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Environmental Microbiology Reports Jun 2024The pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has caused declines of amphibians worldwide. Yet our understanding of how water quality influences fungal...
The pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has caused declines of amphibians worldwide. Yet our understanding of how water quality influences fungal pathogenicity is limited. Here, we reviewed experimental studies on the effect of water quality on this pathogen to determine which parameters impacted disease dynamics consistently. The strongest evidence for protective effects is salinity which shows strong antifungal properties in hosts at natural levels. Although many fungicides had detrimental effects on the fungal pathogen in vitro, their impact on the host is variable and they can worsen infection outcomes. However, one fungicide, epoxiconazole, reduced disease effects experimentally and likely in the field. While heavy metals are frequently studied, there is weak evidence that they influence infection outcomes. Nitrogen and phosphorous do not appear to impact pathogen growth or infection in the amphibian host. The effects of other chemicals, like pesticides and disinfectants on infection were mostly unclear with mixed results or lacking an in vivo component. Our study shows that water chemistry does impact disease dynamics, but the effects of specific parameters require more investigation. Improving our understanding of how water chemistry influences disease dynamics will help predict the impact of chytridiomycosis, especially in amphibian populations affected by land use changes.
Topics: Animals; Batrachochytrium; Amphibians; Water Quality; Mycoses; Salinity; Fungicides, Industrial; Chytridiomycota; Pesticides; Disinfectants; Antifungal Agents
PubMed: 38775382
DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13274 -
Surgical Neurology International 2024This study strives to provide a current and thorough assessment of the comparative efficacy and safety between equiosmolar quantities of hypertonic saline (HS) and...
BACKGROUND
This study strives to provide a current and thorough assessment of the comparative efficacy and safety between equiosmolar quantities of hypertonic saline (HS) and mannitol in facilitating brain relaxation for patients undergoing elective craniotomies.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, compared the efficacy and safety of equiosmolar concentrations of mannitol and HS in elective craniotomies. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Proquest databases were searched using keywords related to mannitol, HS, and craniotomy. Results were analyzed through a random-effects model using Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio and standard mean difference. < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials encompassing 965 patients (516 in the HS group and 448 in the mannitol group) were analyzed. The quality of studies was moderate-to-high, and no significant publication bias was observed. The primary outcome, brain relaxation, favored HS over mannitol without significant heterogeneity. Mannitol was associated with increased urine output compared to HS, irrespective of dose, with high heterogeneity. HS was linked to significantly reduced fluid input, confirmed by subgroup analysis with lower heterogeneity. No significant difference was found in serum osmolality between the two agents. Serum sodium (Na) levels favored HS, whereas arterial blood Na levels also favored HS despite considerable heterogeneity. Maximum mean arterial pressure was higher with HS, but it displayed significant heterogeneity. Maximum central venous pressure showed no significant difference between the two agents, with moderate heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
HS appears more effective than mannitol in achieving brain relaxation, and it may offer advantages in fluid management and Na balance. Clinicians should consider these findings when selecting hyperosmotic agents for neurosurgical procedures. Further research is needed to address heterogeneity in certain outcomes and guide clinical practice.
PubMed: 38741989
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_994_2023 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of demographic data, fetal imaging findings and urinary analytes were used for predicting poor postnatal renal function in children... (Review)
Review
: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of demographic data, fetal imaging findings and urinary analytes were used for predicting poor postnatal renal function in children with congenital megacystis. : A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE's electronic database from inception to December 2023 using various combinations of keywords such as "luto" [All Fields] OR "lower urinary tract obstruction" [All Fields] OR "urethral valves" [All Fields] OR "megacystis" [All Fields] OR "urethral atresia" [All Fields] OR "megalourethra" [All Fields] AND "prenatal ultrasound" [All Fields] OR "maternal ultrasound" [All Fields] OR "ob-stetric ultrasound" [All Fields] OR "anhydramnios" [All Fields] OR "oligohydramnios" [All Fields] OR "renal echogenicity" [All Fields] OR "biomarkers" [All Fields] OR "fetal urine" [All Fields] OR "amniotic fluid" [All Fields] OR "beta2 microglobulin" [All Fields] OR "osmolarity" [All Fields] OR "proteome" [All Fields] AND "outcomes" [All Fields] OR "prognosis" [All Fields] OR "staging" [All Fields] OR "prognostic factors" [All Fields] OR "predictors" [All Fields] OR "renal function" [All Fields] OR "kidney function" [All Fields] OR "renal failure" [All Fields]. Two reviewers independently selected the articles in which the accuracy of prenatal imaging findings and fetal urinary analytes were evaluated to predict postnatal renal function. : Out of the 727 articles analyzed, 20 met the selection criteria, including 1049 fetuses. Regarding fetal imaging findings, the predictive value of the amniotic fluid was investigated by 15 articles, the renal appearance by 11, bladder findings by 4, and ureteral dilatation by 2. The postnatal renal function showed a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of oligo- or anhydramnion in four studies, with an abnormal echogenic/cystic renal cortical appearance in three studies. Single articles proved the statistical prognostic value of the amniotic fluid index, the renal parenchymal area, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured on fetal diffusion-weighted MRI, and the lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) stage (based on bladder volume at referral and gestational age at the appearance of oligo- or anhydramnios). Regarding the predictive value of fetal urinary analytes, sodium and β2-microglobulin were the two most common urinary analytes investigated (n = 10 articles), followed by calcium (n = 6), chloride (n = 5), urinary osmolarity (n = 4), and total protein (n = 3). Phosphorus, glucose, creatinine, and urea were analyzed by two articles, and ammonium, potassium, N-Acetyl-l3-D-glucosaminidase, and microalbumin were investigated by one article. The majority of the studies (n = 8) failed to prove the prognostic value of fetal urinary analytes. However, two studies showed that a favorable urinary biochemistry profile (made up of sodium < 100 mg/dL; calcium < 8 mg/dL; osmolality < 200 mOsm/L; β2-microglobulin < 4 mg/L; total protein < 20 mg/dL) could predict good postnatal renal outcomes with statistical significance and urinary levels of β2-microglobulin were significantly higher in fetuses that developed an impaired renal function in childhood (10.9 ± 5.0 mg/L vs. 1.3 ± 0.2 mg/L, -value < 0.05). : Several demographic data, fetal imaging parameters, and urinary analytes have been shown to play a role in reliably triaging fetuses with megacystis for the risk of adverse postnatal renal outcomes. We believe that this systematic review can help clinicians for counseling parents on the prognoses of their infants and identifying the selected cases eligible for antenatal intervention.
PubMed: 38611669
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070756 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024Oysters are enriched with high-quality protein and are widely known for their exquisite taste. The production of oysters plays an important role in the local economies... (Review)
Review
Oysters are enriched with high-quality protein and are widely known for their exquisite taste. The production of oysters plays an important role in the local economies of coastal communities in many countries, including Atlantic Canada, because of their high economic value. However, because of the changing climatic conditions in recent years, oyster aquaculture faces potentially negative impacts, such as increasing water acidification, rising water temperatures, high salinity, invasive species, algal blooms, and other environmental factors. Although a few isolated effects of climate change on oyster aquaculture have been reported in recent years, it is not well understood how climate change will affect oyster aquaculture from a systematic perspective. In the first part of this study, we present a systematic review of the impacts of climate change and some key environmental factors affecting oyster production on a global scale. The study also identifies knowledge gaps and challenges. In addition, we present key research directions that will facilitate future investigations.
Topics: Climate Change; Animals; Aquaculture; Ostreidae; Salinity
PubMed: 38437901
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118561 -
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT Jan 2024Lubricants play a pivotal role in human reproductive health, particularly concerning their impact on sperm parameters. In this systematic review, we assess the... (Review)
Review
Lubricants play a pivotal role in human reproductive health, particularly concerning their impact on sperm parameters. In this systematic review, we assess the implications of both synthetic and natural or organic lubricants on sperm health and fertility, based on a compilation of 20 distinct studies. Synthetic lubricants, including K-Y Jelly, Replens, and Astroglide, predominantly containing ingredients like methylparaben and glycerin, have been linked to detrimental effects on sperm motility and chromatin integrity. Chemical characteristics, notably osmolality and pH, are central to understanding these effects. Despite the World Health Organization's osmolality recommendation of 380 mOsm/kg, many commercial products surpass this. Natural solutions offer varied results, while olive oil exhibits unfavorable effects on sperm health, egg white proves non-toxic, potentially benefitting sperm health. Conversely, Pre-Seed, widely endorsed in the research community, generally demonstrates minimal adverse impact on sperm. The review highlights the significance of lubricant selection in evidence-based reproductive strategies.
PubMed: 38295779
DOI: 10.1002/jat.4582 -
The Journal of Knee Surgery Jun 2024Commonly used isotonic arthroscopic irrigation fluids, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's, were initially formulated for intravenous administration so they do...
Commonly used isotonic arthroscopic irrigation fluids, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's, were initially formulated for intravenous administration so they do not replicate the physiologic properties of healthy synovial fluid. Synovial fluid plays an important role in regulating joint homeostasis such that even transient disruptions in its composition and physiology can be detrimental. Previous studies suggest that hyperosmolar solutions may be a promising alternative to traditional isotonic fluids. This manuscript sought to systematically review and synthesize previously published basic science, translational, and clinical studies on the use of hyperosmolar arthroscopic irrigation fluids to delineate the optimal fluid for clinical use. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search phrases were: ("cartilage" AND "hyperosmolar"); ("arthroscopy" OR "arthroscopic" AND "hyperosmolar"). The titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened for studies on hyperosmolar solutions and articular cartilage. Study quality was assessed, and relevant data were collected. A meta-analysis was not performed due to study heterogeneity. A risk of bias assessment was performed on the included translational and clinical studies. There were 10 basic science studies, 2 studies performed in translational animal models, and 2 clinical studies included in this review. Of the basic science studies, 7 utilized a mechanical injury model. The translational studies were carried out in the canine shoulder and equine stifle (knee) joint. Clinical studies were performed in the shoulder and knee. Multiple basic science, translational, and clinical studies highlight the short-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and potential benefits associated with use of hyperosmolar solutions for arthroscopic irrigation. Further work is needed to develop and validate the ideal formulation for a hyperosmolar irrigation solution with proven long-term benefits for patients undergoing arthroscopic surgeries.
Topics: Arthroscopy; Therapeutic Irrigation; Humans; Animals; Saline Solution; Synovial Fluid; Cartilage, Articular; Osmolar Concentration
PubMed: 37879356
DOI: 10.1055/a-2198-8131 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Aug 2023Low-intake dehydration amongst older people, caused by insufficient fluid intake, is associated with mortality, multiple long-term health conditions and hospitalisation.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Low-intake dehydration amongst older people, caused by insufficient fluid intake, is associated with mortality, multiple long-term health conditions and hospitalisation. The prevalence of low-intake dehydration in older adults, and which groups are most at-risk, is unclear. We conducted a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis, implementing an innovative methodology, to establish the prevalence of low-intake dehydration in older people (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021241252).
METHOD
We systematically searched Medline (Ovid), Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase (Ovid), CINAHL and Proquest from inception until April 2023 and Nutrition and Food Sciences until March 2021. We included studies that assessed hydration status for non-hospitalised participants aged ≥65 years, by directly-measured serum/plasma osmolality, calculated serum/plasma osmolarity and/or 24-h oral fluid intake. Inclusion, data extraction and risk of bias assessment was carried out independently in duplicate.
RESULTS
From 11,077 titles and abstracts, we included 61 (22,398 participants), including 44 in quality-effects meta-analysis. Meta-analysis suggested that 24% (95% CI: 0.07, 0.46) of older people were dehydrated (assessed using directly-measured osmolality >300 mOsm/kg, the most reliable measure). Subgroup analyses indicated that both long-term care residents (34%, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.61) and community-dwelling older adults (19%, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.48) were highly likely to be dehydrated. Those with more pre-existing illnesses (37%, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.62) had higher low-intake dehydration prevalence than others (15%, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.43), and there was a non-significant suggestion that those with renal impairment (42%, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.61) were more likely to be dehydrated than others (23%, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.47), but there were no clear differences in prevalence by age, sex, functional, cognitive or diabetic status. GRADE quality of evidence was low as to the exact prevalence due to high levels of heterogeneity between studies.
CONCLUSION
Quality-effects meta-analysis estimated that a quarter of non-hospitalised older people were dehydrated. Widely varying prevalence rates in individual studies, from both long-term care and community groups, highlight that dehydration is preventable amongst older people.
IMPLICATIONS
One in every 4 older adults has low-intake dehydration. As dehydration is serious and prevalent, research is needed to better understand drinking behaviour and assess effectiveness of drinking interventions for older people.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Dehydration; Prevalence; Long-Term Care; Nutritional Status; Hospitalization
PubMed: 37330324
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.06.010 -
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Apr 2023Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) refers to the delivery of artificial nutrition via a peripheral intravenous cannula. As a nutritional intervention it remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) refers to the delivery of artificial nutrition via a peripheral intravenous cannula. As a nutritional intervention it remains under-utilised in peri-operative care. This is despite purported advantages which includes avoiding the risks associated with central venous lines and preventing potential delays to the initiation of nutrition support. This systematic review and meta-analysis will detail the available evidence for PPN use in surgery.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of the EMBASE and Medline databases was undertaken to identify randomised control trials (RCTs) involving PPN use in surgical patients published until July 30th 2022. Three domains of PPN use were reviewed including: PPN compared to crystalloid intravenous fluids on nutritional and clinical outcomes; PPN compared to Central PN (CPN) on nutritional outcomes and complications; and strategies to prevent thrombophlebitis associated with PPN.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 8 studies which included 698 patients. Use of PPN led to reduced post-operative weight loss (% body weight change) with a mean difference of -1.45% (95% CI -2.9 to -0.01, p = 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of length of stay, infectious/non-infectious complications, surgical site infections or phlebitis. 42 RCTs were included in the systematic review. 14 RCTs compared PPN to crystalloid infusion. There was significant heterogeneity in the trial populations, interventions and measured outcomes. Most trials found that PPN may improve nitrogen balance and positively impact nutritional markers. Quality of life and post-operative complications were either improved or no difference found in trials assessing these outcomes. Four RCTs showed that PPN is a safe and feasible alternative to CPN. 22 RCTs reported on measures that may impact on thrombophlebitis rates associated with PPN. These included lower osmolality of PPN solution, cyclical PPN delivery, use of a small gauge polyurethane cannula in an upper limb vein, addition of heparin/hydrocortisone to PPN solutions and placement of a GTN patch over infusion sites.
CONCLUSION
PPN is a safe and effective mode of delivery of peri-operative nutrition. It is a feasible short-term alternative to central-line delivered PN. There are a number of strategies to reduce thrombophlebitis associated with PPN use. Further high-quality RCTs are required to assess the use of PPN in contemporary surgical practice.
Topics: Humans; Parenteral Nutrition; Nutritional Support; Parenteral Nutrition Solutions; Thrombophlebitis; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 36963880
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.02.004 -
Medicine Mar 2023Preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is critical because of its association with poor clinical outcomes, including extended hospital stays and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury with probucol and hydration in patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is critical because of its association with poor clinical outcomes, including extended hospital stays and increased mortality. The effects of probucol on preventing CI-AKI have been controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the influence of probucol combined with hydration on the CI-AKI risk in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
METHODS
We retrieved data from the following databases from their inception to May 29, 2022: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (Sinomed), Wanfang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database. The methodological quality of the trials was assessed following the Cochrane Handbook guidelines, and Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0 software were used for the data analysis.
RESULTS
We included 14 trials comprising 3306 patients in the analysis. All included trials reported the CI-AKI incidence rate (the primary outcome). Probucol with hydration significantly reduced the CI-AKI incidence compared to hydration alone (odds ratio [OR]: 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-0.44, P < .001). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the contrast medium type (iso-osmolality vs low-osmolality contrast medium [LOCM]) and volume (less than or more than 200 mL); the effects of probucol with hydration versus hydration-only on CI-AKI were comparable within each subgroup. Additionally, the serum creatinine (Scr) concentration 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 72 hours after contrast exposure were better in the probucol with hydration group than the hydration-only group. Finally, major clinical adverse events and adverse drug reactions were comparable between the probucol with hydration and hydration-only groups.
CONCLUSION
Probucol with hydration decreases the CI-AKI incidence compared to hydration only in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing CAG or PCI. However, more high-quality, large-sample, multicenter randomized trials are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Topics: Humans; Probucol; Contrast Media; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Disease; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Acute Kidney Injury; Risk Factors; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36930109
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033273 -
Critical Care (London, England) Feb 2023Ethylene glycol (EG) is metabolized into glycolate and oxalate and may cause metabolic acidemia, neurotoxicity, acute kidney injury (AKI), and death. Historically,...
Ethylene glycol (EG) is metabolized into glycolate and oxalate and may cause metabolic acidemia, neurotoxicity, acute kidney injury (AKI), and death. Historically, treatment of EG toxicity included supportive care, correction of acid-base disturbances and antidotes (ethanol or fomepizole), and extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs), such as hemodialysis. With the wider availability of fomepizole, the indications for ECTRs in EG poisoning are debated. We conducted systematic reviews of the literature following published EXTRIP methods to determine the utility of ECTRs in the management of EG toxicity. The quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations, either strong ("we recommend") or weak/conditional ("we suggest"), were graded according to the GRADE approach. A total of 226 articles met inclusion criteria. EG was assessed as dialyzable by intermittent hemodialysis (level of evidence = B) as was glycolate (Level of evidence = C). Clinical data were available for analysis on 446 patients, in whom overall mortality was 18.7%. In the subgroup of patients with a glycolate concentration ≤ 12 mmol/L (or anion gap ≤ 28 mmol/L), mortality was 3.6%; in this subgroup, outcomes in patients receiving ECTR were not better than in those who did not receive ECTR. The EXTRIP workgroup made the following recommendations for the use of ECTR in addition to supportive care over supportive care alone in the management of EG poisoning (very low quality of evidence for all recommendations): i) Suggest ECTR if fomepizole is used and EG concentration > 50 mmol/L OR osmol gap > 50; or ii) Recommend ECTR if ethanol is used and EG concentration > 50 mmol/L OR osmol gap > 50; or iii) Recommend ECTR if glycolate concentration is > 12 mmol/L or anion gap > 27 mmol/L; or iv) Suggest ECTR if glycolate concentration 8-12 mmol/L or anion gap 23-27 mmol/L; or v) Recommend ECTR if there are severe clinical features (coma, seizures, or AKI). In most settings, the workgroup recommends using intermittent hemodialysis over other ECTRs. If intermittent hemodialysis is not available, CKRT is recommended over other types of ECTR. Cessation of ECTR is recommended once the anion gap is < 18 mmol/L or suggested if EG concentration is < 4 mmol/L. The dosage of antidotes (fomepizole or ethanol) needs to be adjusted during ECTR.
Topics: Humans; Antidotes; Fomepizole; Ethanol; Renal Dialysis; Glycolates; Ethylene Glycol; Poisoning
PubMed: 36765419
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-04227-2