Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Ligustrazine in Cerebral Infarction

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ligustrazine in the treatment of cerebral infarction.Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in 6 databases until 30 June 2016 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ligustrazine in the treatment of cerebral infarction. The quality of all the included studies was evaluated. All data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.1 Software.Results. 19 RCTs totally involving 1969 patients were included. The primary outcome measures were Neurological Deficit Score (NDS) and clinical effective rate. The secondary outcome measure was adverse events. Meta-analysis showed that ligustrazine could improve clinical efficacy and NDS of cerebral infarction with [OR = 3.60, 95% CI (2.72, 4.78),P<0.00001] and [WMD = −3.87, 95% CI (−4.78, −2.95),P<0.00001]. Moreover, ligustrazine in treatment group exerted better clinical effects in improving the Blood Rheology Index (BRI) in patients compared with control group. Ten trials contained safety assessments and stated that no obvious side effects were found.Conclusions. Ligustrazine demonstrated definite clinical efficacy for cerebral infarction, and it can also improve NDS in patients without obvious adverse events. However, due to the existing low-quality research, more large-scale and multicentric RCTs are required to provide clear evidence for its clinical efficacy in the near future.

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Clinical Efficacy Evaluation and Potential Mechanism of Zhishe Tongluo Capsule in the Treatment of Cerebral Infarction by Meta-Analysis Associated with Network Pharmacology

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2022/2471927 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 2022 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Zhi Xin Geng ◽

Feng Gao ◽

Junjing Guo ◽

Bingzhou Guo ◽

Chunyu Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Group ◽

Cerebral Infarction ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Large Scale ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

English Literature ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Network Pharmacology ◽

Control Group

Objective. By integrating meta-analysis and network pharmacology strategy, the clinical efficacy of Zhishe Tongluo capsule in the treatment of cerebral infarction was evaluated, and the intervention mechanism was preliminary explored. Methods. Through meta-analysis, the Chinese and English literature of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Zhishe Tongluo capsule in the treatment of cerebral infarction was comprehensively searched. Based on the standard of Na Pai, the quantitative literature was determined and the Review Manager data were statistically analyzed. Results. A total of 10 RCTs literatures were included. These literatures included a total of 1278 subjects, of which 670 were in the treatment group and 608 were in the control group. In terms of indicators of efficiency and adverse reaction rate, the treatment group was better than the control group. There was a statistical difference P < 0.05 ; a total of 559 chemical constituents and 2306 potential targets were obtained from the online database. Of these, 201 components, 145 targets, and 185 pathways were closely related to cerebral infarction. Conclusions. The available evidence indicates that the addition of Zhishe Tongluo capsule to the conventional treatment of Western medicine can improve the clinical efficacy of cerebral infarction and has some advantages in regulating blood lipids and hemorheology, but the overall evidence level is low, which still needs to be further supported by large-scale and multicenter RCTs; intervention of brain infarction by Zhishe Tongluo capsule is a comprehensive result of multicomponent and multi-target interactions. On the basis of the combined meta-analysis and network pharmacology in scientific attempts, it also provides a reference for the clinical evaluation of other drugs and mechanism research.

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Clinical Effects of Sensor AR40E Intraocular Lenses in Cataract Patients with Prominent Myopia

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Letters ◽

10.1166/nnl.2020.3141 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 461-466

Author(s):

Wenying Wang ◽

Zhixue Wang ◽

Yu Liu ◽

Yuanyuan Zou ◽

Xiangning Ji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Intraocular Lens ◽

Group Treatment ◽

Outcome Measure ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Intraocular Lenses ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Secondary Outcome Measure ◽

Clinical Effects

Cataracts are a complex group of eye disorders. Many studies suggest that blood circulation around the eyes, and a rise in intraocular pressure play important roles in glaucoma. Sensor AR40E artificial crystalline bodies can adjust intraocular pressure, improve activity in the optic nerve and increase blood flow to the eye fundus. BL1 can transport Yin and Yang. We designed a randomized, military blind, controlled clinical trial: Control group: (1) A Sensor only AR40E intraocular lens was applied to the skin of Qingming and retrobulbar acupoints on the rainy side, twice per week for 20 min every time, for two consecutive weeks; (2) acupuncture group: treatment was same as for the control group, but the eye was needled into Jingming and retrobulbar acupoints to achieve Qi; (3) Sensor AR40E intraocular lens group: treatment was the same as that for the acupuncture group, the main outcome measure was the change of intraocular pressure and the secondary outcome measure is the score change of WHOQOL ref (Taiwan version). Beneficial outcomes were realized in the right and left eye acupuncture groups and the Sensor AR40E intraocular lens group.

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A meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of the combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the treatment of haemorrhoids

Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research ◽

10.3727/036012919x15650315071915 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (2) ◽

pp. 89-104

Author(s):

Mengjie Zeng ◽

Xueli Cheng ◽

Geer Chen ◽

Jiyou Kou

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Effects ◽

Pruritus Ani

At present, surgical resection is the main method of the treatment of haemorrhoids, but is easy to recur after surgery. Recently, it is reported that acupuncture has a beneficial influence on haemorrhoids. Thus, whether acupuncture is effective in the treatment of haemorrhoids is the key in this meta-analysis. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the treatment of combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in haemorrhoids by meta-analysis, which provide a scientific, effective and feasible evidence for clinical decision-making and practice. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). A meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.3. All RCTs about combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine versus Chinese medicine alone were selected and assessed for inclusion. The effective rate (ER), recurrence rate(RR), Symptom score before and after treatment (perianal edema, hemafecia, perianal pain, pruritus ani, prolapse of haemorrhoids) were the outcomes analyzed in this meta-analysis. II RCTs and 976 patients were included. The methodological quality of most included trials was low to moderate. In this meta-analysis, the clinical efficacy of combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine was more effective than only Chinese medicine used in haemorrhoids. The effective rate [OR=5.24,95%CI(3.72,7.40), P<O. OOOOI], recurrence rate [OR=O.29, 95%CI(O. II, O.73), P=O.009], perianal edema [WMD=-O.74,95%CI-O.90 to-O.59, P<O. OOOOI], hemafecia[WMD=-O.78,95%CI-O.89 to-O.67. P<O. OOOOI], perianal pain[WMD=-O.72,95%CI-O.94 to-O.50, P<O. OOOOI], pruritus ani[WMD=-O.75,95%CI-O.92 to-O.58, P<O. OOOOI] and prolapse of haemorrhoids[WMD=-0.43,95%CI-O.84 to-O.02, P=O.04] were shown in this meta-analysis.(OR:odds ratio;CI:confidence interval;WMD: weighted mean difference). There was about 96% of the clinical efficiency in the treatment of acupuncture plus Chinese medicine in haemorrhoids and 89% of that used in Chinese medicine alone, which indicates clearly that 7% higher efficiency in the experimental group compared with the control group. The treatment of combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in haemorrhoids is more useful than Chinese medicine alone applied in piles, which is shown in 91% of clinical effects in average.

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Clinical Efficacy of Tonic Traditional Chinese Medicine Injection on Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/8318792 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Dongrui Zhou ◽

Liandi Xie ◽

Yao Wang ◽

Shuang Wu ◽

Fengzhi Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Cerebral Infarction ◽

Bayesian Network ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Neurological Impairment ◽

Acute Cerebral Infarction ◽

Clinical Effects

Western medicine (WM) has certain limitations in terms of treating acute cerebral infarction (ACI), while tonic traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs) have been shown to have obvious clinical effects as an adjunct to WM for ACI. However, most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to date have not performed direct comparisons of efficacy among tonic TCMIs. This study designed a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) to explore the therapeutic effect of tonic TCMIs on ACI. A comprehensive search of RCTs of TCMIs combined with WM for ACI was conducted using electronic databases for studies dated from the start date of each database until February 2020. Stata 13.0 and ADDIS 1.16.7 software were used to plot and analyze the data. Sixty-six RCTs with a total of 5,989 patients involving 7 kinds of tonic TCMIs were included. Among TCMIs, Shenfu injection (SFI) + WM ranked first in terms of improving clinical efficacy and the activities of daily living (ADLs) rating and reducing interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. While Ciwujia injection (CI) + WM was the best choice for reducing neurological impairment and the high-cut viscosity of whole blood (HCV). Shenmai injection (SI) + WM had the greatest effects in terms of decreasing the levels of low-cut viscosity of whole blood (LCV), fibrinogen (FIB), and plasma viscosity (PV). Based on the cluster analysis of the clinical efficacy and the neurological impairment, CI + WM and Shenqifuzheng (SQI) + WM were the best options for treating ACI. With respect to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), 35 RCTs did not monitor ADRs during treatment. In conclusion, tonic TCMIs could assist WM in benefiting patients with ACI. However, due to the limitations of the current study, strict monitoring of ADRs and data from high-quality RCTs will be required in future to verify the advantage of TCMIs.

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An Internet-based health gateway device for interactive communication and automatic data uploading: Clinical efficacy for type 2 diabetes in a multi-centre trial

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x16657500 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 595-604 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Jae Hyoung Cho ◽

Hun-Sung Kim ◽

Seung Hyun Yoo ◽

Chang Hee Jung ◽

Woo Je Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Glucose Control ◽

Large Scale ◽

Diabetes Management ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Diabetes Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Automatic Data

Introduction The aim of this study was to improve the quality of diabetes control and evaluate the efficacy of an Internet-based integrated healthcare system for diabetes management and safety. Methods We conducted a large-scale, multi-centre, randomized clinical trial involving 484 patients. Patients in the intervention group ( n = 244) were treated with the Internet-based system for six months, while the control group ( n = 240) received the usual outpatient management over the same period. HbA1c, blood chemistries, anthropometric parameters, and adverse events were assessed at the beginning of the study, after three months, and the end of the study. Results There were no initial significant differences between the groups with respect to demographics and clinical parameters. Upon six-month follow-up, HbA1c levels were significantly decreased from 7.86 ± 0.69% to 7.55 ± 0.86% within the intervention group ( p < 0.001) compared to 7.81 ± 0.66% to 7.70 ± 0.88% within the control group. Postprandial glucose reduction was predominant. A subgroup with baseline HbA1c higher than 8% and good compliance achieved a reduction of HbA1c by 0.8 ± 1.05%. Glucose control and waist circumference reduction were more effective in females and subjects older than 40 years of age. There were no adverse events associated with the intervention. Discussion This e-healthcare system was effective for glucose control and body composition improvement without associated adverse events in a multi-centre trial. This system may be effective in improving diabetes control in the general population.

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Optimal Timing for Primary Early Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Acute Dacryocystitis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10102161 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2161

Author(s):

Jae Yun Sung ◽

Ju Mi Kim ◽

Jae Yul Hwang ◽

Kyoung Nam Kim ◽

Jae Young Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Surgical Outcomes ◽

Timing Of Surgery ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Optimal Timing ◽

Secondary Outcome Measure ◽

Success Rates ◽

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy ◽

And Gender

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of primary early endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) in acute dacryocystitis (AD) and to determine the optimal timing for surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was performed on consecutive patients who underwent primary early EnDCR (within 1 week) for AD between May 2010 and June 2020 (AD group) and an age- and gender-matched control group of NLDO patients who underwent EnDCR (non-AD group). The primary outcome measures were the surgical outcomes at the final follow-up examination. The secondary outcome measure was the clinical course of AD patients. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the optimal timing of surgery by comparing the outcomes of very early EnDCR (within 3 days) and those of early EnDCR (between 4 and 7 days). Results: Forty-one patients were included in the AD group and 82 patients in the non-AD group. The anatomical and functional success rates were 87.8% and 82.9% in the AD group, and 91.5% and 84.1% in the non-AD group, which were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.532 and p = 0.863). In the AD group, the mean times for pain relief and resolution of swelling after surgery were 2.4 and 6.5 days after surgery, respectively. In the subgroup analysis according to the timing of surgery, the time for symptom resolution after diagnosis, the length of hospital stays, and the duration of antibiotic treatments were significantly shorter after very early EnDCR (all ps < 0.05), whereas the surgical outcomes were not different between the two groups (p = 1.000). Conclusions: Primary early EnDCR is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of AD. In particular, very early EnDCR performed within 3 days leads to faster recovery and shortens the course of antibiotic treatment.

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Low Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vitamin D) Level Is Associated With Susceptibility to COVID-19, Severity, and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2021.660420 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Rizki Akbar ◽

Arief Wibowo ◽

Raymond Pranata ◽

Budi Setiabudiawan

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Literature Searches ◽

25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Meta Regression Analysis ◽

Embase Database ◽

Low Serum

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess whether low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level is associated with susceptibility to COVID-19, severity, and mortality related to COVID-19.Methods: Systematic literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase database up until 9 December 2020. We include published observational prospective and retrospective studies with information on 25-OHD that reported main/secondary outcome. Low serum 25-OHD refers to participants with serum 25-OHD level below a cut-off point ranging from 20 to 30 ng/mL. Other cut-off values were excluded to reduce heterogeneity. The main outcome was mortality defined as non-survivor/death. The secondary outcome was susceptibility and severe COVID-19.Results: There were 14 studies comprising of 999,179 participants. Low serum 25-OHD was associated with higher rate of COVID-19 infection compared to the control group (OR = 2.71 [1.72, 4.29], p < 0.001; I2: 92.6%). Higher rate of severe COVID-19 was observed in patients with low serum 25-OHD (OR = 1.90 [1.24, 2.93], p = 0.003; I2: 55.3%), with a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 39%, PLR of 1.4, NLR of 0.43, and DOR of 3. Low serum 25-OHD was associated with higher mortality (OR = 3.08 [1.35, 7.00], p = 0.011; I2: 80.3%), with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 35%, PLR of 1.3, NLR of 0.44, and DOR of 3. Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between low serum 25-OHD and mortality was affected by male gender (OR = 1.22 [1.08, 1.39], p = 0.002), diabetes (OR = 0.88 [0.79, 0.98], p = 0.019).Conclusion: Low serum 25-OHD level was associated with COVID-19 infection, severe presentation, and mortality.

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Nervous and Muscular Adverse Events after COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9080939 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 939

Author(s):

Jiaxin Chen ◽

Yuangui Cai ◽

Yicong Chen ◽

Anthony P. Williams ◽

Yifang Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Control Group ◽

Open Label

Background: Nervous and muscular adverse events (NMAEs) have garnered considerable attention after the vaccination against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the incidences of NMAEs remain unclear. We aimed to calculate the pooled event rate of NMAEs after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on the incidences of NMAEs after COVID-19 vaccination was conducted. The PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched from inception to 2 June 2021. Two independent reviewers selected the study and extracted the data. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and generated with random or fixed effects models. The protocol of the present study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021240450). Results: In 15 phase 1/2 trials, NMAEs occurred in 29.2% vs. 21.6% (p < 0.001) vaccinated participants and controls. Headache and myalgia accounted for 98.2% and 97.7%, and their incidences were 16.4% vs. 13.9% (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.28–3.06, p = 0.002) and 16.0% vs. 7.9% (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.05–5.35, p < 0.001) in the vaccine and control groups, respectively. Headache and myalgia were more frequent in the newly licensed vaccines (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.28–3.06, p = 0.02 and OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.05–5.35, p < 0.001) and younger adults (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.12–1.75, p = 0.003 and OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.20–1.96, p < 0.001). In four open-label trials, the incidences of headache, myalgia, and unsolicited NMAEs were 38.7%, 27.4%, and 1.5%. Following vaccination in phase 3 trials, headache and myalgia were still common with a rate of 29.5% and 19.2%, although the unsolicited NMAEs with incidence rates of ≤ 0.7% were not different from the control group in each study. Conclusions: Following the vaccination, NMAEs are common of which headache and myalgia comprised a considerable measure, although life-threatening unsolicited events are rare. NMAEs should be continuously monitored during the ongoing global COVID-19 vaccination program.

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Role of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060520964661 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (10) ◽

pp. 030006052096466

Author(s):

Haijiang Ren ◽

Shouwei Zhang ◽

Xuejie Wang ◽

Zehui Li ◽

Wenlai Guo

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Womac Score ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Absolute Value ◽

Vas Score ◽

The Absolute

Objective The clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of osteoarthritis remains controversial. In this paper, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of PRP in the treatment of osteoarthritis using meta-analysis, providing evidence for the selection of clinical treatment options. Methods We performed a computer-based search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases to retrieve articles using the search terms “platelet-rich plasma”, “osteoarthrosis”, and “knee joint”. Quality evaluation and data extraction were performed. The combined effect was assessed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results Five randomized controlled trials, involving 320 patients, were included in this study. No significant differences were observed in the International Knee Documentation Committee score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, or the absolute value of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score between the experimental and control groups. The absolute value of the VAS score and change in the WOMAC score were significantly decreased and patient satisfaction was increased in the experimental group, as compared with the control group. Conclusion The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that intra-articular injection of PRP is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis that can reduce post-operative pain, improve locomotor function, and increase patient satisfaction.

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Hyaluronic acid for post sinus surgery care: systematic review and meta-analysis

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215116009269 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 131 (S1) ◽

pp. S2-S11 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

E Fong ◽

M Garcia ◽

C M Woods ◽

E Ooi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hyaluronic Acid ◽

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Adhesion Formation ◽

Sinus Surgery ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Patient Reported

AbstractBackground:Wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery may result in adhesion formation. Hyaluronic acid may prevent synechiae development. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the current evidence on the clinical efficacy of hyaluronic acid applied to the nasal cavity after sinus surgery.Methods:Studies using hyaluronic acid as an adjunct treatment following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis were identified. The primary outcome was adhesion formation rates. A meta-analysis was performed on adhesion event frequency. Secondary outcome measures included other endoscopic findings and patient-reported outcomes.Results:Thirteen studies (501 patients) met the selection criteria. A meta-analysis of adhesion formation frequency on endoscopy demonstrated a lower risk ratio in the hyaluronic acid intervention group (42 out of 283 cases) compared to the control group (81 out of 282) of 0.52 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.37–0.72). Hyaluronic acid use was not associated with any significant adverse events.Conclusion:Hyaluronic acid appears to be clinically safe and well tolerated, and may be useful in the early stages after sinus surgery to limit adhesion rate. Further research, including larger randomised controlled trials, is required to evaluate patient- and clinician-reported outcomes of hyaluronic acid post sinus surgery.

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