Treatments of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The best therapeutic option for unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) patients is disputed.Objective:To assess the occurrence of obliteration and complications of patients with unruptured bAVMs after various treatments.Methods:A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and so on to identify studies fulfilling predefined inclusion criteria. Baseline, treatment, and outcomes data were extracted for statistical analysis.Results:We identified 28 eligible studies totaling 5852 patients. The obliteration rates were 98% in microsurgery group (95% confidence interval (CI): 96%–99%, I² = 74.5%), 97% in surgery group (95%CI: 95%–99%, I² = 18.3%), 87% in endovascular treatment group (95%CI: 80%–93%, I² = 0.0%), and 68% in radiosurgery group (95%CI: 66%–69%, I² = 92.0%). The stroke or death rates were 1% in microsurgery group (95%CI: 0%–2%, I² = 0.0%), 0% in surgery group (95%CI: 0%–1%, I² = 0.0%), 4% in endovascular treatment group (95%CI: 0%–8%, I² = 85.8%), and 3% in radiosurgery group (95%CI: 3%–4%, I² = 82.9%). In addition, the proportions of hemorrhage were 2% in microsurgery group (95%CI: 1%–4%, I² = 0.0%), 23% in endovascular treatment group (95%CI: 7%–39%), and 12% in radiosurgery group (95%CI: 12%–13%, I² = 99.2%). As to neurological deficit, the occurrence was 9% in microsurgery group (95%CI: 6%–11%, I² = 94.1%), 20% in surgery group (95%CI: 13%–27%, I² = 0.0%), 14% in endovascular treatment group (95%CI: 10%–18%, I² = 64.0%), and 8% in radiosurgery group (95%CI: 7%–9%, I² = 66.6%).Conclusions:We found that microsurgery might provide lasting clinical benefits in some unruptured bAVMs patients for its high obliteration rates and low hemorrhage. These findings are helpful to provide a reference basis for neurosurgeons to choose the treatment of patients with unruptured bAVMs.     

Effects of regular breakfast habits on metabolic and cardiovascular diseases: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Breakfast, which is considered as an important meal of the day, is being ignored by an increasing number of people as the pace of modern life accelerates. Although a large number of previous studies have reported the relationship between skipping breakfast and type 2 diabetes mellitus, most of them were cross-sectional studies. It remains unclear how skipping breakfast affects such specific cardio-metabolic diseases as hypertension, strokes and hypercholesterolemia.Methods:The protocols and reports of this meta-analysis are based on a meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiological guidelines (MOOSE). Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, and were restricted to English from the inception to May 10, 2019. All the results were obtained by RRs, and outcomes of interests should include the occurrence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.Results:Fourteen cohort studies in total were eventually included. Compared with people having breakfast frequency_{≦3times/week}, those with a frequency_{>3 times/week} have reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, Cardiovascular Diseases, cardiovascular Mortality, hypertension and strokes, with (RR = 0.8 [95% CI: 0.7–0.91], P = .142, I² = 37.6%), (RR = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.59–0.94], P < .001, I² = 89%), (RR = 0.86 [95% CI:0.75–0.99], P = .512, I² = 0%), (RR = 0.75 [95% CI:0.61–0.93], P = .643, I² = 0%), (RR = 0.87 [95% CI:0.81–0.93], P = .479, I² = 0%), (RR = 0.63 [95% CI:0.51–0.78], P = .396, I² = 0%), (RR = 0.92 [95% CI:0.86–0.98], P = .419, I² = 0.7%), and (RR = 0.89 [95% CI:0.79–0.99], P = .238, I² = 29%), respectively.Conclusions:A regular daily breakfast habit benefits the cardio-metabolism to a great extent, reducing the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, strokes, Metabolic Syndrome, cardiovascular Mortality, Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and Abdominal obesity, while it is not significantly related to hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease regardless of gender. Nevertheless, skipping breakfast once a week may greatly reduce the benefits of cardio-metabolism. Therefore, public institutions should promote and encourage citizens to cultivate regular daily breakfast habits.     

Risk of herpes zoster associated with biological therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Biological therapy is effective for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; however, adverse effects related to immunosuppression, such as viral infections, have been reported. Amongst these infections, herpes zoster (HZ) is common.Objective:To evaluate the risk of HZ in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients treated with biological therapy.Data sources:A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed using certain keywords until October 9, 2020. Nine studies were included after a detailed assessment.Study eligibility criteria:The eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis treated with biological therapies; compared with non-biological therapies, non-biological systemic therapies, or controls; with the incidence of HZ reported in case and control groups. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality of the RCTs and observational studies, respectively. Data were extracted from 9 eligible studies and then analyzed using Stata software (Version 12.0).Results:The risk of HZ in biological therapies was higher than that in non-biological (odds ratios [OR]: 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.86; I² = 0%) and non-biological systemic (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02–1.71; I² = 0%) therapies. Furthermore, the risk of HZ associated with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors increased significantly (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.11–2.02; I² = 0%). Notably, infliximab (OR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.31–4.50; I² = 0%) and etanercept (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.07–2.56; I² = 0%) increased the risk of HZ, while adalimumab (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.64–2.30; I² = 0%), ustekinumab (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 0.89–5.44; I² = 0%), alefacept (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 0.20–10.47; I² = 0%), and efalizumab (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.22–11.34; I² = 0%) did not.Limitations:Few RCTs have reported HZ incidents; thus, our results require confirmation via large-scale RCTs.Conclusions and implications of key findings:Biological therapies, especially tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, may lead to the risk of HZ in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients. Amongst these agents, infliximab and etanercept have been shown to significantly increase the risk of HZ. Additionally, younger age and female sex may be risk factors.Systematic review registration number:INPLASY202110027.     

Efficacy of greater occipital nerve block for pain relief in patients with postdural puncture headache: A meta-analysis

Background:This study aimed at assessing the therapeutic effectiveness of greater occipital nerve block (GONB) against postdural puncture headache (PDPH).Methods:Studies investigating analgesic effects of GONB against PDPH in adults were retrieved from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google scholar, and Cochrane central databases from their inception dates to May, 2021. Pain score at postprocedural 24 hours was the primary endpoint, while secondary endpoints were pain score at postprocedural 1 hour and 12 hours as well as the risk of intervention failure.Results:Of the 7 studies (randomized controlled trials [RCTs], n = 4; non-RCTs, n = 3) that recruited 275 patients, 2 investigated female patients undergoing cesarean section and the other 5 were conducted in both obstetric and nonobstetric settings. Pooled results showed a lower mean pain score at 24 hours (i.e., primary outcome) (mean difference [MD] = –2.66, 95%: CI: –3.98 to –1.33, P < .001; I² = 97%, 6 studies), 1 hour (MD = –4.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –5.08 to –3.37, P < .00001; I² = 86%, 5 studies), and 6 hours (MD = –2.78, 95% CI: –4.99 to –0.57, P = .01; I² = 98%, 4 studies) in patients with GONB compared to those without. Trial sequential analysis supported the robustness of evidence at postprocedural 24 hours. The use of GONB also decreased the risk of intervention failure (relative ratio [RR] = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.82, P = .01; I² = 96%, 6 studies, 277 patients).Conclusion:Our results suggested a therapeutic effect of greater occipital nerve block against postdural puncture headache up to postprocedural 24 hours. Further large-scale studies are warranted to evaluate its therapeutic benefit beyond the acute stage.     

Diagnostic utility of CT for abdominal injury in the military setting: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:It is critical to accurately identify patients with abdominal injury who truly need to undergo laparotomy during the war in timely fashion. The diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT) for evaluating abdominal injury in the military setting remains uncertain.Methods:PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Meta-analyses were performed by using a random-effect model. We pooled the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves with standard errors, the Q indexes with standard errors, the sensitivities with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), the specificities with 95% CIs, the positive likelihood ratios with 95% CIs, the negative likelihood ratios with 95% CIs, and the diagnostic odds ratios with 95% CIs. The heterogeneity among studies were evaluated by the I² and P value.Results:Overall, 5 retrospective studies were included. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9761 ± 0.0215 and the Q index was 0.9302 ± 0.0378. The pooled sensitivity was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.92–0.99) without a significant heterogeneity among studies (I² = 0%, P = .4538). The pooled specificity was 0.95 (95% CI = 0.93–0.97) with a significant heterogeneity among studies (I² = 90.6%, P < .0001). The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 10.71 (95% CI: 2.91–39.43) with a significant heterogeneity among studies (I² = 89.2%, P < .0001). The pooled negative likelihood ratio was 0.07 (95% CI = 0.02–0.27) with a significant heterogeneity among studies (I² = 57.5%, P = .0516). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 177.48 (95% CI = 18.09–1741.31) with a significant heterogeneity among studies (I² = 75.9%, P = .0023).Conclusion:Diagnostic accuracy of CT for abdominal injury is excellent in the military setting. Further work should explore how to shrink CT equipment for a wider use in wartime.     

Digestive system symptoms and function in children with COVID-19: A meta-analysis

The prevalence of children exhibiting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with digestive system involvement remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on the digestive system of children.In this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2020, to June 31, 2020. We also searched for COVID-19 publications in specific journals for more comprehensive results. We included studies that reported the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19, and we excluded duplicate publications, reviews, animal studies, case reports, publications without the full text, studies with incomplete information, and studies from which data extraction was impossible.We conducted a meta-analysis of the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in liver function involving 19 studies. The pooled prevalence of diarrhea was 10% (95% CI: 7–14; I² = 84%), that of nausea or vomiting was 7% (95% CI: 5–11; I² = 77%), and that of abdominal pain was 4% (95% CI: 2–9; I² = 79%). In addition, the pooled incidence of increased alanine aminotransferase was 8% (95% CI: 5–15; I² = 46%), and the pooled incidence of increased AST was 15% (95% CI: 9–26; I² = 66%). The pooled rate of recovery was 97% (95% CI: 94–100; I² = 86%), and the pooled rate of death, which was 1% (95% CI: 1–4; I² = 48%), was much smaller than the recovery rate.Our research shows that digestive system symptoms and function in children with COVID-19 are not uncommon. More attention should be paid to this unique group of patients.     

Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among Hui population in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on 30,565 study participants

Background:Hypertension (HTN) has been considered as a health concern in developing countries. And Hui is a minority group with a large population in China. Its genetic background, inadequate access to health services, eating habits, religious belief, ethnic customs, and other factors differ from that of other ethnic groups, which may influence the prevalence of HTN. However, there is no current meta-analysis on the prevalence and risk factors of HTN among Hui population. Thus we conducted a systematic review aiming to estimate the pooled prevalence and risk factors of HTN among Hui population.Methods:PubMed, The Cochrane library, Web of science, CINAHL Complete, Weipu Database (VIP), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and SinoMed were systematically searched from inception to February 28, 2020 with publication language restricted to English and Chinese. We included cross-sectional, case–control, or cohort studies that focused on prevalence and risk factors of HTN among Hui population. Two investigators independently assessed the risk of bias of the studies included in the review using tools developed by JBI. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 12.0 software package.Results:Twenty-three studies were identified with a total of 30,565 study participants. The overall pooled prevalence of HTN was 28% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24%–32%, I² = 98.8%, P < .001). Stratified by gender, the pooled prevalence of HTN in Hui was 26% (95%CI: 20%–33%, I² = 97.6%, P < .001) for males and 30% (95%CI: 23%–37%, I² = 98.3%, P < .001) for females. Pooled prevalence of HTN in Hui was 2% (95%CI: 2%–6%, I² = 70.6%, P = .065), 10% (95%CI: 3%–17%, I² = 83.7%, P < .001), 22% (95%CI: 12%–32%, I² = 87.9%, P < .001), 37% (95%CI: 20%–53%, I² = 94.0%, P < .001), 39% (95%CI: 24%–54%, I² = 97.7%, P < .001) and 42% (95%CI: 29%–56%, I² = 95.6%, P < .001) for those aged 18 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and ≥70 years, respectively. Pooled prevalence of HTN in Hui was 22% (95%CI: 14%–29%, I² = 97.9%, P < .001) in urban areas and 23% (95%CI: 16%–30%, I² = 95.8%, P < .001) in rural areas. Daily salt intake (odd ratio [OR] = 3.94, 95%CI: 3.03–5.13, I² = 90.2%, P < 001), family history (OR = 3.50, 95%CI: 2.60–4.71, I² = 95.3%, P < .001), smoking (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.61–2.09, I² = 59.6%, P < .001), drinking (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.26–2.39, I² = 95.3%, P = .001), weekly meat intake (OR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.04–3.54, I² = 96.5%, P = .036), body mass index (OR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.81–2.66, I² = 91.3%, P < .001), and areas (OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.10–1.51, I² = 81.5%, P = .001) were risk factors of HTN in Hui, while physical exercise (OR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66–0.88, I² = 62.7%, P < .001) was protective factor.Conclusions:The pooled prevalence of HTN among Hui people was 28%, daily salt intake, family history, drinking, smoking, weekly meat intake, body mass index, areas, and physical exercise were all risk factors for HTN among Hui population. Early screening and treatment of HTN among Hui population should be given due attention.     

Laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery vs conventional laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To systematically review and evaluate the safety, advantages and clinical application value of laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for endometrial cancer by comparing it with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS).Methods:We conducted a systematic review of the published literature comparing LESS with CLS in the treatment of endometrial cancer. English databases including PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library and Chinese databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and China Biology Medicine were searched for eligible observational studies up to July 10, 2019. We then evaluated the quality of the selected comparative studies before performing a meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.3 software. The complications, surgical time, blood loss during surgery, postoperative length of hospital stay and number of lymph nodes removed during surgery were compared between the 2 surgical approaches.Results:Four studies with 234 patients were finally included in this meta-analysis. We found that there was no statistically significant difference in complications between the 2 surgical approaches [odds ratio (OR): 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–2.21, P = .47, I² = 0%]. There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss between the 2 surgical approaches [mean difference (MD): –61.81, 95% CI: –130.87 to –7.25, P = .08, I² = 74%]. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical time between the 2 surgical approaches (MD: –11.51, 95% CI: –40.19 to 17.16, P = .43, I² = 81%). There was also no statistically significant difference in postoperative length of hospital stay between the 2 surgical approaches (MD: –0.56, 95% CI: –1.25 to –0.13, P = .11, I² = 72%). Both pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes can be removed with either of the 2 procedures. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of paraaortic lymph nodes and total lymph nodes removed during surgery between the 2 surgical approaches [(MD: –0.11, 95% CI: –3.12 to 2.91, P = .29, I² = 11%) and (MD: –0.53, 95% CI (–3.22 to 2.16), P = .70, I² = 83%)]. However, patients treated with LESS had more pelvic lymph nodes removed during surgery than those treated with CLS (MD: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.05–5.62, P = .004, I² = 32%).Conclusion:Compared with CLS, LESS did not reduce the incidence of complications or shorten postoperative hospital stay. Nor did it increase surgical time or the amount of bleeding during surgery. LESS can remove lymph nodes and ease postoperative pain in the same way as CLS. However, LESS improves cosmesis by leaving a single small scar.     

Protective efficient comparisons among all kinds of respirators and masks for health-care workers against respiratory viruses: A PRISMA-compliant network meta-analysis

Background:There is no definite conclusion about comparison of better effectiveness between N95 respirators and medical masks in preventing health-care workers (HCWs) from respiratory infectious diseases, so that conflicting results and recommendations regarding the protective effects may cause difficulties for selection and compliance of respiratory personal protective equipment use for HCWs, especially facing with pandemics of corona virus disease 2019.Methods:We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, medRxiv, and Google Scholar from initiation to November 10, 2020 for randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies that reported protective effects of masks or respirators for HCWs against respiratory infectious diseases. We gathered data and pooled differences in protective effects according to different types of masks, pathogens, occupations, concurrent measures, and clinical settings. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: 42020173279).Results:We identified 4165 articles, reviewed the full text of 66 articles selected by abstracts. Six randomized clinical trials and 26 observational studies were included finally. By 2 separate conventional meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials of common respiratory viruses and observational studies of pandemic H1N1, pooled effects show no significant difference between N95 respirators and medical masks against common respiratory viruses for laboratory-confirmed respiratory virus infection (risk ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86–1.13, I² = 0.0%), clinical respiratory illness (risk ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.45–1.09, I² = 83.7%, P = .002), influenza-like illness (risk ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.54–1.05, I² = 0.0%), and pandemic H1N1 for laboratory-confirmed respiratory virus infection (odds ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.49–1.70, I² = 0.0%, P = .967). But by network meta-analysis, N95 respirators has a significantly stronger protection for HCWs from betacoronaviruses of severe acute respiratory syndrome, middle east respiratory syndrome, and corona virus disease 2019 (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.94).Conclusions:Our results provide moderate and very-low quality evidence of no significant difference between N95 respirators and medical masks for common respiratory viruses and pandemic H1N1, respectively. And we found low quality evidence that N95 respirators had a stronger protective effectiveness for HCWs against betacoronaviruses causative diseases compared to medical masks. The evidence of comparison between N95 respirators and medical masks for corona virus disease 2019 is open to question and needs further study.     

Efficacy and Safety of Zoledronic Acid and Pamidronate Disodium in the Treatment of Malignant Skeletal Metastasis: A Meta-Analysis

Solid tumors frequently metastasize to bone. Two bisphosphonates have been investigated for bone metastases including pamidronate disodium and zoledronic acid.By searching the PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid compared with pamidronate disodium in reducing pain in patients with bone metastases.Studies were pooled, and the relative risk (RR) and its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Version 12.0 STATA software was used for statistical analysis. Twenty relevant articles were included for this meta-analysis study.The complete response rate in cancer patients treatment with zoledronic acid was significantly higher than that with pamidronate disodium (relative risk [RR] = 1.32 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–1.75]; P = 0.987, I² = 0%). However, there was no significant difference in the rate of partial response rate (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.90–1.20; P = 0.942, I² = 0%) and in the total effective rate (RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00–1.12; P = 0.998, I² = 0%). For adverse events (AE), the incidence of headache in cancer patients with zoledronic acid was significantly lower than that with pamidronate disodium (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70–0.96; P = 0.793, I² = 0%). There was no significant difference in nausea or vomiting (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.92–1.09; P = 0.494, I² = 0%), fever (RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.85–1.14; P = 0.633, I² = 0%), fatigue (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.91–1.11; P = 0.914, I² = 0%) and anorexia (RR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.91–1.87; P = 0.024, I² = 64.4%).In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that treatment with zoledronic acid was more effective than pamidronate disodium in the complete response assessments and the incidence of headache, an AE, was significantly lower in cancer patients with zoledronic acid.     

The efficacy and safety of gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiation: A meta-analysis

Objectives:To assess the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC).Methods:Both observational studies (OBS) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included in the meta-analysis. Systematic online searches were conducted in Web of Sciences, PubMed, Embase, meeting proceedings and ClinicalTrials.gov from the inception to May 25, 2020. The primary endpoint of interest was overall survival.Results:five OBSs and 2 RCTs including 1680 patients were incorporated in the analysis. The evidence from the RCTs showed that adding gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy to CCRT significantly improved progression free survival (hazard ratio (HR): 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40–0.88; P = .010; chi square P = .25; I² = 24%) and overall survival (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28–0.80; P = 0.005; chi square P = .49, I² = 0%) and was related to a higher risk of hematological toxicities. Furthermore, based on the data of OBSs, overall survival (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31–0.88; P = .02; chi square P = .37, I² = 6%) was significantly improved in patients treated with gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy compared to those treated with taxane-based induction chemotherapy. However, the progression free survival (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45–1.01; P = .06; chi square P = .74; I² = 0%) showed no significant difference.Conclusions:For LA-NPC patients, adding gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy to CCRT significantly improved overall survival and progression free survival with a higher risk of hematological toxicities when compared to CCRT alone. Also, gemcitabine-based regimen could be used as an alternative induction chemotherapy regimen to taxane-based regimen in the treatment of LA-NPC.     

Safety and Efficacy of the Moderate Sedation During Flexible Bronchoscopic Procedure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Moderate sedatives have been increasingly used to improve patient comfort during flexible bronchoscopy (FB). However, routine use of moderate sedation during FB is controversial because its efficacy and safety are not well established.This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moderate sedation during FB.A search was made of Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to May 2014.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs were included.The main analysis was designed to examine the efficacy of moderate sedation during FB in sedation than no-sedation.The willingness to repeat FB was significantly more in sedation than no-sedation (odds ratio [OR] 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–4.73; P = 0.02; I² = 22.5). The duration of FB was shorter in sedation group than no-sedation group (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.21; 95% CI −0.38 to −0.03; P = 0.02; I² = 78.3%). Event of hypoxia was not significantly different between sedation and no-sedation groups (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.42–1.73; P = 0.67; I² = 0%). The SpO₂ during procedure was not different between sedation and no-sedation groups (SMD −0.14; 95% CI −0.37 to 0.08; P = 0.21; I² = 49.9%). However, in subgroup analysis without supplemental oxygen, the SpO₂ was significantly lower in sedation than no-sedation group (SMD −0.45; 95% CI −0.78 to −0.11; P = 0.01; I² = 0.0%).According to this meta-analysis, moderate sedation in FB would be useful in patients who will require repeated bronchoscopies as well as safe in respiratory depression. To our knowledge, although the various sedative drugs are already used in the real field, this analysis was the first attempt to quantify objective results. We anticipate more definite and studies designed to elucidate standardized outcomes for moderate sedation in FB.     

Association Between Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Barrett's Esophagus: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

The association between alcohol consumption and Barrett''s esophagus (BE) remained uncertain and controversial in the previous studies. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to clarify the association.We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for studies on alcohol consumption and risk of BE published before February 2015. A total of 20 studies reporting the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of BE were identified. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias tests were also performed. Several results from individual studies were pooled using a dose–response meta-analysis.A total of 20 studies involving 45,181 participants and 4432 patients of BE were included in the meta-analysis. No association was found between alcohol consumption and BE (relative risk [RR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.27, I² = 48.60%) in our study. In subgroup analysis, alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of BE in men (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.13–1.61, I² = 0.00%) and Asian population (RR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.03–2.49, I² = 60.60%). In beverage-specific consumption analysis, liquor was associated with an increased risk of BE (RR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.32, I² = 0.00%). Multivariate meta-regression analysis suggested that geographic area, and adjusted age, sex, body mass index, and smoke, might explain 70.75% of the heterogeneity between the studies. We also found the inverse association (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.98, I² = 0.00%) between alcohol consumption and BE among subjects when compared with population controls.Overall, there was no significant association between alcohol consumption and BE. Alcohol consumption may be a risk factor of BE in men and Asian population, and liquor consumption may also increase the risk of BE. Significant inverse association was observed between alcohol consumption and BE, for comparisons with population controls.     

The relationship between NLR/PLR/LMR levels and survival prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Background:The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and the dire prognosis of non-small cell lung carcinoma patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are not known yet.Methods:We screened the articles that meet the criteria from the database. The relationship between NLR/PLR/LMR levels and the survival and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with ICIs was analyzed. Summarize hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to study progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results:Thirty-four studies involving 3124 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. In short, high pre-treatment NLR was related to poor OS (HR = 2.13, 95% CI:1.74–2.61, P < .001, I² = 83.3%, P < .001) and PFS (HR = 1.77, 95% CI:1.44–2.17, P < .001, I² = 79.5%, P < .001). Simultaneously, high pre-treatment PLR was related to poor OS (HR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.17–1.91, P < .001, I² = 57.6%, P = .003) and PFS (HR = 1.62, 95% CI:1.38–1.89, P < .001, I² = 47.1%, P = .036). In all subgroup analysis, most subgroups showed that low LMR was related to poor OS (HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.34–0.59, P < .001) and PFS (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.47–0.77, P < 0.001, I² = 0.0%, P < .001).Conclusion:High pre-treatment NLR and pre-treatment PLR in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients treated with ICIs are associated with low survival rates. Low pre-treatment and post-treatment LMR are also related to unsatisfactory survival outcomes. However, the significance of post-treatment NLR and post-treatment PLR deserve further prospective research to prove.     

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus in parturients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) in parturientsMethods:The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (from inception to July 2021) were searched for identification of randomized placebo-controlled trials in which PIEB was applied in parturients. The outcomes were the effect of analgesia, satisfaction score, mode of delivery, duration of labor, neonatal condition, and adverse events. The pooled odds ratios (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random- and fixed-effects models.Results:PIEB was found to be associated with decreased total consumption of ropivacaine (WMD = −15.83, 95% CI: −19.06 to −12.60, P < .00001; I² = 61%; P for heterogeneity = .04), total consumption of sufentanil (WMD = −4.93, 95% CI: −6.87 to 2.98, P < .00001; I² = 68%; P for heterogeneity = .05), numbers of patients who require patient-controlled epidural analgesia bolus (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14–0.51, P < .0001; I² = 65%; P for heterogeneity = .01), the number of attempts (WMD = −4.12, 95% CI: −7.21 to −1.04, P = .009; I² = 100%; P for heterogeneity < .00001), rate of breakthrough pain (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28–0.80, P = .005; I² = 47%; P for heterogeneity = .09). Eight studies focus on the duration of analgesia. After by meta-analysis, we found that the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 30 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 5 hours in PIEB group was significantly lower when compared with control group, (WMD = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.26 to −0.04, P = .006; I² = 0%; P for heterogeneity = .64), (WMD = −0.79, 95% CI: −1.32 to 0.25, P = .004; I² = 97%; P for heterogeneity < .00001), (WMD = −1.00, 95% CI: −1.08 to −0.91, P < .00001; I² = 0%; P for heterogeneity = .67), (WMD = −1.81, 95% CI: −3.23 to −0.39, P = .01; I² = 98%; P for heterogeneity < .00001), respectively. Nineteen studies discussed the mode of delivery between 2 groups. The results suggest that the rate of normal delivery is significantly higher in PIEB group compared with control group (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08–1.75, P = .01). The time of first and second stage of labor are significantly shorter in PIEB group compared with control group, the result is (WMD = −10.52, 95% CI: −14.74 to 4.76, P < .00001; I² = 0%; P for heterogeneity = .86), (WMD = −1.48, 95% CI: −2.26 to −0.69, P = .0002; I² = 35%; P for heterogeneity = .10), respectively. Thirteen studies concerned the satisfaction score of patients. The satisfaction score of patients in the PIEB group was significantly higher when compared with control group (WMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.42–1.39, P = .0003; I² = 98%; P for heterogeneity < .00001). The Apgar score at 1, 5 minutes in PIEB group are significantly higher (WMD = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02–0.13 P = .007; I² = 55%; P for heterogeneity = .04), (WMD = −0.08, 95% CI: −0.12 to −0.05, P < .00001; I² = 21%; P for heterogeneity = .27), respectively.Conclusions:PIEB is a good alternative for labor analgesia with better analgesic effect, maternal and infant outcome.     

Vitamin D Receptor Gene FokI Polymorphism Contributes to Increasing the Risk of Tuberculosis: An Update Meta-Analysis

The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI polymorphism and tuberculosis (TB) risk remains a matter of debate. Potential selection bias exists in most studies using HIV-positive TB patients.An update meta-analysis was carried out to derive a more reliable assessment of the association between FokI polymorphisms and TB risk, especially in HIV-negative TB patients. All major databases from inception to June 2015 were searched for all publications that studied the association between FokI polymorphism and TB risk. The odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated according to the frequencies of genotypes.In total, 32 studies with 4894 cases and 5319 controls were included in this meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, the estimated OR was 1.34 (95% CI=1.091–1.646, P = 0.005) in the best genetic model (recessive model, ff vs fF+FF) with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 32.2%, P = 0.043). In the subgroup analysis stratified by HIV status, significant associations were found only in the HIV-negative TB group (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.180–2.077, P = 0.002; I² = 29.5%, and P = 0.141 for heterogeneity). In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, significant associations were found in the Asian group (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.205–2.261, P = 0.002; I² = 43.9%, and P = 0.024 for heterogeneity), but not in the Caucasian group (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.762–1.547, P = 0.649; I² = 0.0%, and P = 0.740 for heterogeneity) and African group (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.726–1.341, P = 0.934; I² = 43.9%, and P = 0.024 for heterogeneity).This meta-analysis confirms that VDR FokI polymorphism contributes to the risk of TB, especially in HIV-negative TB patients and in the Asian group. Further studies are required to clarify the role of the FokI polymorphism in HIV-positive TB and in other ethnic groups.     

Efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone against acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is caused by an inflammatory injury to the lung. Dysregulated inflammation is the cardinal feature of ARDS. Methylprednisolone is an option for treating ARDS. However, the benefits and adverse effects of methylprednisolone have not been well assessed in patients with ARDS. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone against ARDS.Material and methods:The electronic database of Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone for ARDS were included. Revman 5.3 and Stata 15.0 were used to conduct the analysis. The fixed-effects model was used to calculate summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs).Results:Ten RCTs studies involving 692 patients with ARDS. The summary results demonstrated that, compared with placebo, methylprednisolone had a statistically significant effect on mortality (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43–0.95, I² = 42%); the time of mechanical ventilation (MD) = –2.70, 95% CI: –3.31 to –2.10; I² = 0%) in patients with ARDS, but it was not associated with increased rates of adverse events (OR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.34–1.86; I² = 58%).Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that Methylprednisolone is safe against ARDS. It may reduce mortality and shorten the time of mechanical ventilation. However, well-designed and large-sample studies were required to fully characterize the efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone against ARDS.     

Effects of aerobic exercise,traditional Chinese exercises,and meditation on depressive symptoms of college student: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background:Non-pharmacological intervention methods such as rehabilitation training or psychological treatment are mostly used in the treatment of depression owing to the limitation of adverse reactions such as drug treatment. However, the best non-pharmacological treatment strategy for depression in college students is unclear. Therefore, it is significant to discover non-drug intervention methods that can improve the depression symptoms of college students.Method:Electronic databases as of Sep 15, 2019, were searched, and reference lists and pharmaceutical dossiers were reviewed to detect published and unpublished studies from the date of their inception to Sep 15, 2019. With document quality evaluations and data extraction, Meta-Analysis was performed using a random effect model to evaluate the intervention effect of the aerobic exercise, traditional Chinese exercises, and meditation.Results:A total of 44 original studies were included. The random effect model was used to combine the effect values with Standard Mean Difference (SMD), and the results were: aerobic exercise [SMD = –0.53, 95% CI (–0.77, –0.30), I² = 80%, P < .001], traditional Chinese exercises [SMD = –0.42, 95% CI (–0.74, –0.10), I² = 90%, P = .01], meditation [SMD = –0.51, 95% CI (–0.90, –0.12), I² = 79%, P = .01]. There was greater heterogeneity among the included studies: aerobic exercise (I² = 80%, P < .001), traditional Chinese medicine methods (I² = 90%, P < .001), and meditation (I² = 79%, P < .001).Conclusions:This study revealed that the depression symptoms of college students can be effectively improved by aerobic exercise, traditional Chinese exercises, and meditation. Aerobic exercise would have a better effect on anxiety and stress while traditional Chinese exercise would have a better effect on stress. Further research (such as high-quality randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up) is required to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise, traditional Chinese exercise, and meditation on the depressive symptoms of college students to further apply complementary and alternative therapies.Ethics and dissemination:The results of the effects of aerobic exercise, traditional Chinese exercises, and meditation on depressive symptoms for a college student will be reported in a peer-reviewed publication. Hopefully, our findings from this meta-analysis can provide the most up-to-date evidence for the contribution to preventing the occurrence of depressive symptoms in college students.     

Probiotics for Preventing Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Neonates: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The effect of probiotics on late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm neonates remains controversial. The authors systematically reviewed the literature to investigate whether enteral probiotic supplementation reduced the risk of LOS in preterm neonates in neonatal intensive care units.PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effect of probiotics in preterm neonates. The primary outcome was culture-proven bacterial and/or fungal sepsis. The Mantel–Haenszel method with random-effects model was used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Twenty-seven trials were included in our review, and 25 trials involving 6104 preterm neonates were statistically analyzed. Pooled analysis indicated that enteral probiotic supplementation significantly reduced the risk of any sepsis (25 RCTs; RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94; I² = 26%), bacterial sepsis (11 RCTs; RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.95; I² = 0%), and fungal sepsis (6 RCTs; RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.78; I² = 0%). This beneficial effect remains in very low birth weight infants (<1500 g) (19 RCTs; RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.97; I² = 18%), but not in extremely low birth weight infants (<1000 g) (3 RCTs; RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.45–1.19; I² = 53%). All the included trials reported no systemic infection caused by the supplemental probiotic organisms.Current evidence indicates that probiotic supplementation is safe, and effective in reducing the risk of LOS in preterm neonates in neonatal intensive care units. Further studies are needed to address the optimal probiotic organism, dosing, timing, and duration. High-quality and adequately powered RCTs regarding the efficacy and safety of the use of probiotics in extremely low birth weight infants are still warranted.     

Association of interleukin-6 gene polymorphisms with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: An up-to-date meta-analysis

Background:This study was aimed to evaluate the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene polymorphisms and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a meta-analysis.Methods:A literature search was performed for case-control studies published during May, 1993 to May, 2020 focusing on IL-6 gene polymorphisms (–174G > C, –572G > C, and –597G > A) and HCC susceptibility by using PubMed, Cochrane Database, EMBASE, Web of science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. From 128 full-text articles, 11 were included in this meta-analysis. I² index was used to assess heterogeneity and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was utilized for quality assessment.Results:For IL-6 –174G > C polymorphism, in codominant (GG vs CC: odds ratios [OR] = 2.78, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.25–6.19, P = .01, I² = 16%) and recessive (GG+GC vs CC: OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.29–5.90, P = .009, I² = 3%) models, IL-6 –174G>C polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of HCC. In dominant (GG vs CC+GC: OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 0.92–3.54, P = .09, I² = 86%) and allele (G vs C: OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.95–2.32, P = .08, I² = 68%) models, IL-6 –174G>C polymorphism had no impact on the risk of HCC. However, in non-Italian Caucasian population, IL-6 –174G>C polymorphism was significantly related to the occurrence of HCC in both dominant (GG vs CC+GC: OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 2.29–4.65, P < .00001, I² = 0%) and allele (G vs C: OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.48–4.15, P = .0006) models. Such correlations also could be observed when healthy individuals were selected as controls. For IL-6 –572G>C and –597G>A polymorphisms, no significant association was observed in all models, regardless of the source of control and population subgroups. No publication bias could be calculated when Begg and Egger tests were employed.Conclusion:This meta-analysis indicated that IL-6 –174G>C polymorphism was significantly related with the risk for HCC, especially in non-Italian Caucasian population. No significant association was observed for the correlation between IL-6 –572G>C and –597G>A polymorphisms and HCC susceptibility.