Moxibustion for Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease：A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This study was performed to strictly evaluate the quality of RCTs and thus test the effect of moxibustion on CPID. Methods: Seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WangFang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literatures Database were reviewed for RCTs on CPID treated by moxibustion up to September 2020. Methodological quality and evidence level was assessed on the basis of the RoB tool from Cochrane collaboration and the GRADE instrument, respectively. RevMan5.4.1 and Stata 12.0 software were used for further meta-analysis.Results: A total of 17 RCTs were included (1315 participants, 515 treated by moxibustion and 515 treated by control therapy). The meta-analysis showed that, in comparison to control group, moxibustion had a higher total effective rate (RR = 1.21; 95% CI [1.31, 1.29]; P = 0.007; I2 = 53%); and lower total symptom score (MD = -3.72; 95% CI [-4.38, -3.06]; P =0.02; I2 = 66%). As for the total sign score, the participants treated by moxibustion had lower scores than those treated by control therapy(SMD = -0.72; 95% CI [ -1.07, -0.37]; P = 0.36; I2 = 0%). For the VAS score, pelvic fluid and inflammatory factor level, only one trial showed that there was a significant effect, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that moxibustion is more effective and safe for CPID. The findings we obtained must be interpreted with caution due to universal low quality and low evidence level of the eligible trials.

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Xiao’er Xiaoji Zhike Oral Liquid Combined with Azithromycin for Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/9740841 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Gui-Min Zhang ◽

Zhi-Yan Huang ◽

Rong Sun ◽

Shi-Li Ye ◽

Qun Feng

Keyword(s):

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

X Ray ◽

Disappearance Time ◽

Oral Liquid

Background. This study was aimed at systematically evaluating the clinical effect and safety of Xiao’er Xiaoji Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children and providing evidence-based references for clinical application. Methods. The databases like Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically investigated via searching clinical trials about Xiao’er Xiaoji Zhike oral liquid in treating MPP from the establishment of these databases to Jun 8, 2020, the valid data from which were entered meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADE criteria. Results. Totally, 15 trials and 1500 patients were involved in this review. It showed that clinical efficacy of trial group was more superior than control group at the outcome measures of cough disappearance time, lung rale disappearance time, fever subsidence time, total effective rate, lung X-ray infiltrates disappearing time, reduction of hospital stay, immunological indexes, and some other measures. And the differences between groups were statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the adverse effects between two groups. Lung X-ray infiltrates disappearing time and cough disappearance time were separately high- and moderate-quality evidences while lung rale disappearance time and fever subsidence time were all low in accordance with GRADE criteria. Conclusions. In accordance with trials with low methodological quality, Xiao’er Xiaoji Zhike oral liquid combined with azithromycin seems to be safe and superior to azithromycin alone for the treatment of MPP in children. However, further trials with rigorous methodology need to be implemented for these potential benefits.

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Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/acupmed-2017-011530 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (5) ◽

pp. 295-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Shanshan Li ◽

Weiqiang Zhong ◽

Wen Peng ◽

Gaofeng Jiang

Keyword(s):

Postpartum Depression ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Clinical Effectiveness ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group

Objective To assess the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Methods The following electronic databases were systematically searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCI, Elsevier SDOL, China National Knowledge, Wan Fang database and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for PPD were considered. Primary outcomes were the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) or the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores and effective rate. Our secondary outcome was the level of oestradiol. The quality of all included trials was evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration. This protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016048528). Results Nine trials involving 653 women were selected. The result of this meta-analysis demonstrated that the acupuncture group had a significantly greater overall effective rate compared with the control group (seven trials, n=576, I2=24%; relative risk (RR) 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.24; P<0.001). Moreover, acupuncture significantly increased oestradiol levels compared with the control group (mean difference (MD) 36.92, 95% CI 23.14 to 50.71, P<0.001). Regarding the HAMD and EPDS scores, no difference was found between the two groups (five trials, n=276, I2=82%; MD−1.38, 95% CI −3.40 to 0.64; P=0.18; two trials, n=60, I2=16%; MD 1.08, 95% CI −1.09 to 3.26; P=0.33). Conclusions Acupuncture appears to be effective for postpartum depression with respect to certain outcomes. However, the evidence thus far is inconclusive. Further high-quality RCTs following standardised guidelines with a low risk of bias are needed to confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for postpartum depression.

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Acupuncture for the Adjunctive Therapy of Post-stoke Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research ◽

10.3727/036012921x16304136917645 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yupei Chen ◽

Meidi Peng ◽

Yanqing Li

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Obvious Effect ◽

Rehabilitation Therapy ◽

Post Stroke

The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy for post-stroke fatigue. The methods used in this research are as follows: systematically retrieving China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Chinese Biological Medicine Database, Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase were electronically searched from inception to Dec 2020. The dataset included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with Chinese and English only that compared acupuncture as an adjunct to rehabilitation in stroke patients with fatigue. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Statistical analyses were performed by RevMan V.5.4.A total of 6 RCTs were included in this study, including 426 cases (213 cases in the treatment group and 213 cases in the control group). The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with conventional treatment, acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy can significantly reduce the incidence of post-stroke fatigue [MD = -5.45, 95% CI = (-6.75, -4.14), Z= 8.19 (P < 0.001)]. In terms of energy, acupuncture also has an obvious effect [MD = 1.69, 95% CI = (0.27, 3.12), Z = 2.33 (P < 0.02)]. Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy is an effective therapy for patients suffering from post-stroke fatigue, which is suitable for clinical promotion and use. However, due to methodological weakness and limited number of RCTs, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Further clinical trials with large sample sizes and a rigorous design are needed.

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The Treatment of Acne with the Addition and Subtraction of Loquat Qingfei Yin: A Meta-Analysis

Journal of Clinical and Nursing Research ◽

10.26689/jcnr.v5i4.2290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 167-176

Author(s):

Wenjun Xue ◽

Pengguang Xu

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Comprehensive Collection

Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Loquat Qingfei Yin (LQFY) in the treatment of acne. Methods: Using computer retrieval, comprehensive collection of the full text database of Chinese journals till December 2020 (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), Viper Database (VIP), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline were included in the LQFY addition or subtraction treatment of acne randomized controlled trial (RCT). Screening of the literatures included in the Note Express 3.2.0. Assessment of the risk of bias in trials using Cochrane collaboration tools, and used Rev Man 5.3 to evaluate the curative effect. Results: 25 RCT, all in Chinese, there were 2257 cases. Of the 1216 cases who were treated, control group was 1041 cases. A random effect model was used for Meta analysis. The results showed that the effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group, Differences were statistically significant (P=0.94, I2=0%), RR=2.87, CI [2.25,95 per cent 3.67], P<0.00001. Conclusion: There are limited evidence that LQFY is safe and effective in treating acne. However, this conclusion needs to be confirmed by a more large-scale, multi-center, high-quality RCTs.

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Efficacy and Safety of Modified Yunu-Jian in Patients with Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/5147439 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Yuanyuan Yue ◽

Meng Gao ◽

Yanru Deng ◽

Jiemin Shao ◽

Yingguang Sun

Keyword(s):

Western Medicine ◽

Combined Therapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Oral Inflammation

Background. Modified Yunu-Jian (mYJ), a Chinese medicine (CM) formula, is thought to clear heat and nourish yin. Clinically, it is often used to treat oral inflammation. However, its efficacy remains controversial. Methods. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mYJ for treating patients with periodontitis. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, VIP database, and CBM) from inception to December 2020. Only randomized controlled trials investigating modified Yunu-Jian, with or without other medications, against controlled intervention in the treatment of patients diagnosed with periodontitis were included. Both Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used to analyze the data. The Cochrane Collaborations risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the methods. Results. Thirteen clinical trials, involving 1179 participants, were included in our investigation. The results showed that the combination of mYJ with western medicine improved the total effective rate compared with western medicine alone (RR = 1.17, 95% CI (1.12, 1.23), P < 0.00001). The sensitivity analysis and Harbord’s test ( P = 0.255) both showed that the results were statistically robust. Moreover, the periodontal indexes (GI, SBI, PLI, and PD; P < 0.00001) of patients with periodontitis were also significantly improved after receiving the combined therapy. No serious adverse reactions were observed in the experimental groups. Conclusions. Evidence from the meta-analysis suggested that mYJ appeared to be effective and relatively safe for treating periodontitis. Because of the low quality of the methods used in the included RCTs, further studies with larger sample sizes and well-designed models are required to confirm our findings.

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Predictive Value and Correlation of Neuron-Specific Enolase for Prognosis in Patients with Coma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

European Neurology ◽

10.1159/000509801 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Wen Ye ◽

Yunliang Tang ◽

Xiaoyang Dong ◽

Gengfa Chen ◽

Yan Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Predictive Value ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Life Quality ◽

Neuron Specific Enolase ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Clinical Prognosis ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Disturbance Of Consciousness

Objective: Coma is the most serious disturbance of consciousness, which affects the life quality of patients and increases the burden of their family. Studies to assess the prognostic value of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with coma have not led to precise, generally accepted prognostic rules. The study aims to assess the correlation between NSE and prognosis of coma and the predictive value of NSE for clinical prognosis. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang Data from the establishment time of databases to December 2019. This analysis included patients with coma, regardless of how long the coma was. In total, 26 articles were retrieved and included in the review. Results: The meta-analysis revealed the NSE concentration of patients with coma is significantly higher than that of the control group (standard mean difference = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–1.12, p < 0.05). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of NSE in coma diagnosis was 0.5 (95% CI: 0.39–0.61) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.71–0.94). Conclusions: The NSE concentration of patients with poor coma prognosis is significantly higher than that of the control group. The high NSE concentration is not necessarily a poor prognosis for coma, but low NSE concentration indicates a high probability of a good prognosis for coma.

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A Meta-Analysis of Au/Polypropionic Acid Nanoparticles Loaded with Olacetam for the Treatment of Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology ◽

10.1166/jnn.2020.18863 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (12) ◽

pp. 7433-7438

Author(s):

Zhen Yi ◽

Weiheng Liang ◽

Wenwen Ruan ◽

Wei Hua ◽

Xinjing Lin

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Dysfunction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Vascular Cognitive Impairment ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Positive Control ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Placebo Control ◽

Checklist Score ◽

Group A

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxetam in the treatment of vascular cognitive dysfunction and the feasibility of an Au/polypropionic acid Nanometer drug delivery system to provide evidence for clinical application. PubMed, Shanghai embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP information, and Wanfang database were searched from the establishment of the database to April 2018. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received olacetam: the experimental group and the control group. In addition, the control group was divided into the placebo control group and the positive control group according to whether the control group received a placebo or other medication treatment controls. In the control group, a meta-analysis, a publication bias assessment, and sensitivity analysis were performed with Revman 5.3 and Stata 14.0. The results of the meta-analysis showed that compared with placebo and other medications, oxiracetam significantly improved the mental status of patients, Concise Mental State Checklist score [mean difference (MD)= 5.29, P < 0.01] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (MD = 4.32, P < 0.01). The Barthel Index demonstrated that oxiracetam significantly improved the quality of the daily life of patients (MD = 18, P < 0.01), but there was no difference between olacetam and placebo or other medications in the rating of activities of daily living (ADLs). The total effective rate of olacetam was significantly higher than that of other treatments (P < 0.01). Compared with placebo and other medications, the safety of oxiracetam was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Based on the current clinical evidence, olacetam is more effective and safer than alternatives in the treatment of vascular cognitive dysfunction.

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Changes in apical base sagittal relationship in Class II malocclusion treatment with and without premolar extractions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The Angle Orthodontist ◽

10.2319/030716-198.1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 87 (2) ◽

pp. 338-355 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Guilherme Janson ◽

Aron Aliaga-Del Castillo ◽

Ana Niederberger

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Class Ii ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Class Ii Treatment ◽

Apical Base

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the changes in apical base sagittal relationship in Class II treatment with and without premolar extractions. Materials and Methods: Controlled studies evaluating ANB angle changes after Class II Division 1 malocclusion treatment with or without premolar extractions were considered. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and Google Scholar) without limitations regarding publication year or language were searched. Risk of bias was assessed with Risk Of Bias in Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions tool of the Cochrane Collaboration. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated from the random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results: Twenty-five studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Eleven nonextraction and only one extraction Class II treatment studies presented untreated Class II control group. Therefore, meta-analysis was performed only for the nonextraction protocol. In treated Class II nonextraction patients, the average of the various effects was a reduction in the ANB angle of 1.56° (95% CI: 1.03, 2.09, P < .001) compared with untreated Class II subjects. Class II malocclusions treated with two maxillary-premolar extractions and four-premolar extractions produced estimated mean reductions in ANB of −1.88° and −2.55°, respectively. However, there is a lack of low-risk-of-bias studies. Conclusions: According to the existing low quality evidence, the apical base sagittal relationship in nonextraction, two-maxillary and four-premolar extractions Class II treatments decreases −1.56°, 1.88° and 2.55°, respectively. Further studies are necessary to obtain more robust information.

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Combination between Mifepristone and Methotrexate to Treat Ectopic Pregnancy: A Systematic Review Protocol

10.1101/2021.09.26.21264155 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Qiling Su ◽

Huiyan Feng ◽

Tian Tian ◽

Xiaoqian Liao ◽

Yunhui Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ectopic Pregnancy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Outcome Index

Background: In recent years, the morbidity of ectopic pregnancy and the proportion of young and childless patients have increased year by year, which makes it important to early diagnose EP, effectively save patients' lives and furthest preserve their fertility. Methotrexate and mifepristone are most widely used in conservative treatments, however, there is no accurate conclusion about which therapy is better. Therefore, the aims in this meta-analysis are, on the one hand, to systematically analyze the efficacy of mifepristone combined with methotrexate in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy through existing studies, and to draw scientific conclusions. On the other hand, to fill the gap of relevant analysis in China and abroad, to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of inclusion trials and propose improvement measures and scientific designing schemes. Methods: Six electronic databases will be searched, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database (WF). Literature from October 2015 to October 2020 on randomized controlled trials will be searched, without any language or publication restriction. Search terms include mifepristone, methotrexate, ectopic pregnancy, and random (free word/synonym expansion). Included in a randomized controlled trial, the treatment group was treated with mifepristone combined with methotrexate, and the control group was treated with mifepristone alone. Revman 5.4 (provided by Cochrane) will be used to evaluate the quality of the literature, and the corresponding effect model will be selected to analyze the results. The cure rate will be the main outcome index, and the remaining outcome measures after literature inclusion will be the secondary outcome indexes. Result: Only when we finish this meta-analysis can we get the result. Discussion: The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the efficacy of mifepristone combined with methotrexate therapy in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

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Efficacy and Safety of Banxia Formulae for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/8833168 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Yan-Hua Lin ◽

Cong Chen ◽

Xiu Zhao ◽

Yi-Fei Mao ◽

Guang-Xin Xiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Bias Risk

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) formulae in the treatment of insomnia compared with those of conventional western medicines. Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Banxia formulae in the treatment of insomnia were searched from the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and Wanfang database. The literature collected was from the time when the databases were established to April 2020. Quality assessment and meta-analysis were conducted by using Cochrane bias risk assessment tool and RevMan 5.2, respectively. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test. Results. Fourteen RCTs with 910 participants were identified. A total of 46 traditional Chinese medicines involving 2 different dosage forms were used in the included studies. Meta-analysis indicated that Banxia formulae had more significant effects on improving the total effective rate (RR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.31), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI, MD = −1.05, 95% CI −1.63 to −0.47), and the TCM syndrome score (SMD = −0.78, 95% CI −1.18 to −0.39). Meanwhile, on reducing adverse events, Banxia formulae also showed an advantage (RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.93). Conclusion. According to the current studies, the efficacy of Banxia formulae in the treatment of insomnia is better than that of the conventional western medicines, and its safety is relatively stable. However, due to the limitations of this study, further research and evaluation are needed.

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