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Veterinary Sciences Jun 2024Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) is a tick-borne disease affecting horses worldwide, caused by . The disease ranges from non-specific clinical signs to fatal... (Review)
Review
Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) is a tick-borne disease affecting horses worldwide, caused by . The disease ranges from non-specific clinical signs to fatal outcomes. This paper aimed to analyze EGA cases reported in peer-reviewed journals, particularly on clinico-pathological findings, diagnosis, and therapeutic management. Overall, 189 clinical cases from 31 publications were included in the study. Extensive symptomatology for the EGA cases was reported, of which mostly was fever (90.30%), followed by limb edema (48.51%), anorexia (41.79%), depression (32.84%), icterus (22.39%), ataxia (17.91), tachycardia (16.42%), and lethargy (15.67%). Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytopenia (90.32%), anemia (75%), decreased hematocrit (70.59%), leukopenia (55.88%), lymphopenia (58.14%), and neutropenia (41.67%) as the most common hematological abnormalities. For a subset of tested animals, hyperbilirubinemia (20/29), hyperfibrinogenemia (13/15), and hyponatremia (10/10) were also reported. The diagnosis was established by microscopic identification of morulae (in 153 cases), and/or PCR (120 cases), isolation (1 case), or serology (56 cases). For treatment, oxytetracycline was used in the majority (52.24%) of EGA cases, but recovery without antibiotherapy (10.34%) was also noted. In conclusion, the variety of clinical and pathological findings and the challenging therapeutic approaches reported suggest that EGA should be included in the differential diagnosis when fever occurs.
PubMed: 38922016
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11060269 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024Compartment syndrome is a well-known phenomenon that is most commonly reported in the extremities. However, paralumbar compartment syndrome is rarely described in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Compartment syndrome is a well-known phenomenon that is most commonly reported in the extremities. However, paralumbar compartment syndrome is rarely described in available literature. The authors present a case of paralumbar compartment syndrome after high intensity deadlifting.
CASE PRESENTATION
53-year-old male who presented with progressively worsening low back pain and paresthesias one day after high-intensity deadlifting. Laboratory testing found the patient to be in rhabdomyolysis; he was admitted for intravenous fluid resuscitation and pain control. Orthopedics was consulted, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed significant paravertebral edema and loss of muscle striation. Given the patient's lack of improvement with intravenous and oral pain control, clinical and radiographic findings, there was significant concern for acute paralumbar compartment syndrome. The patient subsequently underwent urgent fasciotomy of bilateral paralumbar musculature with delayed closure.
CONCLUSION
Given the paucity of literature on paralumbar compartment syndrome, the authors' goal is to promote awareness of the diagnosis, as it should be included in the differential diagnosis of intractable back pain after high exertional exercise. The current literature suggests that operative cases of paralumbar compartment syndromes have a higher rate of return to pre-operative function compared to those treated non-operatively. This case report further supports this notion. The authors recommend further study into this phenomenon, given its potential to result in persistent chronic exertional pain and irreversible tissue damage.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Compartment Syndromes; Low Back Pain; Rhabdomyolysis; Lifting
PubMed: 38909253
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04860-3 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest subtype of stroke. Surgery remains a vital measure for life-saving in emergency situations, however, the recovery of...
BACKGROUND
Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest subtype of stroke. Surgery remains a vital measure for life-saving in emergency situations, however, the recovery of post-operative patients is not optimistic. This study aimed to evaluate the evidence of the efficacy and safety of Xingnaojing injection (XNJ) for post-operative patients of ICH.
METHODS
From inception to 31 January 2024, we searched eight representative databases for randomized controlled trials on post-operative patients of ICH treated with XNJ. A meta-analysis was conducted using R4.2.2, and the quality of the evidence was evaluated by GRADE criteria.
RESULTS
The results indicated that the combination of XNJ with conventional western medicine therapy improved the total efficiency rate (RR = 1.26; 95% CI [1.21 to 1.32]; < 0.0001), reduced the all-cause mortality within 15 days (RR = 0.45; 95% CI [0.30 to 0.67]; < 0.0001), decreased the volume of hematoma (MD = -4.72; 95% CI [-7.43 to -2.01]; = 0.0006) and perihematomal edema (MD = -4.11; 95% CI [-8.11 to -0.11]; = 0.0441), reduced the TNF-α levels (SMD = -1.61, 95% CI [-2.23 to -0.99], < 0.0001), decreased neurological impairment (SMD = -1.44; 95% CI [-1.78 to -1.11]; < 0.0001), improved the activities of daily living (SMD = 1.22; 95% CI [0.78 to 1.66]; < 0.0001), and enhanced the consciousness level (MD = 2.08, 95% CI [1.22 to 2.93], < 0.0001). In addition, the complications of the combination therapy group were lower (RR = 0.43; 95% CI [0.35 to 0.54]; < 0.0001) and the adverse drug reactions were comparable to the control group (RR = 0.89; 95% CI [0.55 to 1.45]; = 0.6521). The trial sequential analysis results showed that the sample size is sufficient.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence indicates that XNJ can enhance the efficiency, reduce mortality, and lower the incidence of complications, while demonstrating good tolerability of post-operative patients of ICH. However, the level of evidence from existing studies is relatively weak, and only prove short-term effects, and high-quality RCTs are needed to further verify the accuracy of these conclusions. identifier (PROSPERO 2024 CRD42024503006). https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024503006, Identifier CRD42024503006.
PubMed: 38898923
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1411026 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for cerebral hemorrhage, despite not being included in current guideline recommendations....
BACKGROUND
Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for cerebral hemorrhage, despite not being included in current guideline recommendations. Investigating the underlying physiological and pathological mechanisms of Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide in cerebral hemorrhage treatment remains a critical area of research.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide in cerebral hemorrhage treatment and elucidate its potential biological mechanisms, thereby providing evidence to support treatment optimization.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang Database) was conducted for studies published up to September 2023. Screening and data extraction were performed by a team of researchers. The Cochrane collaboration tool was utilized for risk bias assessment, and Revman 5.3 along with Stata 17.0 were employed for statistical analysis.
OUTCOMES
We searched 254 literature, and 19 were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide improved the clinical efficacy rate (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.19-1.31; = 0.00), quality of life (MD = 13.93, 95% CI: 11.88-15.98; = 0.000), increased cerebral blood flow and velocity, reduced cerebral edema volume, Hcy concentration, and did not have obvious adverse reactions (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.39-1.18; = 0.10).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis is the first to demonstrate the potential of Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide in treating cerebral hemorrhage. It suggests that Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide may alleviate clinical symptoms by modulating neurological function and improving hemodynamics. Our findings provide robust evidence for incorporating Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide into cerebral hemorrhage treatment strategies, potentially guiding future clinical practice and research.
PubMed: 38881880
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1360932 -
Medicine Jun 2024Budesonide, capable of reducing vascular permeability, suppressing mucus secretion, and alleviating edema and spasms, is widely used in China for combined infectious... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Budesonide, capable of reducing vascular permeability, suppressing mucus secretion, and alleviating edema and spasms, is widely used in China for combined infectious disease treatment. This study assesses budesonide's efficacy and safety as an adjunct to azithromycin in pediatric Mycoplasma pneumonia management in China, aiming to establish a strong theoretical foundation for its clinical application.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search for qualifying studies across 5 English databases and 4 Chinese databases, covering publications until October 31, 2023. Endpoint analyses were performed using standard software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). This study was conducted in compliance with the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
RESULTS
A total of 24 randomized controlled trials were involved in the current study, including 2034 patients. Our findings indicate that the combination of budesonide with azithromycin for the treatment of pediatric Mycoplasma pneumonia delivers superior therapeutic efficacy (Intravenous: odds ratio [OR], 0.156, P < .001; Sequential: OR, 0.163, P = .001; Oral: OR, 0.139, P < .001), improved pulmonary function (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second: weighted mean differences [WMD], -0.28, P = .001; Peak expiratory flow: WMD, -0.554, P = .002; Forced vital capacity: WMD, -0.321, P < .001), diminished lung inflammation (IL-6: WMD, 4.760, P = .002; c-reactive protein: WMD, 5.520, P < .001; TNF-α: WMD, 9.124, P < .001), reduced duration of fever, faster resolution of cough and rales, all without increasing the occurrence of adverse events.
CONCLUSION
The combination of budesonide and azithromycin demonstrates enhanced therapeutic effectiveness, promotes improved pulmonary function, shortens the duration of symptoms, and effectively mitigates the overexpression of inflammatory factors like c-reactive protein, TNF-α, and IL-6, all without an associated increase in adverse reactions in pediatric mycoplasma pneumonia.
Topics: Humans; Azithromycin; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Budesonide; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; China; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Administration, Inhalation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Child, Preschool; East Asian People
PubMed: 38875395
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038332 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024Several conflicting reviews have concluded that the use of loop diuretics is associated with poorer clinical and safety outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to...
BACKGROUND
Several conflicting reviews have concluded that the use of loop diuretics is associated with poorer clinical and safety outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan as an adjunct to conventional diuretic therapy in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library until 24 May 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of tolvaptan with conventional therapy and placebo in patients with AHF. The quality assessment of the included trials was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to examine the dosage effect of tolvaptan.
RESULT
A total of 17 studies with 18 reports, involving 10,039 patients, were selected. The tolvaptan add-on therapy significantly alleviated dyspnea [24 h: RR 1.16 (1.04, 1.29), 48 h: RR 1.18 (1.04, 1.33)], reduced body weight within 48 h [Asian group, MD -0.93 (-1.48, -0.38); non-Asian group, MD -2.76 (-2.88, -2.65)], reduced edema [RR 1.08 (1.02, 1.15)], increased serum sodium [non-Asian group, MD 3.40 (3.02, 3.78)], and resulted in a change in serum creatinine [MD -0.10 (-0.18, -0.01)]. No significant differences were observed in mortality and rehospitalization. The NMA suggested that an intermediate dosage (15 mg/day) might offer the best efficacy in reducing dyspnea within 24 h, reducing edema, increasing serum sodium, and lowering the incidence of worsening renal function (WRF).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the meta-analysis showed that tolvaptan contributed to the short-term alleviation of congestive symptoms, elevated sodium levels, and a lower incidence of WRF. However, no significant benefits were observed in long-term symptoms, rehospitalization rates, and mortality. An intermediate dosage of tolvaptan might be considered the optimal choice for various clinical outcomes.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO (CRD42023420288).
PubMed: 38873266
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1367442 -
European Journal of Radiology Jun 2024Systematic reviews on the grading of STS using MRI are lacking. This review analyses the role of different MRI features in inferring the histological grade of STS. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Systematic reviews on the grading of STS using MRI are lacking. This review analyses the role of different MRI features in inferring the histological grade of STS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was conducted and is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist. The electronic databases of PubMed/MEDLINE were systematically searched for literature addressing the correlation of MRI findings in soft tissue sarcoma with tumor grade. As keywords "MRI", "magnetic resonance imaging", "sarcoma", "grade", "grading", and "FNCLCC" have been selected.
RESULTS
14 studies have been included in this systematic review. Tumor size (p = 0.015 (51 patients) to p = 0.81 (36 patients)), tumor margin (p < 0.001 (95 patients) to 0.93 (36 patients)), necrosis (p = 0.004 (50 patients) to p = 0.65 (95 patients)), peritumoral edema (p = 0.002 (130 patients) to p = 0.337 (40 patients)), contrast enhancement (p < 0.01 (50 patients) to 0.019 (51 patients)) and polycyclic/multilobulated tumor configuration (p = 0.008 (71 patients)) were significantly associated with STS malignancy grade in most of the included studies. Heterogeneity in T2w images (p = 0.003 (130 patients) to 0.202 (40 patients)), signal intensity in T1w images/ hemorrhage (p = 0.02 (130 patients) to 0.5 (31 patients)), peritumoral contrast enhancement (p < 0.001 (95 patients) to 0.253 (51 patients)) and tumoral diffusion restriction (p = 0.01 (51 patients) to 0.53 (52 patients)) were regarded as significantly associated with FNCLCC grade in some of the studies which investigated these features. Most other MRI features were not significant.
CONCLUSION
Several MRI features, such as tumor size, necrosis, peritumoral edema, peritumoral contrast enhancement, intratumoral contrast enhancement, and polycyclic/multilobulated tumor configuration may indicate the malignancy grade of STS. However, further studies are needed to gain consensus.
PubMed: 38852328
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111548 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Jun 2024The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health issue. In COVID-19 patients, the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines lead to the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health issue. In COVID-19 patients, the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines lead to the manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms, such as lung tissue edema, lung diffusion dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), secondary infection, and ultimately mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, thus providing a potential treatment option for COVID-19. The number of clinical trials of MSCs for COVID-19 has been rising. However, the treatment protocols and therapeutic effects of MSCs for COVID-19 patients are inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to systematically determine the safety and efficacy of MSC infusion in COVID-19 patients.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive literature search from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to 22 November 2023 to screen for eligible randomized controlled trials. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for searched literature were formulated according to the PICOS principle, followed by the use of literature quality assessment tools to assess the risk of bias. Finally, outcome measurements including therapeutic efficacy, clinical symptoms, and adverse events of each study were extracted for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were collected. The results of enrolled studies demonstrated that patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who received MSC inoculation showed a decreased mortality compared with counterparts who received conventional treatment (RR: 0.76; 95% CI [0.60, 0.96]; p = 0.02). Reciprocally, MSC inoculation improved the clinical symptoms in patients (RR: 1.28; 95% CI [1.06, 1.55]; p = 0.009). In terms of immune biomarkers, MSC treatment inhibited inflammation responses in COVID-19 patients, as was indicated by the decreased levels of CRP and IL-6. Importantly, our results showed that no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions or serious adverse events were monitored in patients after MSC inoculation.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis demonstrated that MSC inoculation is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Without increasing the incidence of adverse events or serious adverse events, MSC treatment decreased patient mortality and inflammatory levels and improved the clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. However, large-cohort randomized controlled trials with expanded numbers of patients are required to further confirm our results.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome; Mesenchymal Stem Cells
PubMed: 38851730
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05358-6 -
Aging Jun 2024This meta-analysis aimed to describe the efficacy of bumetanide in improving infarct volume, brain edema, and behavioral outcomes in animal models of cerebral ischemia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis aimed to describe the efficacy of bumetanide in improving infarct volume, brain edema, and behavioral outcomes in animal models of cerebral ischemia. Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to February 2024 (INPLASY:202430023). Data on the animal species, stroke model, drug dose, time of treatment, method of administration, study quality, and outcomes were extracted and pooled in a meta-analysis. The combined standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models. Thirteen eligible studies involving >200 animals fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analyses demonstrated that bumetanide treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.75, -0.09; < 0.01; = 186 animals) and consistently relieved brain edema (SMD: -1.39; 95% CI: -2.06, -0.72; < 0.01; = 64 animals). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that bumetanide treatment reduced infarct volume in transient but not permanent cerebral ischemia models. When administered after the stroke, it was more effective than treatment initiation before the stroke. Eight studies assessed the effect of bumetanide on behavioral function and the results showed that bumetanide treatment significantly improved neurobehavioral deficits (SMD: -2.35; 95% CI: -2.72, -1.97; < 0.01; = 250 animals). We conclude that bumetanide appears to be effective in reducing infarct volume and brain edema and improving behavioral recovery in animal models of cerebral ischemia. This mechanism needs to be confirmed through further investigation.
Topics: Bumetanide; Animals; Ischemic Stroke; Disease Models, Animal; Brain Edema; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 38850525
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205910 -
PloS One 2024Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections have emerged as the most common therapeutic approach for the management of diabetic macular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
Comparative efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor on diabetic macular edema diagnosed with different patterns of optical coherence tomography: A network meta-analysis.
Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections have emerged as the most common therapeutic approach for the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). Despite their proven superiority over other interventions, there is a paucity of data regarding the relative effectiveness of anti-VEGF agents in treating DME diagnosed with different patterns of optical coherence tomography (OCT). In this regard, we conducted a systematic review and comparative analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, and conbercept in the management of DME with diffuse retinal thickening (DRT), cystoid macular edema (CME), and serous retinal detachment (SRD) patterns identified using OCT. Our study encompassed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan Fang Data from their inception until January 25, 2023. The network meta-analysis involved the inclusion of 1606 patients from 20 retrospective studies with a moderate risk of bias but no evidence of publication bias. The DRT group had the highest increase in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with anti-VEGF, while the SRD group had the greatest reduction in Central Macular Thickness (CMT). Furthermore, conbercept, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab, respectively, showed the best treatment outcomes for patients with DRT, CME, and SRD in terms of improvement in BCVA. And, conbercept exhibited the highest reduction in CMT in the DRT, CME, and SRD groups. In conclusion, our study highlights the efficacy of anti-VEGF agents in the management of DME and provides valuable insights into the selection of anti-VEGF agents tailored to the individual needs of patients.
Topics: Humans; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Bevacizumab; Diabetic Retinopathy; Intravitreal Injections; Macular Edema; Network Meta-Analysis; Ranibizumab; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 38848379
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304283