-
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Aug 2023Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a common cerebrovascular disease with a high risk of rupture. At present, the mechanisms underlying the formation and rupture of IAs is not...
Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a common cerebrovascular disease with a high risk of rupture. At present, the mechanisms underlying the formation and rupture of IAs is not clinically clear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in the development of IAs. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of circulating miRNA-126 (miR-126) levels as potential biomarkers for predicting aneurysmal ruptures. The present study searched comparative articles involving circulating miR-126 levels and intracranial aneurysms through electronic databases from 1980 to February, 2023. Collected variables included the first author's name, covered study period, publication year, total number of patients and age, and number of males. We collected information about the expression levels of circulating miR-126 in serum. Three articles met the eligibility criteria. The total number of patients was 379 [226 with IA rupture and 153 with non-rupture or/+ controls (healthy)]. The circulating miR-126 can be used as a biomarker for predicting aneurysmal rupture. Interestingly, an aneurysmal size >10 mm was associated with an IA rupture.
PubMed: 37522062
DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12110 -
The Saudi Dental Journal Jul 2023This study aimed to establish intermaxillary tooth size ratios (overall index (OI) and anterior index (AI)) for normal occlusion and different Angle's malocclusions... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to establish intermaxillary tooth size ratios (overall index (OI) and anterior index (AI)) for normal occlusion and different Angle's malocclusions specific to the Saudi population and compare them to Bolton's values, which were specific to Americans.
METHODS
The Saudi Digital Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase were searched systematically to acquire articles which reported OI and AI for Saudi patients; inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data, including author's name, publication year, city, measurement technique, number of subjects, type of occlusion, means, and standard deviations, were extracted and sorted. To assess the methodological quality of the included studies, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was utilized.
RESULTS
Of the 1473 articles, eight met the inclusion criteria and were included in the -analysis. Values for normal occlusion and Bolton's values were not significantly different. All malocclusion classes showed significant differences in the overall OI and AI values compared with Bolton's original values and values for normal occlusion, but they did not differ from each other. Gender showed an effect only on the OI ratio for Class III malocclusion.
CONCLUSIONS
Bolton's original values can be used in Saudi patients only with normal occlusion. For cases with any Angle's malocclusion, we recommend using an AI value of 79.08 (±3.4) for both genders. Classes I and II, regardless of gender, have the same OI value of 92.51 (±2.82). For Class III, values of 91.97 (±2.4) for females and 93.13 (±2.6) for males can be used.
PubMed: 37520607
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.03.006 -
Age and Ageing Jul 2023community-based complex interventions for older adults have a variety of names, including Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, but often share core components such as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
community-based complex interventions for older adults have a variety of names, including Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, but often share core components such as holistic needs assessment and care planning.
OBJECTIVE
to summarise evidence for the components and effectiveness of community-based complex interventions for improving older adults' independent living and quality of life (QoL).
METHODS
we searched nine databases and trial registries to February 2022 for randomised controlled trials comparing complex interventions to usual care. Primary outcomes included living at home and QoL. Secondary outcomes included mortality, hospitalisation, institutionalisation, cognitive function and functional status. We pooled data using risk ratios (RRs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
we included 50 trials of mostly moderate quality. Most reported using holistic assessment (94%) and care planning (90%). Twenty-seven (54%) involved multidisciplinary care, with 29.6% delivered mainly by primary care teams without geriatricians. Nurses were the most frequent care coordinators. Complex interventions increased the likelihood of living at home (RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.00-1.10; moderate-quality evidence) but did not affect QoL. Supported by high-quality evidence, they reduced mortality (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.77-0.96), enhanced cognitive function (SMD 0.12; 95% CI 0.02-0.22) and improved instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) (SMD 0.11; 95% CI 0.01-0.21) and combined basic/instrumental ADLs (SMD 0.08; 95% CI 0.03-0.13).
CONCLUSIONS
complex interventions involving holistic assessment and care planning increased the chance of living at home, reduced mortality and improved cognitive function and some ADLs.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Independent Living; Quality of Life; Activities of Daily Living; Hospitalization; Geriatric Assessment
PubMed: 37505991
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad132 -
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Sep 2023The purpose of this study was to systematically review the impact of nanofillers on the physicomechanical properties of resin-based pit and fissure sealants (RBS). This... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this study was to systematically review the impact of nanofillers on the physicomechanical properties of resin-based pit and fissure sealants (RBS). This review included in vitro studies with full-length English-language articles reporting on the physicomechanical properties of nanofilled RBS until February 2023. PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and LILACS databases were accessed for literature searches. The review was formulated based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and used the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and risk of bias Cochrane tool for quality assessment. The search resulted in 539 papers, of which 22 were eligible to be included in the review. Inorganic, polymeric, core-shell, and composite nanomaterials were used to reinforce the studied RBS. The inherent nature of the nanomaterial used, its morphology, concentration, and volume used were the primary parameters that determined the nanomaterial's success as a filler in RBS. These parameters also influenced their interaction with the resin matrix, which influenced the final physicomechanical properties of RBS. The use of nanofillers that were non-agglomerated and well dispersed in the resin matrix enhanced the physicomechanical properties of RBS.
Topics: Humans; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Nanostructures; Polymers; Reference Standards; Dental Caries
PubMed: 37499522
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106037 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Nov 2023Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by differing inflammatory endotypes. The identification of suitable biomarkers could enable...
BACKGROUND
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by differing inflammatory endotypes. The identification of suitable biomarkers could enable personalized approaches to treatment selection.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify and summarize clinical studies of biomarkers in adults with CRS in order to inform future research into CRS endotypes.
METHODS
We conducted systematic searches of MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to January 30, 2022 and included all clinical studies of adult CRS patients and healthy controls measuring biomarkers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or Luminex immunoassays. Outcomes included the name and tissue type of identified biomarkers and expression patterns within CRS phenotypes. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. A narrative synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
We identified 78 relevant studies involving up to 9394 patients, predominantly with CRS with nasal polyposis. Studies identified 80 biomarkers from nasal tissue, 25 from nasal secretions, 14 from nasal lavage fluid, 24 from serum, and one from urine. The majority of biomarkers found to distinguish CRS phenotypes were identified in nasal tissue, especially in nasal polyps. Serum biomarkers were more commonly found to differentiate CRS from controls. The most frequently measured biomarker was IL-5, followed by IL-13 and IL-4. Serum IgE, IL-17, pentraxin-3 and nasal phospho-janus kinase 2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-17A, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and interferon gamma were identified as correlated with disease severity.
CONCLUSION
We have identified numerous potential biomarkers to differentiate a range of CRS phenotypes. Future studies should focus on the prognostic role of nasal tissue biomarkers or expand on the more limited studies of nasal secretions and nasal lavage fluid.We registered this study in PROSPERO (CRD42022302787).
Topics: Humans; Adult; Rhinitis; Interleukin-5; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sinusitis; Biomarkers; Nasal Polyps; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37491901
DOI: 10.1177/19458924231190568 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jul 2023Cardiovascular disease accounts for 17.9 million deaths globally each year. Many research study data sets have been collected to answer questions regarding the... (Review)
Review
Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Data Sets (Global Physical Activity Data Set Catalogue) That Include Markers of Cardiometabolic Health: Systematic Scoping Review.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease accounts for 17.9 million deaths globally each year. Many research study data sets have been collected to answer questions regarding the relationship between cardiometabolic health and accelerometer-measured physical activity. This scoping review aimed to map the available data sets that have collected accelerometer-measured physical activity and cardiometabolic health markers. These data were then used to inform the development of a publicly available resource, the Global Physical Activity Data set (GPAD) catalogue.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to systematically identify data sets that have measured physical activity using accelerometers and cardiometabolic health markers using either an observational or interventional study design.
METHODS
Databases, trial registries, and gray literature (inception until February 2021; updated search from February 2021 to September 2022) were systematically searched to identify studies that analyzed data sets of physical activity and cardiometabolic health outcomes. To be eligible for inclusion, data sets must have measured physical activity using an accelerometric device in adults aged ≥18 years; a sample size >400 participants (unless recruited participants in a low- and middle-income country where a sample size threshold was reduced to 100); used an observational, longitudinal, or trial-based study design; and collected at least 1 cardiometabolic health marker (unless only body mass was measured). Two reviewers screened the search results to identify eligible studies, and from these, the unique names of each data set were recorded, and characteristics about each data set were extracted from several sources.
RESULTS
A total of 17,391 study reports were identified, and after screening, 319 were eligible, with 122 unique data sets in these study reports meeting the review inclusion criteria. Data sets were found in 49 countries across 5 continents, with the most developed in Europe (n=53) and the least in Africa and Oceania (n=4 and n=3, respectively). The most common accelerometric brand and device wear location was Actigraph and the waist, respectively. Height and body mass were the most frequently measured cardiometabolic health markers in the data sets (119/122, 97.5% data sets), followed by blood pressure (82/122, 67.2% data sets). The number of participants in the included data sets ranged from 103,712 to 120. Once the review processes had been completed, the GPAD catalogue was developed to house all the identified data sets.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified and mapped the contents of data sets from around the world that have collected potentially harmonizable accelerometer-measured physical activity and cardiometabolic health markers. The GPAD catalogue is a web-based open-source resource developed from the results of this review, which aims to facilitate the harmonization of data sets to produce evidence that will reduce the burden of disease from physical inactivity.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Exercise; Cardiovascular Diseases; Blood Pressure; Accelerometry; Europe; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37467026
DOI: 10.2196/45599 -
Nutrition Reviews Mar 2024Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in childhood. Antiepileptic drugs are the preferred treatment. However, 30% of children continue suffering... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in childhood. Antiepileptic drugs are the preferred treatment. However, 30% of children continue suffering seizures. A ketogenic diet (KD) is one of the emerging alternative treatments.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to analyze the current evidence regarding the use of a KD for the treatment of refractory epilepsy (RE) in childhood.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic review of reviews was performed, based on MEDLINE (PubMed) as at January 2021.
DATA EXTRACTION
The data extracted included the first author's last name; the year of publication; the country; the study design; the population; the diagnosis, concept, and description of KD types; and major outcome.
RESULTS
Twenty-one reviews were included, 8 with systematic methodology (2 of them included a meta-analysis) and 13 with unsystematic methodology. The main difference between the 2 types of reviews is the reproducibility of their methodology. Therefore, the results of each type of review were analyzed separately. Each type of review described 4 categories of KD: classic KD, modified Atkins diet (MAD), use of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). In terms of effectiveness, the considered systematic reviews reported reductions in the frequency of seizures greater than 50% in about half of the patients. Reviews without systematic methodology reported that 30%-60% of the children showed a 50% or greater reduction in seizures. The most frequently described adverse effects in the 8 systematic reviews were: vomiting (6/8), constipation (6/8), and diarrhea (6/8); and in the unsystematic reviews: vomiting and nausea (10/13), constipation (10/13), and acidosis (9/13).
CONCLUSION
KD can be an effective treatment for RE, with a more than 50% reduction in the frequency of seizures and cognitive improvement being achieved in half of the pediatric patients. The effectiveness of the various types of KD is comparable, and the KD can be adapted to the needs of the patient.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021244142.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Diet, Ketogenic; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Reproducibility of Results; Seizures; Treatment Outcome; Constipation; Vomiting
PubMed: 37400987
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad071 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Aug 2023Leiomyomas (fibroids), the most common benign solid tumours in females, originate from the myometrium and are associated with poor quality of life for patients. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Leiomyomas (fibroids), the most common benign solid tumours in females, originate from the myometrium and are associated with poor quality of life for patients. The current management of uterine leiomyomas mainly includes surgical interventions such as hysterectomy and myomectomy, either by laparoscopy or laparotomy, which have several complications and are not ideal for preserving fertility. Therefore, there is a need to develop or repurpose medical treatments that do not require surgical intervention.
OBJECTIVE
Many drugs are used to treat the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. The main objective of this systematic review is to give an up-to-date account of potential pharmacological agents (non-surgical methods) for the management of uterine leiomyomas.
SEARCH STRATEGY
PubMed was searched for scientific and clinical literature using the keyword 'uterine fibroids' along with the drug names described in each section. For example, 'uterine fibroids' and 'ulipristal acetate' were the keywords used to search for literature on ulipristal acetate (UPA).
RESULTS
Various preclinical and clinical studies have shown that some drugs and herbal formulations exhibit activity in the management of uterine leiomyomas. Recent studies found that drugs such as UPA, elagolix, EC313, asoprisnol, nutritional supplements and herbal preparations were helpful in treating the symptoms associated with uterine leiomyomas.
CONCLUSION
Many drugs show efficacy in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. UPA is one of the most studied and prescribed medicines for uterine fibroids; however, its usage has been restricted due to a few recent incidences of hepatic toxicity. Herbal drugs and natural supplements have also shown promising effects on uterine fibroids. The synergistic effects of nutritional and herbal supplements have been reported in certain cases, and should be studied in detail. Further research is warranted to identify the mode of action of the drugs, and to determine the precise conditions that would explain the causes of toxicity in some patients.
Topics: Female; Humans; Uterine Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Leiomyoma; Uterine Myomectomy; Acetates
PubMed: 37385088
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.021 -
Nutrients Jun 2023The utilization of youth (older) and peer (same age) mentor-led interventions to improve nutrition and physical activity has been an emerging trend in recent years. This... (Review)
Review
Youth and Peer Mentor Led Interventions to Improve Biometric-, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Psychosocial-Related Outcomes in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
The utilization of youth (older) and peer (same age) mentor-led interventions to improve nutrition and physical activity has been an emerging trend in recent years. This systematic review is intended to synthesize the effectiveness of these intervention programs on participants and mentors based on biometric, nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes of youth and peer mentor-led interventions among children and adolescents. Online databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost and Google Scholar, were searched, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A three-step screening process was used to meet the proposed eligibility criteria, and the risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used to assess bias for the included studies. Nineteen unique intervention programs and twenty-five total studies were deemed eligible when considering the criteria required for review. Multiple studies demonstrated positive evidence of the biometric and physical activity outcomes that were considered significant. The findings regarding the nutritional outcomes across the included studies were mixed, as some studies reported significant changes in eating habits while others did not find a significant change. Overall, the utilization of youth and peer mentor-led models in nutrition- and physical-activity-related interventions may be successful in overweight and obesity prevention efforts for those children and adolescents receiving the intervention and the youths and peers leading the interventions. More research is needed to explore the impact on the youths and peers leading the interventions and disseminating more detailed implementation strategies, e.g., training mentors would allow for advancements in the field and the replicability of approaches. Terminology: In the current youth- and peer-led nutrition and physical activity intervention literature, a varying age differential exists between the targeted sample and the peers, and varying terminology with regards to how to name or refer to the youth. In some instances, the youth mentors were individuals of the same grade as the target sample who either volunteered to serve in the peer role or were selected by their fellow students or school staff. In other cases, the youth mentors were slightly older individuals, either in high school or college, who were selected based upon their experience, leadership skills, passion for the project, or demonstration of healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Mentors; Exercise; Obesity; Overweight; Biometry
PubMed: 37375562
DOI: 10.3390/nu15122658 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2023Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, which can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, which can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs (phytotherapy) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH is common. The extract of the berry of the American saw palmetto or dwarf palm plant, Serenoa repens (SR), which is also known by its botanical name of Sabal serrulatum, is one of several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of Serenoa repens in the treatment of men with LUTS consistent with BPH.
SEARCH METHODS
We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS), trials registries, other sources of grey literature, and conference proceedings published up to 16 September 2022, with no restrictions on language or publication status.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials of participants with BPH who were treated with Serenoa repens or placebo/no treatment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion at each stage and undertook data extraction and risk of bias assessment and GRADE assessment of the certainty of the evidence. We considered review outcomes measured up to 12 months after randomization as short term, and beyond 12 months as long term. Our main outcomes included urologic symptom scores, quality of life, and adverse events.
MAIN RESULTS
For this update, we narrowed the review question to only comparisons with placebo. We included 27 studies (of which 9 were new) involving a total of 4656 participants, 19 studies comparing Serenoa repens with placebo, and 8 studies comparing Serenoa repens in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents versus placebo. Most studies included men aged > 50 (mean age range 52 to 68) with moderate urologic symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] range 8 to 19). Ten studies were funded by the pharmaceutical industry; two studies were funded by government agencies; and the remaining studies did not specify funding sources. Serenoa repens versus placebo or no intervention Results for this comparison are based on predefined sensitivity analyses limited to studies at low risk of bias. Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in urologic symptoms at short-term follow-up (3 to 6 months; IPSS score range 0 to 35, higher scores indicate worse symptoms; mean difference (MD) -0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.74 to -0.07; I = 68%; 9 studies, 1681 participants; high-certainty evidence). Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in the quality of life at short-term follow-up (3 to 6 months; IPSS quality of life domain range 0 to 6, higher scores indicate worse quality of life; MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.00; I = 39%; 5 studies, 1001 participants; high-certainty evidence). Serenoa repens probably results in little to no difference in adverse events (1 to 17 months; risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.31; I = 18%; 12 studies, 2399 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Based on 164 cases per 1000 men in the placebo group, this corresponds to 2 more (38 fewer to 51 more) per 1000 men in the Serenoa repens group. Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in urologic symptoms at long-term follow-up (12 to 17 months, IPSS score, MD 0.07, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.88; I = 34%; 3 studies, 898 participants; high-certainty evidence). Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in quality of life at long-term follow-up (12 to 17 months, IPSS quality of life, MD -0.11, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.19; I = 65%; 3 studies, 882 participants; high-certainty evidence). There were no data on long-term adverse events for this comparison. Serenoa repens in combination with other phytotherapy versus placebo or no intervention Different phytotherapeutic agents that include Serenoa repens may result in little to no difference in urologic symptoms compared to placebo at short-term follow-up (12 to 24 weeks, IPSS score, MD -2.41, 95% CI -4.54 to -0.29; I = 67%; 4 studies, 460 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about the effects of these agents on quality of life (very low-certainty evidence). These agents may result in little to no difference in the occurrence of adverse events; however, the CIs included substantial benefits and harms (12 to 48 weeks, RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.41; I = 0%; 4 studies, 481 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 132 cases per 1000 men in the placebo group, this corresponds to 12 fewer (55 fewer to 54 more) per 1000 men in the combined phytotherapeutic agents with Serenoa repens group.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Serenoa repens alone provides little to no benefits for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. There is more uncertainty about the role of Serenoa repens in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Quality of Life; Serenoa
PubMed: 37345871
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001423.pub4