scholarly journals Laser therapy for cutaneous sarcoidosis: A review

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teo Soleymani ◽  
Michael Abrouk
Keyword(s):  
Laser Therapy ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Cutaneous Sarcoidosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Current Therapies ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Symptomatic Distress

<p>Sarcoidosis is a systemic, multi-organ disease of unknown etiology characteristically defined by the development of non-caseating granulomas. The development of sarcoidosis has been associated with a number of environmental and microbacterial factors coupled with genetic susceptibility. Depending on the type, location and distribution of disease, sarcoidosis can cause functional impairment, symptomatic distress, scarring and disfigurement. The advent of lasers as precise, minimally destructive surgical tools has allowed for their development as promising alternatives that minimize the morbidity associated with current therapies.</p><p>In this paper, we reviewed the role of laser therapy in the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and PUBMED databases was performed to identify relevant literatures investigating the role of laser therapy in the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis. In our opinion, laser therapy, particularly PDL, appears to be an effective, safe and generally well-tolerated modality for the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis and should be considered in patients with localized cutaneous disease that is refractory to conventional treatments. Less is known about the efficacy and tolerability of ablative laser therapy for the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis, though the limited data appears promising as well. With that said, however, the data is limited and warrants a need for additional larger, randomized controlled studies to further investigate the utility and efficacy of laser therapy in the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis.</p>

scholarly journals Network Meta-Analysis of 10 Storage Mediums for Preserving Avulsed Teeth

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Zhang ◽  
Yuzhao Cheng ◽  
Fenglan Li ◽  
Qian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Aloe Vera ◽  
Egg White ◽  
Coconut Water ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Oral Rehydration ◽  
Pdl Cells ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Many storage mediums are available for the storage of avulsed teeth to preserve the viability of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells before replantation; however, it is unclear which medium is the optimal option. We performed this network meta-analysis to answer this question. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library to capture eligible studies investigating the comparative efficacy of Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), aloe vera gel (AVG), oral rehydration solution (ORS), coconut water, egg white, green tea, propolis, saline, milk, and water. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager v5.3 and ADDIS v1.16.8. In total, 20 RCTs involving 31 reports were included finally. Direct meta-analysis suggested that HBSS was superior to ORS, milk, saline, and water, ORS was superior to milk but inferior to coconut water and propolis, egg white was superior to milk but inferior to AVG and propolis, propolis was superior to AVG, milk, and saline, and coconut water and water was inferior to saline and milk, respectively. Network meta-analysis suggested that AVG was inferior to the other nine mediums, and propolis was superior to HBSS (SMD, −5260.24; 95% CrI, −10447.39 to −70.37) and milk (SMD, −5461.11; 95% CrI, −10574.99 to −328.51). Moreover, ranking probabilities indicated the highest probability for propolis, followed by saline, ORS, HBSS, milk, egg white, water, green tea, and AVG successively. Propolis may be the optimal media for storing avulsed teeth before replantation. However, given the availability of propolis and HBSS and the hypotonic properties of saline, ORS or milk should also be preferentially selected.

Nitric Oxide and Immune Responses in Cancer: Searching for New Therapeutic Strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeleh Sahebnasagh ◽  
Fatemeh Saghafi ◽  
Sina Negintaji ◽  
Tingyan Hu ◽  
Mojtaba Shabani-Boroujeni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Signaling Molecule ◽  
No Donors ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Oxide Synthase

: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in understanding the mysterious functions of nitric oxide (NO) and how this pleiotropic signaling molecule contributes to tumorigenesis. This review attempts to expose and discuss the information available on the immunomodulatory role of NO in cancer and recent approaches to the role of NO donors in the area of immunotherapy. To address the goal, the following databases were searched to identify relevant literature concerning empirical evidence: The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE from 1980 through March 2020. Valuable attempts have been made to develop distinctive NO-based cancer therapy. Although the data do not allow generalization, the evidence seems to indicate that low / moderate levels may favor tumorigenesis while higher levels would exert anti-tumor effects. In this sense, the use of NO donors could have an important therapeutic potential within immunotherapy, although there are still no clinical trials. The emerging understanding of NO-regulated immune responses in cancer may help unravel the recent features of this “double-edged sword” in cancer physiological and pathologic processes and its potential use as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. In short, in this review, we discuss the complex cellular mechanism in which NO, as a pleiotropic signaling molecule, participates in cancer pathophysiology. We also debate the dual role of NO in cancer and tumor progression, and clinical approaches for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) based therapy against cancer.

scholarly journals Serum bilirubin and ischaemic stroke: a review of literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-204
Author(s):  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Danhong Wu ◽  
Ping Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Serum Bilirubin ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Bilirubin, a product of heme metabolism, is the most potent endogenous antioxidant which increases in many oxidative stress conditions such as stroke. It has been widely known to exert neuroprotective effect on stroke through mechanisms involved in development, therefore, it can influence the occurrence and prognosis of ischaemic stroke (IS). In this review, studies were identified by a comprehensive search of Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Methodology Register) and Web of Science to examine the correlation between serum bilirubin levels and risks of developing IS as well as IS outcomes. Additional studies were identified by reviewing references and contacting authors.

Oral Flora and Perioperative Antimicrobial Interventions in Cleft Palate Surgery: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
pp. 105566562097736
Author(s):  
Miles J. Pfaff ◽  
Leila Musavi ◽  
Maxwell M. Wang ◽  
Christos S. Haveles ◽  
Claire Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Fistula Formation ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Oral Flora ◽  
Oronasal Fistula ◽  
Perioperative Antibiotics ◽  
Antimicrobial Interventions ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: The role of perioperative antibiotics in cleft palate remains a topic of debate. Advocates stress their importance in preventing local and systemic infections and decreasing the incidence of oronasal fistula formation. However, few studies to date have directly evaluated the role of antibiotics and other antimicrobial measures in cleft palate surgery. Objective: The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence surrounding the use of perioperative antibiotics and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palate surgery. Additionally, we review the literature on the oral flora unique to the cleft palate patient population. Methods: This was accomplished utilizing PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library with MeSH and generic terms. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: This review highlights the lack of higher level evidence on perioperative antibiotic use and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palatoplasty and calls for further research on the matter. Conclusions: The literature appears to support the use of preoperative antibiotics for cleft palatoplasty, but the benefits of prolonged postoperative antibiotic use remain questionable.

A Systematic Review: Dexmedetomidine Versus Placebo to Decrease the Incidence of Emergence Delirium/Emergence Agitation (ED/EA) in Pediatric Patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
William M. Enlow ◽  
Laura L. Ardizzone
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hospital Costs ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Emergence Agitation ◽  
Emergence Delirium ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: Emergence delirium/emergence agitation (ED/EA) has a reported incidence of up to 73% after general anesthesia (GA) in children. The implications of ED/EA are broad and include patient complications, increased nursing care intensity, and increased hospital costs. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to appraise available randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing intravenous dexmedetomidine to placebo in decreasing the incidence of ED/EA among children after GA. Method: We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature using Medline from 1950 through September 2007 and CINHAL from 1982 through September 2007, as well as PubMed and The Cochrane Library. Four RCTs were included in the review and were appraised for methodological quality by each author. Results: Evaluation of the primary study outcomes showed an overall decreased incidence of ED/EA in those groups that received dexmedetomidine versus placebo. Conclusion: Though these RCTs demonstrate statistically significant reduction of ED/EA after GA among children who receive dexmedetomidine, the clinical significance of this pharmacologic intervention is not clear. Further research is necessary to determine cost–benefit of dexmedetomidine to prevent ED/EA in children after GA and the effect of dexmedetomidine on ED/EA compared to other agents.

scholarly journals Probiotics for the Prophylaxis of Migraine: A Systematic Review of Randomized Placebo Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malwina M. Naghibi ◽  
Richard Day ◽  
Samantha Stone ◽  
Ashton Harper
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Qualitative Comparison ◽  
Microbiome Research ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological condition with a complex etiology. Recent advances in the understanding of the gut microbiome have shown the role of gut micro-organisms in disease outcomes for distant organs—including the brain. Interventions targeting the gut microbiome have been shown to be effective in multiple neurological diagnoses, but there is little research into the role of the microbiome in migraine. This systematic review seeks to assess the current research landscape of randomized placebo controlled trials utilizing probiotic interventions as migraine prophylaxis. Searches were conducted of scientific databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library, following PRISMA guidelines. Of 68 screened studies, 2 were eligible for analysis. Due to methodological differences, meta-analysis was not possible. Qualitative comparison of the studies demonstrated a dichotomy of results—one trial reported no significant change in migraine frequency and intensity, while the second trial reported highly significant improvements. No clear ‘gold standard’ currently exists for microbiome research, let alone for migraine-related microbiome research. The heterogeneity of outcome measures used in the two trials included in this systematic review shows the need for a standardization of outcome measures, therefore a series of recommendations for future probiotic–migraine research are included.

Interventions for Alleviating Cancer-Related Dyspnea: A Systematic Review

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 2396-2404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irit Ben-Aharon ◽  
Anat Gafter-Gvili ◽  
Mical Paul ◽  
Leonard Leibovici ◽  
Salomon M. Stemmer
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Supplemental Oxygen ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Purpose Dyspnea is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by terminally ill cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the role of interventions for the palliation of dyspnea. Methods We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing all pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for dyspnea palliation in cancer patients, and searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, conference proceedings, and references. Two reviewers independently appraised the quality of trials and extracted data. Results Our search yielded 18 trials. Fourteen evaluated pharmacologic interventions: seven assessing opioids (a total of 256 patients), five assessing oxygen (137 patients), one assessing helium-enriched air, and one assessing furosemide. Four trials evaluated nonpharmacologic interventions (403 patients). The administration of subcutaneous morphine resulted in a significant reduction in dyspnea Visual Analog Scale (VAS) compared with placebo. No difference was observed in dyspnea VAS score when nebulized morphine was compared with subcutaneous morphine, although patients preferred the nebulized route. The addition of benzodiazepines to morphine was significantly more effective than morphine alone, without additional adverse effects. Oxygen was not superior to air for alleviating dyspnea, except for patients with hypoxemia. Nursing-led interventions improved breathlessness. Acupuncture was not beneficial. Conclusion Our review supports the use of opioids for dyspnea relief in cancer patients. The use of supplemental oxygen to alleviate dyspnea can be recommended only in patients with hypoxemia. Nursing-led nonpharmacologic interventions seem valuable. Only a few studies addressing this question were performed. Thus, further studies evaluating interventions for alleviating dyspnea are warranted.

scholarly journals The role of UGT1A1 (c.-3279 T > G) gene polymorphisms in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia susceptibility

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijin Li ◽  
Li Song ◽  
Lihong Hao
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Homozygous State ◽  
Ugt1a1 Gene ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Allele Model ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

Abstract Background Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH) is a common disease in newborns. This research study aimed to assess the associations between uridine diphospho-glucuronate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1, c.-3279 T > G) polymorphisms and NNH risk. Methods We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Embase electronic databases. All published eligible studies before July 1, 2019, were searched for this meta-analysis. Results We identified 7 independent studies including 1560 cases. The data showed that in the general population, compared with the GT + GG vs TT and GG vs TT, c.-3279 T > G (rs4124874) was significantly related to a higher NNH risk (GG vs TT: OR = 1.865, 95% CI: 1.031–3.373, P = 0.039; GT + GG vs TT: OR = 1.331, 95% CI: 1.055–1.679, P = 0.016). Although not statistically significant, the data showed that c.3279 T > G had a tendency to be associated with NNH under the allele model and GG vs GT + TT in the overall population (G vs T: OR = 1.288, 95% CI: 0.982–1.689, P = 0.067; GG vs TT + GT: OR = 1.583, 95% CI: 0.947–2.647, P = 0.080). Conclusion The UGT1A1 gene c.-3279 T > G (rs4124874) polymorphism increased susceptibility to NNH, especially for the comparison of GT + GG vs TT and GG vs TT. In the future, we can use homozygous state of the UGT1A1 gene c.-3279 T > G (rs4124874) polymorphism for the diagnosis and screening of molecular biomarkers in NNH patients.

scholarly journals The relationships between bariatric surgery and sexual function: current evidence based medicine

BMC Urology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengzhuo Liu ◽  
Dehong Cao ◽  
Zhengju Ren ◽  
Jinze Li ◽  
Lei Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Male Sexual Function ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Based Medicine

Abstract Background Controversy remains despite several studies have discussed the role of bariatric surgery in improving male’s sexual function. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of bariatric surgery in promoting male’s erectile function. Methods PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI and Clinical Trails.gov were searched from database inception to May 2019. The language of publication was limited in English. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) score were set as the primary outcome. Results Eleven studies with a total of 370 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The results showed significant improvement in the IIEF score (erectile function: MD = 5.33, 95% CI 4.12–6.54; intercourse satisfaction: MD = 2.57, 95% CI 1.19–3.94; orgasmic function: MD = 0.50, 95%CI 0.60–0.94; overall satisfaction: MD = 1.67, 95% CI 0.78–2.56; sexual desire: MD = 1.27, 95% CI 0.61–1.93; total erectile function: MD = 7.21, 95% CI 4.33–10.10) and the BSFI score (erection: MD =2.53, 95% CI 2.39–2.67; ejaculation: MD = 1.40, 95% CI 1.28–1.51; desire: MD =1.40, 95% CI 1.32–1.49; problem assessment: MD = 2.20, 95% CI 2.06–2.34; sexual satisfaction: MD = 0.70, 95% CI 0.60–0.76) in obese individuals after bariatric surgery. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that bariatric surgery could be effective in promoting males’s sexual function for obese individuals.

scholarly journals Chitosan modifies glycemic levels in people with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenfang Guo ◽  
Letai Yi ◽  
Baochang Zhou ◽  
Minhui Li
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Sequential Analysis ◽  
Fasting Glucose ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Glycosylated Hemoglobin ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Trial Sequential Analysis ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies

Abstract Background Chitosan supplementation has been shown to modulate glycemic levels; however, studies have reported conflicting results. The present meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis was conducted to verify the overall influence of chitosan on glycemic levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods The PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled studies of chitosan intake and glycemic levels. Results A total of ten clinical trials including 1473 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes were determined by random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed to analyze the sources of heterogeneity and their influence on the overall results. The results revealed a significant reduction in fasting glucose levels (SMD: − 0.39 mmol/L, 95% CI: − 0.62 to − 0.16) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (SMD: -1.10; 95% CI: − 2.15 to − 0.06) following chitosan supplementation but no effect on insulin levels (SMD: − 0.20 pmol/L, 95% CI: − 0.64 to 0.24). Subgroup analyses further demonstrated significant reductions in fasting glucose levels in subjects administered 1.6–3 g of chitosan per day and in studies longer than 13 weeks. Trial sequential analysis of the pooled results of the hypoglycemic effect demonstrated that the cumulative Z-curve crossed both the conventional boundary and trial sequential monitoring boundary for glucose and HbA1c. Conclusions The glucose level of patients who are diabetic and obese/overweight can be improved by supplementation with chitosan for at least 13 weeks at 1.6–3 g per day. Additional clinical research data are needed to confirm the role of chitosan, particularly in regulating glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin.

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