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PloS One 2022Rifaximin and lactulose are widely used in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE); however, data on whether the combined use of rifaximin and lactulose could yield... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Rifaximin and lactulose are widely used in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE); however, data on whether the combined use of rifaximin and lactulose could yield additional benefits for patients with HE are limited and inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the treatment effectiveness of rifaximin plus lactulose versus lactulose alone in patients with HE. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for eligible RCTs from their inception until November 2020. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to calculate pooled effect estimates for the treatment effectiveness of rifaximin plus lactulose versus lactulose alone by using the random-effects model. Sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses were also performed. We included 7 RCTs enrolling 843 patients with HE. We noted that the use of rifaximin plus lactulose was associated with an increased incidence of effective rate than lactulose alone (RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10-1.53; P = 0.002). Moreover, the use of rifaximin plus lactulose was associated with a reduced risk of mortality as compared with lactulose alone (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.80; P = 0.001). This study found that the use of rifaximin in combination with lactulose could provide additional benefits in terms of increased effective rate and decreased mortality than lactulose alone in patients with HE.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Humans; Lactulose; Rifaximin; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35471992
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267647 -
Frontiers in Oral Health 2022The aim of this systematic review of published literature was to answer the research question, "What is the difference in the level of plaque quantity, in adults and...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this systematic review of published literature was to answer the research question, "What is the difference in the level of plaque quantity, in adults and children who chew sugar-free gum (SFG), compared with those who do not chew SFG, who do not chew gum, or who use alternatives such as probiotics or fluoride varnish?".
METHODS
The systematic review [registered on PROSPERO 2018 (CRD42018094676)] included studies on adults and children with chewing of SFG as the main intervention, where "sugar" referred to monosaccharides and disaccharides. Included studies were in English and corresponded to primary research published between 1946 and 2020. The search conducted spanned all relevant databases using both Medical Subject Headings (MESH) and free text with combinations of "chewing gum," "sugar-free," "caries," "xerostomia," "periodontal disease."
RESULTS
Eight articles included plaque quantity as part of their outcomes. Meta-analysis showed that SFG significantly reduced plaque quantity (effect size-0.778; 95% CI-1.167 to-0.39). The correlation between the baseline and the end of study data was assumed to be 0.95 for the control and 0.65 for the SFG group. A sensitivity analysis was conducted with the pre- to post-test correlation, set at 0.95 for the SFG group. This gave an effect size of-1.098 (95% CI-1.539 to-0.656) with = 89.73%. When looking more specifically at xylitol gum, the results of the meta-analysis showed that it significantly reduced plaque quantity (effect size-0.743; 95% CI-1.148 to-0.338). There was a high degree of heterogeneity between studies with = 86.0%.
CONCLUSION
There is some evidence that chewing sugar-free gum, in particular xylitol SFG, reduces the quantity of plaque in the oral cavity in comparison to non SFG chewing or no chewing controls. Further research with improved design, lengthier timeframes and higher number of participants should be considered.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=94676.
PubMed: 35434703
DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.845921 -
Nutrients Mar 2022The purpose of this systematic review was to understand Indian mothers' milk composition and report changes in it over the past 100 years. A review was conducted in... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this systematic review was to understand Indian mothers' milk composition and report changes in it over the past 100 years. A review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022299224). All records published between 1921 and 2021 were identified by searching databases Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. All observational, interventional, or supplementation studies reporting macronutrients (protein, fat, lactose) in milk of Indian mothers, delivering term infants, were included. Publications on micronutrients, preterm, and methods were excluded. Milk was categorized into colostrum, transitional, and mature. In all, 111 records were identified, of which 34 were included in the final review. Fat ranged from 1.83 to 4.49 g/100 mL, 2.6 to 5.59 g/100 mL, and 2.77 to 4.78 g/100 mL in colostrum, transitional, and mature milk, respectively. The protein was higher in colostrum (1.54 to 8.36 g/100 mL) as compared to transitional (1.08 to 2.38 g/100 mL) and mature milk (0.87 to 2.33 g/100 mL). Lactose was lower in colostrum (4.5-6.47 g/100 mL) as compared to transitional (4.8-7.37 g/100 mL) and mature milk ranges (6.78-7.7 g/100 mL). The older studies (1950-1980) reported higher fat and protein in colostrum as compared to subsequent time points. There were variations in maternal nutritional status, diet, socioeconomic status, and regions along with study design specific differences of time or methods of milk sampling and analysis. Additionally, advancements in methods over time make it challenging to interpret time trends. The need for conducting well-designed, multicentric studies on nutrient composition of Indian mother's milk using standardized methods of sampling and estimation for understanding the role of various associated factors cannot be undermined.
Topics: Colostrum; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactation; Lactose; Milk, Human; Mothers; Nutrients; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35406008
DOI: 10.3390/nu14071395 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Probiotic and low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol (FODMAP) diet are two commonly used management approaches for patients with... (Review)
Review
Probiotic and low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol (FODMAP) diet are two commonly used management approaches for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We aimed to evaluate the most effective combinations and components among different probiotics or low FODMAP diet through component network meta-analysis (NMA). We searched Embase, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science from inception to 21 January 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of probiotics and low FODMAP diet for IBS were included, with placebo, sham diet, or conventional treatments as controls. Binary outcomes were compared among treatments using the relative ratio (RR). A minimally contextualized framework recommended by the GRADE group was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. The primary efficacy outcome was the relief of global IBS symptoms, and the secondary efficacy outcome was the reduction in IBS symptom scores or abdominal pain scores. We included 76 RCTs (n = 8058) after screening 1940 articles. Eight RCTs were classified as low risk of bias. Standard network meta-analysis (NMA) showed that (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.22-2.48) and (RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.01-3.07) were the most effective for the primary efficacy outcome (high certainty evidence); component NMA showed that (RR 5.67, 95% CI 1.88 to 17.08, = 0.002) and (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.91, = 0.017) were among the most effective components. The results of standard NMA and CNMA analysis of the improvement of overall IBS symptom scores or abdominal pain scores were consistent with this finding. was the most effective component for the relief of IBS symptoms; and were possibly effective and need further verification. website, identifier registration number.
PubMed: 35355730
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.853011 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Feb 2022The objective of the FeminFER project was to assess the value of ferric carboxymaltose following a multicriteria decision analysis in obstetrics and gynaecology in Spain.
BACKGROUND
The objective of the FeminFER project was to assess the value of ferric carboxymaltose following a multicriteria decision analysis in obstetrics and gynaecology in Spain.
METHODS
Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and ferrous sulphate were evaluated using the EVIDEM framework. Ten stakeholders participated to collect different perspectives. The framework was adapted considering evidence retrieved with a PICO-S search strategy and grey literature. Criteria/subcriteria were weighted by level of relevance and an evidence-based decision-making exercise was developed in each criterion; weights and scores were combined to obtain the value of intervention relative to each criterion/subcriterion, that were further combined into the Modulated Relative Benefit-Risk Balance (MRBRB).
RESULTS
The most important criterion favouring FCM was Compared Efficacy/Effectiveness (0.183 ± 0.07), followed by Patient Preferences (0.059 ± 0.10). Only Direct medical costs criterion favoured FS (-0.003 ± 0.03). MRBRB favoured FCM; 0.45 ± 0.19; in a scale from -1 to + 1.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, considering the several criteria involved in the decision-making process, participants agreed with the use of FCM according to its MRBRB.
Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Decision Support Techniques; Female; Ferric Compounds; Ferrous Compounds; Humans; Maltose; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; Risk Assessment; Spain; Stakeholder Participation
PubMed: 35216553
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04481-w -
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology Jan 2022Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with liver failure and/or portal systemic shunting. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) electrolyte... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Solution Versus Lactulose for Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with liver failure and/or portal systemic shunting. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) electrolyte solution is a commonly used for catharsis of gut, which has been demonstrated to relieve HE in a number of randomized controlled trials. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of PEG with lactulose for current HE treatment.
METHODS
PEG electrolyte solution versus lactulose of HE was deeply studied by conducting a systematic search in electronic databases and other sources until December 31, 2020. The PRISMA statement recommended the use of meta-analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI), relative risk (RR), and weighted mean deviation (WMD) as the estimated effect size. A sensitivity analysis was performed comprehensively to present the risk of bias and the source of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of 434 patients were involved in 7 randomized studies. It is found that there was a significant advantage of PEG therapy in the increase of clinical efficacy (RR=1.46; 95% CI: 1.26-1.68; P=0.000; I2=0.0%) and the decrease of hospital stay (WMD=-1.78; 95% CI: -2.72 to 0.85; P=0.000; I2=90.1%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (RR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.48-1.19; P=0.222>0.05; I2=7.2%) and the level of serum ammonia (WMD=9.02; 95% CI: -14.39 to 32.43; P=0.45>0.05; I2=84.9%) after 24 hours between the 2 groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The results prove that PEG has a beneficial effect on the treatment of HE. Compared with lactulose, PEG can lead to more rapid HE resolution during the first 24 hours and shorten the length of stay without increasing the rate of adverse effects.
Topics: Electrolytes; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Humans; Lactulose; Polyethylene Glycols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34739404
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001621 -
Nutrients Aug 2021The aim of this systematic review was to summarize concentrations of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in the Chinese population. We searched articles originally... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this systematic review was to summarize concentrations of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in the Chinese population. We searched articles originally published in both Chinese and English. When compiling data, lactation was categorized into five stages. We found that 6'-sialyllactose, lacto--tetraose, and lacto--neotetraose decreased over lactation. Conversely, 3'-fucosyllactose increased over lactation. Our study represents the first systematic review to summarize HMO concentrations in Chinese population. Our findings not only provide data on HMO profiles in Chinese population but suggest future directions in the study of the metabolism of HMOs.
Topics: Breast Feeding; China; Female; Fucose; Humans; Lactation; Lactose; Milk, Human; Oligosaccharides; Sialic Acids
PubMed: 34578788
DOI: 10.3390/nu13092912 -
Pain May 2022Many analgesics inadequately address the psychiatric comorbidities of chronic and persistent pain, but there is no standard preclinical model of pain-altered behavior to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Many analgesics inadequately address the psychiatric comorbidities of chronic and persistent pain, but there is no standard preclinical model of pain-altered behavior to support the development of new therapies. To explore this conflicting and inconclusive literature, we conducted a focused systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of complete Freund adjuvant-induced (CFA) rodent hind paw inflammation on multiple classical indicators of exploratory behavior, stress coping, and naturalistic behavior. Our primary objective was to define CFA's effect on assays including, but not limited to, the elevated plus maze and forced swim test. Our secondary objective was to discover how variables such as species and strain may influence outcomes in such assays. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science in April and October 2020 for studies with adult rodents injected with CFA into the hind paw and subsequently tested for aspects of "anxiety-like" or "depressive-like" behaviors. Forty-four studies evaluated performance in the elevated plus or zero maze, open field test, light-dark box, place escape and avoidance paradigm, forced swim test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference test, wheel running, and burrowing assay. Complete Freund adjuvant modestly but significantly decreased exploratory behavior, significantly increased passive stress coping in the tail suspension test but not the forced swim test, and significantly decreased preference for sucrose and naturally rewarding activity. Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences between species and animal sourcing. Based on the evidence provided here, we conclude future studies should focus on CFA's effect on natural rewards and naturalistic behaviors.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Disease Models, Animal; Freund's Adjuvant; Motor Activity; Pain; Rodentia; Sucrose
PubMed: 34510137
DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002467 -
Gut Jun 2022A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) is recommended for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), if general lifestyle... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) is recommended for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), if general lifestyle and dietary advice fails. However, although the impact of a low FODMAP diet on individual IBS symptoms has been examined in some randomised controlled trials (RCTs), there has been no recent systematic assessment, and individual trials have studied numerous alternative or control interventions, meaning the best comparator is unclear. We performed a network meta-analysis addressing these uncertainties.
DESIGN
We searched the medical literature through to 2 April 2021 to identify RCTs of a low FODMAP diet in IBS. Efficacy was judged using dichotomous assessment of improvement in global IBS symptoms or improvement in individual IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain, abdominal bloating or distension, and bowel habit. Data were pooled using a random effects model, with efficacy reported as pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs, and interventions ranked according to their P-score.
RESULTS
We identified 13 eligible RCTs (944 patients). Based on failure to achieve an improvement in global IBS symptoms, a low FODMAP diet ranked first vs habitual diet (RR of symptoms not improving=0.67; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.91, P-score=0.99), and was superior to all other interventions. Low FODMAP diet ranked first for abdominal pain severity, abdominal bloating or distension severity and bowel habit, although for the latter it was not superior to any other intervention. A low FODMAP diet was superior to British Dietetic Association (BDA)/National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) dietary advice for abdominal bloating or distension (RR=0.72; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.94). BDA/NICE dietary advice was not superior to any other intervention in any analysis.
CONCLUSION
In a network analysis, low FODMAP diet ranked first for all endpoints studied. However, most trials were based in secondary or tertiary care and did not study effects of FODMAP reintroduction and personalisation on symptoms.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Disaccharides; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Monosaccharides; Network Meta-Analysis; Oligosaccharides
PubMed: 34376515
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325214 -
Nutrients Jul 2021We conducted a meta-analysis exploring the effect of a low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols diet (LFD) on the overall symptoms, quality of life, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
We conducted a meta-analysis exploring the effect of a low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols diet (LFD) on the overall symptoms, quality of life, and stool habits of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects method. The effect size was presented as weighted standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the potential effects of covariates on the outcome. Twenty-two papers were included. The LFD group showed a moderate reduction in symptom severity and a slight improvement in quality of life compared to the control group (SMD, -0.53 and 0.24; 95% CI, -0.68, -0.38 and 0.02, 0.47, respectively). IBS symptom improvement was consistent between subgroups stratified according to proportions of female patients, study durations, IBS subtypes, assessment methods, and control interventions. Three studies regarding stool habits change in IBS-D patients showed a significant decrease in stool frequency (mean differences [MD], -5.56/week; 95% CI, -7.40, -3.72) and a significant improvement in stool consistency (MD, -0.86; 95% CI, -1.52, -0.19) in the LFD group compared to the control group. This is the most updated meta-analysis including studies that adopted diverse control interventions such as dietary interventions, supplementation, habitual diets, and lifestyle changes.
Topics: Diet Therapy; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Dietary Supplements; Disaccharides; Fermentation; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Monosaccharides; Oligosaccharides; Polymers; Risk Reduction Behavior; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34371973
DOI: 10.3390/nu13072460