Dear Editor,We read with a great interest the recently published systematic review by Shamsikhani and Hosseini titled,“Foot reflexology on nausea and vomiting:A systematic review.”[1]While the authors provided a com...Dear Editor,We read with a great interest the recently published systematic review by Shamsikhani and Hosseini titled,“Foot reflexology on nausea and vomiting:A systematic review.”[1]While the authors provided a comprehensive qualitative synthesis of six studies meeting their inclusion criteria,we believe that additional quantitative analysis would strengthen the evidence base for foot reflexology in managing nausea and vomiting.We conducted a complementary meta-analysis to provide quantitative evidence supporting the qualitative findings presented in the systematic review.展开更多
We highly commend Dr Souza et al.1for their systematic review research.The authors conducted a detailed investigation into the effects of ischemic preconditioning(IPC)on athletic performance,comparing it with placebo ...We highly commend Dr Souza et al.1for their systematic review research.The authors conducted a detailed investigation into the effects of ischemic preconditioning(IPC)on athletic performance,comparing it with placebo and no-intervention conditions.The study found that while IPC demonstrated superior effects over the no-intervention group in certain metrics(e.g.,time to exhaustion),its performance did not significantly surpass that of the placebo group.This suggests that the potential benefits of IPC may partially stem from participants’psychological expectations,or placebo effects.The study also highlighted the significant impact of placebo interventions on athletic performance,emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between placebo and no-intervention conditions in experimental designs.展开更多
We sincerely thank the authors of the commentary1 for their thoughtful analysis and constructive critique of our systematic review on ischemic preconditioning(IPC)and placebo effects in exercise capacity and athletic ...We sincerely thank the authors of the commentary1 for their thoughtful analysis and constructive critique of our systematic review on ischemic preconditioning(IPC)and placebo effects in exercise capacity and athletic performance.2Their attention to methodological details,particularly concerning the inclusion and timing of warm-up protocols across studies,is commendable and contributes meaningfully to the ongoing refinement of IPC research in sports science.展开更多
BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)on adverse cardiac outcomes in diabetic patients are well-established.However,the effects of SGLT2i against cancer therapy-related...BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)on adverse cardiac outcomes in diabetic patients are well-established.However,the effects of SGLT2i against cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity remain understudied.We investigated the association between SGLT2i and cardiac outcomes in cancer patients.METHODS PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until September 30,2024 for studies evaluating the effects of SGLT2i in patients with cancer.The primary outcomes included incident heart failure(HF),HF exacerbation,HF hospitalization,atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter(AF/AFL),myocardial infarction,and all-cause mortality.The secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury and sepsis.Odds ratio(OR)with 95%CI was pooled.RESULTS Thirteen studies with 85,596 patients were included.Compared to non-SGLT2i use,SGLT2i treatment was associated with lower risks of incident HF(OR=0.51,95%CI:0.32-0.79,P=0.003),HF exacerbation(OR=0.74,95%CI:0.63-0.87,P<0.001),AF/AFL(OR=0.67,95%CI:0.55-0.82,P<0.001),myocardial infarction(OR=0.61,95%CI:0.41-0.90,P=0.01),and all-cause mortality(OR=0.44,95%CI:0.28-0.69,P<0.001),but not for HF hospitalization(OR=0.58,95%CI:0.22-1.55,P=0.28).As for safety outcomes,SGLT2i use was associated with lower risks of acute kidney injury(OR=0.68,95%CI:0.57-0.81,P<0.001)and sepsis(OR=0.32,95%CI:0.23-0.44,P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS SGLT2i were associated with lower risks of incident HF,HF exacerbation,AF/AFL,myocardial infarction,allcause mortality,acute kidney injury,and sepsis in cancer patients.展开更多
Measuring cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in epidemiological studies and clinical settings.1 However,the feasibility of measuring maximal CRF is low due to the time,e...Measuring cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in epidemiological studies and clinical settings.1 However,the feasibility of measuring maximal CRF is low due to the time,equipment,and expertise needed to conduct laboratory cardiopulmonary exercise testing(CPET)to determine the maximal rate of oxygen uptake(VO2max)as an objective measure of CRF.Alternatively,indirect estimates of CRF have been applied by measuring maximal duration on treadmill or cycle ergometer tests,2,3 extrapolating maximal CRF from workload or heart rate during submaximal fitness tests,4,5 and using non-exercise algorithms to estimate CRF from an individual’s age,sex,body mass,and physical activity habits.6 It is assumed that objectively measured VO2max is superior to extrapolated and estimated values due to errors associated with the estimated values;7,8 however,until Singh et al.9 newly released article in the Journal of Sport and Health Science,the comparability of these methods in identifying risks for all-cause and cardiovascular disease(CVD)mortality was unknown.展开更多
This study investigated the effects of varicocele on semen parameters in infertile men based on the new 2010 World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination of human semen. Semen analysis results （vol...This study investigated the effects of varicocele on semen parameters in infertile men based on the new 2010 World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination of human semen. Semen analysis results （volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology） were the primary outcomes. An electronic search to collect the data was conducted using the Medline/PubMed, SJU discover, and Google Scholar databases. We searched articles published from 2010 to August 2015, i.e., after the publication of the 2010 WHO manual. We included only those studies that reported the actual semen parameters of adult infertile men diagnosed with clinical varicocele and contained a control group of either fertile men or normozoospermic men who were not diagnosed with varicocele. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 1232 men. Varicocele was associated with reduced sperm count （mean difference： -44.48 x 106 ml-1; 95% Ch -61.45, -27.51 x 106 ml-1; P〈 0.001）, motility （mean difference： -26.67%; 95% Ch -34.27, -19.08; P 〈 0.001）, and morphology （mean difference： -19.68%; 95% Ch -29.28, -10.07; P 〈 0.001） but not semen volume （mean difference： -0.23 ml; 95% CI： -0.64, 0.17）. Subgroup analyses indicated that the magnitude of effect was influenced by control subtype but not WHO laboratory manual edition used for semen assessment. We conclude that varicocele is a significant risk factor that negatively affects semen quality, but the observed pooled effect size on semen parameters does not seem to be affected by the WHO laboratory manual edition. Given most of the studies published after 2010 still utilized the 1999 manual for semen analysis, further research is required to fully understand the clinical implication of the 2010 WHO laboratory manual on the association between varicocele and semen parameters.展开更多
Objective: The goal of this study is to systematically assess the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with medication for migraine.Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Inf...Objective: The goal of this study is to systematically assess the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with medication for migraine.Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Sinomed, the Chongqing VIP full-text periodical database(VIP) and Wanfang were searched by computer to identify the randomized controlled trails comparing acupuncture with medication for migraine from the beginning of these databases to August 2018, supplementing with literature retrospective and manual searches. Review Manager 5.2 was used for statistical analysis.Results: A total of 13 trails including 1218 participants met the selection criteria.(1) The meta-analysis of 3 articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks(MD =-2.03; 95% CI:-2.77 to-1.30; P < 0.00001) than medication.(2) The meta-analysis of three articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing the number of migraine days(MD =-1.65;95% CI:-2.78 to-0.52; P= 0.004) than medication after treatment.(3) The meta-analysis of six articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing VAS(MD =-1.26; 95% CI:-1.48 to-1.04;P < 0.00001) after treatment.(4) The meta-analysis of two articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing VAS(MD =-1.07; 95% Cl:-1.63 to-0.51; P= 0.0002) during follow-up.(5) The meta-analysis of seven articles showed that the total effective rate of acupuncture was higher than that of medication(MD=1.27; 95% Cl: 1.16 to 1.37; P < 0.00001). In addition, fewer adverse effects in acupuncture groups were reported than in medication groups. Overall the quality of the evidence was low.Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is more effective and safer than medication for migraine. Acupuncture can be considered a treatment option for patients willing to undergo this treatment. But more high-quality studies, based on standardized, comprehensive and objective evaluation, are required to enhance the reliability of the conclusion.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： To assess the efficacy of Tianma- gouteng decoction in the treatment of primary hypertension with liver yang hyperactivity syndrome. METHODS： The databases of MEDLINE （1950- 2012）, EMbase （1980-2012）,...OBJECTIVE： To assess the efficacy of Tianma- gouteng decoction in the treatment of primary hypertension with liver yang hyperactivity syndrome. METHODS： The databases of MEDLINE （1950- 2012）, EMbase （1980-2012）, China biology medicine （CBM） （1994-2012）, China national knowledge infrastructure （CNKI） （1989-2012）, Weipu （VIP） （1995-2012） and Wanfang （1989-2012） were searched and we performed manual searches for conference proceedings to select randomized controlled trials （RCTs） on Tianmagouteng decoction for the treatment of primary hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome. Studies were en- rolled according to the study-selecting criteria. The methodological quality was evaluated, data were extracted and meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan 4.2 software. RESULTS： Nine RCTs were selected involving 784 patients with no significant difference in decrease in systolic blood pressure （SBP）[0R=1.02, 9.5% CI （-0.24, 2.29）, P=0.10] and diastolic blood pressure（DBP） [OR=0.56, 95% CI （-0.10,1.23）, P=0.11] between the Tianmagouteng group and the control group. While there was a significantly larger increase in serum superoxide dismutase （SOD）[OR= 6.26, 95% CI （1.27,11.66）, P=0. 01] in the Tianmagouteng group than that in the control group CONCLUSION： Tianmagouteng decoction can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and greatly increase serum SOD. Due to poor quality of included studies, the efficacy needs to be further assessed.展开更多
The objective of this systemic review was to evaluate the benefit of repairing clinical varicocele in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA）. The surgically obtained sperm retrieval rate （SRR） and pre...The objective of this systemic review was to evaluate the benefit of repairing clinical varicocele in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA）. The surgically obtained sperm retrieval rate （SRR） and pregnancy rates following assisted reproductive technology （ART） with the use of retrieved testicular sperm were the primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes included the presence of viable sperm in postoperative ejaculate to avoid the testicular sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates （both assisted and unassisted） using postoperative ejaculated sperm. An electronic search to collect the data was performed using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until April 2015. Eighteen studies were included in this systematic review and accounted for 468 patients who were diagnosed with NOA and varicocele. These patients were subjected to either surgical varicocele repair or percutaneous embolization. Three controlled studies evaluating sperm retrieval outcomes indicated that in patients who underwent varicocelectomy, SRR increased compared to those without varicocele repair （OR： 2,65; 95% Cl. 1.69-4.14; P 〈 0.001）. Although pregnancy rates with the use of testicular sperm favored the varicocelectomy group, results were not statistically significant （clinical pregnancy rate OR： 2.07; 95% CI： 0.92-4.65; P = 0.08; live birth rate OR： 2.19; 95% CI： 0.99-4.83; P = 0.05）. The remaining fifteen studies reported postoperative semen analysis results. In 43.9% of the patients （range： 20.8%-55.0%）, sperm were found in postoperative ejaculates. Pregnancy rates for unassisted and assisted （after IVF/ICSI） were 13.6% and 18.9% in the group of men with sperm in postoperative ejaculates, respectively. Our findings indicate that varicocelectomy in patients with NOA and clinical varicocele is associated with improved SRR. In addition, approximately 44% of the treated men will have enough sperm in the ejaculate to avoid sperm retrieval. Limited data on pregnancy outcomes with both postoperative ejaculated sperm and harvested testicular sperm preclude any firm conclusion with regard to the possible increased fertility potential in treated individuals. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that infertile men with NOA and clinical varicocele benefit from varicocelectomy. Given the low/moderate quality of evidence available, it is advisable that doctors discuss with their patients with NOA the risks and benefits of varicocele repair.展开更多
AIM: To perform a systematic review and metaanalysis on robotic-assisted vs laparoscopic liver resections.METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using Pub Med, Scopus and the Cochrane Library Central. P...AIM: To perform a systematic review and metaanalysis on robotic-assisted vs laparoscopic liver resections.METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using Pub Med, Scopus and the Cochrane Library Central. Participants of any age and sex, who underwent robotic or laparoscopic liver resection were considered following these criteria:(1) studies comparing robotic and laparoscopic liver resection;(2) studies reporting at least one perioperative outcome; and(3) if more than one study was reported by the same institute, only the most recent was included. The primary outcome measures were set for estimated blood loss, operative time, conversion rate, R1 resection rate, morbidity and mortality rates, hospital stay and major hepatectomy rates.RESULTS: A total of 7 articles, published between 2010 and 2014, fulfilled the selection criteria. The laparoscopic approach was associated with a significant reduction in blood loss and lower operative time(MD = 83.96, 95%CI: 10.51-157.41, P = 0.03; MD = 68.43, 95%CI: 39.22-97.65, P < 0.00001, respectively). No differences were found with respect to conversion rate, R1 resection rate, morbidity and hospital stay.CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver resection resulted in reduced blood loss and shorter surgical times compared to robotic liver resections. There was no difference in conversion rate, R1 resection rate, morbidity and length of postoperative stay.展开更多
Sperm DNA damage is prevalent among infertile men and is known to influence natural reproduction. However, the impact of sperm DNA damage on assisted reproduction outcomes remains controversial. Here, we conducted a m...Sperm DNA damage is prevalent among infertile men and is known to influence natural reproduction. However, the impact of sperm DNA damage on assisted reproduction outcomes remains controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies on sperm DNA damage （assessed by SCSA, TUNEL, SCD, or Comet assay） and clinical pregnancy after IVF and/or ICSI treatment from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PUBMED database searches for this analysis. We identified 41 articles （with a total of 56 studies） including 16 IVF studies, 24 ICSI studies, and 16 mixed （IVF ＋ ICSI） studies. These studies measured DNA damage （by one of four assays： 23 SCSA, 18 TUNEL, 8 SCD, and 7 Comet） and included a total of 8068 treatment cycles （3734 IVF, 2282 ICSI, and 2052 mixed IVF ＋ ICSI）. The combined OR of 1.68 （95% Ch 1.49-1.89; P 〈 0.0001） indicates that sperm DNA damage affects clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment. In addition, the combined OR estimates of IVF （16 estimates, OR = 1.65; 95% CI： 1.34-2.04; P 〈 0.0001）, ICSI （24 estimates, OR = 1.31; 95% Ch 1.08-1.59; P = 0.0068）, and mixed IVF ＋ ICSI studies （16 estimates, OR = 2.37; 95% Ch 1.89-2.97; P〈 0.0001） were also statistically significant. There is sufficient evidence in the existing literature suggesting that sperm DNA damage has a negative effect on clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment.展开更多
Varicocele affects approximately 35%-40% of men presenting for an infertility evaluation. There is fair evidence indicating that surgical repair of clinical varicocele improves semen parameters, decreases seminal oxid...Varicocele affects approximately 35%-40% of men presenting for an infertility evaluation. There is fair evidence indicating that surgical repair of clinical varicocele improves semen parameters, decreases seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, and increases the chances of natural conception. However, it is unclear whether performing varicocelectomy in men with clinical varicocele prior to assisted reproductive technology （ART） improve treatment outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of varicocelectomy on ART pregnancy outcomes in nonazoospermic infertile men with clinical varicocele. An electronic search was performed to collect all evidence that fitted our eligibility criteria using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until April 2015. Four retrospective studies were included, all of which involved intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, and accounted for 870 cycles （438 subjected to ICSI with prior varicocelectomy, and 432 without prior varicocelectomy）. There was a significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rates （OR = 1.59, 95% CI. 1.19-2.12, 12 = 25%） and live birth rates （OR = 2.17, 95% CI： 1,55-3.06, I^2 = 0%） in the varicocelectomy group compared to the group subjected to ICSI without previous varicocelectomy. Our results indicate that performing varicocelectomy in patients with clinical varicocele prior to ICSI is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes.展开更多
AIM To identify health and psychosocial problems associated with bullying victimization and conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the causal evidence.METHODS A systematic review was conducted using Pub Med, EMBASE, ERIC...AIM To identify health and psychosocial problems associated with bullying victimization and conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the causal evidence.METHODS A systematic review was conducted using Pub Med, EMBASE, ERIC and Psyc INFO electronic databases up to 28 February 2015. The study included published longitudinal and cross-sectional articles that examined health and psychosocial consequences of bullying victimization. All meta-analyses were based on qualityeffects models. Evidence for causality was assessed using Bradford Hill criteria and the grading system developed by the World Cancer Research Fund.RESULTS Out of 317 articles assessed for eligibility, 165 satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.Statistically significant associations were observed between bullying victimization and a wide range of adverse health and psychosocial problems. The evidence was strongest for causal associations between bullying victimization and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, poor general health and suicidal ideation and behaviours. Probable causal associations existed between bullying victimization and tobacco and illicit drug use. CONCLUSION Strong evidence exists for a causal relationship between bullying victimization, mental health problems and substance use. Evidence also exists for associations between bullying victimization and other adverse health and psychosocial problems, however, there is insufficient evidence to conclude causality. The strong evidence that bullying victimization is causative of mental illness highlights the need for schools to implement effective interventions to address bullying behaviours.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of ginkgo injections(GIs)combined with conventional treatment(CT)against angina pectoris(AP)due to coronary heart disease(CH D).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials...OBJECTIVE:To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of ginkgo injections(GIs)combined with conventional treatment(CT)against angina pectoris(AP)due to coronary heart disease(CH D).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that used GIs to treat AP were searched in SinoMed,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Chinese Scientific Journals Database,Wanfang Database,Embase and Cochrane Library until March 2017.The Cochrane "risk of bias" method was used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs.Data were analyzed using Stata v13.1 and WinBUGS v1.4.3.RESULTS:A total of 73 RCTs involving 7621 patients were included.A Bayesian network Meta-analysis of RCTs was undertaken,and the advantages of four types of Gl-supplemented CT in AP treatment were determined.CONCLUSION:Gl-assisted CT was more effective against AP than CT alone.However,based on the limitations of the study,additional high-quality RCTs are required to confirm our findings.展开更多
AIM: To assess the differences in clinical benefits and disadvantages of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy(SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy(CLA).METHODS: The Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,Embase,Sci...AIM: To assess the differences in clinical benefits and disadvantages of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy(SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy(CLA).METHODS: The Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,Embase,Science Citation Index Expanded,and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were electronically searched up through January 2013 to identify randomized controlled trails(RCTs) comparing SILA with CLA.Data was extracted from eligible studies to evaluate the pooled outcome effects for the total of 1068 patients.The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.2.0.For dichotomous data and continuous data,the risk ratio(RR) and the mean difference(MD) were calculated,respectively,with 95%CI for both.For continuous outcomes with different measurement scales in different RCTs,the standardized mean difference(SMD) was calculated with 95%CI.Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed when necessary.RESULTS: Six RCTs were identified that compared SILA(n = 535) with CLA(n = 533).Five RCTs had a high risk of bias and one RCT had a low risk of bias.SILA was associated with longer operative time(MD = 5.68,95%CI: 3.91-7.46,P < 0.00001),higher conversion rate(RR = 5.14,95%CI: 1.25-21.10,P = 0.03) and better cosmetic satisfaction score(MD = 0.52,95%CI: 0.30-0.73,P < 0.00001) compared with CLA.No significant differences were found for total complications(RR = 1.15,95%CI: 0.76-1.75,P = 0.51),drain insertion(RR = 0.72,95%CI: 0.41-1.25,P = 0.24),or length of hospital stay(SMD = 0.04,95%CI:-0.08-0.16,P = 0.57).Because there was not enough data among the analyzed RCTs,postoperative pain was not calculated.CONCLUSION: The benefit of SILA is cosmetic satisfaction,while the disadvantages of SILA are longer operative time and higher conversion rate.展开更多
The specificity of prostate-specific antigen （PSA） for early intervention in repeat biopsy is unsatisfactory. Prostate cancer antigen 3 （PCA3） may be more accurate in outcome prediction than other methods for the ...The specificity of prostate-specific antigen （PSA） for early intervention in repeat biopsy is unsatisfactory. Prostate cancer antigen 3 （PCA3） may be more accurate in outcome prediction than other methods for the early detection of prostate cancer （PCa）. However, the results were inconsistent in repeated biopsies. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of PCA3 in outcome prediction. A systematic bibliographic search was conducted for articles published before April 2013, using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase and other databases from health technology assessment agencies. The quality of the studies was assessed on the basis of QUADAS criteria. Eleven studies of diagnostic tests with moderate to high quality were selected. A meta-analysis was carried out to synthesize the results. The results of the meta-analyses were heterogeneous among studies. We performed a subgroup analysis （with or without inclusion of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia （HGPIN） and atypical small acinar proliferation （ASAP））. Using a PCA3 cutoff of 20 or 35, in the two sub-groups, the global sensitivity values were 0.93 or 0.80 and 0.79 or 0.75, specificities were 0.65 or 0.44 and 0.78 or 0.70, positive likelihood ratios were 1.86 or 1.58 and 2.49 or 1.78, negative likelihood ratios were 0.81 or 0.43 and 0.91 or 0.82 and diagnostic odd ratios （ORs） were 5.73 or 3.45 and 7.13 or 4.11, respectively. The areas under the curve （AUCs） of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.85 or 0.72 and 0.81 or 0.69, respectively. PCA3 can be used for repeat biopsy of the prostate to improve accuracy of PCa detection. Unnecessary biopsies can be avoided by using a PCa cutoff score of 20.展开更多
BACKGROUND Diarrhea is a major infectious cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide.In clinical trials,Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53013(LGG)has been used to treat diarrhea.However,recent randomized con...BACKGROUND Diarrhea is a major infectious cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide.In clinical trials,Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53013(LGG)has been used to treat diarrhea.However,recent randomized controlled trials(RCTs)found no evidence of a beneficial effect of LGG treatment.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of LGG in treating acute diarrhea in children.METHODS The EMBASE,MEDLINE,PubMed,Web of Science databases,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to April 2019 for metaanalyses and RCTs.The Cochrane Review Manager was used to analyze the relevant data.RESULTS Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria and showed that compared with the control group,LGG administration notably reduced the diarrhea duration[mean difference(MD)-24.02 h,95%confidence interval(CI)(-36.58,-11.45)].More effective results were detected at a high dose≥1010 CFU per day[MD-22.56 h,95%CI(-36.41,-8.72)]vs a lower dose.A similar reduction was found in Asian and European patients[MD-24.42 h,95%CI(-47.01,-1.82);MD-32.02 h,95%CI(-49.26,-14.79),respectively].A reduced duration of diarrhea was confirmed in LGG participants with diarrhea for less than 3 d at enrollment[MD-15.83 h,95%CI(-20.68,-10.98)].High-dose LGG effectively reduced the duration of rotavirus-induced diarrhea[MD-31.05 h,95%CI(-50.31,-11.80)]and the stool number per day[MD-1.08,95%CI(-1.87,-0.28)].CONCLUSION High-dose LGG therapy reduces the duration of diarrhea and the stool number per day.Intervention at the early stage is recommended.Future trials are expected to verify the effectiveness of LGG treatment.展开更多
This systematic review assessed the safety and efficacy of the disposable circumcision suture device （DCSD） and conventional circumcision （CC） in the treatment of redundant prepuce and phimosis. Two independent re...This systematic review assessed the safety and efficacy of the disposable circumcision suture device （DCSD） and conventional circumcision （CC） in the treatment of redundant prepuce and phimosis. Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search for randomized controlled trials （RCTs） using the DCSD and CC for the treatment of redundant prepuce or phimosis in China and abroad. Nine RCTs （1898 cases） were included. Compared with the CC group, the DCSD group had a shorter operative time （standardized mean difference [SMD] = -21.44; 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs] [-25.08, -17.79]; P 〈 0.00001）, shorter wound healing time （SMD = -3.66; 95% CI [-5.46, -1.85]; P 〈 0.0001）, less intraoperative blood loss （SMD = -9.64; 95% CI [-11.37, -7.90]; P 〈 0.00001）, better cosmetic penile appearance （odds ratio [OR] =8.77; 95% CI [5.90, 13.02]; P 〈 0.00001）, lower intraoperative pain score, lower 24-h postoperative pain score, lower incidence of infection, less incision edema, and fewer adverse events. There were no differences between the CC and DCSD groups in the incidences of dehiscence, or hematoma. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that the DCSD appears to be safer and more effective than CC. However, additional high-quality RCTs with larger study populations are needed.展开更多
AIM To clarify the previous discrepant conclusions, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of red cell distribution width(RDW) in esophageal cancer(EC). METHODS We searched the PubM ed, EMBASE, ...AIM To clarify the previous discrepant conclusions, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of red cell distribution width(RDW) in esophageal cancer(EC). METHODS We searched the PubM ed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to identify clinical studies, followed by using STATA version 12.0 for statistical analysis. Studies that met the following criteria were considered eligible:(1) Studies including EC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy;(2) studies including patients with localized disease without distant metastasis;(3) studies including patients without preoperative neoadjuvant therapy;(4) studies including patients without previous antiinflammatory therapies and with available preoperative laboratory outcomes;(5) studies reporting association between the preoperative RDW and overall survival(OS)/disease-free survival(DFS)/cancer-specific survival(CSS); and(6) studies published in English.RESULTS A total of six articles, published between 2015 and 2017, fulfilled the selection criteria in the end. Statistical analysis showed that RDW was not associated with the prognosis of EC patients, irrespective of OS/CSS [hazard ratio(HR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.97-1.57, P = 0.000] or DFS(HR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.96-1.88, P = 0.000). Subgroup analysis indicated that elevated RDW was significantly associated with worse OS/CSS of EC patients when RDW > 13%(HR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.76, P = 0.000), when the patient number ≤ 400(HR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.76, P = 0.000) and when the study type was retrospective(HR = 1.42, 95%CI : 1.16-1.69, P = 0.000).CONCLUSION Contrary to our general understanding, this meta-analysis revealed that RDW cannot serve as an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with EC. However, it may still be a useful predictor of unfavorable prognosis using an appropriate cut-off value.展开更多
Previous studies suggested that smoking and passive smoking could increase the risk of breast cancer, but the results were inconsistent, especially for Chinese females. Thus, we systematically searched cohort and case...Previous studies suggested that smoking and passive smoking could increase the risk of breast cancer, but the results were inconsistent, especially for Chinese females. Thus, we systematically searched cohort and case-control studies investigating the associations of active and passive smoking with breast cancer risk among Chinese females in four English databases(PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Wiley) and three Chinese databases(CNKI, WanFang, and VIP). Fifty-one articles(3 cohort studies and 48 casecontrol studies) covering 17 provinces of China were finally included in this systematic review. Among Chinese females, there was significant association between passive smoking and this risk of breast cancer [odds ratio(OR): 1.62; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.39–1.85; I2 = 75.8%, P < 0.001; n = 26] but no significant association between active smoking and the risk of breast cancer(OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.89–1.20; I2 = 13.9%, P = 0.248; n = 31). The OR of exposure to husband's smoking and to smoke in the workplace was 1.27(95% CI: 1.07–1.50) and 1.66(95% CI: 1.07–2.59), respectively. The OR of light and heavy passive smoking was 1.11 and 1.41, respectively, for women exposed to their husband's smoke(< 20 and ≥ 20 cigarettes per day), and 1.07 and 1.87, respectively, for those exposed to smoke in the workplace(< 300 and ≥ 300 min of exposure per day). These results imply that passive smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and the risk seems to increase as the level of passive exposure to smoke increases among Chinese females. Women with passive exposure to smoke in the workplace have a higher risk of breast cancer than those exposed to their husband's smoking.展开更多
文摘Dear Editor,We read with a great interest the recently published systematic review by Shamsikhani and Hosseini titled,“Foot reflexology on nausea and vomiting:A systematic review.”[1]While the authors provided a comprehensive qualitative synthesis of six studies meeting their inclusion criteria,we believe that additional quantitative analysis would strengthen the evidence base for foot reflexology in managing nausea and vomiting.We conducted a complementary meta-analysis to provide quantitative evidence supporting the qualitative findings presented in the systematic review.
文摘We highly commend Dr Souza et al.1for their systematic review research.The authors conducted a detailed investigation into the effects of ischemic preconditioning(IPC)on athletic performance,comparing it with placebo and no-intervention conditions.The study found that while IPC demonstrated superior effects over the no-intervention group in certain metrics(e.g.,time to exhaustion),its performance did not significantly surpass that of the placebo group.This suggests that the potential benefits of IPC may partially stem from participants’psychological expectations,or placebo effects.The study also highlighted the significant impact of placebo interventions on athletic performance,emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between placebo and no-intervention conditions in experimental designs.
文摘We sincerely thank the authors of the commentary1 for their thoughtful analysis and constructive critique of our systematic review on ischemic preconditioning(IPC)and placebo effects in exercise capacity and athletic performance.2Their attention to methodological details,particularly concerning the inclusion and timing of warm-up protocols across studies,is commendable and contributes meaningfully to the ongoing refinement of IPC research in sports science.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82170327&No.82370332)the Tianjin Key Medical Discipline(Specialty)Construction Project(TJYXZDXK-029A).
文摘BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)on adverse cardiac outcomes in diabetic patients are well-established.However,the effects of SGLT2i against cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity remain understudied.We investigated the association between SGLT2i and cardiac outcomes in cancer patients.METHODS PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until September 30,2024 for studies evaluating the effects of SGLT2i in patients with cancer.The primary outcomes included incident heart failure(HF),HF exacerbation,HF hospitalization,atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter(AF/AFL),myocardial infarction,and all-cause mortality.The secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury and sepsis.Odds ratio(OR)with 95%CI was pooled.RESULTS Thirteen studies with 85,596 patients were included.Compared to non-SGLT2i use,SGLT2i treatment was associated with lower risks of incident HF(OR=0.51,95%CI:0.32-0.79,P=0.003),HF exacerbation(OR=0.74,95%CI:0.63-0.87,P<0.001),AF/AFL(OR=0.67,95%CI:0.55-0.82,P<0.001),myocardial infarction(OR=0.61,95%CI:0.41-0.90,P=0.01),and all-cause mortality(OR=0.44,95%CI:0.28-0.69,P<0.001),but not for HF hospitalization(OR=0.58,95%CI:0.22-1.55,P=0.28).As for safety outcomes,SGLT2i use was associated with lower risks of acute kidney injury(OR=0.68,95%CI:0.57-0.81,P<0.001)and sepsis(OR=0.32,95%CI:0.23-0.44,P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS SGLT2i were associated with lower risks of incident HF,HF exacerbation,AF/AFL,myocardial infarction,allcause mortality,acute kidney injury,and sepsis in cancer patients.
文摘Measuring cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in epidemiological studies and clinical settings.1 However,the feasibility of measuring maximal CRF is low due to the time,equipment,and expertise needed to conduct laboratory cardiopulmonary exercise testing(CPET)to determine the maximal rate of oxygen uptake(VO2max)as an objective measure of CRF.Alternatively,indirect estimates of CRF have been applied by measuring maximal duration on treadmill or cycle ergometer tests,2,3 extrapolating maximal CRF from workload or heart rate during submaximal fitness tests,4,5 and using non-exercise algorithms to estimate CRF from an individual’s age,sex,body mass,and physical activity habits.6 It is assumed that objectively measured VO2max is superior to extrapolated and estimated values due to errors associated with the estimated values;7,8 however,until Singh et al.9 newly released article in the Journal of Sport and Health Science,the comparability of these methods in identifying risks for all-cause and cardiovascular disease(CVD)mortality was unknown.
文摘This study investigated the effects of varicocele on semen parameters in infertile men based on the new 2010 World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination of human semen. Semen analysis results （volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology） were the primary outcomes. An electronic search to collect the data was conducted using the Medline/PubMed, SJU discover, and Google Scholar databases. We searched articles published from 2010 to August 2015, i.e., after the publication of the 2010 WHO manual. We included only those studies that reported the actual semen parameters of adult infertile men diagnosed with clinical varicocele and contained a control group of either fertile men or normozoospermic men who were not diagnosed with varicocele. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 1232 men. Varicocele was associated with reduced sperm count （mean difference： -44.48 x 106 ml-1; 95% Ch -61.45, -27.51 x 106 ml-1; P〈 0.001）, motility （mean difference： -26.67%; 95% Ch -34.27, -19.08; P 〈 0.001）, and morphology （mean difference： -19.68%; 95% Ch -29.28, -10.07; P 〈 0.001） but not semen volume （mean difference： -0.23 ml; 95% CI： -0.64, 0.17）. Subgroup analyses indicated that the magnitude of effect was influenced by control subtype but not WHO laboratory manual edition used for semen assessment. We conclude that varicocele is a significant risk factor that negatively affects semen quality, but the observed pooled effect size on semen parameters does not seem to be affected by the WHO laboratory manual edition. Given most of the studies published after 2010 still utilized the 1999 manual for semen analysis, further research is required to fully understand the clinical implication of the 2010 WHO laboratory manual on the association between varicocele and semen parameters.
基金Supported by the key projects of the Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology:14401971300.16401970300the National Natural Science Foundation of China:81603697+1 种基金the Shanghai TCM novel cross subject:Shxxjcxk201709the project of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission of Shanghai style TCM inheritance:ZY(2018-2020-CCCX-1006)
文摘Objective: The goal of this study is to systematically assess the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with medication for migraine.Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Sinomed, the Chongqing VIP full-text periodical database(VIP) and Wanfang were searched by computer to identify the randomized controlled trails comparing acupuncture with medication for migraine from the beginning of these databases to August 2018, supplementing with literature retrospective and manual searches. Review Manager 5.2 was used for statistical analysis.Results: A total of 13 trails including 1218 participants met the selection criteria.(1) The meta-analysis of 3 articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks(MD =-2.03; 95% CI:-2.77 to-1.30; P < 0.00001) than medication.(2) The meta-analysis of three articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing the number of migraine days(MD =-1.65;95% CI:-2.78 to-0.52; P= 0.004) than medication after treatment.(3) The meta-analysis of six articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing VAS(MD =-1.26; 95% CI:-1.48 to-1.04;P < 0.00001) after treatment.(4) The meta-analysis of two articles showed that acupuncture was more effective in reducing VAS(MD =-1.07; 95% Cl:-1.63 to-0.51; P= 0.0002) during follow-up.(5) The meta-analysis of seven articles showed that the total effective rate of acupuncture was higher than that of medication(MD=1.27; 95% Cl: 1.16 to 1.37; P < 0.00001). In addition, fewer adverse effects in acupuncture groups were reported than in medication groups. Overall the quality of the evidence was low.Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is more effective and safer than medication for migraine. Acupuncture can be considered a treatment option for patients willing to undergo this treatment. But more high-quality studies, based on standardized, comprehensive and objective evaluation, are required to enhance the reliability of the conclusion.
文摘OBJECTIVE： To assess the efficacy of Tianma- gouteng decoction in the treatment of primary hypertension with liver yang hyperactivity syndrome. METHODS： The databases of MEDLINE （1950- 2012）, EMbase （1980-2012）, China biology medicine （CBM） （1994-2012）, China national knowledge infrastructure （CNKI） （1989-2012）, Weipu （VIP） （1995-2012） and Wanfang （1989-2012） were searched and we performed manual searches for conference proceedings to select randomized controlled trials （RCTs） on Tianmagouteng decoction for the treatment of primary hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome. Studies were en- rolled according to the study-selecting criteria. The methodological quality was evaluated, data were extracted and meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan 4.2 software. RESULTS： Nine RCTs were selected involving 784 patients with no significant difference in decrease in systolic blood pressure （SBP）[0R=1.02, 9.5% CI （-0.24, 2.29）, P=0.10] and diastolic blood pressure（DBP） [OR=0.56, 95% CI （-0.10,1.23）, P=0.11] between the Tianmagouteng group and the control group. While there was a significantly larger increase in serum superoxide dismutase （SOD）[OR= 6.26, 95% CI （1.27,11.66）, P=0. 01] in the Tianmagouteng group than that in the control group CONCLUSION： Tianmagouteng decoction can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and greatly increase serum SOD. Due to poor quality of included studies, the efficacy needs to be further assessed.
文摘The objective of this systemic review was to evaluate the benefit of repairing clinical varicocele in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA）. The surgically obtained sperm retrieval rate （SRR） and pregnancy rates following assisted reproductive technology （ART） with the use of retrieved testicular sperm were the primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes included the presence of viable sperm in postoperative ejaculate to avoid the testicular sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates （both assisted and unassisted） using postoperative ejaculated sperm. An electronic search to collect the data was performed using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until April 2015. Eighteen studies were included in this systematic review and accounted for 468 patients who were diagnosed with NOA and varicocele. These patients were subjected to either surgical varicocele repair or percutaneous embolization. Three controlled studies evaluating sperm retrieval outcomes indicated that in patients who underwent varicocelectomy, SRR increased compared to those without varicocele repair （OR： 2,65; 95% Cl. 1.69-4.14; P 〈 0.001）. Although pregnancy rates with the use of testicular sperm favored the varicocelectomy group, results were not statistically significant （clinical pregnancy rate OR： 2.07; 95% CI： 0.92-4.65; P = 0.08; live birth rate OR： 2.19; 95% CI： 0.99-4.83; P = 0.05）. The remaining fifteen studies reported postoperative semen analysis results. In 43.9% of the patients （range： 20.8%-55.0%）, sperm were found in postoperative ejaculates. Pregnancy rates for unassisted and assisted （after IVF/ICSI） were 13.6% and 18.9% in the group of men with sperm in postoperative ejaculates, respectively. Our findings indicate that varicocelectomy in patients with NOA and clinical varicocele is associated with improved SRR. In addition, approximately 44% of the treated men will have enough sperm in the ejaculate to avoid sperm retrieval. Limited data on pregnancy outcomes with both postoperative ejaculated sperm and harvested testicular sperm preclude any firm conclusion with regard to the possible increased fertility potential in treated individuals. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that infertile men with NOA and clinical varicocele benefit from varicocelectomy. Given the low/moderate quality of evidence available, it is advisable that doctors discuss with their patients with NOA the risks and benefits of varicocele repair.
文摘AIM: To perform a systematic review and metaanalysis on robotic-assisted vs laparoscopic liver resections.METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using Pub Med, Scopus and the Cochrane Library Central. Participants of any age and sex, who underwent robotic or laparoscopic liver resection were considered following these criteria:(1) studies comparing robotic and laparoscopic liver resection;(2) studies reporting at least one perioperative outcome; and(3) if more than one study was reported by the same institute, only the most recent was included. The primary outcome measures were set for estimated blood loss, operative time, conversion rate, R1 resection rate, morbidity and mortality rates, hospital stay and major hepatectomy rates.RESULTS: A total of 7 articles, published between 2010 and 2014, fulfilled the selection criteria. The laparoscopic approach was associated with a significant reduction in blood loss and lower operative time(MD = 83.96, 95%CI: 10.51-157.41, P = 0.03; MD = 68.43, 95%CI: 39.22-97.65, P < 0.00001, respectively). No differences were found with respect to conversion rate, R1 resection rate, morbidity and hospital stay.CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver resection resulted in reduced blood loss and shorter surgical times compared to robotic liver resections. There was no difference in conversion rate, R1 resection rate, morbidity and length of postoperative stay.
文摘Sperm DNA damage is prevalent among infertile men and is known to influence natural reproduction. However, the impact of sperm DNA damage on assisted reproduction outcomes remains controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies on sperm DNA damage （assessed by SCSA, TUNEL, SCD, or Comet assay） and clinical pregnancy after IVF and/or ICSI treatment from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PUBMED database searches for this analysis. We identified 41 articles （with a total of 56 studies） including 16 IVF studies, 24 ICSI studies, and 16 mixed （IVF ＋ ICSI） studies. These studies measured DNA damage （by one of four assays： 23 SCSA, 18 TUNEL, 8 SCD, and 7 Comet） and included a total of 8068 treatment cycles （3734 IVF, 2282 ICSI, and 2052 mixed IVF ＋ ICSI）. The combined OR of 1.68 （95% Ch 1.49-1.89; P 〈 0.0001） indicates that sperm DNA damage affects clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment. In addition, the combined OR estimates of IVF （16 estimates, OR = 1.65; 95% CI： 1.34-2.04; P 〈 0.0001）, ICSI （24 estimates, OR = 1.31; 95% Ch 1.08-1.59; P = 0.0068）, and mixed IVF ＋ ICSI studies （16 estimates, OR = 2.37; 95% Ch 1.89-2.97; P〈 0.0001） were also statistically significant. There is sufficient evidence in the existing literature suggesting that sperm DNA damage has a negative effect on clinical pregnancy following IVF and/or ICSI treatment.
文摘Varicocele affects approximately 35%-40% of men presenting for an infertility evaluation. There is fair evidence indicating that surgical repair of clinical varicocele improves semen parameters, decreases seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, and increases the chances of natural conception. However, it is unclear whether performing varicocelectomy in men with clinical varicocele prior to assisted reproductive technology （ART） improve treatment outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of varicocelectomy on ART pregnancy outcomes in nonazoospermic infertile men with clinical varicocele. An electronic search was performed to collect all evidence that fitted our eligibility criteria using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until April 2015. Four retrospective studies were included, all of which involved intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, and accounted for 870 cycles （438 subjected to ICSI with prior varicocelectomy, and 432 without prior varicocelectomy）. There was a significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rates （OR = 1.59, 95% CI. 1.19-2.12, 12 = 25%） and live birth rates （OR = 2.17, 95% CI： 1,55-3.06, I^2 = 0%） in the varicocelectomy group compared to the group subjected to ICSI without previous varicocelectomy. Our results indicate that performing varicocelectomy in patients with clinical varicocele prior to ICSI is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes.
文摘AIM To identify health and psychosocial problems associated with bullying victimization and conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the causal evidence.METHODS A systematic review was conducted using Pub Med, EMBASE, ERIC and Psyc INFO electronic databases up to 28 February 2015. The study included published longitudinal and cross-sectional articles that examined health and psychosocial consequences of bullying victimization. All meta-analyses were based on qualityeffects models. Evidence for causality was assessed using Bradford Hill criteria and the grading system developed by the World Cancer Research Fund.RESULTS Out of 317 articles assessed for eligibility, 165 satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.Statistically significant associations were observed between bullying victimization and a wide range of adverse health and psychosocial problems. The evidence was strongest for causal associations between bullying victimization and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, poor general health and suicidal ideation and behaviours. Probable causal associations existed between bullying victimization and tobacco and illicit drug use. CONCLUSION Strong evidence exists for a causal relationship between bullying victimization, mental health problems and substance use. Evidence also exists for associations between bullying victimization and other adverse health and psychosocial problems, however, there is insufficient evidence to conclude causality. The strong evidence that bullying victimization is causative of mental illness highlights the need for schools to implement effective interventions to address bullying behaviours.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Study on the Key Influencing Factors of Anaphylaxis in Traditional Chinese Medicine Injection No.81473547and Multidimensional Clinical Evaluation Model of Salvia Injection for the Treatment of Unstable Angina Pectoris,No.81673829)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of ginkgo injections(GIs)combined with conventional treatment(CT)against angina pectoris(AP)due to coronary heart disease(CH D).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that used GIs to treat AP were searched in SinoMed,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Chinese Scientific Journals Database,Wanfang Database,Embase and Cochrane Library until March 2017.The Cochrane "risk of bias" method was used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs.Data were analyzed using Stata v13.1 and WinBUGS v1.4.3.RESULTS:A total of 73 RCTs involving 7621 patients were included.A Bayesian network Meta-analysis of RCTs was undertaken,and the advantages of four types of Gl-supplemented CT in AP treatment were determined.CONCLUSION:Gl-assisted CT was more effective against AP than CT alone.However,based on the limitations of the study,additional high-quality RCTs are required to confirm our findings.
文摘AIM: To assess the differences in clinical benefits and disadvantages of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy(SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy(CLA).METHODS: The Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,Embase,Science Citation Index Expanded,and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were electronically searched up through January 2013 to identify randomized controlled trails(RCTs) comparing SILA with CLA.Data was extracted from eligible studies to evaluate the pooled outcome effects for the total of 1068 patients.The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.2.0.For dichotomous data and continuous data,the risk ratio(RR) and the mean difference(MD) were calculated,respectively,with 95%CI for both.For continuous outcomes with different measurement scales in different RCTs,the standardized mean difference(SMD) was calculated with 95%CI.Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed when necessary.RESULTS: Six RCTs were identified that compared SILA(n = 535) with CLA(n = 533).Five RCTs had a high risk of bias and one RCT had a low risk of bias.SILA was associated with longer operative time(MD = 5.68,95%CI: 3.91-7.46,P < 0.00001),higher conversion rate(RR = 5.14,95%CI: 1.25-21.10,P = 0.03) and better cosmetic satisfaction score(MD = 0.52,95%CI: 0.30-0.73,P < 0.00001) compared with CLA.No significant differences were found for total complications(RR = 1.15,95%CI: 0.76-1.75,P = 0.51),drain insertion(RR = 0.72,95%CI: 0.41-1.25,P = 0.24),or length of hospital stay(SMD = 0.04,95%CI:-0.08-0.16,P = 0.57).Because there was not enough data among the analyzed RCTs,postoperative pain was not calculated.CONCLUSION: The benefit of SILA is cosmetic satisfaction,while the disadvantages of SILA are longer operative time and higher conversion rate.
文摘The specificity of prostate-specific antigen （PSA） for early intervention in repeat biopsy is unsatisfactory. Prostate cancer antigen 3 （PCA3） may be more accurate in outcome prediction than other methods for the early detection of prostate cancer （PCa）. However, the results were inconsistent in repeated biopsies. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of PCA3 in outcome prediction. A systematic bibliographic search was conducted for articles published before April 2013, using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase and other databases from health technology assessment agencies. The quality of the studies was assessed on the basis of QUADAS criteria. Eleven studies of diagnostic tests with moderate to high quality were selected. A meta-analysis was carried out to synthesize the results. The results of the meta-analyses were heterogeneous among studies. We performed a subgroup analysis （with or without inclusion of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia （HGPIN） and atypical small acinar proliferation （ASAP））. Using a PCA3 cutoff of 20 or 35, in the two sub-groups, the global sensitivity values were 0.93 or 0.80 and 0.79 or 0.75, specificities were 0.65 or 0.44 and 0.78 or 0.70, positive likelihood ratios were 1.86 or 1.58 and 2.49 or 1.78, negative likelihood ratios were 0.81 or 0.43 and 0.91 or 0.82 and diagnostic odd ratios （ORs） were 5.73 or 3.45 and 7.13 or 4.11, respectively. The areas under the curve （AUCs） of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.85 or 0.72 and 0.81 or 0.69, respectively. PCA3 can be used for repeat biopsy of the prostate to improve accuracy of PCa detection. Unnecessary biopsies can be avoided by using a PCa cutoff score of 20.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81330011
文摘BACKGROUND Diarrhea is a major infectious cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide.In clinical trials,Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53013(LGG)has been used to treat diarrhea.However,recent randomized controlled trials(RCTs)found no evidence of a beneficial effect of LGG treatment.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of LGG in treating acute diarrhea in children.METHODS The EMBASE,MEDLINE,PubMed,Web of Science databases,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to April 2019 for metaanalyses and RCTs.The Cochrane Review Manager was used to analyze the relevant data.RESULTS Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria and showed that compared with the control group,LGG administration notably reduced the diarrhea duration[mean difference(MD)-24.02 h,95%confidence interval(CI)(-36.58,-11.45)].More effective results were detected at a high dose≥1010 CFU per day[MD-22.56 h,95%CI(-36.41,-8.72)]vs a lower dose.A similar reduction was found in Asian and European patients[MD-24.42 h,95%CI(-47.01,-1.82);MD-32.02 h,95%CI(-49.26,-14.79),respectively].A reduced duration of diarrhea was confirmed in LGG participants with diarrhea for less than 3 d at enrollment[MD-15.83 h,95%CI(-20.68,-10.98)].High-dose LGG effectively reduced the duration of rotavirus-induced diarrhea[MD-31.05 h,95%CI(-50.31,-11.80)]and the stool number per day[MD-1.08,95%CI(-1.87,-0.28)].CONCLUSION High-dose LGG therapy reduces the duration of diarrhea and the stool number per day.Intervention at the early stage is recommended.Future trials are expected to verify the effectiveness of LGG treatment.
文摘This systematic review assessed the safety and efficacy of the disposable circumcision suture device （DCSD） and conventional circumcision （CC） in the treatment of redundant prepuce and phimosis. Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search for randomized controlled trials （RCTs） using the DCSD and CC for the treatment of redundant prepuce or phimosis in China and abroad. Nine RCTs （1898 cases） were included. Compared with the CC group, the DCSD group had a shorter operative time （standardized mean difference [SMD] = -21.44; 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs] [-25.08, -17.79]; P 〈 0.00001）, shorter wound healing time （SMD = -3.66; 95% CI [-5.46, -1.85]; P 〈 0.0001）, less intraoperative blood loss （SMD = -9.64; 95% CI [-11.37, -7.90]; P 〈 0.00001）, better cosmetic penile appearance （odds ratio [OR] =8.77; 95% CI [5.90, 13.02]; P 〈 0.00001）, lower intraoperative pain score, lower 24-h postoperative pain score, lower incidence of infection, less incision edema, and fewer adverse events. There were no differences between the CC and DCSD groups in the incidences of dehiscence, or hematoma. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that the DCSD appears to be safer and more effective than CC. However, additional high-quality RCTs with larger study populations are needed.
基金Supported by CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Science(CIFMS),No.2017-12M-4-003International Science and technology Cooperation Projects,No.2015DFA30650 and No.2016yFE0107100+1 种基金Capital Special Research Project for Health Development,No.2014-2-4012Beijing Natural Science Foundation,No.L172055
文摘AIM To clarify the previous discrepant conclusions, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of red cell distribution width(RDW) in esophageal cancer(EC). METHODS We searched the PubM ed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to identify clinical studies, followed by using STATA version 12.0 for statistical analysis. Studies that met the following criteria were considered eligible:(1) Studies including EC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy;(2) studies including patients with localized disease without distant metastasis;(3) studies including patients without preoperative neoadjuvant therapy;(4) studies including patients without previous antiinflammatory therapies and with available preoperative laboratory outcomes;(5) studies reporting association between the preoperative RDW and overall survival(OS)/disease-free survival(DFS)/cancer-specific survival(CSS); and(6) studies published in English.RESULTS A total of six articles, published between 2015 and 2017, fulfilled the selection criteria in the end. Statistical analysis showed that RDW was not associated with the prognosis of EC patients, irrespective of OS/CSS [hazard ratio(HR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.97-1.57, P = 0.000] or DFS(HR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.96-1.88, P = 0.000). Subgroup analysis indicated that elevated RDW was significantly associated with worse OS/CSS of EC patients when RDW > 13%(HR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.76, P = 0.000), when the patient number ≤ 400(HR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.76, P = 0.000) and when the study type was retrospective(HR = 1.42, 95%CI : 1.16-1.69, P = 0.000).CONCLUSION Contrary to our general understanding, this meta-analysis revealed that RDW cannot serve as an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with EC. However, it may still be a useful predictor of unfavorable prognosis using an appropriate cut-off value.
基金supported partly by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81172762)program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovation Research Team in University in China (No. IRT1076)+4 种基金National Scientific and Technological Project (No. 2011ZX09307-001-04)Tianjin Science Committee Foundation (No. 09ZCZDSF04800 and No. 09ZCZDSF04700)Tianjin Science and Technology Committee Foundation (No. 12ZCDZSY16000 and No. 11ZCGYSY02200)Major State Basic Research Program for China (973 Program No. 2009CB918903)
文摘Previous studies suggested that smoking and passive smoking could increase the risk of breast cancer, but the results were inconsistent, especially for Chinese females. Thus, we systematically searched cohort and case-control studies investigating the associations of active and passive smoking with breast cancer risk among Chinese females in four English databases(PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Wiley) and three Chinese databases(CNKI, WanFang, and VIP). Fifty-one articles(3 cohort studies and 48 casecontrol studies) covering 17 provinces of China were finally included in this systematic review. Among Chinese females, there was significant association between passive smoking and this risk of breast cancer [odds ratio(OR): 1.62; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.39–1.85; I2 = 75.8%, P < 0.001; n = 26] but no significant association between active smoking and the risk of breast cancer(OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.89–1.20; I2 = 13.9%, P = 0.248; n = 31). The OR of exposure to husband's smoking and to smoke in the workplace was 1.27(95% CI: 1.07–1.50) and 1.66(95% CI: 1.07–2.59), respectively. The OR of light and heavy passive smoking was 1.11 and 1.41, respectively, for women exposed to their husband's smoke(< 20 and ≥ 20 cigarettes per day), and 1.07 and 1.87, respectively, for those exposed to smoke in the workplace(< 300 and ≥ 300 min of exposure per day). These results imply that passive smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and the risk seems to increase as the level of passive exposure to smoke increases among Chinese females. Women with passive exposure to smoke in the workplace have a higher risk of breast cancer than those exposed to their husband's smoking.
