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F1000Research 2023A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize the overall thermal performance of different gasified cooking stoves from the available literature. For this...
A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize the overall thermal performance of different gasified cooking stoves from the available literature. For this purpose, available studies from the last 14 years (2008 to 2022) were searched using different search strings. After screening, a total of 28 articles were selected for this literature review. Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were used as search strings by applying "Gasifier cooking stove" AND "producer gas cooking stove" AND "thermal performance" keywords. This review uncovers different gasified cooking stoves, cooking fuels, and fabrication materials besides overall thermal performances. The result shows that the overall thermal performance of different gasified cooking stoves was 5.88% to 91% depending on the design and burning fuels. The premixed producer gas burner with a swirl vane stove provided the highest overall thermal performance range, which was 84% to 91%, and the updraft gasified stove provided the lowest performance, which was 5.88% to 8.79%. The result also demonstrates that the wood pellets cooking fuel provided the highest thermal performance and corn straw briquette fuel provided the lowest for gasified cooking stoves. The overall thermal performance of wood pellets was 38.5% and corn straw briquette was 10.86%.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Cooking; Household Articles; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 37484517
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.126890.2 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Aug 2016Since 2003, only two chemotherapeutic agents, evaluated in phase III trials, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of newly diagnosed... (Review)
Review
Gliadel wafer implantation combined with standard radiotherapy and concurrent followed by adjuvant temozolomide for treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade glioma: a systematic literature review.
Since 2003, only two chemotherapeutic agents, evaluated in phase III trials, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade glioma (HGG): Gliadel wafers (intracranially implanted local chemotherapy) and temozolomide (TMZ) (systemic chemotherapy). Neither agent is curative, but each has been shown to improve median overall survival (OS) compared to radiotherapy (RT) alone. To date, no phase III trial has tested these agents when used in sequential combination; however, a number of smaller trials have reported favorable results. We performed a systematic literature review to evaluate the combination of Gliadel wafers with standard RT (60 Gy) plus concurrent and adjuvant TMZ (RT/TMZ) for newly diagnosed HGG. A literature search was conducted for the period of January 1995 to September 2015. Data were extracted and categorized, and means and ranges were determined. A total of 11 publications met criteria, three prospective trials and eight retrospective studies, representing 411 patients who received Gliadel plus standard RT/TMZ. Patients were similar in age, gender, and performance status. The weighted mean of median OS was 18.2 months (ten trials, n = 379, range 12.7 to 21.3 months), and the weighted mean of median progression-free survival was 9.7 months (seven trials, n = 287, range 7 to 12.9 months). The most commonly reported grade 3 and 4 adverse events were myelosuppression (10.22 %), neurologic deficit (7.8 %), and healing abnormalities (4.3 %). Adverse events reflected the distinct independent safety profiles of Gliadel wafers and RT/TMZ, with little evidence of enhanced toxicity from their use in sequential combination. In the 11 identified trials, an increased benefit from sequentially combining Gliadel wafers with RT/TMZ was strongly suggested. Median OS tended to be improved by 3 to 4 months beyond that observed for Gliadel wafers or TMZ when used alone in the respective phase III trials. Larger prospective trials of Gliadel plus RT/TMZ are warranted.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Brain Neoplasms; Carmustine; Chemoradiotherapy; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Combined Modality Therapy; Dacarbazine; Decanoic Acids; Disease-Free Survival; Drug Implants; Glioblastoma; Humans; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Grading; Polyesters; Temozolomide; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration
PubMed: 27557526
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-016-0975-5 -
Contraception Sep 2016This study aims to systematically review evidence published on the safety of Sino-implant (II) [SI (II)] among women with medical conditions or characteristics... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to systematically review evidence published on the safety of Sino-implant (II) [SI (II)] among women with medical conditions or characteristics identified by the World Health Organization for eligibility for contraceptive use.
STUDY DESIGN
We searched PubMed, WEIPU, CNKI and Wanfang to identify all relevant evidence published in peer-reviewed journals from 1991 through 2014 regarding the safety of SI (II). We considered studies among women with medical conditions or other characteristics, such as age and parity, as direct evidence and studies among healthy women or a general population of women as indirect evidence.
RESULTS
We identified 108 articles of which 9 met our inclusion criteria. Among women with medical conditions, no evidence was identified for the outcomes of interest, including serious adverse events or outcomes related to medical conditions. Among healthy women, evidence regarding efficacy of SI (II) for women weighing ≥70 kg was conflicting; one study showed an increased pregnancy rate and another showed no relationship. Women with menorrhagia did not experience worsened symptoms and may benefit from SI (II) use. Healthy women using SI (II) were no more likely than users of other methods to gain weight, develop elevated blood pressure, have abnormal liver or bone density tests or develop ovarian cysts or uterine myomas.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence among healthy women suggests SI (II) is safe and had health outcomes similar to those of other levonorgestrel implants. Studies were limited and conflicting regarding efficacy for women ≥70 kg. All included studies were conducted in China, limiting generalizability.
Topics: Bone Density; China; Contraception Behavior; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Drug Implants; Female; Humans; Leiomyoma; Levonorgestrel; Ovarian Cysts; Patient Satisfaction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Weight Gain
PubMed: 27217053
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.05.004 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022To compare the efficacy and safety of advanced intravitreal therapeutic regimens, including a dexamethasone implant at 350 and 700 μg; a fluocinolone acetonide (FA)...
To compare the efficacy and safety of advanced intravitreal therapeutic regimens, including a dexamethasone implant at 350 and 700 μg; a fluocinolone acetonide (FA) implant, 0.2 µg/day, 0.59 and 2.1 mg; intravitreal bevacizumab, 1.25 mg; intravitreal ranibizumab, 0.5 mg; intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA), 2 and 4 mg; and standard of care (SOC, systemic therapy) for noninfectious uveitis. We searched the Cochrane Library database, EMBASE, Medline, clinicaltrials.gov until April 2021 with 13 RCTs (1806 participants) identified and conducted a pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analysis with random effects. No specific regimen showed a statistically significant advantage or disadvantage to another treatment regimen with regard to efficacy. However, the FA implant, 0.59 mg was associated with a higher risk of cataract (RR 4.41, 95% CI 1.51-13.13) and raise in intraocular pressure (IOP) (RR 2.53 95% CI 1.14-6.25) compared with SOC at 24 months. IVTA, 4 mg at 6 months was associated with lower risk of IOP rising compared with FA implant, 0.2 µg/day at 36 months (RR 3.43 95% CI 1.12-11.35). No intravitreal therapeutic regimens showed a significant advantage or disadvantage with regard to efficacy. However, SOC was associated with lower risk of side effects compared with FA implants. IVTA, 4 mg, might be the best choice with lowest risk of IOP rising. clinicaltrials.gov, identifier CRD42020172953.
PubMed: 35450045
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.749312 -
Journal of Alternative and... Aug 2014To assess the clinical evidence of auriculotherapy for constipation treatment and to identify the efficacy of groups using Semen vaccariae or magnetic pellets as taped... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To assess the clinical evidence of auriculotherapy for constipation treatment and to identify the efficacy of groups using Semen vaccariae or magnetic pellets as taped objects in managing constipation.
METHODS
Databases were searched, including five English-language databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and AMED) and four Chinese medical databases. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the review process. Critical appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
RESULTS
Seventeen randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, of which 2 had low risk of bias. The primary outcome measures were the improvement rate and total effective rate. A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs showed a moderate, significant effect of auriculotherapy in managing constipation compared with controls (relative risk [RR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52- 2.79; p<0.00001). The 15 RCTs also showed a moderate, significant effect of auriculotherapy in relieving constipation (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13-1.44; p<0.0001). For other symptoms associated with constipation, such as abdominal distension or anorexia, results of the meta-analyses showed no statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that use of S. vaccariae and use of magnetic pellets were both statistically favored over the control in relieving constipation.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence illustrated that auriculotherapy, a relatively safe strategy, is probably beneficial in managing constipation. However, most of the eligible RCTs had a high risk of bias, and all were conducted in China. No definitive conclusion can be made because of cultural and geographic differences. Further rigorous RCTs from around the world are warranted to confirm the effect and safety of auriculotherapy for constipation.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Auriculotherapy; Constipation; Female; Humans; Magnetic Field Therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 25020089
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2013.0324 -
PloS One 2013Pregnancy is contraindicated in vaginal microbicide trials for the prevention of HIV infection in women due to the unknown maternal and fetal safety of the microbicides.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Pregnancy is contraindicated in vaginal microbicide trials for the prevention of HIV infection in women due to the unknown maternal and fetal safety of the microbicides. Women who become pregnant are taken off the microbicide during pregnancy period but this result in reduction of the power of the trials. Strategies to reduce the pregnancy rates require an understanding of the incidence and associated risk factors of pregnancy in microbicide trials. This systematic review estimates the overall incidence rate of pregnancy in microbicide trials and describes the associated risk factors.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was carried out to identify eligible studies from electronic databases and other sources. Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted relevant data from included studies. Meta-analysis of incidence rates of pregnancy was carried out and risk factors of pregnancy were reported narratively.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies reporting data from 10 microbicide trials (N=27,384 participants) were included. A total of 4,107 participants (15.0%) fell pregnant and a meta-analysis of incidence rates of pregnancy from 8 microbicide trials (N=25,551) yielded an overall incidence rate of 23.37 (95%CI: 17.78 to 28.96) pregnancies per 100 woman-years. However, significant heterogeneity was detected. Hormonal injectable, intra-uterine device (IUD) or implants or sterilization, older age, more years of education and condom use were associated with lower pregnancy. On the other hand, living with a man, history of pregnancy, self and partner desire for future baby, oral contraceptive use, increased number of unprotected sexual acts and inconsistent use of condoms were associated with higher pregnancy.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence rate of pregnancy in microbicide trials is high and strategies for its reduction are urgently required in order to improve the sample size and power of these trials.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Vagina
PubMed: 24130827
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077014 -
Nutrients Jan 2020Several factors affect dental implant osseointegration, including surgical issues, bone quality and quantity, and host-related factors, such as patients' nutritional...
Several factors affect dental implant osseointegration, including surgical issues, bone quality and quantity, and host-related factors, such as patients' nutritional status. Many micronutrients might play a key role in dental implant osseointegration by influencing some alveolar bone parameters, such as healing of the alveolus after tooth extraction. This scoping review aims to summarize the role of dietary supplements in optimizing osseointegration after implant insertion surgery. A technical expert panel (TEP) of 11 medical specialists with expertise in oral surgery, bone metabolism, nutrition, and orthopedic surgery performed the review following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) model. The TEP identified micronutrients from the "European Union (EU) Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods" that have a relationship with bone and tooth health, and planned a PubMed search, selecting micronutrients previously identified as MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms and adding to each of them the words "dental implants" and "osseointegration". The TEP identified 19 studies concerning vitamin D, magnesium, resveratrol, vitamin C, a mixture of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D, and synthetic bone mineral. However, several micronutrients are non-authorized by the "EU Register on nutrition and health claims" for improving bone and/or tooth health. Our scoping review suggests a limited role of nutraceuticals in promoting osseointegration of dental implants, although, in some cases, such as for vitamin D deficiency, there is a clear link among their deficit, reduced osseointegration, and early implant failure, thus requiring an adequate supplementation.
Topics: Animals; Bone-Anchored Prosthesis; Dental Implantation, Endosseous; Dental Implants; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Nutritional Status; Osseointegration; Prosthesis Design; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31968626
DOI: 10.3390/nu12010268 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Translation Mar 2024Fracture-related infection (FRI) remains a major concern in orthopaedic trauma. Functionalizing implants with antibacterial coatings are a promising strategy in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Fracture-related infection (FRI) remains a major concern in orthopaedic trauma. Functionalizing implants with antibacterial coatings are a promising strategy in mitigating FRI. Numerous implant coatings have been reported but the preventive and therapeutic effects vary. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of current implant coating strategies to prevent and treat FRI in animal fracture and bone defect models.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Embase, with predetermined keywords and criteria up to 28 February 2023. Preclinical studies on implant coatings in animal fracture or defect models that assessed antibacterial and bone healing effects were included.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies were included in this systematic review, seven of which used fracture models and seven used defect models. Passive coatings with bacteria adhesion resistance were investigated in two studies. Active coatings with bactericidal effects were investigated in 12 studies, four of which used metal ions including Ag and Cu; five studies used antibiotics including chlorhexidine, tigecycline, vancomycin, and gentamicin sulfate; and the other three studies used natural antibacterial materials including chitosan, antimicrobial peptides, and lysostaphin. Overall, these implant coatings exhibited promising efficacy in antibacterial effects and bone formation.
CONCLUSION
Antibacterial coating strategies reduced bacterial infections in animal models and favored bone healing . Future studies of implant coatings should focus on optimal biocompatibility, antibacterial effects against multi-drug resistant bacteria and polymicrobial infections, and osseointegration and osteogenesis promotion especially in osteoporotic bone by constructing multi-functional coatings for FRI therapy.
THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS PAPER
The clinical treatment of FRI is complex and challenging. This review summarizes novel orthopaedic implant coating strategies applied to FRI in preclinical studies, and offers a perspective on the future development of orthopaedic implant coatings, which can potentially contribute to alternative strategies in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38495742
DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2023.12.006 -
The Japanese Dental Science Review Nov 2020This review aimed to evaluate the effects of the local delivery of antibiotics incorporated in implant surfaces on some quantitative parameters of bone formation. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This review aimed to evaluate the effects of the local delivery of antibiotics incorporated in implant surfaces on some quantitative parameters of bone formation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic search was undertaken in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase) in addition to hand searching. The search was limited to animal experiments using endosseous implants combined with localized antibiotics release. Meta-analyses were performed for the percentages of bone volume (BV) and bone-to-implant contact (BIC).
RESULTS
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Several methods were identified for local delivery of antibiotics at the bone-implant interface, but the most commonly used method was by coating (incorporating the implant surface with the antibiotic agents). Different antibiotic agents were used, namely bacitracin, doxycycline, enoxacin, gentamicin, minocycline, tobramycin, and vancomycin. There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of BIC between implants with or without localized antibiotic release ( = 0.59). The meta-analysis revealed higher BV around implants coated with antibiotics compared to control groups (without antibiotics) ( < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
It is suggested that the local administration of antibiotics around implants did not adversely affect the percentage of direct bone contact around implants, with a tendency for a slightly better bone formation around implants when combined with local administration of antibiotics. It is a matter of debate whether these in vivo results will have the same effect in the clinical setting. However, the risk of bias of these studies may, to some extent, question the validity of these results.
PubMed: 33294060
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2020.09.003 -
BioMed Research International 2021The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate current studies available reporting the antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods in the treatment of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate current studies available reporting the antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods in the treatment of infected nonunion of tibia and to perform meta-analysis of bone results and infection recurrence to assess the efficacy of an antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods.
METHODS
The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and CBM (Chinese Biological Medicine) databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 and July 2020. Assessment of study quality was performed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Effect size and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the main outcome. Heterogeneity was assessed. Fixed-effect modeling and Stata version 15.1 were used to analyze the data. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with the evidence of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
11 studies involving 210 patients with infected nonunion of tibia were finally included in our meta-analysis. Bone results and infection recurrence were analyzed based on the single-arm meta-analysis. The average of external fixation index (EFI) was 46.88 days/cm in all studies included. The excellent rate in bone results and the rate of infection recurrence was 65% (95% CI: [0.22, 0.97], = 0.0%, = 0.932) and 6.99% (95% CI: [0.052, 0.325], = 0.0%, = 1.000) in patients with infected nonunion of tibia treated with an antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis revealed that the patients with infected nonunion of tibia treated with an antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods had a high rate of excellent bone results and a low rate of infection recurrence. Therefore, combining the antibiotic spacer with Ilizarov methods may be an applicable choice for repairing and reconstructing infected nonunion of tibia.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Diseases, Infectious; Drug Implants; Female; Fracture Healing; Fractures, Ununited; Humans; Ilizarov Technique; Male; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Tibia; Tibial Fractures; Young Adult
PubMed: 33532493
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6668617