Liuwei Dihuang Pills Enhance the Effect of Western Medicine in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives.To assess the effectiveness and adverse effects of adding Liuwei Dihuang Pills (LDP) to Western medicine for treating diabetic nephropathy.Methods.Studies were retrieved from seven electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Data until November 2015. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to Cochrane standards. Meta-analysis was performed on the overall therapeutic efficacy of hyperglycemia and renal functions, and the study also analyzed adverse events.Results.A total of 1,275 patients from 18 studies were included. The methodological quality of these included trials was generally low. We found that adding LDP can lower patients’ FBG (MD: −0.36 [−0.46, −0.25],P<0.00001), PBG (MD: −1.10 [−1.35, −0.85],P<0.00001), and HbA1c (MD: −0.14 [−0.49, 0.21],P=0.43). There were also improvements in lowering patients’ BUN (MD: −0.67 [−0.89, −0.45],P<0.00001), SCr (MD: −0.96 [−1.53, −0.39],P<0.00001), 24 h UTP (SMD: −1.26 [−2.38, −0.15],P<0.00001), UAER (MD: −26.18 [−27.51, −24.85],P<0.00001), and UmAlb (SMD: −1.72 [−2.67, −0.77],P<0.00001).Conclusion.There is encouraging evidence that adding LDP to Western medicine might improve treatment outcomes of diabetic nephropathy, including hyperglycemia and renal functions. However, the evidence remains weak. More rigorous high-quality trials are warranted to substantiate or refute the results.

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Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgaa335 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 105 (8) ◽

pp. 2857-2868 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mahmoud Barbarawi ◽

Yazan Zayed ◽

Owais Barbarawi ◽

Areeg Bala ◽

Ahmad Alabdouh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Study Selection ◽

Incidence Risk ◽

High Doses ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract Context The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains controversial because most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been small or have reported low doses of vitamin D. Objective To conduct a meta-analysis of RCTs testing vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of T2DM. Data Sources Database search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was performed by 2 reviewers from inception through September 15, 2019. Study Selection We included RCTs that reported the effect of vitamin D supplementation for at least 1 year on T2DM prevention. Data Extraction Two independent reviewers extracted the data. The risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Primary outcome of the meta-analysis was the incidence of T2DM. Data Synthesis Nine RCTs were included (43 559 participants). The mean age (standard deviation) was 63.5 (6.7) years. The RR for vitamin D compared with placebo was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.90-1.03); P = 0.30. In trials testing moderate to high doses of supplementation (≥1000 IU/day), all conducted among participants with prediabetes, the RR for vitamin D compared with placebo was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.79-0.99). In contrast, the trials testing lower doses, which were conducted in general population samples, showed no risk reduction (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10; P, interaction by dose = 0.04). Conclusion In patients with prediabetes, vitamin D supplementation at moderate to high doses (≥1000 IU/day), significantly reduced the incidence risk of T2DM, compared with placebo.

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The Anterior Chamber Injection of Moxifloxacin Injection to Prevent Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery: A Meta-analysis

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2020/7242969 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xiao-lei Wang ◽

Xiao-yong Huang ◽

Zhen Wang ◽

Wei Sun

Keyword(s):

Cataract Surgery ◽

Anterior Chamber ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Corneal Edema ◽

Intraventricular Injection ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Study Selection ◽

Computer Based ◽

The Difference ◽

The Cochrane Library

Purpose. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of an anterior chamber injection of moxifloxacin in the prevention of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Methods. A computer-based search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Clinical Trial database for articles related to anterior intraventricular injection of moxifloxacin for the prevention of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery was performed through April 2019. Study selection, data exclusion, and quality assessment were performed by two independent observers. Statistical analysis for the meta-analysis was performed by RevMan5.3 software. Results. Eight studies were included, with a total of 123,819 eyes. The meta-analysis showed that an anterior chamber injection of moxifloxacin can prevent the incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery (OR = 0.29, 95% CI (0.15, 0.56), P=0.0002), and the difference was statistically significant. There were no significant differences between the moxifloxacin injection and nonmoxifloxacin injection groups in regard to UCVA (log MAR) (SMD = −0.13, 95% CI (−0.62, 0.35), P=0.60), BCVA (log MAR) (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI (−1.28, 0.74), P=0.60), IOP (SMD = −0.04, 95% CI (−0.02, 0.01), P=0.22), corneal edema (OR = 1.03, 95% CI (0.23, 4.69), P=0.97), CCT (SMD = −0.01, 95% CI (−0.07, 0.05), P=0.77), or ECD (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI (−0.06, 0.07), P=0.94). Conclusion. An anterior chamber injection of moxifloxacin can effectively prevent the incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, while the moxifloxacin injection and nonmoxifloxacin injection groups had similar results in regard to UCVA (log MAR), BCVA (log MAR), IOP, corneal edema, CCT, and ECD.

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Preoxygenation before intubation in adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials

Critical Care ◽

10.1186/s13054-019-2596-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ka Man Fong ◽

Shek Yin Au ◽

George Wing Yiu Ng

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Failure ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure ◽

Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure ◽

Study Selection ◽

Screening Study

Abstract Background Patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure are at risk for life-threatening complications during endotracheal intubation. Preoxygenation might help reduce the risk of hypoxemia and intubation-related complications. This network meta-analysis summarizes the efficacy and safety of preoxygenation methods in adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials through April 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) that studied the use of conventional oxygen therapy (COT), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and HFNC and NIV as preoxygenation before intubation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Citations’ screening, study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two authors. The primary outcome was the lowest SpO2 during the intubation procedure. Results We included 7 RCTs (959 patients). Patients preoxygenated with NIV had significantly less desaturation than patients treated with COT (mean difference, MD 5.53, 95% CI 2.71, 8.34) and HFNC (MD 3.58, 95% CI 0.59, 6.57). Both NIV (odds ratio, OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21, 0.87) and HFNC (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28, 0.88) resulted in a lower risk of intubation-related complications than COT. There were no significant mortality differences among the use of NIV, HFNC, COT, and HFNC and NIV during preoxygenation. Conclusions In adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, NIV is a safe and probably the most effective preoxygenation method.

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Farm living and risk of asthma, atopic eczema, respiratory and food allergy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048736 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. e048736

Author(s):

Johnstone Kuya ◽

Ogban Omoronyia ◽

Theopista Fokukora ◽

Aduroja Posi Emmanuel ◽

Olusegun Sunday Ewemooje ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Allergy ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

Public Health Practice ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cross Sectional

IntroductionAsthma and allergic disorders are of global concern and risk for their development results from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Among numerous environmental factors identified to influence the disease risk, the role of exposure to a farming environment has gained interest in recent times, but the underlying evidence is conflicting. The review aims to comprehensively identify, critically appraise and synthesise evidence from studies investigating the association between farm living and risk of asthma and allergic diseases in children and adults.Methods and analysisWe will identify relevant analytical observational epidemiological studies, including cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies, by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), WHO Global Health Library, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase. Screening of identified records, data extraction from eligible studies and risk of bias assssment of eligible studies will be independently undertaken by two reviewers, with arbitration by a third reviewer. The Effective Public Health Practice Project will be employed for the risk of bias assessment. Estimates from studies judged to be clinically, methodologically and statistically homogeneous will be synthesised using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the I-squared statistic. We will consider objectively measured or self-reported asthma, atopic dermatitis/eczema, allergic rhinitis, wheeze, and food allergy as primary outcomes.Ethics and disseminationAs this study is based solely on the published literature, no ethics approval is required. The study findings will be presented at scientific meetings related to the field of asthma and allergy and will be published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020208805.

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Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Balance and Gait Ability in Patients With Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20160054 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 96 (12) ◽

pp. 1905-1918 ◽

Cited By ~ 73

Author(s):

Ilona J.M. de Rooij ◽

Ingrid G.L. van de Port ◽

Jan-Willem G. Meijer

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Conventional Therapy ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Gait Training ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Novel Therapy ◽

Study Selection ◽

Vr Training

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality (VR) training is considered to be a promising novel therapy for balance and gait recovery in patients with stroke.PurposeThe aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review with meta-analysis to investigate whether balance or gait training using VR is more effective than conventional balance or gait training in patients with stroke.Data SourcesA literature search was carried out in the databases PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library up to December 1, 2015.Study SelectionRandomized controlled trials that compared the effect of balance or gait training with and without VR on balance and gait ability in patients with stroke were included.Data Extraction and SynthesisTwenty-one studies with a median PEDro score of 6.0 were included. The included studies demonstrated a significant greater effect of VR training on balance and gait recovery after stroke compared with conventional therapy as indicated with the most frequently used measures: gait speed, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed “Up & Go” Test. Virtual reality was more effective to train gait and balance than conventional training when VR interventions were added to conventional therapy and when time dose was matched.LimitationsThe presence of publication bias and diversity in included studies were limitations of the study.ConclusionsThe results suggest that VR training is more effective than balance or gait training without VR for improving balance or gait ability in patients with stroke. Future studies are recommended to investigate the effect of VR on participation level with an adequate follow-up period. Overall, a positive and promising effect of VR training on balance and gait ability is expected.

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Dental Bulk-Fill Resin Composites Polymerization Efficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Composites Science ◽

10.3390/jcs5060149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Reem A. Ajaj ◽

Nada J. Farsi ◽

Lama Alzain ◽

Nour Nuwaylati ◽

Raneem Ghurab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Model ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Medical Subject Headings ◽

Future Studies ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

The Cochrane Library

Dental Bulk-Fill Composites (BFCs) and Bulk-Fill Flowables (BFFs) were introduced in the market to facilitate efficient bulk filling of cavities up to 5 mm. The aim of this study was to synthesize the literature investigating their polymerization efficiency. A comprehensive search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library from 2010 to January 2019 was performed using the medical subject headings. Screening of the titles, abstracts and full text was performed. Data extraction for relevant information was done on the included studies. Clinically relevant parameters were selected to present the study estimates (meta-analysis) using a random effects model for polymerization efficiency (Degree of Conversion (DC) and Depth of Cure (DoC)). Twenty one studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis reporting seven BFCs and nine BFFs. Ten materials reported acceptable DC values of above 55% and ten materials reported adequate DoC values. Most of the stated materials reported adequate DC and DoC values in at least one investigation with BFFs showing higher and more acceptable values compared to packable BFCs. It is suggested that future studies be carried out using a standard methodology following the ISO 4049 standard and manufacturer’s instructions to compare results.

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Effectiveness and Safety of Plum - Blossom Needle in the Treatment of Myopia：A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-73070/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Siyuan Zhu ◽

Jun Xiong ◽

Jun Chen ◽

Genhua Tang ◽

Lunbin Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Systematic Evaluation ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Myopia Progression ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

The Cochrane Library

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

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Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Pain Research and Management ◽

10.1155/2020/3825617 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yu-Xi Li ◽

Xi-li Xiao ◽

Dong-Ling Zhong ◽

Liao-Jun Luo ◽

Han Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Reviews ◽

Western Medicine ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Measurement Tool ◽

High Quality ◽

Quality Of Evidence

Background. Migraine is a common neurological disease, which burdens individuals and society all over the world. Acupuncture, an important method in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used in clinical practice as a treatment for migraine. Several systematic reviews (SRs) have investigated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine. Objective. To summarize and critically assess the quality of relevant SRs and present an objective and comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine. Data Sources. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PROSPERO database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal (SCTJ), and WanFang database (WF) were searched from inception to December 2019 and grey literatures were manually searched. Selection Criteria. SRs which meet the criteria were independently selected by 2 reviewers according to a predetermined protocol. Data Extraction. Characteristics of included SRs were independently extracted by 2 reviewers following a predefined data extraction form. Review Appraisal. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and reporting quality of included SRs were assessed, respectively, by a Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2, the Risk of Bias in Systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool, and the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis-Acupuncture (PRISMA-A) statement. The quality of outcomes was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results. A total of 15 SRs were included. All the SRs were published between 2011–2019. Based on AMSTAR 2, 14 out of 15 SRs were rated critically low quality and 1 was rated low quality. According to ROBIS tool, 9 SRs (60%) were low risk of bias. With the PRISMA-A checklist, we found 11 out of 15 SRs were found adequately reported over 70%. With the GRADE tool, we found high quality of evidence indicated that the effective rate of acupuncture was superior to western medicine in treatment of migraine. Besides, acupuncture reduced more headache days and the times of using painkiller and was more effective in reducing the frequency and degree of headache than western medicine and sham acupuncture. Limitations. There might be some missing information. The accuracy of the conclusions may be decreased reduced since we were unable to synthesis all the evidence. Conclusions. Based on high quality of evidence, we concluded that acupuncture may be an effective and safe therapy for migraine. However, the quality of SRs in acupuncture for migraine still needs more improvement.

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Effect of safflower yellow on early type II diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1515/jpem-2018-0425 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (7) ◽

pp. 653-665

Author(s):

Xinchen Wang ◽

Yumin Xu ◽

Chenliang Chu ◽

Hongying Li ◽

Jia Mi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Nephropathy ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Blood Sugar ◽

Full Text ◽

Western Medicine ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is considered as one of the most popular microvascular complications of diabetes and the leading cause of death among diabetic patients. Currently, even though safflower yellow (SY) is widely adapted in the clinical treatment of DN, no meta-analysis can guarantee the safety of this treatment. This paper aims to evaluate the dominant method of SY on DN disease. The reliable source of information for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical research is listed as follows: the Chinese Biomedical Literature database, Chongqing VIP, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the China Academic Journals Full-text Database (CNKI). The CNKI search included Chinese journal articles, the full-text of important conferences and dissertations up to March 30, 2017. We picked out some particularly influential outcome variables including urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), fasting blood sugar (FBG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in each extracted study. In total, 1289 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The efficacy of SY alone or combined with Western medicine in the treatment of DN was better with statistically significant factors (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.37, 5.47], p < 0.00001). We found that SY lessened the UAER, heightened the proportion of blood sugar and beneficially improved other detective indicators related to DN. Therefore, SY used alone or in combination with Western medicine was significantly more efficacious with lower toxicity than Western medicine alone.

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A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Efficacy of TCM Decoctions Made from Formulas in the Liuwei Dihuang Wan Categorized Formulas in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy Proteinuria

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/2427301 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Xue Gao ◽

Jianwei Shang ◽

Hongfang Liu ◽

Borui Yu

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Nephropathy ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Adverse Reactions ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Microvascular Complications ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Urinary Protein Level ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

Better Than

Objective. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Proteinuria is the most important clinical characteristics of DN and an independent risk factor for disease progression of DN; reducing urine protein is the primary target of treatment strategies for DN. Liuwei Dihuang Wan Categorized Formulas (LDWCFs), a group of classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas aiming at “kidney -tonifying”, have been widely used in the treatment of DN. This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the TCM method “kidney-tonifying” in the treatment of DN by conducting a meta-analysis to analyze the clinical efficacy of decoctions made from the LDWCFs in the treatment of DN proteinuria. Methods. CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu, CBM, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched; 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results. The results showed that the overall efficacy of the LDWCFs in treating DN was significantly better than that of the comparators (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.98–4.15, P<0.00001). These formulas showed better efficacy than the comparators in reducing 24-hour urinary protein level (MD 0.12, 95% CI 0.06–0.17, P<0.0001) and in reducing urine microalbumin excretion rate (SMD 0.87, 95% CI 0.41–1.32, P<0.0002). No serious adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions. TCM formulas included in the LDWCFs are safe and effective in the treatment of DN proteinuria. These findings suggested that the TCM therapeutic principle of “kidney-tonifying” is a valuable addition to the treatment strategies for DN.

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