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Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Jun 2024The COVID-19 pandemic has taken many forms and continues to evolve, now around the Omicron wave, raising concerns over the globe. With COVID-19 being declared no longer... (Review)
Review
New variants of COVID-19 (XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16, the "Arcturus"): A review of highly questioned concerns, a brief comparison between different peaks in the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focused systematic review on expert recommendations for prevention, vaccination, and treatment measures in the general...
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken many forms and continues to evolve, now around the Omicron wave, raising concerns over the globe. With COVID-19 being declared no longer a "public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)," the COVID pandemic is still far from over, as new Omicron subvariants of interest and concern have risen since January of 2023. Mainly with the XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16 subvariants, the pandemic is still very much "alive" and "breathing."
METHODS
This review consists of five highly concerning questions about the current state of the COVID Omicron peak. We searched four main online databases to answer the first four questions. For the last one, we performed a systematic review of the literature, with keywords "Omicron," "Guidelines," and "Recommendations."
RESULTS
A total of 31 articles were included. The main symptoms of the current Omicron wave include a characteristically high fever, coughing, conjunctivitis (with itching eyes), sore throat, runny nose, congestion, fatigue, body ache, and headache. The median incubation period of the symptoms is shorter than the previous peaks. Vaccination against COVID can still be considered effective for the new subvariants.
CONCLUSION
Guidelines recommend continuation of personal protective measures, third and fourth dose boosters, along with administration of bivalent messenger RNA vaccine boosters. The consensus antiviral treatment is combination therapy using Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir, and the consensus for pre-exposure prophylaxis is Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab combination. We hope the present paper raises awareness for the continuing presence of COVID and ways to lower the risks, especially for at-risk groups.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Vaccines; Vaccination; Pandemics; Antiviral Agents; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 38938013
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1323 -
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 -
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 -
Malaria Journal Jun 2024Malaria, a severe health threat, significantly affects total antioxidant status (TAS) levels, leading to considerable oxidative stress. This systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Malaria, a severe health threat, significantly affects total antioxidant status (TAS) levels, leading to considerable oxidative stress. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to delineate differences in TAS levels between malaria patients and healthy controls, and assess correlations between disease severity and parasite density.
METHODS
The systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42023448761. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases such as Embase, MEDLINE, Journals@Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar to identify studies reporting data on TAS levels in malaria patients. Data from the included studies were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Differences in TAS levels between malaria patients and controls were pooled using a random effects model, with Hedges' g as the effect size measure.
RESULTS
Of 1796 identified records, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis of these studies revealed a marked decrease in TAS levels in patients with malaria compared to non-malaria cases. The meta-analysis results showed a significant decrease in TAS levels in patients with malaria compared to non-malaria cases (P < 0.01, Hedges' g: - 2.75, 95% CI - 3.72 to -1.78, I: 98.16%, 13 studies), suggesting elevated oxidative stress in these patients. Subgroup analyses revealed that TAS level variations were significantly influenced by geographical region, age group, Plasmodium species, and method for measuring TAS. Notably, TAS levels were significantly lower in severe malaria cases and those with high parasite density, indicating a potential relationship between oxidative stress and disease severity.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the potential utility of TAS as a biomarker for disease risk and severity in malaria. The significant decrease in TAS levels in malaria patients compared to controls implies increased oxidative stress. Further well-designed, large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the intricate mechanisms linking TAS and malaria.
Topics: Malaria; Antioxidants; Humans; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38926807
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-05003-z -
PloS One 2024Stroke stands as a significant macrovascular complication among individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often resulting in the primary cause of mortality and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Stroke stands as a significant macrovascular complication among individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often resulting in the primary cause of mortality and disability within this patient demographic. Presently, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying causes of stroke in individuals with T2DM, yet the findings exhibit inconsistencies.
OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to consolidate and summarize the available evidence concerning the influential factors contributing to stroke among patients diagnosed with T2DM.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web Of Science, Embase, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Weipu up to August 2023. Google Scholar was also searched to retrieve gray literature. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Stata software.
RESULTS
Our analysis encompassed 43 observational studies, exploring factors across sociodemographic, biochemical, complications, and hypoglycemic agent categories. The findings identified several risk factors for stroke in patients with T2DM: age, gender, T2DM duration, hypertension, body-mass index (BMI), smoking, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), albuminuria, Triglycerides (TG), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Atrial fibrillation (AF), diabetic retinopathy (DR), Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and carotid plaque. Conversely, exercise, High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), metformin (MET), pioglitazone, and metformin combination therapy emerged as protective factors.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the multitude of influencing factors contributing to stroke in people with T2DM patients, among which the microvascular complications of T2DM play an most important role. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of screening for microvascular complications in patients with T2DM. However, due to limitations arising from the number of articles reviewed, there remain areas where clarity is lacking. Further research efforts are warranted to expand upon and reinforce our current findings.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Stroke; Risk Factors; Hypoglycemic Agents; Glycated Hemoglobin
PubMed: 38913694
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305954 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Dental fluorosis (DF) is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during odontogenesis and leads to various changes in the development of tooth enamel. Some regions in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dental fluorosis (DF) is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during odontogenesis and leads to various changes in the development of tooth enamel. Some regions in Mexico are considered endemic fluorosis zones due to the high fluoride content in drinking water. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the association between the concentration of fluoride in drinking water and the severity of dental fluorosis in northern and western Mexico.
METHODS
This protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42023401519). The search for information was carried out in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar databases between January 2015 and October 2023. The overall relative risk was calculated using the inverse of variance approach with the random effects method. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to construct risk plots.
RESULTS
Eleven articles were analyzed qualitatively, and most of the included studies presented at least one level of DF severity; six articles were analyzed quantitatively, dividing them into two regions. In North region it was observed a higher prevalence of severe TF cases, corresponding to ≥ TF 5 category (4.78) [3.55, 6.42]. In the West region, most of the included studies presented a higher prevalence of less severe cases, corresponding to ≤ TF 4, in comparison with the North region (0.01) [0.00, 0.52], interpreted as a protective effect.
CONCLUSION
The concentrations of fluorides in drinking water are reportedly high in these regions and are directly related to the severity of dental fluorosis experienced by the inhabitants. In the Northern region exists a major concentration of fluoride in drinking water compared with the Western region as well as a prevalence of higher severity cases of dental fluorosis.
Topics: Fluorosis, Dental; Humans; Mexico; Fluorides; Drinking Water; Severity of Illness Index; Prevalence
PubMed: 38898439
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04472-7 -
Nutrients May 2024The scientific literature has reported an inverse association between broccoli consumption and the risk of suffering from several types of cancer; however, the results... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The scientific literature has reported an inverse association between broccoli consumption and the risk of suffering from several types of cancer; however, the results were not entirely consistent across studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies were conducted to determine the association between broccoli consumption and cancer risk with the aim of clarifying the beneficial biological effects of broccoli consumption on cancer.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), and Epistemonikos databases were searched to identify all published papers that evaluate the impact of broccoli consumption on the risk of cancer. Citation chasing of included studies was conducted as a complementary search strategy. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model meta-analysis was employed to quantitatively synthesize results, with the I2 index used to assess heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Twenty-three case-control studies (n = 12,929 cases and 18,363 controls; n = 31,292 individuals) and 12 cohort studies (n = 699,482 individuals) were included in the meta-analysis. The results suggest an inverse association between broccoli consumption and the risk of cancer both in case-control studies (OR: 0.64, 95% CI from 0.58 to 0.70, < 0.001; Q = 35.97, = 0.072, I = 30.49%-moderate heterogeneity; τ = 0.016) and cohort studies (RR: 0.89, 95% CI from 0.82 to 0.96, = 0.003; Q = 13.51, = 0.333, I = 11.21%-low heterogeneity; τ = 0.002). Subgroup analysis suggested a potential benefit of broccoli consumption in site-specific cancers only in case-control studies.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the findings indicate that individuals suffering from some type of cancer consumed less broccoli, suggesting a protective biological effect of broccoli on cancer. More studies, especially cohort studies, are necessary to clarify the possible beneficial effect of broccoli on several types of cancer.
Topics: Brassica; Humans; Neoplasms; Observational Studies as Topic; Diet; Risk Factors; Female; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38892516
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111583 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Jun 2024The present systematic review explored the involvement of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in periodontitis, drawing from established literature. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The assessment of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and oxidized glutathione in patients with periodontitis-A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The present systematic review explored the involvement of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in periodontitis, drawing from established literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research approach encompassed an extensive electronic search from 2000 to 2023 across databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library and cross-referencing using specific keywords.
RESULTS
The initial literature exploration generated a total of 766 articles. After thoroughly examining the abstracts, 693 articles were excluded from consideration due to duplication and lack of relevance to the central research inquiry. Following that, 73 articles were left for in-depth evaluation. Following a qualitative assessment, 35 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria were chosen, while 38 were removed for not meeting the necessary standards. Within this selection, a meta-analysis was conducted on 11 articles that provided consistent data for quantitative synthesis. Specifically, the analysis of glutathione (GSH) levels in serum samples revealed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -5.552 µg/mL (CI 95%: -9.078 to -2.026; P-0.002). In contrast, the analysis of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples displayed an overall SMD of 2.918 ng/µL (CI 95%: 0.372-5.465; P-0.025), while salivary samples exhibited an overall SMD value of 0.709 U/l (95% CI: -1.907-3.325; P-0.596) which is of insignificant.
CONCLUSION
The systematic review findings suggest a notable decrease in antioxidant enzymes across various systemic biological samples among patients with periodontitis, contrasting with the results from gingival tissue samples meta-analysis of GPx enzyme.
Topics: Humans; Periodontitis; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione; Glutathione Reductase; Glutathione Disulfide; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38881240
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.907 -
PloS One 2024There is a consistent association between exposure to air pollution and elevated rates of cardiopulmonary illnesses. As public health activities emphasize the paramount...
BACKGROUND
There is a consistent association between exposure to air pollution and elevated rates of cardiopulmonary illnesses. As public health activities emphasize the paramount need to reduce exposure, it is crucial to examine strategies like the antioxidant diet that could potentially protect individuals who are unavoidably exposed.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to March 31, 2023, for clinical trials assessing dietary supplements against cardiovascular (blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, brachial artery diameter, flow-mediated dilation, and lipid profile) or pulmonary outcomes (pulmonary function and airway inflammation) attributed to air pollution exposure.
RESULTS
After reviewing 4681 records, 18 studies were included. There were contradictory findings on the effects of fish oil and olive oil supplementations on cardiovascular outcomes. Although with limited evidence, fish oil offered protection against pulmonary dysfunction induced by pollutants. Most studies on vitamin C did not find protective cardiovascular effects; however, the combination of vitamin C and E offered protective effects against pulmonary dysfunction but showed conflicting results for cardiovascular outcomes. Other supplements like sulforaphane, L-arginine, n-acetylcysteine, and B vitamins showed potential beneficial effects but need further research due to the limited number of existing trials.
CONCLUSIONS
Although more research is needed to determine the efficacy and optimal dose of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant dietary supplements against air pollution toxicity, this low-cost preventative strategy has the potential to offer protection against outcomes of air pollution exposure.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Air Pollution; Antioxidants; Cardiovascular Diseases; Clinical Trials as Topic; Fish Oils; Ascorbic Acid
PubMed: 38870164
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304402