ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene -308G/A polymorphism and the risk of endometriosis (EM). MethodsDatabases including PubMed, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang Data were searched to collect case-control studies about the association between TNF-α gene -308G/A polymorphism and the risk of EM from inception to October 2014. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then Meta-analysis was performed by using Stata 12.0 software. ResultsA total of seven case-control studies were included, which involved 687 patients and 877 controls. The results of meta-analysis showed that, AA genotype carriers presented 2.06-fold (OR=2.06, 95%CI 1.10 to 3.83, P=0.02) and 1.94-fold (OR=1.94, 95%CI 1.18 to 3.18, P<0.01) higher risk of EM than GG genotype carriers and AG+GG genotype carriers, respectively; but sensitivity analysis showed that the robustness of these results was unstable. No statistical significance was found in the allele model, co-dominant model, and dominant model (A vs. G: OR=1.37, 95%CI 0.87 to 2.17, P=0.18; AG vs. GG: OR=1.09, 95%CI 0.77 to 1.53, P=0.63; AA+AG vs. GG: OR=1.29, 95%CI 0.95 to 1.77, P=0.11). While excluding studies that controls were not in HWE, no significant association was observed in these five genetic models; and no significant association was found in the results of subgroup analysis by ethnicity. ConclusionThe AA genotype of TNF-α gene -308G/A polymorphism might contribute to the risk of EM, but the association between other genotypes and EM susceptibility is unclear. In addition, due to the limited quantity and quality of included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) vs. photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).Methods A computerized search was conducted in Pubmed, OVID, Chinese Biological Medicine Database（CBM）,China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI） by using key words ldquo;polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, photodynamic therapy, intravitreal anti-VEGFrdquo; in Chinese and/or English combined with manually searching of bibliographies of pertinent articles, journals and literature reference proceedings. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-RCT were collected. The search time was ranged from establishment of each database to September, 2011. The search was no 1imitation in language. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),resolution and recurring of lesions, decrease or complete resolution of pigment epithelial detachment （PED）,visual extinction or blindness rate,the rate of subretinal hemorrhage were analyzed by RevMan 5.0 software. Results In total, one RCT and four non-RCTs (273 patients) were included in the meta-analysis involving 148 patients in single treatment group and 125 patients in combined treatment group. The results of metaanalyses showed that there was no significant difference between two groups in the mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution BCVA at six months ［standard mean difference=0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.12- 0.14,P=0.84］and 12 months ［standard mean difference = 0.04, 95%CI: -0.16-0.25,P=0.69 after treatment. There was no significant difference between two groups in the resolution of lesions ［odds ratio (OR)=1.38,95%CI:0.74-2.55,P=0.31］ at the months after treatment and decrease or complete resolution of PED (OR=0.67,95%CI:0.12-3.69,P=0.65) at 12 months after treatment. There was no significant difference between two groups in the recurring of lesions (OR=1.14, 95% CI:0.58-2.24,P=0.71) and lost of ge; three lines vision or blindness rate (OR=1.20, 95%CI:0.34-4.18,P=0.78) at 12 months after treatment. The rate of subretinal hemorrhage in combine treatment group was significant lower than single treatment group (OR=0.41, 95%CI:0.18 -0.94,P=0.04). Conclusions The incidence of subretinal hemorrhage occurred in patients with PCV after intravitreal anti-VEGF combined with PDT is much lower than that after single PDT.But the visual improvement, resolution of lesions and recurring of lesions of combined treatment need further studied to see if it is better than single PDT.
ObjectiveTo assess the effect of surgical treatment or conservative treatment on the clinical outcomes for displaced 3-part or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. MethodsWe searched CNKI (between January 1979 and April 2014), Wanfang Data (between January 1982 and April 2014), Medline (between January 1946 and April 2014), PubMed (between January 1966 and April 2014), Embase (between January 1974 and April 2014) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (between January 2005 and April 2014) for randomized controlled trials comparing surgical treatment and conservative treatment for displaced 3-part or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. The data were extracted and a Meta-analysis was made using RevMan 5.2. ResultsFive randomized controlled trials with a total of 226 patients were accepted in this Meta-analysis. The differences of Constant scores[WMD=0.48, 95%CI (-4.39, 5.35), P=0.85], incidences of avascular necrosisr of the humeral head[RR=0.66, 95%CI (0.37, 1.16), P=0.15], incidences of nonunion[RR=0.56, 95%CI (0.20, 1.58), P=0.27], incidences of osteoarthritis[RR=0.35, 95%CI (0.10, 1.22), P=0.10] between the two groups were not statistically different. The difference of incidences of additional surgery after primary treatment was statistically significant[RR=3.52, 95%CI (1.18, 10.45), P=0.02]. ConclusionThe results does not support the surgical treatment to improve the shoulder function when compared with conservative treatment for treating elderly patients with displaced 3-part or 4-part proximal humeral fractures. But surgical treatment increases the incidence of additional surgery after primary treatment. Considering surgery can increase the trauma and economic burden of patients, so the conservative treatment is suggested.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and Parkinson's disease (PD). MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched to collect case-control studies on the association between HP and PD from January 2000 to July 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 16 case-control studies involving 2 790 subjects were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the HP infection rate was higher in PD patients than that in healthy patients (OR=1.87, 95%CI 1.38 to 2.54, P<0.000 1). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the infection rate of HP in PD group in Asia and Africa region was significantly higher than that in control group, but not in Europe region. Breath tests and other detection methods were used to detect HP infection, and the HP infection rate in PD group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group. However, there was no significant difference in HP infection between the two groups by ELISA. UPDRS Ⅲ score of PD patients with HP infection was significantly higher than that of PD patients without HP infection. ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that PD patients have a higher HP infection rate than the normal population, and the rates are affected by regions and HP detection methods. In addition, HP infection can aggravate the motor symptoms and motor complications of PD patients. Due to limited quality and quantity of included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.
Objectives To systematically review the association between TM6SF2 (transmembrane six superfamily member 2- rs58592426) polymorphism and liver lesion and the severity of liver fibrosis. Methods We electronically searched databases including PubMed, CNKI, WanFang Data and CBM from inception to January 27, 2016, to collect cross-sectional studies about the association between the TM6SF2 polymorphism and the liver lesion and the severity of liver fibrosis. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 software. Results A total of 23 studies including 96 594 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: TM6SF2 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of the severity of liver fibrosis, the levels of TG, TC and LDL-C (all P values < 0.05). Carriers of the T allele showed lower levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C. Carriers of the T allele revealed higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) when compared with homozygous EE. Conclusion TM6SF2 polymorphism is associated with lipid traits in different population, the variants shows lower levels of lipid traits in blood serum and increases the risk of the severity of liver fibrosis and liver lesion.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the intestinal flora diversity profile of pancreatic cancer patients. MethodsThe Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect cross-sectional studies on the intestinal flora diversity profile of pancreatic cancer patients from inception to December 31, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies; then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 7 cross-sectional studies involving 250 pancreatic cancer patients and 166 healthy controls were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: compared with the healthy control group, the intestinal flora of patients with pancreatic cancer α reduced diversity with the Shannon index. High-throughput sequencing found that Proteobacteria and Prevotella were more abundant in pancreatic cancer patients, Firmicutes, Faecalbacterium, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium in pancreatic cancer patients was lower. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that the intestinal flora of pancreatic cancer patients has certain characteristics. Proteobacteria and Prevotella are relatively abundant in pancreatic cancer patients. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify above conclusion.
Through collecting and synthesizing the paper concerning the method of dealing with heterogeneity in the meta analysis, to introduce the multi-levels statistical models, such as meta regression and baseline risk effect model based on random effects, and random effects model based on hierarchical bayes, and to introduce their application of controlling the meta analysis heterogeneity. The multi-levels statistical model will decompose the single random error in the traditional model to data structure hierarchical. Its fitting effect can not only make the meta-analysis result more robust and reasonable, but also guide clinical issues through the interpretation of association variable.
The pcnetmeta package in R is a special package for performing network meta-analysis based on Bayesian theory, which combines the strength computing function of JAGS software and the special data integration and powerful graph drawing function of R software. This package conducts calculation by calling JAGS, provides 3 different models for users, and each model can yield results of 3 effect-sizes (RR, OR and RD). At the same time, this package can draw many kinds of plots, which greatly meets actual needs of users to deal with complicated network meta-analysis. In this article, we introduce how to use pcnetmeta package to perform network meta-analysis based on an example.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the risk factors for new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCABG). MethodsPubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Wanfang data, CBM, VIP, and CNKI databases were systematically searched by computer to collect studies related to the risk factors for NOAF after OPCABG from the establishment of the database to July 2023. Literature screening and quality evaluation were conducted independently by two researchers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. RevMan 5.3 and Stata15.0 were used for meta-analysis. ResultsFinally, 19 case-control studies related to the risk factors for NOAF after OPCABG were included, all of which were high-quality literature with NOS score≥6 points, with a total of 7019 subjects. The results of meta-analysis showed that the following factors were associated with NOAF after OPCABG: (1) the patient’s own factors: age (MD=3.51, 95%CI 2.39 to 4.63, P<0.01); (2) preoperative factors: history of hypertension (OR=1.17, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.32, P=0.01), history of myocardial infarction (OR=1.21, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.38, P<0.01), history of percutaneous coronary intervention (OR=2.22, 95%CI 1.03 to 4.77, P=0.04), EuroSCOREⅡ score (MD=0.59, 95%CI 0.25 to 0.94, P<0.01), low-density lipoprotein (MD=0.11, 95%CI 0.02 to 0.20, P=0.02), left atrial diameter (MD=1.64, 95%CI 0.24 to 3.04, P=0.02); (3) postoperative and treatment factors: left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (MD=1.16, 95%CI 0.33 to 1.99, P<0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (MD=0.90, 95%CI 0.07 to 1.73, P=0.03), mechanical ventilation time (MD=2.78, 95%CI 1.65 to 3.90, P<0.01), B-type natriuretic peptide (MD=219.67, 95%CI 27.46 to 411.88, P=0.03), ICU retention time (MD=7.07, 95%CI 5.64 to 8.50, P<0.01). ConclusionThe existing evidence shows that age, history of hypertension, history of myocardial infarction, history of percutaneous coronary intervention, preoperative EuroSCOREⅡscore, preoperative low-density lipoprotein, preoperative left atrial diameter, postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, postoperative B-type natriuretic peptide, and postoperative ICU retention time are risk factors for NOAF after OPCABG. Clinical attention should be paid to the above factors to achieve early identification, thereby reducing the incidence of NOAF after OPCABG and improving the clinical prognosis of patients.
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with thermotherapy for primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC), and to provide references for clinical practice and research. Methods The following databases as The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data were searched electronically, and the other sources as supplying, such as tracing related references, were also retrieved. Besides, some unknown information was also obtained by communicating with other authors. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TACE combined with thermotherapy versus TACE alone were collected. The literature was screened according to inclusive criteria, data were extracted and the quality of included studies was assessed, and then meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of 17 RCTs with 907 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared with TACE alone, TACE combined with thermotherapy had a significant difference in 1-year survival rate (HR=2.40, 95%CI 1.65 to 3.48, Plt;0.000 01), 2-year survival rate (HR=3.28, 95%CI 1.87 to 5.76, Plt;0.000 1), total effective rate (RR=1.59, 95%CI 1.42 to 1.79, Plt;0.000 1) and improvement rate of life quality (RR=1.79, 95%CI 1.42 to 2.25, Plt;0.000 1). The incidences of myelosuppression and alimentary canal reactions were lower in TACE combined with thermotherapy group than those in TACE alone group, but statistically significance was only found in myelosuppression (RR=0.79, 95%CI 0.69 to 0.92, P=0.001). Conclusion Compared with TACE alone, TACE combined with thermotherapy can improve long-term survival rate and short-term curative effect, ameliorate the quality of life, and tend to reduce the incidence rate of side effects. But its long-term curative effect and more comprehensive safety still needs to be further verified by more large sample and high quality RCTs.