MicroRNA-21 as a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is one of the oncogenic miRNAs which may be a potential diagnostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus from inception to August 15, 2018, and reference lists of identified primary studies. Two independent investigators extracted patient and study characteristics. The sensitivity and specificity of microRNA-21 for HCC detection and were analyzed with a random effect model. The area under summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to estimate overall test performance. Results: A total of 515 HCC patients, and 338 healthy or chronic hepatitis controls from six published studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis. All articles were published in English with moderate-to-high quality. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity were 85.2% (73.3% to 88.4%) and 79.2% (68.4% to 87.0%), respectively. The AUC area was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85-0.91). The studies had moderate heterogeneity (I2=70.11%). None of the subgroups investigated-ethnicity, controls, sample source-could account for the heterogeneity. Conclusion: MiR-21 is a helpful biomarker for early diagnosis of HCC. Nevertheless, the results of the test must be interpreted carefully in the context of medical history, erological tests and imaging examinations for HCC surveillance. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.685 How to cite this:Qu J, Yang J, Chen M, Cui L, Wang T, Gao W, et al. MicroRNA-21 as a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.685 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Performance of Serum Glypican 3 in Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A meta-analysis

Annals of Hepatology ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0012.2121 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 (5) ◽

pp. 0-10

Author(s):

Dahai Xu ◽

Chang Su ◽

Liang Sun ◽

Yuanyuan Gao ◽

Youjun Li

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Operating Characteristic ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Positive Control ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Non Invasive

Introduction and aim. Serum glypican-3 (GPC3) has been explored as a non-invasive biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, controversy remains on its diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and metaanalysis to evaluate the differential diagnostic accuracy of serum GPC3 between HCC and liver cirrhosis (LC) cases. Material and methods. After the strict filtering and screening of studies from NCBI, PUBMED, Clinical Trials, Cochrane library, Embase, Prospero and Web of Science databases, 11 studies were selected. All studies provided the sensitivity and specificity of GPC3 and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the HCC and LC diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were determined and compared between GPC3 and AFP, which was set as a positive control. Results. Pooled sensitivity (95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) were 0.55 (0.52-0.58) and 0.58 (0.54-0.61) for GPC3, 0.54 (0.51-0.57) and 0.83 (0.80-0.85) for AFP, and 0.85 (0.81-0.89) and 0.79 (0.73-0.84) for GPC3 + AFP, respectively. The AUCs of GPC3, AFP and GPC3 + AFP were 0.7793, 0.7867 and 0.9366, respectively. GPC3 had a nearly similar sensitivity as AFP, while the specificity and AUC of GPC3 was lower than that of AFP. The combination of GPC3 and AFP yielded a better sensitivity and AUC than GPC3 or AFP. Conclusion. Serum GPC3 is inferior to AFP in the differential diagnosis between HCC and LC. However, the combination of GPC3 and AFP exhibited a much better performance.

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Do Corticosteroids Affect Prenatal Biophysical Parameters? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

International Journal of Women s Health and Reproduction Sciences ◽

10.15296/ijwhr.2020.42 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 259-264

Author(s):

Sanaz Musavi ◽

Leila Nikniaz ◽

Hosein Hoseinifard ◽

Arezou Hamzehzadeh ◽

Shabnam Vazifekhah

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Heart Rate Variability ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Effect Model ◽

Biophysical Profile ◽

Betamethasone And Dexamethasone

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of betamethasone and dexamethasone on biophysical profile (BPP) parameters. In addition, it was performed in 2017, using several databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane library, ISI Web of science, Proquest, and Google scholar, along with Magiran SID and IranMedex. Eligible studies were selected by two reviewers and the outcomes of interest were extracted as well. Meta-analysis was done using the random effect model. Further, I-square statistic test was used for heterogeneity analysis and the presence of publication bias was also checked. At last, 12 studies were included and a random and fixed effect model was used for analysis. The pooled event rates were 4.5% (95% CI = 0.01-64.3, P=0.1), 76.8% (% 95 CI=33.5-95.6, P=0.21), 71.8% (% 95 CI=38.8-91.1, P=0.18), 70.9% (%95 CI=38.4-90.5, P=0.20), and 92.3% (%95 CI=76.0-97.8, P<0.001) for the reduced amniotic fluid volume, baseline fetal heart rate reactivity, fetal breathing, fetal movement, and heart rate variability, respectively. In summary, a significant decrease was observed in heart rate variability following betamethasone and dexamethasone administration. However, further systematic reviews are necessary to differentiate steroid induced changes in the fetal BPP from those due to fetal compromise

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Diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound for transient tachypnea of the newborn: A meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248827 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0248827

Author(s):

Lili He ◽

Yinghua Sun ◽

Wei Sheng ◽

Qiong Yao

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Diagnostic Performance ◽

Large Scale ◽

Lung Ultrasound ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Lower Sensitivity ◽

Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic

Several recent studies demonstrated that lung ultrasound could achieve desired diagnostic accuracy for transient tachypnea of the neonate (TTN). However, the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound for TTN has not been systematically studied to date. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the performance of lung ultrasound in diagnosing TTN. The relevant literature was searched in PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases without any restriction in terms of language and time until January 31, 2021. Studies that assessed the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound for TTN were included. Seven studies with 1514 participants were summarized. The lung ultrasound provided more accurate performance for diagnosing TTN with pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.63–0.71] and 0.97 (95% CI = 0.95–0.98), respectively. A higher summarized area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was observed as 0.9906. Lower sensitivity and area under the curve (AUC) of B-lines for TTN were observed as 0.330 (95% CI = 0.27–0.38) and 0.5000, respectively. Lung ultrasound provided highly accurate AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting TTN. Large-scale studies are warranted in the future to confirm these results.

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Metagenomic next generation sequencing for the diagnosis of tuberculosis meningitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0243161 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. e0243161

Author(s):

Guocan Yu ◽

Wuchen Zhao ◽

Yanqin Shen ◽

Pengfei Zhu ◽

Hong Zheng

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Next Generation Sequencing ◽

Early Diagnosis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Next Generation ◽

Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic ◽

Generation Sequencing

Background Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and its early diagnosis is very difficult leading to present with severe disability or die. The current study aimed to assess the accuracy of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) for TBM, and to identify a new test for the early diagnosis of TBM. Methods We searched for articles published in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data up to June 30, 2020 for studies that assessed the efficacy of mNGS for the diagnosis of TBM. Then, the accuracy between mNGS and a composite reference standard (CRS) in these articles was compared using the meta-analysis approach. Results Four independent studies with 342 samples comparing mNGS and a CRS were included in this study. The sensitivity of mNGS for TBM diagnosis ranged from 27% to 84%. The combined sensitivity of mNGS was 61%, and the I2 value was 92%. Moreover, the specificity of mNGS for TBM diagnosis ranged from 96% to 100%. The combined specificity of mNGS was 98%, and the I2 value was 74%. The heterogeneity between studies in terms of sensitivity and specificity was significant. The area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) of mNGS for TBM was 0.98. Conclusions The sensitivity of mNGS for TBM diagnosis was moderate. Furthermore, the specificity was extremely high, and the AUC of the SROC indicated a very good diagnostic efficacy. mNGS could be used as an early diagnostic method for TBM, however, the results should be treated with caution for the heterogeneity between studies was extremely significant. Systematic review registration INPLASY202070100.

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School reopening and risks accelerating the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0260189 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0260189

Author(s):

Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior ◽

Priscila Carminati Siqueira ◽

Ethel Leonor Noia Maciel

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

British Library ◽

The Impact ◽

Analysis Protocol

Background One of the most recent concerns of this pandemic regards the role of schools reopening in disease transmission, as well as the impact of keeping schools closed. While school reopening seems critical for the education and mental health of children, adolescents, and adults, so far the literature has not systematically reached a consensus whether to recommend the return to schools in a way that would be safe for students and staff. Objective To synthesize and critically evaluate the scientific evidence on the potential risk of accelerating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with school reopening. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was elaborated following the PRISMA-P. We will include all observational study designs, which report on the potential risk of accelerating the COVID-2019 pandemic with school reopening. Electronic databases included were MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and CNKI. Additional sources will be also retrieved, including Clinical trials.gov-NIH, The British Library, Pro Quest Dissertations Database, Public Health Gray Literature Sources and Health Evidence, Google Scholar, and pre-prints [medRXiv]. No restriction to language or date will be used as search strategy. In an independently manner, two investigators will select studies, perform data extraction, as well as perform a critical appraisal of the risk of bias and overall quality of the selected observational studies, based on their designs. The heterogeneity among the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic test. According to the results of this test, we will verify whether a meta-analysis is feasible. If feasibility is confirmed, a random-effect model analysis will be carried out. For data analysis, the calculation of the pooled effect estimates will consider a 95% CI and alpha will be set in 0.05 using the R statistical software, v.4.0.4. In addition, we will rate the certainty of evidence based on Cochrane methods and in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Expected results This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide better insights into safety in the return to school in the context of the COVID-2019 pandemic, at a time when vaccination advances unevenly in several countries around the world. Hence, consistent data and robust evidence will be provided to help decision-makers and stakeholders in the current pandemic scenario. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021265283; https://clinicaltrials.gov.

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Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ejhs.v29i1.17 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Meysam Behzadifar ◽

Sanaz Heydarvand ◽

Masoud Behzadifar ◽

Nicola Luigi Bragazzi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

And Gender

BACKGROUND: Infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) increases the hepatotoxicity of anti-tuberculosis drugs. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the prevalence of HCV infection in patients with tuberculosis (TB).METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Sciences, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched from January 2000 to March 2018. The overall prevalence of HCV in patients with TB was calculated using the random-effect model with 95% confidence interval (CI). To evaluate heterogeneity, I2 test was used. Egger's regression test was utilized to check publication bias.RESULTS: Twenty-one articles were selected for the final analysis based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 15,542 patients with TB participated in the studies. The overall prevalence of HCV infection in patients with TB was 7% [95%CI: 6-9]. Subgroup analysis revealed that diagnostic test (P=0.0039), geographical background (P=0.0076) and gender distribution (P=0.0672) were statistically significant moderators. Men had a higher risk for HCV than women (Odds Ratio, OR=2.02; 95%CI: 1.28-3.18).CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlighted the importance of screening HCV in TB patients. Knowing whether HCV is present or not in these patients can be helpful in effectively treating them.

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Human Cysticercosis in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Iranian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.18502/ijph.v49i10.4683 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Negar BIZHANI ◽

Saeideh HASHEMI HAFSHEJANI ◽

Neda MOHAMMADI ◽

Mehdi REZAEI ◽

Mohammad Bagher ROKNI

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Taenia Solium ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Chi Square ◽

New Feature ◽

A Minor

Background: Cysticercosis in among the neglected tropical disease caused by eating the egg of parasite Taenia solium. In this review, we aimed to verify the prevalence of human cysticercosis in different countries of Asia using systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods: Based of the protocol, reliable databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1990-2018 were searched using a panel of keywords. Overall, 48 countries of Asia were searched in turn and data were analyzed using a category of statistical tests. Results: Out of 28 included studies, 586175 samples were collected and included in the data analysis. Based on the meta-analysis results, the overall pooled percent of cysticercosis was estimated 3.8% (95% CI: [2.0, 7.0]). According to the result of heterogeneity statistics including I-squared, chi-square, and tau-squared, it was statistically significant (Tau2 = 2.94, chi2 = 12733.31, P<0.001, I2 = 100%) therefore a random effect model was used to handle the heterogeneity of studies. To evaluate the trend of cysticercosis over the time, Cumulative meta-analysis was performed and the result showed that there was a minor upward tendency in the prevalence of cysticercosis over the time. Conclusion: Although, considering the religious culture and food habits in Asia, we might have expected to witness a low prevalence of human cysticercosis, but we noticed more or less significant infection in some countries of the region. Regarding the new feature of immigration and travel between countries, all authorities are advised to take measures on controlling and monitoring the disease.

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Role of chest MRI for the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Digital Diagnostics ◽

10.17816/dd70306 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 301-312

Author(s):

Yuriy A. Vasilev ◽

Olga Y. Panina ◽

Evgeniia A. Grik ◽

Kate S. Akhmad ◽

Yulia N. Vasileva

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Pulmonary Nodules ◽

Google Scholar ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Statistical Heterogeneity ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

AIM: To evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest to detect malignant pulmonary nodules compared to compute tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the following databases with the final date of search on April 7th, 2021: PubMed, Google Scholar. We selected studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria that assessed the detection of malignant lung nodules by MRI and CT and included information about sensitivity and specificity. Method of the analysis and data grouping was chosen with regard to statistical heterogeneity of the studies included in the analysis. We used the 2 test and I2 statistic to evaluate the heterogeneity. RESULTS: We selected 168 articles for the systematic review from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We included 21 studies on 1,188 patients in the meta-analysis and revealed statistically significant heterogeneity (р0,00001 for 2 test; I2=99%) for sensitivity and specificity. Hence, we used a random-effect model for further analysis. As a result, values of sensitivity for detection of pulmonary nodules with MRI of 70.4%100%, specificity ― from 60.6% to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, MRI has sufficient sensitivity and specificity for detecting malignant pulmonary nodules primarily discovered with CT.

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The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Markers Related to Endothelial Function Among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Hormone and Metabolic Research ◽

10.1055/a-0651-4842 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 50 (08) ◽

pp. 587-596 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Reza Tabrizi ◽

Sina Vakili ◽

Kamran Lankarani ◽

Maryam Akbari ◽

Mehri Jamilian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Endothelial Function ◽

Augmentation Index ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Cochrane Library

AbstractThis systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to summarize the effect of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial function among people with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science database were searched to identify related RCTs published up 20th May 2018. To check heterogeneity a Q-test and I2 statistics were used. Data were pooled by using the random-effect model and standardized mean difference (SMD) was considered as summary effect size. Twenty-two trials of 931 potential citations were found to be eligible for current meta-analysis. The pooled findings by using random effects model indicated that vitamin D supplementation to individuals with MetS and related disorders significantly increased flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) (SMD=1.10; 95% CI, 0.38, 1.81, p=0.003). However, it did not affect pulse-wave velocity (PWV) (SMD=0.04; 95% CI, –0.25, 0.33, p=0.80) and augmentation index (AI) (SMD=0.07; 95% CI, –0.25, 0.40; p=0.65). Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation to patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders resulted in an improvement in FMD, but did not influence PWV and AI.

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Prevalence of Spina Bifida among Newborns in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Scientifica ◽

10.1155/2020/4273510 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Mohammed Oumer ◽

Molla Taye ◽

Hailu Aragie ◽

Ashenafi Tazebew

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Spina Bifida ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Fetal Loss ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Birth Prevalence ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Spina bifida is an abnormal closure of the neural tube during the fourth week of development. It is the major cause of fetal loss and considerable disabilities in newborns. The aim of this review is to determine the pooled prevalence of spina bifida among newborns in Africa. PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Library, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, African Journals Online, and Embase databases were systematically searched. Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were applied to assess heterogeneity across studies. A random-effect model was applied to calculate the pooled prevalence of spina bifida. Forest plot and Galbraith’s plot were used to visualize heterogeneity. Subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression, and meta-cumulative analyses were performed. All essential data were extracted using a standardized data extraction format, and the JBI quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of studies. Egger’s test and Begg’s test were used in order to detect the publication bias. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, 6,587,298 births in twenty-seven studies were included. The pooled birth prevalence of spina bifida in Africa was 0.13% with a range between 0.12% and 0.14%. In Africa, the highest burden of spina bifida was detected in Algeria (0.43%), Ethiopia (0.32%), Tanzania (0.26%), Cameron (0.12%), Egypt (0.10%), and South Africa (0.10%). The lowest burden of spina bifida was detected in Libya (0.006%) and Tunisia (0.009%). The high birth prevalence of spina bifida was detected in Africa. There was a significant variation in the prevalence of spina bifida among study countries in Africa. The authors recommend that special awareness creation with the help of health education intervention should be provided for mothers to focus on prevention in order to reduce the burden of spina bifida.

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