scholarly journals Right ventricular free-wall longitudinal speckle tracking strain as a prognostic criterion of adverse outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 4417
Author(s):  
E. Z. Golukhova ◽  
I. V. Slivneva ◽  
M. L. Mamalyga ◽  
D. I. Marapov ◽  
M. N. Alekhin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Composite Endpoint ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Right Ventricular Free Wall ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

The absence of consensus regarding the reference values of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and its predictive value prompted us to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of publications on the predictive role of this parameter in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH).Aim. To study the independent predictive value of RVFWLS in PH patients using 2D/3D speckle tracking echocardiography.Material and methods. Firstly, 317 publications (PubMed) and 857 Google Scholar results were selected. Of the initially identified search results, 12 articles were analyzed. The papers were cohort designed.Results. The total number of patients with PH was 1281. The mean age of patients was 54,7±6,8 years. Four studies compared the RVFWLS with a control group (n=251). The mean RVFWLS were -17,0±2,4% and -24,7±2,2% in the experimental and control groups, respectively. A meta-analysis of the difference between the mean RVFWLS values in experimental and control group patients showed its total increase in PH subjects of 8,06% (95% CI: 5,18-10,94%; p<0,00001).The total number of deaths was 268 (all-cause — 180, composite endpoint — 88). According to the meta-analysis, with an increase of 1% in RVFWLS, there is an increase in mean all-cause mortality risk by 14% (p<0,00001), as well as mean risk of adverse outcomes or PH-related events (composite endpoint) by 14% (p<0,0001).Conclusion. These results highlight the high independent predictive value of RVFWLS as a predictor of adverse outcomes or events associated with a right ventricular dysfunction progression in PH patients.

scholarly journals Comparison of decayed, missing, filled teeth index between thalassemia major patients and control group in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BDJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmood Moosazadeh ◽  
Nadia Elyassi Gorji ◽  
Pegah Nasiri ◽  
Ali Malekzadeh Shafaroudi
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dmft Index ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Quality Checklist

Abstract Introduction Scientific evidence of the association between Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and thalassemia are conflicting and difficult to establish conclusions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between dental caries (using the DMFT index) and thalassemia major using meta-analysis. Methods Databases were searched using such keywords as “Thalassemia,” “Caries,” “decay,” “DMFT,” “Iran,” and OR operators, AND, and NOT. After the elimination of duplicate documentation, the articles which met the inclusion criteria were selected. Quality assessment was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Checklist. Thereafter, the standardized mean difference of the DMFT index was estimated. Results In eight studies, the mean DMFT was compared between patients with thalassemia major and the control group. In six studies, the mean of this index was higher in patients with thalassemia major than in the control group and in all six of the studies, the differences were statistically significant. The mean standardized difference of DMFT, D, M, and F were reported as 1.36 (0.41, 2.30), 2.63 (0.42, 4.84), 1.65 (−0.14, 3.45), and 0.02 (−1.67, 1.72), respectively. Conclusion The results of this meta-analysis indicated that DMFT index was more inappropriate in patients with thalassemia, as compared to the control group which represents the higher incidence of dental caries among patients with thalassemia compared to the control group.

scholarly journals The Effect of Lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.) on Reducing Labor Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mohsen Kazeminia ◽  
Alireza Abdi ◽  
Aliakbar Vaisi-Raygani ◽  
Rostam Jalali ◽  
Shamarina Shohaimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Labor Pain ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Lavandula Stoechas ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Background. Labor pain is one of the most severe pains, which most of women experience. By using novel supportive methods, the labor pain can be reduced, which makes this event pleasant and delightful. Several original studies have been conducted in regard to the effect of lavender on reducing labor pain, whose results are controversial. One of the applications of meta-analysis studies is to respond to these hypotheses and remove controversies; therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of lavender on labor pain in Iran by using meta-analysis. Methods. In this study, to find published articles electronically from 2006 to 2019, the published articles in national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) were used. Heterogenic index between studies was determined by Cochrane test (Q)c and I2. Due to heterogeneity, the random effects model was used to estimate standardize difference of the mean score of lavender test in order to assess the labor pain between intervention and control group. Results. In this meta-analysis and systematic review, finally 13 eligible articles met the inclusion criteria of the study. The sample size from original studies enrolled in the meta-analysis entered in the intervention group was 794 individuals and in the control group was 795 individuals. Mean score for pain in the control group was 7.2 ± 0.42 and in the intervention group was 5.4 ± 0.58 and this difference was statistically significant p ≤ 0.001 . Conclusion. The results of this study showed that lavender can reduce labor pain, which can be considered by health policy makers and gynecologists.

scholarly journals The Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Immunotherapy for Gastric Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis and Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 107327482199743
Author(s):  
Ke Chen ◽  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Liu Yang ◽  
Zheling Chen
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Esophageal Cancer ◽  
Survival Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Long Term Survival ◽  
And Control

Background: Treatment options for advanced gastric esophageal cancer are quite limited. Chemotherapy is unavoidable at certain stages, and research on targeted therapies has mostly failed. The advent of immunotherapy has brought hope for the treatment of advanced gastric esophageal cancer. The aim of the study was to analyze the safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and the long-term survival of patients who were diagnosed as gastric esophageal cancer and received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Method: Studies on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy of advanced gastric esophageal cancer published before February 1, 2020 were searched online. The survival (e.g. 6-month overall survival, 12-month overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rates (ORR)) and adverse effects of immunotherapy were compared to that of control therapy (physician’s choice of therapy). Results: After screening 185 studies, 4 comparative cohort studies which reported the long-term survival of patients receiving immunotherapy were included. Compared to control group, the 12-month survival (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.31 to 2.12, P < 0.0001) and 18-month survival (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.39 to 2.81, P = 0.0001) were significantly longer in immunotherapy group. The 3-month survival rate (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.36 to 3.06, P = 0.92) and 18-month survival rate (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.98 to 2.12, P = 0.07) were not significantly different between immunotherapy group and control group. The ORR were not significantly different between immunotherapy group and control group (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.65 to 3.66, P = 0.01). Meta-analysis pointed out that in the PD-L1 CPS ≥10 sub group population, the immunotherapy could obviously benefit the patients in tumor response rates (OR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.89 to 7.61, P = 0.0002). Conclusion: For the treatment of advanced gastric esophageal cancer, the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy was superior to that of chemotherapy or palliative care.

scholarly journals Postoperative analgesia effects of sulfentanyl plus dexmedetomidine in patients received VATS

Pteridines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Haoyu Jiang ◽  
Ying Zheng ◽  
Chang Liu ◽  
Ying Bao
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Statistical Difference ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Intravenous Analgesia ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Nsclc Patients ◽  
And Control ◽  
Time Point

AbstractBackground To evaluate sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on postoperative analgesia in patients who received video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and its effects on serum norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and prostaglandin (PGE2).Material and Methods Ninety-nine non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received VATS were included in the study. All the patients received intravenous inhalation compound anesthesia. Of the 99 cases, 49 subjects (control group) received sulfentanyl for patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PICA) and other 50 cases (experiment group) received sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for PICA after operation of VATS. The analgesic effects of the two groups were evaluated according to Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale (BCS). The serum pain mediator of NE, DA, 5-HT, and PGE2 were examined and compared between the two groups in the first 24 h post-surgery.Results The VAS scores for the experiment group were significant lower than that of control group on the time points of 8, 16, and 24 h post-surgery (pall<0.05), and the BCS scores of the experiment group in the time points of 8, 16, and 24 h were significantly higher than that of controls (p<0.05). However, the VAS and BCS scores were not statistical differently in the time point of 1, 2, and 4 h post-surgery (pall>0.05). The mean sulfentanyl dosage was 63.01 ± 5.14 μg and 67.12 ± 6.91 μg for the experiment and control groups respectively with significant statistical difference (p<0.05). The mean analgesic pump pressing times were 4.30 ± 1.31 and 5.31 ± 1.46 for experiment and control groups respectively with significant statistical difference (p<0.05). The serum NE, DA, 5-HT, and PGE2 levels were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to that of control group in the time point of 12 h post-surgery (pall<0.05). The side effects of nausea, vomiting, delirium, rash, and hypotension atrial fibrillation were not statistically different between the two groups (pall>0.05).Conclusion Patient controlled intravenous analgesia of sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride was effective in reducing the VAS score and serum pain mediators in NSCLC patients who received VAST.

scholarly journals Hepatic steatosis: a risk factor for increased COVID-19 prevalence and severity—a computed tomography study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmaa Ali ◽  
Mona Hasan ◽  
Shaimaa Hamed ◽  
Amir Elhamy
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Steatosis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Liver Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
World Population ◽  
Positive Class ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Around 25% of the world population was affected by the metabolic-related fatty liver disorder. Hepatic steatosis is frequently observed in conjunction with hypertension, obesity comorbidities, and diabetes. We evaluate the hepatic steatosis frequency found in chest CT exams of COVID-19-positive cases compared to non-infected controls and evaluate the related increased prevalence and severity of COVID. Results Our research includes 355 subjects, 158 with positive PCR for COVID-19 (case group) and 197 with negative PCR and negative CT chest (control group). The mean age in the positive group was 50.6 ± 16 years, and in the control, it was 41.3 ± 16 years (p < 0.001). Our study consists of 321 men (90.5%) and 34 women (9.5%). The number of males in both cases and control groups was greater. In the case group, 93% men vs. 6.9% women, while in controls, 88.3% men vs.11.6% women, p < 0.001. CT revealed normal results in 55.5% of individuals (i.e., CORADs 1) and abnormal findings in 45.5% of participants (i.e., CORADs 2–5). In abnormal scan, CO-RADs 2 was 13.92%, while CO-RADs 3–4 were 20.89% of cases. CO-RADs 5 comprised 65.19% of all cases. Approximately 42.6% of cases had severe disease (CT score ≥ 20), all of them were CO-RADs 5. The PCR-positive class had a greater prevalence of hepatic steatosis than controls (28.5% vs.12.2%, p < 0.001). CO-RADs 2 represented 11.1%, CO-RADs 3–4 represented 15.6%, and CO-RADs 5 represented 73.3% in the hepatic steatosis cases. The mean hepatic attenuation value in the case group was 46.79 ± 12.68 and in the control group 53.34 ± 10.28 (p < 0.001). When comparing patients with a higher severity score (CT score ≥ 20) to those with non-severe pneumonia, it was discovered that hepatic steatosis is more prevalent (73.2% vs. 26.8%). Conclusions Steatosis was shown to be substantially more prevalent in COVID-19-positive individuals. There is a relation among metabolic syndrome, steatosis of the liver, and obesity, as well as the COVID-19 severity.

The Baby Shark (Songs Heard Affecting Resuscitation Kinetics) study

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2020-000657
Author(s):  
Rebecca Singer ◽  
Grace Leo ◽  
Tessa Davis ◽  
Ben Lawton ◽  
Henry Goldstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Target Zone ◽  
Compression Depth ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Training Exercises ◽  
And Control ◽  
Musical Cues

Previous research has examined the utilisation of musical cues to improve the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivered in training environments. We postulated a musical cue that is both contemporary and transcends cultures may improve CPR performance. Our aim was to establish whether chest compressions are performed with improved rate and depth if a song of a fixed beat (PinkFong’s ‘Baby Shark’ with a tempo of 115 beats per minute (bpm) and 15 beats in each verse) is played to a healthcare professional immediately before undertaking CPR compared to whale noises (a non-metronomic rhythm). 58 Participants of a paediatric conference (majority doctors) were randomly assigned to listen to a minute of Baby Shark (28) or whale song (30) and then undertake a minute of CPR. There was no significant difference in the mean compression rate between the Baby Shark and control groups, with the groups achieving 121 and 125 bpm, respectively (p=0.18). In relation to compression depth within the target zone, the Baby Shark group had more compressions completed within the target zone (55%) than the control group (39%) although this difference was not significant (p=0.08). Listening to Baby Shark prior to undertaking simulated CPR does not improve overall performance, but there is a potential tendency to improve adequate compression depth which may be beneficial in training exercises.

The effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on depression of postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asieh Mehdipour ◽  
Parvin Abedi ◽  
Somayeh Ansari ◽  
Maryam Dastoorpoor
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Moderate Depression ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Abstract Objectives Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of depression. Depression may negatively affect the quality of life of women. An emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an evidence-based therapy combining cognitive and exposure components with acupressure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EFT on depression in postmenopausal women. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial in which 88 women with mild to moderate depression recruited from a menopausal clinic in Ahvaz, Iran, and randomly assigned into two groups of EFT (n=44) and control for sham therapy (n=44). Women in the EFT group received two sessions of training and asked to continue EFT for 8 weeks, one time per day. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI2) completed by women before and after the intervention. The control group received training on sham acupressure points similar to the intervention group. Data collected using a demographic and BDI2. Women requested to complete the BDI2 before and after the intervention. The independent t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA were used to analyze data. Results The mean depression score in the intervention group reduced from 20.93 ± 4.6 to 10.96 ± 4.38 in comparison to the control group that reduced from 19.18 ± 2.79 to 17.01 ± 6.05 after intervention (p=0.001). After the 8 week intervention, the frequency of moderate depression decreased from 56.8 to 9.35% in the intervention and from 50 to 29.5% in the control group. In total, 63.4 and 34.15% in the intervention and control groups were free of depression respectively after the intervention (p<0.001). Conclusions The results of this study showed that using EFT for 8 weeks could significantly reduce the mean score of depression in postmenopausal women. Using this method in public health centers for postmenopausal women is recommended.

scholarly journals Clinical and imaging outcomes after intrathecal injection of umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells in cerebral palsy: a randomized double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Amanat ◽  
Anahita Majmaa ◽  
Morteza Zarrabi ◽  
Masoumeh Nouri ◽  
Masood Ghahvechi Akbari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Intrathecal Injection ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Umbilical Cord Tissue ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background This study assessed the safety and efficacy of intrathecal injection of umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSC) in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to evaluate the alterations in white-matter integrity. Methods Participants (4–14 years old) with spastic CP were assigned in 1:1 ratio to receive either UCT-MSC or sham procedure. Single-dose (2 × 107) cells were administered in the experimental group. Small needle pricks to the lower back were performed in the sham-control arm. All individuals were sedated to prevent awareness. The primary endpoints were the mean changes in gross motor function measure (GMFM)-66 from baseline to 12 months after procedures. The mean changes in the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), and CP quality of life (CP-QoL) were also assessed. Secondary endpoints were the mean changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of corticospinal tract (CST) and posterior thalamic radiation (PTR). Results There were 36 participants in each group. The mean GMFM-66 scores after 12 months of intervention were significantly higher in the UCT-MSC group compared to baseline (10.65; 95%CI 5.39, 15.91) and control (β 8.07; 95%CI 1.62, 14.52; Cohen’s d 0.92). The increase was also seen in total PEDI scores (vs baseline 8.53; 95%CI 4.98, 12.08; vs control: β 6.87; 95%CI 1.52, 12.21; Cohen’s d 0.70). The mean change in MAS scores after 12 months of cell injection reduced compared to baseline (−1.0; 95%CI −1.31, −0.69) and control (β −0.72; 95%CI −1.18, −0.26; Cohen’s d 0.76). Regarding CP-QoL, mean changes in domains including friends and family, participation in activities, and communication were higher than the control group with a large effect size. The DTI analysis in the experimental group showed that mean FA increased (CST 0.032; 95%CI 0.02, 0.03. PTR 0.024; 95%CI 0.020, 0.028) and MD decreased (CST −0.035 × 10-3; 95%CI −0.04 × 10-3, −0.02 × 10-3. PTR −0.045 × 10-3; 95%CI −0.05 × 10-3, −0.03 × 10-3); compared to baseline. The mean changes were significantly higher than the control group. Conclusions The UCT-MSC transplantation was safe and may improve the clinical and imaging outcomes. Trial registration The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03795974).

scholarly journals Effect of Hope-oriented group counseling on mental health of infertile women with failed IVF cycles: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roya Rahimi ◽  
Shirin Hasanpour ◽  
Mojgan. Mirghafourvand ◽  
Khalil Esmaeilpour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women’s mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles. Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45–60 min sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale were filled out by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention. After intervention 26 participants in each group were included in the analysis. Results There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (adjusted mean difference = − 1.7, 95% confidence interval: − 3.2 to − 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (adjusted mean difference = − 1.3, 95% confidence interval: − 4.7 to − 1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = − 1.1, 95% confidence interval: − 2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference = 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles. Trial registration TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003, registered on October 17, 2019.

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