Association of inflammatory markers with the severity of COVID-19

AbstractBackgroundThe ongoing worldwide epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2), has posed a huge threat to global public health. However, with regard to the effects of inflammatory markers on the severity of COVID-19, studies have reported associations that vary in strength and direction.AimsIn the meta-analysis, we aimed to provide an overview of the association of inflammatory markers with severity of COVID-19.MethodsThe following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) database until March 20, 2020. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random or fixed-effects models.ResultsA total of 16 studies were included in our analysis comprising of 3962 patients with COVID-19. Random-effects results demonstrated that patients with COVID-19 in non-severe group had lower levels for CRP (WMD = -41.78 mg/l, 95% CI = [-52.43, - 31.13], P < 0.001), PCT (WMD = -0.13 ng/ml, 95% CI = [-0.20, -0.05], P < 0.001), IL- 6 (WMD = -21.32 ng/l, 95% CI = [-28.34, -14.31], P < 0.001), ESR (WMD = - 8.40 mm/h, 95% CI = [-14.32, -2.48], P = 0.005), SAA (WMD = -43.35 μg/ml, 95% CI = [-80.85, -5.85], P = 0.020) and serum ferritin (WMD = -398.80 mg/l, 95% CI = [- 625.89, -171.71], P < 0.001), compared with those in severe group. Moreover, survivors had lower level for IL-6 than non-survivors with COVID-19 (WMD = -4.80 ng/ml, 95% CI = [-5.87, -3.73], P < 0.001). These results were consistent through sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment.ConclusionsThe meta-analysis highlights the association of inflammatory markers with the severity of COVID-19. Measurement of inflammatory markers might help clinicians to monitor and evaluate the severity and prognosis of COVID-19.

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Effect of somatometric parameters on the prevalence and severity of varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-021-00695-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Runqing Li ◽

Junjie Liu ◽

Yushan Li ◽

Quanxian Wang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Regression Test ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Q Statistic ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Published studies have shown contradictory results regarding the relationship between somatometric parameters and varicoceles. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the possible effects of age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) on the presence and severity of varicoceles. Methods Databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Two researchers independently identified eligible articles and extracted data. Cochran’s Q statistic and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed using StataSE 12.0 software (StataCorp LP, USA). Random-effects models were used to obtain the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was assessed using Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Results The search strategy produced 272 articles, of which 18 articles were eligible according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 56,325 patients with varicocele and 1,334,694 patients without varicocele were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of somatometric parameters on the presence and severity of varicocele. The overall results demonstrated that the presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height (WMD = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.74, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with BMI (WMD = − 1.35, 95% CI = -1.67 to − 1.03, P < 0.001) but not with age (WMD = -0.93, 95% CI = -2.19 to 0.33, P = 0.149) or weight (WMD = 0.24, 95% CI = -2.24 to 2.72, P = 0.850). The severity of varicocele was inversely correlated with increased BMI but not with age. Conclusion The presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height and inversely correlated with BMI.

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Individual or combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a time-to-event meta-analysis

World Journal of Surgical Oncology ◽

10.1186/s12957-021-02188-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chuang Jiang ◽

Gong Cheng ◽

Mingheng Liao ◽

Jiwei Huang

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Radiofrequency Ablation ◽

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Combined Treatment ◽

Similar Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Arterial Chemoembolization

Abstract Background There is still some debate as to whether transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is better than TACE or RFA alone. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TACE plus RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with RFA or TACE alone. Methods We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for all relevant randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies reporting overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complications of TACE plus RFA for HCC, compared with RFA or TACE alone. Results Twenty-one studies involving 3413 patients were included. TACE combined with RFA was associated with better OS (hazard ratio [HR]=0.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.55–0.71, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.39–0.69, P < 0.001) than TACE alone; compared with RFA alone, TACE plus RFA resulted in longer OS (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.53–0.75, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.51–0.71, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses by tumor size also showed that combined treatment resulted in better OS and RFS compared with RFA alone in patients with HCC larger than 3 cm. Combined treatment resulted in similar rate of major complications compared with TACE or RFA alone (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 0.99–3.20, P = 0.05; OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.42–2.38, P = 1.00, respectively). Conclusions TACE combined with RFA was more effective for HCC than TACE alone. For patients with a tumor larger than 3 cm, the combined treatment also achieved a better effect than RFA alone.

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Efficacy and Safety of Modified Yunu-Jian in Patients with Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/5147439 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Yuanyuan Yue ◽

Meng Gao ◽

Yanru Deng ◽

Jiemin Shao ◽

Yingguang Sun

Keyword(s):

Western Medicine ◽

Combined Therapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Oral Inflammation

Background. Modified Yunu-Jian (mYJ), a Chinese medicine (CM) formula, is thought to clear heat and nourish yin. Clinically, it is often used to treat oral inflammation. However, its efficacy remains controversial. Methods. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mYJ for treating patients with periodontitis. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, VIP database, and CBM) from inception to December 2020. Only randomized controlled trials investigating modified Yunu-Jian, with or without other medications, against controlled intervention in the treatment of patients diagnosed with periodontitis were included. Both Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used to analyze the data. The Cochrane Collaborations risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the methods. Results. Thirteen clinical trials, involving 1179 participants, were included in our investigation. The results showed that the combination of mYJ with western medicine improved the total effective rate compared with western medicine alone (RR = 1.17, 95% CI (1.12, 1.23), P < 0.00001). The sensitivity analysis and Harbord’s test ( P = 0.255) both showed that the results were statistically robust. Moreover, the periodontal indexes (GI, SBI, PLI, and PD; P < 0.00001) of patients with periodontitis were also significantly improved after receiving the combined therapy. No serious adverse reactions were observed in the experimental groups. Conclusions. Evidence from the meta-analysis suggested that mYJ appeared to be effective and relatively safe for treating periodontitis. Because of the low quality of the methods used in the included RCTs, further studies with larger sample sizes and well-designed models are required to confirm our findings.

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Safety and efficacy of larval therapy on treating leg ulcers: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039898 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. e039898

Author(s):

Weijing Fan ◽

Baozhong Yang ◽

Xiaoming Hu ◽

Xiao Yang ◽

Chenyan Shi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Measurement Data ◽

Complete Healing ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Leg Ulcers ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Larval Therapy

IntroductionLeg ulcers (LUs) not only seriously affect life and work of patients, but also bring huge economic burden to the society. As a potential underused biological debridement, larval therapy provides help for the treatment of LUs. The purpose of our research is to assess whether patients with LUs can benefit from larval therapy.Methods and analysisThe following electronic databases will be searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database and Chinese Biological Medicine. Randomised controlled trials are eligible for inclusion. There will be no restrictions with respect to language and search date is up to June 2020. Primary outcomes investigated are complete healing rate after treatment, time to ulcer healing, reduction of wound surface area and adverse events. Risk ratios will be used for categorical data; weighted mean difference will be used for measurement data. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be considered if heterogeneity exists. The results of data synthesis will be performed by narrative summary and quantitative analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review does not require the approval of the ethics committee because individual data on patients are not collected. The results of the study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020176953.

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Large Dosage of Chishao in Formulae for Cholestatic Hepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2014/328152 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Xiao Ma ◽

Ji Wang ◽

Xuan He ◽

Yanling Zhao ◽

Jiabo Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Cholestatic Hepatitis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy Rate ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Novel Treatment ◽

Large Dosage ◽

Biochemical Indices

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of large dosage of Chishao in formulae for treatment of cholestatic hepatitis.Methods. The major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database Wanfang, VIP medicine information system, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched until January 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of large dosage of Chishao in formulae that reported on publications in treatment of cholestatic hepatitis with total efficacy rate, together with the biochemical indices including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL), were extracted by two reviewers. The Cochrane tool was used for the assessment of risk of bias included trials. Data were analyzed with RevMan 5.2.7 software.Results. 11 RCTs involving 1275 subjects with cholestatic hepatitis were included. Compared with essential therapy, large dosage of Chishao in formulae demonstrated more efficiently with down regulation of serum ALT, AST, TBIL, DBIL. Meanwhile, there were no obvious adverse events.Conclusion. As a promising novel treatment approach, widely using large dosage of Chishao in formulae may enhance the curative efficacy for cholestatic hepatitis. Considering being accepted by more and more practitioners, further rigorously designed clinical studies are required.

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Effects and safety of intraoperative intermittent pneumatic compression for preventing postoperative venous thromboembolism: a meta-analysis

Archives of Medical Science ◽

10.5114/aoms/144091 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yanping Yang ◽

Jianhua Li

Keyword(s):

Cohort Studies ◽

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression ◽

Surgical Patients ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Retrospective Cohort Studies ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale

IntroductionIntermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has been used for venous thrombosis (VTE) prevention. It’s necessary to evaluate the effects and safety of intraoperative use of IPC devices in the prevention of VTE in surgical patients.Material and methodsTwo authors independently searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, MedLine, EMbase, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies on the use of IPC in surgical patients up to June 10, 2021. The Cochrane Collaborations risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used for quality assessment. RevMan 5.3 software were used for statistical analyses.ResultsA total of 13 studies including seven RCTs and six retrospective cohort studies involving 6673 surgical patients were included, 1883 patients underwent IPC intervention. The synthesized RCT results indicated that IPC was beneficial to the reduce the incidence of DVT (RR0.30, 95%CI0.22~0.40, P<0.001) and VTE (RR0.51, 95%CI0.27~0.95, P=0.03). The synthesized results from retrospective cohort studies indicated that IPC is beneficial to the reduce the incidence of DVT (RR0.63, 95%CI0.42~0.96, P=0.03) and PE (RR0.34, 95%CI0.16~0.72, P=0.005). No significant publication biases were found for all synthesized outcomes (all p>0.05).ConclusionsIPC seems to be safe and effective in the prevention and management of intraoperative VTE. Limited by sample size, this conclusion still needs to be further confirmed by large-sample, multi-center, high-quality clinical studies.

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Association between FSAP 1601G>A polymorphism and venous thromboembolism risk: A meta-analysis

Phlebology The Journal of Venous Disease ◽

10.1177/0268355519881604 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (5) ◽

pp. 345-353

Author(s):

Li Da ◽

Zhao Jiahui ◽

Li Xiaoqiang

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Factor Vii ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Bias Assessment ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure

Objective Previous several studies have shown that factor VII-activating protease (FSAP) gene 1601G>A polymorphism is related to the occurrence of venous thromboembolism, but the results are inconsistent and controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between FSAP 1601G>A polymorphism and venous thromboembolism susceptibility. Methods We managed a systematic literature search through Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang databases to collect research data related to FSAP gene 1601G>A polymorphism and susceptibility to venous thromboembolism published before May 2019. Data analysis was performed through Revman 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software, the pooled odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment were also performed. Results A total of seven case–control studies were included and evaluated, including 2411 venous thromboembolism cases and 2850 controls. The meta-analysis results revealed that the FSAP 1601G>A mutation is associated with venous thromboembolism risk, and statistically significance was observed under three genetic comparison models (A: G, odds ratio: 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.66; GA: GG, odds ratio: 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.68; and GA + AA: GG, odds ratio: 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.66). Conclusion This study demonstrated that the FSAP 1601G>A polymorphism may be associated with venous thromboembolism susceptibility.

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A Chinese Prescription Chuanxiong Chatiao San for Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/2301680 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yu Wang ◽

Yajun Shi ◽

Xiaofei Zhang ◽

Junbo Zou ◽

Yulin Liang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conventional Medicine ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Blood Rheology ◽

Plasma Viscosity ◽

Favorable Effect ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Total Efficiency ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

The Cochrane Library

Backgrounds. Chuanxiong Chatiao san (CXCT) is a famous Chinese classical prescription. It has a favorable effect in treating migraine. It is reported that CXCT combined with Western conventional medicine (WCM) could increase the therapeutic efficacy on migraine. The purpose of this paper is to systematically assess the clinical efficacy, safety, and some indexes of CXCT for migraine. Methods. PubMed, Embase Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, the Cochrane Library, and the CBM were searched from January 2000 to February 2019. We made a detailed record of outcome measurements. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. A total of 3307 patients were included in the 37 articles. Meta-analysis showed that CXCT significantly increased the total efficiency rate (TER), compared with Western medicine treatment (WMC) (P < 0.00001). When CXCT is combined with WMC, the result showed that P < 0.00001. CXCT was significantly reduced the adverse events (AEs) compared with WMC (P < 0.00001). The levels of VAS, number of migraine episodes (NE), and time of headache duration (TD) were significantly reduced (P < 0.00001). Platelet function and blood rheology level were improved via a significantly decrease in 5-HT and β-EP (P < 0.00001). Other indicators such as substance P, CGRP high-cut viscosity, low-cut viscosity, plasma viscosity, and fibrinogen were significantly reduced (P < 0.00001). Conclusion. Our findings provide evidence that CXCT and CXCT combined with WMC have higher efficacy in the treatment of migraine compared with WCM alone. Methodological quality was generally low, so the conclusion of this paper has some limitations and it has to be carefully evaluated.

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Acupuncture for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/6972327 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Liaoyao Wang ◽

Jia Xu ◽

Yijun Zhan ◽

Jian Pei

Keyword(s):

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Clinically Significant

Objective. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for OSA patients with various severities of the disorder. Methods. Eight databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), Wanfang Data, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were comprehensively searched till July 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing acupuncture in the treatment of OSA were eligible for inclusion. Studies were selected for inclusion, and data were extracted by two authors independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and RevMan software (version 5.3) were used to evaluate the quality of studies and conduct statistical analysis. Results. Nine RCTs with 584 participants were included. The trials covered acupuncture and electropuncture. Acupuncture caused clinically significant reductions in AHI (MD: -6.18; 95% CI: -9.58 to -2.78; Z=3.56, P=0.0004) as well as in ESS (MD: -2.84; 95% CI: -4.80 to -0.16, Z=2.09, P=0.04). AHI was reduced more in the subgroup analysis of moderate OSA patients (MD: -9.44; 95% CI: -12.44 to -6.45; Z=6.18, P<0.00001) and severe OSA patients (MD: -10.09; 95% CI: -12.47 to -7.71; Z=8.31, P<0.00001). ESS was also reduced more in the subgroup analysis of moderate OSA patients (MD: -2.40; 95% CI: -3.63 to -1.17; Z=3.83, P=0.0001) and severe OSA patients (MD: -4.64; 95% CI: -5.35 to -3.92; Z=12.72, P<0.00001). Besides, acupuncture had a beneficial effect on LSaO2 (MD: 5.29; 95% CI: 2.61 to 7.97; Z=3.86, P=0.0001). The outcome of AHI and LSaO2 yielded consistent results after sensitivity analysis, but the direction of the outcome of ESS was reversed. And the quality of evidence was mainly low to very low. Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is effective for OSA patients in reducing AHI and ESS and in improving the LSaO2 of various severities, especially in moderate and severe OSA patients. High-quality trials are urgently needed.

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Acupuncture for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038455 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e038455

Author(s):

Zhen Gao ◽

Gao-Feng Liu ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

Lai-Xi Ji

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Cervical Spondylosis ◽

Functional Disability ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Random Effects Models

IntroductionNeck pain causes serious social and economic burden. Research on the use of acupuncture for managing cervical spondylosis has increased over time, with the quality of studies showing an improved trend. The present study seeks to use a systematic review approach to understand efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treatment of neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis.Methods and analysisWe will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Literature, Wanfang database and VIP databases, from their inception to July 2020, to identify and retrieve all randomised controlled trials, describing the use of acupuncture for treatment of cervical spondylosis. Thereafter, two reviewers will independently select the studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. Any disagreements, between them, will be resolved through a discussion with a third reviewer. Data synthesis and statistical analyses will be performed using the Revman V.5.3 software. Specifically, data will be synthesised by either fixed-effects (heterogeneity less than 50%) or random-effects models, following a heterogeneity test, with outcome measures focusing on pain intensity, functional disability, psychological improvements and adverse events. In cases where no considerable heterogeneity is detected, a meta-analysis will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval will be required for this study, since it does not infringe on anyone’s interests. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated through conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020152379.

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