Systematic review with meta-analysis: effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy for ulcerative colitis

Background and aims: Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy has been used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in the past few years. However, its efficacy still remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen combination therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive study search up to September 2020, from the online databases Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and VIP. Results: Thirteen studies comprising 780 patients were included. We found that compared with conventional therapy, hyperbaric oxygen combination therapy was superior in reaching clinical remission [risk ratio (RR)=1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42 to 1.84; p < 0.001] and clinical response (RR=1.29; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.38; p < 0.001), with lower disease activity scores [standard mean difference (SMD)= −1.19; 95%CI −1.74 to −0.65; p < 0.001]. An obvious reduction of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD= −1.96; 95%CI −2.50 to −1.41; p < 0.001) and interleukin (IL)-6 (SMD= −2.49; 95% CI −2.84 to −2.15; p < 0.001), and elevation of IL-10 level (SMD=2.40; 95% CI 0.68 to 4.12; p = 0.006) were also observed. Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen combination therapy was effective in patients with ulcerative colitis, and has potential as a complementary method for its treatment.

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Predictive Value and Correlation of Neuron-Specific Enolase for Prognosis in Patients with Coma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

European Neurology ◽

10.1159/000509801 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Wen Ye ◽

Yunliang Tang ◽

Xiaoyang Dong ◽

Gengfa Chen ◽

Yan Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Predictive Value ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Life Quality ◽

Neuron Specific Enolase ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Clinical Prognosis ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Disturbance Of Consciousness

Objective: Coma is the most serious disturbance of consciousness, which affects the life quality of patients and increases the burden of their family. Studies to assess the prognostic value of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with coma have not led to precise, generally accepted prognostic rules. The study aims to assess the correlation between NSE and prognosis of coma and the predictive value of NSE for clinical prognosis. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang Data from the establishment time of databases to December 2019. This analysis included patients with coma, regardless of how long the coma was. In total, 26 articles were retrieved and included in the review. Results: The meta-analysis revealed the NSE concentration of patients with coma is significantly higher than that of the control group (standard mean difference = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–1.12, p < 0.05). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of NSE in coma diagnosis was 0.5 (95% CI: 0.39–0.61) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.71–0.94). Conclusions: The NSE concentration of patients with poor coma prognosis is significantly higher than that of the control group. The high NSE concentration is not necessarily a poor prognosis for coma, but low NSE concentration indicates a high probability of a good prognosis for coma.

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Correlation between Serum Levels of High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein and Pancreatitis: A Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2015/430185 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yan Lin ◽

Lian-Jie Lin ◽

Yu Jin ◽

Yong Cao ◽

Ying Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

High Mobility ◽

Serum Levels ◽

High Mobility Group ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Aberrant Expression ◽

Hmgb1 Level ◽

Diagnostic Score ◽

Standard Mean Difference

Background. Aberrant expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) contributes to the progression of various inflammatory diseases. This meta-analysis focused on the clinical significance of serum HMGB1 levels in pancreatitis patients, with the goal of building a novel diagnostic score model.Method. We conducted a meta-analysis by searching in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, China BioMedicine (CBM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases without any language restrictions. Studies were pooled and standard mean difference (SMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Version 12.0 STATA software was used for statistical analysis.Results. We performed a final analysis of 841 subjects from 12 clinical case-control studies. The meta-analysis results showed a positive association between serum HMGB1 levels and the progression of pancreatitis. In the subgroup analysis by country, high serum level of HMGB1 may be related to pancreatitis progression in China, Korea, Hungary, and Japan populations (allP<0.05).Conclusion. The present meta-analysis indicated that serum HMGB1 level was statistically elevated in patients with pancreatitis, and thus serum levels of HMGB1 could be determined to be a useful biomarker for pancreatitis patients.

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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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Comparative Evidence for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Treatment With Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy: A Network Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.774884 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Yinxiao Jiang ◽

Haotian Li ◽

Dan Song ◽

Penghui Ye ◽

Nuo Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intrahepatic Cholestasis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Patent Medicines ◽

Optimal Drug ◽

Cholestasis Of Pregnancy ◽

Patent Medicine

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) seriously threatens the health of pregnant women and newborns. A various number of Chinese prescriptions and patent medicines combined with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) are used for treating ICP in China. However, there are still many doubts in choosing the suitable therapeutic drugs for the treatment of ICP in clinical practice.Methods: Several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), Wanfang, and VIP, were comprehensively searched from the database inception to February 22, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of UDCA only, Chinese prescriptions plus UDCA, and patent medicine plus UDCA for the treatment of ICP were collected according to their inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook version 5.2 was applied for the risk assessment of the included trials. STATA 16.0 software was used for network meta-analysis (NMA). The pruritus score and the serum levels of total bile acid (TBA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) in ICP patients served as the primary outcomes. Moreover, this study had been registered in PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#joinuppage), and the registration number is CRD42020188831.Results: Thirty-eight RCTs comprising 3,841 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the network meta-analysis. The NMA results showed that compared with UDCA used alone, Yinchenhao decoction (seven different Chinese prescriptions or patent medicines) plus UDCA dramatically alleviated the primary outcomes of ICP, including the pruritus score, as well as the serum levels of TBA, ALT, and AST. The NMA results showed that the optimal drug ratio for the treatment of ICP was different from the dosage ratio of traditional Yinchenhao decoction. Significantly, the intervention plan f (IP-f) group [the similar prescription of Yinchenhao decoction 2 (Artemisia capillaris Thunb >15 g, Gardenia >9 g, and Rhubarb <5 g) + UDCA] was the best therapeutics among the eight therapies.Conclusion: Overall, the combined use of Chinese prescriptions or patent medicine with UDCA was generally better than UDCA used alone. The dose of IP-f might be a beneficial therapeutic method for the clinical medication of ICP.Clinical Trail Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, identifier CRD42020188831.

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Association between ALDH2 Gene Polymorphism and Late-onset Alzheimer Disease: An Up-to-date Meta-analysis

Current Alzheimer Research ◽

10.2174/1567205017666200317102337 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 105-111

Author(s):

Haitao Liu ◽

Wei Ge ◽

Wei Chen ◽

Xue Kong ◽

Weiming Jian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Polymorphism ◽

Large Scale ◽

Late Onset ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Positive Trend ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Aldh2 Gene

Objectives: Previous case-control studies have focused on the relationship between ALDH2 gene polymorphism and late-onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD), but no definite unified conclusion has been reached. Therefore, the correlation between ALDH2 Glu504Lys polymorphism and LOAD remains controversial. To analyze the correlation between ALDH2 polymorphism and the risk of LOAD, we implemented this up-to-date meta-analysis to assess the probable association. Methods: Studies were searched through China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China Biology Medicine, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Clinical- Trials.gov, Embase, and MEDLINE from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2018, without any restrictions on language and ethnicity. Results: Five studies of 1057 LOAD patients and 1136 healthy controls met our criteria for the analysis. Statistically, the ALDH2 GA/AA genotype was not linked with raising LOAD risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96-2.28, p = 0.07). In subgroup analysis, the phenomenon that men with ALDH2*2 had higher risk for LOAD (OR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.10-2.67, p = 0.02) was observed. Conclusions: This study comprehends only five existing case-control studies and the result is negative. The positive trend might appear when the sample size is enlarged. In the future, more large-scale casecontrol or cohort studies should be done to enhance the association between ALDH2 polymorphism and AD or other neurodegenerative diseases.

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The role of perioperative intravenous low-dose dexamethasone in rapid recovery after total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060521998220 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (3) ◽

pp. 030006052199822

Author(s):

Youguang Zhuo ◽

Rongguo Yu ◽

Chunling Wu ◽

Yuting Huang ◽

Jie Ye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Low Dose ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting ◽

Opioid Consumption ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Postoperative Rehabilitation ◽

Total Knee

Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the overall safety and effectiveness of perioperative intravenous dexamethasone to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 2020. Methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the relevant data were extracted using a predefined data extraction form. Results Ten RCTs with 1100 knees were included. Our study showed a significant reduction in pain using a postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours and 48 hours, total opioid consumption at 24 hours and 48 hours, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), active range of motion (ROM) limitation, and passive ROM limitation at 72 hours in dexamethasone-treated groups compared with controls. Conclusion Intravenous low-dose dexamethasone is potentially useful in the perioperative setting for reducing postsurgical immediate ROM limitations, pain, opioid consumption, and PONV. There are no data that directly attribute an increase in postoperative complications to intravenous dexamethasone. More high-quality studies are necessary to draw these conclusions.

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Effect of somatometric parameters on the prevalence and severity of varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-021-00695-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Runqing Li ◽

Junjie Liu ◽

Yushan Li ◽

Quanxian Wang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Regression Test ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Q Statistic ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Published studies have shown contradictory results regarding the relationship between somatometric parameters and varicoceles. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the possible effects of age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) on the presence and severity of varicoceles. Methods Databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Two researchers independently identified eligible articles and extracted data. Cochran’s Q statistic and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed using StataSE 12.0 software (StataCorp LP, USA). Random-effects models were used to obtain the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was assessed using Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Results The search strategy produced 272 articles, of which 18 articles were eligible according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 56,325 patients with varicocele and 1,334,694 patients without varicocele were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of somatometric parameters on the presence and severity of varicocele. The overall results demonstrated that the presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height (WMD = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.74, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with BMI (WMD = − 1.35, 95% CI = -1.67 to − 1.03, P < 0.001) but not with age (WMD = -0.93, 95% CI = -2.19 to 0.33, P = 0.149) or weight (WMD = 0.24, 95% CI = -2.24 to 2.72, P = 0.850). The severity of varicocele was inversely correlated with increased BMI but not with age. Conclusion The presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height and inversely correlated with BMI.

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Individual or combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a time-to-event meta-analysis

World Journal of Surgical Oncology ◽

10.1186/s12957-021-02188-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chuang Jiang ◽

Gong Cheng ◽

Mingheng Liao ◽

Jiwei Huang

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Radiofrequency Ablation ◽

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Combined Treatment ◽

Similar Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Arterial Chemoembolization

Abstract Background There is still some debate as to whether transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is better than TACE or RFA alone. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TACE plus RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with RFA or TACE alone. Methods We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for all relevant randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies reporting overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complications of TACE plus RFA for HCC, compared with RFA or TACE alone. Results Twenty-one studies involving 3413 patients were included. TACE combined with RFA was associated with better OS (hazard ratio [HR]=0.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.55–0.71, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.39–0.69, P < 0.001) than TACE alone; compared with RFA alone, TACE plus RFA resulted in longer OS (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.53–0.75, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.51–0.71, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses by tumor size also showed that combined treatment resulted in better OS and RFS compared with RFA alone in patients with HCC larger than 3 cm. Combined treatment resulted in similar rate of major complications compared with TACE or RFA alone (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 0.99–3.20, P = 0.05; OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.42–2.38, P = 1.00, respectively). Conclusions TACE combined with RFA was more effective for HCC than TACE alone. For patients with a tumor larger than 3 cm, the combined treatment also achieved a better effect than RFA alone.

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The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Management of Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/6137450 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Lu Wang ◽

Mingmin Xu ◽

Qianhua Zheng ◽

Wei Zhang ◽

Ying Li

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Safety Evaluation ◽

Functional Constipation ◽

Responder Rate ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Increased Risk

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for functional constipation (FC). Methods. A rigorous literature search was performed in English (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE) and Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medical (CBM), Wanfang database, and China Science and Technology Journal (VIP)) electronic databases from their inception to October 2019. Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared acupuncture therapy with sham acupuncture or pharmacological therapies. The outcome measures were evaluated, including the primary outcome of complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) and secondary outcomes of Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), constipation symptoms scores (CSS), responder rate, the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire, and safety evaluation. Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan5.3. Results. The merged data of 28 RCTs with 3525 participants indicated that acupuncture may be efficient for FC by increasing CSBMs (p<0.00001; MD = 0.84 [95% CI, 0.65 to 1.03]; I2 = 0%) and improving constipation symptoms (p=0.03; SMD = −0.4 [95% CI, −0.78 to −0.03]; I2 = 74%), stool formation (p<0.00001; MD = 0.24 [95% CI, 0.15 to 0.34]; I2 = 0%), quality of life (p<0.00001; N = 1, MD = −0.33 [95% CI, −0.45 to −0.21]), and responder rates (p=0.02; RR = 2.16; [95% CI, 1.1 to 4.24]; I2 = 69%) compared with the effects of sham treatment. No increased risk of adverse events was observed (p=0.44; RR = 1.18; [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.81]; I2 = 0%). With regard to medication comparisons, the pooled data indicated that acupuncture was more effective in increasing CSBMs (p=0.004; MD = 0.53 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.88]; I2 = 88%) and improving patients’ quality of life (p<0.00001; SMD = −0.73 [95% CI, −1.02 to −0.44]; I2 = 64%), with high heterogeneity. However, there were no significant differences in responder rate (p=0.12; RR = 1.31; [95% CI, 0.94 to 1.82]; I2 = 53%), BSFS (p=0.5; MD = 0.17 [95% CI, −0.33 to 0.68]; I2 = 93%), or CSS (p=0.05; SMD = −0.62 [95% CI, −1.23 to −0.01]; I2 = 89%). Regarding safety evaluation, acupuncture was safer than medications (p<0.0001; RR = 0.3; [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.52]; I2 = 30%). Conclusions. Current evidence suggests that acupuncture is an efficient and safe treatment for FC. Acupuncture increased stool frequency, improved stool formation, alleviated constipation symptoms, and improved quality of life. However, the evidence quality was relatively low and the relationship between acupuncture and drugs is not clear. More high-quality trials are recommended in the future. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019143347.

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