A Review of Oral Therapies for the Treatment of Skin Hyperpigmentation

2021 ◽  
pp. 120347542110453
Author(s):  
Serena J. E. Shimshak ◽  
Leila M. Tolaymat ◽  
Claire B. Haga ◽  
Nancy L. Dawson ◽  
Mindy S. Gillis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tranexamic Acid ◽  
English Language ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Strength Of Evidence ◽  
Skin Hyperpigmentation ◽  
Hormonal Imbalance ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

This review article examines evidence supporting the use of oral therapies in treating idiopathic, actinic, and metabolically induced skin hyperpigmentation. A thorough review of the literature regarding oral treatments for hyperpigmentation was systematically conducted through PubMed. Keywords used in the primary search include “Hyperpigmentation,” “Melanosis” or “Melasma,” “Lightening,” “Oral,” and “Therapeutics.” The search was limited to the English language, and no timeframe restrictions were implemented. Numerous orally administered therapies have been proposed for the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation. There is an abundant body of literature demonstrating the efficacy of orally administered tranexamic acid, glutathione, isotretinoin, and proanthocyanidin. It is reasonable to expect that the most effective oral therapies will address known underlying causes of hyperpigmentation such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalance. Improvement due to oral therapy of otherwise unresponsive skin hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation of unknown cause is less predictable. This review is limited by the strength of evidence contained within the available studies. Clinical studies investigating the treatments discussed within this article are limited in number, at times lack blinding in the study design, and are based on small sample sizes. Based on existing research, the most promising oral remedies for hyperpigmentation appear to be tranexamic acid, glutathione, isotretinoin, and proanthocyanidin. Additional studies to better establish safety and efficacy are necessary.

scholarly journals Tai Chi as an Alternative and Complementary Therapy for Patients With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
Taj Haider
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
English Language ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are the third ranking cause of death worldwide. A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of tai chi as a therapy to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma. Inclusion criteria were ( a) published in the English language, ( b) between the period January 2008 and July 2012, ( c) included tai chi or any form of modified tai chi as a therapy in an intervention, ( d) used any quantitative study design, and ( e) measured chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma as an outcome. A total of 5 interventions from 6 studies met these criteria. Tai chi as an effective therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is still difficult to determine, although the result listed here are promising. Limitations include small sample sizes, high attrition rates, and short intervention durations.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 for people living and working with ADHD: A brief review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 581-597
Author(s):  
Jack Hollingdale ◽  
◽  
Nicoletta Adamo ◽  
Kevin Tierney ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Search ◽  
Environmental Context ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Viable Alternative ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
The Core ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
The Social ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Core Symptoms

<abstract><sec> <title>Objective</title> <p>COVID-19 lockdowns have changed the social and environmental context. Those with ADHD are more vulnerable to experiencing difficulties than their non-ADHD peers. This paper attempts to provide a brief summary of the literature that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Method</title> <p>A literature search was completed using the following databases; Embase, Ovid Medline, APA PsycInfo. A total of 36 papers were identified as relevant to the topic.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Results</title> <p>The pandemic has exacerbated the core symptoms of ADHD and co-occurring difficulties. Services have adapted their assessment and intervention protocols for tele-health working and findings suggest that tele-interventions present a viable alternative. However, much of this research utilises small sample sizes and a restricted number of population groups.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>More research is required to determine the effectiveness of ADHD care during the pandemic and whether adaptations will be retained post-pandemic.</p> </sec></abstract>

scholarly journals l-arginine and Erectile Dysfunction

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpit Koolwal ◽  
Shivananda Manohar J. ◽  
T. S. Sathyanarayana Rao ◽  
Ghanshyam D. Koolwal
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Sample Sizes ◽  
Positive Evidence ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Natural Precursor

l-arginine, being a natural precursor of nitric oxide, is one of the more commonly used adjuvants to regular medicines in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Objectives: Here, in this review article, we aim to highlight various studies and the research studies done on l-arginine in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Method: Reviewing the databases such as Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Trip, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and the British Nursing Index. Results:l-arginine has been studied alone as well as in combination with various other molecules for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but the studies are very limited in number and have very small sample sizes. Conclusion: Positive evidence is available for the efficacy of l-arginine and its various combinations. Further research with larger sample sizes and standardized tools are required to recommend the routine use of these products in erectile dysfunction.

scholarly journals Yoga as an Alternative and Complimentary Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 310-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taj Haider ◽  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
Paul Branscum
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
English Language ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Breathing Techniques ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Yoga, a mind-body exercise, utilizes breathing techniques with low-impact physical activity that may be an alternative treatment for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine yoga interventions for patients at-risk for and/or suffering from cardiovascular disease. The inclusion criteria for interventions were ( a) published in the English language between 2005 and 2015; ( b) indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, or Alt HealthWatch; ( c) employed a quantitative design; and ( d) applied a yoga intervention. Twelve interventions met the inclusion criteria, of which, all documented significant improvements in one or more factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Limitations to the studies in this review included a lack of studies adhering to the inclusion criteria, small sample sizes, and high attrition rates. Despite the limitations, this review demonstrates the clear potential yoga has as an alternative and complementary means to improve cardiovascular disease risk.

Republished: Systematic Review of Handoff Mnemonics Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Ann Riesenberg ◽  
Jessica Leitzsch ◽  
Brian W. Little
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
English Language ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Sample Sizes ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Research Studies

A systematic review of published English-language articles on handoffs is conducted (1987 to June 4, 2008). Forty-six articles describing 24 handoff mnemonics are identified by trained reviewers. The majority (82.6%) have been published in the last 3 years (2006-2008), and SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is the most frequently cited mnemonic (69.6%). Of 7 handoff research articles, only 4 study mnemonics. All 4 of these studies have relatively small sample sizes (10-100) and lack validated instruments. Only 1 study has obtained IRB approval. Scientifically rigorous research studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of handoff mnemonics. These should be published in the peer-reviewed literature using the Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) guidelines.

Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 713-717
Author(s):  
Roxane R Carr ◽  
Mary HH Ensom
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Late Luteal Phase ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of fluoxetine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). DATA SOURCES: Search strategy included MEDLINE (1966–February 2002), Embase (1988–February 2002), HealthStar (1975–December 2000), Current Contents (1996–November 2001), and Copernic (November 2001). Search terms included fluoxetine, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD, late luteal-phase dysphoric disorder, and severe premenstrual syndrome. STUDY SELECTION: English-language human studies were selected and evaluated based on quality of evidence. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eight prospective trials (3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover; 3 double-blind, randomized, controlled; 2 open-label), 1 case series, and 1 meta-analysis were identified. Although 6 of the studies involved small sample sizes (n < 50), all found fluoxetine to be effective in the treatment of PMDD. CONCLUSIONS: Despite limited data, fluoxetine 20 mg/d appears to be effective in the treatment of PMDD. However, adverse effects, particularly headaches and sexual dysfunction, are possible. Given the long half-life of fluoxetine and the short duration of PMDD symptoms per cycle, larger, well-designed clinical trials evaluating intermittent dosing for only 1 week or a few doses need to be performed.

Methodological Issues in Studying Mass Violence

2018 ◽  
pp. 18-38
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Daly
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Mass Violence ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Inaccurate Information ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

This chapter offers a review of the literature of the nature of studying mass violence. It is often problematic, difficult, or nearly impossible due to small sample sizes, incomplete or inaccurate information, or discrepancies even deciding what exactly “mass violence” is. This chapter reviews the literature for methodological approaches, summarizes qualitative and quantitative methods and findings, and discusses the challenges of mass violence methodologies while also proposing solutions, suggestions, and directions for future research.

scholarly journals Serotonergic hallucinogens and recognition of facial emotion expressions: a systematic review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 204512531984577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana M. Rocha ◽  
Flávia L. Osório ◽  
José Alexandre S. Crippa ◽  
José Carlos Bouso ◽  
Giordano N. Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Lysergic Acid ◽  
Facial Emotion ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Amygdala Activity ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Background: Recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a key aspect of social cognition. Anxiety and mood disorders are associated with deficits in REFE, and anxiolytics and antidepressants reverse these deficits. Recent studies have shown that serotonergic hallucinogens (i.e. ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], and mescaline) have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, but their effects on REFE are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review analyzing the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans. Methods: Studies published in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases until 19 October 2018 which analyzed the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans were included. Results: Of the 62 studies identified, 8 studies were included. Included studies involved the administration of a single or a few doses of LSD or psilocybin, and most trials were randomized and controlled with placebo. LSD and psilocybin reduced the recognition of negative emotions in most studies and modulated amygdala activity to these stimuli, which was correlated with antidepressive effects in patients. Both drugs were well tolerated. Conclusions: Serotonergic hallucinogens reduced the recognition of negative emotions by modulating amygdala activity. Despite the small sample sizes, results suggest that serotonergic hallucinogens show promising beneficial effects on deficits in REFE.

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