Effectiveness of Chitosan as a Dietary Supplement in Lowering Cholesterol in Murine Models: A Meta-Analysis

This study presents a meta-analysis of studies that investigate the effectiveness of chitosan administration on lifestyle-related disease in murine models. A total of 34 published studies were used to evaluate the effect of chitosan supplementation. The effect sizes for various items after chitosan administration were evaluated using the standardized mean difference. Using Cochran’s Q test, the heterogeneity of effect sizes was assessed, after which a meta-ANOVA and -regression test was conducted to explain the heterogeneity of effect sizes using the mixed-effect model. Publication bias was performed using Egger’s linear regression test. Among the items evaluated, blood triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol showed the highest heterogeneity, respectively. Other than blood HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in feces, most items evaluated showed a negative effect size with high significance in the fixed- and random-effect model (p < 0.0001). In the meta-ANOVA and -regression test, administering chitosan and resistant starch was revealed to be most effective in lowering body weight. In addition, chitosan supplementation proved to be an effective solution for serum TNF-α inhibition. In conclusion, chitosan has been shown to be somewhat useful in improving symptoms of lifestyle-related disease. Although there are some limitations in the results of this meta-analysis due to the limited number of animal experiments conducted, chitosan administration nevertheless shows promise in reducing the risk of cholesterol related metabolic disorder.

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Delirium risk of dexmedetomidine and midazolam in patients treated with postoperative mechanical ventilation: A meta-analysis

Open Medicine ◽

10.1515/med-2017-0036 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 252-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Wang Peng ◽

Shan Shimin ◽

Wang Hongli ◽

Zhang Yanli ◽

Zhang Ying

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Postoperative Delirium ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Funnel Plot ◽

Effect Model ◽

Regression Test ◽

Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate by meta-analysis the effects of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam on postoperative delirium in patients that received postoperative mechanical ventilation.MethodsThe electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, CNKI, CBM, Cochrane library and WanFang were searched by two reviewers. All the clinical studies related to dexmedetomidine versus midazolam on postoperative delirium were screened and collected in this meta-analysis. The combined postoperative delirium risk between dexmedetomidine and midazolam groups was pooled by random effect model. The publication bias was assessed by Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s line regression test.ResultsA total of six studies including 386 subjects (202 in the dexmedetomidine group and 184 in the midazolam group) were finally included in this meta-analysis. All six studies reported adequate sequence generation. Three studies used blindness methods and 2 publications were free of selective reporting. However, only 1 publication reported allocation concealment. Because of significant heterogeneity across the studies (I2=61.7%, p<0.05), the data were pooled by random effect model. Pooled data showed the postoperative delirium risk in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower than that of the midazolam group (RR=0.20 (095%CI:0.09~0.47, p<0.05)).The Begg’s funnel plot showed obvious asymmetry at the bottom and Egger’s line regression test also indicated significant publication bias (t=-6.51, p<0.05).ConclusionCompared with midazolam, patients that received dexmedetomidine for postoperative mechanical ventilation sedation had less risk of developing delirium.

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A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Learning with Robots in Early Childhood Education in Korea

International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning ◽

10.4018/ijmbl.2019070104 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 55-63

Author(s):

Sung-Deok Park ◽

Eun-Jung Kim ◽

Kyung-Chul Kim

Keyword(s):

Young Children ◽

Effect Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Moderator Variables ◽

Social Nature ◽

Effect Model

This meta-analysis examines the effects of learning with robots (r-learning) on young children and, on this basis, gives suggestions for using robotics in education for young children. A test of homogeneity was performed for 27 Korean studies done between 2008 and 2016 and a random effect model introduced to reveal the effect sizes. The overall effect size was medium to large at 0.72. After analyzing gaps in effect sizes with different categorical moderator variables, the authors found significant differences depending on platform type, activity type, dependent variables for r-learning effect, and age. The study also investigates relationships between effect size and continuous moderator variables such as treatment period and year of publication. The meta-regression model showed a significantly negative relationship between effect size and year of publication. Thus, effects of r-learning on a young child are generally beneficial, and r-learning also improves variables like a child's social nature, though conversely the effect on language development appears below average.

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Alteration of Postural Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11010127 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 127

Author(s):

David Núñez-Fuentes ◽

Esteban Obrero-Gaitán ◽

Noelia Zagalaz-Anula ◽

Alfonso Javier Ibáñez-Vera ◽

Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Postural Balance ◽

Fibromyalgia Syndrome ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Functional Balance ◽

Sensory Organization ◽

Effect Model

Balance problems are one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). However, the extent and nature of this balance disorder are not known. The objective of this work was to determine the best evidence for the alteration of postural balance in patients with FMS and analyze differences with healthy controls. To meet this objective, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. A bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO. Observational studies that assessed postural balance in patients with FMS compared to healthy subjects in baseline conditions, were selected. In a random-effect model, the pooled effect was calculated with the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Nineteen studies reporting data of 2347 participants (95% female) were included. FMS patients showed poor balance with a large effect on static (SMD = 1.578; 95% CI = 1.164, 1.992), dynamic (SMD = 0.946; 95% CI = 0.598, 1.294), functional balance (SMD = 1.138; 95% CI = 0.689, 1.588) and on balance confidence (SMD = 1.194; 95% CI = 0.914, 1.473). Analysis of the Sensory Organization Test showed large alteration of vestibular (SMD = 1.631; 95% CI = 0.467, 2.795) and visual scores (SMD = 1.317; 95% CI = 0.153, 2.481) compared to healthy controls. Patients with FMS showed worse scores for different measures of postural balance compared to healthy controls. Concretely, FMS patients appear to have poor vestibular and visual scores with a possible somatosensory dependence.

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Magnitude and determinants of neural tube defect in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03848-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Atlaw ◽

Yohannes Tekalegn ◽

Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽

Kenbon Seyoum ◽

Damtew Solomon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Neural Tube ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Maternal Exposure ◽

X Ray ◽

Effect Model ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of disorders that arise from the failure of the neural tube close between 21 and 28 days after conception. About 90% of neural tube defects and 95% of death due to these defects occurs in low-income countries. Since these NTDs cause considerable morbidity and mortality, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of NTDs in Africa. Methods The protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO number: CRD42020149356). All major databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa, and Cochran’s Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Begg ’s tests, and the association between determinant factors and NTDs was estimated using a random-effect model. Results Of the total 2679 articles, 37 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was 50.71 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 48.03, 53.44). Folic acid supplementation (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19–0.85), maternal exposure to pesticide (AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.04–10.39), mothers with a previous history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.99–5.65) and maternal exposure to x-ray radiation (AOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27–4.31) were found to be determinants of NTDs. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was found to be high. Maternal exposure to pesticides and x-ray radiation were significantly associated with NTDs. Folic acid supplementation before and within the first month of pregnancy was found to be a protective factor for NTDs.

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Efficacy of interventions to increase physical activity for people with heart failure: a meta-analysis

Open Heart ◽

10.1136/openhrt-2021-001687 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e001687

Author(s):

Aliya Amirova ◽

Theodora Fteropoulli ◽

Paul Williams ◽

Mark Haddad

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Action Planning ◽

Exercise Programme ◽

Effect Model

ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aims to (1) evaluate the efficacy of physical activity interventions in heart failure and (2) to identify intervention characteristics significantly associated with the interventions’ efficacy.MethodsRandomised controlled trials reporting intervention effects on physical activity in heart failure were combined in a meta-analysis using a random-effect model. Exploratory meta-analysis was performed by specifying the general approach (eg, cardiac rehabilitation), strategies used (eg, action planning), setting (eg, centre based), mode of delivery (eg, face to face or online), facilitator (eg, nurse), contact time and behavioural change theory use as predictors in the random-effect model.ResultsInterventions (n=21) had a significant overall effect (SMD=0.54, 95% CI (0.13 to 0.95), p<0.0005). Combining an exercise programme with behavioural change intervention was found efficacious (SMD=1.26, 95% CI (0.26 to 2.26), p<0.05). Centre-based (SMD=0.98, 95% CI (0.35 to 1.62), and group-based (SMD=0.89, 95% CI (0.29 to 1.50),) delivery by a physiotherapist (SMD=0.84, 95% CI (0.03 to 1.65),) were significantly associated with efficacy. The following strategies were identified efficacious: prompts/cues (SMD=3.29, 95% CI (1.97 to 4.62)), credible source (standardised mean difference, SMD=2.08, 95% CI (0.95;3.22)), adding objects to the environment (SMD=1.47, 95% CI (0.41 to 2.53)), generalisation of the target behaviour SMD=1.32, 95% CI (0.22 to 2.41)), monitoring of behaviour by others without feedback (SMD=1.02, 95% CI (0.05 to 1.98)), self-monitoring of outcome(s) of behaviour (SMD=0.79, 95% CI (0.06 to 1.52), graded tasks (SMD=0.73, 95% CI (0.22 to 1.24)), behavioural practice/rehearsal (SMD=0.72, 95% CI (0.26 to 1.18)), action planning (SMD=0.62, 95% CI (0.03 to 1.21)) and goal setting (behaviour) (SMD=0.56, 95% CI (0.03 to 1.08)).ConclusionThe meta-analysis suggests intervention characteristics that may be suitable for promoting physical activity in heart failure. There is moderate evidence in support of an exercise programme combined with a behavioural change intervention delivered by a physiotherapist in a group-based and centre-based settings.PROSPERO registerationCRD42015015280.

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Association between circulating leptin levels and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2017-135397 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 94 (1111) ◽

pp. 278-283 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xue-Feng Xie ◽

Xiao-Hui Huang ◽

Ai-Zong Shen ◽

Jun Li ◽

Ye-Huan Sun

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Control Group ◽

Sample Type ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Effect Model ◽

Healthy Control

AimLeptin, synthesised by adipocytes, has been identified as a hormone that can influence inflammatory activity. Several studies have investigated leptin levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the results are not consistent. This study aims to derive a more precise evaluation on the relationship between circulating leptin levels and MS.DesignA comprehensive literature searched up to July 2017 was conducted to evaluate the association of circulating leptin levels and MS. The random-effect model was applied to calculate pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and its 95% CI.Main outcome measuresCirculating leptin levels of patients with MS and healthy controls.ResultsOf 2155 studies identified, 33 met eligibility criteria and 9 studies with 645 patients with MS and 586 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the healthy control group, the MS group had significantly higher plasma/serum leptin levels, with the SMD of 0.70% and 95% CI (0.24 to 1.15). Subgroup analyses suggested that the leptin levels of patients with MS were associated with region, age, study sample size, measurement type, gender and blood sample type.ConclusionOverall, our study suggests that patients with MS have a significantly higher leptin level than in healthy controls. Further mechanism studies and longitudinal large cohort studies are still needed to further reveal the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of MS.

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Comparative efficacy between ketamine, memantine, riluzole and d-cycloserine in patients diagnosed with drug resistant depression: a meta-analysis

International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology ◽

10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20192174 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 1132

Author(s):

Nishita H. Darji ◽

Devang A. Rana ◽

Supriya D. Malhotra

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Fixed Effect ◽

P Value ◽

Drug Resistant ◽

Effect Model ◽

Resistant Depression ◽

Glutamate Modulators

Background: Glutamate modulators are having immense potential and are newer entities for treating drug resistant depression. The objectives were to generate statistical evidence on basis of existing data of ketamine, memantine, riluzole and d-cycloserine in resistant depression.Methods: A total of 14 RCTs following PRISMA guidelines and matching inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected of ketamine (5), memantine (3), riluzole (2) and d-cycloserine (4) vs placebo in drug resistant depression. Only RCTs with primary diagnosis of drug resistant depression (Previously on two standard antidepressant therapy) were included. Studies with treatment response rate, 50% reduction in total score of the depression rating scale-Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or Beck Depression Inventory was chosen as clinical outcome measure. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the analysis.Results: In ketamine group using random effect model SMD was 2.122 (95% CI 0.659-3.584). P-value was statistically significant (random effect p <0.005 and in fixed effect <0.001). In memantine group, using random effect model -0.963 was SMD and (95% CI -1.958-0.0324). P-value was <0.001, significant in fixed effect. In riluzole group, SMD was -0.564 with (95% CI -3.927-2.799) in random effect. P-value was 0.741. In d-cycloserine group SMD was 0.316 with (95% CI -1.252-1.885) in random effect. P-value was 0.690.Conclusions: Ketamine showed best efficacy followed by memantine. Riluzole and DCS as such have no efficacy although its acts by same glutamate pathway. More molecular based research is required in use of glutamate modulators in resistant depression.

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The Correlation of Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Carbohydrates with the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1117792/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Long-Shan Yang ◽

Guang-Xiao Meng ◽

Zi-Niu Ding ◽

Lun-Jie Yan ◽

Sheng-Yu Yao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Glycemic Index ◽

Hepatitis Virus ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Glycemic Load ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Fixed Effect Model ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Effect Model

Abstract Background Glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and carbohydrates have been shown to be associated with a variety of cancers, but their correlation with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to investigate the correlation of GI, GL and carbohydrate with risk of HCC.Methods Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science until November 2020. According to the size of heterogeneity, the random effect model or the fixed effect model was performed to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the correlation of GI, GL, and carbohydrates with the risk of HCC.Results Seven cohort studies involving 1,193,523 participants and 1,004 cases, and 3 case-control studies involving 827 cases and 5,502 controls were eventually included. The pooled results showed no significant correlation of GI (RR=1.11, 95%CI 0.80-1.53, I2= 62.2%), GL (RR=1.09, 95%CI 0.76-1.55, I2 = 66%), and carbohydrate (RR=1.09, 95%CI 0.84-1.32, I2=0%) with the risk of HCC in general population. Subgroup analysis revealed that in hepatitis B virus (HBV) or/and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive group, GI was not correlated with the risk of HCC (RR=0.65, 95%CI 0.32-1.32, p=0.475, I2=0.0%), while GL was significantly correlated with the risk of HCC (RR=1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.23, p=0.016, I2=70.9%). In contrast, in HBV and HCV-negative group, both GI (RR=1.23, 95%CI 0.88-1.70, p=0.222, I2=33.6%) and GL (RR=1.17, 95% CI 0.83-1.64, p=0.648, I2=0%) were not correlated with the risk of HCC. Conclusion A high GL diet is correlated with a higher risk of HCC in people with hepatitis virus. A low GL diet may be recommended for patients with viral hepatitis to reduce the risk of HCC.

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ASSOCIATION OF IL-8 -251T>A (RS4073) POLYMORPHISM WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO GASTRIC CANCER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS BASED ON 33 CASE-CONTROL STUDIES

Arquivos de Gastroenterologia ◽

10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-16 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 91-99

Author(s):

Mansour MOGHIMI ◽

Seyed Alireza DASTGHEIB ◽

Naeimeh HEIRANIZADEH ◽

Mohammad ZARE ◽

Elnaz SHEIKHPOUR ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Effect Model ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Mixed Populations ◽

Stratified Analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The role of -251A>T polymorphism in the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene in gastric cancer was intensively evaluated, but the results of these studies were inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive data on the association of IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism with gastric cancer. METHODS: All eligible studies were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Wanfang and CNKI databases before September 01, 2019. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from a fixed effect or random effect model. RESULTS: A total of 33 case-control studies with 6,192 cases and 9,567 controls were selected. Overall, pooled data showed that IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer under all five genetic models, i.e., allele (A vs T: OR=1.189, 95% CI 1.027-1.378, P=0.021), homozygote (AA vs TT: OR=1.307, 95% CI 1.111-1.536, P=0.001), heterozygote (AT vs TT: OR=1.188, 95% CI 1.061-1.330, P=0.003), dominant (AA+AT vs TT: OR=1.337, 95% CI 1.115-1.602, P=0.002) and recessive (AA vs AT+TT: OR=1.241, 95% CI 1.045-1.474, P=0.014). The stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed an increased risk of gastric cancer in Asians and mixed populations, but not in Caucasians. Moreover, stratified by country found a significant association in Chinese, Korean and Brazilian, but not among Japanese. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that the IL-8 -251T>A polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, especially by ethnicity (Asian and mixed populations) and country (Chinese, Korean and Brazilian).

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Prevalence of HTN in Iran: Meta-analysis of Published Studies in 2004-2018

Current Hypertension Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573402115666190118142818 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 113-122

Author(s):

Mehdi Jafari Oori ◽

Farahnaz Mohammadi ◽

Kian Norozi ◽

Masoud Fallahi-Khoshknab ◽

Abbas Ebadi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sample Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Effect Model ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Standard Tool ◽

Egger Test ◽

Significant Health

Introduction: Prevalence of hypertension (HTN) is increasing in the developing countries like Iran. Various studies have reported different rates of HTN in Iran. The purpose of this study was to estimate an overall prevalence of HTN in Iran. Methodology: Using the English and Persian key derived from Mesh, the databases including MagIran, Iran Medex, SID, Web of Sciences, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar as a searching engine were reviewed: from 2004 to 2018. The overall prevalence of MA was estimated using Random effect model. The I2 test was used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Additionally, the quality of studies was evaluated using a standard tool. Publication bias was conducted with the Egger test. Meta-regression and analysis of subgroups were analyzed based on variables such as age, marital status, region and tools. Data were analyzed using STATA 12 software. Results: Analysis of 58 primary articles with a sample size of 902580 showed that the prevalence of HTN in Iran was 25% (with 95% CI of 22-28). The highest prevalence of HTN was related to elderly (42%). The prevalence of HTN was 25% (95% CI: 19-31) in women and 24% (95% CI: 20-28) in men with no significant difference (p = 0.758). The results also indicated that the prevalence of HTN was not related to the year of studies (p = 0.708) or sample size (p = 769). Conclusion: Despite the advancements in science and technology, along with health and prevention of diseases, the overall prevalence of HTN raised in Iran. Since HTN is a silent disease with significant health consequences and economic burden, programs designed to better HTN control seem vital to enhance community health.

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