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Frontiers in Immunology 2021Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease associated with lipid metabolism. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that plays a key role in the development of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease associated with lipid metabolism. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that plays a key role in the development of autoimmune diseases. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive evidence of the effectiveness of S1P on psoriasis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and possible mechanism of S1P and its signal modulators in the treatment of psoriasis-like dermatitis.
METHODS
Six databases were searched through May 8, 2021, for studies reporting S1P and its signal modulators. Two reviewers independently extracted information from the enrolled studies. Methodological quality was assessed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze the data. For clinical studies, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score were the main outcomes. For preclinical studies, we clarified the role of S1P and its regulators in psoriasis in terms of phenotype and mechanism.
RESULTS
One randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial and nine animal studies were included in this study. The pooled results showed that compared with control treatment, S1P receptor agonists [mean difference (MD): -6.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.23 to -5.38; p<0.00001], and sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors (MD: -0.95; 95% CI: -1.26 to -0.65; p<0.00001) alleviated psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice. The mechanism of S1P receptor agonists in treating psoriasis might be related to a decrease in the number of white blood cells, topical lymph node weight, interleukin-23 mRNA levels, and percentage of CD3 T cells (p<0.05). Sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors ameliorated psoriasis in mice, possibly by reducing spleen weight and cell numbers (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
S1P receptor agonists and sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors could be potential methods for treating psoriasis by decreasing immune responses and inflammatory factors.
Topics: Animals; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lysophospholipids; Mice; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor); Psoriasis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid; Software; Sphingosine
PubMed: 34992595
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.759276 -
Medicine Nov 2021In this meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the impact of pretreatment with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In this meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the impact of pretreatment with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and provide novel inspiration to clinical practice.
METHODS
Relevant studies were selected through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to March 2021. Two reviewers performed the selection independently. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was the eradication rate. A modified Jadad scale was used to evaluate literature quality quantitatively.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included in this research. The results showed no significant difference between PPI pretreatment and standard treatment on eradication of H. pylori [relative risk (RR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.0.73-1.88]. There was no significant difference between the PPI pretreatment group and the standard therapy group for conventional triple therapy, PPI and amoxicillin and clarithromycin (RR: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.60-2.77). Similar results were obtained in the therapy strategy of PPI and amoxicillin and metronidazole (RR: 3.01, 95% CI: 0.62-14.74). Interestingly, for the therapy regimen of PPI and clarithromycin and metronidazole, PPI pretreatment indicated superiority on H. pylori eradication rate (RR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.23-0.97, P < .05).
CONCLUSION
PPI pretreatment did not affect the H. pylori eradication rates, regardless of the various types of bacteriostatic antibiotic, except the therapy regimen of PPI and clarithromycin and metronidazole.
Topics: Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Clarithromycin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Metronidazole; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34964772
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000027944 -
Legal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Feb 2022The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Almost 17 months after...
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Almost 17 months after the first COVID-19 case was reported, the exact pathogenesis of the virus is still open to interpretation. Postmortem studies have been relatively scarce due to the high infectivity rate of the virus. We systematically reviewed the literature available for studies that reported gross, histological, microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings in COVID-19 fatalities with the aim of reporting any recurrent findings among different demographics. PubMed and Scopus were searched up till the second of May 2021 and 46 studies with a total of 793 patients were shortlisted after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected studies reported gross, histological, microscopic, and immunohistochemical autopsy findings in the lungs, heart, liver, gallbladder, bowels, kidney, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, CNS, pancreas, endocrine/exocrine glands, and a few other miscellaneous locations. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in multiple organs and so was the presence of widespread microthrombi. This finding suggests that the pathogenesis of this highly infectious virus might be linked to some form of coagulopathy. Further studies should focus on analyzing postmortem findings in a larger number of patients from different demographics in order to obtain more generalizable results.
Topics: Autopsy; COVID-19; Humans; Lung; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34952452
DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.102001 -
European Radiology May 2022To determine the difference in CT values and image quality of abdominal CT images reconstructed by filtered back-projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine the difference in CT values and image quality of abdominal CT images reconstructed by filtered back-projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR), and deep learning reconstruction (DLR).
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for articles regarding CT densitometry in the abdomen and the image reconstruction techniques FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR. Mean differences in CT values between reconstruction techniques were analyzed. A comparison between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR was made. A comparison of diagnostic confidence between hybrid IR and DLR was made.
RESULTS
Sixteen articles were included, six being suitable for meta-analysis. In the liver, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was - 0.633 HU (p = 0.483, SD ± 0.902 HU). In the spleen, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was - 0.099 HU (p = 0.925, SD ± 1.061 HU). In the pancreas, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was - 1.372 HU (p = 0.353, SD ± 1.476 HU). In 14 articles, CNR was described. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher CNR. In 9 articles, SNR was described. In all cases but one, DLR showed a significantly higher SNR. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher diagnostic confidence.
CONCLUSIONS
There were no significant differences in CT values reconstructed by FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR in abdominal organs. This shows that these reconstruction techniques are consistent in reconstructing CT values. DLR images showed a significantly higher SNR and CNR, compared to FBP and hybrid IR.
KEY POINTS
CT values of abdominal CT images are similar between deep learning reconstruction (DLR), filtered back-projection (FBP), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR). DLR results in improved image quality in terms of SNR and CNR compared to FBP and hybrid IR images. DLR can thus be safely implemented in the clinical setting resulting in improved image quality without affecting CT values.
Topics: Abdomen; Algorithms; Deep Learning; Densitometry; Humans; Radiation Dosage; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34913104
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08438-z -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2021Active targeting of nanoparticles toward tumors is one of the most rapidly developing topics in nanomedicine. Typically, this strategy involves the addition of...
Active targeting of nanoparticles toward tumors is one of the most rapidly developing topics in nanomedicine. Typically, this strategy involves the addition of cancer-targeting biomolecules to nanoparticles, and studies on this topic have mainly focused on the localization of such formulations in tumors. Here, the analysis of the factors determining efficient nanoparticle targeting and therapy, various parameters such as types of targeting molecules, nanoparticle type, size, zeta potential, dose, and the circulation time are given. In addition, the important aspects such as how active targeting of nanoparticles alters biodistribution and how non-specific organ uptake influences tumor accumulation of the targeted nanoformulations are discussed. The analysis reveals that an increase in tumor accumulation of targeted nanoparticles is accompanied by a decrease in their uptake by the spleen. There is no association between targeting-induced changes of nanoparticle concentrations in tumors and other organs. The correlation between uptake in tumors and depletion in the spleen is significant for mice with intact immune systems in contrast to nude mice. Noticeably, modulation of splenic and tumor accumulation depends on the targeting molecules and nanoparticle type. The median survival increases with the targeting-induced nanoparticle accumulation in tumors; moreover, combinatorial targeting of nanoparticle drugs demonstrates higher treatment efficiencies. Results of the comprehensive analysis show optimal strategies to enhance the efficiency of actively targeted nanoparticle-based medicines.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Drug Carriers; Humans; Nanomedicine; Nanoparticles; Neoplasms; Spleen; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 34884816
DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313011 -
EJHaem Aug 2021Sickle cell trait (SCT), a commonly asymptomatic condition, has many associated clinical complications that upon presentation, can be very difficult to attribute to SCT....
Sickle cell trait (SCT), a commonly asymptomatic condition, has many associated clinical complications that upon presentation, can be very difficult to attribute to SCT. The effects of SCT on the spleen, for example, are not completely understood, though there have been a number of case reports detailing related complications in diverse populations. Our objective was to perform the first comprehensive case report review of splenic infarction in SCT patients to highlight the relevance of this seemingly rare condition. We conducted an extensive literature search reviewing case reports and case series of acute splenic infarctions from 1970 to 2020. This comprehensive search resulted in 54 articles with a total of 85 individuals. The ages ranged from 7 to 65, 12% were female. Individuals were of African-American (26%), European (16%), South Asian (13%), Middle Eastern (7%), Latin American (7%), North or East African (4%), Mediterranean (4%), West African (1%), and unknown (22%) origins. Although splenic infarct in SCT patients has been associated with high altitudes, 39% of cases reporting altitude occurred below 3000 m. Among cases where HbS values were recorded, 88% occurred in individuals with HbS levels higher than 35%, suggesting that high HbS values may be a risk factor for splenic infarction. Our findings indicate that splenic infarct occurs across a wide range of demographic populations and environmental settings. While our understanding of SCT evolves, the findings here suggest that future advances in research and healthcare could benefit more from real-time surveillance and registry initiation for various SCT outcomes such as splenic infarct.
PubMed: 34870278
DOI: 10.1002/jha2.248 -
F1000Research 2021: The number of publications in Scopus on this topic increased from less than 50 in 1995 to more than 250 in 2015. In other hand, inconsistency in results about the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effects of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as probiotics on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune responses of broiler: A meta-analysis.
: The number of publications in Scopus on this topic increased from less than 50 in 1995 to more than 250 in 2015. In other hand, inconsistency in results about the correlation between yeast and lactic acid bacteria as probiotics has been evident since the early publications on use in broilers. : A meta-analysis was conducted to determine relationship between lactic acid bacteria and yeast as probiotics to broiler diets on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler. A database was designed based on published data that reported the use of probiotics on the broiler. The method used for selecting articles was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Articles selected were taken from PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science direct databases as well as individual. : The final database consists of 49 articles, 93 studies, and 225 treatments. The analysis statement in the system was a PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software. The level of probiotic increased (p <0.001) body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler. There was a reduction (p <0.01) on feed conversion ratio and mortality on the level probiotic given to broiler. Supplementation of probiotics in broiler diet increased (p <0.001) the weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, bursa of fabricius and carcass yield, while reduced (p<0.001) abdominal fat weight. The probiotic given increased the total of red and white blood cells (both at p < 0.001) but did not affect lymphocyte. : It can be concluded the yeast act as supporting agent that serves lactic acid bacteria as probiotic increases the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Chickens; Immunity; Lactobacillales; Organ Size; Probiotics
PubMed: 34804492
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51219.3 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) May 2022Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a less common but devastating complication of COVID-19 disease. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the most common CT...
BACKGROUND
Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a less common but devastating complication of COVID-19 disease. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the most common CT imaging features of AMI in COVID-19 and also provide an updated review of the literature on symptoms, treatment, histopathological and operative findings, and follow-up of these patients.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of four databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, WHO database, and Google Scholar, was performed to identify all the articles which described abdominal CT imaging findings of AMI in COVID-19.
RESULTS
A total of 47 studies comprising 75 patients were included in the final review. Small bowel ischemia (46.67%) was the most prevalent abdominal CT finding, followed by ischemic colitis (37.3%). Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI; 67.9%) indicating microvascular involvement was the most common pattern of bowel involvement. Bowel wall thickening/edema (50.9%) was more common than bowel hypoperfusion (20.7%). While ileum and colon both were equally involved bowel segments (32.07% each), SMA (24.9%), SMV (14.3%), and the spleen (12.5%) were the most commonly involved artery, vein, and solid organ, respectively. 50% of the patients receiving conservative/medical management died, highlighting high mortality without surgery. Findings on laparotomy and histopathology corroborated strikingly with CT imaging findings.
CONCLUSION
In COVID-19 patients with AMI, small bowel ischemia is the most prevalent imaging diagnosis and NOMI is the most common pattern of bowel involvement. Contrast-enhanced CT is a powerful decision-making tool for prompt diagnosis of AMI in COVID-19, thereby potentially improving time to treat as well as clinical outcomes.
Topics: Abdomen; COVID-19; Humans; Ischemia; Mesenteric Ischemia; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34761305
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-021-03337-9 -
Resuscitation Dec 2021Summarise the evidence regarding the safety of mechanical and manual chest compressions for cardiac arrest patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
Summarise the evidence regarding the safety of mechanical and manual chest compressions for cardiac arrest patients.
METHODS
Two investigators separately screened the articles of EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central databases. Cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the safety of mechanical (LUCAS or AutoPulse) and manual chest compressions in cardiac arrest patients were included. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome was the rate of overall compression-induced injuries. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of life-threatening injuries, skeletal fractures, visceral injuries, and other soft tissue injuries.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 11 trials involving 2,818 patients. A significantly higher rate of overall compression-induced injuries was found for mechanical compressions than manual compressions (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.41), while there was no significant difference between the two groups in respect of the rate of life-threatening injuries. Furthermore, both modalities shared similar incidences of sternal fractures, vertebral fractures, lung, spleen, and kidney injuries. However, compared to mechanical compressions, manual compressions were shown to present a reduced risk of posterior rib fractures, and heart and liver lesions.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggested that manual compressions could decrease the risk of compression-induced injuries compared to mechanical compressions in cardiac arrest patients. Interestingly, mechanical compressions have not increased the risk of life-threatening injuries, whereas additional high-quality RCTs are needed to further verify the safety of mechanical chest devices.
TRIAL REGISTRY
INPLASY; Registration number: INPLASY2020110111; URL: https://inplasy.com/.
Topics: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Heart Arrest; Heart Massage; Humans; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Pressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thoracic Injuries; Thorax
PubMed: 34699924
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.10.028 -
International Journal of Surgery... Nov 2021Although minimally invasive technology has been widely used in hepatectomy, it remains controversial with regards to liver transplantation, especially in donors right... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although minimally invasive technology has been widely used in hepatectomy, it remains controversial with regards to liver transplantation, especially in donors right hepatectomy. Herein, we compared the short-term safety and efficacy of minimally invasive donors right hepatectomy (MIDRH) with open donors right hepatectomy (ODRH).
METHODS
A systematic literature search was carried out using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database in order to identify comparison studies of MIDRH and ODRH. Next, we obtained the relevant data, and carried out the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 12 studies, which included 1755 cases that underwent donors right hepatectomy. Compared to ODRH, patients that underwent MIDRH had less bleeding (SWD = -0.52, p<0.001), shorter hospital stays (SWD = -0.58, p < 0.001) and lower overall postoperative complications of donors (RR = 0.74, p = 0.008). However, MIDRH was found to be associated with prolonged operative times (SWD = 0.74, p < 0.001), as well as a higher rate of biliary complications in donors (RR = 2.26, p = 0.007) and recipients (RR = 1.69, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between MIDRH and ODRH in postoperative liver function, rate of major complications and vascular complications of both donors and recipients and overall postoperative complications.
DISCUSSION
MIDRH is superior to ODRH with regards to intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay and overall donor complications. Although biliary-related complications are higher, it is feasible to develop MIDRH in experienced liver transplant centers. However, higher-quality research is still needed for corroboration.
Topics: Hepatectomy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Liver Transplantation; Living Donors; Operative Time; Postoperative Complications; Tissue and Organ Harvesting
PubMed: 34688930
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.106152