Risk Factors of Invasive Fungal Infection in Recipients After Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Invasive fungal infection (IFI) remains an important cause of mortality in liver transplantation (LT). The objective of this meta-analysis was to identify the risk factors for IFI after LT.Methods: We searched for relevant studies published up to June 2020 from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% CIs were used to identify significant differences in the risk factors. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated by the I2 test, and potential publication bias was assessed with Egger's test. The quality of included studies was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).Results: A total of 14 studies enrolling 4,284 recipients were included in the meta-analysis. Reoperation (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.61–2.94), posttransplantation dialysis (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.52–2.72), bacterial infection (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.33–2.46), live donor (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.20–2.63), retransplantation (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.54–3.89), and fungal colonization (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.99–3.42) were associated with the risk factors of IFI after LT.Conclusions: Despite some risk factors that have been identified as significant factors for IFI post-LT, which may inform prevention recommendations, rigorous and well-designed studies with adequate sample sizes should be conducted to solve the limitations of this study.

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Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first six months of life and its determinants in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-019-1776-0 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Meysam Behzadifar ◽

Mandana Saki ◽

Masoud Behzadifar ◽

Mahnaz Mardani ◽

Fatemeh Yari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Scientific Information ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Open Access Journals ◽

Breastfeeding Education ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

Gender Of Child

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of life is the best and most complete option for an infant, in that supplies the vitamins and minerals the baby needs. Several studies in Iran have been conducted concerning the prevalence of EBF. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of EBF in the first 6 months of life and associated factors in Iran synthesizing published studies. Methods We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ISI/Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Directory of Open Access Journals Directory (DOAJ) and Google Scholar as well as Iranian databases (Barakathns, MagIran and the Scientific Information Database or SID) up to November 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. Analyses were performed by pooling together studies using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with 95% confidence interval. To test for heterogeneity, I2 test was used. The Egger’s regression test and funnel plot were used to evaluate the publication bias. The strength of EBF determinants was assessed computing the Odds-ratios (OR) using the Mantel–Haenszel method. Results In the initial search 725 records were found. Finally, 32 studies were selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The sample size of studies varied between 50 and 63,071 subjects. The overall prevalence of EBF in Iran was 53% (CI 95%; 44–62). The OR for breastfeeding education received before pregnancy was 1.13 (0.94–1.36), for mother’s job 1.01 (0.81–1.27), for education level 1.12 (0.89–1.42), for type of delivery 1.16 (0.98–1.37), and for gender of child 1.03 (0.83–1.28). Conclusion In Iran health policy- and decision-makers should try to take interventions that encourage mothers to use their milk to breastfeed the infants.

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Lumbar Roll Usage While Sitting Reduces the Forward Head Posture in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105171 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5171

Author(s):

Yusuke Handa ◽

Kenya Okada ◽

Hiroshi Takasaki

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grade System ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Forward Head Posture ◽

Quality Of Evidence ◽

Head Posture ◽

Head Extension ◽

The Cochrane Library

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms.

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Association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a meta-analysis

Virology Journal ◽

10.1186/s12985-021-01604-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yanli Liu ◽

Yilong Pan ◽

Yuyao Yin ◽

Wenhao Chen ◽

Xiaodong Li

Keyword(s):

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Potential Association ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Language Restriction ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale

Abstract Background The numbers of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 related deaths are still increasing, so it is very important to determine the risk factors of COVID-19. Dyslipidemia is a common complication in patients with COVID-19, but the association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 is still unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Methods We searched the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases for all relevant studies up to August 24, 2020. All the articles published were retrieved without language restriction. All analysis was performed using Stata 13.1 software and Mantel–Haenszel formula with fixed effects models was used to compare the differences between studies. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results Twenty-eight studies involving 12,995 COVID-19 patients were included in the meta-analysis, which was consisted of 26 cohort studies and 2 case–control studies. Dyslipidemia was associated with the severity of COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.44, P = 0.038, I2 = 39.8%). Further, patients with dyslipidemia had a 2.13-fold increased risk of death compared to patients without dyslipidemia (95% CI 1.84–2.47, P = 0.001, I2 = 66.4%). Conclusions The results proved that dyslipidemia is associated with increased severity and mortality of COVID-19. Therefore, we should monitor blood lipids and administer active treatments in COVID-19 patients with dyslipidemia to reduce the severity and mortality.

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The prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10993-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sohail Akhtar ◽

Jamal Abdul Nasir ◽

Amara Javed ◽

Mariyam Saleem ◽

Sundas Sajjad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Included Study ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Or Education ◽

Meta Regression

Abstract Background The aim of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in Afghanistan through a systematic review and meta–analysis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library, carried out from inception to April 312,020, without language restriction. Meta–analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. The existence of publication bias was initially assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. This systematic review was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and the methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines. Results Out of 64 potentially relevant studies, only 06 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in the general population based on population-based studies were 12.13% (95% CI: 8.86–16.24%), based on a pooled sample of 7071 individuals. Results of univariate meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of diabetes increased with mean age, hypertension and obesity. There was no significant association between sex (male vs female), smoking, the methodological quality of included articles or education (illiterate vs literate) and the prevalence of diabetes. Conclusions This meta-analysis reports the 12.13% prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan,with the highest prevalence in Kandahar and the lowest in Balkh province. The main risk factors include increasing age, obesity and hypertension. Community-based care and preventive training programmes are recommended. Trial registration This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020172624).

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Traditional Chinese Herb Combined with Surgery versus Surgery for Varicocele Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2015/689056 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Rong-liang Dun ◽

Min Yao ◽

Long Yang ◽

Xue-jun Cui ◽

Jian-min Mao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Chinese Herb ◽

Chinese Herbs ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Dichotomous Data ◽

Surgery Group ◽

Traditional Chinese Herb ◽

The Cochrane Library

Objective. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery for male varicocele infertility compared to surgery.Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data of traditional Chinese herbs combined with surgery for male varicocele fertility versus surgery were collected by searching the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Chinese databases. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Handbook. Study outcomes were presented as risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data.Results. Seventeen of 72 potentially relevant trials met the inclusion criteria. The methodological qualities of the RCTs were low. Compared with the surgery group, the traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery group had superiority in pregnancy rate at 3-month (RR=1.76, andP=0.008), 6-month (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005), and 2-year (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005) follow-ups. No RCT was found to describe the side effects.Conclusion. On considering the low methodological quality of RCTs, there was no enough evidence on traditional Chinese herb with surgery for male varicocele infertility, and more high-quality RCTs of large sample sizes are required.

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Outcomes of digital biomarker-based interventions: protocol for a systematic review of systematic reviews (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28204 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hossein Motahari-Nezhad ◽

Márta Péntek ◽

László Gulácsi ◽

Zsombor Zrubka

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Clinical Benefits ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

The Impact ◽

Digital Biomarkers

BACKGROUND Digital biomarkers are defined as objective, quantifiable physiological and behavioral data that are collected and measured by means of digital devices such as portables, wearables, implantables or digestibles. For their widespread adoption in publicly financed healthcare systems, it is important to understand how their benefits translate into improved patient outcomes, which is essential for demonstrating their value. OBJECTIVE To assess the quality and strength of evidence of the impact of digital biomarkers on clinical outcomes compared to interventions without digital biomarkers, reported in systematic reviews. METHODS A comprehensive search for 2019-2020 will be conducted in the PubMed and the Cochrane Library using keywords related to digital biomarkers and a filter for systematic reviews. Original full-text English publications of systematic reviews comparing clinical outcomes of interventions with and without digital biomarkers via meta-analysis will be included. The AMSTAR-2 tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of reviews. To assess the quality of evidence, we will evaluate systematic reviews using the GRADE tool. To detect the possible presence of reporting bias, we will record whether the protocol of the systematic reviews was published before the start of the study. A qualitative summary of results by digital biomarker technology and outcome will be provided. RESULTS This protocol was submitted before data collection. The next steps in this review will be initiated after the protocol is accepted for publication. CONCLUSIONS Our study will provide a comprehensive summary of the highest level of evidence available on digital biomarker interventions. Our results will help identify clinical areas where the use of digital biomarkers leads to favorable clinical outcomes. In addition, our findings will highlight areas of evidence gaps where the clinical benefits of digital biomarkers have not yet been demonstrated.

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Assessment of the Ovarian Reserve by Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology ◽

10.1159/000520133 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Xian-hui Zhang ◽

Ying-an Zhang ◽

Xin Chen ◽

Peng-yan Qiao ◽

Li-yun Zhang

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Ovarian Reserve ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Dmard Treatment ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

The Cochrane Library

Background: The ovarian reserve has been reported to be diminished in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, these results are still controversial. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is considered a reliable biomarker for the ovarian reserve. We thus performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the AMH levels and the effect of DMARDs on the ovarian reserve in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and 2 Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang database), up to September 2021, were searched for relevant studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined with the random-effects model. The heterogeneity was described by I2 statistic and p value from the Cochrane Q test. Results: Eight eligible studies (679 patients and 1,460 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with healthy control, the AMH levels in RA patients were significantly lower with the pooled SMD of −0.40 (95% CI: −0.66 to −0.14). However, in comparison of AMH with and without DMARD treatment, there was no significant difference with the pooled SMD of −0.1 (95% CI: −0.39 to 0.19). Conclusion: The results indicated that there was an increased risk of ovarian failure in RA patients and which is not related to DMARD treatment.

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The Prognostic Value of Autophagy-Related Markers Bclin-1 and LC-3 in Colorectal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/8475840 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Jin-xiao Li ◽

Qian Yan ◽

Na Liu ◽

Wen-jiang Zheng ◽

Man Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

Beclin 1 ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Comprehensive Treatment ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Related Proteins ◽

The Relationship

Objective. At present, the relationship between autophagosomes and the prognosis of various cancers has become a subject of active investigation. A series of studies have demonstrated the correlation between autophagy microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC-3), Beclin-1, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Since autophagy has dual regulatory roles in tumors, the results of this correlation are also uncertain. Hence, we summarized the relationship between Beclin-1, LC-3, and CRC using systematic reviews and meta-analysis to clarify their prognostic significance in it. Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched online up to April 1, 2019. The quality of the involving studies was assessed against the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a fixed or random effects model were used to assess the strength of correlation between Beclin-1, LC-3, and CRC. Results. A total of 9 articles were collected, involving 2,297 patients. Most literatures scored more than 6 points, suggesting that the quality of our including research was acceptable. Our finding suggested that the expression of Beclin-1 was not associated with overall survival (HR = 0.68, 95% CI (0.31–1.52), P=0.351). Nonetheless, LC-3 expression exerted significant impact on OS (HR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.35–0.74), P<0.05). Subgroup analysis exhibited that Beclin-1 expression was associated with OS at TNM stage III (HR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02–0.08, P<0.05), surgical treatment (HR = 1.53, 95% CI (1.15–2.02), P=0.003), and comprehensive treatment (HR = 0.27 95% CI (0.08–0.92), P=0.036), respectively. Similarly, the results showed the increased LC-3 expression in CRC was related to OS in multivariate analyses (HR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.34–0.57), P<0.05), stages (HR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.35–0.74), P<0.05), and comprehensive treatment (HR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.34–0.57), P<0.05). Conclusions. Autophagy-related proteins of LC-3 might be an important marker of CRC progression. However, since the number of the original studies was limited, more well-designed, large-scale, high-quality studies are warranted to provide more convincing and reliable information.

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Meta-analysis of Corneal Biomechanical Effects after SMILE and FS-LASIK

10.21203/rs.2.9133/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jie Qin ◽

Tingting Fu ◽

Qi Tang ◽

Lu Yang ◽

Min Chen

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Corneal Biomechanics ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Surgical Methods ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Lenticule Extraction ◽

The Difference ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

Chinese Group

Abstract Background: To evaluate and compare corneal biomechanics after treatment of myopia using small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). Methods: We performed a meta-analysis and searched for reports concerning corneal biomechanics after SMILE and FS-LASIK using MEDLINE, EMbase, CNKI and the Cochrane Library. The analysis included corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) before and 3 months after the surgery. The quality of the reports was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5. Results: Only six studies with a total of 771 eyes were ultimately included in this meta-analysis, and the random effects model was adopted. The preoperative and three-month postoperative CH and CRF of SMILE and FS-LASIK were compared by the meta-analysis. No statistically significant difference was found in CH or CRF between the SMILE group and the FS-LASIK group before the surgery (WMD，-0.12; 95% CI，-0.31～0.06; P，0.19; WMD，-0.05; 95% CI，-0.29～0.19; P，0.69). There was no statistically significant difference in CH between the two surgical methods 3 months after the operation in the foreign group (WMD，0.19; 95% CI，-1.02～1.41; P，0.75) or in the Chinese group (WMD，0.13; 95% CI，-0.16～0.41; P，0.75). Likewise, no statistically significant difference was found in CRF between the two surgical methods in the foreign group 3 months after the operation (WMD，-0.11; 95% CI，-2.53～-2.31; P，0.93). Nevertheless, the difference in CRF between the two surgical methods was statistically significant in the Chinese group (WMD，0.26; 95% CI，0.06～0.47; P，0.01). Concusion: This meta-analysis indicated that SMILE showed no significant postoperative advantage in CH in comparison with FS-LASIK. For CRF, SMILE exhibited no obvious postoperative advantage in comparison with FS-LASIK in the foreign group, whereas SMILE was superior to FS-LASIK in the Chinese group.

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Lymphocyte and Platelet Counts, as well as Interleukin-6 Levels, Predict Mortality of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/5582908 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Huiwei Chen ◽

Guang Yang ◽

Yunzhu Long ◽

Chaoqian Li

Keyword(s):

Interleukin 6 ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Survival Group ◽

Platelet Counts ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Long Term Prognosis ◽

Death Group

Objective. To systematically evaluate the value of lymphocytes, platelets, and interleukin-6 in predicting the mortality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to provide medical evidence for the long-term prognosis of patients with COVID-19. Methods. The latest studies published until July 1, 2021, were retrieved from databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to analyze the ability of lymphocyte and platelet counts as well as interleukin-6 levels to predict mortality in patients with COVID-19. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted data, then evaluated the risk of bias of included studies using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), and used Stata 15.0 software for meta-analysis. Results. A total of nine studies were included, involving 4340 patients. There were 1330 patients in the death group and 3010 patients in the survival group. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the survival group, lymphocyte counts in the death group were significantly lower (SMD = −0.64, 95% CI: −0.86–−0.43, p < 0.01 ), platelet counts were significantly lower (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −0.67–−0.27, p < 0.01 ), and interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher (SMD = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.62–1.53, p < 0.01 ). Conclusion. Lymphocyte and platelet counts, as well as interleukin-6 levels, can help predict the mortality of patients with COVID-19. Due to the limitation of the number and quality of the included studies, these conclusions need to be validated by additional high-quality studies.

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