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

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038455
Author(s):  
Zhen Gao ◽  
Gao-Feng Liu ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Lai-Xi Ji

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Runqing Li ◽  
Junjie Liu ◽  
Yushan Li ◽  
Quanxian Wang

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Zhao ◽  
Ze-qing Huang

Abstract Background Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common condition after general anesthesia (GA). Previous studies have reported that propofol can ameliorate the occurrence of such disorder. However, its results are still inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review will assess the efficacy and safety of propofol on POCD after GA. Methods Literature sources will be sought from inception to the present in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the administration of propofol on POCD after GA. All searches will be carried out without limitations to language and publication status. Outcomes comprise of cognitive impairments changes, impairments in short-term memory, concentration, language comprehension, social integration, quality of life, and adverse events. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be utilized to assess study quality. We will evaluate the quality of evidence for each outcome using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A narrative synthesis or a meta-analysis will be undertaken as appropriate. Discussion This study will systematically and comprehensively search literature and integrate evidence on the efficacy and safety of propofol on POCD after GA. Our findings will be of interest to clinicians and health-related policy makers. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020164096


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e025891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hulei Zhao ◽  
Yang Xie ◽  
Jiajia Wang ◽  
Xuanlin Li ◽  
Jiansheng Li

IntroductionPneumoconiosis is characterised by diffuse fibrosis in lung tissue, and its incidence is on the rise. At present, there are limited therapeutic options for pneumoconiosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has been widely used to treat pneumoconiosis,however, there is limited evidence concerning its efficacy. Therefore, we plan to conduct a systematic review to investigate the efficacy and safety of PR for pneumoconiosis.Methods and analysisThe following databases will be searched from their inception to 1 April 2019: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP and Wanfang Data. Randomised controlled trials of PR for pneumoconiosis will be included. Primary outcomes will include 6 min walk distance and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. Study selection, extraction of data and assessment of study quality each will be independently undertaken. Statistical analysis will be conducted using Review Manager software.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review will provide up-to-date information on PR for pneumoconiosis. The review does not require ethical approval and will be disseminated electronically through a peer-reviewed publication or conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018095266.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenbing Sun ◽  
◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
Yuening Dai

Review question / Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to compare music therapy in terms of efficacy in cancer patients with insomnia disorders to better inform clinical practice. Condition being studied: The effectiveness of music therapy for cancer- associate insomnia is the main interest of this systematic review. Information sources: MEDLINE (PubMed, Ovid) The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and Electronic retrieval of Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CHKD-CNKI), VIP database, Wanfang Database will be searched from inception time to date. In addition, the included literature will be reviewed and relevant literature will be supplemented.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siyuan Zhu ◽  
Jun Xiong ◽  
Jun Chen ◽  
Genhua Tang ◽  
Lunbin Lu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly, and it has become one of the major eye diseases that cause visual impairment in the world,which is particularly prominent among young people. And uncorrected myopia is the leading cause of blindness.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plum-blossom needle in delaying adolescent myopia progression through systematic evaluation.Methods and analysis:The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to July 2020 regardless of publication status and language: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBLD), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (CSTPD). RCT registration websites, including http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov and http://www.chictr.org.cn, will also be searched. Review Manager V.5.4 will be used to analysis the statistic. Two reviewers will independently select studies, extract and code the data, assess risk of bias of the included studies, evaluate the quality of evidence for outcomes.Discussion:So far, many studies have been conducted on the treatment of adolescent myopia with plum-blossom needles. However, there is still no clear conclusion on the effectiveness and safety of plum-blossom needles in the treatment of juvenile myopia.In this systematic review and meta-analysis, available data will be pooled together to further inform research and clinical practice.Systematic review registration: Inplasy protocol 202080026


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na LI ◽  
◽  
Xia AI ◽  
Xinrong Guo ◽  
Juan Liu ◽  
...  

Review question / Objective: Are acupuncture more effective than control interventions (i.e. treatment as sham acupuncture or placebo) in the treatment of motor and cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury in adults? Information sources: search database:The following electronic databases will be searched for relevant literature: the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer, the Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM),Wanfang, and. the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP). Time limit: the searches will be conducted from the inception of each database to November 30, 2021. Protocol of Systematic review and Meta analysis of acupuncture in the treatment of cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury and the included literatures were all RCTS with English and Chinese on language.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianbo Li ◽  
Xuelian Liao ◽  
Yue Zhou ◽  
Luping Wang ◽  
Hang Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe response to glucocorticoids treatment may be different between Covid-19 and SARS. MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched studies on Medline, Embase, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP from 2002 to October 7, 2020. We used fixed-effects and random-effects models to compute the risk ratio of death in the group receiving glucocorticoids treatment and the control group for COVID-19 and SARS, respectively.ResultsTen trials and 71 observational studies, with a total of 45935 patients, were identified. Glucocorticoids treatment, was associated with decreased all-cause mortality both in COVID-19 (risk ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 0.94; I2=26%) and SARS (0.48; 0.29 to 0.79; 10%), based on high quality evidence, as well as decreased all-cause mortality-including composite outcome of COVID-19 (0.89; 0.82 to 0.98; 0%). In subgroup analyses, all-cause mortality was significantly lower among COVID-19 patients being accompanied by severe ARDS but not mild ARDS, taking low-dose or pulse glucocorticoids, being critically severe but not only severe, being of critical severity and old but not young, being of critical severity and men but not women, non-early taking glucocorticoids and taking dexamethasone or methylprednisolone; but for SARS, lower mortality were observed among those who were taking medium-high dose glucocorticoids, being severe or critically severe, early taking glucocorticoids, and taking dexamethasone or prednisolone. ConclusionsGlucocorticoids treatment reduced mortality in COVID-19 and SARS patients of critical severity; however, different curative effects existed between the two diseases among subpopulations, mainly regarding sex- and age-specific effects, optimal doses and use timing of glucocorticoids.


BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e052270
Author(s):  
Chuan-Yang Liu ◽  
Jian-Feng Tu ◽  
Myeong Soo Lee ◽  
Ling-Yu Qi ◽  
Fang-Ting Yu ◽  
...  

IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the leading causes of disability. The effectiveness of acupuncture for treating KOA remains controversial. This protocol describes the method of a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating KOA.Methods and analysisFour English databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases and Web of Science) and four Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang) will be searched from the database inception to 1 September 2021. All randomised controlled trials related to acupuncture for KOA will be included. Extracted data will include publication details, basic information, demographic data, intervention details and patient outcomes. The primary outcome will be pain intensity. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Article selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be performed in duplicate by two independent reviewers. If the meta-analysis is precluded, we will conduct a descriptive synthesis using a best-evidence synthesis approach. The strength of recommendations and quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation working group methodology.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required because individual patient data are not included. This protocol was registered in the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews on 25 February 2021. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings will also be disseminated through conference presentations.Trial registration numberCRD42021232177.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
YANG YUAN ◽  
Quan Zheng ◽  
Mingjun Hu ◽  
Zhilin Si ◽  
Shuncheng Xie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:Viral pneumonia is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs due to infection with a virus. Rapidly progressing viral pneumonia is associated with considerable mortality, representing a severe threat and imparting a substantial financial burden worldwide.Specific treatments for the viral pneumonia were not yet determined. Recently, Shuanghuanglian injection of Traditional Chinese Medicine was used to treat viral pneumonia. However,there is no systematic reviews have evaluated its efficacy and safety for viral pneumonia.Methods:We search four English databases ( Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane library) and four Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database) for all randomized controlled trial of Shuanghuanglian injection for the treatment of viral pneumonia until 11st of December , 2020. Two reviewers individually extracted data from the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data will be synthesized by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test, Methodological quality assessment and risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane bias risk tool. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan5.3.5 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.Results: Viral pneumonia has become a disease with substantial mortality. A systematic review assessing the beneficial and harmful effects of Shuanghuanglian injection for viral pneumonia is needed. This study will compare the different outcome indicators of various studies directly and indirectly.This analysis will provide a high-quality synthesis of effectiveness and safety of Shuanghuanglian injection treatment for viral pneumonia.The main outcome indicators include: Outcomes will include mortality, cure rate, efficacy or adverse events confirmed by imaging diagnosis. Systematic review registration: INPLASY2020120047.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e045090
Author(s):  
Yuan-Fang Zhou ◽  
Ning Sun ◽  
Shi-Rui Cheng ◽  
Xiao-Dong Deng ◽  
Xiang-Yin Ye ◽  
...  

IntroductionPrevious reviews have suggested that the effectiveness of acupuncture for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not well been demonstrated due to the limited randomised controlled trials (RCTs). In recent years, the growing research on acupuncture for IBD make it possible to conduct a further systematic review and synthesise more sufficient clinical data to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for IBD.Methods and analysisNine electronic databases without language restriction will be retrieved from inception to March 2021, including the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chongqing Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database and Wanfang Database. The RCTs on acupuncture for IBD will be included. The data screening, data extraction and the assessment of risk bias will be performed respectively by two reviewers. The quality of evidence will be evaluated by using the Grading of recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation application. The meta-analysis will be performed if heterogeneity analysis conducted on the RevMan software (V.5.3) is insignificant. The primary outcome was symptoms alleviation after acupuncture treatment or even in the follow-up.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be needed because data of this review are not involved in patient’s information and privacy. The results will be published and diffused in a peer-reviewed journal or relative conferences.Trial registration numberCRD42020157903.


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