CPAP as treatment of sleep apnea after stroke

ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in stroke patients with sleep disordered breathing (SDB).MethodsIn a systematic literature search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) from 1980 to November 2016, we identified RCTs that assessed CPAP compared to standard care or sham CPAP in adult patients with stroke or TIA with SDB. Mean CPAP use, odds ratios (ORs), and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. The prespecified outcomes were adherence to CPAP, neurologic improvement, adverse events, new vascular events, and death.ResultsTen RCTs (564 participants) with CPAP as intervention were included. Two studies compared CPAP with sham CPAP; 8 compared CPAP with usual care. Mean CPAP use across the trials was 4.53 hours per night (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.97–5.08). The OR of dropping out with CPAP was 1.83 (95% CI 1.05–3.21, p = 0.033). The combined analysis of the neurofunctional scales (NIH Stroke Scale and Canadian Neurological Scale) showed an overall neurofunctional improvement with CPAP (SMD 0.5406, 95% CI 0.0263–1.0548) but with a considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 78.9%, p = 0.0394) across the studies. Long-term survival was improved with CPAP in 1 trial.ConclusionCPAP use after stroke is acceptable once the treatment is tolerated. The data indicate that CPAP might be beneficial for neurologic recovery, which justifies larger RCTs.

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Long-term oncologic outcomes of transanal TME compared with transabdominal TME for rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Surgical Endoscopy ◽

10.1007/s00464-021-08615-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jae Young Moon ◽

Min Ro Lee ◽

Gi Won Ha

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Disease Free Survival ◽

Distant Recurrence ◽

Oncologic Outcomes ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) appears to have favorable surgical and pathological outcomes. However, the evidence on survival outcomes remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to compare long-term oncologic outcomes of TaTME with transabdominal TME for rectal cancer. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Data were pooled, and overall effect size was calculated using random-effects models. Outcome measures were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local and distant recurrence. Results We included 11 nonrandomized studies that examined 2,143 patients for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the two groups in OS, DFS, and local and distant recurrence with a RR of 0.65 (95% CI 0.39–1.09, I2 = 0%), 0.79 (95% CI 0.57–1.10, I2 = 0%), 1.14 (95% CI 0.44–2.91, I2 = 66%), and 0.75 (95% CI 0.40–1.41, I2 = 0%), respectively. Conclusion In terms of long-term oncologic outcomes, TaTME may be an alternative to transabdominal TME in patients with rectal cancer. Well-designed randomized trials are warranted to further verify these results.

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Association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and their correlation with disease severity: a meta-analysis

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/03000605211002381 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (3) ◽

pp. 030006052110023

Author(s):

Qian Zou ◽

Jiawei Si ◽

Yatao Guo ◽

Jiayu Yu ◽

Huijuan Shi

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Severity Index ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

Mean Differences ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

Psoriasis Severity

Objective To determine the association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and to evaluate the correlation between serum visfatin levels and the severity of psoriasis. Methods The electronic databases PubMed®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published from inception to 1 May 2020. Data were extracted and then standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pooled estimates. Results A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included (448 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 377 controls). This meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with psoriasis had significantly higher levels of visfatin than the controls (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI 0.52, 1.28). Subgroup analyses showed that differences in serum visfatin levels between the patient group and the control group were associated with ethnicity, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body mass index. Additionally, a meta-analysis of correlations showed that visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were positively correlated with PASI ( r = 0.51, 95% CI 0.14, 0.75). Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that serum visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly higher than those in the controls and a positive correlation between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis severity was observed.

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Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Improving Long-Term Survival of Patients With Resectable Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-146988/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xinlong Li ◽

Xiangyuan Li ◽

Rongrong Fu ◽

Derry Minyao Ng ◽

Tong Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Low Rectal Cancer ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Term Survival ◽

Resectable Rectal Cancer ◽

Long Term Prognosis ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: The impact of neoadjuvant therapy on the long-term prognosis of patients with resectable rectal cancer is controversial. This study aimed to explore the effect of neoadjuvant therapy on the long-term prognosis of patients with resectable rectal cancer. Methods: Four major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library) were searched to find relevant articles published between January 2000 and July 2020. The main outcome indicators were the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Compared with upfront surgery, our meta-analysis showed that 5-year OS (HR: 0.84, 95% Cl: 0.78-0.91) and DFS (HR: 0.91, 95% Cl: 0.87-0.95) were prolonged for patients with resectable rectal cancer after receiving neoadjuvant therapy. The results of subgroup analysis suggested that both neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) and neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) could improve the 5-year OS and DFS. The 5-year OS and DFS of patients with stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ rectal cancer increased significantly and the improvement of 5-year OS and DFS could also be observed in mid/low rectal cancer.Conclusion: Neoadjuvant therapy could improve the long-term survival of patients with mid/low rectal cancer in stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ. For the treatment, neoadjuvant SCRT and neoadjuvant CRT were recommended.

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The Role of Vitamin D on the Prognosis and Incidence of Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-201134/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mingxia Qian ◽

Dina Guo ◽

Rongrong Fu ◽

Shuping Qi ◽

Xiaojun Fu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Term Survival ◽

Long Term Survival ◽

Lung Cancer Patients ◽

Vitamin D Intake

Abstract Background: The correlation between vitamin D intake and lung cancer development is controversial. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and the prognosis and incidence of lung cancer. Methods: A comprehensive database search on Pubmed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library was carried out from the beginning to November 2020. Long-term survival and the incidence rate of patients with lung cancer were the primary outcomes of the study. Results: Ten eligible studies were selected for the meta-analysis following specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four included studies, covering 5007 patients, compared the overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of lung cancer patients among total vitamin D users with non-users. Significantly, the estimated pooled hazard ratio (HR) revealed that vitamin D could improve OS and RFS of lung cancer patients [HR=0.83, 95% CI (0.72-0.95); HR=0.79, 95% CI (0.61-0.97), respectively]. Vitamin D intake was inversely associated with lung cancer incidence in six studies [OR=0.90, 95% CI (0.83-0.97)]. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis shows vitamin D not only improves the long-term survival of lung cancer patients but has a beneficial effect on the incidence of lung cancer. Notwithstanding, more studies are needed to confirm the study results.

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Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Improving Long-Term Survival of Patients with Resectable Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1871520621666210726134809 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

Author(s):

Xinlong Li ◽

Xiangyuan Li ◽

Rongrong Fu ◽

Derry Ng ◽

Tong Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Low Rectal Cancer ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Term Survival ◽

Long Term Survival ◽

Resectable Rectal Cancer ◽

Long Term Prognosis

Background: The impact of neoadjuvant therapy on long-term prognosis of patients with resectable rectal cancer is currently unknown. Objective: This study aimed to explore the long-term prognosis of patients with resectable rectal cancer following treatment with neoadjuvant therapy. Methods: Four major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library) were searched to identify relevant articles published between January 2000 and July 2020. The main outcome indicators were the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: The meta-analysis revealed that 5-year OS (HR: 0.88, 95% Cl: 0.83-0.93) and DFS (HR: 0.95, 95% Cl: 0.91-0.98) were higher in patients with resectable rectal cancer after receiving neoadjuvant therapy than those treated with upfront surgery. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the long-term survival of patients in Asia and Europe could benefit from neoadjuvant therapy. The neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) and neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) improved the 5-year OS and DFS of patients with stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ rectal cancer and mid/low rectal cancer. Further research found that patients with stage Ⅱ only had an increase in OS, while patients with stage Ⅲ have improved 5-year OS and DFS. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant therapy improved the long-term survival of patients with mid/low rectal cancer in stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ (especially stage Ⅲ). Additionally, patients in Asia and Europe seemed to be more likely to benefit from neoadjuvant therapy. For the treatment, we recommend neoadjuvant SCRT and neoadjuvant CRT for resectable rectal cancer.

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Efficacy of Conversion to Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema Previously Refractory to Bevacizumab or Ranibizumab: A Meta-analysis of High-Quality Nonrandomized Studies

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/1060028020904358 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 (8) ◽

pp. 750-756

Author(s):

Kang Xiao ◽

Fu-Zhen Li ◽

Shen-Zhi Liang ◽

Jiong Wang ◽

Cheng Qian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Macular Edema ◽

Diabetic Macular Edema ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Science Data ◽

Study Heterogeneity ◽

Mean Differences ◽

The Cochrane Library

Background: Aflibercept has been widely used in treating diabetic macular edema (DME). However, the effect of aflibercept in treating DME refractory to bevacizumab or ranibizumab has not been well established. Objective: To assess the therapeutic effect of switching from bevacizumab or ranibizumab to aflibercept in the treatment of refractory DME. Methods: Relevant studies were searched from 3 databases: the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science. Data on changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and adverse events within the follow-up period were collected and pooled using weighted mean differences (WMDs) with corresponding 95% CIs in a random effects model. The between-study heterogeneity was tested using the χ2 test and the I2 statistic, and funnel plots were used to evaluate the publication bias. Results: A total of 11 nonrandomized trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Our studies showed significant improvements in the BCVA (WMD = 100.55; 95% CI = 68.46 to 132.63; P < 0.01) and reduction in CMT (WMD = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.14; P < 0.01) after switching to aflibercept. Although a large amount of heterogeneity was detected in the CMT results among these studies, the sensitivity analyses showed the reliability and stability of our results. Conclusion and Relevance: There were significant improvements in both visual and anatomical outcomes after switching from bevacizumab or ranibizumab to aflibercept, without risk of adverse events. Thus, switching therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with refractory DME.

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A meta-analysis of traditional and functional end-to-side anastomosis in radiocephalic fistula for dialysis access

International Urology and Nephrology ◽

10.1007/s11255-020-02691-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tang Weigang ◽

Xu Wei ◽

Gong Lifeng ◽

Lu Jingkui ◽

Li Yani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Patency Rate ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Dialysis Access ◽

Maturation Time ◽

Surgical Success ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

Easy Operation

Abstract Objective Functional vein end to arterial side (ETS) anastomosis uses vein side to arterial side (STS) anastomosis with distal vein ligation, which can achieve similar effects as those of ETS after STS anastomosis. The purpose of the study was to provide a meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes between traditional and functional ETS anastomosis in radiocephalic fistula for dialysis access. Methods Databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang database were searched from the inception to February 6, 2020. Eligible studies comparing traditional and functional ETS anastomosis in radiocephalic fistula were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. Results Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Five randomized controlled trials and two cohort studies involving 841 patients were identified. Compared with traditional ETS anastomosis, functional ETS anastomosis had shorter anastomosis time (MD − 9.54, 95% CI − 17.96 to − 1.12, P = 0.03), higher surgical success rate (OR 3.80, 95% CI 1.76–8.22, P < 0.01), fewer complications(OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08–0.39, P < 0.01), higher patency rate after 3 months (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.19–20.33, P = 0.03), higher patency rate after 6 months (OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.09–3.31, P = 0.02), higher patency rate after 12 months (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09–2.66, P = 0.02). There was no difference after the two arteriovenous (AVF) anastomosisl methods concerning AVF maturation time (SMD − 0.48, 95% CI − 1.30–0.34, P = 0.25) and patency rate after 1 month (OR 1.77, 95% CI 0.65–4.80, P = 0.26). Conclusion Functional ETS anastomosis had advantages of easy operation, high surgical success rate, few complications, high patency rate of 3 months and long-term, but did not have obvious advantage in the early stages concerning AVF maturation time and 1-month patency rate.

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Adverse Events Associated With Anti-IL-23 Agents: Clinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.670398 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Yi Ru ◽

Xiaojie Ding ◽

Ying Luo ◽

Hongjin Li ◽

Xiaoying Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Adverse Event ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

Specific Symptoms

BackgroundAnti-interleukin (IL)-23 agents are widely used for autoimmune disease treatment; however, the safety and risks of specific symptoms have not been systematically assessed.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to summarize the characteristics and mechanisms of occurrence of five immunological and non-immunological adverse events caused by different anti-IL-23 agents.MethodsThe Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible randomized clinical trials published from inception through May 1, 2020. Randomized clinical trials that reported at least one type of adverse event after treatment were included, regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, and diagnosis. Two investigators independently screened and extracted the characteristics of the studies, participants, drugs, and adverse event types. The Cochrane Handbook was used to assess the methodological quality of the included randomized clinical trials. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Meta-regression was applied to determine the sources of heterogeneity, and subgroup analysis was used to identify the factors contributing to adverse events.ResultsForty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 25,624 patients treated with anti-IL-23 agents. Serious immunological or non-immunological adverse events were rare. Anti-IL-12/23-p40 agents appeared to cause adverse events more easily than anti-IL-23-p19 agents. The incidence of cancer did not appear to be related to anti-IL-23 agent treatment, and long-term medication could lead to mental diseases. The prevention of complications should be carefully monitored when administered for over approximately 40 weeks to avoid further adverse reactions, and the incidence of infection was the highest among general immunological adverse events.ConclusionsThe application of anti-IL-23 agents induced a series of immunological and non-immunological adverse events, but these agents tend to be well-tolerated with good safety profiles.

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Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Improving Long-Term Survival of Patients with Resectable Rectal Cancer: a Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-154109/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xinlong Li ◽

Xiangyuan Li ◽

Rongrong Fu ◽

Derry Minyao Ng ◽

Tong Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Low Rectal Cancer ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Term Survival ◽

Resectable Rectal Cancer ◽

Long Term Prognosis ◽

The Impact

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Effects of Encircled Abdominal Compression Device in Colonoscopy: A Meta-Analysis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9010011 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 11 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Toshihiro Nishizawa ◽

Hidekazu Suzuki ◽

Hajime Higuchi ◽

Hirotoshi Ebinuma ◽

Osamu Toyoshima

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Intubation Time ◽

Postural Change ◽

Abdominal Compression ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Mean Differences ◽

The Cochrane Library

Background and Aim: The efficacy of encircling abdominal compression devices in colonoscopies is inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which encircling abdominal compression devices were compared with control in colonoscopies. Methods: We systematically searched RCTs published in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and the Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi database. The data from the eligible RCTs were combined using the random-effects model. The weighted mean differences (WMDs), pooled odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Five RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to the control group, encircling abdominal compression devices significantly reduced the caecal intubation time (WMD: −1.31, 95% CI: −2.40 to −0.23, p = 0.02). Compared to the control group, encircling abdominal compression devices significantly decreased the frequency of postural change (OR 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.41, p < 0.00001). Compared to the control group, the use of encircling abdominal compression devices significantly reduced the need for abdominal compression (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.70, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Encircling abdominal compression devices in colonoscopies was found to reduce the caecal intubation time and the frequency of abdominal compression.

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