Short-term Outcomes of Acupuncture Interventions on Uterine Adenomyosis: ASystematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Li ◽  
Yun-xia Li ◽  
Lu Fan ◽  
Su-e Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Carbohydrate Antigen ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Carbohydrate Antigen 125 ◽  
Uterine Adenomyosis ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Review Manager ◽  
Promising Avenue

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate for evidence of the association of acupuncture with relieving the symptoms of adenomyosis. We searched ten electronic databases and included randomized controlled trials(RCTs) in women with adenomyosis. The methodological quality was moderate evidence level by Cochrane risk-of-bias criteria. The results were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 and expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD). Eleven RCTs (942 subjects) were included in this meta-analysis. Analysis with no heterogeneity showed that acupuncture group obtained a significant better effect (95% CI,-0.48 to-0.10; I²= 0%) on reducing the size of the uterus and was superior in the shrink of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) level (95% CI,-1.13 to-0.44; I² =0%) than that in pharmacological medicine alone group. Moreover, acupuncture was significantly associated with improving patients’ dysmenorrheal symptoms after 3-month menstrual cycles treatment (95% CI,-1.09to-0.06).The adverse events, especially the incidence of hot flashes, were less reported in acupuncture group compared to pharmacological medicine alone group (Odds Ratio, OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.35;I²= 0%).Acupuncture therapy is a promising avenue for the development of alternatives to surgery and medicine in the treatment of adenomyosis. However, further rigorous trials are needed to confirm the claims of our results.

scholarly journals The Effect of Letrozole Combined with Dydrogesterone for Endometriosis in China: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Shumei Sun ◽  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Peicheng Zhong ◽  
Zhihong Xu
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Carbohydrate Antigen ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Carbohydrate Antigen 125 ◽  
Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Purpose. To discuss the effects of dydrogesterone combined with letrozole on the effectiveness, sex hormone levels, and serological indicators in patients with endometriosis. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020213172). Methods. We searched relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP Database. The standardized mean differences (SMDs), the mean differences (MDs), or odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed to be outcome indicators, including total effectiveness, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) level, Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA125) level, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) level, estrogen (E2) level, progesterone (P) level, interleukin-6 (IL-6) level, and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) level. Results. A total of 19 RCTs involving 1,591 patients were included in this study. Our results showed that letrozole combined with dydrogesterone can significantly reduce the levels of VEGF (SMD -2.23, 95% CI -2.39 to -2.07; p < 0.00001 ), CA125 (MD -10.53, 95% CI -11.19 to -9.88; p < 0.00001 ), E2 (SMD -1.64, 95% CI -1.81 to -1.47; p < 0.00001 ), P (MD -5.11, 95% CI -6.26 to -3.96; p < 0.00001 ), IL-6 (MD -4.41, 95% CI -5.16 to -3.67; p < 0.00001 ), and TNF-a (MD -5.67, 95% CI -6.34 to -5.00; p < 0.00001 ) in patients with endometriosis compared with the control group. In addition, the results indicated that total effectiveness was significantly higher in the experiment group (OR 6.21, 95% CI 4.17 to 9.24; p < 0.00001 ) compared to the control. However, there was no significant difference between FSH and LH levels in both groups ( p > 0.05 ). Conclusion. This combination therapy can effectively decrease the levels of VEGF, CA125, E2, P, IL-6, and TNF-a and increase the total effectiveness when comparing with the control group.

The effect of 0.01% atropine on ocular axial elongation for myopia children: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Yu ◽  
Jiasu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Axial Elongation ◽  
Funnel Plots ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Q Statistic ◽  
Regression Tests ◽  
Review Manager

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to identify the therapeutic effect of 0.01% atropine with on ocular axial elongation for myopia children. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from inception to July 2021. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0 and Review Manager version 5.3 softwares. We calculated the weighted mean differences(WMD) to analyze the change of ocular axial length (AL) between orthokeratology combined with 0.01% atropine (OKA) and orthokeratology (OA) alone. The Cochran's Q-statistic and I2 test were used to evaluate potential heterogeneity between studies. To evaluate the influence of single studies on the overall estimate, a sensitivity analysis was performed. We also performed sub group and meta-regression analyses to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. We conducted Begger's funnel plots and Egger's linear regression tests to investigate publication bias. Results: Nine studies that met all inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 191 children in OKA group and 196 children in OK group were assessed. The pooled summary WMD of AL change was -0.90(95%CI=-1.25~-0.55) with statistical significance(t=-5.03, p<0.01), which indicated there was obvious difference between OKA and OK in myopic children. Subgroup analysis also showed that OKA treatment resulted in significantly less axial elongation compared to OK treatment alone according to SER. We found no evidence for publication bias. Conclusions:  Our meta-analysis indicates 0.01% atropine atropine is effective in slowing axial elongation in myopia children with orthokeratology.

scholarly journals The Derivative of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F—Kunxian Capsule, Attenuated Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ya-Fei Liu ◽  
Zhe Zhang ◽  
Jun-Jun Zhang ◽  
Zhe Chen ◽  
Sheng-Hao Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Review Manager

The study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of Kunxian Capsule (KXC) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of KXC in patients with RA were included in this study. Weighted mean differences (MDs) were calculated for net changes by employing Review Manager meta-analysis software. Nine RCTs were included in the systematic review with a total of 747 patients. The overall effects showed that KXC alone or combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic and drugs decreased tender joint counts (P=0.02, MD = −1.07, 95% CI: −1.95 to −0.18), shortened duration of morning stiffness (P<0.0001, MD = −9.01, 95% CI: −13.08 to −4.93), lowered erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P<0.00001, MD = −5.27, 95% CI: −6.78 to −3.77), and reduced C-reactive protein (P<0.0001, MD = −5.04, 95% CI: −7.28 to −2.80). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal disturbances and abnormal liver function. These results suggest that KXC is likely to be a more effective and safe candidate for treating RA compared with conventional therapies.

scholarly journals Comparing iStent versus CyPass with or without phacoemulsification in patients with glaucoma: a meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 204062231882085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Mahdavi Fard ◽  
Sangita P. Patel ◽  
Leili Pourafkari ◽  
Nader D. Nader
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Review ◽  
Cataract Extraction ◽  
Lowering Effect ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Review Manager

Bacground: The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the overall intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of iStent or CyPass as isolated procedures or in combination with cataract extraction. Materials and methods: Cochrane review manager 5.3 software (RevMan® 5.3) was used for a meta-analysis of IOPs and the number of antiglaucoma medications in six groups according to the type and number of stents and whether the procedure was isolated or in combination with cataract extraction. Main results: A total of 33 out of 446 publications retrieved have been enrolled. The mean changes in IOP in the groups with one iStent and more than two iStents with concurrent cataract extraction were −3.78 ± 0.53 mmHg and −3.89 ± 0.73 mmHg, respectively. The mean differences in IOP in the groups with one iStent and more than two iStents without concurrent cataract extraction were −3.96 ± 0.25 mmHg and −7.48 ± 0.55 mmHg, respectively. The mean changes in IOP in the groups with CyPass implantation with and without concurrent cataract extraction were −4.97 ± 1.38 mmHg and −8.96 ± 0.16 mmHg, respectively. Conclusions: Both iStent and CyPass either in combination with cataract extraction or as isolated procedures effectively decrease IOP. This effect is greatest with isolated implantation of CyPass followed by multiple iStents and then single iStent implantation and lasts up to 2 years.

scholarly journals Efficacy Comparison of Different Acupuncture Treatments for Hot Flashes: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-121
Author(s):  
Hyo Rim Jo ◽  
Seong Kyeong Choi ◽  
Won Suk Sung ◽  
Eun Jung Kim ◽  
Su Ji Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Indirect Comparison ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Review Manager

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of various types of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes (HF). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from 8 electronic databases, and the risk of bias was evaluated for the included studies. Pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed using Review Manager and R software for indirect comparison and ranking, respectively. In total, 23 RCTs (2,302 patients) were eligible for systematic review, of which 10 were included in network meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis showed manual acupuncture (MA) had the highest probability of reducing HF frequency and severity, followed by sham acupuncture (SA), electroacupuncture, usual care, or no treatment; furthermore, warm acupuncture significantly improved menopause-specific quality of life compared with MA or electroacupuncture. Compared with hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture had less efficacy in reducing HF frequency but enhanced menopause-specific quality of life. There was no significant difference between MA and SA in mitigating HF. The existing evidence showed that MA could be used for alleviating menopausal HF. However, it is recommended that more high-quality RCTs should be performed.

Efficacy of Pharmacological Therapies for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (14) ◽  
pp. 3552-3560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Kitridis ◽  
Konstantinos Tsikopoulos ◽  
Ilias Bisbinas ◽  
Paraskevi Papaioannidou ◽  
Panagiotis Givissis
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adhesive Capsulitis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Multiple Site ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Corticosteroid Injections

Background: Several pharmacological interventions are used for the management of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, although the optimal treatment has yet to be defined. Purpose: To conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the effects of different pharmacological interventions for adhesive capsulitis, administered either alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule. Study Design: Network meta-analysis. Methods: The authors searched Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to April 22, 2018, for completed studies. They enrolled trials that assessed the results of different pharmacological treatments for the primary management of adhesive capsulitis. The primary outcome was pain relief as measured by self-administered questionnaires. The secondary outcome included the assessment of composite instruments that evaluated, at a minimum, pain and function. The authors clinically interpreted the results after back-transforming the standardized mean differences into mean differences in simple instruments and assessed the quality of the source studies using the Cochrane “risk of bias” tool. Results: The authors considered 30 trials with a total of 2010 participants in this systematic review. For pain relief, there was a significant difference in favor of intra-articular corticosteroids and distension of the shoulder capsule with steroids as compared with control in the short term (mean difference in visual analog scale (VAS): –1.4 [95% CI, −2.5 to −0.4] and −1.7 [95% CI, −3.2 to −0.1], respectively). Furthermore, rotator-interval injections were found to be superior to placebo (mean difference in VAS: –7.2; 95% CI, −10.1 to −4.4), although the intervention was considered in only 1 trial. Finally, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of multiple-site corticosteroid injections compared to placebo in both the short- (mean difference in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI]: −86.7; 95% CI, −133.6 to −40) and intermediate-term assessment (mean difference in SPADI: −102.9; 95% CI, −163.9 to −41.8). Conclusion: Intra-articular corticosteroid intervention, administered either alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule, provided clinically meaningful improvements in the short term. Likewise, rotator-interval corticosteroid injections yielded promising results in terms of pain relief. However, these short-term benefits of steroids dissipated over time. Multiple-site corticosteroid injections showed clinical advantage over placebo for short- and intermediate-term composite outcome assessments.

scholarly journals Association between alendronate and atypical femur fractures: a meta-analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Liu ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Peng Yang ◽  
Jian Zhu ◽  
Dongmei Gan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Treatment Of Osteoporosis ◽  
Femur Fractures ◽  
Atypical Femur Fractures ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
The Relationship

Alendronate (ALN) is a commonly used drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. Atypical femur fractures (AFFs) have been associated with long-term use of ALN and have recently become the subject of considerable attention as ALN use increases. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationship between ALN and AFF. The Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies published before November 6, 2014. Studies clearly reporting the relationship between ALN and AFF were selected for our analysis. From these results, the relationship between ALN and AFF was analyzed. Weighted mean differences were calculated using a random-effects model. Five studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that the use of ALN will not increase the risk of AFF in short term (P>0.05), but there will be a risk of AFF (P<0.05) with long-term (>5 years) use of ALN. These findings indicate that long-term use of ALN is a risk factor for AFF and that more attention should be paid to the clinical applications of ALN.

Educational Robots Improve K-12 Students’ Computational Thinking and STEM Attitudes: Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 073563312199407
Author(s):  
Yanjun Zhang ◽  
Ronghua Luo ◽  
Yijin Zhu ◽  
Yuan Yin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Learning Effects ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Stem Attitudes ◽  
Interdisciplinary Nature ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Educational Robots

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of robotics, more and more attention has been paid to its effectiveness in the field of education in recent years. This systematic review evaluated existing studies in improving K-12 students’ computational thinking and STEM attitudes. Research articles published between 2010 and 2019 were collated from major databases according to six criteria, and 17 studies were eligible. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of educational robots in terms of standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) of test scores as outcome measures. The overall effect size was medium (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23–0.69). Subgroup analysis found that some groups to have better effectiveness. Specifically, the effect of STEM attitudes (SMD = 0.01) was smaller than computational thinking (SMD = 0.48). Educational robots had more significant effect on boys (MD = 0.39) than girls (MD = 0.27). The effect in primary school (SMD = 0.27) was higher than in middle school (SMD = 0.04), and the effect was great on short-term instruction with educational robots (SMD = 0.35). Based on these results, the study makes some recommendations for educators about strengthening the influence of educational robots on STEM attitudes, improving the persistence of their learning effects, and further exploring their application models.

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