Clinics
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Meta Analysis
Melatonin and the cardiovascular system in animals: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Melatonin, a hormone released by the pineal gland, demonstrates several effects on the cardiovascular system. Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the effects of melatonin in an experimental model of myocardial infarction. We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA recommendations and reviewed MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. ⋯ In the meta-analysis, we observed a statistically significant decrease in infarct size (mean difference [MD], -20.37 [-23.56, -17.18]), no statistical difference in systolic pressure (MD, -1.75 [-5.47, 1.97]), a statistically significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase in animals in the melatonin group (MD, -4.61 [-6.83, -2.40]), and a statistically significant improvement in the cardiac ejection fraction (MD, -8.12 [-9.56, -6.69]). On analyzing potential bias, we observed that most studies presented a low risk of bias; two parameters were not included in the analysis, and one parameter had a high risk of bias. Melatonin exerts several effects on the cardiovascular system and could be a useful therapeutic target to combat various cardiovascular diseases.
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This study aimed to estimate the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treated with trastuzumab. Studies were identified through a literature search of electronic databases. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate the incidence rate of CNS metastases, trastuzumab therapy duration, and time from trastuzumab therapy to CNS metastasis diagnosis. ⋯ The survival time after the development of CNS metastases in trastuzumab-treated patients was 19.2 months (95% CI: 15.6, 25.9). Approximately 22% of patients with HER2-positive MBC who were treated with trastuzumab developed CNS metastases. However, trastuzumab-treated patients had a longer survival than patients who were not treated with trastuzumab.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of transcutaneous electrical tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of overactive bladder: a multi-arm randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment.
To compare the effectiveness of tibial nerve transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for an overactive bladder, considering the sites of application and frequency of attendance. ⋯ One-leg stimulation improved the daily urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence, and the two-leg stimulation once and twice weekly improved nocturia.
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SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are not free from side effects. Usually, they are mild or moderate but occasionally severe. One of these severe side effects is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). ⋯ Only a single patient recovered completely and partial recovery was achieved in nine patients. In conclusion, GBS may develop time-linked to the first dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Though a causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and SCoVaG remains speculative, more evidence is in favour than against it.
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This review aims to investigate the different levels of vitamin D and its role in muscle strength in healthy children and non-athletes. A search conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Psycinfo) resulted in 655 articles, which were systematically analyzed and selected based on the following criteria: (a) original cross-sectional studies and clinical trials; (b) healthy children aged 5-11 years; (c) no language restriction or year of publication; and (d) studies that assessed the possible relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle strength. Six studies were included because they met all the inclusion criteria. ⋯ Interestingly, vitamin D supplementation is not always significantly associated with increased muscle grip strength. However, there is a scarcity of studies that aim to analyze the possible effects of different levels of vitamin D on muscle function and neuromuscular variables in physically inactive children and non-athletes without previously diagnosed disease. Further studies are warranted in the future to address the gap in the literature.