scholarly journals POTENTIAL TREATMENT OPTION FOR COVID 19 RELATED ANOSMIA - CHAMOMILE (MATRRICARIA CHAMOMILLA) EXTRACT NASAL IRRIGATION - A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Author(s):  
Haider, Romella

Corona virus or Covid-19 infection that has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic shortly after its emergence in China in December 2019, demands smart, preventive and treatment recommendations especially related to its early onset symptoms. Anosmia, has now been identified among one of the earliest presenting symptoms in Covid-19 patients. Reports of anosmia in otherwise asymptomatic persons have led to interest in this sign as a potential early indicator of this disease Medical publications about anosmia with COVID-19 are still uncertain of its causative mechanism. The aim of this review is to provide literature review, as well as evidence-based recommendations for the management of patients with COVID-19 related anosmia, using Chamomile (Matrricaria chamomilla) extract nasal irrigation. Extensive database search from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Web of science, gray literature searches from Google Scholar, WHO and Traditional Persian Medicine textbook search such as Makhzan al Adwiyehe was performed. To support the literature, 8 most recent articles published in current year including systematic reviews and meta-analysis as well as clinical trial studies were finally selected to see the effectiveness of Chamomile in treatment of various symptoms of Covid-19. Chamomile (Matrricaria chamomilla) extract based on its pigenin and Luteolin (causing reduction of leukocyte infiltration), a-Bisabolol (which has anti-inflammatory role), Chamazulene (that provides anti-inflammatory and antipyretic role), Guaiazulene (antipyretic), Matricin (Anti-inflammatory role) and other appreciated roles mentioned in this study may serve as a promising treatment for Covid-19 induced anosmia, especially when used as nasal irrigation.  Keywords: Chamomile, Covid-19 related Anosmia, Babouneh, loss of smell.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-454
Author(s):  
Tomas Lindegaard ◽  
Matilda Berg ◽  
Gerhard Andersson

Recent years have seen an increase of internet-delivered interventions based on psychodynamic treatment models. To test the efficacy of internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy (IPDT), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Following literature searches, we identified seven studies meeting inclusion criteria. The total number of participants was 528 in the treatment group and 552 in the control conditions. We found small effects favoring IPDT compared to inactive control conditions for main outcomes (g = 0.44), depression (g = 0.46), anxiety (g = 0.20), and quality of life (g = 0.40). There was significant heterogeneity between studies for main outcomes and depression. Within-group effects ranged from Hedges's g = 0.32–0.99. The effects of IPDT were maintained or increased at follow-up. Study quality varied but was generally high. No indications of publication bias were found. In conclusion, IPDT is a promising treatment alternative, especially for depression, although the small number of studies limits the generalizability of the findings.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 25-25
Author(s):  
Nananda Col ◽  
Leslie Ochs ◽  
Vicky Springmann ◽  
Aaron K Aragaki ◽  
Rowan T. Chlebowski

25 Background: Observational studies have suggested that metformin, commonly used for diabetes treatment that increases insulin sensitivity and improves glycemic control, decreases the incidence of several common cancers. However, findings regarding metformin and breast cancer incidence have been mixed. To explore this issue, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed with a focus on potential biases. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search for all pertinent studies addressing metformin use and breast cancer risk by searching Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Scopus (which includes Embase, ISI Web of Science) using the Mesh terms: "metformin" or "biguanides" or "diabetes mellitus, type 2/therapy" and "cancer" or "neoplasms". When multiple hazard ratios (HR) or odds ratio (OR) were reported, the most adjusted estimate was used in the base-case analysis. We pooled the adjusted HR using and performed sensitivity analyses on duration of metformin use (> or < 3 years use), study quality (assessed using the GRADE system), and initial observation year of the cohort (before vs after 1997). Results: From a total of 421 citations, 13 full-text articles were considered, and 7 independent studies were included. All were observational (4 cohort and 3 case control). Our combined OR for metformin association with invasive breast cancer of all 7 studies was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.97). Funnel plot analyses did not suggest publication bias. Stronger associations were found when analyses were limited to studies estimating the impact of longer metformin duration (OR = 0.75. 95% CI, 0.62-0.91) or among studies that began observing their cohort before 1997 (OR=0.68. 95% CI, 0.55-0.84). Stratification according to study quality did not affect the combined OR but higher quality studies had smaller CI and achieved statistical significance. Interpretation is limited by the observational nature of reports and different comparison groups. Conclusions: Our analyses support a protective effect of metformin on invasive breast cancer incidence among postmenopausal women with diabetes. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether metformin reduces breast cancer risk.


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002287
Author(s):  
Sara Mone ◽  
Helen Kerr

Individuals with advanced cancer who have accurate prognostic awareness are reported to make more informed decisions about their plan of care. Despite this, it is reported that individuals do not always have accurate prognostic awareness with the rationale for this discordance unclear. The primary aim of the integrative literature review was to identify if there is concordance between actual prognosis and accurate prognostic awareness in individuals with advanced cancer. The secondary aim was to identify the rationale for any discordance between actual prognosis and prognostic awareness in individuals with advanced cancer. This is an integrative literature review using a systematic approach. Literature searches were undertaken in March 2018 in four databases; CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library. Searches were limited to between 2008 and 2018 and those written in the English language. Database searches were supplemented with papers from reference lists of included papers and grey literature. Two reviewers independently completed the literature search and independently reviewed the papers. Fourteen eligible research papers were identified. The majority of individuals with advanced cancer in the included studies did not have accurate prognostic awareness. When identified, the rationale for discordance relates to the individual not being communicated accurate prognostic information, not being able to recall prognostic conversations or prognosis being discussed in vague terms. As individuals with advanced cancer with accurate prognostic awareness make more informed decisions at a crucial time in their life trajectory, it is imperative that healthcare professionals are equipped to effectively deliver accurate prognostic information, ensuring understanding is assessed.


Author(s):  
Pingping Xu ◽  
Jiajia Lin ◽  
Qi Lin ◽  
Dexiang Zhu ◽  
Wentao Tang ◽  
...  

Previous studies on the prognostic impact of survivin expression in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer have yielded inconsistent results. This study was initiated to assess the relationship between survivin expression and overall survival (OS) or disease free survival (DFS) in GI cancer patients. We applied system literature searches on EMBASE, PubMed, Web of science, and the Cochrane library to conduct this up-to-date meta-analysis. Thirty studies with totally 3622 GI cancer patients were collected. The prevalence of high survivin expression in GI cancer was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.51-0.63). High survivin expression was significantly associated with shorter OS (HR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.42-1.74) and DFS (HR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.21-1.58). Subgroup analysis also showed significant association between high survivin expression and poorer OS or DFS in gastric cancer or colorectal cancer. In summary, our study indicated that high survivin expression was related to poor prognosis in GI cancer. Well-designed studies with large sample and more convincing data are needed to confirm our conclusion.


Drug Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (01) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Isiordia-Espinoza ◽  
Ronell Bologna-Molina ◽  
Ycenna Hernández-Miramontes ◽  
Juan Zapata-Morales ◽  
Angel Alonso-Castro ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and dexamethasone on the trismus, postsurgical pain, facial swelling, as well as the analgesic consumption after third molar surgery. Material and Methods The reports were identified in the most important medical databases. Those studies that met the requirements were fully assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of each report was evaluated with the Oxford Quality Scale and using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Each meta-analysis was done using the technique of mean difference and 95% confidence intervals employing a random effects model with the Review Manager 5.3., from the Cochrane Library. Significant statistical difference was accepted when the p value was less than 0.05 on the test of overall effect (Z value). Results Qualitative evaluation was done using the data of 330 patients extracted from seven articles and the quantitative assessment with data of 200 patients from three reports. It was not observed difference among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and dexamethasone in any of the clinical effectiveness indicators. Conclusion The outcomes of our meta-analysis indicate that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and dexamethasone have good therapeutic effect for the management of inflammatory complications following to third molar surgery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 205873842110276
Author(s):  
Xingxiang Ren ◽  
Xiankun Wang ◽  
Ziruo Ge ◽  
Shuping Cui ◽  
Zhihai Chen

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. Since then, several studies have found COVID-19 patients with recurrent viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity. Methods: On May 6, 2021, an exhaustive literature search of the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, Embase, Wan Fang Data, VIP database, Sinomed database, BioRxiv, MedRxiv, and Research Square was conducted to find describing the laboratory indicators of recurrent and non-recurrent viral PCR positivity in patients with COVID-19. The data were statistically analyzed using STATA version 15.0. Results: In total, 22 studies—comprising 5154 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases—were included in the analyses. Patients with less severe COVID-19 illness (i.e. those clinically classified as mild or common-type) seemed to exhibit recurrent PCR positivity more commonly than patients with more severe illness (i.e. those classified as severe or critical). There were also significant differences between the two groups in terms of the rates of headaches and dizziness, in addition to the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, C reactive protein, interleukin-6, and lactate dehydrogenase. Further, there were variations in the ratio of CD4+ T cells/CD8+ T cells on admission to the hospital. Conclusion: In comparison to COVID-19 patients with non-recurrent viral PCR positivity, patients with recurrent virus PCR positivity seem to experience more severe immune function suppression upon hospital admission.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangji Li ◽  
Tong Wu ◽  
Mengmeng Xiao ◽  
Shanshan Wu ◽  
Li Min ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adjuvant therapy is a promising treatment to improve the prognosis of cancer patients, however, the evidence base driving recommendations for adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) or chemotherapy (ACT) in retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) primarily hinges on observational data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy in the management of RPS patients. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ASCO Abstracts, and Cochrane Library for comparative studies (until December 2020) of adjuvant therapy versus surgery alone. Data on the following endpoints were evaluated: overall survival (OS), local recurrence (LR), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS). Data were summarized as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Risk of bias of studies was assessed with Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Results A total of 15 trials were eligible, including 9281 adjuvant therapy and 21,583 surgery alone cases (20 studies for OS, six studies for RFS, two studies for LR, and two studies for MFS). Meta-analysis showed that ART was associated with distinct advantages as compared to surgery alone, including a longer OS (HR = 0.80, P < 0.0001), a longer RFS (HR = 0.61, P = 0.0002), and a lower LR (HR = 0.31, P = 0.005). However, this meta-analysis failed to demonstrate a benefit of ACT for RPS patients, including OS (HR = 1.11, P = 0.19), RFS (HR = 1.30, P = 0.09) and MFS (HR = 0.69, P = 0.09). In the sensitivity analysis, ACT was associated with a worse OS (HR = 1.19, P = 0.0002). No evidence of publication bias was observed. Conclusions Overall, the quality of the evidence was moderate for most outcomes. The evidence supports that ART achieved a generally better outcome as compared to surgery alone.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina S. Ipe ◽  
Adeola R. Davis ◽  
Jay S. Raval

Background: Patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) can be treated acutely with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). To date, there is no definitive understanding of which of the two treatments is more effective and safer. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the comparative efficacy and safety of TPE to other available treatments for MG.Methods: A systematic literature search for studies published between 1997 and 2017 was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using two database sources, MEDLINE (through the PubMed database) and Cochrane Library.Results: The search strategy resulted in 535 articles whose abstracts were reviewed. Among these, 165 full texts articles were reviewed for eligibility and 101 articles were excluded. Of the 165 articles, 64 articles were included for a systematic literature and 11 articles for a meta-analysis.Conclusions: This systematic literature review and meta-analysis of treatment options showed that there was a higher response rate with TPE than IVIG in acute MG patients and patients undergoing thymectomy. There was no difference in mortality between the two treatment options. Our findings highlight the need for additional randomized clinical trials in these patients with MG.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243096
Author(s):  
Khalid Al-Rubeaan ◽  
Cindy Tong ◽  
Hannah Taylor ◽  
Karl Miller ◽  
Thao Nguyen Phan Thanh ◽  
...  

Background With obesity prevalence projected to increase, the demand for bariatric surgery will consequently rise. Enhanced recovery programmes aim for improved recovery, earlier discharge, and more efficient use of resources following surgery. This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the evidence available on the effects of enhanced recovery programmes after three common bariatric procedures: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). Methods MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database were searched for studies published in 2012–2019 comparing outcomes with enhanced recovery programmes versus conventional care after bariatric surgery in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Data were extracted and meta-analyses or descriptive analyses performed when appropriate using R. Results Of 1152 screened articles, seven relevant studies including 3592 patients were identified. Six reported outcomes for 1434 patients undergoing LRYGB; however, as only individual studies reported on LSG and OAGB these could not be included in the analyses. The meta-analysis revealed a significantly shorter mean duration of hospital-stay for LRYGB enhanced recovery programmes than conventional care (mean difference [95% CI]: -1.34 days [-2.01, -0.67]; p<0.0001), supported by sensitivity analysis excluding retrospective studies. Meta-analysis found no significant difference in 30-day readmission rate (risk ratio [95% CI]: 1.39 [0.84, 2.28]; p = 0.2010). Complication rates were inconsistently reported by Clavien-Dindo grade, but descriptive analysis showed generally higher low-grade rates for enhanced recovery programmes; the trend reversed for high-grade complications. Reoperation rates were rarely reported; no significant differences were seen. Conclusion These results support enhanced recovery programmes allowing shorter inpatient stay without significant differences in readmission rate following LRYGB, although complication and reoperation rate comparisons were inconclusive. Further research is needed to fill current data gaps including the lack of studies on LSG and OAGB.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e100064
Author(s):  
Dereje Nigussie ◽  
Belete Adefris Legesse ◽  
Gail Davey ◽  
Abebaw Fekadu ◽  
Eyasu Makonnen

ObjectivesMedicinal plants are used globally as alternative medicines in the management of a range of disease conditions and are widely accepted across differing societies. Ethiopia hosts a large number of plant species (>7000 higher plant species), of which around 12% are thought to be endemic, making it a rich source of plant extracts potentially useful for human health. The aim of this review is to evaluate Ethiopian medicinal plants for their anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antifungal or antibacterial activities.Methods and analysisThe guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement will be used. This review will consider all controlled studies of anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties (both in vivo and in vitro) and in vitro anti-infective properties of medicinal plants found in Ethiopia. Data sources will be EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Google Scholar. Guidance documents on good in vitro methods and checklists for reporting in vitro studies will be used for quality assessment of in vitro studies. The risk of bias tool for animal intervention studies (the SYRCLE RoB tool) will be used to assess the validity of studies. The main outcomes will be percent inhibition of inflammation, time of epithelisation and tissue tensile strength in wounds and microbial growth inhibition.Ethics and disseminationThe findings of this systematic review will be disseminated by publishing in a peer-reviewed journal and via conference presentations. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Research Governance & Ethics Committee (RGEC) and Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science, Institutional Review Board.PROSPERO registration numberThis systematic literature review has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019127471).


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