scholarly journals Glutathione Peroxidase Level in Patients with Vitiligo: A Meta-Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bi-huan Xiao ◽  
Meihui Shi ◽  
Hongqiang Chen ◽  
Shaoshan Cui ◽  
Yan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Glutathione Peroxidase ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Asian Patients ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Abnormality of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the results were controversial.Aim. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the levels of GPx between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.Methods.Relevant published articles were searched according to eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool estimates of the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results.Twenty-three studies with a total of 1076 vitiligo patients and 770 healthy controls were included. The pooled meta-analysis showed that patients with vitiligo had equivalent levels of GPx with the healthy controls (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −1.03 to 0.08, andp=0.095). Further subgroup analysis showed that the GPx levels of Asian patients or segmental vitiligo patients were, respectively, lower than those of healthy controls (Asian: SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −1.08 to 0.14, andp=0.001; segmental: SMD = −3.59, 95% CI: −6.38 to −0.80, andp=0.012). Furthermore, the GPx levels in serum/plasma were significantly decreased in either stable or active vitiligo patients, comparing to healthy controls (stable: SMD = −2.01, 95% CI: −3.52 to −0.49, andp=0.009; active: SMD = −2.34, 95% CI: −4.07 to −0.61, andp=0.008).Conclusion. This meta-analysis showed a significant association between low GPx level and vitiligo.

scholarly journals Circulating Adipokine Levels in Nonobese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and in Nonobese Control Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kainan Lin ◽  
Xiaoting Sun ◽  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Hanchu Wang ◽  
Xia Chen
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Circulating Levels

Levels of circulating adipokines in nonobese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients have been reported in many studies. However, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess whether the levels of circulating adipokines are changed in nonobese PCOS relative to nonobese healthy controls. To identify eligible studies, a literature research was performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases without restricting by region, journal, or language. A total of 81 studies met the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis showed that the circulating level of adiponectin (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.95; 95% CI: -1.36 to -0.53) was significantly decreased in nonobese PCOS patients. In contrast, the circulating levels of chemerin (SMD: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.08 to 2.18), leptin (SMD: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.81), resistin (SMD: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.88), and visfatin (SMD: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.68 to 2.09) were significantly increased in nonobese PCOS patients. There were no significant changes in the circulating levels of apelin (SMD: 0.32; 95% CI: -1.34 to 1.99), irisin (SMD: 1.01; 95% CI: -0.68 to 2.70), omentin (SMD: -0.37; 95% CI: -1.05 to 0.31), or vaspin (SMD: 0.09; 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.32). Thus, scientific evidence suggests that the circulating adipokine levels are altered in nonobese PCOS patients compared to nonobese healthy controls. Therefore, independent of the degree of obesity, dysregulated circulating adipokine levels might play important roles in the occurrence and development of PCOS.

Effects of telehealth interventions for adolescent sexual health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2110477
Author(s):  
Ita Daryanti Saragih ◽  
Santo Imanuel Tonapa ◽  
Carolyn M. Porta ◽  
Bih-O Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Adolescent Sexual Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Introduction Telehealth interventions to advance adolescent sexual health have evolved and are being used to promote adolescent sexual health knowledge and healthy sexual behaviors. However, as this area of intervention modality expands, there is a need to pause and examine the effects of telehealth interventions on adolescent sexual health outcomes. Addressing this knowledge gap will inform researchers and practitioners on the current state of evidence of telehealth interventions and inform further intervention development and testing. This study aimed to explore the meta-effects of telehealth interventions on self-efficacy of using condoms, condom use practices, and sexually transmitted infection testing behaviors among adolescents. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. Seven databases (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, OVID (UpToDate), and Web of Science) were searched for relevant full-text articles from the inception to May 2021. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate the pooled effects of telehealth interventions for adolescents. Stata 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 15 studies ( N = 5499) that used telehealth interventions with adolescents were included in the analysis. Telehealth interventions were found to increase self-efficacy for condom use (standardized mean difference: 0.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.08–0.36), practice for condom use (standardized mean difference: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.47), and being screened/tested for sexual transmitted infections (standardized mean difference: 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.92). Discussion Telehealth interventions show promise as effective intervention delivery solutions for improving self-efficacy and certain sexual health behaviors among adolescents. These telehealth strategies could be important alternatives to in-person visits to accessing sexual health information or services near where they live. Future research should consider testing telehealth strategies where there is evidence of impact to move the field forward.

scholarly journals Vitamin C supplementation in the critically ill: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205031211880761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Zhang ◽  
David F Jativa
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Critical Illness ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Urine Output ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Intravenous Vitamin

Background: Low plasma levels of vitamin C are associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality, in critically ill patients. Several trials have suggested that the administration of intravenous vitamin C in this setting may have beneficial effects, such as reducing the incidence of organ failure and improving survival. However, these studies have generally involved combination therapies consisting of vitamin C along with other antioxidants, confounding the effects of vitamin C alone. The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of isolated intravenous supplementation of vitamin C in adults with critical illness. Methods: A database search was conducted for studies on the use of intravenous vitamin C in adult patients with critical illness. The primary outcome assessed was mortality at the longest follow-up time available. Secondary outcomes were the duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of vasopressor support, fluid requirements, and urine output in the first 24 h of intensive care unit admission. Results: Five studies (four randomized controlled trials and one retrospective review) enrolling a total of 142 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with controls, the administration of intravenous vitamin C was associated with a decreased need for vasopressor support (standardized mean difference −0.71; 95% confidence interval (−1.16 to −0.26); p = 0.002) and decreased duration of mechanical ventilation (standardized mean difference −0.5; 95% confidence interval (−0.93 to −0.06); p = 0.03), but no difference was found in mortality (odds ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval (0.27 to 2.16); p = 0.6). Trends were also noted toward decreased fluid requirements and increased urine output. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The administration of intravenous vitamin C may lead to vasopressor sparing effects and a reduced need for mechanical ventilation in the critically ill, without affecting overall mortality. However, these results should be interpreted in light of the limitations of the primary literature and should serve as a preview of upcoming trials in this area.

Efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy delivered over the Internet for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 527-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina M Sztein ◽  
Charles E Koransky ◽  
Leah Fegan ◽  
Seth Himelhoch
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Moderate Depression ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Introduction Cognitive behavioural therapy has been shown to improve depressive symptoms in adults with mild to moderate depression. To overcome many of the barriers associated with delivering this treatment, attempts have been made to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy via the Internet. The objective of this meta-analysis is to assess whether Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy delivered to adults with depressive symptoms leads to a reduction in these symptoms as compared to those who receive no therapy. Methods In September 2015, the Cochrane, PubMed and PsycInfo databases were searched; studies were also found through bibliography searches. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials published in English between 2005–2015 conducted with adults >18 years of age experiencing mild to moderate depression where study subjects received Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, and the control group was placed on a wait-list. The search yielded 257 articles; 14 of these were included in the meta-analysis. Results Internet delivered cognitive behavioural therapy had a medium effect on reducing depressive symptoms at the end of the study period (standardized mean difference: 0.74, confidence interval: 0.62–0.86, p < 0.001). Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy also has a large sustained effect in maintaining reduction of depressive symptoms in follow-up measures done 3–6 months after the conclusion of the therapy (standardized mean difference: 0.83, confidence interval: 0.69–0.99, p < 0.001). There was no publication bias and low heterogeneity. Discussion Cognitive behavioural therapy delivered over the Internet leads to immediate and sustained reduction in depressive symptoms; thus, it may be a good treatment modality for individuals unable or unwilling to access traditional face-to-face therapy.

scholarly journals Influence of reminder therapy for controlling bacterial plaque in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Felipe Pereira Lima ◽  
Walbert de Andrade Vieira ◽  
Ítalo de Macedo Bernardino ◽  
Pedro Augusto Costa ◽  
Anderson Paulo Barbosa Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Plaque Index ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Gingival Index ◽  
White Spots ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the scientific evidence regarding the influence of reminder therapy on plaque index, gingival index, and white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Randomized clinical trials were searched in the electronic databases LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LIVIVO, and Cochrane Library. The databases OpenThesis and OpenGrey were used to capture the “gray literature,” preventing selection and publication biases. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials tool. The software Review Manager was used for the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among studies was assessed through the I2 statistic. A summary of the overall strength of evidence available was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Results: A total of 332 records were found, from which only 7 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to analysis. Reminder therapy showed improved scores for the plaque index (standardized mean difference = −1.22; 95% confidence interval = −2.03 to −0.42; P = .003) and the gingival index (standardized mean difference = 1.49; 95% confidence interval = −2.61 to 0.37; P = .009). Moreover, there was lower occurrence of white spots (relative risk = 0.53; 95% confidence interval = 0.38 to 0.74; P &lt; .001) when reminder therapy was implemented. Conclusions: According to the existing high-quality evidence, reminder therapy is a valuable strategy and may contribute to the reduction of plaque and gingival indices as well as to the lower occurrence of white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment.

scholarly journals Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-88
Author(s):  
Bin Liu ◽  
Yingrui Li ◽  
Jianlin Du ◽  
Qiang She ◽  
Songbai Deng
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Objective: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a potential risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We performed a meta-analysis to assess the association of EAT with OSA.Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Wanfang databases were searched by two independent investigators for all observational studies assessing the association of EAT with OSA. Then we assessed the association of EAT thickness (EAT-t) and EAT volume (EAT-v) with OSA by a meta-analysis.Results: Ten studies were included in the final analysis. Compared with that in controls, EAT-t in OSA patients was significantly increased (standardized mean difference 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.72‐1.05, P=0.000). Furthermore, EAT-t was greater in OSA patients than in controls with similar BMIs. However, we did not find significant differences in EAT-v between OSA patients and controls (standardized mean difference 2.46, 95% confidence interval −0.36 to 5.29, P=0.088). EAT-t in the mild, moderate, and severe OSA subgroups was greater than in the controls. In addition, there were significant differences in EAT-t among the mild, moderate, and severe OSA subgroups.Conclusions: EAT-t was greater in patients with OSA than in controls, and EAT-t was also associated with the severity of OSA. These findings may provide a new clue for the pathogenesis and treatment of OSA.

The efficacy and safety of intravaginal oxytocin on vaginal atrophy: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
pp. 205336912094664
Author(s):  
Zahra Ghorbani ◽  
Mojgan Mirghafourvand
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Vaginal Atrophy ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a major issue in menopausal health. Because unlike vasomotor symptoms, it has a progressive trend. In this regard we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal oxytocin on postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. A search was performed for published studies in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar and Persian databases without time and language limitations. Only randomized controlled trials that compared intravaginal oxytocin with placebos were included. The outcome measures were objective and subjective assessed symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2. The standardized mean differences were pooled the fixed effects model. Of the five included studies, four studies meta-analysed. The meta-analysis in terms of the cytological analysis (standardized mean difference: 35.13, 95% confidence interval: 32.59–37.67, n = 218, I2 = 96%) was statistically significant. In terms of histological assessments (standardized mean difference: −0.38, 95% confidence interval: −0.94 to 0.17, n = 38, I2 = 0%) and endometrial thickness (standardized mean difference: 0.05, 95% confidence interval: −0.20 to −0.31, n = 95, I2 = 0%), there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Three studies reported a statistically significant improvement in the subjective symptoms; however, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Four of the included studies assessed side effects, but only two studies reported them. Oxytocin as a nonestrogenic compound can be a suitable alternative for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, especially in women with contraindications for using estrogenic compounds. Further good quality clinical trials with long-term follow-ups are recommended to demonstrate the effects of intravaginal gel in the treatment of vaginal atrophy.

The effects of counterforce brace on pain in subjects with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 341-354
Author(s):  
Saeed Shahabi ◽  
Kamran Bagheri Lankarani ◽  
Seyed Taghi Heydari ◽  
Maryam Jalali ◽  
Sulmaz Ghahramani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Lateral Elbow ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

Background: Lateral elbow tendinopathy, also known as “tennis elbow” or “lateral epicondylitis,” is a common disease leading to pain in the lateral side of the elbow and disability during hand gripping. A counterforce brace is one of the most conventional treatments. However, its effects on outcomes remain inconclusive. Objectives: To investigate the effects of counterforce braces on pain in subjects with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Grip strength was reviewed as a secondary outcome. Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PEDro, ProQuest, RECAL, and RehabData were searched from January 1, 1995, through June 15, 2019. Results: Seventeen studies were included with a total of 1145 participants. A small improvement in pain over the short term (standardized mean difference −0.02; 95% confidence interval: −0.85 to 0.80) and a moderate-to-large improvement in pain in subjects 45 years or younger (standardized mean difference −0.86; 95% confidence interval: −2.45 to 0.72) in favor of the brace versus physiotherapy interventions were found. In contrast, over the long-term physiotherapy interventions (standardized mean difference 1.17; 95% confidence interval: −0.00 to 2.34), wrist splint (standardized mean difference 0.35; 95% confidence interval: −0.07 to 0.76), and laser therapy (standardized mean difference 0.58; 95% confidence interval: −0.44 to 1.59) had better effects on pain improvement versus the brace. Conclusion: The results indicated that physiotherapy interventions compared to counterforce braces have better effects, especially over the long-term. However, counterforce braces may have better effects on pain in younger people (<45 years old) over the short term (<6 weeks). Clinical relevance The results suggest that counterforce bracing is a reasonable strategy to alleviate pain over the short term. However, the subgroup analysis suggests that factors such as age may have a role in their effectiveness.

scholarly journals Effects of Exosomes on Neurological Function Recovery for Ischemic Stroke in Pre-clinical Studies: A Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mudan Huang ◽  
Zhongqiu Hong ◽  
Chongjun Xiao ◽  
Lili Li ◽  
Lilin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neurological Function ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Deoxyuridine Triphosphate ◽  
Function Recovery ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Background: Exosomes, especially stem cell-derived exosomes, have been widely studied in pre-clinical research of ischemic stroke. However, their pooled effects remain inconclusive.Methods: Relevant literature concerning the effects of exosomes on neurological performance in a rodent model of ischemic stroke was identified via searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The primary outcomes included neurological function scores (NFS) and infarct volume (IV), and the secondary outcomes were several pro-inflammatory factors and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling-positive cells. Subgroup analyses regarding several factors potentially influencing the effects of exosomes on NFS and IV were also conducted.Results: We identified 21 experiments from 18 studies in the meta-analysis. Pooled analyses showed the positive and significant effects of exosomes on NFS (standardized mean difference −2.79; 95% confidence interval −3.81 to −1.76) and IV (standardized mean difference −3.16; 95% confidence interval −4.18 to −2.15). Our data revealed that the effects of exosomes on neurological outcomes in rodent stroke models might be related to routes of administration and exosomes sources. In addition, there was significant attenuation in pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling-positive cells when undergoing exosomes treatment.Conclusion: Cell-derived exosomes treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements in structural and neurological function recovery in animal models of ischemic stroke. Our results also provide relatively robust evidence supporting cell-derived exosomes as a promising therapy to promote neurological recovery in stroke individuals.

Association between CD40 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus and correlation between soluble CD40 and CD40 ligand levels in the disease: a meta-analysis

Lupus ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1452-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
S -C Bae ◽  
Y H Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cd40 Ligand ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Group ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Objective The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence regarding the association between CD40 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus and between soluble CD40 (sCD40) and CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels and systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods We performed a meta-analysis on the association between CD40 rs4810495, rs1883832, and rs376545 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus risk and sCD40/sCD40L levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and controls. Results Fourteen studies were included. Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis indicated a significant association between the T allele of CD40 rs4810485 polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in Europeans (odds ratio = 0.715, 95% confidence interval = 0.641–0.832, p < 0.001) and a trend toward an association between the T allele and systemic lupus erythematosus in Asians (odds ratio = 1.255, 95% confidence interval = 0.978–1.810, p = 0.074). Furthermore, a significant association was reported between systemic lupus erythematosus and the C allele of CD40 rs1883832 polymorphism (odds ratio = 1.235, 95% confidence interval = 1.087–1.405, p = 0.001) and A allele of CD40 rs3765456 polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in Asians (odds ratio = 1.184, 95% confidence interval = 1.040–1.348, p = 0.011). sCD40 and sCD40L levels were significantly higher in SLE than in controls (standardized mean difference = 1.564, 95% confidence interval = 0.256–2.872, p = 0.019 and standardized mean difference = 1.499, 95% confidence interval = 1.031–1.967, p < 0.001, respectively). Stratification based on ethnicity revealed higher sCD40L levels in the systemic lupus erythematosus group among European, Asian, North American, and Arab populations. Conclusions Our meta-analyses found associations between CD40 rs4810495, rs1883832, and rs376545 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility and significantly higher sCD40 and sCD40L levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus than in controls.

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