scholarly journals A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Health Workers

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1104
Author(s):  
Tingting Li ◽  
Xiaoling Qi ◽  
Qin Li ◽  
Wenge Tang ◽  
Kun Su ◽  
...  

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect of influenza vaccinations for health workers (HWs). Nine databases were screened to identify randomized clinical trials and comparative observational studies that reported the effect of influenza vaccination among HWs. The risk ratio (RR), standardized mean difference, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to study the effect size using fixed/random-effect models. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted accordingly. Publication bias was examined. Sixteen studies (involving 7971 HWs from nine countries) were included after a comprehensive literature search. The combined RR regarding the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.54), the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.45 to 1.06), the absenteeism rate was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.46 to 0.86), and the integrated standardized mean difference of workdays lost was −0.18 (95% CI: −0.28 to −0.07) days/person. The subgroup analysis indicated that vaccination significantly decreases the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza in different countries, study populations, and average-age vaccinated groups. Influenza vaccinations could effectively reduce the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza, absenteeism rates, and workdays lost among HWs. It is advisable, therefore, to improve the coverage and increase the influenza vaccination count among HWs, which may benefit both workers and medical institutions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-197
Author(s):  
Nima Radkhah ◽  
Sakineh Shabbidar ◽  
Meysam Zarezadeh ◽  
Abdolrasoul Safaeiyan ◽  
Ali Barzegar

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death around the world. According to the studies, apolipoproteins A1 and B100 play crucial role in CVD development and progression. Also, findings have indicated the positive role of vitamin D on these factors. Thus, we conducted the present meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to demonstrate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on apolipoproteins A1 and B100 levels in adults. PubMed and Scopus databases and Google Scholar were searched up to 21 December 2020. Relevant articles were screened, extracted, and assessed for quality based on the Cochrane collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Data analysis conducted by random-effect model and expressed by standardized mean difference (SMD). The heterogeneity between studies was assessed by I-squared (I2) test. Subgroups and sensitivity Analyses were also conducted. Seven RCTs were identified investigating the impact of vitamin D on Apo A1 levels and six on Apo B100 levels. The findings showed the insignificant effect of vitamin D supplementation on Apo A1 (SMD=0.26 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.10, 0.61; P= 0.155) and Apo B100 (standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, −0.24, 0.12; P=0.530) in adults. There was a significant between-study heterogeneity in Apo A1 (I2=89.3%, P<0.001) and Apo B100 (I2=57.1%, P=0.030). However, significant increase in Apo A1 in daily dosage of vitamin D (SMD=0.56 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.02, 1.11; P=0.044) and ≤12 weeks of supplementation duration (SMD=0.71 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.08, 1.34; P=0.028) was observed. No significant effects of vitamin D on Apo A1 and Apo B100 levels after subgroup analysis by mean age, gender, study population, dosage and duration of study. Overall, daily vitamin D supplementation and ≤12 weeks of supplementation might have beneficial effects in increasing Apo A1 levels, however, future high-quality trials considering these a primary outcome are required.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 611-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Wang ◽  
Qi-Fang Juan ◽  
Yu-Wei He ◽  
Li Zhuang ◽  
Yuan-Yuan Fang ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:A systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the effect of probiotics on diabetes and its associated risk factors.Methods:We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science to June 2016. We also hand-searched the citation lists of included studies and previously identified systematic reviews to identify further relevant trials. Our primary outcome variables included glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin. The pooled standardized mean difference was used to compare the effect between the probiotics and controlled groups, and the pooled standardized mean difference effect size with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran’s Q and HigginsI2tests. Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. The analysis and bias for each included study was performed and assessed using Review Manager 5.2.Results:Eighteen randomized, placebo-controlled studies (n=1056 participants, 527 consuming probiotics, 529 not consuming probiotics) were included for analysis. Comparing the probiotics groups with the control groups, there were statistically significant pooled standardized mean differences on the reduction of glucose (−0.61, 95% CI −0.98, −0.24; p=0.001), insulin (−0.49, 95% CI −0.93, −0.04; p=0.03) and HbA1c(−0.39, 95% CI −0.60, −0.19%; p=0.0001). Subgroup analysis also indicated statistical significance on the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in non-type 2 diabetes (non-T2DM) mellitus patients with diabetes, for the pooled standardized mean difference was −0.29 (95% CI −0.54, −0.04; p=0.02).Conclusions:Probiotics may have beneficial effects on the reduction of glucose, insulin and HbA1cfor diabetes, especially for T2DM mellitus patients.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e040061
Author(s):  
Getinet Ayano ◽  
Asmare Belete ◽  
Bereket Duko ◽  
Light Tsegay ◽  
Berihun Assefa Dachew

ObjectivesTo assess the global prevalence estimates of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and major depressive disorders (MDDs) among homeless people.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesDatabases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched up to February 2020 to identify relevant studies that have reported data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs among homeless people.Eligibility criteriaOriginal epidemiological studies written in English that addressed the prevalence of depressive problems among homeless people.Data extraction and synthesisA random-effect meta-analysis was performed to pool the prevalence estimated from individual studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to compare the prevalence across the groups as well as to identify the source of heterogeneities. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s quality assessment checklist was used to measure the study quality. Cochran’s Q and the I2 test were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies.ResultsForty publications, including 17 215 participants, were included in the final analysis. This meta-analysis demonstrated considerably higher prevalence rates of depressive symptoms 46.72% (95% CI 37.77% to 55.90%), dysthymia 8.25% (95% CI 4.79% to 11.86%), as well as MDDs 26.24% (95% CI 21.02% to 32.22%) among homeless people. Our subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was high among younger homeless people (<25 years of age), whereas the prevalence of MDD was high among older homeless people (>50 years of age) when compared with adults (25–50 years).ConclusionThis review showed that nearly half, one-fourth and one-tenth of homeless people are suffering from depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs, respectively, which are notably higher than the reported prevalence rates in the general population. The findings suggest the need for appropriate mental health prevention and treatment strategies for this population group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Werner ◽  
John V. Bosso

Background: Only a fraction of patients with allergic rhinitis receive allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). AIT is most commonly delivered subcutaneously in a series of injections over 3‐5 years. Common obstacles to completing this therapy include cost and inconvenience. Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) has been proposed as a faster alternative, which requires as few as three injections spaced 4 weeks apart. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the current evidence that supports the use of ILIT for allergic rhinitis. Methods: Clinical trials were identified in the published literature by using an electronic search strategy and were evaluated by using a risk of bias tool. Treatment outcome (symptom scores, medication scores, and combined symptom and medication scores) and provocation testing results (nasal provocation and skin-prick testing) were included in a meta-analysis of standardized mean difference with subgrouping by using a random-effects model. Overall adverse event rates were tabulated, and overall risk ratios were calculated by using a random-effects model. Results: We identified 17 clinical trials that met eligibility criteria. The standardized mean difference of ILIT on the symptom and medication score was ‐0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], ‐0.98 to ‐0.46; p < 0.0001) (n = 10). The standardized mean difference of ILIT on nasal provocation and skin-prick testing was ‐1.00 (95% CI, ‐1.38 to ‐0.61; p < 0.0001) (n = 7) and ‐0.73 (95% CI, ‐0.99 to ‐0.47; p < 0.0001) (n = 7), respectively. No statistically significant heterogeneity was detected. The overall adverse event rate was 39.5% for ILIT and 23.5% for placebo. Also, 98.4% of adverse events were mild. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that ILIT was safe, conferred desensitization to seasonal and nonseasonal allergens, alleviated allergic rhinitis symptoms, and reduced medication use. A larger randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial will be necessary for wider adaptation of this form of AIT.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisodowleh Nankali ◽  
Mohsen Kazeminia ◽  
Parnian Kord Jamshidi ◽  
Shamarina Shohaimi ◽  
Nader Salari ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility. The causes of the disease and its definitive treatments are still unclear. Moreover, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein dimer that is a member of the transient growth factors family. This research work aimed to identify the effect of unilateral and bilateral laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on AMH levels after 3 months, and 6 months, using meta-analysis. Methods In this study, the articles published in national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) were searched to find electronically published studies between 2010 and 2019. The heterogeneous index between studies was determined using the I2 index. Results In this meta-analysis and systematic review, 19 articles were eligible for inclusion in the study. The standardized mean difference was obtained in examining of unilateral laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis (before intervention 2.8 ± 0.11, and after 3 months 2.05 ± 0.13; and before intervention 3.1 ± 0.46 and after 6 months 2.08 ± 0.31), and in examining bilateral laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis examination (before intervention 2.0 ± 08.08, and after 3 months 1.1 ± 0.1; and before intervention 2.9 ± 0.23 and after 6 months 1.4 ± 0.19). Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that unilateral and bilateral laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is effective on AMH levels, and the level decreases in both comparisons.


Author(s):  
Tejas P. Singh ◽  
Joseph V. Moxon ◽  
T. Christian Gasser ◽  
Jonathan Golledge

Background Prior studies have suggested aortic peak wall stress (PWS) and peak wall rupture index (PWRI) can estimate the rupture risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), but whether these measurements have independent predictive ability over assessing AAA diameter alone is unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to compare PWS and PWRI in participants with ruptured and asymptomatic intact AAAs of similar diameter. Methods and Results Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify studies assessing PWS and PWRI in ruptured and asymptomatic intact AAAs of similar diameter. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed using inverse variance‐weighted methods. Leave‐one‐out sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of findings. Risk of bias was assessed using a modification of the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale and standard quality assessment criteria for evaluating primary research papers. Seven case‐control studies involving 309 participants were included. Meta‐analyses suggested that PWRI (standardized mean difference, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.14–0.70; P =0.004) but not PWS (standardized mean difference, 0.13; 95% CI, −0.18 to 0.44; P =0.418) was greater in ruptured than intact AAAs. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the findings were not dependent on the inclusion of any single study. The included studies were assessed to have a medium to high risk of bias. Conclusions Based on limited evidence, this study suggested that PWRI, but not PWS, is greater in ruptured than asymptomatic intact AAAs of similar maximum aortic diameter.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Razieh Behzadmehr ◽  
Abbas Balouchi ◽  
Mehran Hesaraki ◽  
Farshid Alazmani Noodeh ◽  
Hosein Rafiemanesh ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to needle needles daily. Despite individual studies, there is no statistics on the prevalence of unreported needle stick injuries (NSIs) have been reported. This study was performed to determine the prevalence and causes of unreported NSIs among HCWs. Content In present systematic review and meta-analysis study, three international databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed) were searched from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2018. The random model was used to determine the prevalence of unreported needle stick among HCWs. Summary and outlook Forty-one studies performed on 19,635 health care workers entered the final stage. Based-on random effect model, pooled prevalence of unreported needle stick injuries was 59.9% (95% CI: 52.0, 67.7; I2=98.9%). The most common cause of unreported NSIs was: They were not worried about NSIs (n=12). The high prevalence of unreported needle sticks injuries indicates the urgency and necessity of paying attention to strategies to improve reporting among health workers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 08 (05) ◽  
pp. E578-E590
Author(s):  
Ricardo Hannum Resende ◽  
Igor Braga Ribeiro ◽  
Diogo Turiani Hourneaux de Moura ◽  
Facundo Galetti ◽  
Rodrigo Silva de Paula Rocha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and study aims Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) have higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Guidelines recommend dysplasia surveillance with dye-spraying chromoendoscopy (DCE). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) available and compare the efficacy of different endoscopic methods of surveillance for dysplasia in patients with UC and CD. Methods Databases searched were Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and SCIELO/LILACS. It was estimated the risk difference (RD) for dichotomous outcomes (number of patients diagnosed with one or more dysplastic lesions, total number of dysplastic lesions diagnosed and number of dysplastic lesions detected by targeted biopsies) and mean difference for continuous outcomes (procedure time). Results This study included 17 RCTs totaling 2,457 patients. There was superiority of DCE when compared to standard-definiton white light endoscopy (SD-WLE). When compared with high-definition (HD) WLE, no difference was observed in all outcomes (number of patients with dysplasia (RD 0.06; 95 % CI [–0.01, 0.13])). Comparing other techniques, no difference was observed between DCE and virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE – including narrow-band imaging [NBI], i-SCAN and flexible spectral imaging color enhancement), in all outcomes except procedure time (mean difference, 6.33 min; 95 % CI, 1.29, 11.33). DCE required a significantly longer procedure time compared with WLE (mean difference, 7.81 min; 95 % CI, 2.76, 12.86). Conclusions We found that dye-spraying chromoendoscopy detected more patients and dysplastic lesions than SD-WLE. Although no difference was observed between DCE and HD-WLE or narrow-band imaging, the main outcomes favored numerically dye-spraying chromoendoscopy, except procedure time. Regarding i-SCAN, FICE and auto-fluorescence imaging, there is still not enough evidence to support or not their recommendation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom A Rayner ◽  
Sean Harrison ◽  
Paul Rival ◽  
Dominic E Mahoney ◽  
Massimo Caputo ◽  
...  

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 &lt; 0.001) and intensive care (standardized mean difference 0.17, 95% CI 0.06–0.27; P &lt; 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.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16053-e16053
Author(s):  
Francesco Massari ◽  
Francesca Maines ◽  
Sara Pilotto ◽  
Camillo Porta ◽  
Paolo Carlini ◽  
...  

e16053 Background: Treatment decision making in patients affected by CRPC is difficult because the numerous available therapeutic opportunities can significantly affect OS. To demonstrate that comparing results in absence of head-to-head studies may lead to biased survival estimations, a literature-based meta-analysis was conducted. Methods: Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted and cumulated according to a random-effect model from phase III trials. Sensitivity analyses were performed according to: 1) Treatment Strategy (TS, Chemotherapy versus Hormonal versus Immunotherapy versus Other), 2) Comparison (Chemotherapy versus Placebo versus Other), and 3) Disease setting with regard to treatment with Docetaxel (DOC),. Testing for heterogeneity was performed as well. Results: A significant heterogeneity for the 3 sensitivity analyses was found (p<0.0001). The cumulative HR in favor of (any) experimental arm was 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.99, p=0.028). We found a significant interaction according to the chosen TS (p<0.0001), in fact a significant difference in OS was more likely to be detected in RCT evaluating hormonal drugs (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.92, p=0.005) versus studies testing immunotherapy (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.86-1.56, p=0.31). With regard to Comparison, a significant interaction (p<0.0001) was found in favor of RCT having placebo as control (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.97, p=0.015), versus studies evaluating chemotherapy (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.84, 1.19, p=0.99). A significant interaction according to DOC-treatment was also detected (p<0.0001), being the Post-DOC the Setting where a significant OS benefit was more likely to be determined (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66-0.90, p=0.001). Conclusions: The cross-trials interpretation in absence of formal direct comparisons may drive biased conclusions with regard to OS estimation. When designing trials to evaluate drugs (or strategies) in CRPC, the expected OS benefit must take into account the comparator, the treatment strategy and the (eventual) pre-treatment with DOC.


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