scholarly journals Circulating Levels of Osteopontin in Patients With Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Aikaterini Kyriakou ◽  
Aikaterini Patsatsi ◽  
Nikiforos Galanis ◽  
Dimitrios G. Goulis
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cell Lineage ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Psoriasis Area Severity Index ◽  
Pubmed Central ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Circulating Levels

Background: Both Th1 and Th17 have been proposed to be pathogenically essential in psoriasis. Osteopontin (OPN) is known to enhance Th1 responses, inhibit Th2 ones, and take part in the modulation of Th17 cell lineage. Due to its impact on Th1/Th17 immune responses, several reports have suggested that OPN may be of pathogenic importance in psoriasis. Our objective was to review the literature for studies that have assessed the circulating levels of OPN in psoriatic cases and controls and to meta-analyze the evidence obtainable. Methods: Search was performed in PubMed, Central, and Embase. Eligible were studies that have assessed OPN concentrations in patients with psoriasis and a group of reference. Results: Patients with psoriasis had increased OPN concentrations compared with controls (random-effects model, standardized mean difference: 1.58 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval: 0.90-2.26; P < .0001]). Heterogeneity among studies was high ( I2: 92.2%; P < .0001). The meta-regression analysis showed that the study quality (RTI score) reduced heterogeneity ( I2: 85.2%; P < .005), but not age, body mass index (BMI), Psoriasis Area Severity Index, or matching for BMI. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provided evidence that OPN is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, enlarging the list of cytokines able to stimulate the inflammatory response in this disease.

The Influence of Breastfeeding Educational Interventions on Breast Engorgement and Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 089033442110292
Author(s):  
Mega Hasanul Huda ◽  
Roselyn Chipojola ◽  
Yen Miao Lin ◽  
Gabrielle T. Lee ◽  
Meei-Ling Shyu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Breast Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Effective Components ◽  
Breastfeeding Education ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis

Background Breast engorgement and breast pain are the most common reasons for the early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding by mothers. Research Aims (1) To examine the influence of breastfeeding educational interventions on breast engorgement, breast pain, and exclusive breastfeeding; and (2) to identify effective components for implementing breastfeeding programs. Methods Randomized controlled trials of breastfeeding educational interventions were searched using five English and five Chinese databases. Eligible studies were independently evaluated for methodological quality, and data were extracted by two investigators. In total, 22 trials were identified, and 3,681 participants were included. A random-effects model was used to pool the results, and a subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted. Results Breastfeeding education had a significant influence on reducing breast engorgement at postpartum 3 days (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, 95% CI [0.15, 0.48] p < .001), 4 days (OR: 0.16, 95% CI [0.11, 0.22], p < .001), and 5–7 days (OR: 0.24, 95% CI [0.08, 0.74], p = .013) and breast pain (standardized mean difference: −1.33, 95% CI [−2.26, −0.40]) at postpartum 4–14 days. Participants who received interventions had higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding educational interventions provided through lecture combined with skills practical effectively reduced breast engorgement (OR: 0.21; 95% CI [0.15, 0.28]; p = .001) and improved exclusive breastfeeding at postpartum 1–6 weeks (OR: 2.16; 95% CI [1.65, 2.83]; p = .001). Conclusions Breastfeeding educational interventions have been effective in reducing breast engorgement, breast pain, and improved exclusive breastfeeding. A combination of knowledge and skill-based education has been beneficial for sustaining exclusive breastfeeding by mothers.

Associations of the Polymorphisms in ADIPOQ with Circulating Levels of Adiponectin and Lipids: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (08) ◽  
pp. 541-561
Author(s):  
Mi Su ◽  
Aimei Jia ◽  
Yilan He ◽  
Yongyan Song
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Adiponectin Gene ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Circulating Levels

AbstractThe relationships between the rs266729, rs1501299, and rs2241766 polymorphisms in adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) and circulating levels of adiponectin and lipids remain to be clarified. Databases including PubMed and Embase were searched for eligible studies. The random-effects model was used, and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the differences in circulating levels of adiponectin and lipids between the subjects with different genotypes. A total of 12 810, 17 319, and 21 361 subjects were identified in the analyses for the rs266729, rs1501299, and rs2241766 polymorphisms, respectively. G allele carriers of the rs266729 polymorphism had lower levels of adiponectin (SMD=–0.28, 95% CI=–0.43 to–0.12) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD=–0.10, 95% CI=–0.17 to–0.02) than CC homozygotes; T allele carriers of the rs1501299 polymorphism had higher levels of adiponectin (SMD=0.21, 95% CI=0.05 to 0.36) and HDL-C (SMD=0.09, 95% CI=0.04 to 0.15) and lower levels of triglycerides (SMD=–0.06, 95% CI=–0.12 to–0.01) than GG homozygotes; G allele carriers of the rs2241766 polymorphism had lower levels of adiponectin (SMD=–0.18, 95% CI=–0.31 to–0.05) and HDL-C (SMD=–0.12, 95% CI=–0.20 to–0.04) than TT homozygotes. This meta-analysis suggests that the rs266729, rs1501299, and rs2241766 polymorphisms of ADIPOQ are significantly associated with circulating levels of adiponectin and lipids, which may partly explain the associations between these polymorphisms and coronary artery disease.

The predictive power of expressed emotion and its components in relapse of schizophrenia: a meta-analysis and meta-regression

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-375
Author(s):  
Chak Fai Ma ◽  
Sherry Kit Wa Chan ◽  
Yik Ling Chung ◽  
Siu Man Ng ◽  
Christy Lai Ming Hui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Random Effects ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
Expressed Emotion ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Late Relapse ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Multiple Relapse ◽  
Patients Experience

AbstractBackgroundSchizophrenia is a longstanding condition and most patients experience multiple relapse in the course of the condition. High expressed emotion (HEE) has been found to be a predictor of relapse. This meta-analysis and meta-regression examined the association of global EE and relapse specifically focusing on timing of relapse and EE domains.MethodsRandom-effects model was used to pool the effect estimates. Multiple random-effects meta-regression was used to compute the moderator analysis. Putative effect moderators including culture, EE measurements, age, length of condition and study quality were included.ResultsThirty-three prospective cohort studies comprising 2284 patients were included in the descriptive review and 30 studies were included for meta-analysis and meta-regression. Findings revealed that global HEE significantly predicted more on early relapse (⩽12 months) [OR 4.87 (95% CI 3.22–7.36)] than that on late relapse (>12 months) [OR 2.13 (95% CI 1.36–3.35)]. Higher level of critical comments (CC) significantly predicted relapse [OR 2.22 (95% CI 1.16–4.26)], whereas higher level of warmth significantly protected patients from relapse [OR 0.35 (95% CI 0.15–0.85)]. None of the moderators included significantly change the results.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that there is a dynamic interaction between EE-relapse association with time, and CC and warmth are the two important EE domains to influence relapse among patients with schizophrenia. Results also confirmed the foci of family interventions on reducing CC and improving warmth in relationship.

scholarly journals Newer Biologics for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anusree Subramonian ◽  
Melissa Walter
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Plaque Psoriasis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Psoriasis Area Severity Index ◽  
Severe Plaque Psoriasis ◽  
Meta Analyses

Eight systematic reviews with network meta-analysis were identified that compared newer biologics with older biologics in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. There was extensive overlap of primary studies across the systematic reviews and network meta-analyses. Newer biologics such as secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab and risankizumab were more favourable compared to older biologics (adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab) in reaching 90% or 100% skin clearance, as measured with the Psoriasis Area Severity Index. The risk of side effects was similar between the newer and older biologics.

The prevalence of agranulocytosis and related death in clozapine-treated patients: a comprehensive meta-analysis of observational studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 583-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Hong Li ◽  
Xiao-Mei Zhong ◽  
Li Lu ◽  
Wei Zheng ◽  
Shi-bin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Analysis Program ◽  
Clozapine Treatment ◽  
Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure

AbstractBackgroundClozapine treatment increases the risk of agranulocytosis, but findings on the epidemiology of agranulocytosis have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis examined the prevalence of agranulocytosis and related death in clozapine-treated patients.MethodsA literature search in the international (PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE) and Chinese (WanFang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Sinomed) databases was conducted. Prevalence estimates of agranulocytosis and related death in clozapine-treated patients were synthesized with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program using the random-effects model.ResultsThirty-six studies with 260 948 clozapine-treated patients published between 1984 and 2018 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of agranulocytosis and death caused by agranulocytosis were 0.4% (95% CI 0.3–0.6%) and 0.05% (95% CI 0.03–0.09%), respectively. The prevalence of agranulocytosis was moderated by sample size, study quality, year of publication, and that of data collection.ConclusionsThe prevalence of clozapine-associated agranulocytosis is low. Agranulocytosis-related death appears rare.

scholarly journals The Impact of Cardiac Injury on COVID-19 Patients Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Nisa Amnifolia Niazta ◽  
Hiradipta Ardining ◽  
Muchammad Dzikrul Haq Karimullah
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cardiac Injury ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Study Quality Assessment ◽  
Grade Approach

Background: Cardiovascular system was the second most common organ system affected by COVID-19. Cardiac injury has been reported in many COVID-19 cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between cardiac injury with mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis study. The relevant studies were identified through scientific electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect up to August 2020. The study quality assessment was conducted using the GRADE approach. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using the random-effects model. Results: A total of 10 studies involving 2619 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The incidence of cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients was 28.5%. The all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with cardiac injury (52.8% vs. 13.1%; OR = 13.78; 95% CI = 7.22-26.32; I 2 = 88%; Z= 7.95; P < 0.00001). Conclusion: Cardiac injury is associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients. The cardiac injury should be considered as an important variable in the risk stratification for mortality in COVID-19.

scholarly journals Clinical Outcomes of Specific Immunotherapy in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiang Chen ◽  
Guo Xiao-Zhong ◽  
Xing-Shun Qi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Specific Immunotherapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Advanced Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Autologous Tumor ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Immunological Responses

Specific immunotherapies, including vaccines with autologous tumor cells and tumor antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, are important treatments for PC patients. To evaluate the clinical outcomes of PC-specific immunotherapy, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relevant published clinical trials. The effects of specific immunotherapy were compared with those of nonspecific immunotherapy and the meta-analysis was executed with results regarding the overall survival (OS), immune responses data, and serum cancer markers data. The pooled analysis was performed by using the random-effects model. We found that significantly improved OS was noted for PC patients utilizing specific immunotherapy and an improved immune response was also observed. In conclusion, specific immunotherapy was superior in prolonging the survival time and enhancing immunological responses in PC patients.

scholarly journals Association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and gestational diabetes – a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolai Paul Pace ◽  
Josanne Vassallo
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Surrogate Index

Abstract A growing body of evidence shows that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a surrogate index of systemic inflammation in several chronic diseases. Conflicting associations between NLR and gestational diabetes (GDM) have been reported in individual studies. This meta-analysis sought to investigate the association between NLR and GDM. The PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify relevant articles. The pooled standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval were calculated using a random effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were carried out to control for the effects of GDM diagnostic criteria, ethnicity, body mass index and age. Eleven eligible articles were included, containing 1271 participants with GDM and 1504 controls. Pooled outcomes indicated a higher NLR in GDM pregnancies than in normoglycemic controls (SMD = 0.584, 95% CI = 0.339 - 0.830, p &lt; 0.001), although extensive heterogeneity between studies was noted. Subgroup analysis revealed that the higher pooled estimate in GDM was not affected by diagnostic criteria, ethnicity, or BMI, although matching for BMI reduced heterogeneity between studies. This meta-analysis supports the higher NLR in GDM described by some individual studies.

scholarly journals Lower circulating zinc and selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of asthma: evidence from a meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 1555-1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Chen ◽  
Yongye Sun ◽  
Yili Wu
Keyword(s):  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
General Populations ◽  
Leave One Out

AbstractObjective:Previous studies evaluating the associations of circulating Zn and Se levels with asthma have produced inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize and quantitatively synthesize the evidence from observational research.Design:Meta-analysis.Setting:We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to May 2019 for relevant available articles. Random-effects model was adopted to estimate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % CI. Meta-regression analysis and ‘leave-one-out’ sensitivity analysis were used to assess heterogeneity.Participants:The meta-analysis focused on general populations.Results:A total of twenty-six studies for Zn and forty studies for Se were included in the meta-analysis. The overall analyses identified that asthma patients had lower Zn (SMD = −0·40; 95 % CI −0·77, −0·03; I2 = 94·1 %) and Se (SMD = −0·32; 95 % CI −0·48, −0·17; I2 = 90·9 %) levels in serum or plasma compared with healthy controls. After removing the studies that contributed to the heterogeneity, the pooled SMD were −0·26 (95 % CI −0·40, −0·13; I2 = 37·42 %) for Zn and −0·06 (95 % CI −0·13, 0·02; I2 = 43·54 %) for Se.Conclusions:Lower circulating Zn and Se levels might be associated with an increased risk of asthma.

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