Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Therapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Leukopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy (AMT), as an integral part of complementary and alternative medicine, has been used for centuries in treatment of numerous diseases. Nevertheless, there is no available supportive evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy in patients with chemotherapy-induced leukopenia (CIL). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy in treating chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Methods. Relevant studies were searched in nine databases up to September 19, 2020. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of selected studies. Meta-analysis of the pooled mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results. 17 studies (1206 patients) were included, and the overall quality of the included studies was moderate. In comparison with medical therapy, AMT has a better clinical efficacy for CIL (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17-1.32; P < 0.00001 ) and presents advantages in increasing leukocyte count (MD, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.67–1.53; P < 0.00001 ). Also, the statistical results show that AMT performs better in improving the CIL patients’ Karnofsky performance score (MD, 5.92; 95% CI, 3.03–8.81; P < 0.00001 ). Conclusion. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides updated evidence that AMT is a safe and effective alternative for the patients who suffered from CIL.

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Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture Moxibustion Therapy Used in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/3237451 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Huimin Jin ◽

Yuying Xiang ◽

Yuqian Feng ◽

Yiting Zhang ◽

Shan Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Moxibustion Therapy ◽

Western Medicine ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Karnofsky Performance Score ◽

Performance Score ◽

Functional Training ◽

Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture moxibustion therapy (AMT) for the breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods. Four English databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL) and four Chinese databases were searched from their inception to Feb 1, 2020. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating AMT against any type of controlled intervention in patients for BCRL and assessing clinically relevant outcomes (total effective rate, circumference difference, and Karnofsky performance score) were included. The methodological quality of all selected trials was estimated in accordance with the guidelines published by the Cochrane Collaboration. Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct analyses. Results. Twelve eligible RCTs are confirmed. Most of the trials selected are regarded as low methodological quality. Compared with Western medicine, physiotherapy, and functional training, traditional AMT has significantly higher treatment effect (RR 1.03 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.45); p<0.00001). In comparison with physiotherapy, AMT is better in reducing edema symptoms (MD = −0.77; 95% CI (−1.13–0.41); p<0.00001). Moreover, pooled results demonstrate that AMT results in better outcomes than functional training and Western medicine in improving Karnofsky performance score of BCRL patients (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI (0.38–1.00); p<0.00001). Conclusion. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence that AMT is serviceable and safe in treating BCRL. With the limited number of available studies and methodology drawbacks, further high-quality RCTs with reasonable designs are still warranted.

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Efficacy and safety of turmeric extracts in knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

10.1101/2020.05.06.20092726 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zhiqiang Wang ◽

Ambrish Singh ◽

Benny Antony

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Randomised Controlled Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomised Controlled

AbstractTurmeric extracts have been used as a remedy for treating arthritis in traditional medicine. Recent years have witnessed the rise of different extracts from turmeric and randomised clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of these extracts for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). This planned systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of turmeric extracts for the treatment of knee OA. Biomedical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase will be searched for RCTs reporting safety and efficacy of turmeric extracts for the treatment of knee OA. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies, and a meta-analysis will be performed to pool the effect estimates.

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The prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10993-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sohail Akhtar ◽

Jamal Abdul Nasir ◽

Amara Javed ◽

Mariyam Saleem ◽

Sundas Sajjad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Included Study ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Or Education ◽

Meta Regression

Abstract Background The aim of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in Afghanistan through a systematic review and meta–analysis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library, carried out from inception to April 312,020, without language restriction. Meta–analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. The existence of publication bias was initially assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. This systematic review was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and the methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines. Results Out of 64 potentially relevant studies, only 06 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in the general population based on population-based studies were 12.13% (95% CI: 8.86–16.24%), based on a pooled sample of 7071 individuals. Results of univariate meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of diabetes increased with mean age, hypertension and obesity. There was no significant association between sex (male vs female), smoking, the methodological quality of included articles or education (illiterate vs literate) and the prevalence of diabetes. Conclusions This meta-analysis reports the 12.13% prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan,with the highest prevalence in Kandahar and the lowest in Balkh province. The main risk factors include increasing age, obesity and hypertension. Community-based care and preventive training programmes are recommended. Trial registration This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020172624).

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Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015748 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. e015748 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jean Joel Bigna ◽

Marie A Amougou ◽

Serra Lem Asangbeh ◽

Angeladine Malaha Kenne ◽

Jobert Richie Nansseu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Representative Study ◽

East Region ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Rural Settings

ObjectiveBetter knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence at the national level can help to implement pertinent strategies to address the HCV-related burden. The aim of this paper was to estimate the seroprevalence of HCV infection in Cameroon.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.ParticipantsPeople residing in Cameroon.Data sourcesElectronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, AJOL, WHO-Afro Library, Africa Index Medicus, National Institute of Statistics and National AIDS Control Committee, Cameroon from 1 January 2000 to 15 December 2016 were searched. English and French languages papers were considered. Two independent investigators selected studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.Results31 studies including 36 407 individuals were finally considered. There was no national representative study. The overall pooled prevalence was 6.5% (95% CI 4.5% to 8.8%; I²=98.3%). A sensitivity analysis of individuals at low risk of HCV infection showed a pooled prevalence of 3.6% (95% CI 2.3% to 5.2%, I²=97.7%, 18 studies) among 22 860 individuals (general population, blood donors and pregnant women), which was higher than for a high-risk population (healthcare workers and people with other identified comorbidities), 12.2% (95% CI 4.9% to 22.2%; I²=98.3%, 13 studies); p=0.018. The prevalence was higher in the East region, in rural settings, and when using an enzyme immunoassay technique for detecting HCV antibodies. Sex, sites, study period, sample size, timing of data collection and methodological quality of studies were not sources of heterogeneity.LimitationOne-third of studies (29.0%) had a low risk bias in their methodology and most were facility-based (87.1%).ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HCV infection in Cameroon indicates the need for comprehensive and effective strategies to interrupt HCV transmission in the Cameroonian population. Specific attention is needed for the East region of the country, rural settings and high-risk populations. A national representative study is needed to provide better estimates.

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Does propofol ameliorate occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction after general anaesthesia? A protocol of systematic review

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01610-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xi Zhao ◽

Ze-qing Huang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cognitive Dysfunction ◽

Short Term Memory ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure

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

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Acupuncture for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/4806734 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Suzi S. Y. Mansu ◽

Haiying Liang ◽

Shefton Parker ◽

Meaghan E. Coyle ◽

Kaiyi Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Lesion Count ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Reporting Requirements ◽

Auricular Acupressure

Purpose. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the current best available evidence of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and related therapies for acne vulgaris. Methods. Eleven English and Chinese databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acne vulgaris compared to pharmacotherapies, no treatment, and sham or placebo acupuncture. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan software. Results. Twelve RCTs were included in the qualitative review and 10 RCTs were included in meta-analysis. Methodological quality of trials was generally low. The chance of achieving ≥30% change in lesion count in the acupuncture group was no different to the pharmacotherapy group (RR: 1.07 [95% CI 0.98, 1.17]; I2=8%) and ≥50% change in lesion count in the acupuncture group was not statistically different to the pharmacotherapy group (RR: 1.07 [95% CI 0.98, 1.17]; I2=50%). Conclusions. While caution should be exercised due to quality of the included studies, acupuncture and auricular acupressure were not statistically different to guideline recommended treatments but were with fewer side effects and may be a treatment option. Future trials should address the methodological weaknesses and meet standard reporting requirements stipulated in STRICTA.

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Rapid diagnostic test for antenatal syphilis screening in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018132 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e018132 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Carmen Phang Romero Casas ◽

Marrissa Martyn-St James ◽

Jean Hamilton ◽

Daniel S Marinho ◽

Rodolfo Castro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

High Risk ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Antenatal Clinics

ObjectivesTo undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the test performance including sensitivity and specificity of rapid immunochromatographic syphilis (ICS) point-of-care (POC) tests at antenatal clinics compared with reference standard tests (non-treponemal (TP) and TP tests) for active syphilis in pregnant women.MethodsFive electronic databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, CRD, Cochrane Library and LILACS) to March 2016 for diagnostic accuracy studies of ICS test and standard reference tests for syphilis in pregnant women. Methodological quality was assessed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies). A bivariate meta-analysis was undertaken to generate pooled estimates of diagnostic parameters. Results were presented using a coupled forest plot of sensitivity and specificity and a scatter plot.ResultsThe methodological quality of the five included studies with regards to risk of bias and applicability concern judgements was either low or unclear. One study was judged as high risk of bias for patient selection due to exclusion of pregnant women with a previous history of syphilis, and one study was judged at high risk of bias for study flow and timing as not all patients were included in the analysis. Five studies contributed to the meta-analysis, providing a pooled sensitivity and specificity for ICS of 0.85 (95% CrI: 0.73 to 0.92) and 0.98 (95% CrI: 0.95 to 0.99), respectively.ConclusionsThis review and meta-analysis observed that rapid ICS POC tests have a high sensitivity and specificity when performed in pregnant women at antenatal clinics. However, the methodological quality of the existing evidence base should be taken into consideration when interpreting these results.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016036335.

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Acupuncture for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030713 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. e030713 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dacheng Li ◽

Li Zhu ◽

Daming Liu

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Reflux Disease ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Oesophageal Reflux ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Oesophageal Reflux Disease

IntroductionRefractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (rGORD) is a common disease, affecting patients’ quality of life. Since conventional medicines have limitations, like low effective rates and adverse events, acupuncture may be a promising therapy for rGORD. While no related systematic review has been published, the present study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for rGORD.Methods and analysisPubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese electronic databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang database, VIP, SinoMed and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, will be searched from establishment of the database to 31 August 2019. There will be no limitations on language, and all articles will be screened and collected by two reviewers independently. RevMan V.5.3.5 software will be used for meta-analysis, and the conduction of study will refer to the Cochrane Handbook for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for rGORD will be evaluated based on outcomes, including global symptom improvement, oesophageal sphincter function test measured by high-resolution manometry, quality of life, recurrence rate and adverse events.Ethics and disseminationThere is no necessity for this study to acquire an ethical approval, and this review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or conference presentation.Trial registration numberCRD42018111912.

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The Incidence of Pediatric and Adolescent Concussion in Action Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17238728 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 8728

Author(s):

Francesco Feletti ◽

Matteo Bonato

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Incidence Rates ◽

Baseline Risk ◽

Action Sports ◽

Youth Athletes ◽

And Gender ◽

Definition Of

Background: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of concussion risk in youth athletes involved in action sports (AS). Methods: A search of PubMed and Web of Science (from January 1980 to August 2020). Titles, abstracts, and full text were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria to find relevant studies. Moreover, the methodological quality of the studies selected was assessed. Results: Nineteen of 1.619 studies were included in the systematic review and 14 in the meta-analysis. Motocross, sailing and snowboarding presented the highest incidence rates per 1000 athlete exposure at 39.22, 3.73 and 2.77 respectively, whereas alpine skiing had the lowest incidence rates resulting in 0.30. Overall risk of concussion was estimated at 0.33 (CI: 0.22, 0.45). Regarding the methodological quality, we have to report that 26.3% of the studies reported the definition of concussion while 36.8% presented age and gender-specific incidence rates. The mechanism of injury and follow up were reported only in one study. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the rates of incident youth concussion across AS. Despite some limitations, the data from this research can serve as the current sport-specific baseline risk of concussion among youth athletes who practice action sports.

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Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis in Spine Surgery—How Good Are They in Methodological Quality? A Systematic Review

Global Spine Journal ◽

10.1177/2192568220906810 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 219256822090681 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Muthu Sathish ◽

Ramakrishnan Eswar

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Spine Surgery ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cochrane Database ◽

Critical Flaw ◽

Meta Analyses

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: To assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in spine surgery over the past 2 decades. Materials and Methods: We conducted independent and in duplicate systematic review of the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses between 2000 and 2019 from PubMed Central and Cochrane Database pertaining to spine surgery involving surgical intervention. We searched bibliographies to identify additional relevant studies. Methodological quality was evaluated with AMSTAR score and graded with AMSTAR 2 criteria. Results: A total of 96 reviews met the eligibility criteria, with mean AMSTAR score of 7.51 (SD = 1.98). Based on AMSTAR 2 criteria, 13.5% (n = 13) and 18.7% (n = 18) of the studies had high and moderate level of confidence of results, respectively, without any critical flaws. A total of 29.1% (n = 28) of the studies had at least 1 critical flaw and 38.5% (n = 37) of the studies had more than 1 critical flaw, so that their results have low and critically low confidence, respectively. Failure to analyze the conflict of interest of authors of primary studies included in review and lack of list of excluded studies with justification were the most common critical flaw. Regression analysis demonstrated that studies with funding and studies published in recent years were significantly associated with higher methodological quality. Conclusion: Despite improvement in methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in spine surgery in current decade, a substantial proportion continue to show critical flaws. With increasing number of review articles in spine surgery, stringent measures must be taken to adhere to methodological quality by following PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines to attain higher standards of evidence in published literature.

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