Associations between Particulate Matter and Otitis Media in Children: A Meta-Analysis

Particulate matter (PM), a primary component of air pollution, is a suspected risk factor for the development of otitis media (OM). However, the results of studies on the potential correlation between an increase in the concentration of PM and risk of developing OM are inconsistent. To better characterize this potential association, a meta-analysis of studies indexed in three global databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library) was conducted. These databases were systematically screened for observational studies of PM concentration and the development of OM from the time of their inception to 31 March 2020. Following these searches, 12 articles were analyzed using pooled odds ratios generated from random-effects models to test for an association between an increased concentration of PM and the risk of developing OM. The data were analyzed separately according to the size of particulate matter as PM2.5 and PM10. The pooled odds ratios for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 concentration were 1.032 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.005–1.060) and 1.010 (95% CI, 1.008–1.012), respectively. Specifically, the pooled odds ratios were significant within the short-term studies (PM measured within 1 week of the development of OM), as 1.024 (95% CI, 1.008–1.040) for PM2.5 concentration and 1.010 (95% CI, 1.008–1.012) for PM10 concentration. They were significant for children under 2 years of age with pooled odds ratios of 1.426 (95% CI, 1.278–1.519) for an increase in the concentration of PM2.5. The incidence of OM was not correlated with the concentration of PM, but was correlated with an increase in the concentration of PM. In conclusion, an increase in the concentration of PM2.5 is more closely associated with the development of OM compared with an increase in the concentration of PM10; this influence is more substantial in shorter-term studies and for younger children.

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Decreased urinary uromodulin is potentially associated with acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Intensive Care ◽

10.1186/s40560-021-00584-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ruilian You ◽

Hua Zheng ◽

Lubin Xu ◽

Tiantian Ma ◽

Gang Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Random Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Potential Association ◽

Language Restriction ◽

The Difference ◽

Leave One Out ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Urinary uromodulin (uUMOD) is one of the novel biomarkers for predicting AKI. However, currently available publications showed inconsistent results. We designed this meta-analysis to evaluate the potential association between uUMOD and AKI. Methods We searched research articles with no language restriction in Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and 3 Chinese datasets from inception to February 2021. We used random-effects models to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) between patients with AKI or not, while the leave-one-out method and random-effects meta-regression to evaluate the sensitivity and the impact of potential confounders such as age and surgery. Results The meta-analysis comprising 3148 subjects from 11 studies showed that the uUMOD of the AKI group is significantly lower than the non-AKI group (SMD: − 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), − 1.00, − 0.42, P < 0. 001, I2 = 78.8%). Subgroup analysis revealed the difference is also significant in a different age, surgery condition, and assay time but not acute rejection (AR) group, especially in children (SMD: − 1.21, 95% CI: − 1.80, − 0.61; P < 0.001) and patients undergoing surgery (SMD: − 1.03, 95% CI: − 1.75, − 0.30; P < 0.001). Lower uromodulin is associated with higher odds for AKI incidence (odds ratio = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.12, 5.47; P < 0.001, I2 = 89%). Meta-reggression found that age was associated with the SMD of uUMOD. The study outcome was reliably confirmed by the sensitivity analysis. Conclusion The present study suggested a negative association between uUMOD and AKI especially in children and surgical patients.

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Long-term oncologic outcomes of transanal TME compared with transabdominal TME for rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Surgical Endoscopy ◽

10.1007/s00464-021-08615-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jae Young Moon ◽

Min Ro Lee ◽

Gi Won Ha

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Disease Free Survival ◽

Distant Recurrence ◽

Oncologic Outcomes ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) appears to have favorable surgical and pathological outcomes. However, the evidence on survival outcomes remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to compare long-term oncologic outcomes of TaTME with transabdominal TME for rectal cancer. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Data were pooled, and overall effect size was calculated using random-effects models. Outcome measures were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local and distant recurrence. Results We included 11 nonrandomized studies that examined 2,143 patients for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the two groups in OS, DFS, and local and distant recurrence with a RR of 0.65 (95% CI 0.39–1.09, I2 = 0%), 0.79 (95% CI 0.57–1.10, I2 = 0%), 1.14 (95% CI 0.44–2.91, I2 = 66%), and 0.75 (95% CI 0.40–1.41, I2 = 0%), respectively. Conclusion In terms of long-term oncologic outcomes, TaTME may be an alternative to transabdominal TME in patients with rectal cancer. Well-designed randomized trials are warranted to further verify these results.

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Appendectomy Does Not Increase the Risk of Future Emergence of Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-analysis

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/0003134821989034 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482198903

Author(s):

Mitsuru Ishizuka ◽

Norisuke Shibuya ◽

Kazutoshi Takagi ◽

Hiroyuki Hachiya ◽

Kazuma Tago ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Observation Period

Objective To explore the impact of appendectomy history on emergence of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background Although there are several studies to investigate the relationship between appendectomy history and emergence of PD, the results are still controversial. Methods We performed a comprehensive electronic search of the literature (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and the Web of Science) up to April 2020 to identify studies that had employed databases allowing comparison of emergence of PD between patients with and those without appendectomy history. To integrate the impact of appendectomy history on emergence of PD, a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the selected studies, and heterogeneity was analyzed using I2 statistics. Results Four studies involving a total of 6 080 710 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Among 1 470 613 patients with appendectomy history, 1845 (.13%) had emergences of PD during the observation period, whereas among 4 610 097 patients without appendectomy history, 6743 (.15%) had emergences of PD during the observation period. These results revealed that patients with appendectomy history and without appendectomy had almost the same emergence of PD (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, .87-1.20; P = .83; I2 = 87%). Conclusion This meta-analysis has demonstrated that there was no significant difference in emergence of PD between patients with and those without appendectomy history.

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Effect of somatometric parameters on the prevalence and severity of varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-021-00695-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Runqing Li ◽

Junjie Liu ◽

Yushan Li ◽

Quanxian Wang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Regression Test ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Q Statistic ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Published studies have shown contradictory results regarding the relationship between somatometric parameters and varicoceles. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the possible effects of age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) on the presence and severity of varicoceles. Methods Databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Two researchers independently identified eligible articles and extracted data. Cochran’s Q statistic and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed using StataSE 12.0 software (StataCorp LP, USA). Random-effects models were used to obtain the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was assessed using Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Results The search strategy produced 272 articles, of which 18 articles were eligible according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 56,325 patients with varicocele and 1,334,694 patients without varicocele were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of somatometric parameters on the presence and severity of varicocele. The overall results demonstrated that the presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height (WMD = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.74, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with BMI (WMD = − 1.35, 95% CI = -1.67 to − 1.03, P < 0.001) but not with age (WMD = -0.93, 95% CI = -2.19 to 0.33, P = 0.149) or weight (WMD = 0.24, 95% CI = -2.24 to 2.72, P = 0.850). The severity of varicocele was inversely correlated with increased BMI but not with age. Conclusion The presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height and inversely correlated with BMI.

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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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Epidemiology and outcomes of COVID-19 in HIV-infected individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85359-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paddy Ssentongo ◽

Emily S. Heilbrunn ◽

Anna E. Ssentongo ◽

Shailesh Advani ◽

Vernon M. Chinchilli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

Immunodeficiency Syndrome ◽

Hiv Negative

AbstractSusceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the risk of mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) is largely unknown. PLWHA are unique due to their altered immune system from their history of chronic HIV infection and their use of antiretroviral therapy, some of which have been used experimentally to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the epidemiology of SARS-COV-2/HIV coinfection and estimate associated mortality from COVID-19 (Prospero Registration ID: CRD42020187980). PubMed, SCOPUS, OVID and Cochrane Library databases, and medRxiv preprint repositories were searched from January 1, 2020, to December 12, 2020. Data were extracted from studies reporting COVID-19 attack and mortality rates in PLWHA compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. Pooled attack and mortality risks were quantified using random-effects models. We identified 22 studies that included 20,982,498 participants across North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The median age was 56 years, and 50% were male. HIV-positive persons had a significantly higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection [risk ratio (RR) 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.46)] and mortality from COVID-19 (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.21–2.60) than HIV-negative individuals. The beneficial effects of tenofovir and protease-inhibitors in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and death from COVID-19 in PLWHA remain inconclusive. HIV remains a significant risk factor for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection and is associated with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. In support of the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, persons with HIV need priority consideration for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

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Daily sodium consumption and CVD mortality in the general population: systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980014000949 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 695-704 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Rosana Poggio ◽

Laura Gutierrez ◽

María G Matta ◽

Natalia Elorriaga ◽

Vilma Irazola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Relative Risk ◽

General Population ◽

Prospective Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Meta Regression ◽

Cvd Mortality

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to determine whether elevated dietary Na intake could be associated with CVD mortality.DesignWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies representing the general population. The adjusted relative risks and their 95 % confidence intervals were pooled by the inverse variance method using random-effects models. Heterogeneity, publication bias, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed.SettingsMEDLINE (since 1973), Embase (since 1975), the Cochrane Library (since 1976), ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar (until September 2013) and secondary referencing were searched for inclusion in the study.SubjectEleven prospective studies with 229 785 participants and average follow-up period of 13·37 years (range 5·5–19 years).ResultsHigher Na intake was significantly associated with higher CVD mortality (relative risk=1·12; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·19). In the sensitivity analysis, the exclusion of studies with important relative weights did not significantly affect the results (relative risk=1·08; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·15). The meta-regression analysis showed that for every increase of 10 mmol/d in Na intake, CVD mortality increased significantly by 1 % (P=0·016). Age, hypertensive status and length of follow-up were also associated with increased CVD mortality.ConclusionsHigher Na intake was associated with higher CVD mortality in the general population; this result suggests a reduction in Na intake to prevent CVD mortality from any cause.

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The therapeutic effect to eldecalcitol + bisphosphonate is superior to bisphosphonate alone in the treatment of osteoporosis: a meta-analysis

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-020-01896-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zaoqian Zheng ◽

Jinyu Luo

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Effect ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Osteoporosis Treatment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Online Databases ◽

Metabolic Bone ◽

Hip Bmd ◽

Mean Differences

Abstract Background Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease. Bisphosphonate (BP) and eldecalcitol (ELD) are two clinical first-line drugs for osteoporosis patients. However, the effect of ELD + BP vs. BP alone on osteoporosis treatment is still unclear. The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the different therapeutic effect of BP + ELD vs. BP alone in osteoporosis treatment. Methods Eligible documents that selected from online databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were included in this study (updated to March 3, 2020). The quality assessment of the included studies was based on the guidelines of Cochrane. Meta-analysis was performed according to criteria such as intervention plan and outcome. The indicators including bone mineral density (BMD) in all enrolled studies were included in the current analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. Then, heterogeneity analysis was performed based on Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. Results A total of 4 studies (456 cases) with high quality were enrolled in this study. The effect of ELD + BP was superior to BP alone based on indicators including femoral neck BMD (FN-BMD) and total hip BMD (TH-BMD) in patients with followed up ≤ 6 months. Moreover, the effect of ELD + BP was superior to BP alone based on lumbar spine BMD (LS-BMD) in patients with 12 months followed up. Conclusion Therapeutic effect of ELD + BP was superior to BP alone in osteoporotic patients based on the influence of BMD.

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The Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of IDO1 Expression in Human Solid Tumors: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000492849 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

pp. 134-143 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Cheng-Peng Yu ◽

Shu-Fang Fu ◽

Xuan Chen ◽

Jing Ye ◽

Yuan Ye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

High Expression ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Odds Ratios ◽

Ido1 Expression ◽

Human Solid Tumors

Background/Aims: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a heme-containing enzyme catalyzing the initial and rate-limiting steps in the kynurenine pathway, which converts tryptophan into kynurenine. Upregulation of IDO1 decreases tryptophan levels and increases the accumulation of kynurenine and its metabolites. These metabolites can affect the proliferation of T cells. Increasing evidence has shown that IDO1 is highly expressed in various cancer types and associated with poor prognosis of cancer patients. However, the results were inconsistent. Methods: We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases to identify studies evaluating the prognostic value of IDO1 in cancer patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using fixed-effects/random-effects models. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 2706 patients from 24 articles. The results indicated a shorter overall survival in patients with high expression of IDO1 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-2.63). Furthermore, disease-free survival was worse in patients with high expression of IDO1 (HR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.46-4.20). Additionally, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) showed that increased IDO1 was significantly associated with tumor differentiation (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.05-3.12), distant metastasis (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.02-2.06), and poor clinical stage (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.13-3.17). However, no significant correlation was observed of increased IDO1 expression with age, sex, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size. Conclusion: High expression of IDO1 is associated with poor clinical outcomes. IDO1 could serve as a biomarker of prognosis and a potential predictive factor of clinicopathology in various cancers. Further studies should be performed to verify the clinical utility of IDO1 in human solid tumors.

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P463 Induction of endoscopic response: a network meta-analysis of induction studies comparing ontamalimab with other treatments for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis

Journal of Crohn s and Colitis ◽

10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjz203.592 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S410-S411

Author(s):

A Vickers ◽

A Nag ◽

B Devine ◽

B E Sands ◽

R Panaccione ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Large Scale ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Placebo Response ◽

Study Data ◽

Induction Treatment ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Odds Ratios ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Random Effects Models

Abstract Background Clinicians, patients, payers and policymakers require relevant, high-quality evidence to support decision-making regarding the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). In the absence of head-to-head trials, network meta-analysis (NMA) can be used to compare treatments. We conducted an NMA to compare the efficacy of ontamalimab (anti-MAdCAM-1) using its phase 2 data, with all biologics and novel small molecules for which induction study data on endoscopic response were available. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted in November 2017 to identify published randomised controlled trials of induction treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe UC. An NMA of the identified studies was performed using random-effects models and methods based on NICE guidance. Odds ratios and 95% credible intervals were calculated to describe the relative differences between treatments and placebo in terms of efficacy in inducing endoscopic response. Results were examined by anti-TNF status (naïve vs. experienced). Results In total, 15 phase 2 and phase 3 induction studies of the following agents were available and included: adalimumab (160/80mg), etrolizumab (100mg and 300mg), golimumab (200/100mg), infliximab (5mg), ontamalimab (22.5mg and 75mg), ozanimod (0.5mg and 1mg), tofacitinib (10mg) and vedolizumab (300mg). The definition of endoscopic response (improvement) in all trials was a Mayo endoscopic subscore of ≤1. Homogeneity between studies was good, enabling pooling of results. Figure 1 shows odds ratios for induction of endoscopic response with treatments relative to placebo in anti-TNF-naïve and -experienced patients. All treatments performed significantly better than placebo in anti-TNF-naïve patients, with the exception of both doses of etrolizumab and ozanimod 0.5 mg. Significant differences between some treatments were observed; specifically, ontamalimab 22.5 mg (p = 0.0277), tofacitinib 10 mg (p = 0.0233) and infliximab 5 mg (p = 0.0047) were all superior to adalimumab 160/80 mg. Conclusion This study suggests that ontamalimab, infliximab and tofacitinib could be superior to adalimumab in inducing endoscopic healing, although it was conducted before any large-scale head-to-head trials of these drugs. Furthermore, large variances due to differing endpoint timings, the combination of phase 2 and phase 3 data, and lack of control for placebo response rates preclude firm conclusions being drawn.

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