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Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Sep 2023The purpose of this study was to systematically review the impact of nanofillers on the physicomechanical properties of resin-based pit and fissure sealants (RBS). This... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this study was to systematically review the impact of nanofillers on the physicomechanical properties of resin-based pit and fissure sealants (RBS). This review included in vitro studies with full-length English-language articles reporting on the physicomechanical properties of nanofilled RBS until February 2023. PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and LILACS databases were accessed for literature searches. The review was formulated based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and used the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and risk of bias Cochrane tool for quality assessment. The search resulted in 539 papers, of which 22 were eligible to be included in the review. Inorganic, polymeric, core-shell, and composite nanomaterials were used to reinforce the studied RBS. The inherent nature of the nanomaterial used, its morphology, concentration, and volume used were the primary parameters that determined the nanomaterial's success as a filler in RBS. These parameters also influenced their interaction with the resin matrix, which influenced the final physicomechanical properties of RBS. The use of nanofillers that were non-agglomerated and well dispersed in the resin matrix enhanced the physicomechanical properties of RBS.
Topics: Humans; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Nanostructures; Polymers; Reference Standards; Dental Caries
PubMed: 37499522
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106037 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Nov 2023Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by differing inflammatory endotypes. The identification of suitable biomarkers could enable...
BACKGROUND
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by differing inflammatory endotypes. The identification of suitable biomarkers could enable personalized approaches to treatment selection.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify and summarize clinical studies of biomarkers in adults with CRS in order to inform future research into CRS endotypes.
METHODS
We conducted systematic searches of MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to January 30, 2022 and included all clinical studies of adult CRS patients and healthy controls measuring biomarkers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or Luminex immunoassays. Outcomes included the name and tissue type of identified biomarkers and expression patterns within CRS phenotypes. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. A narrative synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
We identified 78 relevant studies involving up to 9394 patients, predominantly with CRS with nasal polyposis. Studies identified 80 biomarkers from nasal tissue, 25 from nasal secretions, 14 from nasal lavage fluid, 24 from serum, and one from urine. The majority of biomarkers found to distinguish CRS phenotypes were identified in nasal tissue, especially in nasal polyps. Serum biomarkers were more commonly found to differentiate CRS from controls. The most frequently measured biomarker was IL-5, followed by IL-13 and IL-4. Serum IgE, IL-17, pentraxin-3 and nasal phospho-janus kinase 2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-17A, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and interferon gamma were identified as correlated with disease severity.
CONCLUSION
We have identified numerous potential biomarkers to differentiate a range of CRS phenotypes. Future studies should focus on the prognostic role of nasal tissue biomarkers or expand on the more limited studies of nasal secretions and nasal lavage fluid.We registered this study in PROSPERO (CRD42022302787).
Topics: Humans; Adult; Rhinitis; Interleukin-5; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sinusitis; Biomarkers; Nasal Polyps; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37491901
DOI: 10.1177/19458924231190568 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jul 2023Cardiovascular disease accounts for 17.9 million deaths globally each year. Many research study data sets have been collected to answer questions regarding the... (Review)
Review
Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Data Sets (Global Physical Activity Data Set Catalogue) That Include Markers of Cardiometabolic Health: Systematic Scoping Review.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease accounts for 17.9 million deaths globally each year. Many research study data sets have been collected to answer questions regarding the relationship between cardiometabolic health and accelerometer-measured physical activity. This scoping review aimed to map the available data sets that have collected accelerometer-measured physical activity and cardiometabolic health markers. These data were then used to inform the development of a publicly available resource, the Global Physical Activity Data set (GPAD) catalogue.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to systematically identify data sets that have measured physical activity using accelerometers and cardiometabolic health markers using either an observational or interventional study design.
METHODS
Databases, trial registries, and gray literature (inception until February 2021; updated search from February 2021 to September 2022) were systematically searched to identify studies that analyzed data sets of physical activity and cardiometabolic health outcomes. To be eligible for inclusion, data sets must have measured physical activity using an accelerometric device in adults aged ≥18 years; a sample size >400 participants (unless recruited participants in a low- and middle-income country where a sample size threshold was reduced to 100); used an observational, longitudinal, or trial-based study design; and collected at least 1 cardiometabolic health marker (unless only body mass was measured). Two reviewers screened the search results to identify eligible studies, and from these, the unique names of each data set were recorded, and characteristics about each data set were extracted from several sources.
RESULTS
A total of 17,391 study reports were identified, and after screening, 319 were eligible, with 122 unique data sets in these study reports meeting the review inclusion criteria. Data sets were found in 49 countries across 5 continents, with the most developed in Europe (n=53) and the least in Africa and Oceania (n=4 and n=3, respectively). The most common accelerometric brand and device wear location was Actigraph and the waist, respectively. Height and body mass were the most frequently measured cardiometabolic health markers in the data sets (119/122, 97.5% data sets), followed by blood pressure (82/122, 67.2% data sets). The number of participants in the included data sets ranged from 103,712 to 120. Once the review processes had been completed, the GPAD catalogue was developed to house all the identified data sets.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified and mapped the contents of data sets from around the world that have collected potentially harmonizable accelerometer-measured physical activity and cardiometabolic health markers. The GPAD catalogue is a web-based open-source resource developed from the results of this review, which aims to facilitate the harmonization of data sets to produce evidence that will reduce the burden of disease from physical inactivity.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Exercise; Cardiovascular Diseases; Blood Pressure; Accelerometry; Europe; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37467026
DOI: 10.2196/45599 -
Nutrition Reviews Mar 2024Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in childhood. Antiepileptic drugs are the preferred treatment. However, 30% of children continue suffering... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in childhood. Antiepileptic drugs are the preferred treatment. However, 30% of children continue suffering seizures. A ketogenic diet (KD) is one of the emerging alternative treatments.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to analyze the current evidence regarding the use of a KD for the treatment of refractory epilepsy (RE) in childhood.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic review of reviews was performed, based on MEDLINE (PubMed) as at January 2021.
DATA EXTRACTION
The data extracted included the first author's last name; the year of publication; the country; the study design; the population; the diagnosis, concept, and description of KD types; and major outcome.
RESULTS
Twenty-one reviews were included, 8 with systematic methodology (2 of them included a meta-analysis) and 13 with unsystematic methodology. The main difference between the 2 types of reviews is the reproducibility of their methodology. Therefore, the results of each type of review were analyzed separately. Each type of review described 4 categories of KD: classic KD, modified Atkins diet (MAD), use of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). In terms of effectiveness, the considered systematic reviews reported reductions in the frequency of seizures greater than 50% in about half of the patients. Reviews without systematic methodology reported that 30%-60% of the children showed a 50% or greater reduction in seizures. The most frequently described adverse effects in the 8 systematic reviews were: vomiting (6/8), constipation (6/8), and diarrhea (6/8); and in the unsystematic reviews: vomiting and nausea (10/13), constipation (10/13), and acidosis (9/13).
CONCLUSION
KD can be an effective treatment for RE, with a more than 50% reduction in the frequency of seizures and cognitive improvement being achieved in half of the pediatric patients. The effectiveness of the various types of KD is comparable, and the KD can be adapted to the needs of the patient.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021244142.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Diet, Ketogenic; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Reproducibility of Results; Seizures; Treatment Outcome; Constipation; Vomiting
PubMed: 37400987
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad071 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Aug 2023Leiomyomas (fibroids), the most common benign solid tumours in females, originate from the myometrium and are associated with poor quality of life for patients. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Leiomyomas (fibroids), the most common benign solid tumours in females, originate from the myometrium and are associated with poor quality of life for patients. The current management of uterine leiomyomas mainly includes surgical interventions such as hysterectomy and myomectomy, either by laparoscopy or laparotomy, which have several complications and are not ideal for preserving fertility. Therefore, there is a need to develop or repurpose medical treatments that do not require surgical intervention.
OBJECTIVE
Many drugs are used to treat the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. The main objective of this systematic review is to give an up-to-date account of potential pharmacological agents (non-surgical methods) for the management of uterine leiomyomas.
SEARCH STRATEGY
PubMed was searched for scientific and clinical literature using the keyword 'uterine fibroids' along with the drug names described in each section. For example, 'uterine fibroids' and 'ulipristal acetate' were the keywords used to search for literature on ulipristal acetate (UPA).
RESULTS
Various preclinical and clinical studies have shown that some drugs and herbal formulations exhibit activity in the management of uterine leiomyomas. Recent studies found that drugs such as UPA, elagolix, EC313, asoprisnol, nutritional supplements and herbal preparations were helpful in treating the symptoms associated with uterine leiomyomas.
CONCLUSION
Many drugs show efficacy in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. UPA is one of the most studied and prescribed medicines for uterine fibroids; however, its usage has been restricted due to a few recent incidences of hepatic toxicity. Herbal drugs and natural supplements have also shown promising effects on uterine fibroids. The synergistic effects of nutritional and herbal supplements have been reported in certain cases, and should be studied in detail. Further research is warranted to identify the mode of action of the drugs, and to determine the precise conditions that would explain the causes of toxicity in some patients.
Topics: Female; Humans; Uterine Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Leiomyoma; Uterine Myomectomy; Acetates
PubMed: 37385088
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.021 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Oct 2023Twelve CCI patients were studied with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. The majority of these patients were males (83.3%) with a median age of 55 years from... (Review)
Review
Twelve CCI patients were studied with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. The majority of these patients were males (83.3%) with a median age of 55 years from three geographical locations, constituting the Middle East (7), Spain (3), and the USA (1). In 6 patients, IgG/IgM was positive for COVID-19, 4 with high pretest probability and 2 with positive RT-PCR. Type 2 DM, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were the primary risk factors. Right-sided neurological impairments and verbal impairment were the most common symptoms. Our analysis found 8 (66%) synchronous occurrences. In 58.3% of cases, neuroimaging showed left Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) infarct and 33.3% right. Carotid artery thrombosis (16.6%), tandem occlusion (8.3%), and carotid stenosis (1%) were also reported in imaging. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and anticoagulants were conservative therapies (10). Two AMI patients had aspiration thrombectomy, while three AIS patients had intravenous thrombolysis/tissue plasminogen activator (IVT-tPA), 2 had mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and 1 had decompressive craniotomy. Five had COVID-19-positive chest X-rays, whereas 4 were normal. four of 8 STEMI and 3 NSTEMI/UA patients complained chest pain. LV, ICA, and pulmonary embolism were further complications (2). Upon discharge, 7 patients (70%) had residual deficits while 1 patient unfortunately died.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Anticoagulants; COVID-19; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery; Stroke; Thrombectomy; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tissue Plasminogen Activator; Treatment Outcome; Case Reports as Topic
PubMed: 37209804
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101814 -
Head and Neck Pathology Sep 2023Granular Cell Odontogenic Fibroma (GCOF) is a rare odontogenic neoplasm reported over time with different names. The purpose of this study is to review all available...
BACKGROUND
Granular Cell Odontogenic Fibroma (GCOF) is a rare odontogenic neoplasm reported over time with different names. The purpose of this study is to review all available data on the GCOF in the scientific literature, with a summary of all reported cases and a report of a new case.
METHODS
This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search was performed up to November 2022.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies reporting fifty-three cases were included. GCOF is a rare neoplasm among the odontogenic tumors, with a higher prevalence in women of the middle-aged and white population. This lesion occurs mostly on the posterior region of the mandible. Furthermore, based on clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features, conservative treatment was the most reported choice with recurrence reported in two cases.
CONCLUSION
GCOF remains controversial due to the still unsolved histogenesis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Fibroma; Mandible; Odontogenic Tumors; Case Reports as Topic
PubMed: 37118351
DOI: 10.1007/s12105-023-01553-x -
Epidemiologic Reviews Dec 2023Improving race and ethnicity (hereafter, race/ethnicity) data quality is imperative to ensure underserved populations are represented in data sets used to identify... (Review)
Review
Improving race and ethnicity (hereafter, race/ethnicity) data quality is imperative to ensure underserved populations are represented in data sets used to identify health disparities and inform health care policy. We performed a scoping review of methods that retrospectively improve race/ethnicity classification in secondary data sets. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection databases in July 2022. A total of 2 441 abstracts were dually screened, 453 full-text articles were reviewed, and 120 articles were included. Study characteristics were extracted and described in a narrative analysis. Six main method types for improving race/ethnicity data were identified: expert review (n = 9; 8%), name lists (n = 27, 23%), name algorithms (n = 55, 46%), machine learning (n = 14, 12%), data linkage (n = 9, 8%), and other (n = 6, 5%). The main racial/ethnic groups targeted for classification were Asian (n = 56, 47%) and White (n = 51, 43%). Some form of validation evaluation was included in 86 articles (72%). We discuss the strengths and limitations of different method types and potential harms of identified methods. Innovative methods are needed to better identify racial/ethnic subgroups and further validation studies. Accurately collecting and reporting disaggregated data by race/ethnicity are critical to address the systematic missingness of relevant demographic data that can erroneously guide policymaking and hinder the effectiveness of health care practices and intervention.
Topics: Humans; Ethnicity; Medically Underserved Area; Racial Groups; Retrospective Studies; Data Accuracy
PubMed: 37045807
DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxad002