To address inconsistency as well as investigate the relationship between glaucoma and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We systematically conducted this meta‐analysis based on observational studies published up to 15 January 2018, identified from PubMed and Web of Science. Two team members independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of each included study. Summary relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Eight observational studies with 6870 AD cases were included. The majority of these studies (n = 6) were graded as low risk according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Individuals diagnosed with glaucoma, compared to those who were not, had an increased risk of AD (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41–1.63; I2 = 97%, p < 0.001). A significant finding was also observed for primary open‐angle glaucoma (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41–1.63; I2 = 97%, p < 0.001). However, when stratified by study design, only the case–control studies (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89–1.31; I2 = 37.3%, p = 0.207) yielded significant results, while the cohort studies did not (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89–1.31; I2 = 97.7%, p < 0.001). Of note, our meta‐regression analysis suggested that study design might be a source of heterogeneity (p = 0.009). Additionally, a significantly positive association was observed when the analyses were restricted to Asia (RR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.02–4.07). There was no significant publication bias in these analyses. Recent evidence suggests that glaucoma may increase the risk of AD. Additional cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings and to have improved knowledge on the true nature of this association.
Copper ions (Cu) grafted chitosan coating was prepared using the pneumatic spraying method on the silicone rubber surface. Coating's surface properties, morphology, composition, Cu releasing behavior, antibacterial, and anti‐inflammatory activities are investigated and discussed. Surface properties, composition, and morphology were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements. The antibacterial activity has been tested with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus suspensions in vitro. Besides, the morphology of the biofilm was inspected with a field emission SEM. To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory activity and biosafety of the coating in vivo, the optimized coating samples and control groups were implanted subcutaneously into the back of mice. The bacterial environment model was established by injection of the bacterial suspension. The morphology and bacterial adhered on the surface of catheters and the surrounding tissues were analyzed after 5 days of implantation. As in vitro results, the number of adhered bacterial on the surface of the silicon rubber surface was decreased, and the anti‐inflammatory rate was increased by the intensify of the Cu content in chitosan coating. As for in vivo results, after 5 days of implantation, there was no evident inflammation in the surrounding tissues of all catheters in all without the S. aureus injected group. In the injected chitosan/Cu coated group; the inflammation, the number of the adhered bacteria were observed less than other injected samples without Cu; no inflammation were noticeable. Results indicate that the Cu‐modified chitosan coating can confer excellent antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activity as applied on medical catheters.
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