Selenium Level in Patients with Vitiligo: A Meta-Analysis

Background. It has been reported that deficiency of selenium can cause autoimmune disease. This meta-analysis was aimed at evaluating whether there exits an association between selenium level and vitiligo. Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Med Online, and China VIP databases from the inception to February 12, 2019. The main outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in serum selenium level between vitiligo patients and healthy controls. Results. A total of 8 studies with 305 vitiligo patients and 6156 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that there was no significant difference in selenium level between vitiligo patients and healthy controls (SMD=0.481, 95%CI=−0.642 to 1.604, Z=0.840, P>0.05). Further subgroup analysis stratified by area revealed that Asian vitiligo patients had decreased selenium level, while that finding was not observed in Caucasian patients (Asian: SMD=−0.303, 95%CI=−0.603 to −0.004, P<0.05; Caucasian: SMD=0.957, 95%CI=−0.752 to 2.665, P>0.05). Conclusions. Although overall selenium level was similar between vitiligo patients and health controls, subgroup analysis showed decreased levels of selenium in Asian vitiligo patients. It may suggest a clinical tailored administration of selenium supplementation in Asian vitiligo patients.

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Efficacy and Safety of Topical Timolol Eye Drops in the Treatment of Myopic Regression after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2015/985071 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xiaochen Wang ◽

Guiqiu Zhao ◽

Jing Lin ◽

Nan Jiang ◽

Qian Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Treated Group ◽

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis ◽

Control Group ◽

Eye Drops ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Significant Difference

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of timolol in the treatment of myopic regression after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Methods. We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM) from the inception to July 2015 for relevant randomized controlled trials that examined timolol therapy for myopic regression. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed using the Revman 5.3 software.Results. We included six clinical trials involving 483 eyes in this review, including 246 eyes in treated group and 237 eyes in controlled group. We observed statistically significant improvements on the postoperative SE in the 3 months. However, the change of CCT was not statistically different between the control group and the experimental group. There were fewer cases of IOP, UDVA, and CDVA in treated group having significant difference from the controlled group.Conclusions. Topical timolol could be an effective treatment for reduction of myopic regression especially the spherical errors after myopic LASIK. Further RCTs with larger sample sizes for these trials are warranted to determine the efficacy and limitation for myopic regression after LASIK.

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Acupuncture for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/6972327 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Liaoyao Wang ◽

Jia Xu ◽

Yijun Zhan ◽

Jian Pei

Keyword(s):

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Clinically Significant

Objective. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for OSA patients with various severities of the disorder. Methods. Eight databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), Wanfang Data, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were comprehensively searched till July 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing acupuncture in the treatment of OSA were eligible for inclusion. Studies were selected for inclusion, and data were extracted by two authors independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and RevMan software (version 5.3) were used to evaluate the quality of studies and conduct statistical analysis. Results. Nine RCTs with 584 participants were included. The trials covered acupuncture and electropuncture. Acupuncture caused clinically significant reductions in AHI (MD: -6.18; 95% CI: -9.58 to -2.78; Z=3.56, P=0.0004) as well as in ESS (MD: -2.84; 95% CI: -4.80 to -0.16, Z=2.09, P=0.04). AHI was reduced more in the subgroup analysis of moderate OSA patients (MD: -9.44; 95% CI: -12.44 to -6.45; Z=6.18, P<0.00001) and severe OSA patients (MD: -10.09; 95% CI: -12.47 to -7.71; Z=8.31, P<0.00001). ESS was also reduced more in the subgroup analysis of moderate OSA patients (MD: -2.40; 95% CI: -3.63 to -1.17; Z=3.83, P=0.0001) and severe OSA patients (MD: -4.64; 95% CI: -5.35 to -3.92; Z=12.72, P<0.00001). Besides, acupuncture had a beneficial effect on LSaO2 (MD: 5.29; 95% CI: 2.61 to 7.97; Z=3.86, P=0.0001). The outcome of AHI and LSaO2 yielded consistent results after sensitivity analysis, but the direction of the outcome of ESS was reversed. And the quality of evidence was mainly low to very low. Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is effective for OSA patients in reducing AHI and ESS and in improving the LSaO2 of various severities, especially in moderate and severe OSA patients. High-quality trials are urgently needed.

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Efficacy of Qigong Exercise for Treatment of Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.684058 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Rui Wang ◽

Xueyan Huang ◽

Yeqi Wu ◽

Dai Sun

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Fatigue Syndrome ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Significant Difference

Objective: Several studies suggested that Qigong exercise (QE) can relieve fatigue in patients diagnosed with various diseases. Our review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of QE for alleviating fatigue.Methods: A related literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP data bases from inception to November 2020. Information on fatigue, malaise, tiredness, and Qigong research data was collected.Results: Sixteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reported in patients with cancer (n = 4), chronic fatigue syndrome (n = 2), and other diseases (n = 10). The QE groups showed significant improvements in total fatigue intensity [15 RCTs, p < 0.00001; standard mean difference (SMD) −0.69 (−0.95 to −0.44)]. The QE groups did not show significant improvement in quality of life [4 RCTs, p = 0.08; SMD 0.53 (−0.07 to 1.14)]. The statistically significant difference of the subgroup analyses (different primary diseases, QE types, and study quality) also remained unchanged.Conclusion: The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that QE may be beneficial for improving fatigue in patients diagnosed with various diseases. Considering the limitations of the study, we draw a very cautious conclusion regarding the resulting estimate of the effect. Further studies are warranted to better understand the benefits of QE in primary medical care.

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Serum Fetuin-A Levels in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/691540 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Ze-Lin Sun ◽

Qi-Ying Xie ◽

Gong-Liang Guo ◽

Ke Ma ◽

Yuan-Yuan Huang

Keyword(s):

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Arterial Calcification ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Fetuin A ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure

Background. Fetuin-A (FA) suppresses arterial calcification, promotes insulin resistance, and appears to be elevated in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the data is still inconsistent. To clarify the correlation between serum FA levels and the presence and severity of CVDs, we performed this meta-analysis.Method. Potential relevant studies were identified covering the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, China BioMedicine (CBM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Data from eligible studies were extracted and included in the meta-analysis using a random-effects model.Results. Ten case-control studies, including 1,281 patients with CVDs and 2,663 healthy controls, were included. The results showed significant differences in serum levels of FA between the CVDs patients and the healthy controls (SMD = 1.36, 95%CI: 0.37–2.36,P=0.007). Ethnicity-subgroup analysis implied that low serum FA levels are related to CVDs in Caucasians (SMD = 1.73, 95%CI: 0.20–3.26,P=0.026), but not in Asians (SMD = 1.04, 95%CI: −0.33–2.40,P=0.138).Conclusion. The data indicated that decreased serum FA level is correlated with the development of CVDs. FA might be clinically valuable for reflecting the progression of CVDs.

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The Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Total Glucosides of Peony and Leflunomide for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2016/9852793 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Zhitao Feng ◽

Juan Xu ◽

Guochao He ◽

Meiqun Cao ◽

Lihong Duan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Liver Function ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Systemic Review ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Total Glucosides Of Peony

Objective.To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the total glucosides of peony (TGP) and leflunomide (LEF) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy and safety of the combination of TGP and LEF versus LEF alone for the treatment of RA were retrieved by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang database.Results.Eight RCTs including 643 RA patients were included in the present meta-analysis. The quality of included studies was poor. The levels of ESR (P<0.0001), CRP (P<0.0001), and RF (P<0.0001) in RA patients who received the combination of TGP and LEF were significantly lower than RA patients who received LEF therapy alone. The pooled results suggest that the combination of TGP and LEF caused less abnormal liver function than LEF alone (P=0.02). No significant difference in the gastrointestinal discomfort was identified between the combination of TGP and LEF and LEF alone groups (P=0.18).Conclusion.The combination of TGP and LEF in treatment of RA presented the characteristics of notably decreasing the levels of laboratory indexes and higher safety in terms of liver function. However, this conclusion should be further investigated based on a larger sample size.

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The Effect of Letrozole Combined with Dydrogesterone for Endometriosis in China: A Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/9946060 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Shumei Sun ◽

Hao Zhang ◽

Peicheng Zhong ◽

Zhihong Xu

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Carbohydrate Antigen ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Carbohydrate Antigen 125 ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor

Purpose. To discuss the effects of dydrogesterone combined with letrozole on the effectiveness, sex hormone levels, and serological indicators in patients with endometriosis. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020213172). Methods. We searched relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP Database. The standardized mean differences (SMDs), the mean differences (MDs), or odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed to be outcome indicators, including total effectiveness, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) level, Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA125) level, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) level, estrogen (E2) level, progesterone (P) level, interleukin-6 (IL-6) level, and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) level. Results. A total of 19 RCTs involving 1,591 patients were included in this study. Our results showed that letrozole combined with dydrogesterone can significantly reduce the levels of VEGF (SMD -2.23, 95% CI -2.39 to -2.07; p < 0.00001 ), CA125 (MD -10.53, 95% CI -11.19 to -9.88; p < 0.00001 ), E2 (SMD -1.64, 95% CI -1.81 to -1.47; p < 0.00001 ), P (MD -5.11, 95% CI -6.26 to -3.96; p < 0.00001 ), IL-6 (MD -4.41, 95% CI -5.16 to -3.67; p < 0.00001 ), and TNF-a (MD -5.67, 95% CI -6.34 to -5.00; p < 0.00001 ) in patients with endometriosis compared with the control group. In addition, the results indicated that total effectiveness was significantly higher in the experiment group (OR 6.21, 95% CI 4.17 to 9.24; p < 0.00001 ) compared to the control. However, there was no significant difference between FSH and LH levels in both groups ( p > 0.05 ). Conclusion. This combination therapy can effectively decrease the levels of VEGF, CA125, E2, P, IL-6, and TNF-a and increase the total effectiveness when comparing with the control group.

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Telomerase reverse transcriptase rs2736098 polymorphism is associated with lung cancer: A meta-analysis

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060520936173 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (10) ◽

pp. 030006052093617

Author(s):

Meihua Wang ◽

Yaping Sun

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Reverse Transcriptase ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Recessive Model ◽

Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium

Background A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) rs2736098 polymorphism was related to the incidence of lung cancer. Methods We systematically searched the following three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), for relevant articles. Statistical analysis was performed using the odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Seven articles involving 3836 healthy controls and 3637 patients were included in this meta-analysis. TERT rs2736098 polymorphism was significantly related to lung cancer incidence (AA vs. GG: OR=1.83, 95% CI=1.58–2.12; AG vs. GG: OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.10–1.34; Dominant model: OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.22–1.46; Recessive model: OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.44–1.90). Moreover, this polymorphism was found to be correlated with the susceptibility to lung cancer when studies were stratified based on the sample size and the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusion The present findings indicate that the TERT rs2736098 polymorphism may be a risk factor for the development of lung cancer.

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Efficacy Comparison of Different Acupuncture Treatments for Primary Insomnia: A Bayesian Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/8961748 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Huachong Xu ◽

Yucong Shi ◽

Yike Xiao ◽

Pei Liu ◽

Sizhi Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Scalp Acupuncture ◽

Primary Insomnia ◽

Sufficient Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Indirect Comparisons

Background. Acupuncture treatments are used frequently in the treatment of primary insomnia considering its less side effect. However, most treatment choices are made just based on personal experience among different forms of acupuncture. This study compared the effectiveness of different forms of acupuncture for primary insomnia by using network meta-analysis. Methods. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatments for primary insomnia were searched in seven databases from the date of database inception to January 6, 2019, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, and VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals (CQVIP) database. After screening, the effectiveness rate was extracted from the included RCTs as primary outcomes. The network meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.3, Stata13.0, and GeMTC 0.14.3. Results. Forty-two studies were included, which contained 3304 participants among 6 interventions. Based on the ranking probability and compared to western medicine, scalp acupuncture (OR = 8.12, 95% CI (4.07,16.81)) is considered to be the most effective method, followed by electroacupuncture (OR = 6.29, 95% CI (3.36, 12.67)), electroacupuncture combined scalp acupuncture (OR = 5.20, 95% CI (2.43,11.28)), warm acupuncture (OR = 3.79, 95% CI (1.85,8.16)), and conventional acupuncture (OR = 2.86, 95% CI (2.05,3.95)). There was no significant difference between the results of direct and indirect comparisons. Conclusions. The finding indicated that five acupuncture methods may be all effective in the treatment of primary insomnia, and scalp acupuncture seems to be the best treatment. However, the overall quality of the included trials could only be ranked as medium to low quality, and higher quality RCTs are warranted for sufficient evidence.

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Efficacy of Alprostadil in Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Angiology ◽

10.1177/00033197211004412 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000331972110044

Author(s):

Hongling Xu ◽

Hongye Wang ◽

Chuang Zhang ◽

Jun Xiao ◽

Ning Hua ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Contrast Induced Nephropathy ◽

Serum Cystatin ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Evidence Evaluation ◽

Biological Medicine ◽

Neutrophil Gelatinase

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of alprostadil in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Eligible studies were searched using the keywords through the databases of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, China Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Vanfun. Quality evaluation of the included studies was conducted according to international evidence evaluation and recommended Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation standards. We included 29 studies with 5623 patients. Compared with hydration, 10 µg/d alprostadil or 20 µg/d alprostadil plus hydration significantly decreased the incidence of CIN. Compared with hydration, alprostadil plus hydration significantly reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen at 24, 48, and 72 hours and 7 days after coronary angiography (CAG). Alprostadil (20 µg/d) plus hydration significantly decreased serum cystatin versus hydration at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CAG. Compared with hydration, alprostadil plus hydration significantly increased glomerular filtration rate at 24 and 72 hours after CAG. Alprostadil plus hydration significantly decreased neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels compared to hydration at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CAG. Alprostadil plus hydration significantly decreased urine macroglobulin versus hydration at 24 and 48 hours after CAG.

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The high risk of malarial recurrence in patients with Plasmodium-mixed infection after treatment with antimalarial drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04792-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aongart Mahittikorn ◽

Frederick Ramirez Masangkay ◽

Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui ◽

Giovanni De Jesus Milanez ◽

Manas Kotepui

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Mixed Infection ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Initial Treatment ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Antimalarial Drugs ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Malaria mixed infections are often unrecognized by microscopists in the hospitals, and a delay or failure to treat Plasmodium-mixed infection may lead to aggravated morbidity and increased mortality. The present study aimed to quantify the pooled proportion and risk of malarial recurrences after the treatment of Plasmodium-mixed infection. The results of the study may provide benefits in the management of Plasmodium-mixed infection in co-endemic regions. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis searched the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; ID = CRD42020199709), MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for potentially relevant studies in any language published between January 1, 1936, and July 20, 2020, assessing drug efficacy in patients with Plasmodium-mixed infection. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of Plasmodium parasitemia after initiating antimalarial treatment for Plasmodium-mixed infection. The secondary outcome was the pooled risk ratio (RR) of malarial recurrence in Plasmodium-mixed infection compared with those in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax mono-infection. The pooled analyses were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis. After the initial treatment in different days of recurrences (≤ 28 days or > 28 days), the risk of Plasmodium parasitemia was compared in subgroup analysis. Results Out of 5217 screened studies, 11 were included in the meta-analysis, including 4390 patients from six countries. The pooled prevalence of all recurrences of Plasmodium-mixed parasitemia was 30% (95% confidence interval (CI) 16–43; I2: 99.2%; 11 studies). The RR of malarial recurrence within 28 days after the initial treatment (clinical treatment failure) of Plasmodium-mixed parasitemia compared with the treatment of P. falciparum was 1.22 (p: 0.029; 95% CI 1.02–1.47; Cochran Q: 0.93; I2: 0%; six studies), while there was no significant difference in the risk of recurrence 28 days after initial treatment compared with the treatment of P. falciparum (p: 0.696, RR: 1.14; 95% CI 0.59–2.18; Cochran Q < 0.05; I2: 98.2%; four studies). The subgroup analysis of antimalarial drugs showed that significant malarial recurrence within 28 days was observed in patients treated with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) with no significant heterogeneity (p: 0.028, RR: 1.31; 95% CI 1.03–1.66; Cochran Q: 0.834; I2: 0%). Conclusions The present findings showed a high prevalence of malarial recurrence after the initial treatment of Plasmodium-mixed infection. Moreover, significant malaria recurrence of mixed infection occurred within 28 days after treatment with ACTs. Graphic Abstract

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