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Nutrients Jun 2024The use of natural products as alternatives to traditional pharmacological treatments in orthodontics is gaining interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,... (Review)
Review
The use of natural products as alternatives to traditional pharmacological treatments in orthodontics is gaining interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of natural products in reducing inflammation and bacterial presence in orthodontic and orthognathic treatment settings. The database search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to January 2024. The review focused on randomized controlled trials only. The selected studies centered on the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects of natural products, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for data extraction. Nine studies, totaling 358 participants, were included. Significant findings demonstrated a reduction in gingival inflammation by over 40% with the use of Aloe vera compared to chlorhexidine. Another study noted a decrease in bleeding on probing by 13.6 points in the treatment group over placebo. Additionally, honey showed a rapid modulation of plaque pH and significantly reduced bacterial counts of . Furthermore, the use of resveratrol emulgel was linked to substantial improvements in gingival health, with a reduction in the gingival index and probing pocket depth. The results indicate that natural products can significantly enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes by reducing inflammation and bacterial levels. These products offer effective alternatives to traditional treatments and show potential for integration into routine orthodontic care protocols. Further research is encouraged to standardize application methods and dosages to maximize clinical benefits and patient satisfaction.
Topics: Humans; Aloe; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Biological Products; Chlorhexidine; Dentofacial Deformities; Gingivitis; Honey; Orthodontics; Plant Preparations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resveratrol; Streptococcus mutans; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38931295
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121941 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is complex and multifactorial and in half of patients it remains unexplained (U-RPL). Recently, low-molecular-weight... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is complex and multifactorial and in half of patients it remains unexplained (U-RPL). Recently, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has gained increasing relevance for its therapeutic potential. On this regard, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) from the beginning of pregnancy in terms of live birth rates (LBR) in U-RPL. Registered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. We stratified findings based on relevant clinical factors including number of previous miscarriages, treatment type and control type. Intervention or exposure was defined as the administration of LMWH alone or in combination with low-dose aspirin (LDA). A total of 6 studies involving 1016 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that LMWH used in the treatment of U-RPL was not associated with an increase in LBR with a pooled OR of 1.01, a medium heterogeneity (26.42%) and no publication bias. Results of other sub-analyses according to country, treatment type, and control type showed no significant effect of LMWH on LBR in all subgroups, with a high heterogeneity. The results highlight a non-significant effect of LMWH in U-RPL on LBR based on moderate quality evidence.Registration number: PROSPERO: ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022326433 ).
Topics: Humans; Abortion, Habitual; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Female; Pregnancy; Aspirin; Anticoagulants; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Live Birth
PubMed: 38898143
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62949-5 -
Medicine Jun 2024Diabetes nephropathy (DN), as one of the common complications of diabetes, is characterized by persistent albuminuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and elevated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Diabetes nephropathy (DN), as one of the common complications of diabetes, is characterized by persistent albuminuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. At present, Xuebijing injection is widely used in the treatment of DN. However, few systematic reviews and meta-analysis related to Xuebijing injection intervention in DN were published. In order to more systematically and objectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xuebijing injection intervention in DN, we conducted systematic reviews and meta-analysis to verify it.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the research was to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xuebijing injection combined with alprostadil in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
METHODS
We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Database (SinoMed), Weipu Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and other databases by computer, and searched the randomized controlled trials of Xuebijing injection combined with alprostadil in the treatment of DN at home and abroad from the establishment of the database to 2022. The main outcome indicators included blood glucose, and the secondary outcome indicators included blood lipid, renal function, urinary protein, and safety. Two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were included, including 1233 cases, 618 cases in the treatment group and 615 cases in the control group. The results of meta-analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the treatment group could effectively reduce fasting plasma glucose [mean difference [MD] = -1.90, 95% CI (-2.40, -1.40), P < .00001], glycosylated hemoglobin A1c [MD = -2.38, 95% CI (-2.51, -2.25), P < .00001], 2h postprandial blood glucose [MD = -2.92, 95% CI (-3.95, -1.89), P < .00001], triacylglycerol [MD = -1.08, 95% CI (-1.66, -0.50), P = .0003], total cholesterol [MD = -1.17, 95% CI (-1.39, -0.95), P < .00001], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [MD = -1.19, 95% CI (-1.60, -0.78), P < .00001], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [MD = 0.32, 95% CI (0.23, 0.42), P < .00001], serum creatinine [MD = -42.95, 95% CI (-57.46, -28.43), P < .00001], blood urea nitrogen [MD = -2.24, 95%CI (-2.62,-1.86), P < .00001], blood β2 microglobulin [SMD = -1.49, 95% CI (-1.70, -1.28), P < .00001], urine β2 microglobulin [SMD = -0.81, 95% CI (-1.04, -0.58), P < .00001], 24-hour urinary protein quantification [MD = -0.20, 95% CI (-0.26, -0.14), P < .00001], urinary albumin excretion rate [SMD = -1.15, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.93), P < .00001].
CONCLUSION
Xuebijing injection combined with alprostadil has more advantages in treating DN compared to routine Western medicine.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Diabetic Nephropathies; Alprostadil; Drug Therapy, Combination; Injections; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Blood Glucose; Treatment Outcome; Lipids
PubMed: 38875385
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032095 -
Brain and Behavior May 2024One of the most serious complications associated with antiplatelet agents is antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage (AA-ICH). Desmopressin is a synthetic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Safety and efficacy of desmopressin (DDAVP) in preventing hematoma expansion in intracranial hemorrhage associated with antiplatelet drugs use: A systematic review and metaanalysis.
INTRODUCTION
One of the most serious complications associated with antiplatelet agents is antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage (AA-ICH). Desmopressin is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone (ADH) analog. It has been linked to improving patient outcomes in antiplatelet-induced intracranial hemorrhage. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of thrombotic complications and neurological outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov) to find eligible literature that compares desmopressin (DDAVP) versus controls in patients with AA-ICH. The Mantel-Haenszel statistic was used to determine an overall effect estimate for each outcome by calculating the risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was measured using the I test. The risk of bias in studies was calculated using the New Castle Ottowa Scale.
RESULTS
Five studies were included in the analysis with a total of 598 patients. DDAVP was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in the risk of hematoma expansion (RR = .8, 95% CI,.51-1.24; p = .31, I = 44%). It was also associated with a non-significant decrease in the risk of thrombotic events (RR,.83; 95% CI,.25-2.76; p = .76, I = 30%). However, patients in the DDAVP group demonstrated a significant increase in the risk of poor neurological outcomes (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.61; p = .01, I = 0%). The risk of bias assessment showed a moderate to low level of risk.
CONCLUSION
DDAVP was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in hematoma expansion and thrombotic events. However, it was also associated with a significantly poor neurological outcome in the patients. Thus, until more robust clinical trials are conducted, the use of DDAVP should be considered on a case-to-case basis.
Topics: Deamino Arginine Vasopressin; Humans; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Intracranial Hemorrhages; Hematoma; Hemostatics
PubMed: 38778788
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3540 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Aug 2024Debates persist regarding the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in coronary artery disease (CAD).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Debates persist regarding the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent trials have introduced a novel approach involving P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with ticagrelor or clopidogrel, after a short DAPT. However, the effectiveness and safety of this strategy remains to be established. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing monotherapy with P2Y12 inhibitors versus standard DAPT in patients undergoing PCI at 12 months.
METHODS
Multiple databases were searched. Six RCTs with a total of 24877 patients were included. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 12 months of follow-up. The secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, probable or definite stent thrombosis, stroke events, and major bleeding. The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024499529).
RESULTS
Monotherapy with P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor significantly reduced both allcause mortality (HR 0.71, 95 CI [0.55-0.91], P = 0.007) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.66, 95% CI [0.49-0.89], P = 0.006) compared to standard DAPT. In contrast, clopidogrel monotherapy did not demonstrate a similar reduction. The decrease in mortality associated with ticagrelor was primarily due to a lower risk of major bleeding (HR 0.56, 95% CI [0.43-0.72], P < 0.001), while the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) remained unchanged (HR 0.90, 95% CI [0.73-1.11], P = 0.32). The risk of stroke was found to be similar across treatments.
CONCLUSIONS
In comparison to standard DAPT, P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with ticagrelor may lead to a reduced mortality. The clinical benefits are driven by a reduction of bleeding risk without ischemic risk trade-off.
Topics: Humans; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists; Coronary Artery Disease; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome; Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy; Ticagrelor
PubMed: 38750991
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102635 -
Journal of the American Heart... May 2024There is a potential concern about increased bleeding risk in patients receiving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The aims of this study-level meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is a potential concern about increased bleeding risk in patients receiving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The aims of this study-level meta-analysis were to determine the risk of bleeding and to assess whether this relationship is linked to the received dose of omega-3 PUFAs or the background use of antiplatelet treatment.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Electronic databases were searched through May 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials of patients receiving omega-3 PUFAs. Overall bleeding events, including fatal and central nervous system events, were identified and compared with those of a control group. A total of 120 643 patients from 11 randomized clinical trials were included. There was no difference in the pooled meta-analytic events of bleeding among patients receiving omega-3 PUFAs and those in the control group (rate ratio [RR], 1.09 [95% CI, 0.91-1.31]; =0.34). Likewise, the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke, intracranial bleeding, and gastrointestinal bleeding were similar. A prespecified analysis was performed in patients receiving high-dose purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which demonstrated a 50% increase in the relative risk of bleeding but only a modest increase in the absolute risk of bleeding (0.6%) when compared with placebo. Bleeding risk was associated with the dose of EPA (risk difference, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.05-0.43]; =0.02) but not the background use of antiplatelet therapy (risk difference, -0.01 [95% CI, -0.02 to 0]; =0.056).
CONCLUSIONS
Omega-3 PUFAs were not associated with increased bleeding risk. Patients receiving high-dose purified EPA may incur additional bleeding risk, although its clinical significance is very modest.
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Hemorrhage; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
PubMed: 38742535
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.032390 -
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and... Dec 2024To assess the impact of low-dose aspirin (LDA) on obstetrical outcomes through a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of low-dose aspirin (LDA) on obstetrical outcomes through a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases from inception to January 2024 was conducted to identify studies exploring the role of aspirin on pregnancy, reporting obstetrical-related outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB, gestational age <37 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW, birthweight < 2500g), perinatal death (PND), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 5-min Apgar score < 7 and placental abruption. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated for the combined outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed by risk for preeclampsia (PE), LDA dosage (<100 mg vs. ≥100 mg) and timing of onset (≤20 weeks vs. >20 weeks).
RESULTS
Forty-seven studies involving 59,124 participants were included. Compared with placebo, LDA had a more significant effect on low-risk events such as SGA, PTB and LBW. Specifically, LDA significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87-0.95), PTB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89-0.97) and LBW (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99). For high-risk events, LDA significantly lowered the risk of NICU admission (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99). On the other hand, LDA can significantly increase the risk of placental abruption (RR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.23-2.43). Subgroup analyses showed that LDA significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.97), PTB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98) and PND (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48-0.88) in pregnant women at high risk of PE, whereas in healthy pregnant women LDA did not significantly improve obstetrical outcomes, but instead significantly increased the risk of placental abruption (RR = 5.56, 95% CI: 1.92-16.11). In pregnant women at high risk of PE, LDA administered at doses ≥100 mg significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66-0.91) and PTB (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97), but did not have a statistically significant effect on reducing the risk of NICU, PND and LBW. LDA started at ≤20 weeks significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.65-0.89) and PTB (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97).
CONCLUSIONS
To sum up, LDA significantly improved neonatal outcomes in pregnant women at high risk of PE without elevating the risk of placental abruption. These findings support LDA's clinical application in pregnant women, although further research is needed to refine dosage and timing recommendations.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Abruptio Placentae; Aspirin; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38712869
DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2024.2344079 -
PloS One 2024Women at increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia are advised to take a daily low-dose of aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce their risks. Despite the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Women at increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia are advised to take a daily low-dose of aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce their risks. Despite the well-established prophylactic effect of aspirin, adherence to this therapy is low. This systematic review aimed to summarise evidence on the barriers and facilitators of adherence to low-dose aspirin to inform intervention development to support decision making and persistence with aspirin use for pre-eclampsia prevention.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research was co-produced by representatives from charities, and public, clinical and academic members. Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Prospero, OpenGrey), archives of charities and professional organisations were searched (between October and November 2023 and re-run in August 2023) using predefined search terms. Studies containing qualitative components related to barriers and facilitators of adherence to low-dose aspirin during pregnancy were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research. A combination of the COM-B framework with phases of adherence process as defined by international taxonomy was used as the coding framework. Co-production activities were facilitated by use of 'Zoom' and 'Linoit'.
RESULTS
From a total of 3377 papers identified through our searches, five published studies and one dissertation met our inclusion criteria. Studies were published from 2019 to 2022 covering research conducted in the USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands and Australia. Barriers and facilitators to adherence were mapped to six categories of the COM-B for three phases of adherence: initiation, implementation, and discontinuation. The discontinuation phase of adherence was only mentioned by one author. Four key themes were identified relating to pregnancy: 'Insufficient knowledge', 'Necessity concerns balance', 'Access to medicine', 'Social influences', and 'Lack of Habit'.
CONCLUSIONS
The COM-B framework allowed for detailed mapping of key factors shaping different phases of adherence in behavioural change terms and now provides a solid foundation for the development of a behavioural intervention. Although potential intervention elements could be suggested based on the results of this synthesis, additional co-production work is needed to define elements and plan for the delivery of the future intervention.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022359718. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022359718.
Topics: Aspirin; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Medication Adherence; Pre-Eclampsia; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 38701053
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302720 -
Cerebrovascular Diseases Extra 2024Moyamoya disease (MMD) is an uncommon cause of stroke. Antiplatelet treatment is commonly prescribed for patients with MMD despite the lack of strong evidence supporting...
INTRODUCTION
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is an uncommon cause of stroke. Antiplatelet treatment is commonly prescribed for patients with MMD despite the lack of strong evidence supporting its efficacy. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate evidence of antiplatelet treatment and clinical outcomes among patients with MMD.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies that evaluated the association between antiplatelet treatment and clinical outcomes, including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, functional outcome, survival, and bypass patency, in patients with MMD. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, from the inception date to February 2022.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in this systematic review. Six studies evaluated antiplatelet treatment and ischemic stroke. Most studies did not demonstrate a protective effect of antiplatelet treatment against ischemic stroke. Five studies evaluated antiplatelet treatment and hemorrhagic stroke. All of them did not demonstrate an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. One study found the benefit of antiplatelet treatment in terms of survival. Regarding the effect of antiplatelet treatment on functional outcome and patency of surgical bypass, the results were inconclusive.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence suggests that antiplatelet treatment in patients with MMD did not demonstrate a protective effect against ischemic stroke. However, antiplatelet treatment did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in patients with MMD. The well-designed randomized controlled trial should be highlighted.
Topics: Humans; Moyamoya Disease; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome; Risk Factors; Hemorrhagic Stroke; Ischemic Stroke; Female; Risk Assessment; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Young Adult; Adolescent; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38697036
DOI: 10.1159/000539025 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Jul 2024Propofol and sevoflurane are two of the most commonly used anaesthetics for paediatric surgery. Data from some clinical trials suggest that postoperative pain incidence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Propofol and sevoflurane are two of the most commonly used anaesthetics for paediatric surgery. Data from some clinical trials suggest that postoperative pain incidence is lower when propofol is used for maintenance of anaesthesia compared with sevoflurane, although this is not clear.
METHODS
This meta-analysis compared postoperative pain following maintenance of anaesthesia with propofol or sevoflurane in paediatric surgeries. PubMed Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared postoperative pain between sevoflurane and propofol anaesthesia in children. After quality assessment, a meta-analysis was carried out using bias-adjusted inverse heterogeneity methods, heterogeneity using I and publication bias using Doi plots.
RESULTS
In total, 13 RCTs with 1174 children were included. The overall synthesis suggested nearly two-fold higher odds of overall postoperative pain in the sevoflurane group compared with the propofol group (odds ratio [OR] 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-3.15, I=58.2%). Further, children in the sevoflurane group had higher odds of having higher pain scores (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.83-5.53, I=20.9%), and a 60% increase in the odds of requiring postoperative rescue analgesia compared with propofol (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.89-2.88, I=58.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
Children maintained on inhalational sevoflurane had higher odds of postoperative pain compared with those maintained on propofol. The results also suggest that sevoflurane is associated with higher odds of needing postoperative rescue analgesia compared with propofol.
REGISTRATION
The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration ID CRD42023445913.
Topics: Humans; Sevoflurane; Propofol; Pain, Postoperative; Child; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child, Preschool; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38670899
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.03.022