METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, covering studies published up to September 30, 2024. We included peer-reviewed observational studies evaluating the link between cannabis consumption and the risk of asthma diagnosis. Data synthesis employed a random-effects meta-analysis to account for heterogeneity. R statistical software (version 4.4) was used for statistical analyses.
RESULTS: The search yielded 8 relevant studies after screening 1,887 records. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for the association between cannabis consumption and the risk of asthma diagnosis was 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-1.44, indicating greater odds of having asthma compared to non-users. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 46%), and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis identifies a significant association between cannabis use and greater odds of having asthma. These findings emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the potential respiratory risks associated with cannabis use. Future research should prioritize identifying moderating factors, such as the frequency and mode of cannabis consumption, to enhance understanding of this association and provide a stronger evidence base for potential public health interventions.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
METHODS: This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and included studies up to March 2024 from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were longitudinal, including prospective cohorts, nested case-controls, and post-hoc analyses of RCTs that reported stroke outcomes in relation to PPI use. Data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis models in R software version 4.3.
RESULTS: Our search yielded 41 studies encompassing over 800,000 participants globally. Meta-analysis of 14 observational studies revealed a slight but non-significant increased stroke risk among patients with prior CVD (pooled HR = 1.222, 95% CI: 0.963 to 1.481, I² = 78%). In contrast, analysis of 15 studies without prior CVD showed a modestly increased risk (pooled HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.023 to 1.288, I² = 98%). Five RCTs involving patients with CVD reported a pooled RR of 1.158 (95% CI: 0.914 to 1.466), indicating no significant risk increase.
CONCLUSION: The association between PPI use and stroke risk appears modest and is influenced by the presence of cardiovascular conditions. Clinical decision-making should consider individual patient risk profiles, and further high-quality studies are needed to guide safer PPI prescribing practices.
METHODOLOGY: The COTRACO study is a quasi-experimental, parallel-group, non-randomized, before-and-after study. A community-based model will be implemented in 600 patients in Colombia and the Dominican Republic, involving NPHWs to: 1) apply standardized treatment algorithms, 2) promote adherence to healthy lifestyles, and 3) provide standardized pharmacological treatment. Propensity Score Matching will be used to select 300 patients in Chile and 1200 in Spain for comparison with standard care in these populations.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES: The primary outcome at 12 months of follow-up is the percentage of patients achieving controlled hypertension (defined as systolic BP
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Article searches were conducted using Tthe keywords "Guide Access Cavity Preparation" AND "Static Guide OR 3D Printing Template" AND "Dynamic Guide through digital databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Research articles published in English within the past five years (2019-2024) and in accordance with the PCC (Population, Concept, and Context) framework were also included in the study. Articles from the meta-analysis or systematic review study type, those that were not accessible in full text or in a paid format, and those that did not assess the use of guided endodontics in endodontic surgery were excluded. This scoping review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews without Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria.
RESULTS: A total of 12 articles were reviewed, encompassing various locations, designs, type, and samples, which demonstrated the use of guided access cavity preparation has significant clinical applications and can provide accurate results in endodontic therapy.
CONCLUSION: Article searches were conducted using the keywords "Guide Access Cavity Preparation" AND 'Static Guide OR 3D Printing Template' AND" Dynamic Guide through digital databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Research articles published in English within the past five years (2019-2024) and in accordance with the PCC (Population, Concept, and Context) framework were also included in the study. Articles from the meta-analysis or systematic review study type, those that were not accessible in full text or in a paid format, and those that did not assess the use of guided endodontics in endodontic surgery were excluded. This scoping review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews without Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria. Studies show that advanced technologies in guided access cavity preparation endodontic treatment can improve dentin preservation, improve accuracy and predictability, particularly for root canal anomalies and difficult teeth, but clinicians must consider limitations and clinical applications. Clinicians must evaluate the limitations and clinical applications of guided endodontic access prior to its implementation.
AREAS COVERED: The objective of presented review is to investigate the molecular pathways of platinum medicines and HDAC inhibitors. A comprehensive literature review from 2011 to 2024 was conducted across multiple databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and official websites of ClinicalTrial.gov to explore publications on HDAC inhibitors, platinum drugs, and combination cancer therapies, revealing preliminary evidence of innovative treatment strategies involving HDAC inhibitors and platinum chemotherapeutics. Several new platinum (IV) complexes, with HDAC inhibitory moieties and better cytotoxicity profiles than conventional platinum drugs, are also reviewed here.
EXPERT OPINION: The above combination has great potential in cancer treatment, however managing toxicity, dosage regimens, and patient selection biomarkers are problematic. More selective HDAC inhibitors and innovative delivery techniques are potential areas for future research. An adaptation toward changing cancer therapeutic landscapes, highlights combining HDAC inhibitors with platinum-based medicines serves as a new concept for personalized medicine, however, a deeper research is still needed at this time.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the current practice and barriers to the transition of care (TOC) from the perspectives of adult surgeons.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with purposive sampling of adult surgeons from different subspecialties. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed.
RESULTS: There were 60 respondents. 62% of the respondents had experience managing referrals for continuation of care or complications in patients with congenital abnormalities. 38% of the respondents believed that TOC should be implemented when patients reached ages 17-18 years. 93% of the respondents agreed that a proper TOC model would greatly benefit patient care, and 97% asserted the need to develop TOC pathways in Malaysia. The absence of a proper guideline was the greatest barrier to a smooth TOC.
CONCLUSION: This study offered insights into the obstacles to TOC based on the perspectives and experiences of adult surgeons who participated. While not exhaustive, our study provided a better understanding of the challenges in developing the appropriate referral pathways for the continued care of these patients.
OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the percentage of schoolchildren who quit smoking through the KOTAK program; 2) To identify factors associated with quitting smoking in the program.
METHODS: A clustered, randomized controlled trial was conducted in schools. Self-reported smokers meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled. Data on demographics, self-reported smoking abstinence, and nicotine addiction levels were collected at baseline, three months, and six months post-intervention. Exhaled carbon monoxide was measured at all time points, and salivary cotinine was collected at three- and six-month follow-ups.
RESULTS: Six months post-intervention, 29.8% of students in intervention schools and 14.6% in control schools reported quitting smoking. The odds of quitting were higher with the KOTAK program (aOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.11-4.57). Factors such as age, maternal education, and baseline nicotine addiction level were protective for smoking abstinence.
CONCLUSION: The intervention group showed a higher self-reported smoking cessation rate, indicating the potential efficacy of the KOTAK program.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 breast cancer women in The Medical City Teaching Oncology Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from August 2023 to October 2023. QOL, coping skills, and psychological factors were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group Core-30 (QLQ-C30), BRIEF COPE-28, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scale, respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were also assessed. The associations between the association factors and quality of life were assessed using multiple linear regression.
RESULT: The mean (SD) quality of life scores for global, functional, and symptom domains were (53.24 ± 16.80, 46.23 ± 25.16, and 53.82 ± 22.10), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant factors influencing global quality of life were age, marital status, disease duration, hormonal therapy, passive coping, and anxiety. Age, disease duration, passive coping, and anxiety were significant factors for the functional domain. The symptom domain was notably affected by menstrual status, mastectomy, passive coping, and depression.
CONCLUSION: These results provide crucial insights for developing targeted interventions to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients in Iraq.
METHODS: Consecutive cases of HPV-OED were identified over a 20-year period from the pathology routine diagnostic archives of a single centre. Cases with features of viral cytopathic changes in a background of OED underwent HPV-specific testing in addition to p16 immunohistochemistry to confirm HPV positivity.
RESULTS: Fifty-three consecutive patients with HPV-OED were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 55 years-old and there was a strong male predilection (83 %). Most patients were smokers or former smokers, and almost a fifth of individuals were Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive. The latero-ventral tongue was the most common index site. Twenty-eight percent of cases were associated with invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma. There was a statistically significant association between with patient's HIV status and malignant transformation (p = 0.022).
CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our cohort of HPV-OED patients suggests that malignant transformation is relatively frequent and associated with the HIV status of patients.
METHODS: From inception until December 2023, a systematic search of published in-vitro studies from Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies was conducted. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024531416). NMA compared properties related to dimensional accuracy and surface properties between conventional and digital dentures. The ranking was performed using the surface area under the cumulative ranking guidelines.
RESULTS: A total of 6004 articles were initially identified, of which 342 duplicates were removed, and 5566 were excluded by screening the titles and abstracts. A total of 96 articles were assessed by full-text reading, and 43 were included in the quantitative synthesis. As per the NMA results, MIL demonstrated significantly higher trueness of fit when compared with conventional compression moulding (standardized mean differences [SMD] = -2.25 [95% CI: -4.09, -0.40]), P = .017 (