Comparison of the therapeutic methods (pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic) on prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Pancreatitis is considered as the most prevalent serious disorders of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Different approaches have been suggested to prevent or reduce this complication. Therefore we aim to investigate them in the current study. This systematic review was performed in 2019 using Pubmed, Embase, google scholar and Cochrane library. Two reviewers selected eligible studies and outcomes of interest were extracted. Meta-analysis was done by using the random or fixed-effect models. I-square statistic test was used for heterogeneity analysis. Material and Methods: Totally, 2758 articles were searched. Thereafter duplicated and irrelevant articles were excluded, and six articles were entered to the present study. Six RCTs were considered eligible with a total participants of 1685. Results: The relative risk of PEP was not significantly different in NSAID and hydration groups (Pooled RR=1.19, 95%CI: 0.40 to 3.50, P-value=0.74). The random effect model indicated no significant differences between NSAID and NSAID+hydration groups regarding the incidence of PEP (Pooled RR=2.19, 95%CI: 0.70 to 6.88, P-value=0.17). Conclusion: Additionally, the results of one study showed that rectal indomethacin alone appeared to be more effective for preventing PEP than no prophylaxis, PSP alone, and the combination of indomethacin and PSP. Using NSAIDs alone or the combination of NSAIDs and hydration can reduce the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Lack of studies comparing different approaches of prophylaxis in post-ERCP patient or the reporting of different parameters among the existing studies seriously limited the possibility and quality of meta-analysis. Further well-designed studies with accurate reporting of data is necessary to provide more reliable conclusion.

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Do Corticosteroids Affect Prenatal Biophysical Parameters? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

International Journal of Women s Health and Reproduction Sciences ◽

10.15296/ijwhr.2020.42 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 259-264

Author(s):

Sanaz Musavi ◽

Leila Nikniaz ◽

Hosein Hoseinifard ◽

Arezou Hamzehzadeh ◽

Shabnam Vazifekhah

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Heart Rate Variability ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Effect Model ◽

Biophysical Profile ◽

Betamethasone And Dexamethasone

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of betamethasone and dexamethasone on biophysical profile (BPP) parameters. In addition, it was performed in 2017, using several databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane library, ISI Web of science, Proquest, and Google scholar, along with Magiran SID and IranMedex. Eligible studies were selected by two reviewers and the outcomes of interest were extracted as well. Meta-analysis was done using the random effect model. Further, I-square statistic test was used for heterogeneity analysis and the presence of publication bias was also checked. At last, 12 studies were included and a random and fixed effect model was used for analysis. The pooled event rates were 4.5% (95% CI = 0.01-64.3, P=0.1), 76.8% (% 95 CI=33.5-95.6, P=0.21), 71.8% (% 95 CI=38.8-91.1, P=0.18), 70.9% (%95 CI=38.4-90.5, P=0.20), and 92.3% (%95 CI=76.0-97.8, P<0.001) for the reduced amniotic fluid volume, baseline fetal heart rate reactivity, fetal breathing, fetal movement, and heart rate variability, respectively. In summary, a significant decrease was observed in heart rate variability following betamethasone and dexamethasone administration. However, further systematic reviews are necessary to differentiate steroid induced changes in the fetal BPP from those due to fetal compromise

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Effectiveness of blended learning in pharmacy education: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0252461 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0252461

Author(s):

Athira Balakrishnan ◽

Sandra Puthean ◽

Gautam Satheesh ◽

Unnikrishnan M. K. ◽

Muhammed Rashid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Blended Learning ◽

Effect Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Pharmacy Education ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Effect Model

Background & objective Though blended learning (BL), is widely adopted in higher education, evaluating effectiveness of BL is difficult because the components of BL can be extremely heterogeneous. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of BL in improving knowledge and skill in pharmacy education. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify published literature. The retrieved studies from databases were screened for its title and abstracts followed by the full-text in accordance with the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was appraised by modified Ottawa scale. Random effect model used for statistical modelling. Key findings A total of 26 studies were included for systematic review. Out of which 20 studies with 4525 participants for meta-analysis which employed traditional teaching in control group. Results showed a statistically significant positive effect size on knowledge (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91 to 1.78, p<0.00001) and skill (SMD: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.16; p = 0.006) using a random effect model. Subgroup analysis of cohort studies showed, studies from developed countries had a larger effect size (SMD: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.06), than studies from developing countries(SMD: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.65, studies with MCQ pattern as outcome assessment had larger effect size (SMD: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.76 to 3.85) than non-MCQs (SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.74), and BL with case studies (SMD 2.72, 95% CI 1.86–3.59) showed better effect size than non-case-based studies (SMD: 0.22, CI: 0.02 to 0.41). Conclusion BL is associated with better academic performance and achievement than didactic teaching in pharmacy education.

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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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Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Interventions for Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin ◽

10.1177/00343552211043257 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003435522110432

Author(s):

Areum Han

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Mental Fatigue ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Meta Analyses

Objective: Mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention (MABI) is an emerging evidenced-based practice, but no systematic review incorporating meta-analyses for MABIs in stroke survivors has been conducted. The objective of this systematic review was to measure the effectiveness of MABIs on outcomes in people with stroke. Method: Three electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, were searched to identify relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. Data were extracted and combined in a meta-analysis with a random-effect model to compute the size of the intervention effect. Results: A total of 11 studies met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses found a small-to-moderate effect of MABIs on depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.12, 0.66]) and a large effect on mental fatigue (SMD = 1.22, 95% CI = [0.57, 1.87]). No statistically significant effect of MABIs on anxiety, quality of life, and mindfulness was found, but there was a trend in favor of MABIs overall. Conclusions: This meta-analysis found positive effects of MABIs on depressive symptoms and mental fatigue in stroke survivors, but future high-quality studies are needed to guarantee treatment effects of MABIs on varied outcomes in stroke survivors.

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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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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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Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Pirfenidone, Nintedanib, and Pamrevlumab for the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/1060028020964451 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 106002802096445

Author(s):

Enrica Di Martino ◽

Alessio Provenzani ◽

Patrizio Vitulo ◽

Piera Polidori

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

World Health ◽

Effect Model ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Positive Effect

Background: The comparative efficacy of pirfenidone, nintedanib, and pamrevlumab in slowing the rate of forced vital capacity (FVC) decline and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unknown. Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) of these drugs for IPF. Methods: We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, ClincalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization’s registry databases up to March 2020. Phase II/III randomized controlled trials in adults with IPF were eligible. The random-effect model was implemented calculating the effect size and respective 95% CI as Cohen’s d for change from baseline FVC (in percentage predicted and liters) and odds ratio (OR) for 10% reduction in FVC and all-cause mortality (ACM). Results: Six studies were included in the MA. For change from baseline in percentage predicted FVC, the MA indicated that the 3 drugs were more effective than placebo (pirfenidone: d=3.30%, 95% CI=2.15-4.45; nintedanib: d=3.15%, 95% CI=2.35-3.95; pamrevlumab: d=4.30%, 95% CI=0.45-8.15). These results are superimposable to those relating to change from baseline FVC in liters (pirfenidone: d=0.09L, 95% CI=0.04-0.14; nintedanib: d=0.13L, 95% CI=0.10-0.16; pamrevlumab: d=0.20L, 95% CI=0.05-0.35). Each drug had a positive effect on 10% reduction in FVC (pirfenidone: OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.45-0.74; nintedanib: OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.51-0.85; pamrevlumab: OR=0.24, 95% CI=0.08-0.73), but only pirfenidone showed an effect on ACM (OR=0.50; 95% CI=0.31-0.83). Conclusion and Relevance: This MA provided encouraging results on pamrevlumab efficacy in slowing the decline in FVC compared with pirfenidone and nintedanib. Actually, in phase 3, it could become a potential IPF treatment.

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The Associations between VEGF Gene Polymorphisms and Diabetic Retinopathy Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis of 11 Case-Control Studies

Journal of Diabetes Research ◽

10.1155/2014/805801 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Liyuan Han ◽

Lina Zhang ◽

Wenhua Xing ◽

Renjie Zhuo ◽

XiaLu Lin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Recessive Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Published Data ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Asian Populations ◽

Effect Model

Aims. Published data on the associations of VEGF polymorphisms with diabetic retinopathy (DR) susceptibility are inconclusive. A systematic meta-analysis was undertaken to clarify this topic.Methods. Data were collected from the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, OVID, Web of Science, Elsevier Science Direct, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Cochrane Library with the last report up to January 10, 2014. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated for VEGF–2578C/A (rs699947), –1154G/A (rs1570360), –460T/C (rs833061), −634G>C (rs2010963), and +936C/T (rs3025039) in at least two published studies. Meta-analysis was performed in a fixed/random effect model by using the software STATA 12.0.Results. A total of 11 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. A significant relationship between VEGF+936C/T (rs3025039) polymorphism and DR was found in a recessive model (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.20–8.41, andP(z)=0.01) in Asian and overall populations, while a significant association was also found between –460T/C (rs833061) polymorphism and DR risk under a recessive model (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.12–4.01, andP(z)=0.02).Conclusions. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that +936C/T (rs3025039) is likely to be associated with susceptibility to DR in Asian populations, and the recessive model of –460T/C (rs833061) is associated with elevated DR susceptibility.

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Detecting Melanoma Antigen Family A3 Expression in Solid/Non-Solid Human Tumor

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25597/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Haoran Jiang ◽

Lihao Zhao ◽

Han Yang ◽

Mengjing Zhao ◽

Yuxia Duan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Human Tumor ◽

Squamous Carcinoma ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Published Data ◽

Melanoma Antigen ◽

Effect Model ◽

Positive Rate

Abstract Background: MAGEA3 is a member of melanoma antigen family and has been recognized to express in many types of human cancers recently. In spite of the development of cancer vaccine, the prognostic value of MAGEA3 has not been well evaluated, due to the variability of clinical data and lack of clinical trials on the prognostic values.Method: Studies that evaluated MAGEA3 expression with a follow-up for at least 36 months were selected by searching in PubMed, WOS, Cochrane library, Embase. Published data was recorded and calculated into odds ratios (OR) for mortality in three or five years with Mantel-Haenszel random-effect model. Results: 11 studies were selected. The median positive rate was 45%. MAGEA3 always combines with worse survival on three or five years survival. The correlation between MAGEA3 and squamous carcinoma seemed stronger than adenocarcinoma on three-year OS while things got a reverse when it came to five-year OS. Most importantly, we found that all solid tumors originated from endoderm seemed to enjoy a strongest correlation among all the three germ layers.Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, we found that the expression of MAGEA3 can connect with worse outcome, and it probably can be a predictor for patients’ prognosis in clinical practice.

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