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The European Journal of Contraception &... Jun 2024Migration is a rare but serious complication of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant, and little is known about its extent. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Migration is a rare but serious complication of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant, and little is known about its extent.
PURPOSE
To document and characterise cases of etonogestrel contraceptive implant migration in the scientific literature.
METHODS
A systematic review of Medline, Embase and Global Health databases was carried out between January 2000 and January 2023 to identify articles presenting implant migrations. Narrative reviews, conference abstracts and articles not written in English or French were excluded.
RESULTS
Forty-five articles, mostly published since 2016, were identified (eight case series and 37 case reports), for a total of 148 independent cases of migration: in pulmonary blood vessels ( = 74), in non-pulmonary blood vessels ( = 16) and extravascular ( = 58). Many patients are asymptomatic and migration is often an incidental finding. A non-palpable implant and symptoms related to implant location (intra- or extra-vascular) may be indicative of migration. Inadequate insertion and normal or underweight appear to increase the risk of migration. Scientific societies and authors offer practical strategies to deal with implant migration.
CONCLUSION
Professionals who insert and remove contraceptive implants must be adequately trained. They need to be on the lookout for implant migration, and promptly refer patients to appropriate care if migration is suspected.
Topics: Humans; Desogestrel; Foreign-Body Migration; Female; Drug Implants; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Device Removal; Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal
PubMed: 38712717
DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2342919 -
Journal of Biomaterials Applications Aug 2024Cartilage injury is a common clinical condition, and treatment approaches have evolved over time from traditional conservative and surgical methods to regenerative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Cartilage injury is a common clinical condition, and treatment approaches have evolved over time from traditional conservative and surgical methods to regenerative repair. In this context, hydrogels, as widely used biomaterials in the field of cartilage repair, have garnered significant attention. Particularly, responsive hydrogels (also known as "smart hydrogels") have shown immense potential due to their ability to respond to various physicochemical properties and environmental changes. This paper aims to review the latest research developments of hydrogels in cartilage repair, utilizing a more systematic and comprehensive meta-analysis approach to evaluate the research status and application value of responsive hydrogels. The goal is to determine whether these materials demonstrate favorable therapeutic effects for subsequent clinical applications, thereby offering improved treatment methods for patients with cartilage injuries.
METHOD
This study employed a systematic literature search method to summarize the research progress of responsive hydrogels by retrieving literature on the subject and review studies. The search terms included "hydrogel" and "cartilage," covering data from database inception up to October 2023. The quality of the literature was independently evaluated using Review Manager v5.4 software. Quantifiable data was statistically analyzed using the R language.
RESULTS
A total of 7 articles were retrieved for further meta-analysis. In the quality assessment, the studies demonstrated reliability and accuracy. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that responsive hydrogels exhibit unique advantages and effective therapeutic outcomes in the field of cartilage repair. Subgroup analysis revealed potential influences of factors such as different types of hydrogels and animal models on treatment effects.
CONCLUSION
Responsive hydrogels show significant therapeutic effects and substantial application potential in the field of cartilage repair. This study provides strong scientific evidence for their further clinical applications and research, with the hope of promoting advancements in the treatment of cartilage injuries.
Topics: Hydrogels; Humans; Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Tissue Engineering; Cartilage; Tissue Scaffolds; Cartilage, Articular
PubMed: 38708775
DOI: 10.1177/08853282241248779 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Colon cancer is one of the lethal diseases in the world with approximately 700,000 fatalities annually. Nowadays, due to the side effects of existing methods in the... (Review)
Review
Colon cancer is one of the lethal diseases in the world with approximately 700,000 fatalities annually. Nowadays, due to the side effects of existing methods in the treatment of colon cancer such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the use of targeted nanocarriers in cancer treatment has received wide attention, and among them, especially liposomes have been studied a lot. Based on this, anti-tumor drugs hidden in targeted active liposomes can selectively act on cancer cells. In this systematic review, the use of various ligands such as folic acid, transferrin, aptamer, hyaluronic acid and cRGD for active targeting of liposomes to achieve improved drug delivery to colon cancer cells has been reviewed. The original articles published in English in the databases of Science Direct, PubMed and Google scholar from 2012 to 2022 were reviewed. From the total of 26,256 published articles, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that targeted liposomes lead to increasing the efficacy of anti-cancer agents on colon cancer cells with reducing side effects compared to free drugs and non-targeted liposomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review showing promising results for improvement treatment of colon cancer using targeted liposomes.
Topics: Liposomes; Humans; Colonic Neoplasms; Drug Delivery Systems; Antineoplastic Agents; Animals; Drug Carriers; Folic Acid
PubMed: 38697444
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132023 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) May 2024To determine the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant compared with placebo or non-psychoactive drugs. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant compared with placebo or non-psychoactive drugs.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Five electronic databases of published literature (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index and Conference Proceedings Citation Index, and PsycInfo) and four databases of unpublished and international literature (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and PsycEXTRA), and handsearching of reference lists, conference proceedings, and abstracts.
DATA SYNTHESIS AND STUDY QUALITY
Information on potential treatment effect moderators was extracted, including depression type (primary or secondary), previous use of psychedelics, psilocybin dosage, type of outcome measure (clinician rated or self-reported), and personal characteristics (eg, age, sex). Data were synthesised using a random effects meta-analysis model, and observed heterogeneity and the effect of covariates were investigated with subgroup analyses and metaregression. Hedges' g was used as a measure of treatment effect size, to account for small sample effects and substantial differences between the included studies' sample sizes. Study quality was appraised using Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the quality of the aggregated evidence was evaluated using GRADE guidelines.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised trials in which psilocybin was administered as a standalone treatment for adults with clinically significant symptoms of depression and change in symptoms was measured using a validated clinician rated or self-report scale. Studies with directive psychotherapy were included if the psychotherapeutic component was present in both experimental and control conditions. Participants with depression regardless of comorbidities (eg, cancer) were eligible.
RESULTS
Meta-analysis on 436 participants (228 female participants), average age 36-60 years, from seven of the nine included studies showed a significant benefit of psilocybin (Hedges' g=1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55 to 2.73, P<0.001) on change in depression scores compared with comparator treatment. Subgroup analyses and metaregressions indicated that having secondary depression (Hedges' g=3.25, 95% CI 0.97 to 5.53), being assessed with self-report depression scales such as the Beck depression inventory (3.25, 0.97 to 5.53), and older age and previous use of psychedelics (metaregression coefficient 0.16, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.24 and 4.2, 1.5 to 6.9, respectively) were correlated with greater improvements in symptoms. All studies had a low risk of bias, but the change from baseline metric was associated with high heterogeneity and a statistically significant risk of small study bias, resulting in a low certainty of evidence rating.
CONCLUSION
Treatment effects of psilocybin were significantly larger among patients with secondary depression, when self-report scales were used to measure symptoms of depression, and when participants had previously used psychedelics. Further research is thus required to delineate the influence of expectancy effects, moderating factors, and treatment delivery on the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42023388065.
Topics: Humans; Antidepressive Agents; Depression; Hallucinogens; Psilocybin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38692686
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-078084 -
Nutrients Apr 2024This study aimed to explore the effects of acute ingestion of caffeine capsules on muscle strength and muscle endurance. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study aimed to explore the effects of acute ingestion of caffeine capsules on muscle strength and muscle endurance. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and EBSCO databases. Data were pooled using the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval. Fourteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The acute ingestion of caffeine capsules significantly improved muscle strength (WMD, 7.09, < 0.00001) and muscle endurance (WMD, 1.37; < 0.00001), especially in males (muscle strength, WMD, 7.59, < 0.00001; muscle endurance, WMD, 1.40, < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses showed that ≥ 6 mg/kg body weight of caffeine (WMD, 6.35, < 0.00001) and ingesting caffeine 45 min pre-exercise (WMD, 8.61, < 0.00001) were more effective in improving muscle strength, with the acute ingestion of caffeine capsules having a greater effect on lower body muscle strength (WMD, 10.19, < 0.00001). In addition, the acute ingestion of caffeine capsules had a greater effect in moderate-intensity muscle endurance tests (WMD, 1.76, < 0.00001). An acute ingestion of caffeine capsules significantly improved muscle strength and muscle endurance in the upper body and lower body of males.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Young Adult; Caffeine; Capsules; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Endurance
PubMed: 38674836
DOI: 10.3390/nu16081146 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Molecular methods have become integral to microbiological research for microbial identification. This literature review focuses on the application of molecular methods... (Review)
Review
Molecular methods have become integral to microbiological research for microbial identification. This literature review focuses on the application of molecular methods in examining airborne bacteria and fungi in healthcare facilities. In January 2024, a comprehensive electronic search was carried out in esteemed databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, employing carefully selected keywords such as ((bacteria) OR (virus) OR (fungi)) AND (aerosol) AND ((hospital) OR (healthcare) OR (dental office)) AND ((molecular) OR (PCR) OR (NGS) OR (RNA) OR (DNA) OR (metagenomic) OR (microarray)), following the PRISMA protocol. The review specifically targets healthcare environments with elevated concentrations of pathogenic bacteria. A total of 487 articles were initially identified, but only 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The study disclosed that the prevalent molecular methodology for appraising aerosol quality encompassed the utilization of the PCR method, incorporating either 16S rRNA (bacteria) or 18S rRNA (fungi) amplification techniques. Notably, five diverse molecular techniques, specifically PFGE, DGGE, SBT, LAMP, and DNA hybridization methods, were implemented in five distinct studies. These molecular tests exhibited superior capabilities compared to traditional bacterial and fungal cultures, providing precise strain identification. Additionally, the molecular methods allowed the detection of gene sequences associated with antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, molecular testing offers significant advantages over classical microbiological culture, providing more comprehensive information.
Topics: Fungi; Aerosols; Bacteria; Air Microbiology; Humans; Health Facilities
PubMed: 38673740
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084154 -
Life Sciences Jun 2024Liposomes, as a colloidal drug delivery system dating back to the 1960s, remain a focal point of extensive research and stand as a highly efficient drug delivery method.... (Review)
Review
Liposomes, as a colloidal drug delivery system dating back to the 1960s, remain a focal point of extensive research and stand as a highly efficient drug delivery method. The amalgamation of technological and biological advancements has propelled their evolution, elevating them to their current status. The key attributes of biodegradability and biocompatibility have been instrumental in driving substantial progress in liposome development. Demonstrating a remarkable ability to surmount barriers in drug absorption, enhance stability, and achieve targeted distribution within the body, liposomes have become pivotal in pharmaceutical research. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the intricate details of liposomal drug delivery systems, focusing specifically on their pharmacokinetics and cell membrane interactions via fusion, lipid exchange, endocytosis etc. Emphasizing the nuanced impact of various liposomal characteristics, we explore factors such as lipid composition, particle size, surface modifications, charge, dosage, and administration routes. By dissecting the multifaceted interactions between liposomes and biological barriers, including the reticuloendothelial system (RES), opsonization, enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) phenomenon, and Complement Activation-Related Pseudoallergy (CARPA) effect, we provide a deeper understanding of liposomal behaviour in vivo. Furthermore, this review addresses the intricate challenges associated with translating liposomal technology into practical applications, offering insights into overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical adoption and patent landscape of liposomes across diverse biomedical domains, shedding light on their potential implications for future research and therapeutic developments.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Cell Membrane; Drug Delivery Systems; Liposomes; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 38599316
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122616 -
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences Mar 2024Malnutrition in children is mainly caused by the lack of protein and fat intake which harms their ability to grow and survive. Accurate data on the benefits of...
BACKGROUND
Malnutrition in children is mainly caused by the lack of protein and fat intake which harms their ability to grow and survive. Accurate data on the benefits of fish-based foods on the nutritional status of children is limited. The present systematic review aimed to provide an overview of published articles on the nutritional value of fish-based foods for children.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed during 2000-2021 by searching Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ProQuest, and Wiley Online Library databases. The full text of selected articles in English was screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included articles were all experimental studies (randomized control trial, quasi-randomized trial) or mixed methods studies involving malnourished children. The study was reported under the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool.
RESULTS
A total of 330,859 articles were screened, out of which eight articles were included in the systematic review. Interventions included fish-based foods and beverages such as wafer bars, Jemawut-tuna cookies, Amizate in chocolate drink, dried fish powder, flaxseed oil supplemented with fish oil capsules, and porridge fortified with fish powder. Primary or secondary outcomes were the determination of zinc level, height growth, erythrocyte n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content, safety and acceptability, intestinal integrity, and cognitive development. The results showed that dried fish powder produced the most significant effect on body weight.
CONCLUSION
The consumption of dried fish powder had positive effects on the recovery of malnourished children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child Nutrition Disorders; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Malnutrition; Powders; Nutritive Value; Fish Products
PubMed: 38584649
DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2023.96986.2863 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Jul 2024The production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms represents a unique challenge within the pharmaceutical industry. The primary goal of these formulations is to ensure... (Review)
Review
The production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms represents a unique challenge within the pharmaceutical industry. The primary goal of these formulations is to ensure therapeutic efficacy, safety, and tolerability in paediatric patients, who have specific physiological needs and characteristics. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in attention towards this area, driven by the need to improve drug administration to children and ensure optimal and specific treatments. Technological innovation has played a crucial role in meeting these requirements, opening new frontiers in the design and production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms. In particular, three emerging technologies have garnered considerable interest and attention within the scientific and industrial community: 3D printing, prilling/vibration, and microfluidics. These technologies offer advanced approaches for the design, production, and customization of paediatric pharmaceutical forms, allowing for more precise dosage modulation, improved solubility, and greater drug acceptability. In this review, we delve into these cutting-edge technologies and their impact on the production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms. We analyse their potential, associated challenges, and recent developments, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities that these innovative methodologies offer to the pharmaceutical sector. We examine different pharmaceutical forms generated using these techniques, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages.
Topics: Printing, Three-Dimensional; Humans; Child; Microfluidics; Dosage Forms; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Pediatrics; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Drug Compounding; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Solubility
PubMed: 38582283
DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.04.001 -
Inflammopharmacology Jun 2024This study was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of two oral Symptomatic Slow Acting Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOAs)-Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and their combination regimen in the management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AIM
This study was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of two oral Symptomatic Slow Acting Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOAs)-Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, and their combination regimen in the management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A detailed literature search was performed from 03/1994 to 31/12/2022 using various electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, using the search terms-Glucosamine sulfate (GS), Chondroitin sulfate (CS), Knee osteoarthritis, Joint pain, Joint disease, and Joint structure, for literature concerning glucosamine, chondroitin, and their combination in knee osteoarthritis treatment. Cochrane Collaboration's Risk assessment tool (version 5.4.1) was used for assessing the risk of bias and the quality of the literature. The data was extracted from the included studies and subjected to statistical analysis to determine the beneficial effect of Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, and their combination.
RESULTS
Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review. In short, exclusively 9 RCTs for GS, 13 RCTs for CS, and 3 RCTs for the combination of GS and CS. All these studies had their treatment groups compared with placebo. In the meta-analysis, CS showed a significant reduction in pain intensity, and improved physical function compared to the placebo; GS showed a significant reduction in tibiofemoral joint space narrowing. While the combination of GS and CS showed neither a reduction in pain intensity, nor any improvement in the physical function. However, the combination exhibited a non-significant reduction in joint space narrowing. In the safety evaluation, both CS and GS have shown good safety profile and were well tolerated.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis revealed that the CS (with decreased pain intensity and improvement in the physical function), and GS (with significant reduction in the joint space narrowing) have significant therapeutic benefits. However, their combination did not significantly improve the symptoms or modify the disease. This may be due to the limited trials that are available on the combination of the sulfate forms of the intervention. Hence, there is a scope for conducting multicentric randomised controlled trials to evaluate and conclude the therapeutic role of CS and GS combination in the management of KOA.
Topics: Chondroitin Sulfates; Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Glucosamine; Drug Therapy, Combination; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38581640
DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01460-9