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The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2023Ultrafine particles (< 100 nm) are of increasing concern because of their toxicological potential. Emission processes suggest their presence in all environments,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Ultrafine particles (< 100 nm) are of increasing concern because of their toxicological potential. Emission processes suggest their presence in all environments, including at home, where particularly at-risk populations may be exposed. However, knowledge of their impact on health is still limited, due to difficulties in properly assessing exposure in epidemiological studies. In this context, the objective of this study was to provide a complete summary of indoor exposure to ultrafine particles in highly industrialised countries by examining the domestic activities that influence such exposure. We conducted a systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus up to and including 2021. We carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the selected studies with a standardised template. Exposure circumstances, measurement methods, and results were analysed. Finally, a meta-analysis of the measured concentrations was performed to study exposure levels during domestic activities. The review included 69 studies resulting in the analysis of 346 exposure situations. Nine main groups of activities were identified: cooking, which was the most studied, smoking, the use of air-fresheners, cleaning, heating, personal care, printing, do-it-yourself activities, and others. Over 50 different processes were involved in these activities. Based on available particle number concentrations, the highest average of mean concentrations was associated with grilling (14,400 × 10 cm), and the lowest with wood stove (18 × 10 cm). The highest average of peak concentrations was that for the use of hair dryers (695 × 10 cm), and the lowest for the use of air cleaners (11 × 10 cm). A hierarchy of domestic activities and related processes leading to ultrafine particle exposure is provided, along with average exposure concentrations at home. However, more extensive measurement campaigns are needed under real-life conditions to improve assessments of indoor exposure to ultrafine particles.
Topics: Particulate Matter; Air Pollutants; Environmental Monitoring; Air Pollution, Indoor; Particle Size
PubMed: 37690752
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166947 -
Cancers Aug 2023(1) Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is a central component for the treatment of many head and neck cancers. In this systematic review of the literature, we aimed to... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is a central component for the treatment of many head and neck cancers. In this systematic review of the literature, we aimed to characterize and quantify the published evidence on RT-related hypothyroidism, including estimated incidence, clinical risk factors, and dosimetric parameters that may be used to guide clinical decision making. Furthermore, we aimed to identify potential areas of improvement in the prevention and clinical management of RT-induced hypothyroidism, including the role of modern advanced therapeutic techniques. (2) Methods: We conducted a systemic review of the literature in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify original research articles describing the incidence, mechanism, dosimetry, treatment, or prevention of radiation-related hypothyroidism for adults receiving RT for the treatment of head and neck cancers. The snowball method was used to identify additional articles. For identified articles, we tabulated several datapoints, including publication date, patient sample size, estimated hypothyroidism incidence, cancer site/type, follow-up period, radiation modality and technique, use of multimodality therapy, method of thyroid function evaluation, and proposed dosimetric predictors of hypothyroidism. (3) Results: One hundred and eleven articles met inclusion criteria, reflecting a range of head and neck cancer subtypes. There was a large variation in the estimated incidence of RT-related hypothyroidism, with a median estimate of 36% (range 3% to 79%). Reported incidence increased in later publication dates, which was likely related to improved screening and longer follow up. There were a wide variety of predictive metrics used to identify patients at high risk of hypothyroidism, the most common of which were volumetric and mean dosimetrics related to the thyroid gland (Vxx%, Dmean). More recently, there has been increasing evidence to suggest that the thyroid gland volume itself and the volume of the thyroid gland spared from high-dose radiation (VSxx) may better predict thyroid function after RT. There were no identified studies investigating the role of advanced radiotherapeutic techniques such as MRI-guided RT or particle therapy to decrease RT-related hypothyroidism. Conclusions: Hypothyroidism is a common toxicity resulting from therapeutic radiation for head and neck cancer with recent estimates suggesting 40-50% of patients may experience hypothyroidism after treatment. Dosimetric predictive models are increasingly able to accurately identify patients at risk of hypothyroidism, especially those utilizing thyroid VS metrics. Further investigation regarding the potential for advanced radiotherapeutic therapies to decrease RT-induced thyroid dysfunction is needed.
PubMed: 37686597
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174321 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2023Carbon dots (CDs), which have particle size of less than 10 nm, are carbon-based nanomaterials that are used in a wide range of applications in the area of novel drug... (Review)
Review
Carbon dots (CDs), which have particle size of less than 10 nm, are carbon-based nanomaterials that are used in a wide range of applications in the area of novel drug delivery in cancer, ocular diseases, infectious diseases, and brain disorders. CDs are biocompatible, eco-friendly, easy to synthesize, and less toxic with excellent chemical inertness, which makes them very good nanocarrier system to deliver multi-functional drugs effectively. A huge number of researchers worldwide are working on CDs-based drug delivery systems to evaluate their versatility and efficacy in the field of pharmaceuticals. As a result, there is a tremendous increase in our understanding of the physicochemical properties, diagnostic and drug delivery aspects of CDs, which consequently has led us to design and develop CDs-based theranostic system for the treatment of multiple disorders. In this review, we aim to summarize the advances in application of CDs as nanocarrier including gene delivery, vaccine delivery and antiviral delivery, that has been carried out in the last 5 years.
PubMed: 37521012
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1227843 -
Interventional Neuroradiology : Journal... Jun 2023Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is associated with high recurrence rates. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising treatment option. In... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is associated with high recurrence rates. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising treatment option. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of MMAE for CSDH using liquid embolic agents and compare them with particles.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed all studies describing MMAE for CSDH with liquid embolic agents, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Additionally, we included a cohort of patients from our institution using liquid and particle embolic agents. Data were analyzed using random-effects proportions and comparisons meta-analysis, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies with 507 cases of MMAE with liquid embolic agents (including our institutional experience) were included in the analysis. The success rate was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98-100%), all complications rate was 1% (95% CI: 0-5%), major complications rate was 0% (95% CI: 0-0%), and mortality rate was 1% (95% CI: 0-6%). The rate of hematoma size reduction was 97% (95% CI: 73-100%), complete resolution 64% (95% CI: 33-87%), radiographic recurrence 3% (95% CI: 1-7%), and reoperation 3% (95% CI: 1-7%). No significant differences in outcomes were found between liquid and particle embolic agents. Sensitivity analyses revealed that liquid embolic agents were associated with lower reoperation rates in upfront MMAE (risk ratio 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02-0.95).
CONCLUSION
MMAE with liquid embolic agents is safe and effective for the treatment of CSDH. Outcomes are comparable to particles, but liquids were associated with a decreased risk of reoperation in upfront MMAE. However, further studies are needed to support our findings.
PubMed: 37322877
DOI: 10.1177/15910199231183132 -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) May 2023Particle therapy, mainly including carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and proton beam therapy (PBT), has dose distribution advantages compared to photon radiotherapy. It has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Particle therapy, mainly including carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and proton beam therapy (PBT), has dose distribution advantages compared to photon radiotherapy. It has been widely reported as a promising treatment method for early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its application in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is relatively rare, and its efficacy and safety are inconclusive. This study aimed to provide systematic evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of particle therapy for inoperable LA-NSCLC.
METHODS
To retrieve published literature, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library until September 4, 2022. The primary endpoints were local control (LC) rate, overall survival (OS) rate, and progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 2 and 5 years. The secondary endpoint was treatment-related toxicity. The pooled clinical outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using STATA 15.1.
RESULTS
Nineteen eligible studies with a total sample size of 851 patients were included. The pooled data demonstrated that the OS, PFS, and LC rates at 2 years of LA-NSCLC treated by particle therapy were 61.3% (95% CI = 54.7-68.7%), 37.9% (95% CI = 33.8-42.6%) and 82.2% (95% CI = 78.7-85.9%), respectively. The pooled 5-year OS, PFS, and LC rates were 41.3% (95% CI = 27.1-63.1%), 25.3% (95% CI = 16.3-39.4%), and 61.5% (95% CI = 50.7-74.6%), respectively. Subgroup analysis stratified by treatment type showed that the concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT, PBT combined with concurrent chemotherapy) group had better survival benefits than the PBT and CIRT groups. The incidence rates of grade 3/4 esophagitis, dermatitis, and pneumonia in LA-NSCLC patients after particle therapy were 2.6% (95% CI = 0.4-6.0%), 2.6% (95% CI = 0.5-5.7%) and 3.4% (95% CI = 1.4-6.0%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Particle therapy demonstrated promising efficacy and acceptable toxicity in LA-NSCLC patients.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Progression-Free Survival; Proton Therapy; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 37217970
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-023-02264-x -
Experimental Hematology & Oncology Apr 2023Surgical intervention is the first-line treatment in well-selected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, only a few patients are suitable to receive radical...
Comparison of local ablative therapies, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, and particle radiotherapy, for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Surgical intervention is the first-line treatment in well-selected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, only a few patients are suitable to receive radical surgery. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate local control among four local ablative therapies in inoperable HCC patients, including radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA), microwave ablation therapy (MWA), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), and particle radiotherapy. The primary outcome was the local control rate and the secondary were regional and distant progression rates, overall survival rate, and adverse events. We included twenty-six studies from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. MWA (p < 0.001) and particle radiotherapy (p < 0.001) showed better performance of local control compared to RFA, while SABR (p = 0.276) showed a non-significant trend. However, SABR (p = 0.002) and particle radiotherapy (p < 0.001) showed better performance than RFA in HCCs of ≥ 30 mm in size. MWA showed a similar result to RFA while SABR and particle radiotherapy showed a lower survival rate in the 2-, 3-, and 4-year overall survival rates. Our results indicate that MWA, SABR and particle radiotherapy were safe and no inferior to RFA in local control rate. Besides, the local control rates of SABR and particle radiotherapy are better than RFA in HCC of ≥ 30 mm in size. As a result, we suggested that MWA, SABR and particle radiotherapy to be effective alternatives to RFA for inoperable HCC. Moreover, the tumor size should be taken into consideration for optimal treatment selection between local ablative therapies.
PubMed: 37046292
DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00400-7 -
Odontology Oct 2023This systematic review evaluated the effects of nano-sized cement particles on the properties of calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs). Using defined keywords, a... (Review)
Review
This systematic review evaluated the effects of nano-sized cement particles on the properties of calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs). Using defined keywords, a literature search was conducted to identify studies that investigated properties of nano-calcium silicate-based cements (NCSCs). A total of 17 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that NCSC formulations have favourable physical (setting time, pH and solubility), mechanical (push out bond strength, compressive strength and indentation hardness) and biological (bone regeneration and foreign body reaction) properties compared with commonly used CSCs. However, the characterization and verification for the nano-particle size of NCSCs were deficient in some studies. Furthermore, the nanosizing was not limited to the cement particles and a number of additives were present. In conclusion, the evidence available for the properties of CSC particles in the nano-range is deficient-such properties could be a result of additives which may have enhanced the properties of the material.
Topics: Oxides; Materials Testing; Calcium Compounds; Silicates; Dental Cements; Glass Ionomer Cements; Drug Combinations
PubMed: 36864211
DOI: 10.1007/s10266-023-00786-0 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Jun 2023Despite increasing awareness of the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in our environments, little is known about their risk of developmental toxicity. Even less is known... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Despite increasing awareness of the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in our environments, little is known about their risk of developmental toxicity. Even less is known about the environmental distribution and associated toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs). Here, we review the current literature on the capacity for MPs and NPs to be transported across the placental barrier and the potential to exert toxicity on the developing fetus.
RECENT FINDINGS
This review includes 11 research articles covering in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models, and observational studies. The current literature confirms the placental translocation of MPs and NPs, depending on physicochemical properties such as size, charge, and chemical modification as well as protein corona formation. Specific transport mechanisms for translocation remain unclear. There is emerging evidence of placental and fetal toxicity due to plastic particles based on animal and in vitro studies. Nine out of eleven studies examined in this review found that plastic particles were capable of placental translocation. In the future, more studies are needed to confirm and quantify the existence of MPs and NPs in human placentas. Additionally, translocation of different plastic particle types and heterogenous mixtures across the placenta, exposure at different periods of gestation, and associations with adverse birth and other developmental outcomes should also be investigated.
Topics: Animals; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta; Plastics; Microplastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36848019
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00391-x -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Feb 2023The antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of ferulic acid (FA) in wheat are highly limited by the lack of free ferulic acid (FFA). However, many studies claim that... (Review)
Review
The antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of ferulic acid (FA) in wheat are highly limited by the lack of free ferulic acid (FFA). However, many studies claim that wheat processing can efficiently increase FFA content and ultimately influence the overall antioxidant capacity. Hence, this systematic review investigated changes in FFA content, antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of wheat after different processing treatments. A literature search of two databases (PubMed and Web of Science) was undertaken covering the last 20 years, yielding 1148 articles. Studies which employed bioprocessing, thermal processing and milling of wheat were considered. After exclusion criteria were applied, 36 articles were included. These covered single processing methods (n = 25, bioprocessing: n = 9, thermal processing: n = 9, milling n = 7) and combined processing methods (n = 11, bioprocessing & thermal processing = 7, bioprocessing, thermal processing & milling = 2, thermal processing & milling = 2). The total ferulic acid (TFA) content, degree of covalent bond hydrolysis and the percentage of FFA degraded or transformed to other compounds dominated the final changes in FFA content, antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility. This systematic review is the first to comprehensively summarize the best efficient processing method for releasing FA and increasing antioxidant capacity and or bioaccessibility in wheat. The combination of particle size reduction, pre-hydrolysis thermal processing (except at high temperature and extended duration) and enzymatic hydrolysis (ferulic acid esterase (FAE) or fermentation) has the highest potential of releasing FA. However, the literature on the bioaccessibility of FA in wheat is limited and more work is required to demonstrate the link between the release of FA by processing and the consequent health benefits.
Topics: Antioxidants; Triticum; Coumaric Acids; Hydrolysis
PubMed: 36737957
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112371 -
Food Science and Biotechnology Feb 2023Alginate microparticles fabricated via calcium gelation or layer-by-layer assembly are commonly used for encapsulating emulsions. In this study, the impact of these two... (Review)
Review
Alginate microparticles fabricated via calcium gelation or layer-by-layer assembly are commonly used for encapsulating emulsions. In this study, the impact of these two gelation methods on the lipid digestibility of emulsions was reviewed through a systematic screening of relevant studies. From the literature search (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases), 604 records were screened and 25 articles were included in the analysis. The fold change of free fatty acid release rate at the end of in vitro digestion process between alginate-encapsulated emulsion and emulsions not encapsulated by alginate was calculated for calcium gelation (weighted mean of response ratio 0.64, 95% CI 0.54-0.75) and layer-by-layer assembly (weighted mean of response ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98). Alginate-calcium hydrogels showed stronger inhibition of the extent of lipid digestion than alginate-coated multilayer emulsions. The structural and particle size differences between alginate microparticles acquired using different techniques may contribute to this phenomenon.
PubMed: 36647522
DOI: 10.1007/s10068-022-01227-4