Efficacy and Safety of Modified Yunu-Jian in Patients with Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis

Background. Modified Yunu-Jian (mYJ), a Chinese medicine (CM) formula, is thought to clear heat and nourish yin. Clinically, it is often used to treat oral inflammation. However, its efficacy remains controversial. Methods. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mYJ for treating patients with periodontitis. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, VIP database, and CBM) from inception to December 2020. Only randomized controlled trials investigating modified Yunu-Jian, with or without other medications, against controlled intervention in the treatment of patients diagnosed with periodontitis were included. Both Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used to analyze the data. The Cochrane Collaborations risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the methods. Results. Thirteen clinical trials, involving 1179 participants, were included in our investigation. The results showed that the combination of mYJ with western medicine improved the total effective rate compared with western medicine alone (RR = 1.17, 95% CI (1.12, 1.23), P < 0.00001). The sensitivity analysis and Harbord’s test ( P = 0.255) both showed that the results were statistically robust. Moreover, the periodontal indexes (GI, SBI, PLI, and PD; P < 0.00001) of patients with periodontitis were also significantly improved after receiving the combined therapy. No serious adverse reactions were observed in the experimental groups. Conclusions. Evidence from the meta-analysis suggested that mYJ appeared to be effective and relatively safe for treating periodontitis. Because of the low quality of the methods used in the included RCTs, further studies with larger sample sizes and well-designed models are required to confirm our findings.

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Effects of Novel Anti-VEGF Agents with Intravitreal Conbercept in Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/9357108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Hui Wang ◽

Jing Zhou ◽

Caoyu Sun ◽

Xu Dong

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Intravitreal Triamcinolone ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

The Mean

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) for diabetic retinopathy (DR) compared with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, and Wanfang database were searched from their earliest records to January 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of conbercept in DR patients compared with ITVA. Outcomes included the mean changes from the baseline in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score, central macular thickness (CMT), quality of life (QoL) over time, and the incidence of adverse events (AEs). A total of 19 RCTs involving 1,811 eyes were included in this meta-analysis. IVC might improve BCVA (WMD = 0.10, 95% CI (0.07, 0.12), P < 0.001 ) and reduce CMT (WMD = −102.5, 95% CI (−148.48, −56.53), P < 0.001 ) compared to IVTA. The incidence of AEs in patients receiving IVC was significantly lower than those receiving IVTA (RR = 0.29, 95% CI (0.21, 0.40), P < 0.001 ). Patients with IVC treatments acquired better self-care, mobility, social, and mental scores compared with IVTA ( P < 0.001 ). Current evidence shows that IVC has better effects and safety than IVTA in treating DR, and it can significantly enhance the QoL of patients with DR.

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Efficacy of alendronate for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-27663/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yu-hua Tang ◽

Yu-zhi Li ◽

Zhao-chen Tang ◽

Quan-wei Jiang ◽

Yu Zhao

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Safe Management

Abstract Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a very tricky orthopedic disorder. If such condition can not be managed fairly well, it may significantly affect quality of life and even leads to disability among such population. A variety of studies have reported that alendronate is utilized for the treatment of AS. However, their results are still contrary, and no systematic review has addressed on this topic. Thus, this study will systematically assess the efficacy and safety of alendronate for the treatment of patients with AS. Methods A comprehensive literature search will be performed from the below electronic databases from their commencement to the January 31, 2020 without language and publication status limitations: PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, WANGFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the alendronate for the treatment of patients with AS will be considered for inclusion in this study. Two authors will independently select all identified records, extract essential data from all included studies, and appraise study quality for each eligible trial using Cochrane risk of bias. If any differences occur, another experienced author will be invited to solve them by discussion and a consensus decision will be made. We will implement RevMan 5.3 software to analyze the extracted data. Results This study will summarize high quality RCTs to assess the efficacy and safety of alendronate for the treatment of patients with AS through primary outcome of bone densitometry; and secondary outcomes of pain intensity, quality of life, disease activity, functional status, and adverse events. Conclusions This study will provide evidence to help determine whether alendronate is an effective and safe management for patient with AS or not.

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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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Efficacy and Safety of Banxia Formulae for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/8833168 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Yan-Hua Lin ◽

Cong Chen ◽

Xiu Zhao ◽

Yi-Fei Mao ◽

Guang-Xin Xiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Bias Risk

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) formulae in the treatment of insomnia compared with those of conventional western medicines. Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Banxia formulae in the treatment of insomnia were searched from the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and Wanfang database. The literature collected was from the time when the databases were established to April 2020. Quality assessment and meta-analysis were conducted by using Cochrane bias risk assessment tool and RevMan 5.2, respectively. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test. Results. Fourteen RCTs with 910 participants were identified. A total of 46 traditional Chinese medicines involving 2 different dosage forms were used in the included studies. Meta-analysis indicated that Banxia formulae had more significant effects on improving the total effective rate (RR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.31), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI, MD = −1.05, 95% CI −1.63 to −0.47), and the TCM syndrome score (SMD = −0.78, 95% CI −1.18 to −0.39). Meanwhile, on reducing adverse events, Banxia formulae also showed an advantage (RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.93). Conclusion. According to the current studies, the efficacy of Banxia formulae in the treatment of insomnia is better than that of the conventional western medicines, and its safety is relatively stable. However, due to the limitations of this study, further research and evaluation are needed.

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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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The Effectiveness and Safety of Moxibustion for Peripheral Facial Paralysis：A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-549760/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shanshan Xiang ◽

Ting Fang ◽

Changan Ren ◽

Junnan Qi ◽

Zheng Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Document Retrieval ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Peripheral Facial Paralysis ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure

Abstract Background: Moxibustion has been used in treating patients with Peripheral Facial Paralysis(PFP), but its effectiveness and safety have not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this review is to comprehensively assess the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for PFP.Methods: We will conduct a systematic document retrieval of databases from inception to March 18, 2021, including Embase, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Chinese databases SinoMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database and Wanfang Data (WF). Reviewers will independently retrieve databases, identify trials, extract data, and evaluate the quality of eligible randomized controlled trials(RCTs). The outcomes will include: the effective rate, the House-Brackmann (H-B) score, Facial Disability Index (FDI), and side effects. The quality of eligible RCT will be assessed by the Cochrane risk-of-bias. Meta-analysis will be processed by the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.3.0.Discussion: This review will provide comprehensive evidence of moxibustion for PFP.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020207068

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The Effectiveness and Safety of Bushen Huoxue Decoction on Treating Coronary Heart Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/5541228 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Lan-Chun Liu ◽

Qi-Yuan Mao ◽

Chao Liu ◽

Jun Hu ◽

Lian Duan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Heart Disease ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Western Medicine ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Groups ◽

Bushen Huoxue Decoction

Objective. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BSHXD) in treating coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) of BSHXD in treating CHD were searched until March 2020, through six electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, SinoMed, and VIP. This study used the Cochrane Risk Test bias tool in the Cochrane Handbook to assess the quality of the methodology. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 was used to analyze the results. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were applied in the classification of evidence quality. Results. Ten RCTs involving 901 patients were finally included in this meta-analysis. It revealed that the effectiveness of BSHXD in treating CHD was significantly better than that of the conventional western medicine (CWM) treatment ( P < 0.00001 ). The effective rate of BSHXD treatment group on ECG was also significantly higher than that of CWM group ( P < 0.00001 ). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in the treatment groups compared with those in the control groups ( P < 0.00001 ). There was also a reduction in frequency and duration of angina pectoris ( P < 0.00001 ). There were no significant differences in TC level ( P = 0.08 ), TG level ( P = 0.86 ), and HDL level ( P = 0.76 ) between the treatment and control groups. Five studies had informed adverse events, including nausea and diarrhea. Conclusion. Our findings laid the foundation to the use of TCM Formula BSHXD in combination with conventional western medicine for treating CHD. However, due to the limitation of the quality of the included researches, in addition to potential reporting bias, the above conclusions still need verification by higher-quality and better-designed studies.

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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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Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Exercise Tolerance and Quality of Life in IPF Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/8498603 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Xueqing Yu ◽

Xuanlin Li ◽

Liaoyao Wang ◽

Ran Liu ◽

Yang Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Single Breath

Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Methods. Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), Wanfang Data, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) were comprehensively searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of PR for IPF patients were included. Literature selection and data extraction were conducted by two review authors independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool and RevMan software (version 5.3) were used to evaluate the quality of studies and conduct statistical analysis, respectively.Results. Seven studies (190 participants) were included. PR had a significant effect on six-minute walk distance (6MWD) (MD:48.60; 95%CI: 29.03 to 68.18;Z=4.87,P<0.00001), and 6MWD was improved more in subgroup analysis including studies conducted in Asia (MD: 53.62; 95%CI: 30.48 to 76.66;Z=4.54,P<0.00001) and Europe (MD:54.10; 95% CI: 26.65 to 101.56;Z=2.23,P=0.03). Forced vital capacity (FVC%) was higher (MD: 3.69; 95%CI: 0.16 to 7.23;Z=2.05,P=0.04). St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)/IPF-specific SGRQ (SGRQ-I) total score was lower (MD: -7.87; 95% CI: -11.44 to -4.30;Z=4.32,P<0.0001). No significant effects were found for lung diffusing capacity determined by the single-breath technique (DLCO%) (MD: 3.02; 95%CI: -0.38 to 6.42;Z=1.74,P=0.08).Conclusions. This study suggests that PR may enhance exercise capacity and improve quality of life in IPF patients. Besides, PR may also delay the decline of lung function of patients with IPF. However, further research should more fully assess the efficacy and safety of PR for IPF.

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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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