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Acta Medica Indonesiana Jan 2024Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation, however one-third of asthmatic cases did not respond adequately. Inhaled magnesium has been proposed as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation, however one-third of asthmatic cases did not respond adequately. Inhaled magnesium has been proposed as a treatment for unresponsive asthma cases. However, its role remains controversial. This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of nebulized magnesium compared to standard therapy (Beta Agonist, Anticholinergic, Corticosteroid) in adults with acute asthma attacks.
METHODS
The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO. A literature search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, and using the keywords "inhaled magnesium" and "asthma". Manual searches were carried out through data portals. Journal articles included are randomized controlled trials. The assessment risk of bias was performed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials.
RESULTS
There are five articles included in this review. There is no significant difference in readmission rate and oxygen saturation in the magnesium group compared to control (RR 1; 95% CI 0.92 to 1,08; p= 0,96 and MD 1,82; 95% CI -0.89 to 4.53; p= 0.19, respectively). There is a significant reduction of respiratory rate and clinical severity in magnesium (MD -1,72; 95% CI -3,1 to 0.35; p= 0.01, RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.69; p <0.001, respectively). There was a higher risk of side effects in the magnesium group (HR 1.56; 95%CI 1.05 to 2.32; p= 0.03). However, the side effects are relatively mild such as hypotension and nausea.
CONCLUSION
Inhaled magnesium improves the outcome of asthmatic patients, especially in lung function, clinical severity, and respiratory rate. Moreover, inhaled magnesium is safe to be given.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Magnesium; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Hospitalization; Drug Therapy, Combination
PubMed: 38561891
DOI: No ID Found -
JBRA Assisted Reproduction Jun 2024Infertility is a widespread global issue that affects approximately 15% of sexually active and active couples, which contributes to about 50% of cases. Currently, the... (Review)
Review
Infertility is a widespread global issue that affects approximately 15% of sexually active and active couples, which contributes to about 50% of cases. Currently, the condition remains prevalent and often inadequately treated. This systematic review aims to evaluate existing studies investigating the effects of probiotic supplementation in men. A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Scielo, using relevant keywords such as 'probiotic' OR 'Lactobacillus' OR 'Bifidobacterium' AND 'Male infertility' OR 'male fertility' OR 'sperm quality' OR 'sperm motility' OR 'oligoasthenoteratozoospermia' and their Portuguese equivalents. Four randomized clinical studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on men diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility (oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia). The findings revealed that probiotic administration exhibited promising antioxidant properties by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently protecting sperm DNA from damage that correlates with declining sperm quality. Significant improvements were observed across all sperm parameters, with notable enhancement in motility. Consequently, probiotic supplementation emerges as a potential therapeutic alternative for men diagnosed with idiopathic infertility, demonstrating positive effects on sperm quality.
Topics: Humans; Male; Probiotics; Infertility, Male; Dietary Supplements; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 38530761
DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240013 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Mar 2024Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus that can result in infection and amputation of the lower extremities. This study...
BACKGROUND
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus that can result in infection and amputation of the lower extremities. This study compared the benefits and risks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with those of other DFU treatments, based on the Wagner grading system.
METHODS
Systematic searches for randomly controlled trials using hyperbaric oxygen therapy for DFUs were performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. Data regarding demographics, wound healing, minor and major amputations, operative debridement, nonhealing wounds, and adverse effects were analyzed based on Wagner grades, using RevMan 5.4.1 and Microsoft Excel.
RESULTS
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was significantly superior to other treatments for wound healing rates 8 or more weeks after the final treatment (RR = 2.39; 1.87-3.05; < 0.00001) minor/distal amputations (RR = 0.58; 0.43-0.80; < 0.007), and major/proximal amputations (RR = 0.31; 0.18-0.52; < 0.00001) for the 14 studies analyzed. In addition, this therapy increased the rate of complete wound healing for Wagner grades II (RR = 21.11; 3.05-146.03; = 0.002), III (RR = 19.58; 2.82-135.94, = 0.003), and IV (RR = 17.53; 2.45-125.44; = 0.004); decreased the minor/distal amputation rate for grade III (RR = 0.06; 0.01-0.29; = 0.0004) and the major/proximal amputation rate on for grade IV (RR = 0.08; 0.03-0.25; < 0.0001); and decreased the operative debridement rate for Wagner grade II (RR = 0.09; 0.01-0.60; = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-quality evidence revealed that adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved DFU wound healing for Wagner grades II, III, and IV; prevented minor and major amputations for grades III and IV, respectively; and prevented operative debridement in grade II wounds.
PubMed: 38528847
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005692 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024The Gross Motor Function Measure is used in most studies measuring gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. In many studies, including those evaluating the...
Using the gross motor function measure evolution ratio to compare different dosage of hyperbaric treatment with conventional therapies in children with cerebral palsy - could it end the controversy?
UNLABELLED
The Gross Motor Function Measure is used in most studies measuring gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. In many studies, including those evaluating the effect of hyperbaric treatment, the Gross Motor Function Measure variations were potentially misinterpreted because of the lack of control groups. The Gross Motor Function Measure Evolution Ratio (GMFMER) uses historical data from the Gross Motor Function Classification System curves and allows to re-analyze previous published studies which used the Gross Motor Function Measure by considering the natural expected evolution of the Gross Motor Function Measure. As the GMFMER is defined by the ratio between the recorded Gross Motor Function Measure score increase and the expected increase attributed to natural evolution during the duration of the study (natural evolution yields a GMFMER of 1), it becomes easy to assess and compare the efficacy of different treatments.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to revisit studies done with different dosage of hyperbaric treatment and to compare the GMFMER measured in these studies with those assessing the effects of various recommended treatments in children with cerebral palsy.
METHODS
PubMed Searches were conducted to included studies that used the Gross Motor Function Measure to evaluate the effect of physical therapy, selective dorsal rhizotomy, botulinum toxin injection, hippotherapy, stem cell, or hyperbaric treatment. The GMFMER were computed for each group of the included studies.
RESULTS
Forty-four studies were included, counting 4 studies evaluating the effects of various dosage of hyperbaric treatment in children with cerebral palsy. Since some studies had several arms, the GMFMER has been computed for 69 groups. The average GMFMER for the groups receiving less than 2 h/week of physical therapy was 2.5 ± 1.8 whereas in context of very intensive physical therapy it increased to 10.3 ± 6.1. The GMFMER of stem cell, selective dorsal rhizotomy, hippotherapy, and botulinum toxin treatment was, 6.0 ± 5.9, 6.5 ± 2.0, 13.3 ± 0.6, and 5.0 ± 2.9, respectively. The GMFMER of the groups of children receiving hyperbaric treatment were 28.1 ± 13.0 for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and 29.8 ± 6.8 for hyperbaric air.
CONCLUSION
The analysis of the included studies with the GMFMER showed that hyperbaric treatment can result in progress of gross motor function more than other recognized treatments in children with cerebral palsy.
PubMed: 38523613
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1347361 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Jan 2024Obstructive sleep apnoea is characterised by recurrent reduction of airflow during sleep leading to intermittent hypoxia. Continuous positive airway pressure is the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Obstructive sleep apnoea is characterised by recurrent reduction of airflow during sleep leading to intermittent hypoxia. Continuous positive airway pressure is the first-line treatment but is limited by poor adherence. Nocturnal oxygen therapy may be an alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea but its effects remain unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of nocturnal oxygen therapy on both obstructive sleep apnoea severity and blood pressure.A literature search was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. Peer-reviewed, randomised studies that compared the effect of nocturnal oxygen therapy to sham in obstructive sleep apnoea patients were included. The main outcomes were the apnoea-hypopnoea index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.The search strategy yielded 1295 citations. Nine studies with 502 participants were included. When nocturnal oxygen therapy was compared to sham/air, it significantly reduced the apnoea-hypopnoea index (mean difference (MD) -15.17 events·h, 95% CI -19.95- -10.38 events·h, p<0.00001). Nocturnal oxygen therapy had no significant effect on blood pressure at follow-up without adjustment for baseline values, but did, where available, significantly attenuate the change in blood pressure from baseline to follow-up for both systolic blood pressure (MD -2.79 mmHg, 95% CI -5.45- -0.14 mmHg, p=0.040) and diastolic blood pressure (MD -2.20 mmHg, 95% CI -3.83- -0.57 mmHg, p=0.008).Nocturnal oxygen therapy reduced the apnoea-hypopnoea index severity and the change in (but not absolute) systolic and diastolic blood pressure, compared to sham. This suggests that nocturnal oxygen therapy may be a treatment option for obstructive sleep apnoea. Further studies with longer-term follow-up and standardised measurements are needed.
Topics: Humans; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Hypoxia; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Oxygen; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38508665
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0173-2023 -
BMC Anesthesiology Mar 2024Anemia can lead to secondary brain damage by reducing arterial oxygen content and brain oxygen supply. Patients with acute brain injury have impaired self-regulation.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Anemia can lead to secondary brain damage by reducing arterial oxygen content and brain oxygen supply. Patients with acute brain injury have impaired self-regulation. Brain hypoxia may also occur even in mild anemia. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is associated with increased postoperative complications, poor neurological recovery, and mortality in critically ill neurologic patients. Balancing the risks of anemia and red blood cell transfusion-associated adverse effects is challenging in neurocritical settings.
METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and MEDLINE (PubMed) from inception to January 31, 2024. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing liberal versus restrictive RBC transfusion strategies in neurocritical patients. We included all relevant studies published in English. The primary outcome was mortality at intensive care unit (ICU), discharge, and six months.
RESULTS
Of 5195 records retrieved, 84 full-text articles were reviewed, and five eligible studies were included. There was no significant difference between the restrictive and liberal transfusion groups in ICU mortality (RR: 2.53, 95% CI: 0.53 to 12.13), in-hospital mortality (RR: 2.34, 95% CI: 0.50 to 11.00), mortality at six months (RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 0.42 to 4.78) and long-term mortality (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.64 to 2.33). The occurrence of neurological adverse events and most major non-neurological complications was similar in the two groups. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis was lower in the restrictive strategy group (RR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.91).
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the small sample size of current studies, the evidence is insufficiently robust to confirm definitive conclusions for neurocritical patients. Therefore, further investigation is encouraged to define appropriate RBC transfusion thresholds in the neurocritical setting.
Topics: Humans; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Anemia; Blood Transfusion; Postoperative Complications; Oxygen
PubMed: 38504153
DOI: 10.1186/s12871-024-02487-9 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Apr 2024What are the effects of different types of exercise treatments on oxygen consumption, quality of life and mortality in people with coronary heart disease? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
QUESTION
What are the effects of different types of exercise treatments on oxygen consumption, quality of life and mortality in people with coronary heart disease?
DESIGN
Systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults with coronary heart disease.
INTERVENTION
Exercise interventions including aerobic (continuous or high-intensity interval) training, resistance training, respiratory muscle exercises, water-based exercises, yoga, Tai chi, Qigong exercises and a combination of different types of exercise.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Oxygen consumption, quality of life and mortality.
RESULTS
This review included 178 randomised controlled trials with 19,143 participants. Several exercise interventions improved peak oxygen consumption (mL/kg/min): high-intensity interval training (MD 4.5, 95% CI 3.7 to 5.4); combined water-based exercises and moderate-intensity continuous training (MD 3.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 6.0); combined aerobic and resistance exercise (MD 3.4, 95% CI 2.5 to 4.3); water-based exercises (MD 3.4, 95% CI 0.6 to 6.2); combined respiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise (MD 3.2, 95% CI 0.6 to 5.8); Tai chi (MD 3.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 5.0); moderate-intensity continuous training (MD 3.0, 95% CI 2.3 to 3.6); high-intensity continuous training (MD 2.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.8); and resistance training (MD 2.2, 95% CI 0.6 to 3.7). Quality of life was improved by yoga (SMD 1.5, 95% CI 0.5 to 2.4), combined aerobic and resistance exercise (SMD 1.2, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.7), moderate-intensity continuous training (SMD 1.1, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.6) and high-intensity interval training (SMD 0.9, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.6). All-cause mortality was reduced by continuous aerobic exercise (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.86) and combined aerobic and resistance exercise (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.94). Continuous aerobic exercise also reduced cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.74).
CONCLUSION
People with coronary heart disease may use a range of exercise modalities to improve oxygen consumption, quality of life and mortality.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022344545.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Quality of Life; Network Meta-Analysis; Exercise Therapy; Coronary Disease; Water
PubMed: 38503676
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2024.02.018 -
Efficacy of (Thunb.) Vahl on mouse and rat models of inflammation-related diseases: a meta-analysis.Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024To evaluate the efficacy of the fruits of the medicinal plant (Thunb.) Vahl (FS), in treating inflammation-associated diseases through a meta-analysis of animal...
To evaluate the efficacy of the fruits of the medicinal plant (Thunb.) Vahl (FS), in treating inflammation-associated diseases through a meta-analysis of animal models, and also probe deeply into the signaling pathways underlying the progression of inflammation. All data analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 and the results are presented as flow diagrams, risk-of-bias summaries, forest plots, and funnel plots. Summary estimates were calculated using a random- or fixed-effect model, depending on the value of I2. Of the 710 records identified in the initial search, 11 were selected for the final meta-analysis. Each study extracted data from the model and treatment groups for analysis, and the results showed that FS alleviated the inflammatory cytokine levels in serum; oxidant indicator: reactive oxygen species; enzymes of liver function; endotoxin and regulatory cells in blood; and improved the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. FS effectively reversed the change in acute or chronic inflammation indicators in animal models, and the regulation of multiple channel proteins in inflammatory signaling pathways suggests that FS is a good potential drug for inflammatory disease drug therapy.
PubMed: 38500762
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1288584 -
PeerJ 2024Although aerobic exercise is the primary modality recommended for the treatment of hypertension, it remains unclear whether high-intensity all-out sprint interval... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The impact of sprint interval training moderate intensity continuous training on blood pressure and cardiorespiratory health in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Although aerobic exercise is the primary modality recommended for the treatment of hypertension, it remains unclear whether high-intensity all-out sprint interval training (SIT) can result in greater reductions of blood pressure (BP) and cardiorespiratory health. This systematic review aims to compare the impact of SIT Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on improvements in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO max) among adults.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of three online databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) from January 2000 to July 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the chronic effects of SIT MICT on BP in participants with high or normal blood pressure. We extracted information on participant characteristics, exercise protocols, BP outcomes, and intervention settings. Furthermore, the changes in VO max between the two groups were analyzed using a meta-analysis. The pooled results were presented as weighted means with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Out of the 1,874 studies initially were found, eight were included in this review, totaling 169 participants. A significant decrease in SBP (MD = -2.82 mmHg, 95% CI [-4.53 to -1.10], = 0.08, =45%) was observed in the SIT group compared to before the training, but no significant decrease in DBP (MD = -0.75 mmHg, 95% CI [-1.92 to 0.42], = 0.16, = 33%) was observed. In contrast, both SBP (MD = -3.00 mmHg, 95% CI [-5.31 to -0.69], = 0.68, = 0%) and DBP (MD = -2.11 mmHg, 95% CI [-3.63 to -0.60], = 0.72, = 0%) significantly decreased in the MICT group with low heterogeneity. No significant difference was found in resting SBP and DBP between SIT and MICT after the intervention. Both SIT and MICT significantly increased VO peak, with SIT resulting in a mean difference (MD) of 1.75 mL/kg/min (95% CI [0.39-3.10], = 0.02, = 61%), and MICT resulting in a mean difference of 3.10 mL/kg/min (95% CI [1.03-5.18], = 0.007, = 69%). MICT was more effective in improving VO peak (MD = -1.36 mL/kg/min, 95% CI [-2.31 to 0.40], = 0.56, = 0%). Subgroup analysis of duration and single sprint time showed that SIT was more effective in reducing SBP when the duration was ≥8 weeks or when the sprint time was <30 s.
CONCLUSION
Our meta-analysis showed that SIT is an effective intervention in reducing BP and improving cardiorespiratory fitness among adults. Consequently, SIT can be used in combination with traditional MICT to increase the variety, utility, and time efficiency of exercise prescriptions for different populations.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Blood Pressure; High-Intensity Interval Training; Hypertension; Exercise Therapy; Exercise; Hypotension
PubMed: 38495758
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17064 -
International Journal of Chronic... 2024The effect of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) was controversial. Thus, we aimed to evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The effect of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) was controversial. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture for treating AECOPD.
METHODS
Eight databases were searched from database inception to July 30, 2023. All RCTs compared acupuncture plus conventional western medicine with conventional western medicine alone were included. Outcomes were quality of life, lung function, blood oxygen condition, exercise capacity, daily symptoms, duration of hospitalization, and adverse events. The statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 17.0, and methodological quality was measured by the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence.
RESULTS
Twelve studies including 915 patients were included. Compared with conventional western medicine alone, acupuncture combined with conventional western therapy significantly improved quality of life (CAT: MD: -3.25; 95% CI: -3.73 to -2.78, <0.001) and arterial blood gas (PaCO: MD: -1.85; 95% CI: -2.74 to -0.95, <0.001; PaO: MD: 5.15; 95% CI: 1.22 to 9.07, = 0.01). And for lung function, statistical benefits were found in FEV/FVC (MD: 4.66; 95% CI: 2.21 to 7.12, <0.001), but no difference was seen for FEV% (MD: 1.83; 95% CI: -0.17 to 3.83, = 0.073). There was no significant improvement in exercise capacity (6MWD: MD: 96.69; 95% CI: -0.60 to 193.98, = 0.051), hospitalization duration (MD: -5.70; 95% CI: -11.97 to 0.58, = 0.075), and dyspnea (mMRC: MD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.61 to 0.63, = 0.376) between two groups. Overall bias for CAT and mMRC was in "high" risk, FEV1%, FEV/FVC, PaCO, and PaO was in "some concern" and 1 RCT assessing hospitalization duration was in "low" risk. And the overall assessments were either moderate, low or very low certainty. Seven trials performed safety assessment of acupuncture, and no serious adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture might have auxiliary effects on AECOPD. However, the quality of the evidence is limited, and more high-quality RCTs are needed to be performed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Acupuncture Therapy; Dyspnea; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 38495215
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S450257