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Proceedings. Biological Sciences Jun 2024Pesticides have been identified as major drivers of insect biodiversity loss. Thus, the study of their effects on non-pest insect species has attracted a lot of... (Review)
Review
Pesticides have been identified as major drivers of insect biodiversity loss. Thus, the study of their effects on non-pest insect species has attracted a lot of attention in recent decades. In general toxicology, the 'gold standard' to assess the toxicity of a substance is to measure mass-specific LD (i.e. median lethal dose per unit body mass). In entomology, reviews attempting to compare these data across all available studies are lacking. To fill this gap in knowledge, we performed a systematic review of the lethality of imidacloprid for adult insects. Imidacloprid is possibly the most extensively studied insecticide in recent times, yet we found that little is comparable across studies, owing to both methodological divergence and missing estimates of body mass. By accounting for body mass whenever possible, we show how imidacloprid sensitivity spans across an apparent range of approximately six orders of magnitude across insect species. Very high variability within species can also be observed owing to differences in exposure methods and observation time. We suggest that a more comparable and comprehensive approach has both biological and economic relevance. Ultimately, this would help to identify differences that could direct research towards preventing non-target species from being negatively affected.
Topics: Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Animals; Insecticides; Insecta; Imidazoles; Species Specificity; Lethal Dose 50
PubMed: 38864325
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2811 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Several pharmacological interventions, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and bupropion, have been approved for clinical use of smoking cessation.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Several pharmacological interventions, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and bupropion, have been approved for clinical use of smoking cessation. E-cigarettes (EC) are increasingly explored by many RCTs for their potentiality in smoking cessation. In addition, some RCTs are attempting to explore new drugs for smoking cessation, such as cytisine. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to investigate how these drugs and e-cigarettes compare regarding their efficacy and acceptability.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review and NMA searched all clinical studies on smoking cessation using pharmacological monotherapies or e-cigarettes published from January 2011 to May 2022 using MEDLINE, COCHRANE Library, and PsychINFO databases. NRTs were divided into transdermal (TDN) and oronasal nicotine (ONN) by administrative routes, thus 7 network nodes were set up for direct and indirect comparison. Two different indicators measured the efficacy: prevalent and continuous smoking abstinence. The drop-out rates measured the acceptability.
RESULTS
The final 40 clinical studies included in this study comprised 77 study cohorts and 25,889 participants. Varenicline is more effective intervention to assist in smoking cessation during 16-32 weeks follow-up, and is very likely to prompt dropout. Cytisine shows more effectiveness in continuous smoking cessation but may also lead to dropout. E-cigarettes and oronasal nicotine are more effective than no treatment in encouraging prevalent abstinence, but least likely to prompt dropout. Finally, transdermal nicotine delivery is more effective than no treatment in continuous abstinence, with neither significant effect on prevalent abstinence nor dropout rate.
CONCLUSION
This review suggested and agreed that Varenicline, Cytisine and transdermal nicotine delivery, as smoking cessation intervention, have advantages and disadvantages. However, we had to have reservations about e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking in adolescents.
Topics: Humans; Smoking Cessation; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Varenicline; Network Meta-Analysis; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Smoking Cessation Agents; Alkaloids; Azocines; Bupropion; Quinolizines; Nicotine; Quinolizidine Alkaloids
PubMed: 38841681
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1361186 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia May 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of submucosal injection of onabotulinum toxin A (OnabotA) with intradetrusor... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
PURPOSE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of submucosal injection of onabotulinum toxin A (OnabotA) with intradetrusor injection for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).
METHODS
This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021237964). A licensed librarian surveyed Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to conduct a comprehensive search. Studies comparing suburothelial and intradetrusor techniques of OnabotA injection for OAB were included, along with clinical and urodynamic variables and complications. The studies were assessed for quality on the basis of Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and evaluated using statistical analysis via a random-effect model and I statistic. Data extraction and analysis were conducted using Covidence systematic review platform and Review Manager software.
RESULTS
Six studies with 299 patients were included in the systematic review, with four reporting that suburothelial injection of OnabotA was as effective as intradetrusor injection and two reporting intradetrusor injection to be more effective. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between the suburothelial and intradetrusor groups for mean daily catheter or voiding frequency (mean difference: 2.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.61, 5.84]) and the mean number of urgency/urge incontinence episodes (mean difference: 0.08 [95% CI: -1.42, 1.57]). However, a significant heterogeneity was found among the studies. Only the mean volume at first detrusor contraction showed a significant difference, being higher for suburothelial injection (mean difference: 33.39 [95% CI: 0.16, 66.63]). No significant difference was noted for mean compliance, mean bladder capacity, and mean maximum detrusor pressure. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) ( = 0.24) and acute urinary retention ( = 0.92) showed no significant difference between the two groups. The risk of bias varied among the studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Suburothelial injection of OnabotA is as effective as intradetrusor injection in improving OAB symptoms, and it has similar complication rates. A higher mean volume of the first detrusor contraction was found in a urodynamic study with suburothelial injection.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Humans; Urinary Bladder, Overactive; Adult; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic; Injections
PubMed: 38840279
DOI: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247704.50 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Although the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia explains the effects of all the available antipsychotics in clinical use, there is an increasing need for developing... (Review)
Review
Although the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia explains the effects of all the available antipsychotics in clinical use, there is an increasing need for developing new drugs for the treatment of the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of chronic psychoses. Xanomeline-trospium (KarXT) is a drug combination that is based on the essential role played by acetylcholine in the regulation of cognitive processes and the interactions between this neurotransmitter and other signaling pathways in the central nervous system, with a potential role in the onset of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and substance use disorders. A systematic literature review that included four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Clarivate/Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and the US National Library of Medicine database for clinical trials detected twenty-one sources referring to fourteen studies focused on KarXT, out of which only four have available results. Based on the results of these trials, the short-term efficacy and tolerability of xanomeline-trospium are good, but more data are needed before this drug combination may be recommended for clinical use. However, on a theoretical level, the exploration of KarXT is useful for increasing the interest of researchers in finding new, non-dopaminergic, antipsychotics that could be used either as monotherapy or as add-on drugs.
PubMed: 38794180
DOI: 10.3390/ph17050610 -
Toxins May 2024Axial postural abnormalities (APAs), characterized by their frequency, disabling nature, and resistance to pharmacological treatments, significantly impact Parkinson's... (Review)
Review
Axial postural abnormalities (APAs), characterized by their frequency, disabling nature, and resistance to pharmacological treatments, significantly impact Parkinson's disease and atypical Parkinsonism patients. Despite advancements in diagnosing, assessing, and understanding their pathophysiology, managing these complications remains a significant challenge. Often underestimated by healthcare professionals, these disturbances can exacerbate disability. This systematic review assesses botulinum toxin treatments' effectiveness, alone and with rehabilitation, in addressing APAs in Parkinson's disease, utilizing MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases for source material. Of the 1087 records retrieved, 16 met the selection criteria. Most research has focused on botulinum toxin (BoNT) as the primary treatment for camptocormia and Pisa syndrome, utilizing mostly observational methods. Despite dose and injection site variations, a common strategy was using electromyography-guided injections, occasionally enhanced with ultrasound. Patients with Pisa syndrome notably saw consistent improvements in APAs and pain. However, studies on the combined effects of botulinum toxin and rehabilitation are limited, and antecollis is significantly under-researched. These findings recommend precise BoNT injections into hyperactive muscles in well-selected patients by skilled clinicians, avoiding compensatory muscles, and underscore the necessity of early rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is crucial in a multidisciplinary approach to managing APAs, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Botulinum Toxins; Neuromuscular Agents; Spinal Curvatures; Posture
PubMed: 38787080
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050228 -
Toxins May 2024Chronic migraine (CM) significantly affects underage individuals. The study objectives are (1) to analyze the effectiveness and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) in... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Chronic migraine (CM) significantly affects underage individuals. The study objectives are (1) to analyze the effectiveness and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) in adolescents with CM; (2) to review the literature on BTX-A use in the pediatric population. This prospective observational study included patients under 18 years old with CM treated with BTX-A (PREEMPT protocol) as compassionate use. Demographic, efficacy (monthly headache days-MHD; monthly migraine days-MMD; acute medication days/month-AMDM) and side effect data were collected. A ≥ 50% reduction in MHD was considered as a response. Effectiveness and safety were analyzed at 6 and 12 months. A systematic review of the use of BTX-A in children/adolescents was conducted in July 2023. In total, 20 patients were included (median age 15 years [14.75-17], 70% (14/20) females). The median basal frequencies were 28.8 [20-28] MHD, 18 [10-28] MMD and 10 [7.5-21.2] AMDM. Compared with baseline, at 6 months ( = 20), 11 patients (55%) were responders, with a median reduction in MHD of -20 days/month ( = 0.001). At 12 months ( = 14), eight patients (57.1%) were responders, with a median reduction in MHD of -17.5 days/month ( = 0.002). No adverse effects were reported. The literature search showed similar results. Our data supports the concept that BTX-A is effective, well tolerated, and safe in adolescents with CM resistant to oral preventatives.
Topics: Humans; Migraine Disorders; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Adolescent; Female; Male; Prospective Studies; Chronic Disease; Treatment Outcome; Neuromuscular Agents
PubMed: 38787073
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050221 -
BMC Women's Health May 2024Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition defined by urgency with or without incontinence which disproportionately affects female patients and has a negative impact on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition defined by urgency with or without incontinence which disproportionately affects female patients and has a negative impact on sexual enjoyment and avoidance behaviour. Pharmacotherapy can be considered one of the main options for treating OAB. This research set out to determine the impact of pharmacotherapy on sexual function in females with OAB.
METHODS
This research used the robust methodology of a systematic review. The clinical question was formulated using the PICO (population, intervention, control, and outcomes) format to include females being treated with pharmacotherapy (anticholinergics or beta-3 adrenergic agonists) for idiopathic OAB with the use of a validated questionnaire assessing self-reported sexual function at baseline and post-treatment. The review incorporated the MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE databases. The AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) appraisal tool was used to guide the review process. Two reviewers worked independently in screening abstracts, deciding on the inclusion of full-texts, data extraction and risk of bias assessment.
RESULTS
In female patients with OAB, pharmacotherapy does seem to offer at least partial improvement in self-reported sexual function outcomes after 12 weeks of therapy. Still, the value of this finding is limited by an overall poor quality of evidence. Patients with a higher degree of bother at baseline stand to benefit the most from treatment when an improvement within this health-related quality of life domain is sought.
CONCLUSION
This research should form the basis for a well-conducted randomized controlled study to accurately assess sexual function improvements in females being treated with pharmacotherapy for OAB.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder, Overactive; Female; Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Cholinergic Antagonists; Sexual Behavior; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38755593
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03103-1 -
Talanta Aug 2024Neonicotinoids, sometimes abbreviated as neonics, represent a class of neuro-active insecticides with chemical similarities to nicotine. Neonicotinoids are the most... (Review)
Review
Neonicotinoids, sometimes abbreviated as neonics, represent a class of neuro-active insecticides with chemical similarities to nicotine. Neonicotinoids are the most widely adopted group of insecticides globally since their discovery in the late 1980s. Their physiochemical properties surpass those of previously established insecticides, contributing to their popularity in various sectors such as agriculture and wood treatment. The environmental impact of neonicotinoids, often overlooked, underscores the urgency to develop tools for their detection and understanding of their behavior. Conventional methods for pesticide detection have limitations. Chromatographic techniques are sensitive but expensive, generate waste, and require complex sample preparation. Bioassays lack specificity and accuracy, making them suitable as preliminary tests in conjunction with instrumental methods. Aptamer-based biosensor is recognized as an advantageous tool for neonicotinoids detection due to its rapid response, user-friendly nature, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for on-site detection. This comprehensive review represents the inaugural in-depth analysis of advancements in aptamer-based biosensors targeting neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, nitenpyram, and dinotefuran. Additionally, the review offers valuable insights into the critical challenges requiring prompt attention for the successful transition from research to practical field applications.
Topics: Insecticides; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Biosensing Techniques; Neonicotinoids; Guanidines; Thiamethoxam; Thiazoles; Nitro Compounds; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Thiazines
PubMed: 38703483
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126190 -
PloS One 2024We conducted a systematic evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in alleviating ureteral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
Comparison of the efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in improving ureteral stent-related symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in alleviating ureteral stent-related symptoms.
METHODS
Until August 2023, we conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and complications of tolterodine and α-adrenergic receptor blockers in treating ureteral stent-related symptoms. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. The scores from various domains of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) were summarized and compared, and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria for our analysis. These studies were conducted at different centers. All studies were randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 487 patients, with 244 patients receiving α-adrenergic receptor blockers and 243 patients receiving tolterodine. The results showed that tolterodine demonstrated significantly better improvement in body pain (MD, 1.56; 95% CI [0.46, 2.66]; p = 0.005) (MD, 0.46; 95% CI [0.12, 0.80]; p = 0.008) (MD, 3.21; 95% CI [1.89, 4.52]; p = 0.00001) among patients after ureteral stent placement compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers at different time points. Additionally, at 4 weeks, tolterodine showed superior improvement in general health (MD, 0.15; 95% CI [0.03, 0.27]; p = 0.01) and urinary symptoms (MD, 1.62; 95% CI [0.59, 2.66]; p = 0.002) compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers, while at 6 weeks, tolterodine showed better improvement in work performance (MD, -1.60; 95% CI [-2.73, -0.48]; p = 0.005) compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers. Additionally, the incidence of dry mouth (RR, 4.21; 95% CI [1.38, 12.87]; p = 0.01) is higher with the use of tolterodine compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers. However, there were no significant statistical differences between the two drugs in other outcomes.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests that tolterodine is superior to α-adrenergic receptor blockers in improving physical pain symptoms after ureteral stent placement, while α-adrenergic receptor blockers are more effective than tolterodine in enhancing work performance. Additionally, the incidence of dry mouth is higher with the use of tolterodine compared to α-adrenergic receptor blockers. However, higher-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to further investigate this issue.
Topics: Tolterodine Tartrate; Humans; Stents; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Ureter; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38701097
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302716 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... May 2024Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a rare condition characterized by localized pain and pruritus of the upper back, associated with a distinct area of hyperpigmentation....
BACKGROUND
Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a rare condition characterized by localized pain and pruritus of the upper back, associated with a distinct area of hyperpigmentation. Given the lack of standardized treatment and the uncertain efficacy of available options, applying procedural methods is of growing interest in treating NP.
AIMS
We sought to comprehensively evaluate the role of procedural treatments for NP.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science until November 14th, 2023. We also performed a citation search to detect all relevant studies. Original clinical studies published in the English language were included.
RESULTS
Out of 243 articles, sixteen studies have reported various procedural modalities, with or without pharmacological components, in treating NP. Pharmacological procedures, including injections of botulinum toxin, lidocaine, and corticosteroids, led to a level of improvement in case reports and case series. However, botulinum toxin did not show acceptable results in a clinical trial. Moreover, non-pharmacological procedures were as follows: physical therapy, exercise therapy, kinesiotherapy, acupuncture and dry needling, electrical muscle stimulation, surgical decompression, and phototherapy. These treatments result in significant symptom control in refractory cases. Physical therapy can be considered a first-line choice or an alternative in refractory cases.
CONCLUSION
Procedural modalities are critical in the multidisciplinary approach to NP, especially for patients who are refractory to topical and oral treatments. Procedural modalities include a spectrum of options that can be applied based on the disease's symptoms and severity.
Topics: Humans; Pruritus; Lidocaine; Paresthesia; Hyperpigmentation; Physical Therapy Modalities; Acupuncture Therapy; Botulinum Toxins; Anesthetics, Local; Exercise Therapy; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Dry Needling
PubMed: 38696233
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13723