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Frontiers in Public Health 2023Empirical evidence has shown that light therapy (LT) can reduce depression symptoms by stimulating circadian rhythms. However, there is skepticism and inconclusive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Empirical evidence has shown that light therapy (LT) can reduce depression symptoms by stimulating circadian rhythms. However, there is skepticism and inconclusive results, along with confusion regarding dosing. The purpose of this study is to quantify light as a stimulus for the circadian system and create a dose-response relationship that can help reduce maladies among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). This will provide a reference for light exposure and neural response, which are crucial in the neuropsychological mechanism of light intervention. The study also aims to provide guidance for clinical application.
METHODS
The latest quantitative model of CL (circadian light) and CS (circadian stimulus) was adopted to quantify light dose for circadian phototransduction in youth depression-related light therapy. Articles published up to 2023 through Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Medline (OVID), CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Embase, and Scholars were retrieved. A meta-analysis of 31 articles (1,031 subjects) was performed using Stata17.0, CMA3.0 (comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.0) software, and Python 3.9 platform for light therapy efficacy comparison and dose-response quantification.
RESULTS
Under various circadian stimulus conditions (0.1 < CS < 0.7) of light therapy (LT), malady reductions among AYAs were observed (pooled SMD = -1.59, 95%CI = -1.86 to -1.32; = -11.654, = 0.000; = 92.8%), with temporal pattern ( = 0.044) and co-medication ( = 0.000) suggested as main heterogeneity sources. For the efficacy advantage of LT with a higher circadian stimulus that is assumed to be influenced by visualization, co-medication, disease severity, and time pattern, sets of meta-analysis among random-controlled trials (RCTs) found evidence for significant efficacy of circadian-active bright light therapy (BLT) over circadian-inactive dim red light (SMD = -0.65, 95% CI = -0.96 to -0.34; = -4.101, = 0.000; = 84.9%) or circadian-active dimmer white light (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI = -0.68 to -0.06; = -2.318, = 0.02; = 33.8%), whereas green-blue, circadian-active BLT showed no significant superiority over circadian-inactive red/amber light controls (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI = -0.45 to 0.04; = -2.318, = 0.099; = 0%). Overall, circadian-active BLT showed a greater likelihood of clinical response than dim light controls, with increased superiority observed with co-medication. For pre-to-post-treatment amelioration and corresponding dose-response relationship, cumulative duration was found more influential than other categorical (co-medication, severity, study design) or continuous (CS) variables. Dose-response fitting indicated that the therapeutic effect would reach saturation among co-medicated patients at 32-42 days (900-1,000 min) and 58-59 days (1,100-1,500 min) among non-medicated AYAs. When exerting high circadian stimulus of light therapy (0.6 < CS < 0.7), there was a significantly greater effect size in 1,000-1,500 min of accumulative duration than <1,000 or >1,500 min of duration, indicating a threshold for practical guidance.
LIMITATIONS
The results have been based on limited samples and influenced by a small sample effect. The placebo effect could not be ignored.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the superiority of LT with higher circadian stimulus over dimmer light controls remains unproven, greater response potentials of circadian-active BLT have been noticed among AYAs, taking co-medication, disease severity, time pattern, and visual characteristics into consideration. The dose-response relationship with quantified circadian stimulus and temporal pattern had been elaborated under various conditions to support clinical depression treatment and LT device application in the post-pandemic era.
Topics: Adolescent; Young Adult; Humans; Phototherapy; Pandemics; Probability
PubMed: 38259764
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1257093 -
BMC Oral Health Jan 2024Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recently proposed as a promising alternative therapy for Denture Stomatitis (DS). The present systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recently proposed as a promising alternative therapy for Denture Stomatitis (DS). The present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the current available evidence regarding the efficacy of PDT in the management of DS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were searched up to June 7, 2023. All relevant clinical trials were included. RevMan software was used for the statistical analyses.
RESULTS
Elven randomized clinical trials (460 DS patients) were included. Eight studies assessed the efficacy of PDT vs. topical antifungal therapy, while three studies assessed the adjunctive use of PDT (PDT + antifungal therapy) vs. topical antifungal therapy alone. The results revealed comparable efficacy of PDT and conventional antifungal therapy on candida colonization at 15 days (MD: 0.95, 95% CI: -0.28, 2.19, p = 0.13) and at the end of follow-up (MD: -0.17, 95% CI: -1.33, 0.98, p = 0.77). The pooled two studies revealed relatively better efficacy of adjunctive use of PDT with antifungal therapy on candida colonization compared to antifungal therapy alone at 15 days (MD: -6.67, 95% CI: -15.15, 1.82, p = 0.12), and at the end of follow-up (MD: -7.14, 95% CI: -19.78, 5.50, p = 0.27). Additionally, the results revealed comparable efficacy of PDT and topical antifungal therapy on the clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
PDT might be considered a viable option for DS either as an adjunct or as an alternative to the topical antifungal medications. Further studies with adequate sample sizes and standardized PDT parameters are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Candida; Photochemotherapy; Stomatitis, Denture
PubMed: 38229054
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03789-z -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jan 2024Utilization of lasers and energy-based devices for surgical scar minimization has been substantially evaluated in placebo-controlled trials. The aim of this study was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Utilization of lasers and energy-based devices for surgical scar minimization has been substantially evaluated in placebo-controlled trials. The aim of this study was to compare reported measures of efficacy of lasers and energy-based devices in clinical trials in preventing surgical scar formation in a systematic review and network meta-analyses. Five electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library, were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials that reported on clinical outcomes of surgical scars with treatment initiation no later than 6 months after surgery and a follow-up period of at least 3 months. A total of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 482 participants and 671 postsurgical wounds were included in the network meta-analyses. The results showed that the most efficacious treatments were achieved using low-level laser therapy) (weighted mean difference -3.78; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -6.32, -1.24) and pulsed dye laser (weighted mean difference -2.46; 95% CI -4.53, -0.38). Nevertheless, low-level laser therapy and pulsed dye laser demonstrated comparable outcomes in surgical scar minimization (weighted mean difference -1.32, 95% CI -3.53, 0.89). The findings of this network meta-analyses suggest that low-level laser therapy and pulsed dye laser are both effective treatments for minimization of scar formation following primary closure of surgical wounds with comparable treatment outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Cicatrix; Lasers, Dye; Databases, Factual; Low-Level Light Therapy
PubMed: 38189223
DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.18477 -
European Review For Medical and... Dec 2023This review aims to explore the efficacy of fluorescence-guided excision in the treatment of necrotic bone and highlights the importance of fluorescence in...
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to explore the efficacy of fluorescence-guided excision in the treatment of necrotic bone and highlights the importance of fluorescence in distinguishing viable margins from necrotic ones for a more targeted and predictable management of MRONJ.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 1, 2008, to May 17, 2023. The Boolean search strategy with the following keywords "osteonecrosis" AND "fluorescence" was performed. Then, the articles were subjected to screening and eligibility phases. The papers about the use of autofluorescence-guided laser therapy in patients with jaw osteonecrosis were included.
RESULTS
A total of 320 articles were initially identified through an electronic search, and ultimately, 17 papers were included in the qualitative analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the VELscope system allows for clear visualization of the bone, making guided autofluorescence a precise, safe, and reliable technique.
Topics: Humans; Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Diphosphonates; Laser Therapy; Low-Level Light Therapy
PubMed: 38164845
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34780 -
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas May 2024Topical and intralesional (IL) treatments may be considered the first-line therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, the evidence supporting their...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Topical and intralesional (IL) treatments may be considered the first-line therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, the evidence supporting their use is limited. The aim of our review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of topical and IL treatments in patients with HS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We designed a systematic review of the current medical literature available following the PICO(T) method. And including all types of studies (Study type [T]) of individuals with HS of any sex, age, and ethnicity (Population [P]) who received any topical or IL treatment for HS (Intervention [I]) compared to placebo, other treatments, or no treatment at all (Comparator [C]), and reported efficacy and/or safety outcomes (Outcomes [O]). Two outcomes were defined: quality of life and the no. of patients with, at least, one adverse event. The search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases; study selection was performed based on pre-defined criteria. The risk of bias was determined in each study.
RESULTS
We obtained a total of 11,363 references, 31 of which met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 1143 patients with HS, 62% of whom were women. A total of 10, 8, 6, 2, and 5 studies, respectively, evaluated the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), glucocorticoids, resorcinol, topical antibiotics, and other interventions. Most articles were case series (n=25), with only five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one cohort study. RCTs showed improvement in disease activity with topical clindamycin and botulinum toxin (BTX) vs placebo, and PDT with methylene blue (MB) niosomal vs free MB; however, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was not superior to placebo. The risk of bias was low in three RCTs and high in two RCTs.
CONCLUSION
The quality of evidence supporting the use of topical, or IL treatments is low. However, it supports the use of topical clindamycin, PDT, and BTX. Well-designed RCTs with standardized outcomes and homogeneous populations of patients and lesions are needed to support decision-making in the routine clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Topical; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Injections, Intralesional; Photochemotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38159839
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2023.12.001 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Feb 2024This review explored intense pulsed light (IPL) as an alternative treatment for dry eye disease (DED) symptom relief by correcting tear-film homeostasis. A systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This review explored intense pulsed light (IPL) as an alternative treatment for dry eye disease (DED) symptom relief by correcting tear-film homeostasis. A systematic search was performed in March 2022 on five databases (Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, ProQuest, and EBSCO). Studies were extracted for the following outcomes of interest: standard patient evaluation of eye dryness questionnaire (SPEED), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS). All studies published up to March 2022 were reviewed. Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) was used to screen studies for risk of bias where appropriate. A meta-analysis was done to quantify any reported quantitative data. Thirteen studies were included in this study. A total of 931 individuals and 1454 numbers of eyes were reviewed in this meta-analysis. Among studies that explored and reported the effect of IPL in individuals with DED, TBUT and OSDI improved significantly post intervention, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.02 [95% CI 0.41-1.64] and 0.28 [95% CI 0.04-0.52], respectively. CFS and SPEED scores, however, showed no statistically significant difference, with an SMD of 0.22 [95% CI -0.19 to 0.64] and 0.28 [95% CI -0.11 to 0.66], respectively. In conclusion, current evidence indicates IPL as a possible adjunctive treatment in individuals with DED in an otherwise limited treatment option. Further studies through more extensive trials are needed to validate this finding and elucidate its mechanism.
Topics: Humans; Dry Eye Syndromes; Tears; Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
PubMed: 38146980
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_671_23 -
Cureus Dec 2023Psoriasis is a chronic and recurring condition characterized by scaly red plaques. The most common variant, plaque-type psoriasis, presents distinct clinical features.... (Review)
Review
Psoriasis is a chronic and recurring condition characterized by scaly red plaques. The most common variant, plaque-type psoriasis, presents distinct clinical features. It profoundly impacts psychological and mental well-being, resulting in depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Psoriasis occurs due to disruptions in the skin's innate and adaptive immune response triggered by trauma, infection, or medications. Treatment options include topical therapies such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs, phototherapy, conventional systemic agents such as methotrexate (MTX), and biologics that target pro-inflammatory cytokines. There has been growing interest in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a potential treatment option for plaque psoriasis, given its lower toxicity compared to existing approaches. However, its use is not yet widespread in clinical practice due to the limited awareness of its effectiveness. This review aims to investigate the efficacy of PRP therapy for plaque psoriasis. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, thoroughly searching PubMed, Elton Bryson Stephens Company (EBSCO), and ClinicalTrials.gov between February and July 2023. Our focus was on patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis, and we found multiple studies that demonstrated promising results of PRP either as monotherapy or in combination with current treatments such as MTX. The clinical evidence strongly supports the effectiveness of PRP in treating plaque psoriasis. PRP significantly improves dermatological symptoms and enhances patient and physician satisfaction. Research suggests that PRP reduces the expression of interleukin (IL) 17, a pro-inflammatory mediator, explaining its mechanism of action in treating plaque psoriasis. However, additional clinical trials with larger sample sizes, including PRP as a separate treatment group and comparisons with positive and control groups, are necessary to reinforce its efficacy in plaque psoriasis patients and elucidate other potential mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects.
PubMed: 38089952
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50356 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Feb 2024This study provides an overview of the effectiveness and safety of PDT for the treatment of HPV-associated precancerous cervical conditions and contains recent findings...
Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of precancerous diseases of the cervix (neoplasia) associated with the human papillomavirus: A systematic review.
This study provides an overview of the effectiveness and safety of PDT for the treatment of HPV-associated precancerous cervical conditions and contains recent findings from relevant research studies. A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Central Library, and Google Scholar was conducted, including analytic epidemiological studies, and 11 papers were included. The narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize the results of the included studies. Studies were critically appraised using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool for assessing the risk of bias. The results of the study demonstrate that CRR for HPV remission ranges from 66.7 % to 92.73 %, whereas for CIN1 it fluctuates from 57.1 % to 83.3 %. The frequency of recurrence of the disease ranged from 3.3 % to 8.9 % during the follow-up period of up to 2 years. Adverse events were observed in 8 (66 %) studies and the most common were cervical stenosis, abdominal pain, vaginal pain, and focal edema. Five types of topical and intravenous applications along with lasers of various wavelengths and intensities were mostly used. However, all studies demonstrated relatively similar results. According to the results, PDT has demonstrated favorable outcomes, but no impressive effect on the treatment of CIN. It should be emphasized, that the effectiveness of PDT for the treatment of HPV-associated CIN may vary depending on some variables, including the kind of PDT agent used, the dosage, duration and frequency of PDT administration, the severity and location of the lesions, and the host immunological response.
Topics: Female; Humans; Cervix Uteri; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Papillomavirus Infections; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Precancerous Conditions; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 38070631
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103925 -
Brain and Behavior Dec 2023In recent years, light therapy has been tried for the treatment of depression and sleep in pregnancy or postnatal period women, but the results have been inconclusive.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In recent years, light therapy has been tried for the treatment of depression and sleep in pregnancy or postnatal period women, but the results have been inconclusive. This meta-analysis is the first to systematically review the effects of light therapy on depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
METHODS
We searched for randomized controlled studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Database up to January 2023. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to assess the efficacy of the outcome indicators.
RESULTS
Eight studies were eventually included in the analysis. The results showed that light therapy was more effective than the placebo group in terms of depression (SMD = .34, CI = .08-.61) and sleep (SMD = .64,95%CI = .28-1.00). Subgroup analysis could not explain the significant heterogeneity. There were no serious adverse effects in either the light therapy or placebo groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Light therapy could be considered an effective treatment for depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. However, future high-quality trials with larger sample sizes are still needed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Depression; Phototherapy; Sleep Wake Disorders; Postpartum Period; Sleep
PubMed: 38031199
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3339 -
International Dental Journal Apr 2024Root canal re-treatment (RCR) cases are considered some of the most challenging cases in the field of endodontics, as they are mostly associated with various iatrogenic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Root canal re-treatment (RCR) cases are considered some of the most challenging cases in the field of endodontics, as they are mostly associated with various iatrogenic errors such as ledge formation, incomplete biomechanical preparation, file separation, and incomplete obturation. These iatrogenic errors lead to defective niches within root canals that may act as reservoirs for various viable microorganisms. Such residual microbial niches may cause postoperative pain even after thorough debridement and reshaping the canals, ultimately leading to a poor prognosis for the tooth. Nowadays, prevention of postoperative pain in re-treatment cases and prognosis are effectively managed by photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT).
METHOD
Relevant studies in the English language published before November 2022 were identified using electronic databases like PubMed, SCOPUS, and EBSCO to conduct bibliographic research. This systematic review is based on 3 studies that were found eligible as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This systematic review is in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
The systematic review indicated a positive impact by significantly decreasing postoperative pain in RCR cases when treated with PBMT. The variation was statistically significant at 24 hours (P = .0002), 48 hours (P = .03), and 72 hours (P = .02). The mean difference at 24 hours was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.32-0.99), at 48 hours was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.05-0.87), and at 72 hours was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.07-0.74). There was no statistical heterogenicity at 24 hours (P > .05), but a medium heterogenicity was observed at 48 hours and 72 hours.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATION
PBMT or low-level laser therapy has shown superior results as compared to the conventional pharmacologic approach in postoperative pain management in RCR cases.
Topics: Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Root Canal Therapy; Pain, Postoperative; Dental Care; Iatrogenic Disease
PubMed: 37985344
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.10.012