Association Between Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Adult Subjects: A Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (09) ◽  
pp. 625-638
Author(s):  
Shou-Fa Zhang ◽  
Li-Zhi Li ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Jin-Rong Guo ◽  
Fang-Fang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Plasma Homocysteine ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Overt Hypothyroidism ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis

AbstractIncreased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been widely documented in patients with overt hypothyroidism; however, the significance of Hcy level changes in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the Hcy status in patients with SCH compared with euthyroid subjects. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases prior to December 2019 to identify eligible studies and assessed the quality of selected studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Publication bias was evaluated by Begg’s test and Egger’s test. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to investigate the source of heterogeneity. A likely source of heterogeneity was the year of the study. All statistical analyses were performed with RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. Our meta-analysis of twelve observational studies with 684 patients showed that those with SCH aged between 18 and 65 years old were associated with a slightly increased plasma Hcy level compared with euthyroid controls. The pooled result of the weighted mean difference (WMD) of increased tHcy levels was 1.16 μmol/l (95% CI: 0.51, 1.82; p=0.0005). The Hcy level in patients with SCH aged between 18 and 65 years old is significantly increased compared to euthyroid controls.

scholarly journals Comparison of clinical efficacy and safety between dexmedetomidine and propofol among patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 030006052110327
Author(s):  
Weihua Liu ◽  
Wenli Yu ◽  
Hongli Yu ◽  
Mingwei Sheng
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Similar Efficacy ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Weighted Mean

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and propofol in patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods Relevant studies comparing dexmedetomidine and propofol among patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy were retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Results Seven relevant studies (dexmedetomidine group, n = 238; propofol group, n = 239) met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in the induction time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.95–7.88, I2 = 99%) and recovery time (WMD = 2.74, 95% CI = −2.72–8.19, I2 = 98%). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in the risks of hypotension (risk ratio [RR] = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.25–1.22) and nausea and vomiting (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.46–2.22) between the drugs, whereas dexmedetomidine carried a lower risk of hypoxia (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.11–0.63) and higher risk of bradycardia (RR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.38–6.54). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine had similar efficacy and safety profiles as propofol in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.

scholarly journals Effect of Earthworm on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Wang ◽  
Zhen Ruan ◽  
Rongchao Zhang ◽  
Xuejing Wang ◽  
Ruihui Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Healing Rate ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Weighted Mean

Background: Earthworm, also called dilong (Chinese language), has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recently, some scientists believe that earthworm extracts (EE) can promote wound healing. However, its effectiveness remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of EE on wound healing based on the healing rate.Methods: We comprehensively reviewed literature that mentioned EE for wound healing in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and WanFang database that have been published until January 2021. We computed weighted mean difference (WMD) for analysis with RevMan 5.3 software in animal and human models groups. Two researchers independently selected studies and evaluated the risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020168400).Results: From 2,486 articles, we selected 16 studies for analysis. EE treatment was associated with improvements in wound healing performance based on wound healing rate (mouse model: weighted mean difference (WMD) = 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.34–4.77, p < 0.00001; rat model: WMD = 17.29, 95% CI: 5.75–28.82, p = 0.003; rabbit model: WMD = 19.29, 95% CI: 9.95–28.64, p < 0.0001). Clinical studies also confirmed that EE could reduce healing time in hospital (WMD = −8.94, 95% CI: −17.75 to −0.14, p = 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of EE on wound healing process. As a corollary, EE can be a useful natural product for wound healing drug development.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=168400, identifier CRD42020168400.

Stationary cycling exercise for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 026921552097179
Author(s):  
Lijiang Luan ◽  
Jaquelin Bousie ◽  
Adrian Pranata ◽  
Roger Adams ◽  
Jia Han
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cycling Exercise ◽  
Random Effects Models

Objective: To evaluate effects of stationary cycling exercise on pain, function and stiffness in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources: Systematic search conducted in seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, PEDro, and CNKI) from inception to September 2020. Review methods: Included studies were randomized-controlled trials involving stationary cycling exercise conducted on individuals with knee osteoarthritis. End-trial weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed, and random-effects models were used. Methodological quality and risk bias were assessed by using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and Cochrane Collaboration tool, respectively. Results: Eleven studies with 724 participants were found, of which the final meta-analysis was performed with eight. Compared to a control (no exercise), stationary cycling exercise resulted in reduced pain (WMD 12.86, 95% CI 6.90–18.81) and improved sport performance (WMD 8.06, 95% CI 0.92–15.20); although most of the meta-analysis results were statistically significant, improvements in stiffness (WMD 11.47, 95% CI 4.69–18.25), function (WMD 8.28, 95% CI 2.44–14.11), symptoms (WMD 4.15, 95% CI −1.87 to 10.18), daily living (WMD 6.43, 95% CI 3.19 to 9.66) and quality of life (WMD 0.99, 95% CI −4.27 to 6.25) for individuals with knee osteoarthritis were not greater than the minimal clinically important difference values for each of these outcome measures. Conclusions: Stationary cycling exercise relieves pain and improves sport function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, but may not be as clinically effective for improving stiffness, daily activity, and quality of life.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Pregnant Women in India: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Vikas Yadav ◽  
Deepti Dabar ◽  
Akhil D. Goel ◽  
Mohan Bairwa ◽  
Akanksha Sood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Overt Hypothyroidism ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Women In India

Introduction. This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women in India. Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Shodhganga (Indian thesis repository) for observational studies, providing prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women in India. Systematic study selection and data extraction procedures were followed. Quality assessment of each study was done using JBI critical appraisal checklist. The random effects model was used for pooling the effect sizes. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and rank correlation test. I2 statistics was used to measure heterogeneity across the studies. Heterogeneity in the pooled estimates was further explored with subgroup analyses and meta-regression analysis. Results. Sixty-one studies were found eligible and included in this review. The pooled estimate of the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women was 11.07% (95% CI: 8.79–13.84, I2 = 99%). Pooled prevalence estimates of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism are 9.51% (95% CI: 7.48–12.04, I2 = 98%) and 2.74% (95% CI: 2.08–3.58, I2 = 94%). Conclusion. We documented 11.07% pooled prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women in India.

scholarly journals Effects of Accumulated Short Bouts of Exercise on Weight and Obesity Indices in Adults: A Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-104
Author(s):  
Heontae Kim ◽  
Joel Reece ◽  
Minsoo Kang
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Short Bout ◽  
Obesity Indices

Objective: To compile and quantify the effectiveness of accumulated short-bout exercise interventions on reducing the obesity indices in adults using meta-analysis. Data Source: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and SportDiscus. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: (1) Description of a short-bout exercise trial (<30 minutes); (2) obesity indices must be measured pre- and postintervention; and (3) only adults and published in English. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies included. Of 3257 articles retrieved, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on the Downs and Black checklist, the methodological quality of the included studies was fairly robust. Data Synthesis: Pooled effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using a random effects model. Results: Average intervention length was approximately 16 weeks (ranged from 4 to 72 weeks). All weighted mean ES values for each obesity index measure were non-negative, ranging from small to large (ES = 0.33-0.96) in magnitude. Weighted mean ES for body mass (BM; n = 18; ES = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.22-0.80), body mass index (BMI; n = 13; ES = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.24-0.97), waist circumference (n = 9; ES = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.15-0.73), body fat percentage (BF%; n = 8; ES = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.09-0.58), skinfold (n = 7; ES = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.39 -1.53), and fat mass (FM; n = 6; ES = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.21-0.90) were statistically significant. Moderator effects of intervention length (weeks) were observed for BM (Qbetween [Cochran’s Q: a measure of heterogeneity between studies] = 6.83, P < .05); BMI (Qbetween = 13.93, P < .05); and FM (Qbetween = 10.41, P < .05). Intervention length >10 weeks was more effective than shorter (≤10) intervention period for reducing BM, BMI, and FM. Conclusion: Accumulated short bouts of exercise have a beneficial effect on reducing the obesity indices among adults. The current study can help health researchers and practitioners in designing their intervention programs, which can be applied within schools, clinics, and communities.

Transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: an updated meta-analysis of observational data

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 677-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parvesh Garg ◽  
Rachel Pinotti ◽  
C. Vivek Lal ◽  
Ariel A. Salas
Keyword(s):  
Necrotizing Enterocolitis ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Inverse Variance ◽  
Matched Case

Abstract Background: The number of observational studies that report an association between packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has increased. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC in observational studies. Methods: Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases as well as the Pediatrics Academic Societies abstract archives were systematically searched to identify observational studies that investigated the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC. Key search terms included premature infant, blood transfusion and necrotizing enterocolitis. The generic inverse variance method with a random-effects model was used to meta-analyze selected studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: A meta-analysis of 17 observational studies that reported the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC was performed. The meta-analysis revealed no evidence of an association between PRBC transfusions and a higher risk of NEC (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.53–1.71; P=0.88). The effect estimates that suggested an association between PRBC transfusion and NEC in matched case-control studies (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.58–2.47; P=0.63) differed from those reported in cohort studies (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.34–0.75; P=<0.01). Conclusions: This updated meta-analysis of predominantly low-to-moderate quality observational studies suggests that there is no significant association between PRBC transfusions and NEC. A higher quality of evidence on this topic is needed.

scholarly journals The prevalence of occupational stress among Iranian midwives: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 634-640
Author(s):  
Reza Ghanei Gheshlagh ◽  
Hayedeh Rezaei ◽  
Naser Parizad
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Stress Coping ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Quality Of Patient Care ◽  
Stress Coping Strategies ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis

Background Occupational stress is one of the undesirable risk factors found in the midwifery profession. It can lead to job burnout, job loss and negatively affect the quality of patient care. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational stress among Iranian midwives. Methods Through searching national and international databases, a total of 11 observational studies with full texts were extracted. Observational studies in Persian or English that reported the prevalence or frequency of job stress among Iranian midwives were included in the analysis. Irrelevant studies, those conducted on midwifery students and gray literature were excluded. The meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model. Results 11 articles reviewed occupational stress in 1196 midwives (an average of 108 midwives per study). Analysis of the articles showed that the pooled prevalence of occupational stress was 70.82% in Iranian midwives. Meta-regression analysis showed that the prevalence of occupational stress was not related to mean age, work experience, articles' publication year or sample size. Conclusions The prevalence of occupational stress is high among Iranian midwives and it can have harmful consequences for them and their patients. Therefore, the training of stress coping strategies seems to be appropriate for this group.

Mandibular alignment changes after full-fixed orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad J Swidi ◽  
Andreea E Griffin ◽  
Peter H Buschang
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Meta Analyses

SummaryBackgroundAlthough post-treatment mandibular alignment has been extensively investigated, the findings remain controversial.ObjectivesThe objective was to assess mandibular alignment changes, as measured by the irregularity index, of patients who underwent full-fixed orthodontic treatment and were followed up at least 1 year after retention.Search methodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library, in addition, the reference lists of included studies, were screened. The search was conducted up to April 2018.Selection criteriaThe study designs included both interventional and observational studies of orthodontic patients who received either extraction or non-extraction treatment.Data collection and analysisThe interventional studies were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias assessment tool. The quality of the observational studies was evaluated using National Institution of Health quality assessment tools. The first two authors independently applied the eligibility criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. Any conflicts were resolved with consensus discussion with the third author.ResultsThe search retrieved 11 326 articles, 170 of which were assessed for eligibility. There were 44 studies included in the qualitative assessments and 30 in the meta-analyses. The studies included 1 randomized control trial (RCT) and 43 observational studies. The RCT was judged to have a high risk of bias and all of the observational studies had either fair or poor quality. The meta-analysis was based on studies judged to be of fair quality, including a total of 1859 patients. All meta-analyses were performed using random-effect models. The standardized mean difference between post-treatment and post-retention irregularity was 1.22 (95% CI, 1.04–1.40) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.63–1.07) after extraction and non-extraction treatments, respectively. There was a substantial heterogeneity for the extraction (I2 = 75.2%) and non-extraction (I2 = 70.1%) studies. The follow-up duration (1–10 versus 10–20 years) explained 33% of the heterogeneity, with longer follow-up studies showing more irregularity.LimitationsThe quality of evidence provided by the studies was low. There was a risk of publication bias, and the search was limited to English language.Conclusions and implicationsPost-treatment mandibular irregularity increases are limited. Irregularity increases are slightly greater in patients treated with mandibular premolars extractions, and in patients followed up over longer periods of time.RegistrationThe study protocol was not registered.

scholarly journals Use of Jianpi Jiedu Herbs in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaofan Zhang ◽  
Li Shi ◽  
Dan Mao ◽  
Weijun Peng ◽  
Chenxia Sheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Advanced Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Score ◽  
Performance Score ◽  
Weighted Mean

Objective. To systematically review the effect of invigorating Pi and detoxification (Jianpi Jiedu, (JPJD)) herbs in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods. Three English and four Chinese databases were searched. Literature was screened by EndNote X7 and data were analyzed by RevMan 5.2. Results. This review comprised 12 randomized clinical studies of 701 patients. The results showed that JPJD herbs improved the therapeutic effect on Chinese medicine symptoms [risk ratio (RR) = 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35~1.88] and Karnofsky performance score [RR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.52~2.82] for advanced CRC patients receiving chemotherapy, lowered the Chinese medicine symptoms’ score [weighted mean difference = −2.44; 95% CI: −3.23~−1.64], reduced the incidence of nausea and vomiting [RR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.11~0.49], improved platelet at toxicity grades III-IV [odds ratio = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12~0.74] and I–IV [RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.51~0.82], and improved white blood cell at toxicity grades III-IV [RR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.23~0.58] and I–IV [RR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.60~0.79]. However, the results showed no significant effect on tumor response. Conclusion. JPJD herbs can improve quality of life, relieve symptoms, and reduce adverse events of advanced CRC patients receiving chemotherapy.

scholarly journals Periodontitis is associated with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Muñoz Aguilera ◽  
Jean Suvan ◽  
Jacopo Buti ◽  
Marta Czesnikiewicz-Guzik ◽  
Aline Barbosa Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Periodontal Therapy ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Recent evidence suggests a link between periodontitis (PD) and hypertension, but the nature of this association remains unclear. The overall aim of this review was to critically appraise the evidence linking these two common disorders. Systematic search was conducted for studies published up to December 2018. Prevalence of hypertension in patients with PD (moderate/severe groups) vs. those without PD (non-PD) was the primary outcome. Additional outcomes included adjusted mean difference in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (BP) levels in PD vs. non-PD, assessment of biomarkers in PD and hypertension, and BP changes after periodontal therapy. From 81 studies selected, 40 were included in quantitative meta-analyses. Diagnoses of moderate-severe PD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.35] and severe PD (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.09–2.05) were associated with hypertension. Prospective studies confirmed PD diagnosis increased likelihood of hypertension occurrence (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 0.85–3.35). Patients with PD exhibited higher mean SBP [weighted mean difference (WMD) of 4.49 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.88–6.11] and DBP (2.03 mmHg; 95% CI: 1.25–2.81) when compared with non-PD. Lastly, only 5 out of 12 interventional studies confirmed a reduction in BP following periodontal therapy, ranging from 3 to 12.5 mmHg of SBP and from 0 to 10 mmHg of DBP. PD is associated with increased odds of hypertension (SORT C) and higher SBP/DBP levels. The evidence suggesting that PD therapy could reduce BP is inconclusive. Although additional research is warranted on this association, these results suggest that oral health assessment and management of PD could not only improve oral/overall health and quality of life but also be of relevance in the management of patients with hypertension.

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