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Journal of Hazardous Materials Apr 2024This systematic review addresses soil contamination by crude oil, a pressing global environmental issue, by exploring effective treatment strategies for sites... (Review)
Review
This systematic review addresses soil contamination by crude oil, a pressing global environmental issue, by exploring effective treatment strategies for sites co-contaminated with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Our study aims to answer pivotal research questions: (1) What are the interaction mechanisms between heavy metals and PAHs in contaminated soils, and how do these affect the efficacy of different remediation methods? (2) What are the challenges and limitations of combined remediation techniques for co-contaminated soils compared to single-treatment methods in terms of efficiency, stability, and specificity? (3) How do various factors influence the effectiveness of biological, chemical, and physical remediation methods, both individually and combined, in co-contaminated soils, and what role do specific agents play in the degradation, immobilization, or removal of heavy metals and PAHs under diverse environmental conditions? (4) Do AI-powered search tools offer a superior alternative to conventional search methodologies for executing an exhaustive systematic review? Utilizing big-data analytics and AI tools such as Litmaps.co, ResearchRabbit, and MAXQDA, this study conducts a thorough analysis of remediation techniques for soils co-contaminated with heavy metals and PAHs. It emphasizes the significance of cation-π interactions and soil composition in dictating the solubility and behavior of these pollutants. The study pays particular attention to the interplay between heavy metals and PAH solubility, as well as the impact of soil properties like clay type and organic matter on heavy metal adsorption, which results in nonlinear sorption patterns. The research identifies a growing trend towards employing combined remediation techniques, especially biological strategies like biostimulation-bioaugmentation, noting their effectiveness in laboratory settings, albeit with potentially higher costs in field applications. Plants such as Medicago sativa L. and Solanum nigrum L. are highlighted for their effectiveness in phytoremediation, working synergistically with beneficial microbes to decompose contaminants. Furthermore, the study illustrates that the incorporation of biochar and surfactants, along with chelating agents like EDTA, can significantly enhance treatment efficiency. However, the research acknowledges that varying environmental conditions necessitate site-specific adaptations in remediation strategies. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) findings indicate that while high-energy methods like Steam Enhanced Extraction and Thermal Resistivity - ERH are effective, they also entail substantial environmental and financial costs. Conversely, Natural Attenuation, despite being a low-impact and cost-effective option, may require prolonged monitoring. The study advocates for an integrative approach to soil remediation, one that harmoniously balances environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and the specific requirements of contaminated sites. It underscores the necessity of a holistic strategy that combines various remediation methods, tailored to meet both regulatory compliance and the long-term sustainability of decontamination efforts.
Topics: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Soil Pollutants; Metals, Heavy; Biodegradation, Environmental; Soil; Artificial Intelligence; Environmental Restoration and Remediation
PubMed: 38402679
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133813 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024(1) Background: Iron is an essential metal for the proper growth and neurodevelopment of infants. To prevent and treat iron deficiency, iron supplementation or... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Iron is an essential metal for the proper growth and neurodevelopment of infants. To prevent and treat iron deficiency, iron supplementation or fortification is often required. It has been shown, though, that it affects the synthesis of gut microbiota. (2) Methods: This paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of oral iron supplementation/fortification on the gut microbiota in infancy. Studies in healthy neonates and infants who received per os iron with existing data on gut microbiota were included. Three databases were searched: PUBMED, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Quality appraisal was assessed using the ROB2Tool. (3) Results: A total of six RCTs met inclusion criteria for a systematic review, and four of them were included in the meta-analysis using both the fixed and random effects methods. Our results showed that there is very good heterogeneity in the iron group (I = 62%), and excellent heterogeneity in the non-iron group (I = 98%). According to the meta-analysis outcomes, there is a 10.3% (95% CI: -15.0--5.55%) reduction in the bifidobacteria population in the iron group and a -2.96% reduction for the non-iron group. There is a confirmed difference ( = 0.02) in the aggregated outcomes between iron and non-iron supplement, indicative that the bifidobacteria population is reduced when iron supplementation is given (total reduction 6.37%, 95%CI: 10.16-25.8%). (4) Conclusions: The abundance of bifidobacteria decreases when iron supplementation or fortification is given to infants.
PubMed: 38397343
DOI: 10.3390/children11020231 -
BMC Urology Feb 2024To compare the efficacy and safety of thulium fiber laser (TFL) to holmium: YAG (Ho: YAG) laser in ureteroscopic lithotripsy for urolithiasis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of thulium fiber laser (TFL) to holmium: YAG (Ho: YAG) laser in ureteroscopic lithotripsy for urolithiasis.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CENTRAL, SinoMed, CNKI database, VIP and Wanfang Database were systematically searched for all relevant clinical trials until September 2023. References were explored to identify the relevant articles. Meta-analysis was carried out for the retrieved studies using RevMan5.4.1 software, and the risk ratio, mean difference and 95% confidence interval were expressed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The main outcomes of this meta-analysis were stone-free rate (SFR), perioperative outcomes and intraoperative or postoperative complications.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies, including 1394 patients, were included. According to the results of pooled analysis, TFL was associated with significantly higher stone-free rate (SFR) [0.52, 95% CI (0.32, 0.85), P = 0.009], shorter operation time [-5.47, 95% CI (-8.86, -2.08), P = 0.002], and less stone migration [0.17, 95% CI (0.06, 0.50), P = 0.001]. However, there was no significant difference in terms of the laser time, duration of hospital stay, drop of hemoglobin level, total energy, postoperative ureteral stenting, the incidence of intraoperative complications or postoperative complications between TFL and Ho: YAGs.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study demonstrated several advantages of TFL in terms of higher SFR, shorter operative time and less stone migration.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The protocol of this systematic review was listed in PROSPERO ( www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO ) (Protocol number: CRD42022362550).
Topics: Humans; Lasers, Solid-State; Thulium; Lithotripsy, Laser; Ureteroscopy; Lithotripsy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38374098
DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01419-6 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024To compare the effects of different selective sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on hemoglobin and hematocrit in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of different selective sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on hemoglobin and hematocrit in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on SGLT2i for patients with T2DM were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception of these databases to July 1, 2023. The risk of bias (RoB) tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and R software was adopted for data analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-two articles were included, involving a total of 14,001 T2DM patients. SGLT2i included empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin. The NMA results showed that compared with placebo, canagliflozin 100mg, canagliflozin 300mg, dapagliflozin 10mg, dapagliflozin 2mg, dapagliflozin 50mg, dapagliflozin 5mg, empagliflozin 25mg, and dapagliflozin 20mg increased hematocrit in patients with T2DM, while canagliflozin 100mg, canagliflozin 200mg, canagliflozin 300mg increased hemoglobin in patients with T2DM. In addition, the NMA results indicated that canagliflozin 100mg had the best effect on the improvement of hematocrit, and canagliflozin 200mg had the best effect on the improvement of hemoglobin.
CONCLUSION
Based on the existing studies, we concluded that SGLT2i could increase hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in patients with T2DM, and canagliflozin 100mg had the best effect on the improvement of hematocrit, while canagliflozin 200mg had the best effect on the improvement of hemoglobin.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#loginpage, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42023477103).
Topics: Humans; Canagliflozin; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Hypoglycemic Agents; Network Meta-Analysis; Hematocrit; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hemoglobins; Glucose; Sodium; Benzhydryl Compounds; Glucosides
PubMed: 38362282
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1333624 -
Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience :... 2024Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation modality that has been used to study human synaptic plasticity. Leveraging work in ex vivo...
BACKGROUND
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation modality that has been used to study human synaptic plasticity. Leveraging work in ex vivo preparations, mechanistically informed pharmacological adjuncts to TMS have been used to improve our fundamental understanding of TMS-induced synaptic plasticity.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed the literature pairing pharmacological adjuncts with TMS plasticity-induction protocols in humans. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase from 2013 to Mar. 10, 2023. Studies published before 2013 were extracted from a previous systematic review. We included studies using repetitive TMS, theta-burst stimulation, paired associative stimulation, and quadripulse stimulation paradigms in healthy and clinical populations.
RESULTS
Thirty-six studies met our inclusion criteria (28 in healthy and 8 in clinical populations). Most pharmacological agents have targeted the glutamatergic -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA; 15 studies) or dopamine receptors (13 studies). The NMDA receptor is necessary for TMS-induced plasticity; however, sufficiency has not been shown across protocols. Dopaminergic modulation of TMS-induced plasticity appears to be dose-dependent. The GABAergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems have small evidence bases supporting modulation of TMS-induced plasticity, as do voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels. Studies in clinical populations suggest that pharmacological adjuncts to TMS may rescue motor cortex plasticity, with implications for therapeutic applications of TMS and a promising clinical trial in depression.
LIMITATIONS
This review is limited by the predominance in the literature of studies with small sample sizes and crossover designs.
CONCLUSION
Pharmacologically enhanced TMS largely parallels findings from ex vivo preparations. As this area expands and novel targets are tested, adequately powered samples in healthy and clinical populations will inform the mechanisms of TMS-induced plasticity in health and disease.
Topics: Humans; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Neuronal Plasticity; Motor Cortex; Dopamine; Calcium; Evoked Potentials, Motor
PubMed: 38359933
DOI: 10.1503/jpn.230090 -
Water Research Apr 2024The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks.... (Review)
Review
The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks. Different factors impact the biological stability of drinking water (DW) in the distribution networks, such as the presence and concentration of nutrients, water temperature, pipe material composition, hydrodynamic conditions, and levels of disinfectant residual. This review aimed to evaluate the current state of knowledge on strategies for DW biofilm disinfection through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the literature published over the last decade. A systematic review method was performed on the 562 journal articles identified through database searching on Web of Science and Scopus, with 85 studies selected for detailed analysis. A variety of disinfectants were identified for DW biofilm control such as chlorine, chloramine, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and others at a lower frequency, namely, electrolyzed water, bacteriophages, silver ions, and nanoparticles. The disinfectants can impact the microbial communities within biofilms, reduce the number of culturable cells and biofilm biomass, as well as interfere with the biofilm matrix components. The maintenance of an effective residual concentration in the water guarantees long-term prevention of biofilm formation and improves the inactivation of detached biofilm-associated opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, strategies based on multi-barrier processes by optimization of primary and secondary disinfection combined with other water treatment methods improve the control of opportunistic pathogens, reduce the chlorine-tolerance of biofilm-embedded cells, as well as decrease the corrosion rate in metal-based pipelines. Most of the studies used benchtop laboratory devices for biofilm research. Even though these devices mimic the conditions found in real DWDS, future investigations on strategies for DW biofilm control should include the validity of the promising strategies against biofilms formed in real DW networks.
Topics: Disinfection; Drinking Water; Water Supply; Chlorine; Disinfectants; Water Purification; Biofilms; Chlorides
PubMed: 38359597
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121273 -
Environmental Research May 2024Exposure to environmental chemicals has been associated with an elevated risk of heart failure (HF). However, the impact on early markers of HF, such as left ventricular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A systematic review and meta-analysis of human population studies on the association between exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).
BACKGROUND
Exposure to environmental chemicals has been associated with an elevated risk of heart failure (HF). However, the impact on early markers of HF, such as left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), remains limited.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a foundation of evidence regarding early HF markers and their association with environmental pollutants, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
METHODS
The search, conducted on October 13th, 2023, encompassed PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science without filters, focusing on observational studies reporting myocardial geometrical, structural, or functional alterations in individuals without a history of heart disease. This included the general adult population, workers, young people, and the elderly. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool at both study and item levels.
RESULTS
The systematic review included 17 studies involving 43.358 individuals exposed to air pollution and 2038 exposed to heavy metals. Approximately 41% of the effect measures of associations reported significant abnormalities in myocardial structure or function. The metanalyses by pollutants categories indicated positive associations between LV systolic and diastolic abnormalities and exposure to PM2.5 [-0.069 (-0.104, -0.033); -0.044 (-0.062, -0.025)] and PM10 [-0.055 (-0.087, -0.022); -0.030 (-0.050, -0.010)] and NO2 [-0.042 (-0.071, -0.013); -0.021 (-0.037, -0.004)], as well as positive associations between lead exposure and LV systolic abnormalities [-0.033 (-0.051, -0.016)].
CONCLUSIONS
Existing evidence shows that specific early markers of HF may be associated with exposure to chemical pollutants. It is recommended to include such endpoints in new longitudinal and case-control studies to confirm further risk associations. These studies should consider co-exposures, account for vulnerable groups, and identify cardiotoxic compounds that may require regulation. When examining the link between myocardial abnormalities and environmental exposure, it is also advisable to explore the supportive use of Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) approaches to confirm a causal relationship.
Topics: Humans; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 38354889
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118429 -
Internal and Emergency Medicine Mar 2024Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve outcomes in patients with heart failure, with or without diabetes. We sought to assess whether there is an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in heart failure patients across the range of body mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve outcomes in patients with heart failure, with or without diabetes. We sought to assess whether there is an interaction of these effects with body mass index (BMI). A systematic review of the MEDLINE and Scopus databases (last search: November 15th, 2022) was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Studies eligible for this review were randomized control trials (RCTs) with patients with chronic heart failure with either preserved or reduced ejection fraction randomly assigned to SGLT2 inhibitors or placebo. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. BMI was classified according to the WHO classification into under/normal weight (BMI: < 25 kg/m), overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m), obesity class I (BMI: 30-34.9 kg/m), and obesity classes II/III (BMI: ≥ 35 kg/m). All analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4. Among 1461 studies identified in the literature search, 3 were eligible and included in the meta-analysis. Among 14,737 patients (32.2% were women), 7,367 were randomized to an SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin or empagliflozin) and 7,370 to placebo. There were significantly fewer hospitalizations for HF (OR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.64-0.76), cardiovascular deaths (OR:0.86, 95%CI: 0.77-0.97) and all-cause deaths (OR:0.90, 95%CI: 0.82-0.98) in the SGLT2 inhibitors group compared to the placebo group, without any interaction with BMI group (test for subgroup differences: x = 1.79, p = 0.62; x = 0.27, p = 0.97; x = 0.39, p = 0.94, respectively). There is no interaction between the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors and BMI in patients with HF with either preserved or reduced ejection fraction. SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with improved outcomes regardless of the BMI.Trial registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42022383643.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Body Mass Index; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Heart Failure; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Sodium; Obesity; Glucose
PubMed: 38353880
DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03532-8 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024The benefit of first-line use of sodium-dependent glucose transport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in type 2 diabetes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
First-line treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetic population at low risk of cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The benefit of first-line use of sodium-dependent glucose transport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with low risk of cardiovascular diseases are not clear.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. We used the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the dichotomous and continuous variable, respectively.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies involving 2,885 T2DM at low risk of cardiovascular diseases were included. Compared to placebo, first line use of SGLT2i significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin type A1C (HbA1c) (MD: -0.72), weight (MD: -1.32) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (MD: -27.05) levels. Compared with metformin, SGLT2i reduced body weight (MD: -1.50) and FPG (MD: -10.13) more effectively, with similar reduction for HbA1c (MD: -0.05). No significant increased safety adverse was found for SGLT2i, including nasopharyngitis (OR: 1.07), urinary tract infection (OR: 2.31), diarrhea (OR: 1.18) and hypoglycemia (OR: 1.06). GLP-1RAs significantly reduced HbA1c (MD: -1.13), weight (MD: -2.12) and FPG (MD: -31.44) levels as first-line therapy compared to placebo. GLP-1RAs significantly increased occurrence of diarrhea (OR: 2.18), hypoglycemia (OR: 3.10), vomiting (OR: 8.22), and nausea (OR: 4.41).
CONCLUSION
First line use of SGLT2i and GLP-1RAs is effective in reducing HbA1c, weight, and FPG levels in T2DM patients at low risk for cardiovascular disease. SGLT2i may be superior to metformin in controlling body weight and FPG. GLP-1RAs may increase the occurrence of diarrhea, hypoglycemia, vomiting, and nausea.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. https://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd, CRD42022347233).
Topics: Humans; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diarrhea; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists; Glycated Hemoglobin; Hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Metformin; Nausea; Sodium; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Vomiting
PubMed: 38348420
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1289643 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Feb 2024To assess which decontamination method(s) used for the debridement of titanium surfaces (disks and dental implants) contaminated with bacterial, most efficiently... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effectiveness of mechanical and chemical decontamination methods for the treatment of dental implant surfaces affected by peri-implantitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess which decontamination method(s) used for the debridement of titanium surfaces (disks and dental implants) contaminated with bacterial, most efficiently eliminate bacterial biofilms.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases between January 1, 2010 and October 31, 2022. The search strategy followed the PICOS format and included only in vitro studies completed on either dental implant or titanium disk samples. The assessed outcome variable consisted of the most effective method(s)-chemical or mechanical- removing bacterial biofilm from titanium surfaces. A meta-analysis was conducted, and data was summarized through single- and multi-level random effects model (p < .05).
RESULTS
The initial search resulted in 5260 articles after the removal of duplicates. After assessment by title, abstract, and full-text review, a total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Different decontamination methods were assessed, including both mechanical and chemical, with the most common method across studies being chlorhexidine (CHX). Significant heterogeneity was noted across the included studies. The meta-analyses only identified a significant difference in biofilm reduction when CHX treatment was compared against PBS. The remaining comparisons did not identify significant differences between the various decontamination methods.
CONCLUSIONS
The present results do not demonstrate that one method of decontamination is superior in eliminating bacterial biofilm from titanium disk and implant surfaces.
Topics: Humans; Peri-Implantitis; Dental Implants; Titanium; Decontamination; Chlorhexidine; Bacteria
PubMed: 38345466
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.839