scholarly journals Neuroprotection by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Rodent Models of Focal Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiapeng Huang ◽  
Kehong Zhao ◽  
Ziqi Zhao ◽  
Yun Qu
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Infarct Size ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rodent Models ◽  
Cathodal Tdcs ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Infarct size is associated with stroke severity in clinical studies, so reducing it has become an important target and research hotspot in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Some preclinical studies have shown transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduced infarct size and improved neurological deficit, but others have not found beneficial effects. Besides, the optimal pattern of tDCS for ischemic stroke remains largely unknown. To shed light on the current circumstance and future research directions, the systematic review evaluated the effect of different tDCS paradigms in reducing infarct size and improving neurological deficit in rodent models of ischemic stroke and assessed the methodological quality of current literature. We searched the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus from their inception to August 18, 2021, to identify studies evaluating the effects of tDCS in rodent models of ischemic stroke. Eight studies were included, of which seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed cathodal tDCS, rather than anodal tDCS, reduced infarct size mainly measured by tetrazolium chloride and magnetic resonance imaging (standardized mean difference: −1.13; 95% CI: −1.72, −0.53; p = 0.0002) and improved neurological deficit assessed by a modified neurological severity score (standardized mean difference: −2.10; 95% CI: −3.78, −0.42; p = 0.01) in an early stage of focal ischemic stroke in rodent models. Subgroup analyses showed effects of cathodal tDCS on infarct size were not varied by ischemia duration (ischemia for 1, 1.5, and 2 h or permanent ischemia) and anesthesia (involving isoflurane and ketamine). The overall quality of studies included was low, thus the results must be interpreted cautiously. Published studies suggest that cathodal tDCS may be a promising avenue to explore for augmenting rehabilitation from focal ischemic stroke. Considering the methodological limitations, it is unreliable to blindly extrapolate the animal data to the clinical practice. Future research is needed to investigate the mechanism of tDCS in a randomized and blinded fashion in clinically relevant stroke models, such as elderly animals, female animals, and animals with comorbidities, to find an optimal treatment protocol.

scholarly journals Antithrombotic Agents for tPA‐Induced Cerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Preclinical Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Ye ◽  
Fu‐Tao Zhang ◽  
Xiao‐Yi Wang ◽  
Hong‐Xuan Tong ◽  
Yu‐Tian Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Infarct Size ◽  
Cerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Antithrombotic Agents ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Background tPA (tissue‐type plasminogen activator) remains the only approved drug for acute ischemic stroke, with a potentially serious adverse effect: hemorrhagic transformation. The effects of antithrombotic agents on tPA‐induced hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke are not clearly defined. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis in preclinical studies aiming to evaluate the efficacy of antithrombotic agents on tPA‐induced hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke. Methods and Results We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies testing antithrombotic agents in animal models of tPA‐induced hemorrhagic transformation. The pooled effects were calculated using random‐effects models, and heterogeneity was explored through meta‐regression and subgroup analyses. Publication bias was assessed using trim and fill method and the Egger test. The efficacy of 18 distinct interventions was described in 22 publications. The pooled data showed a significant improvement in cerebral hemorrhage, infarct size, and neurobehavioral outcome in treated compared with control animals (standardized mean difference, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.11–0.78]; standardized mean difference, 1.18 [95% CI, 0.73–1.64]; and standardized mean difference, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.49–1.32], respectively). Subgroup analysis indicated that quality score, random allocation, control of temperature, anesthetic used, stroke model used, route of drug delivery, time of drug administration, and time of assessment were significant factors that influenced the effects of interventions. Conclusions Administration with antiplatelet agents revealed statistically significant improvement in all the outcomes. Anticoagulant agents showed significant effects in infarct size and neurobehavioral score, but fibrinolytic agents did not show any significant improvement in all the outcomes. The conclusions should be interpreted cautiously given the heterogeneity and publication bias identified in this analysis.

scholarly journals Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Danopoulos ◽  
Lauren Jenner ◽  
Maureen Twiddy ◽  
Jeanette M. Rotchell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Human Health Effects ◽  
Potential Human Health

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant ubiquitous in the environment. There is growing concern regarding potential human health effects, a major human exposure route being dietary uptake. We have undertaken a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to identify all relevant research on MP contamination of salt intended for human consumption. Three thousand nine hundred and nineteen papers were identified, with ten fitting the inclusion criteria. A search of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, from launch date to September 2020, was conducted. MP contamination of salt varied significantly between four origins, sea salt 0–1674 MPs/kg, lake salt 8–462 MPs/kg, rock and well salt 0–204 MPs/kg. The majority of samples were found to be contaminated by MPs. Corresponding potential human exposures are estimated to be 0–6110 MPs per year (for all origins), confirming salt as a carrier of MPs. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used to appraise the quality of the studies, with studies demonstrating moderate to low RoB. These results suggest that a series of recurring issues need to be addressed in future research regarding sampling, analysis and reporting to improve confidence in research findings.

scholarly journals Minimally invasive versus conventional surgery of the ascending aorta and root: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom A Rayner ◽  
Sean Harrison ◽  
Paul Rival ◽  
Dominic E Mahoney ◽  
Massimo Caputo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Renal Impairment ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Risk Ratio ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Ascending Aorta ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

Summary Limited uptake of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the aorta hinders assessment of its efficacy compared to median sternotomy (MS). The objective of this systematic review is to compare operative and perioperative outcomes for MIS versus MS. Online databases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception until July 2018. Both randomized and observational studies of patients undergoing aortic root, ascending aorta or aortic arch surgery by MIS versus MS were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, reoperation for bleeding, perioperative renal impairment and neurological events. Intraoperative and postoperative timing measures were also evaluated. Thirteen observational studies were included comparing 1101 MIS and 1405 MS patients. The overall quality of evidence was very low for all outcomes. Mortality and the incidence of stroke were similar between the 2 cohorts. Meta-analysis demonstrated increased length of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time for patients undergoing MS [standardized mean difference 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.58; P = 0.001]. Patients receiving MS spent more time in hospital (standardized mean difference 0.30, 95% CI 0.17–0.43; P < 0.001) and intensive care (standardized mean difference 0.17, 95% CI 0.06–0.27; P < 0.001). Reoperation for bleeding (risk ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.06–2.17; P = 0.024) and renal impairment (risk ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.12–3.46; P = 0.019) were also greater for MS patients. There was substantial heterogeneity in meta-analyses for CPB and aortic cross-clamp timing outcomes. MIS may be associated with improved early clinical outcomes compared to MS, but the quality of the evidence is very low. Randomized evidence is needed to confirm these findings.

scholarly journals Anxiety and new onset of cardiovascular disease: critical review and meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 208 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeltje M. Batelaan ◽  
Adrie Seldenrijk ◽  
Mariska Bot ◽  
Anton J. L. M. van Balkom ◽  
Brenda W. J. H. Penninx
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cvd Prevention ◽  
Traditional Risk Factors ◽  
Independent Association ◽  
New Onset

BackgroundAnxiety has been associated with new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the quality of this relationship is unclear. Only if anxiety is a causal, independent cardiovascular risk factor might it be a target for CVD prevention.AimsTo determine and examine the independent association and causality between anxiety and incident CVD.MethodPubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched up to October 2013. A review of Hill's criteria for causality and random effects meta-analysis were conducted of prospective, population-based studies examining anxiety and incident CVD in people free from CVD at baseline.ResultsThe meta-analysis comprised 37 papers (n= 1 565 699). The follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 years. Anxiety was associated with a 52% increased incidence of CVD (hazard ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.36–1.71). The risk seemed independent of traditional risk factors and depression. The evaluation of Hill's criteria largely argued in favour of causality.ConclusionsAnxiety may be of interest for CVD prevention. Future research should examine biological and behavioural underpinnings of the association in order to identify targets for intervention.

Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour towards Store Brand: A Meta-Analysis

2012 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojun Fan ◽  
Yi Qian ◽  
Pei Huang
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Store Brand ◽  
Store Brands ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Price Consciousness

In order to improve the effectiveness of store brand management, this study presents a meta-analysis that aggregates empirical findings from the literature on consumer behaviour towards store brands. First, the study provides a quantitative summary of bivariate findings regarding the way consumer-related factors influence store brand success. Second, the authors analyse the moderating effect of market context, product category and data type on store brand success. The resulting analysis suggest that price consciousness, quality consciousness, familiarity with store brands and perceived quality of store brands are the four most important factors that significantly influence consumer behaviour towards store brands. Market context and product category also exert significant moderating effects on the influence of some factors on consumer behaviour towards store brands. On the basis of these findings, this study concludes with a discussion of practical implications and possible directions for future research.

scholarly journals Quality of Research Design Moderates Effects of Grade Retention on Achievement: A Meta-Analytic, Multilevel Analysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 480-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiharu S. Allen ◽  
Qi Chen ◽  
Victor L. Willson ◽  
Jan N. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Grade Retention ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Individual Level

The present meta-analysis examines the effect of grade retention on academic outcomes and investigates systemic sources of variability in effect sizes. Using multilevel modeling (MLM), the authors investigate characteristics of 207 effect sizes across 22 studies published between 1990 and 2007 at two levels: the study (between) and individual (within) levels. Design quality is a study-level variable. Individual-level variables are median grade retained and median number of years postretention. Quality of design is associated with less negative effects. Years postretention is negatively associated with retention effects, and this effect is stronger for studies using grade comparisons versus age comparisons. The results challenge the widely held view that retention has a negative impact on achievement. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Does Cathodal vs. Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Contralesional Motor Cortex Enhance Upper Limb Motor Recovery Post-stroke? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce L. Chen ◽  
Ashley Schipani ◽  
Clarissa Pedrini Schuch ◽  
Henry Lam ◽  
Walter Swardfager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Motor Impairment ◽  
Motor Recovery ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Cathodal Tdcs

Background: During recovery from stroke, the contralesional motor cortex (M1) may undergo maladaptive changes that contribute to impaired interhemispheric inhibition (IHI). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with the cathode over contralesional M1 may inhibit this maladaptive plasticity, normalize IHI, and enhance motor recovery.Objective: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate available evidence to determine whether cathodal tDCS on contralesional M1 enhances motor re-learning or recovery post-stroke more than sham tDCS.Methods: We searched OVID Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for participants with stroke (>1 week post-onset) with motor impairment and who received cathodal or sham tDCS to contralesional M1 for one or more sessions. The outcomes included a change in any clinically validated assessment of physical function, activity, or participation, or a change in a movement performance variable (e.g., time, accuracy). A meta-analysis was performed by pooling five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparing the change in Fugl–Meyer upper extremity scores between cathodal and sham tDCS groups.Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Qualitatively, four out of five cross-over design studies and three out of six RCTs reported a significant effect of cathodal vs. sham tDCS. In the quantitative synthesis, cathodal tDCS (n = 65) did not significantly reduce motor impairment compared to sham tDCS (n = 67; standardized mean difference = 0.33, z = 1.79, p = 0.07) with a little observed heterogeneity (I2 = 5%).Conclusions: The effects of cathodal tDCS to contralesional M1 on motor recovery are small and consistent. There may be sub-populations that may respond to this approach; however, further research with larger cohorts is required.

scholarly journals Hospital Location Selection: A Systematic Literature Review on Methodologies and Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Muhammet Gul ◽  
Ali Fuat Guneri
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Multicriteria Decision Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Location Selection ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Creative Studies

The increased focus of people on the quality of health care in recent years has led hospital owners to develop strategies and policies to improve medical services through the establishment of new hospitals. For hospitals to be competitive, the hospitalʼs location and proximity to potential patients are considered crucial factors in establishing new hospitals. In this context, evaluating and selecting the most suitable hospital location to establish a new hospital from the multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) perspective is a priority for the entrepreneurs or government to gain a competitive advantage. Therefore, this study aims to present a systematic literature review of the hospital location selection problem considering the applied methods and application areas. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement (PRISMA) are used as a reference framework. Initially, known electronic databases (Web of science, IEEEXplore, Scopus, Science direct, and Google Scholar) were searched up to the early 2021. A number of 47 articles are selected and analyzed under this systematic framework based on inclusion-exclusion points. State-of-the-art developments in adopting MCDM methods and their fuzzy extensions are summarized. All the articles have been examined in a systematic taxonomy to find answers to six research questions (trend, country of origin, outlet journal, MCDM methods used, MCDM environment and criteria type, and decision criteria used). Results show that (1) AHP and GIS-based MCDM models are the most contributing approaches to the solution of this problem, (2) location selection criteria are mostly cost, demand, environment, population, government, competition in the market, and distance to some important places, (3) the fuzzy structure is also preferred in addition to the MCDM structure depending on the crisp data type, and (4) the location selection criteria are mostly considered subjective. We pay attention to promising directions that can dominate future research in this field from a methodological or applicability perspective. This study shows the current views and opportunities for researchers and practitioners and acts as a guide to encourage more creative studies in this field.

scholarly journals Microbial food safety in Ghana: a meta-analysis

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 828-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courage Kosi Setsoafia Saba ◽  
Bruno Gonzalez-Zorn
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Food Contamination ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Contaminated Food

Introduction: Food safety is a crucial factor in the growth of developing countries worldwide. In this study, we present a meta-analysis of microbiological food safety publications from Ghana. Methodology: The search words “Ghana food safety”, “Ghana food research”, and “Ghana food bacteria” were used to search for microbiological food safety publications with related abstracts or titles in PubMed, published between 1997 and 2009. We obtained 183 research articles, from which we excluded articles concerning ready-to-eat microbial fermented foods and waterborne microorganisms as well as articles without abstracts. The criteria used for analysis of these publications were based on an assessment of methodological soundness previously developed for use in the medical field, with some modifications incorporated. Results: The most predominant bacteria in Ghanain foods are Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia spp., which were found to be present in 65%, 50%, 46% and 38% respectively, of the food samples considered in the studies analysed. The most contaminated food samples were macaroni, salad, and milk. Although the methodological quality of the articles was generally sound, most of them did not give directions for future research. Several did not state possible reasons for differences between studies. Conclusion: The microbiological food contamination in Ghana is alarming. However, we found that the downward trend in publications of microbial food safety articles is appalling. Hence a concerted effort in research on food safety is needed in Ghana to help curb the incidence of preventable food-borne disease.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document