Th1/Th2 Cytokine Profiles Differentiating Tuberculous from Malignant Pleural Effusions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract To clarify which one has a different predominance of Th1 and Th2 immune responses in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions. We did a meta-analysis of the results published previously to assess the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines in two types of pleural effusion, and evaluated its ability to distinguish TPE from MPE. We queried the PubMed and Embase databases for studies indexed from 2000 up to March 2021. We included studies that (a) diagnosis of TPE and MPE by on culture, or pleural biopsy tissue provided; (b) compared levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines in pleural effusion between TPE and MPE. Pooled data by using a random-effects model or fixed-effects model, standardized mean differences (SMD) across studies comparing TPE and MPE. We also performed Egger test to assess of publication bias. Of 917 identified studies, a total of 42 studies were selected in the meta-analysis. Compared with malignant subjects, tuberculous subjects had a significant higher level of TNF-α [2.22, (1.60–2.84)], an elevated level of IFN-γ [3.30, (2.57–4.40)] in pleural effusion, a situation where the Th1 immune response dominates. Conversely, Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 (Th2 cytokines) levels were higher in MPE than TPE. Besides, they were shown to be statistically insignificant tiny effects were [-0.15, (-0.94–0.63)], [-0.04, (-0.21–0.12)] respectively. We confirmed that pleural effusions caused by tuberculosis, a situation in which the Th1 cytokines are predominant. The slight preponderance of Th2 cytokines in malignant pleural effusions, which are not convincing enough to prove.

Download Full-text

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion for defecation dysfunction after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034152 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. e034152

Author(s):

Guixing Xu ◽

Qiwei Xiao ◽

Hanzhou Lei ◽

Yanan Fu ◽

Jing Kong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Rectal Cancer ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Data Synthesis ◽

Acupuncture And Moxibustion ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Randomised Controlled

IntroductionDefecation dysfunction (DD) is one of the most common complications following sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. And there is no effective treatment of DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Although some studies suggested that acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) is effective and safe for DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, lacking strong evidence, for instance, the relevant systematic review, meta-analysis and randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a large, multicentre sample, makes the effects and safety remain uncertain. The present protocol is described for a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness and safety of AM for DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.Methods and analysisWe will search nine online databases from inception to 1 October 2019; the language of included trials will not be restricted. This study will include RCTs that performed AM as the main method of the experimental group for patients with DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Two of the researchers will independently select the studies, conduct risk of bias assessment and extract the data. We will use the fixed-effects model or random-effects model of RevMan V.5.2 software to analyse data synthesis. The risk ratios with 95% CIs and weighted mean differences or standardised mean differences with 95% CIs will be used to present the data synthesis outcome of dichotomous data respectively and the continuous data. Evidence quality of outcome will be assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required in this secondary research evidence, and we will publish the results of this study in a journal or concerned conferences.Trial registration numberCRD42019140097.

Download Full-text

Association between Cu/Zn/Iron/Ca/Mg levels and Chinese children with cerebral palsy

10.21203/rs.3.rs-703495/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Haiquan Zhu ◽

Song Mao ◽

Wei Li

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Chinese Children ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Frequent Monitoring ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mean Differences ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objective: It is well documented that the macro/trace elements are associated with neurodevelopment. We aimed to investigate the relationship between copper (Cu)/ zinc (Zn)/iron/calcium (Ca)/magnesium (Mg) levels and cerebral palsy (CP) risk in Chinese children by performing a meta-analysis.Method: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Chinese WanFang databases from January 1985 to June 2019 to yield studies that met our predefined criteria. Fourteen studies were enrolled. Standard mean differences (SMDs) of Cu/Zn/Iron/Ca/Mg levels between CP cases and controls were calculated using the fixed-effects model or the random-effects model, in the presence of heterogeneity.95% confidence intervals (CI) were also computed. Results: A total of 14 studies including 1452 CP cases and 1538 controls were involved. CP cases showed significantly lower levels of Cu, Zn, iron and Ca than those in controls (95% CI:-4.960- -2.302, p<10-4; 95% CI:-4.061- -2.044, p<10-4; 95% CI:-1.873 - -0.776, p<10-4; 95% CI:-2.239- -0.487, p=0.002). Sensitivity analyses did not change the overall results markedly. No significant difference of Mg level between CP cases and controls (95% CI:-0.741-0.070, p=0.105) was observed. No marked publication bias was obseved.Conclusions: CP cases demonstrated significantly lower levels of Cu/Zn/iron/Ca than those in healthy controls. Lower levels of Cu/Zn/iron/Ca may be associated CP risk. Frequent monitoring and early intervention may be needed.

Download Full-text

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis about the Effect of Bisphosphonates on the Risk of Skeletal-Related Event in Men with Prostate Cancer

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1871520620666200521114815 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (13) ◽

pp. 1604-1612

Author(s):

Congcong Wu ◽

Hua Jiang ◽

Jianghua Chen

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Related Event ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Skeletal Related Event

Background: Although the adjuvant therapy of bisphosphonates in prostate cancer is effective in improving bone mineral density, it is still uncertain whether bisphosphonates could decrease the risk of Skeletal- Related Event (SRE) in patients with prostate cancer. We reviewed and analyzed the effect of different types of bisphosphonates on the risk of SRE, defined as pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, radiation therapy to the bone, surgery to bone, hypercalcemia, bone pain, or death as a result of prostate cancer. Methods: A systemic literature search was conducted on PubMed and related bibliographies. The emphasis during data extraction was laid on the Hazard Ratio (HR) and the corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) from every eligible Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). HR was pooled with the fixed effects model, and preplanned subgroup analyses were performed. Results: 5 RCTs (n = 4651) were included and analyzed finally after screening 51 articles. The meta-analysis of all participants showed no significant decrease in the risk of SRE when adding bisphosphonates to control group (HR = 0.968, 95% CI = 0.874 - 1.072, p = 0.536) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0% (d.f. = 4) p = 0.679). There was no significant improvement on SRE neither in the subgroups with Metastases (M1) or Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (CSPC) (respectively HR = 0.968, 95% CI = 0.874 - 1.072, p = 0.536, I2 = 0.0% (d.f. = 4) p = 0.679; HR = 0.954, 95% CI = 0.837 - 1.088, p = 0.484, I2 = 0.0% (d.f. = 3) p = 0.534). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that bisphosphonates could not statistically significantly reduce the risk of SRE in patients with prostate cancer, neither in the subgroups with M1 or CSPC.

Download Full-text

Statin use and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139172 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. postgradmedj-2020-139172

Author(s):

Rimesh Pal ◽

Mainak Banerjee ◽

Urmila Yadav ◽

Sukrita Bhattacharjee

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Adjusted Risk ◽

Risk Estimates ◽

Statin Use

PurposeObservations studies have shown that prior use of statins is associated with a reduced risk of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, the available data are limited, inconsistent and conflicting. Besides, no randomised controlled trial exists in this regard. Hence, the present meta-analysis was conducted to provide an updated summary and collate the effect of statin use on clinical outcomes in COVID-19 using unadjusted and adjusted risk estimates.MethodsPubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were systematically searched using appropriate keywords till December 18 2020, to identify observational studies reporting clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients using statins versus those not using statins. Prior and in-hospital use of statins were considered. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Unadjusted and adjusted pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% CIs were calculated.ResultsWe included 14 observational studies pooling data retrieved from 19 988 patients with COVID-19. All the studies were of high/moderate quality. Pooled analysis of unadjusted data showed that statin use was not associated with improved clinical outcomes (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.50, p=0.94, I2=94%, random-effects model). However, on pooling adjusted risk estimates, the use of statin was found to significantly reduce the risk of adverse outcomes (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.63, p<0.0005, I2=0%, fixed-effects model).ConclusionsStatin use is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Individuals with multiple comorbidities on statin therapy should be encouraged to continue the drug amid the ongoing pandemic.

Download Full-text

Association between early bronchiolitis and the development of childhood asthma: a meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043956 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043956

Author(s):

Guizuo Wang ◽

Dong Han ◽

Zhengdong Jiang ◽

Manxiang Li ◽

Shumei Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Life ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Late Onset ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Later Life ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Registration Number

ObjectiveEarly life bronchiolitis has been hypothesised to be associated with the subsequent risk of persistent wheezing or asthma. However, the link remains controversial. The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between bronchiolitis before 2 years of age and the late-onset wheezing/asthma.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies published between 1955 and January 2020. Meanwhile, we also checked through the reference lists of relevant articles to see whether these references included reports of other studies that might be eligible for the review. Cohort and case–control studies assessing the association between early-life bronchiolitis and late-onset wheezing/asthma were included in this meta-analysis. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Results were pooled using a random-effects model or fixed-effects model according to the heterogeneity among studies.Results32 original articles with 292 844 participants, which met the criteria, were included in this meta-analysis. Bronchiolitis before 2 years of age was associated with an increased risk of subsequent wheezing/asthma (relative risk=2.46, 95% CI 2.14 to 2.82, p<0.001). After categorising studies into different groups based on age at the end of follow-up, geographical region and study quality, the association still remained significant.ConclusionsThe meta-analysis indicates an association between bronchiolitis before 2 years of age and the wheezing/asthma in later life. Well-designed and highly standardised prospective studies that better address bias due to potential confounding factors are needed to validate the risk identified in our meta-analysis.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018089453.

Download Full-text

Recombinant Human Thyrotropin-Stimulated Radioiodine Therapy in Patients with Multinodular Goiters: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Hormone and Metabolic Research ◽

10.1055/a-1240-5058 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 52 (12) ◽

pp. 841-849

Author(s):

Chunmei Xu ◽

Ping Wang ◽

Huikai Miao ◽

Tianyue Xie ◽

Xiaojun Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fixed Effects ◽

Dose Group ◽

Low Dose ◽

Radioiodine Therapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

High Dose Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Recombinant Human Thyrotropin

AbstractA potential reduction of goiter volume (GV) of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) on multinodular goiters (MNG) was previously reported but controversial. Hence we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the effect of rhTSH-stimulated radioiodine therapy in patients with MNG. PubMed, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases were searched. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were derived by using an inverse variance random-effects model and fixed-effects model, respectively. Six studies (n=237) were involved in the analysis. For 12 months follow up, high dose (>0.1 mg) of rhTSH significantly reduced GV (MD=17.61; 95% CI=12.17 to 23.04; p<0.00001) compared with placebo. No effective pooled results of low dose of rhTSH (<0.1 mg) were applicable for only one study included. For 6 months follow up, the source of heterogeneity was determined by subgroup and sensitivity analysis. High dose group showed vast improvement in GV reduction (MD=16.62; 95% CI=1.34 to 31.90; p=0.03). The reduction of low dose group compared with placebo was inferior to high dose group. No available data were obtained to assess the influence of rhTSH after 36 months follow up for the only included study. Hypothyroidism incidence was higher for rhTSH group. No publication bias was seen. High dose of rhTSH treatment-stimulated radioactive 131I therapy after 6 months and 12 months follow up had a better effect in reducing GV, but with higher incidence of hypothyroidism. Owing to the limited methodological quality, more clinical researches are warranted in the future.

Download Full-text

Critical illness myopathy in intensive care setting

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcab086.044 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mostafa K Fouad ◽

Ashraf M Hazem ◽

Kareem M Elnaghy

Keyword(s):

Critical Illness ◽

Mortality Rate ◽

Usual Care ◽

Usual Care Group ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Care Group ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Analysis Study ◽

Number Of Patients

Abstract Aim of the Work to provide cumulative data about the efficacy and safety of neuro-muscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with usual care (UC) versus usual care alone in ICU patients with Critical Illness Myopathy (CIM). Methodology The current systematic review was done on studies published between 2009 and 2019. The total number of patients in all the included studies was 1259 patients; 652 in NMES group, and 607 in UC group. Our data were divided into two groups: NMES (652 patients), and UC (607 patients). Metaanalysis study was done on 11 studies which described and compared the 2 different techniques for treatment of CIM; with overall number of patients (N = 1259). Results Regarding 1ry outcome measures, we found 8 studies reported critical Critical illness myopathy (CIM), critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), and the overlap, critical care setting MRC scale for muscle strength, with total number of patients (N = 968). The random-effects model of the meta-analysis study showed non-significant difference in mean MRC scale in NMES group compared to usual care group (p > 0.05). We also found 11 studies reported ICU stay with total number of patients (N = 1259). The random-effects model of the meta-analysis study showed nonsignificant difference in mean ICU stay in NMES group compared to usual care group (p > 0.05). We also found only 2 studies reported SF-36 scale for quality of life, with total number of patients (N = 270). The fixed-effects model of the metaanalysis study showed highly significant decrease in mean SF-36 scale in NMES group compared to usual care group (p = 0.003). Regarding 2ry outcome measure, we found 3 studies reported CIM incidence with total number of patients (N = 394). The fixed-effects model of the meta-analysis study showed marked decrease in CIM incidence in NMES group compared to usual care group, but not reaching statistical significance (p > 0.05). We also found 9 studies reported mortality rate with total number of patients (N = 1044). The fixed-effects model of the meta-analysis study showed non-significant difference in mortality rate in NMES group compared to usual care. Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that NMES combined with usual care was not associated with significant differences in global muscle strength, ICU stay, quality of life score, CIM incidence and mortality rate in comparison with usual care alone in critically ill patients. Conclusion NMES is not superior to usual care in management of CIM. Usual care remains the mainstay of management of CIM with significant better outcomes, in addition to preventive measures as early aggressive treatment of sepsis and MOF, blood glucose control, optimizing certain drugs use, early enteral nutrition, maintaining water, electrolyte and acidbase balance.

Download Full-text

Use of Statins and Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Seven Randomized Clinical Trials and Nine Observational Studies

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2005.02.7045 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 23 (34) ◽

pp. 8606-8612 ◽

Cited By ~ 139

Author(s):

Stefanos Bonovas ◽

Kalitsa Filioussi ◽

Nikolaos Tsavaris ◽

Nikolaos M. Sitaras

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Cancer Risk ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Fixed Effects Model

Purpose A growing body of evidence suggests that statins may have chemopreventive potential against breast cancer. Laboratory studies demonstrate that statins induce apoptosis and reduce cell invasiveness in various cell lines, including breast carcinoma cells. However, the clinical relevance of these data remains unclear. The nonconclusive nature of the epidemiologic data prompted us to conduct a detailed meta-analysis of the studies published on the subject in peer-reviewed literature. Patients and Methods A comprehensive search for articles published up until 2005 was performed; reviews of each study were conducted; and data were abstracted. Before meta-analysis, the studies were evaluated for publication bias and heterogeneity. Pooled relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% CIs were calculated using the random and the fixed-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results Seven large randomized trials and nine observational studies (five case-control and four cohort studies) contributed to the analysis. We found no evidence of publication bias or heterogeneity among the studies. Statin use did not significantly affect breast cancer risk (fixed effects model: RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.14; random effects model: RR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.18). When the analyses were stratified into subgroups, there was no evidence that study design substantially influenced the estimate of effects. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of our results. Conclusion Our meta-analysis findings do not support a protective effect of statins against breast cancer. However, this conclusion is limited by the relatively short follow-up times of the studies analyzed. Further studies are required to investigate the potential decrease in breast cancer risk among long-term statin users.

Download Full-text

The relationship between migraine and infant colic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102414534326 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 63-72 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Amy A Gelfand ◽

Peter J Goadsby ◽

I Elaine Allen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Random Effects ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effects Model ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Primary Analysis ◽

Infant Colic ◽

The Relationship

Context Infant colic is a common and distressing disorder of early infancy. Its etiology is unknown, making treatment challenging. Several articles have suggested a link to migraine. Objective The objective of this article was to perform a systematic review and, if appropriate, a meta-analysis of the studies on the relationship between infant colic and migraine. Data sources Studies were identified by searching PubMed and ScienceDirect and by hand-searching references and conference proceedings. Study selection For the primary analysis, studies specifically designed to measure the association between colic and migraine were included. For the secondary analysis, studies that collected data on colic and migraine but were designed for another primary research question were also included. Data extraction Data were abstracted from the original studies, through communication with study authors, or both. Two authors independently abstracted data. Main outcomes and measures The main outcome measure was the association between infant colic and migraine using both a fixed-effects model and a more conservative random-effects model. Results Three studies were included in the primary analysis; the odds ratio for the association between migraine and infant colic was 6.5 (4.6–8.9, p < 0.001) for the fixed-effects model and 5.6 (3.3–9.5, p = 0.004) for the random-effects model. In a sensitivity analysis wherein the study with the largest effect size was removed, the odds ratio was 3.6 (95% CI 1.7–7.6, p = 0.001) for both the fixed-effects model and random-effects model. Conclusions In this meta-analysis, infant colic was associated with increased odds of migraine. If infant colic is a migrainous disorder, this would have important implications for treatment. The main limitation of this meta-analysis was the relatively small number of studies included.

Download Full-text

A Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Concussion on a Computerized Neurocognitive Test and Self-Reported Symptoms

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-52.7.05 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (9) ◽

pp. 834-846 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Bara Alsalaheen ◽

Kayla Stockdale ◽

Dana Pechumer ◽

Steven P. Broglio ◽

Gregory F. Marchetti

Keyword(s):

Test Performance ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Symptom Scale ◽

Additional Information ◽

Neurocognitive Test

Context: Meta-analyses examining construct-specific cognitive impairment concurrently with self-reported symptoms postconcussion are sparse. Objective: To review the literature on the effects of concussion on construct-specific neurocognitive declines and to compare them with self-reported symptoms before 1 week and between 1 and 3 weeks postconcussion. Data Sources: Relevant studies in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO published from January 1, 1999 through November 30, 2015. Study Selection: Studies were included if participants completed the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) before and after concussion and if test performance and Postconcussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) scores were reported at both times. Data Extraction: After reviewing the full texts, we extracted data from 17 studies consisting of 29 independent samples; therefore, this meta-analysis consisted of 1777 unique participants. Data Synthesis: The Hedges g effect size (ES) was estimated. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used based on heterogeneity findings. When heterogeneity was present, we used meta-regression to assess unexplained between-studies variance. Within the first week of injury, the ESs were small to moderate for cognitive declines, ranging from −0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.52, −0.35) to −0.67 (95% CI = −0.77, −0.58), and large for the PCSS score (Hedges g = −0.81; 95% CI = −0.91, −0.71). After 1 week, the ESs for cognitive declines (Hedges g range = −0.25 [95% CI = −0.35, −0.15] to −0.37 [95% CI = −0.55, −0.19]) and PCSS score (Hedges g = −0.38; 95% CI = −0.53, −0.22) were also small. Within 2 weeks of injury, PCSS score and time since injury weakly moderated the cognitive ES. Conclusions: When a neurocognitive test was administered within 1 week of injury, the ES was larger for self-reported symptoms than for ImPACT scores generated at the same session. After 1 week of injury, the ESs for ImPACT and PCSS scores were comparable. If the athlete reports symptoms within 1 week of injury, administering a cognitive test does not appear to offer additional information to the clinician. However, if the athlete does not report symptoms postconcussion, cognitive testing may inform the clinical management of the injury.

Download Full-text