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Translational Cancer Research Nov 2023Bone scintigraphy, the standard tool for detecting bone metastases has some insufficiencies; thus, supplementary imaging techniques are needed. This study is a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bone scintigraphy, the standard tool for detecting bone metastases has some insufficiencies; thus, supplementary imaging techniques are needed. This study is a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies reporting and comparing the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and Tc-MDP single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for bone metastases.
METHODS
Literature related to the diagnosis of bone metastases using 18F-NaF PET/CT and Tc-MDP SPECT was searched on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang databases, and VIP. Evaluation of study quality was performed according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Pooled sensitivity (SEN) and specificity (SPE) were assessed along with heterogeneity. The subject operating characteristic curve was plotted, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, and the pre- and post-test probabilities were compared.
RESULTS
Finally, 11 articles, consisting of 1,085 patients and 1,782 lesions, were included. At the patient level (11 articles), the results were pooled SEN =0.92 and SPE =0.96 for PET/CT, SEN =0.80 and SPE =0.90 for SPECT. The AUC of PET/CT [0.98 (0.96-0.99)] was higher than that of SPECT [0.92 (0.89-0.94), P<0.05]. At the lesion level (6 articles), the results were pooled SEN =0.96 and SPE =0.98 for PET/CT, SEN =0.76 and SPE =0.94 for SPECT. The AUC of PET/CT [0.99 (0.98-1.00)] was higher than that of SPECT [0.94 (0.92-0.96); P<0.05]. Statistical heterogeneity existed, and meta-regression showed that, at patient-based level, the study design type, tumor character, and the selection blinding method were the main sources of heterogeneity. Furthermore, both PET/CT and SPECT had superior SEN for osteogenic metastases than non-osteogenic metastases (P=0.01). At the lesion level, tumor character was a source of heterogeneity accompanied by an increased SEN for osteogenic metastases, and the SEN for SPECT combined with CT was improved [SEN =0.87 (0.68-1.00), P=0.03].
CONCLUSIONS
18F-NaF PET/CT has a higher SEN and SPE than Tc-MDP SPECT in diagnosing bone metastases, nevertheless, it is necessary to fully understand the primary tumor and the characteristics of the imaging protocol to choose suitable modality for individuals. Combining SPECT with CT improves the diagnostic efficacy than having SPECT alone and can be a powerful supplement to PET/CT for suspected osteogenic bone metastases.
PubMed: 38130318
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-817 -
Journal of Environmental Management Feb 2024Meta-analysis of red mud-related literature in English published from 1976 to 2022 and in Chinese from 1990 to 2022 was performed to support critical analysis and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Meta-analysis of red mud-related literature in English published from 1976 to 2022 and in Chinese from 1990 to 2022 was performed to support critical analysis and evaluation of the available literature based on the following aspects of red mud research: (a) characterization, (b) treatment for harmfulness minimization, (c) recovery of valuable metals, (d) environmental applications, and (e) uses as construction materials. It was found that (a) sinter red mud tended to contain more silica and calcium, and less iron, sodium and aluminium compared to Bayer red mud; (b) gypsum was the most frequently used agent for harmfulness reduction treatment of red mud, followed by flue gas/CO; (c) the mean optimal pH for adsorption of major anionic pollutants was 8.42 ± 1.13 (arsenite), 3.73 ± 0.68 (arsenate), 3.50 ± 2.38 (phosphate), 4.43 ± 1.04 (fluoride) and 3.80 ± 1.54 (chromate); (d) wastewater treatment has attracted more attention compared to contaminated soils and waste gases; (e) recovery of iron and scandium has attracted more attention compared to other metals; (f) cement making has been the focus in construction uses. Most of the research findings were based on laboratory-scale experiments that focused on efficacy rather than efficiency. There was a lack of integrated approaches for research in red mud valorization.
Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Environmental Pollution; Metals; Iron; Aluminum
PubMed: 38043310
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119660 -
European Review For Medical and... Nov 2023Early childhood caries is a common condition that poses a serious risk to children's health because it can progress quickly, resulting in pain, abscesses, and a general...
OBJECTIVE
Early childhood caries is a common condition that poses a serious risk to children's health because it can progress quickly, resulting in pain, abscesses, and a general decline in health. As a result, invasive therapies are needed, which call for highly skilled personnel. This systematic review of the literature aims to identify the most recent and widely applied early childhood caries (ECC) prevention and treatment approaches. Only substances that act topically and minimally invasive interventions were considered.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The database search was restricted to randomized clinical trials completed within the last five years, specifically those that examined the following procedures: sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish, alternative restorative technique (ART), nano-silver fluoride, silver diamine fluoride, and silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment sealants (SMART).
RESULTS
A total of 815 articles were found. After removing duplicates, 584 articles were included, and 567 of them were excluded due to not meeting the predefined inclusion criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
Every method considered has been proven to be successful in halting the progression of ECC and is well-liked by patients, even those who are unwilling to cooperate, as well as by parents. The most common unfavorable effect of SDF is irreversible black discoloration in treated tooth surfaces, but this is typically not a problem. They are all low-cost, minimally invasive techniques that might also be widely used in large communities and low socioeconomic settings.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Cariostatic Agents; Dental Atraumatic Restorative Treatment; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Sodium Fluoride
PubMed: 38039039
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34477 -
Dental and Medical Problems 2023White spot lesions (WSLs) are one of the most common adverse effects following comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this review was to evaluate... (Review)
Review
White spot lesions (WSLs) are one of the most common adverse effects following comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this review was to evaluate recent studies addressing the prevention and treatment of these lesions. Electronic databases were searched for English-written studies published between 2015 and October 2020 involving randomized clinical trials aiming at prevention or treatment of orthodontically induced WSLs using the following keywords in their title or abstracts: randomized clinical trial OR randomized controlled trial AND white spot OR caries OR demineralization OR decalcification OR remineralization. From the 23 papers which met the inclusion criteria, 11 were on preventive methods, while 12 addressed treatment protocols. However, most of the reviewed studies had a high risk of bias. The results of this review strongly support the importance of oral hygiene observation in preventing WSLs. Sodium fluoride varnish 5% was confirmed to be effective in the treatment of these lesions, as well as in the prevention of WSLs in patients with suboptimal oral hygiene. In addition, immediate CO2 laser irradiation after bonding can effectively prohibit formation of WSLs during orthodontic treatment. The literature also illustrates a promising masking effect of resin infiltration for the treatment of WSLs. However, little scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) against WSLs, although more clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed. Oral hygiene maintenance is crucial in the prevention of WSLs, and 5% sodium fluoride varnish and CO2 laser irradiation are recommended in patients with compromised oral hygiene. In the case of WSL formation, fluoride varnish and resin infiltration are effective treatment modalities.
Topics: Humans; Cariostatic Agents; Fluorides, Topical; Tooth Remineralization; Dental Caries; Sodium; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37815515
DOI: 10.17219/dmp/140964 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023Oxidative stress is involved in the alterations at the level of salivary glands, being the cause of oral pathologies like xerostomia, periodontitis, gingivitis,... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress is involved in the alterations at the level of salivary glands, being the cause of oral pathologies like xerostomia, periodontitis, gingivitis, leucoplakia, and cancer. It is known that antioxidants can reverse changes induced by drugs or other chemicals in some organs, but the question is whether these substances can reduce or revert the effects of oxidative stress at the salivary gland level. Our aim was to find histopathological data at the level of salivary glands supporting the hypothesis of the reversal of oxidative stress-induced changes after the treatment with substances with antioxidant effect. : A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer databases, including research articles on oxidative stress histological aspects and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by drugs or other chemicals on salivary glands. : Out of 1756 articles, 25 articles were selected with data on tissue homogenate used for biochemical analysis of oxidative and antioxidative markers, along with routine hematoxylin eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical analysis used for histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis. Drugs (antineoplastic drugs, antibiotics, and analgesics), alcohol, heavy metals, and fluoride can cause oxidative stress, resulting in morphological changes in different tissues, including in salivary glands. There are many antioxidants but only a few were evaluated regarding the effects on salivary glands in animal studies, such as hesperidin and selenium, which can reverse the damage induced by cyclophosphamide; 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD), a compound extracted from ginger, which has a protective effect against the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by tramadol; and glycyrrhizic acid, which may repair the injuries incurred after the administration of sodium nitrite. : Substances such as hesperidin, selenium, 10-dehydrogingerdione, and glycyrrhizic acid are antioxidants with proven restorative effects on salivary glands for the damage induced by oxidative stress after exposure to drugs and other chemical substances; however, demonstrating their similar effects in human salivary glands is challenging.
PubMed: 37763811
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091692 -
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine... Dec 2023Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive protein misfolding disease with frequent cardiac involvement. This review aims to determine the value of PET in... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive protein misfolding disease with frequent cardiac involvement. This review aims to determine the value of PET in diagnosis, assessment of disease progression or treatment response and its relation to clinical outcome in follow-up of ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) patients.
METHODS
Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched, from the earliest date available until December 2022, for studies investigating the use of PET in ATTR-CM patients. Studies containing original data were included, except for case reports. Risk of bias was assessed by QUADAS-2.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were included in this systematic review, investigating five different tracers: carbon-11 Pittsburgh compound B ([C]PIB), fluorine-18 Florbetaben ([F]FBB), fluorine-18 Florbetapir ([F]FBP), fluorine-18 Flutemetamol ([F]FMM) and fluorine-18 Sodium Fluoride (Na[F]F). In total 211 ATTR amyloidosis patients were included. A majority of studies concluded that [C]PIB, [F]FBP and Na[F]F can distinguish ATTR amyloidosis patients from controls, and that [C]PIB and Na[F]F, but not [F]FBP, can distinguish ATTR-CM patients from patients with cardiac light chain amyloidosis. Evidence on the performance of [F]FBB and [F]FMM was contradictory. No studies on the use of PET in follow-up were found.
CONCLUSION
[C]PIB, Na[F]F and [F]FBP can be used to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis, although [F]FBP may not be suitable for the distinction of different types of amyloid cardiomyopathy. No studies on PET in the follow-up of ATTR amyloidosis patients were found. Future research should focus on the use of these PET tracers in the follow-up of ATTR amyloidosis patients.
Topics: Humans; Prealbumin; Follow-Up Studies; Amyloidosis; Positron-Emission Tomography; Cardiomyopathies
PubMed: 37561144
DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06381-3 -
BMC Oral Health Aug 2023External factors such as the daily use of antimicrobial mouthwashes to maintain oral hygiene and to reduce the microbial activity can contribute to alter the mechanical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
External factors such as the daily use of antimicrobial mouthwashes to maintain oral hygiene and to reduce the microbial activity can contribute to alter the mechanical properties of the elastomeric chains used during orthodontic treatments, causing loss of effectiveness. This systematic review and a meta-analysis assessed the rate of force decay and degradation of the polymeric chains depending on the type of mouthwash.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature were there was an exposure of orthodontic elastomeric chains to certain mouthwashes was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Scopus, EMBASE and Web of Science, as well as grey literature (Opengrey). No limit was placed on publication year and research was done up to June 2022. Based on inclusion/ exclusion criteria, data were extracted by two independent reviewers. For the quantitative analysis, studies were analysed with a mixed-effect (random effect) meta-regression model, with beta coefficients and R [2] values. I [2] index and Q and Egger tests were used to find heterogeneity among studies.
RESULTS
A total of 178 potentially eligible studies were identified, of which 14 were eventually included in the qualitative analysis and 14 in the quantitative meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that all the mouthwashes were associated with a greater force decay than the control groups. After 7 days (p = 0.005) significant differences were found among the different mouthwashes, with those containing alcohol having significantly higher impact on the force decay than those containing chlorhexidine 0.2%, sodium fluoride or Persica. However, at 24 h (p = 0.200), 14 days (p = 0.076), 21 days (p = 0.120) and 28 days (p = 0.778) no statistically significant differences among the different mouthwashes were found, although those containing alcohol presented a strong tendency.
CONCLUSION
Although mouthwashes tend to increase the speed of force decay of elastomeric chains, especially those containing alcohol, clorhexidine 0.2% can be a good alternative due to its low impact on the force decay and its ability to maintain low microbial activity. More in vitro and in vivo studies comparing different manufacturers and other agents should be performed.
Topics: Humans; Mouthwashes; Chlorhexidine; Sodium Fluoride; Anti-Infective Agents; Elasticity; Ethanol; Polymers
PubMed: 37542215
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03240-3 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2023Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are major global health problems, and the main cause is atherosclerosis. Recently, molecular imaging has been widely...
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are major global health problems, and the main cause is atherosclerosis. Recently, molecular imaging has been widely employed in the diagnosis and therapeutic applications of a variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis. Substantive facts have announced that molecular imaging has broad prospects in the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of atherosclerosis. We conducted a scientometric analysis of the scientific publications over the past 23 years on molecular imaging research in atherosclerosis, so as to identify the key progress, hotspots, and emerging trends. Original research and reviews regarding molecular imaging in atherosclerosis were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Microsoft Excel 2021 was used to analyze the main findings. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and a scientometric online platform were used to perform visualization analysis of the co-citation of journals and references, co-occurrence of keywords, and collaboration between countries/regions, institutions, and authors. A total of 1755 publications were finally included, which were published by 795 authors in 443 institutions from 59 countries/regions. The United States was the top country in terms of the number and centrality of publications in this domain, with 810 papers and a centrality of 0.38, and Harvard University published the largest number of articles (182). Fayad, ZA was the most productive author, with 73 papers, while LIBBY P had the most co-citations (493). was the top co-cited journal with a frequency of 1,411, followed by (1,128). The co-citation references analysis identified eight clusters with a well-structured network (Q = 0.6439) and highly convincing clustering (S = 0.8865). All the studies calculated by keyword co-occurrence were divided into five clusters: "nanoparticle," "magnetic resonance imaging," "inflammation," "positron emission tomography," and "ultrasonography". Hot topics mainly focused on cardiovascular disease, contrast media, macrophage, vulnerable plaque, and microbubbles. Sodium fluoride ⁃PET, targeted drug delivery, OCT, photoacoustic imaging, ROS, and oxidative stress were identified as the potential trends. Molecular imaging research in atherosclerosis has attracted extensive attention in academia, while the challenges of clinical transformation faced in this field have been described in this review. The findings of the present research can inform funding agencies and researchers toward future directions.
PubMed: 37122864
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1152067 -
Interactive Journal of Medical Research Mar 2023Hematological malignancies disturb the blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. Taking medications for treating opportunistic infections (OIs) in these individuals may... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hematological malignancies disturb the blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. Taking medications for treating opportunistic infections (OIs) in these individuals may enhance the risk of medication interaction as well as adverse drug reactions.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nondrug interventions in reducing OIs among patients with hematological cancers.
METHODS
The PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Embase databases were searched on December 26, 2022, for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary endpoint was OIs. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies were included in this review with 4 interventions: (1) types of mouthwash received, (2) presence of coating on central venous catheters (CVCs), (3) use of well-fitted masks, and (4) types of diet consumed. The results were presented in 8 different comparisons: (1) chlorhexidine-nystatin versus saline mouth rinse, (2) chlorhexidine versus saline mouth rinse, (3) nystatin versus saline mouth rinse, (4) chlorhexidine silver sulfadiazine-coated CVCs versus uncoated catheters, (5) well-fitted masks versus no mask, (6) amine fluoride-stannous fluoride versus sodium fluoride mouthwash, (7) low-bacterial diet versus standard hospital diet, and (8) herbal versus placebo mouthwash. No clear differences were reported in any of the outcomes examined in the first 3 comparisons. There were also no clear differences in the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection or insertion site infection between the use of chlorhexidine silver sulfadiazine-coated CVCs versus uncoated catheters in the patients. Further, no significant differences were seen between patients who used a well-fitted mask and those without a mask in the incidence of OI. The all-cause mortality and mortality due to OI were similar between the 2 groups. There was no clear difference in all-cause mortality, although common adverse effects were reported in patients who used sodium fluoride mouthwash compared with those using amine fluoride-stannous fluoride mouthwash. There was no evidence of any difference in the incidence of possible invasive aspergillosis or candidemia between patients who consumed a low-bacterial diet and a standard diet. For the last comparison, no significant difference was seen between patients who received herbal and placebo mouthwash.
CONCLUSIONS
Very limited evidence was available to measure the effectiveness of nondrug interventions in hematological cancers. The effectiveness of the interventions included in this review needs to be evaluated further in high-quality RCTs in a dedicated setting among patients with hematological malignancies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020169186; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=169186.
PubMed: 37000482
DOI: 10.2196/43969 -
Cureus Feb 2023Otosclerosis, also known as otospongiosis, is a primary osteodystrophy of the otic capsule of the inner ear and one of the leading causes of deafness in adults. The... (Review)
Review
Otosclerosis, also known as otospongiosis, is a primary osteodystrophy of the otic capsule of the inner ear and one of the leading causes of deafness in adults. The rationale for medical therapy for otospongiosis is to slow down and eventually stop the phase of bone resorption. Conservative treatments include sodium fluoride (NaF), bisphosphonates, and other modern medicines. A systematic review of the existing and published articles and books until April 2021 has been conducted in Medscape, Google Scholar, PubMed, and other databases using appropriate terms. According to the results of the research, the administration of NaF for a period of at least six months stabilizes hearing thresholds (HTs), improves vestibular symptoms, and delays the worsening of tinnitus. The administration of bisphosphonates for a period of at least six months showed significant percentage differences in the improvement of hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus remission. In the already existing double-blind studies that were evaluated, groups of patients treated with bisphosphonates for at least 24 months showed greater stabilization of the mean air and bone conduction thresholds than groups of patients treated with a placebo. The new modern medications have not yet been widely administered clinically to draw useful conclusions, although the test results of some of their use are quite encouraging.
PubMed: 36923175
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34850