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

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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Acupuncture for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038455 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e038455

Author(s):

Zhen Gao ◽

Gao-Feng Liu ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

Lai-Xi Ji

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Cervical Spondylosis ◽

Functional Disability ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Random Effects Models

IntroductionNeck pain causes serious social and economic burden. Research on the use of acupuncture for managing cervical spondylosis has increased over time, with the quality of studies showing an improved trend. The present study seeks to use a systematic review approach to understand efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treatment of neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis.Methods and analysisWe will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Literature, Wanfang database and VIP databases, from their inception to July 2020, to identify and retrieve all randomised controlled trials, describing the use of acupuncture for treatment of cervical spondylosis. Thereafter, two reviewers will independently select the studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. Any disagreements, between them, will be resolved through a discussion with a third reviewer. Data synthesis and statistical analyses will be performed using the Revman V.5.3 software. Specifically, data will be synthesised by either fixed-effects (heterogeneity less than 50%) or random-effects models, following a heterogeneity test, with outcome measures focusing on pain intensity, functional disability, psychological improvements and adverse events. In cases where no considerable heterogeneity is detected, a meta-analysis will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval will be required for this study, since it does not infringe on anyone’s interests. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated through conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020152379.

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Early Childhood Neglect Among 3- to 6-Year-Old Children in China: A Meta-Analysis

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/15248380211013139 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 152483802110131

Author(s):

Huiping Zhang ◽

Mengmeng Ji ◽

Yang Wang ◽

Shuo Xu ◽

Rui Shi

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Childhood Neglect ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Medical Neglect

Background: This review aims to estimate the prevalence of the neglect of 3- to 6-year-old children in China. Method: We systematically searched both English- (Web of Science, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane Library) and Chinese-language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Weipu, and Biomedical Database). We extracted data related to the prevalence of early childhood neglect and its subtypes and pooled it using random effects models. Findings: We included 21 eligible studies, with a total of 35,175 3- to 6-year-old children, in the analyses. The pooled neglect prevalence was 32.1% at a 95% confidence interval (95% CI [27.0%, 37.2%]). The prevalence of physical, emotional, educational, security, and medical neglect was 15.2% (95% CI [11.9%, 18.5%]), 15.2% (95% CI [10.7%, 19.6%]), 10.4% (95% CI [7.4%, 13.4%]), 13.8% (95% CI [9.9%, 17.8%]), and 11.5% (95% CI [8.1%, 14.9%]), respectively. No gender or location differences were found to affect early childhood neglect or its subtypes. Interpretation: Our results revealed a high prevalence of early childhood neglect—including all its subtypes—among 3- to 6-year-old children in China. Improved child policies and prevention programs tailored to preschool children are needed to protect the well-being of younger children.

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ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphism and chemosensitivity to platinum drugs in patients with ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Ovarian Research ◽

10.1186/s13048-021-00831-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuqiang Zhang ◽

Sufen Cao ◽

Chunyu Zhuang ◽

Jiacheng Chen ◽

Xiaojing Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Asian Population ◽

Caucasian Population ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Platinum Drugs ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objective To explore the relationship between ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphism and chemosensitivity to platinum drugs in ovarian cancer by the method of meta-analysis. Methods Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Wanfang databases were comprehensively searched up to September 2020, to identify the relationship between ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphism and chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer. The data was analyzed by Stata 15.0 statistic software. Results A total of 10 published papers were included, including 1866 patients with ovarian cancer. The results showed that compared allele C at ERCC1 rs11615 locus with allele T, the pooled OR was 0.92 (95%CI:0.68 ~ 1.24, P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in recessive, dominant, homozygous, and heterozygous models. In accordance with a subgroup analysis of Ethnicity, all genotypes were statistically significant in the Asian population. In the allelic, dominant, recessive, homozygous and heterozygous models, the OR was 0.70 (95%CI:0.51 ~ 0.95), 0.20 (95%CI:0.07 ~ 0.56), 0.79 (95%CI:0.63 ~ 1.00), 0.21 (95%CI:0.07 ~ 0.59), 0.19 (95%CI:0.07 ~ 0.54), respectively, while in the Caucasian population, no statistically significant genotype was found. Conclusion The ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphism is associated with chemosensitivity in patients with ovarian cancer, especially in the Asian population, but not in the Caucasian population.

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Effectiveness and Safety of Plum - Blossom Needle in the Treatment of Myopia：A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-73070/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Siyuan Zhu ◽

Jun Xiong ◽

Jun Chen ◽

Genhua Tang ◽

Lunbin Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Systematic Evaluation ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Myopia Progression ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background: In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly, and it has become one of the major eye diseases that cause visual impairment in the world,which is particularly prominent among young people. And uncorrected myopia is the leading cause of blindness.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plum-blossom needle in delaying adolescent myopia progression through systematic evaluation.Methods and analysis:The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to July 2020 regardless of publication status and language: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBLD), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (CSTPD). RCT registration websites, including http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov and http://www.chictr.org.cn, will also be searched. Review Manager V.5.4 will be used to analysis the statistic. Two reviewers will independently select studies, extract and code the data, assess risk of bias of the included studies, evaluate the quality of evidence for outcomes.Discussion:So far, many studies have been conducted on the treatment of adolescent myopia with plum-blossom needles. However, there is still no clear conclusion on the effectiveness and safety of plum-blossom needles in the treatment of juvenile myopia.In this systematic review and meta-analysis, available data will be pooled together to further inform research and clinical practice.Systematic review registration: Inplasy protocol 202080026

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Effect of electric stimulation on patients with facial paralysis: A systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

10.37766/inplasy2022.1.0016 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Jiangna Zhao ◽

◽

Yun An ◽

Huixin Yan ◽

Tao Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Facial Paralysis ◽

Electric Stimulation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Clinical Effectiveness ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Review Question ◽

The Cochrane Library

Review question / Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of electric stimulation on patients with facial paralysis through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Condition being studied: P: facial paralysis; I: electric stimulation; C: clinical routine treatment; O: total clinical effectiveness, House-Brackmann scale (HBN) and Portmann scale; S:RCT. Information sources: PubMed; the Cochrane Library; Embase; SinoMed; WanFang Data; Vip; China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases.

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Prothrombotic Factors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Ear Nose & Throat Journal ◽

10.1177/0145561320965208 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 014556132096520

Author(s):

Yue Qiu ◽

Xiaodan Li ◽

Xin Zhang ◽

Wei Wang ◽

Jun Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Sleep Apnea ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Mean Differences ◽

The Relationship

Background: Previous studies revealed that the prothrombotic factors in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain controversial. Aim/Objective: The aim of the systematic review is to elucidate the relationship between prothrombotic factors and OSA. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was performed under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The literature we investigated was extracted from 4 main medical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases) as of February 2020. We used significant weighted mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs from random-effects model. Results: A total of 15 studies comprising 2190 patients were available for the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that the levels of fibrinogen (SMD = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.26 to 1.65, P = .000), vascular endothelial growth factor (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = −0.90 to 1.63, P = .000), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.92, P = .040) increased in patients with OSA. There were no statistical differences between groups in terms of d-dimer ( P = .108) and platelet counts ( P = .233). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that specimen types and age could account for the heterogeneity. Conclusions and Significance: This meta-analysis indicated the relationship between prothrombotic factors in OSA hypopnea. Obstructive sleep apnea–related effects may underline the importance of considering the dysfunction of the hemostatic system. The prothrombotic factors in OSA can influence making a choice of appropriate therapy.

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The CEBPE rs2239633 genetic polymorphism on susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An updated meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-39812/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jin Liu ◽

Gu Weiling ◽

Li Xueqin ◽

Xie Liang ◽

Wang Linhong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Random Ratio ◽

Regression Test ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background: We performed an updated meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between the CEBPE rs2239633 polymorphism and the CALL susceptibility.Methods: All the case-control studies updated on July 31, 2019 through Web of Science, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Nationa Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) electronic database. The heterogeneity in the study was tested by the Q-test and I2, and then the random ratio or fixed effect was utilized to merge the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). To estimate the impact of individual studies on aggregate estimates, we performed sensitivity analysis. Using funnel plot and Begger’s regression test investigated the publication bias. All data Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 12.0.Results: A total of 23442 participants (7014 patients; 16428 controls) were included in twenty case-control studies selected. There was no association of CEBPE rs2239633 polymorphism with CALL (CC vs CT + TT: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.94 –1.26; CC + CT vs TT: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.94–1.30; C vs T: OR =1.02, 95% CI = 0.92–1.13). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association of this polymorphism and CALL risks among Asia and Caucasian populations for the comparison of CC vs CT + TT, CC + CT vs TT and C vs T genetic models .Conclusion: This meta-analysis did not find the CEBPE rs2239633 polymorphism can increase and decrease the risk of susceptibility to CALL.

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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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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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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: The Effectiveness of Probiotics for Viral Gastroenteritis

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology ◽

10.2174/1389201021666200416123931 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (11) ◽

pp. 1042-1051 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fereshteh Ansari ◽

Fariba Pashazadeh ◽

Elaheh Nourollahi ◽

Sakineh Hajebrahimi ◽

Zachary Munn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Viral Gastroenteritis ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Study Selection ◽

Duration Of Hospitalization ◽

Mean Differences

Background: Probiotics can be used for the treatment of viral gastroenteritis. Objective: This systematic review is to evaluate the evidence regarding the effect of probiotics on human cases of viral gastroenteritis. Methods: The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics against placebo or standard treatment for viral gastroenteritis. A comprehensive search of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE via PubMed and Ovid databases, and unpublished studies (till 27 January 2018) was conducted followed by a process of study selection and critical appraisal by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials assessing probiotic administration in human subjects infected with any species of gastroenteritis viruses were considered for inclusion. Only studies with a confirmed viral cause of infection were included. This study was developed using the JBI methodology for systematic reviews, which is in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Meta-analysis was conducted where feasible. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method with random effects models and expressed as Mean Differences (MDs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran Q statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic. We included 17 RCTs, containing 3,082 patients. Results: Probiotics can improve symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, including the duration of diarrhea (mean difference 0.7 days, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.09 days, n = 740, ten trials) and duration of hospitalization (mean difference 0.76 days, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.92 days, n = 329, four trials). Conclusion: The results of this review show that the administration of probiotics in patients with viral gastroenteritis should be considered.

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