scholarly journals The incubation period of COVID-19: a global meta-analysis of 53 studies and a Chinese observation study of 11 545 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Cheng ◽  
DongDong Zhang ◽  
Dejian Dang ◽  
Juan Geng ◽  
Peiyu Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The incubation period is a crucial index of epidemiology in understanding the spread of the emerging Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to describe the incubation period of COVID-19 globally and in the mainland of China. Methods The searched studies were published from December 1, 2019 to May 26, 2021 in CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, and Embase databases. A random-effect model was used to pool the mean incubation period. Meta-regression was used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Meanwhile, we collected 11 545 patients in the mainland of China outside Hubei from January 19, 2020 to September 21, 2020. The incubation period fitted with the Log-normal model by the coarseDataTools package. Results A total of 3235 articles were searched, 53 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean incubation period of COVID-19 was 6.0 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6–6.5) globally, 6.5 days (95% CI 6.1–6.9) in the mainland of China, and 4.6 days (95% CI 4.1–5.1) outside the mainland of China (P = 0.006). The incubation period varied with age (P = 0.005). Meanwhile, in 11 545 patients, the mean incubation period was 7.1 days (95% CI 7.0–7.2), which was similar to the finding in our meta-analysis. Conclusions For COVID-19, the mean incubation period was 6.0 days globally but near 7.0 days in the mainland of China, which will help identify the time of infection and make disease control decisions. Furthermore, attention should also be paid to the region- or age-specific incubation period. Graphic Abstract

Author(s):  
Golnaz Vaseghi ◽  
Marjan Mansourian ◽  
Raheleh Karimi ◽  
Kiyan Heshmat-Ghahdarijani ◽  
Paria Rouhi ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionDiagnosis of COVID-19 is based on clinical manifestation, history of exposure, positive findings on chest CT and laboratory tests. It has been shown that inflammation plays a role in pathogenesis of COVID-19.MethodWe used the necessary transformations to convert the median and IQR to mean and SD Random-effect model using Der Simonian, and Laird methods was used if heterogeneity between studies was significant, the homogeneity among studies was assessed with I2 Statistic, values above 50%, and for the chi-square test, P-values <0.1 was supposed statistically significantResultsTwelve studies were included in the analysis that all of which were conducted in China in the year 2020. The result of combining 12 articles with 772 participants showed that the pooled estimate of the mean of lymphocyte with 95% CI was (Mean: 1.01; 95% CI (0.76-1.26); p-value<0.001). About WBC the pooled result of 9 studies with 402 participants was (Mean: 5.11; 95% CI (3.90-6.32); p-value<0.001) Also the pooled mean estimate of 9 studies with 513 patients for the ratio of Neutrophil/lymphocyte was (Mean: 3.62; 95% CI (1.48-5.77); p-value=0.001). The pooled mean from the combination of 7 studies with 521 patients on CRP was (Mean: 28.75; 95% CI (8.04-49.46).ConclusionInflammatory Markers increase in patients with Covid-19, which can be a good indicator to find patients.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
David Núñez-Fuentes ◽  
Esteban Obrero-Gaitán ◽  
Noelia Zagalaz-Anula ◽  
Alfonso Javier Ibáñez-Vera ◽  
Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa ◽  
...  

Balance problems are one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). However, the extent and nature of this balance disorder are not known. The objective of this work was to determine the best evidence for the alteration of postural balance in patients with FMS and analyze differences with healthy controls. To meet this objective, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. A bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO. Observational studies that assessed postural balance in patients with FMS compared to healthy subjects in baseline conditions, were selected. In a random-effect model, the pooled effect was calculated with the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Nineteen studies reporting data of 2347 participants (95% female) were included. FMS patients showed poor balance with a large effect on static (SMD = 1.578; 95% CI = 1.164, 1.992), dynamic (SMD = 0.946; 95% CI = 0.598, 1.294), functional balance (SMD = 1.138; 95% CI = 0.689, 1.588) and on balance confidence (SMD = 1.194; 95% CI = 0.914, 1.473). Analysis of the Sensory Organization Test showed large alteration of vestibular (SMD = 1.631; 95% CI = 0.467, 2.795) and visual scores (SMD = 1.317; 95% CI = 0.153, 2.481) compared to healthy controls. Patients with FMS showed worse scores for different measures of postural balance compared to healthy controls. Concretely, FMS patients appear to have poor vestibular and visual scores with a possible somatosensory dependence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Atlaw ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Kenbon Seyoum ◽  
Damtew Solomon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of disorders that arise from the failure of the neural tube close between 21 and 28 days after conception. About 90% of neural tube defects and 95% of death due to these defects occurs in low-income countries. Since these NTDs cause considerable morbidity and mortality, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of NTDs in Africa. Methods The protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO number: CRD42020149356). All major databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa, and Cochran’s Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Begg ’s tests, and the association between determinant factors and NTDs was estimated using a random-effect model. Results Of the total 2679 articles, 37 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was 50.71 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 48.03, 53.44). Folic acid supplementation (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19–0.85), maternal exposure to pesticide (AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.04–10.39), mothers with a previous history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.99–5.65) and maternal exposure to x-ray radiation (AOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27–4.31) were found to be determinants of NTDs. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was found to be high. Maternal exposure to pesticides and x-ray radiation were significantly associated with NTDs. Folic acid supplementation before and within the first month of pregnancy was found to be a protective factor for NTDs.


Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001687
Author(s):  
Aliya Amirova ◽  
Theodora Fteropoulli ◽  
Paul Williams ◽  
Mark Haddad

ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aims to (1) evaluate the efficacy of physical activity interventions in heart failure and (2) to identify intervention characteristics significantly associated with the interventions’ efficacy.MethodsRandomised controlled trials reporting intervention effects on physical activity in heart failure were combined in a meta-analysis using a random-effect model. Exploratory meta-analysis was performed by specifying the general approach (eg, cardiac rehabilitation), strategies used (eg, action planning), setting (eg, centre based), mode of delivery (eg, face to face or online), facilitator (eg, nurse), contact time and behavioural change theory use as predictors in the random-effect model.ResultsInterventions (n=21) had a significant overall effect (SMD=0.54, 95% CI (0.13 to 0.95), p<0.0005). Combining an exercise programme with behavioural change intervention was found efficacious (SMD=1.26, 95% CI (0.26 to 2.26), p<0.05). Centre-based (SMD=0.98, 95% CI (0.35 to 1.62), and group-based (SMD=0.89, 95% CI (0.29 to 1.50),) delivery by a physiotherapist (SMD=0.84, 95% CI (0.03 to 1.65),) were significantly associated with efficacy. The following strategies were identified efficacious: prompts/cues (SMD=3.29, 95% CI (1.97 to 4.62)), credible source (standardised mean difference, SMD=2.08, 95% CI (0.95;3.22)), adding objects to the environment (SMD=1.47, 95% CI (0.41 to 2.53)), generalisation of the target behaviour SMD=1.32, 95% CI (0.22 to 2.41)), monitoring of behaviour by others without feedback (SMD=1.02, 95% CI (0.05 to 1.98)), self-monitoring of outcome(s) of behaviour (SMD=0.79, 95% CI (0.06 to 1.52), graded tasks (SMD=0.73, 95% CI (0.22 to 1.24)), behavioural practice/rehearsal (SMD=0.72, 95% CI (0.26 to 1.18)), action planning (SMD=0.62, 95% CI (0.03 to 1.21)) and goal setting (behaviour) (SMD=0.56, 95% CI (0.03 to 1.08)).ConclusionThe meta-analysis suggests intervention characteristics that may be suitable for promoting physical activity in heart failure. There is moderate evidence in support of an exercise programme combined with a behavioural change intervention delivered by a physiotherapist in a group-based and centre-based settings.PROSPERO registerationCRD42015015280.


2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (1111) ◽  
pp. 278-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue-Feng Xie ◽  
Xiao-Hui Huang ◽  
Ai-Zong Shen ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Ye-Huan Sun

AimLeptin, synthesised by adipocytes, has been identified as a hormone that can influence inflammatory activity. Several studies have investigated leptin levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the results are not consistent. This study aims to derive a more precise evaluation on the relationship between circulating leptin levels and MS.DesignA comprehensive literature searched up to July 2017 was conducted to evaluate the association of circulating leptin levels and MS. The random-effect model was applied to calculate pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and its 95% CI.Main outcome measuresCirculating leptin levels of patients with MS and healthy controls.ResultsOf 2155 studies identified, 33 met eligibility criteria and 9 studies with 645 patients with MS and 586 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the healthy control group, the MS group had significantly higher plasma/serum leptin levels, with the SMD of 0.70% and 95% CI (0.24 to 1.15). Subgroup analyses suggested that the leptin levels of patients with MS were associated with region, age, study sample size, measurement type, gender and blood sample type.ConclusionOverall, our study suggests that patients with MS have a significantly higher leptin level than in healthy controls. Further mechanism studies and longitudinal large cohort studies are still needed to further reveal the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of MS.


Author(s):  
Nishita H. Darji ◽  
Devang A. Rana ◽  
Supriya D. Malhotra

Background: Glutamate modulators are having immense potential and are newer entities for treating drug resistant depression. The objectives were to generate statistical evidence on basis of existing data of ketamine, memantine, riluzole and d-cycloserine in resistant depression.Methods: A total of 14 RCTs following PRISMA guidelines and matching inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected of ketamine (5), memantine (3), riluzole (2) and d-cycloserine (4) vs placebo in drug resistant depression. Only RCTs with primary diagnosis of drug resistant depression (Previously on two standard antidepressant therapy) were included. Studies with treatment response rate, 50% reduction in total score of the depression rating scale-Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or Beck Depression Inventory was chosen as clinical outcome measure. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the analysis.Results: In ketamine group using random effect model SMD was 2.122 (95% CI 0.659-3.584). P-value was statistically significant (random effect p <0.005 and in fixed effect <0.001). In memantine group, using random effect model -0.963 was SMD and (95% CI -1.958-0.0324). P-value was <0.001, significant in fixed effect. In riluzole group, SMD was -0.564 with (95% CI -3.927-2.799) in random effect. P-value was 0.741. In d-cycloserine group SMD was 0.316 with (95% CI -1.252-1.885) in random effect. P-value was 0.690.Conclusions: Ketamine showed best efficacy followed by memantine. Riluzole and DCS as such have no efficacy although its acts by same glutamate pathway. More molecular based research is required in use of glutamate modulators in resistant depression.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long-Shan Yang ◽  
Guang-Xiao Meng ◽  
Zi-Niu Ding ◽  
Lun-Jie Yan ◽  
Sheng-Yu Yao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and carbohydrates have been shown to be associated with a variety of cancers, but their correlation with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to investigate the correlation of GI, GL and carbohydrate with risk of HCC.Methods Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science until November 2020. According to the size of heterogeneity, the random effect model or the fixed effect model was performed to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the correlation of GI, GL, and carbohydrates with the risk of HCC.Results Seven cohort studies involving 1,193,523 participants and 1,004 cases, and 3 case-control studies involving 827 cases and 5,502 controls were eventually included. The pooled results showed no significant correlation of GI (RR=1.11, 95%CI 0.80-1.53, I2= 62.2%), GL (RR=1.09, 95%CI 0.76-1.55, I2 = 66%), and carbohydrate (RR=1.09, 95%CI 0.84-1.32, I2=0%) with the risk of HCC in general population. Subgroup analysis revealed that in hepatitis B virus (HBV) or/and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive group, GI was not correlated with the risk of HCC (RR=0.65, 95%CI 0.32-1.32, p=0.475, I2=0.0%), while GL was significantly correlated with the risk of HCC (RR=1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.23, p=0.016, I2=70.9%). In contrast, in HBV and HCV-negative group, both GI (RR=1.23, 95%CI 0.88-1.70, p=0.222, I2=33.6%) and GL (RR=1.17, 95% CI 0.83-1.64, p=0.648, I2=0%) were not correlated with the risk of HCC. Conclusion A high GL diet is correlated with a higher risk of HCC in people with hepatitis virus. A low GL diet may be recommended for patients with viral hepatitis to reduce the risk of HCC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-99
Author(s):  
Mansour MOGHIMI ◽  
Seyed Alireza DASTGHEIB ◽  
Naeimeh HEIRANIZADEH ◽  
Mohammad ZARE ◽  
Elnaz SHEIKHPOUR ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The role of -251A>T polymorphism in the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene in gastric cancer was intensively evaluated, but the results of these studies were inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive data on the association of IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism with gastric cancer. METHODS: All eligible studies were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Wanfang and CNKI databases before September 01, 2019. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from a fixed effect or random effect model. RESULTS: A total of 33 case-control studies with 6,192 cases and 9,567 controls were selected. Overall, pooled data showed that IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer under all five genetic models, i.e., allele (A vs T: OR=1.189, 95% CI 1.027-1.378, P=0.021), homozygote (AA vs TT: OR=1.307, 95% CI 1.111-1.536, P=0.001), heterozygote (AT vs TT: OR=1.188, 95% CI 1.061-1.330, P=0.003), dominant (AA+AT vs TT: OR=1.337, 95% CI 1.115-1.602, P=0.002) and recessive (AA vs AT+TT: OR=1.241, 95% CI 1.045-1.474, P=0.014). The stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed an increased risk of gastric cancer in Asians and mixed populations, but not in Caucasians. Moreover, stratified by country found a significant association in Chinese, Korean and Brazilian, but not among Japanese. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that the IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, especially by ethnicity (Asian and mixed populations) and country (Chinese, Korean and Brazilian).


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-122
Author(s):  
Mehdi Jafari Oori ◽  
Farahnaz Mohammadi ◽  
Kian Norozi ◽  
Masoud Fallahi-Khoshknab ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
...  

Introduction: Prevalence of hypertension (HTN) is increasing in the developing countries like Iran. Various studies have reported different rates of HTN in Iran. The purpose of this study was to estimate an overall prevalence of HTN in Iran. Methodology: Using the English and Persian key derived from Mesh, the databases including MagIran, Iran Medex, SID, Web of Sciences, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar as a searching engine were reviewed: from 2004 to 2018. The overall prevalence of MA was estimated using Random effect model. The I2 test was used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Additionally, the quality of studies was evaluated using a standard tool. Publication bias was conducted with the Egger test. Meta-regression and analysis of subgroups were analyzed based on variables such as age, marital status, region and tools. Data were analyzed using STATA 12 software. Results: Analysis of 58 primary articles with a sample size of 902580 showed that the prevalence of HTN in Iran was 25% (with 95% CI of 22-28). The highest prevalence of HTN was related to elderly (42%). The prevalence of HTN was 25% (95% CI: 19-31) in women and 24% (95% CI: 20-28) in men with no significant difference (p = 0.758). The results also indicated that the prevalence of HTN was not related to the year of studies (p = 0.708) or sample size (p = 769). Conclusion: Despite the advancements in science and technology, along with health and prevention of diseases, the overall prevalence of HTN raised in Iran. Since HTN is a silent disease with significant health consequences and economic burden, programs designed to better HTN control seem vital to enhance community health.


2020 ◽  
pp. 106002802096445
Author(s):  
Enrica Di Martino ◽  
Alessio Provenzani ◽  
Patrizio Vitulo ◽  
Piera Polidori

Background: The comparative efficacy of pirfenidone, nintedanib, and pamrevlumab in slowing the rate of forced vital capacity (FVC) decline and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unknown. Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) of these drugs for IPF. Methods: We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, ClincalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization’s registry databases up to March 2020. Phase II/III randomized controlled trials in adults with IPF were eligible. The random-effect model was implemented calculating the effect size and respective 95% CI as Cohen’s d for change from baseline FVC (in percentage predicted and liters) and odds ratio (OR) for 10% reduction in FVC and all-cause mortality (ACM). Results: Six studies were included in the MA. For change from baseline in percentage predicted FVC, the MA indicated that the 3 drugs were more effective than placebo (pirfenidone: d=3.30%, 95% CI=2.15-4.45; nintedanib: d=3.15%, 95% CI=2.35-3.95; pamrevlumab: d=4.30%, 95% CI=0.45-8.15). These results are superimposable to those relating to change from baseline FVC in liters (pirfenidone: d=0.09L, 95% CI=0.04-0.14; nintedanib: d=0.13L, 95% CI=0.10-0.16; pamrevlumab: d=0.20L, 95% CI=0.05-0.35). Each drug had a positive effect on 10% reduction in FVC (pirfenidone: OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.45-0.74; nintedanib: OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.51-0.85; pamrevlumab: OR=0.24, 95% CI=0.08-0.73), but only pirfenidone showed an effect on ACM (OR=0.50; 95% CI=0.31-0.83). Conclusion and Relevance: This MA provided encouraging results on pamrevlumab efficacy in slowing the decline in FVC compared with pirfenidone and nintedanib. Actually, in phase 3, it could become a potential IPF treatment.


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