Does flaxseed supplementation affect apo-lipoproteins? A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies indicated the ameliorating effects of flaxseed supplementation on apolipoproteins, although others have conflicting results. Therefore, the present research was conducted in order to accurately and definitively understand the effect of flaxseed on apolipoproteins in adults. All articles published up to Juan 2024 were systematically searched through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science to collect all randomized clinical trials (RCTs). A random effects model was used to measure the combined effect sizes. Also, standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to report the combined effect size. Our results showed that flaxseed supplementation significantly reduced apo-BI (SMD: -0.57; 95 % CI: -0.95, -0.19, p = 0.003; I2 = 83.2 %, heterogeneity p < 0.001) and lipo(a) decreased (SMD: -0.34; 95 % CI: -0.59, -0.09, p=0.007; I2=30.3 %, heterogeneity p=0.197). However, flaxseed did not change apo-AI levels (SMD: -0.37; 95 % CI: -0.87, 0.13, p = 0.146; I2 = 89.2 %, p-heterogeneity < 0.001). This meta-analysis has shown that flaxseed supplementation may have beneficial effects on apolipoproteins. Future high-quality, long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm our results.

Recurrent High-Risk Pulmonary Thromboembolism Treated with Repeated Thrombolytic Therapy Could be Helpful for Certain Patients: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is considered the third most frequent acute cardiovascular syndrome behind myocardial infarction and stroke, with annual incidence rates ranging from 39 to 115 per 100,000 people and ranking high among the causes of cardiovascular mortality. High-risk PTE is characterised by haemodynamic instability and encompasses clinical manifestations such as cardiac arrest, obstructive shock and persistent hypotension. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends a reperfusion strategy with systemic thrombolytic therapy for high-risk PTE under class I, level B if there are no contraindications. Overall, unsuccessful thrombolytic therapy and recurrent PTE have been reported in 8% of patients with high-risk PTE. The guidelines recommend surgical pulmonary embolectomy if thrombolysis is contraindicated or has failed. The position of repeated thrombolytic therapy as a treatment option in patients with recurrent high-risk PTE, especially in situations with a lack of surgical expertise or resources, was not mentioned in the guidelines. We report the case of a patient who suffered a recurrent high-risk PTE and was treated with repeated thrombolytic therapy that was effective and resulted in excellent outcomes. LEARNING POINTS: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a serious medical condition and widespread disease with well-recognised morbidity and mortality.Systemic thrombolytic therapy should be the first choice in patients with high-risk PTE without contraindication.Repeated thrombolytic therapy in recurrent high-risk PTE might be effective in patients with low risk of bleeding as an alternative to surgical embolectomy or catheter-directed therapy.

Effect of SWEEPS and PIPS techniques on dye extrusion in photodynamic therapy procedure after root canal preparation.

AIM: The aim of this study is to measure and compare the amount of apical extrusion of the methylene blue as photosensitizer using Laser-activated irrigation(LAI) techniques (SWEEPS, PIPS) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 single-rooted premolar teeth were selected and their root canals were cleaned and prepared. The photosensitizer, Methylene blue (MB), was used as dye which applied inside the root canals and the access cavities. Then the teeth were randomly allocated to 4 groups. Different techniques (SWEEPS, PIPS, PDT) were used in 3 groups. One group received no activation. Data related to the concentration of the extruded methylene blue was measured using ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy. Absorption peak intensity of MB in the wavelength of 668 nm was considered as the concentration index according to Beer Lambert law. Taking into account the normal distribution of this data, one-way ANOVA analysis was used to evaluate the effects of the independent variables on the amount of apical extrusion of the irrigant. RESULTS: Based on the results of ANOVA analysis, there was no significant difference between the amounts of apical extrusion of MB between different groups (p = 0.628) CONCLUSION: Using SWEEPS and PIPS techniques, despite diffusion of the photosensitizer, didn't lead to any difference in the amount of apical extrusion. Therefore, these LAI techniques can be used safely for root canal irrigation.

Sleep Duration and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about a possible association between sleep duration and the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), in healthy people. In this systematic review, we conducted a literature search to examine possible association between sleep duration and the incidence of AF. METHODS: Scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Embase) were searched using relevant Medical Subject Headings and keywords, to retrieve studies written in English and published until November 2017. Only observational studies were included. Since sleep duration categories were not consistent, it was feasible to run a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Six eligible studies were included. Long sleep duration (≥ 8 hours) was found to be associated with an increased risk of AF (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.27 and aHR= 1.5, 95% CI: 1.07-2.10) in two studies. One study reported that sleep duration less than 6 hours was associated with an increased risk of AF (aHR= 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18 -2.13) compared to sleeping for 6-7 hours. In two studies, mean sleep duration was lower in AF groups compared to the non-AF group. Insomnia was associated with an increased risk of AF in another study (aHR= 1.33, 95% CI: 1.25-1.41). CONCLUSIONS: Unhealthy sleep duration, defined as either less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours, may be associated with an increased risk of AF.