials applied on SDF-treated dentine were included. Methodological quality assessment was performed using RoBDEMAT tool. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated.
RESULTS
Eleven studies/reports with a total of 394 tooth-colored restorations placed following a) no SDF (control) or b) SDF with/without potassium iodide (KI)/glutathione dentine pre-treatments were included. Color change was quantified using ∆E formulas in most reports. The pooled findings for the comparison of resin-based composite (RBC) restorations with and without prior 38% SDF + KI application revealed no statistically significant differences in ∆E values at short- and long-term evaluations (~ 14 days: WMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -2.09 to 0.96; I: 89.6%, and ~ 60 days: WMD: 0.11; 95% CI: -1.51 to 1.72; I: 76.9%). No studies provided sufficient information for all the items in the risk of bias tool (moderate to low quality).
CONCLUSIONS
The limited evidence suggested comparable color changes of RBC restorations with and without 38% SDF + KI pre-treatment up to 60 days. The included studies lacked uniformity in methodology and reported outcomes. Further studies are imperative to draw more definite conclusions.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO database under number CRD42023485083.
Topics: Silver Compounds; Humans; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Fluorides, Topical; Dentin; Color; Dental Restoration, Permanent
PubMed: 38937760
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04487-0 -
BMC Cancer Jun 2024Lung cancer (LC), characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, presents a significant challenge in oncology. Despite advancements in treatments, early detection... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Lung cancer (LC), characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, presents a significant challenge in oncology. Despite advancements in treatments, early detection remains crucial for improving patient outcomes. The accuracy of screening for LC by detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath remains to be determined.
METHODS
Our systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines and analyzing data from 25 studies up to October 1, 2023, evaluates the effectiveness of different techniques in detecting VOCs. We registered the review protocol with PROSPERO and performed a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Reviewers screened the studies' titles/abstracts and full texts, and used QUADAS-2 tool for quality assessment. Then performed meta-analysis by adopting a bivariate model for sensitivity and specificity.
RESULTS
This study explores the potential of VOCs in exhaled breath as biomarkers for LC screening, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. In all studies, exhaled VOCs discriminated LC from controls. The meta-analysis indicates an integrated sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 86%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.93 for VOC detection. We also conducted a systematic analysis of the source of the substance with the highest frequency of occurrence in the tested compounds. Despite the promising results, variability in study quality and methodological challenges highlight the need for further research.
CONCLUSION
This review emphasizes the potential of VOC analysis as a cost-effective, non-invasive screening tool for early LC detection, which could significantly improve patient management and survival rates.
Topics: Humans; Volatile Organic Compounds; Lung Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Breath Tests; Exhalation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 38937687
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12537-7 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects the lymphatic system of humans. The major etiologic agent is a nematode called Wuchereria bancrofti,... (Review)
Review Meta-Analysis
Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects the lymphatic system of humans. The major etiologic agent is a nematode called Wuchereria bancrofti, but Brugia malayi and Brugia timoriare sometimes encountered as causative agents. Mosquitoes are the vectors while humans the definitive hosts respectively. The burden of the disease is heavier in Nigeria than in other endemic countries in Africa. This occurs with increasing morbidity and mortality at different locations within the country, the World Health Organization recommended treatments for lymphatic filariasis include the use of Albendazole (400mg) twice per year in co-endemic areas with loa loa, Ivermectin (200mcg/kg) in combination with Albendazole (400mg) in areas that are co-endemic with onchocerciasis, ivermectin (200mcg/kg) with diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) (6mg/kg) and albendazole (400mg) in areas without onchocerciasis. This paper covered a systematic review, meta-analysis, and scoping review on lymphatic filariasis in the respective geopolitical zones within the country. The literature used was obtained through online search engines including PubMed and Google Scholar with the heading "lymphatic filariasis in the name of the state", Nigeria. This review revealed an overall prevalence of 11.18% with regional spread of Northwest (1.59%), North Central and North East, (4.52%), South West (1.26%), and South-South with South East (3.81%) prevalence. The disease has been successfully eliminated in Argungu local government areas (LGAs) of Kebbi State, Plateau, and Nasarawa States respectively. Most clinical manifestations (31.12%) include hydrocele, lymphedema, elephantiasis, hernia, and dermatitis. Night blood samples are appropriate for microfilaria investigation. Sustained MDAs, the right testing methods, early treatment of infected cases, and vector control are useful for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis for morbidity management and disability prevention in the country. Regional control strategies, improved quality monitoring of surveys and intervention programs with proper records of morbidity and disability requiring intervention are important approaches for the timely elimination of the disease in Nigeria.
Topics: Elephantiasis, Filarial; Humans; Nigeria; Animals; Wuchereria bancrofti; Filaricides; Albendazole; Neglected Diseases; Ivermectin; Brugia malayi
PubMed: 38933431
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.142.39746 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The use of natural products as alternatives to traditional pharmacological treatments in orthodontics is gaining interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,... (Review)
Review
The use of natural products as alternatives to traditional pharmacological treatments in orthodontics is gaining interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of natural products in reducing inflammation and bacterial presence in orthodontic and orthognathic treatment settings. The database search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to January 2024. The review focused on randomized controlled trials only. The selected studies centered on the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects of natural products, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for data extraction. Nine studies, totaling 358 participants, were included. Significant findings demonstrated a reduction in gingival inflammation by over 40% with the use of Aloe vera compared to chlorhexidine. Another study noted a decrease in bleeding on probing by 13.6 points in the treatment group over placebo. Additionally, honey showed a rapid modulation of plaque pH and significantly reduced bacterial counts of . Furthermore, the use of resveratrol emulgel was linked to substantial improvements in gingival health, with a reduction in the gingival index and probing pocket depth. The results indicate that natural products can significantly enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes by reducing inflammation and bacterial levels. These products offer effective alternatives to traditional treatments and show potential for integration into routine orthodontic care protocols. Further research is encouraged to standardize application methods and dosages to maximize clinical benefits and patient satisfaction.
Topics: Humans; Aloe; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Biological Products; Chlorhexidine; Dentofacial Deformities; Gingivitis; Honey; Orthodontics; Plant Preparations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resveratrol; Streptococcus mutans; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38931295
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121941 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Our hypothesis that controlled ozone applications interfere with the redox balance of a biological organism (first published in 1998 with a preclinical trial on... (Review)
Review
Our hypothesis that controlled ozone applications interfere with the redox balance of a biological organism (first published in 1998 with a preclinical trial on protecting the liver from CCl intoxication) has been verified over the past two decades in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mitochondrial pathologies, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, aging processes and type 2 diabetes, and in the prevention of intoxications. Low-dose ozone acts as a redox bioregulator: the restoration of the disturbed redox balance is comprehensible in a number of preclinical and clinical studies by a remarkable increase in the antioxidant repair markers, here mainly shown as a glutathione increase and a reduction in oxidative stress markers, mainly malondialdehyde. The mechanism of action is shown, and relevant data are displayed, evaluated and comprehensively discussed: the repair side of the equilibrium increases by 21% up to 140% compared to the non-ozone-treated groups and depending on the indication, the stress markers are simultaneously reduced, and the redox system regains its balance.
Topics: Oxidative Stress; Ozone; Oxidation-Reduction; Humans; Mitochondria; Reactive Oxygen Species; Animals; Antioxidants; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38930804
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122738 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Bertoni, a no-calorie natural sweetener, contains a plethora of polyphenols that exert antioxidant properties with potential medicinal significance. Due to the variety... (Review)
Review
Bertoni, a no-calorie natural sweetener, contains a plethora of polyphenols that exert antioxidant properties with potential medicinal significance. Due to the variety of functional groups, polyphenols exhibit varying solubility depending on the nature of the extraction solvents (water, organic, or their mixtures, defined further on as hydroalcoholic extracts). In the present study, we performed a systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, and meta-analysis, synthesizing all available data from 45 articles encompassing 250 different studies. Our results showed that the total phenolic content (TPC) of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts presents higher values (64.77 and 63.73 mg GAE/g) compared to organic extracts (33.39). Total flavonoid content (TFC) was also higher in aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts; meta-regression analysis revealed that outcomes in different measuring units (mg QE/g, mg CE/g, and mg RUE/g) do not present statistically significant differences and can be synthesized in meta-analysis. Using meta-regression analysis, we showed that outcomes from the chemical-based ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC antioxidant assays for the same extract type can be combined in meta-analysis because they do not differ statistically significantly. Meta-analysis of ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays outcomes revealed that the antioxidant activity profile of various extract types follows that of their phenolic and flavonoid content. Using regression meta-analysis, we also presented that outcomes from SOD, CAT, and POX enzymatic antioxidant assays are independent of the assay type (-value = 0.905) and can be combined. Our study constitutes the first effort to quantitatively and statistically synthesize the research results of individual studies using all methods measuring the antioxidant activity of stevia leaf extracts. Our results, in light of evidence-based practice, uncover the need for a broadly accepted, unified, methodological strategy to perform antioxidant tests, and offer documentation that the use of ethanol:water 1:1 mixtures or pure water can more efficiently extract stevia antioxidant compounds.
PubMed: 38929131
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060692 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed medication for depression, has been studied in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients for its effectiveness on cognitive symptoms. The aim... (Review)
Review
Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed medication for depression, has been studied in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients for its effectiveness on cognitive symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the therapeutic potential of fluoxetine in cognitive decline in AD, focusing on its anti-degenerative mechanisms of action and clinical implications. According to PRISMA, we searched MEDLINE, up to 1 April 2024, for animal and human studies examining the efficacy of fluoxetine with regard to the recovery of cognitive function in AD. Methodological quality was evaluated using the ARRIVE tool for animal AD studies and the Cochrane tool for clinical trials. In total, 22 studies were analyzed (19 animal AD studies and 3 clinical studies). Fluoxetine promoted neurogenesis and enhanced synaptic plasticity in preclinical models of AD, through a decrease in Aβ pathology and increase in BDNF, by activating diverse pathways (such as the DAF-16-mediated, TGF-beta1, ILK-AKT-GSK3beta, and CREB/p-CREB/BDNF). In addition, fluoxetine has anti-inflammatory properties/antioxidant effects via targeting antioxidant Nrf2/HO-1 and hindering TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome. Only three clinical studies showed that fluoxetine ameliorated the cognitive performance of people with AD; however, several methodological issues limited the generalizability of these results. Overall, the high-quality preclinical evidence suggests that fluoxetine may have neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in AD animal models. While more high-quality clinical research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects, fluoxetine is a promising potential treatment for AD patients. If future clinical trials confirm its anti-degenerative and neuroprotective effects, fluoxetine could offer a new therapeutic approach for slowing down the progression of AD.
Topics: Fluoxetine; Alzheimer Disease; Humans; Animals; Cognitive Dysfunction; Disease Models, Animal; Neurogenesis; Neuronal Plasticity
PubMed: 38928248
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126542 -
Biomolecules Jun 2024A notable shift in understanding the human microbiome's influence on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is underway, although the causal association remains elusive. A... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A notable shift in understanding the human microbiome's influence on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is underway, although the causal association remains elusive. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesise current knowledge on microbial taxonomy and metabolite variations between healthy controls (HCs) and those with CVD. An extensive search encompassing three databases identified 67 relevant studies (2012-2023) covering CVD pathologies from 4707 reports. Metagenomic and metabolomic data, both qualitative and quantitative, were obtained. Analysis revealed substantial variability in microbial alpha and beta diversities. Moreover, specific changes in bacterial populations were shown, including increased and and decreased in patients with CVD compared with HC. Additionally, elevated trimethylamine N-oxide levels were reported in CVD cases. Biochemical parameter analysis indicated increased fasting glucose and triglycerides and decreased total cholesterol and low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in diseased individuals. This study revealed a significant relationship between certain bacterial species and CVD. Additionally, it has become clear that there are substantial inconsistencies in the methodologies employed and the reporting standards adhered to in various studies. Undoubtedly, standardising research methodologies and developing extensive guidelines for microbiome studies are crucial for advancing the field.
Topics: Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Bacteria; Methylamines
PubMed: 38927134
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060731 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have been carried out to assess potential long-term effects of a regular use on cognition, delivering distinct results for psychedelics and MDMA. However, to date knowledge is scarce on cognitive performance during acute effects of those substances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate how cognitive functioning is affected by psychedelics and MDMA during the acute drug effects and the sub-acute ("afterglow") window. Our quantitative analyses suggest that acute cognitive performance is differentially affected by psychedelics when compared to MDMA: psychedelics impair attention and executive function, whereas MDMA primarily affects memory, leaving executive functions and attention unaffected. Our qualitative analyses reveal that executive functioning and creativity may be increased during a window of at least 24 h after the acute effects of psychedelics have subsided, whereas no such results have been observed for MDMA. Our findings may contribute to inform recommendations on harm reduction for recreational settings and to help fostering differential approaches for the use of psychedelics and MDMA within a therapeutic framework.
Topics: Humans; Hallucinogens; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Cognition; Executive Function; Attention; Memory
PubMed: 38926480
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65391-9 -
Future Cardiology 2024Ursolic acid (UA) has an important biological role in the fight against fat accumulation, insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation. Therefore, in the current review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Ursolic acid (UA) has an important biological role in the fight against fat accumulation, insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation. Therefore, in the current review and meta-analysis work, we investigate the effects of UA (dosage range is 50.94 to 450 mg/day) on cardiometabolic risk factors. After searching the studies up to February 2023, six articles were included in the study. The pooled effect size showed that UA supplementation didn't significantly change body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, lean body mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein compared with control groups. UA supplementation had no significant effect on the cardiometabolic risk factors in adults.
Topics: Humans; Body Mass Index; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dietary Supplements; Triterpenes; Ursolic Acid
PubMed: 38923885
DOI: 10.1080/14796678.2024.2349476