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International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Bladder cancer (BCa) research relying on Omics approaches has increased over the last few decades, improving the understanding of BCa pathology and contributing to a... (Review)
Review
Bladder cancer (BCa) research relying on Omics approaches has increased over the last few decades, improving the understanding of BCa pathology and contributing to a better molecular classification of BCa subtypes. To gain further insight into the molecular profile underlying the development of BCa, a systematic literature search was performed in PubMed until November 2023, following the PRISMA guidelines. This search enabled the identification of 25 experimental studies using mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance-based approaches to characterize the metabolite signature associated with BCa. A total of 1562 metabolites were identified to be altered by BCa in different types of samples. Urine samples displayed a higher likelihood of containing metabolites that are also present in bladder tumor tissue and cell line cultures. The data from these comparisons suggest that increased concentrations of L-isoleucine, L-carnitine, oleamide, palmitamide, arachidonic acid and glycoursodeoxycholic acid and decreased content of deoxycytidine, 5-aminolevulinic acid and pantothenic acid should be considered components of a BCa metabolome signature. Overall, molecular profiling of biological samples by metabolomics is a promising approach to identifying potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of different BCa subtypes. However, future studies are needed to understand its biological significance in the context of BCa and to validate its clinical application.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers, Tumor; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Urinary Bladder; Metabolomics; Metabolome
PubMed: 38542319
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063347 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024This review aims to delineate the potential impact of static meditation practice on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane... (Review)
Review
This review aims to delineate the potential impact of static meditation practice on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically screened up until December 2023 to identify pertinent studies. After searching the scientific literature, 16 clinical studies (11 trials and 5 observational experiments) met the criteria for inclusion, involving a total of 1147 participants. In general, Ayurvedic-based meditation techniques were predominantly associated with lower total cholesterol levels, mindfulness-based techniques demonstrated benefits in both total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and Eastern meditation techniques with spiritual origins were primarily linked to improved serum concentrations of HDL cholesterol. Study participants mostly engaged in meditation on a daily basis, often practicing it once or even twice a day, spanning a duration ranging from a few weeks to several months. The meta-analysis shows an association between meditation practice in healthy or sub-healthy adults and reduced cholesterol levels, with an average decrease of approximately -14 mg/dL (MD = -13.91 [-23.35; -4.47] mg/dL; = 0.02), alongside favorable and even more pronounced impacts on triglyceride levels (MD = -32.56 [-48.44; -16.68] mg/dL; < 0.01). In summary, regular engagement in static meditation practices can be associated with lower triglyceride and, to a lesser extent, cholesterol levels. Further studies on the topic are recommended to better investigate the relationship between meditation practice and physiological parameters.
PubMed: 38540618
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12060655 -
PloS One 2024An important cellular barrier to maintain the stability of the brain's internal and external environment is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It also prevents harmful... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Electroacupuncture stimulation enhances the permeability of the blood-brain barrier: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical evidence and possible mechanisms.
An important cellular barrier to maintain the stability of the brain's internal and external environment is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It also prevents harmful substances from entering brain tissue through blood circulation while providing protection for the central nervous system. It should be noted, however, that the intact BBB can be a barrier to the transport of most drugs into the brain via the conventional route of administration, which can prevent them from reaching effective concentrations for the treatment of disorders affecting the central nervous system. Electroacupuncture stimulation has been shown to be effective at opening the BBB in a series of experimental studies. This study systematically analyzes the possibility and mechanism by which electroacupuncture opens the BBB. In PubMed, Web of Science, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, papers have been published for nearly 22 years aimed at opening the BBB and its associated structures. A comparison of EB content between electroacupuncture and control was selected as the primary outcome. There were also results on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), P-Glycoprotein (P-gp), Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We utilized Review Manager software analysis to analyze correlations between studies with a view to exploring the mechanisms of similarity. Evans Blue infiltration forest plot: pooled effect size of 2.04, 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.87, P < 0.01. These results indicate that electroacupuncture significantly increases EB penetration across the BBB. Most studies have reported that GFAP, MMP-9, and VEGF were upregulated after treatment. P-gp expression decreased as well. Electroacupuncture can open the BBB, and the sparse-dense wave is currently the most effective electroacupuncture frequency for opening the BBB. VEGF plays an important role in opening the BBB. It is also important to regulate the expression of MMP-9 and GFAP and inhibit the expression of P-gp.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Blood-Brain Barrier; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Electroacupuncture; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B; Permeability
PubMed: 38536776
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298533 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Studies have shown that sphingomyelin (SM) and its metabolites play signaling roles in the regulation of human health. Endogenous SM is involved in metabolic syndrome...
BACKGROUND
Studies have shown that sphingomyelin (SM) and its metabolites play signaling roles in the regulation of human health. Endogenous SM is involved in metabolic syndrome (MetS), while dietary SM supplementation may maintain lipid metabolism and prevent or alleviate MetS. Therefore, we hypothesized that dietary SM supplementation is beneficial for human health.
AIMS
In order to examine the impacts of dietary SM on metabolic indexes in adults without MetS, we performed a meta-analysis to test our hypothesis.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials that were conducted between 2003 and 2023 to examine the effects of dietary SM supplementation on metabolic parameters in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. RevMan 5.4 and Stata 14.0 software were used for meta-analysis, a sensitivity analysis, the risk of bias, and the overall quality of the resulted evidence.
RESULTS
Eventually, 10 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Dietary SM supplementation did not affect the endline blood SM level. When compared to the control, SM supplementation reduced the blood total cholesterol level [MD: -12.97, 95% CI: (-14.57, -11.38), < 0.00001], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level [MD: -6.62, 95% CI: (-10.74, -2.49), = 0.002], and diastolic blood pressure [MD: -3.31; 95% CI (-4.03, -2.58), < 0.00001] in adults without MetS. The supplementation also increased high-density lipoprotein level [MD:1.41, 95% CI: (0.94, 1.88), < 0.00001] and muscle fiber conduction velocity [MD: 95% 1.21 CI (0.53, 1.88), = 0.0005]. The intake of SM had no effect on the blood phospholipids and lyso-phosphatidylcholine, but slightly decreased phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol concentrations. Dietary SM supplementation reduced insulin level [MD: -0.63; 95% CI (-0.96, -0.31), = 0.0001] and HOMA-IR [MD: -0.23; 95% CI (-0.31, -0.16), < 0.00001] without affecting blood levels of glucose and inflammatory cytokines.
CONCLUSION
Overall, dietary SM supplementation had a protective effect on blood lipid profiles and insulin level, but had limited impacts on other metabolic parameters in adults without MetS. More clinical trials and basic research are required.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023438460.
PubMed: 38463938
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1363077 -
Journal of Sport and Health Science Jul 2024Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology has allowed for the measurement of cerebral and skeletal muscle oxygenation simultaneously during exercise. Since this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology has allowed for the measurement of cerebral and skeletal muscle oxygenation simultaneously during exercise. Since this technology has been growing and is now successfully used in laboratory and sports settings, this systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence and enhance an integrative understanding of blood flow adjustments and oxygen (O) changes (i.e., the balance between O delivery and O consumption) within the cerebral and muscle systems during exercise.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to search for relevant studies that simultaneously investigated cerebral and muscle hemodynamic changes using the near-infrared spectroscopy system during exercise. This review considered manuscripts written in English and available before February 9, 2023. Each step of screening involved evaluation by 2 independent authors, with disagreements resolved by a third author. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.
RESULTS
Twenty studies were included, of which 80% had good methodological quality, and involved 290 young or middle-aged adults. Different types of exercises were used to assess cerebral and muscle hemodynamic changes, such as cycling (n = 11), treadmill (n = 1), knee extension (n = 5), isometric contraction of biceps brachii (n = 3), and duet swim routines (n = 1). The cerebral hemodynamics analysis was focused on the frontal cortex (n = 20), while in the muscle, the analysis involved vastus lateralis (n = 18), gastrocnemius (n = 3), biceps brachii (n = 5), deltoid (n = 1), and intercostal muscle (n = 1). Overall, muscle deoxygenation increases during exercise, reaching a plateau in voluntary exhaustion, while in the brain, oxyhemoglobin concentration increases with exercise intensity, reaching a plateau or declining at the exhaustion point.
CONCLUSION
Muscle and cerebral oxygenation respond differently to exercise, with muscle increasing O utilization and cerebral tissue increasing O delivery during exercise. However, at the exhaustion point, both muscle and cerebral oxygenation become compromised. This is characterized by a reduction in blood flow and a decrease in O extraction in the muscle, while in the brain, oxygenation reaches a plateau or decline, potentially resulting in motor failure during exercise.
Topics: Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen Consumption; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Exercise; Brain; Hemodynamics; Oxygen; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Adult
PubMed: 38462172
DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2024.03.003 -
Heliyon Mar 2024With a wide range of dental implants currently used in clinical scenarios, evidence is limited on selecting the type of dental implant best suited to endure the biting... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With a wide range of dental implants currently used in clinical scenarios, evidence is limited on selecting the type of dental implant best suited to endure the biting force of missing teeth. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a reliable technology which has been applied in dental implantology to study the distribution of biomechanical stress within the bone and dental implants.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to perform a systematic review to evaluate the biomechanical properties of dental implants regarding their length and diameter using FEA.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies published in English from October 2003 to October 2023. Data were organized based on the following topics: area, bone layers, type of bone, design of implant, implant material, diameter of implant, length of implant, stress units, type of loading, experimental validation, convergence analysis, boundary conditions, parts of Finite Element Model, stability factor, study variables, and main findings. The present study is registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42022382211.
RESULTS
The query yielded 852 results, of which 40 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected in this study. The diameter and length of the dental implants were found to significantly influence the stress distribution in cortical and cancellous bone, respectively. Implant diameter was identified as a key factor in minimizing peri-implant stress concentrations and avoiding crestal overloading. In terms of stress reduction, implant length becomes increasingly important as bone density decreases.
CONCLUSIONS
The diameter of dental implants is more important than implant length in reducing bone stress distribution and improving implant stability under both static and immediate loading conditions. Short implants with a larger diameter were found to generate lower stresses than longer implants with a smaller diameter. Other potential influential design factors including implant system, cantilever length, thread features, and abutment collar height should also be considered in future implant design as they may also have an impact on implant performance.
PubMed: 38434362
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26876 -
The Science of the Total Environment Apr 2024Synthetic musks (SMs) have served as cost-effective substitutes for natural musk compounds in personal care and daily chemical products for decades. Their widespread use... (Review)
Review
Synthetic musks (SMs) have served as cost-effective substitutes for natural musk compounds in personal care and daily chemical products for decades. Their widespread use has led to their detection in various environmental matrices, raising concerns about potential risks. Despite numerous studies on SM levels in different natural environments, a systematic review of their contemporary presence is lacking. This review aims to address this gap by summarising recent research developments on SMs in diverse natural environments, including river water, lake water, seawater, estuarine water, groundwater, snow, meltwater, sediments, aquatic suspended matter, soils, sands, outdoor air, and atmospheric particulate matter. Covering the period from 2010 to 2023, the review focuses on four SM categories: nitro, polycyclic, macrocyclic, and alicyclic. It systematically examines their sources, occurrences, concentrations, spatial and temporal variations, and fate. The literature reveals widespread detection of SMs in the natural environment (freshwater and sediments in particular), with polycyclic musks being the most studied group. Both direct (e.g., wastewater discharges) and indirect (e.g., human recreational activities) sources contribute to SM presence. Levels of SMs vary greatly among studies with higher levels observed in certain regions, such as sediments in Southeast Asia. Spatial and temporal variations are also evident. The fate of SMs in the environment depends on their physicochemical properties and environmental processes, including bioaccumulation, biodegradation, photodegradation, adsorption, phase exchange, hydro-dilution effects. Biodegradation and photodegradation can decrease SM levels, but may produce more persistent and eco-toxic products. Modelling approaches have been employed to analyse SM fate, especially for indirect processes like photodegradation or long-distance atmospheric transport. Future studies should further investigate the complex fate if SMs and their environmental influence. This review enhances understanding of SM status in the natural environment and supports efforts to control environmental contamination.
Topics: Humans; Fresh Water; Wastewater; Biodegradation, Environmental; Seawater; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Benzopyrans; Tetrahydronaphthalenes
PubMed: 38432391
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171344 -
Medicine Mar 2024Previous studies on the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and sarcopenia have yielded contradictory results. This meta-analysis and literature review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous studies on the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and sarcopenia have yielded contradictory results. This meta-analysis and literature review assessed the association between serum UA levels and sarcopenia. Moreover, we conducted a comparative analysis of the differences in serum UA concentrations between individuals with and without sarcopenia.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across various medical databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang (from the start to August 20, 2023). This search focused on published studies that investigated the relationship between serum UA levels and sarcopenia. The relationship between serum UA concentration and the occurrence of sarcopenia was analyzed, and the differences in serum UA concentrations between individuals with sarcopenia and control groups were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 11.0 and R 4.1.3.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were considered for our analysis. The results indicated a significant association between low serum UA concentration and a higher sarcopenia risk, particularly among male patients (adjusted odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49, 0.87, P = .004, I2 = 0%). Individuals with sarcopenia exhibited decreased serum UA concentrations compared with those of the control group (mmol/L: weighted mean difference = -28.25, 95% CI = -40.45, -16.05, P < .001; mg/dL: weighted mean difference = -0.82, 95% CI = -1.05, -0.58, P < .001). Additionally, serum UA concentration was positively correlated with skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength (skeletal muscle index: correlation coefficient = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.22, P < .001; handgrip strength: common odds ratios = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.14, P < .001).
CONCLUSION
Individuals with sarcopenia have relatively low serum UA concentrations. A notable correlation between serum UA concentration and sarcopenia was observed. Hence, monitoring UA levels could aid in the early detection and treatment of sarcopenia, enabling timely intervention to preserve muscle mass and strength.
Topics: Humans; Hand Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Research Design; Sarcopenia; Uric Acid
PubMed: 38428844
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037376 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Apr 2024Orthodontic acrylic resins containing antimicrobial photocatalytic nanoparticles aims to reduce oral lesions including denture stomatitis and white spot lesions but they... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Orthodontic acrylic resins containing antimicrobial photocatalytic nanoparticles aims to reduce oral lesions including denture stomatitis and white spot lesions but they should not imperil its mechanical properties. This systematic review was done to evaluate the effect of various photocatalytic nanoparticles on the flexural strength (FS) of acrylic resins.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We systematically searched the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from January 2018 to October 2023. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using the QUIN tool, which is specifically designed to assess the risk of bias in vitro studies.
RESULTS
Following screening of 1016 initial records, 23 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. The addition of photocatalytic nanoparticles, such as emodin (Emo), curcumin (Cur), Cur nisin (CurNis), zeolite/zinc oxide (Zeo/ZnO), and Ulva lactuca (U. lactuca), to acrylic resins resulted in a reduction in FS, with the extent of reduction dependent on the nanoparticle concentration. Specifically, the addition of Emo (≥0.5 %), Cur (≥0.5 %), CurNis (≥5 %), Zeo/ZnO (≥2), and U. lactuca (≥1 %) to acrylic resins significantly decreased FS. Conversely, the inclusion of ZnO and titanium dioxide (TiO) in acrylic resins improved FS, but higher concentrations (≥5 % for TiO) had a limited positive effect.
CONCLUSION
Our study supports the use of low concentrations of photocatalytic nanoparticles, such as ZnO (≤2 %), TiO (≤3 %), Emo (≤0.5 %), Cur (≤0.5 %), CurNis (≤5 %), and U. lactuca (≤1 %), in orthodontic acrylic resins without compromising FS.
Topics: Acrylic Resins; Nanoparticles; Flexural Strength; Anti-Infective Agents; Photochemotherapy; Humans
PubMed: 38401821
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104021 -
PloS One 2024The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unforeseen impacts on sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) services worldwide, and the nature and prevalence of these changes have...
OBJECTIVES
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unforeseen impacts on sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) services worldwide, and the nature and prevalence of these changes have not been extensively synthesized. We sought to synthesise reported outcomes on the impact of COVID-19 on SRH access and delivery in comparable countries with universal healthcare systems.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL from January 1st, 2020 to June 6th, 2023. Original research was eligible for inclusion if the study reported on COVID-19 and SRH access and/or delivery. Twenty-eight OECD countries with comparable economies and universal healthcare systems were included. We extracted study characteristics, participant characteristics, study design, and outcome variables. The methodological quality of each article was assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed for reporting the results. This study was registered on PROSPERO (#CRD42021245596).
SYNTHESIS
Eighty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Findings were qualitatively synthesised into the domains of: antepartum care, intrapartum care, postpartum care, assisted reproductive technologies, abortion access, gynaecological care, sexual health services, and HIV care. Research was concentrated in relatively few countries. Access and delivery were negatively impacted by a variety of factors, including service disruptions, unclear communication regarding policy decisions, decreased timeliness of care, and fear of COVID-19 exposure. Across outpatient services, providers favoured models of care that avoided in-person appointments. Hospitals prioritized models of care that reduced time and number of people in hospital and aerosol-generating environments.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, studies demonstrated reduced access and delivery across most domains of SRH services during COVID-19. Variations in service restrictions and accommodations were heterogeneous within countries and between institutions. Future work should examine long-term impacts of COVID-19, underserved populations, and underrepresented countries.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Pandemics; Universal Health Care; COVID-19; Delivery of Health Care; Sexual Behavior; Reproductive Health Services
PubMed: 38394146
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294744