ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of Heluo Shugan capsule in the treatment of hepatitis B fibrosis.
MethodWe searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2015), CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data from their inception to August 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Heluo Shugan capsule for hepatitis B fibrosis. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.
ResultsA total of 15 RCTs involving 1 840 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: (1) As for reduced level of serum hyaluronic acid (HA), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=82.31, 95%CI 37.44 to 127.19, P=0.000 3), but worse than Fuzheng Huayu capsule (MD=-137.45, 95% CI-196.29 to-78.62, P < 0.000 01), Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (MD=-51.19, 95% CI-67.58 to-34.81, P < 0.000 01) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-82.13, 95% CI-102.37 to-61.88, P < 0.000 01). (2) As for reduced level of serum laminin (LN), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=36.83, 95% CI 11.84 to 61.82, P=0.004), but worse than Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (MD=-36.00, 95% CI-64.29 to-7.71, P=0.01), Ganfujian capsule (MD=-22.14, 95% CI-37.28 to-7.00, P=0.004) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-38.64, 95% CI-75.00 to-2.29, P=0.04). (3) As for reduced level of serum procollagen type III peptide (PCIII), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=47.17, 95% CI 32.68 to 61.66, P < 0.000 01), but worse than Fuzheng Huayu capsule (MD=-4.80, 95% CI-9.08 to-0.51, P=0.03), Dahuang Zhechong pills (MD=-53.77, 95% CI-105.01 to-2.53, P=0.04), Ganfujian capsule (MD=-46.82, 95% CI-66.30 to-27.34, P < 0.000 01) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-28.68, 95% CI-55.59 to-1.77, P=0.04). (4) As for reduced level of serum type-IV-collagen (IV-C), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=72.77, 95% CI 47.65 to 97.89, P < 0.000 01), but worse than Fuzheng Huayu capsule (MD=-34.69, 95% CI-56.65 to-12.73, P=0.002), Dahuang Zhechong pills (MD=-21.26, 95%CI-38.79 to-3.73, P=0.02), Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (MD=-69.04, 95%CI-124.38 to-13.69, P=0.01), Ganfujian capsule (MD=-19.84, 95% CI-37.41 to-2.27, P=0.03) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-37.98, 95% CI-72.99 to-2.96, P=0.03).
ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that, Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo, but worse than Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet, Fuzheng Huayu capsule, Dahuang Zhechong pills, Ganfujian capsule and Anti-fibrosis decoction in reducing the level of serum hepatic fibrosis. Due to the limited quantity and quality of included studies, more high-quality, large-scale RCTs are need to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To systematically review the effect of different nutrient interventions on the physical function of elderly people with frailty through network meta-analysis. Methods The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase and Web of Science were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials of different nutrient interventions on physical function of the elderly with frailty, from database inception to June 30, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Network meta-analysis was then performed using ADDIS 1.16.8, GeMTC 14.3, and Stata 15.0 software. Results A total of 13 studies involving 1 144 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in handgrip strength, time up to go test, gait speed, and short physical performance battery (SPPB) among different nutrient interventions. Significant differences were not found in vitamin D+ whey protein (VDWP) vs. placebo and Leu vs. placebo in handgrip strength, or VDWP vs. placebo in SPPB. The probability ranking diagram showed that the most effective of handgrip strength, time up to go test, gait speed, and SPPB were milk protein concentrate (MPC80), L-carnitime (L-Car), leucine (Leu), and MPC80, respectively. Conclusion The current evidence suggests that nutritional intervention did not significantly improve physical function in the frail elderly. MPC80, Leu, L-Car, and VDVEWP may play a role in improving the physical function of frail elderly people. Nutritional support programs that increase the above nutrients, combined with exercise training may become a better way to improve the physical function of frail elderly.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the association between 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) and risk of sexual dysfunction in subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect studies on the association between 5ARIs and risk of sexual dysfunction in subjects with BPH from inception to October 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed by using Stata 12.0 software.ResultsA total of 15 studies involving 17 774 subjects were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that compared with the placebo group, 5ARIs could significantly increase risk of erectile dysfunction (RR=1.52, 95%CI 1.36 to 1.69, P<0.000 1), while decrease libido (RR=1.79, 95%CI 1.37 to 2.32, P<0.000 1) and ejaculation disorder (RR=2.97, 95%CI 1.82 to 4.83, P<0.000 1) in subjects with BPH. Subgroup analysis of the type of 5ARIs, intervention period, publication year and sample size showed that the 5ARIs had a higher risk of sexual dysfunction than the placebo group.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that 5ARIs can increase risk of erectile dysfunction, decrease libido and ejaculation disorder in subjects with BPH. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusions.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of piolitazone combined with metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
MethodsThe Cochrane Library (Issue 9, 2015), PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were searched up to September 2015 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about pioglitazone combined with metformin versus sulfonylurea combined with metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted date, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.
ResultsA total of 7 RCTs involving 3 005 patients were included. The results of metaanalysis showed that when the course of treatment was ≤24 weeks, no significant difference was found in the level of HbA1c between the piolitazone plus metformin group and the sulphonylurea plus metformin group (MD=-0.04, 95%CI -0.26 to 0.19, P=0.74), but the piolitazone plus metformin group had lower risk of hypoglycemia (RR=0.39, 95%CI 0.15 to 1.01, P=0.05); when the course of treatment >24 weeks, only one RCT was included, we didn't conduct pool analysis.
ConclusionPiolitazone combined with metformin has similar effect to sulphonylurea combined with metformin in controlling blood sugar, but piolitazone combined with metformin has lower incidence of hypoglycemia. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, the above conclusion need to be verified by more high quality studies.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on rehabilitation of unilateral neglect in stroke patients.MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library, PEDro, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were searched online for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of rTMS on rehabilitation of unilateral neglect in stroke patients from inception to March 2017. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 12 RCTs involving 303 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: the stimulate group was superior to the control group in line bisection test (MD=–5.54, 95%CI –6.79 to –4.29, P<0.000 01), line cancellation test (MD=–3.75, 95%CI –4.60 to –2.90,P<0.000 1) and star cancellation test (MD=–22.94, 95%CI –26.52 to –19.35,P<0.000 01). However, there was no significant difference in the score of the modified Barthel index between two groups (MD=3.91, 95%CI–9.52 to 17.34,P=0.57).ConclusionsrTMS appears to improve the symptoms of unilateral neglect in stroke patients. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify above conclusions.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, VIP, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of CP in the treatment of COVID-19 from inception to September 15th, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies; then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. ResultsA total of 16 RCTs involving 15 301 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that CP treatment did not reduce mortality compared with no-placebo (RR=0.99, 95%CI 0.93 to 1.05, P=0.63) or normal saline (RR=1.06, 95%CI 0.60 to 1.86, P=0.84). However, compared with standard plasma, the mortality of CP group was lower (RR=0.59, 95%CI 0.37 to 0.95, P=0.03). In addition, compared with no-placebo or normal saline, CP treatment could not improve the clinical condition at 28-30 days, reduce mortality at early treatment and in patients without invasive mechanical ventilation when randomized. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that compared with no-placebo or normal saline, CP does not reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19. However, when the disease progresses to the point where standard plasma is required, CP may reduce mortality. In addition, use of CP in patients with early or non-critical COVID-19 failed to reduce mortality. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effect of intermittent fasting on type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsThe CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and EMbase databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on intermittent fasting intervention in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus from inception to April 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. The RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 17.0 software were used for meta-analysis. ResultsA total of 17 RCTs comprising 1 428 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that intermittent fasting improved body weight (WMD=?2.84, 95%CI ?3.79 to ?1.88, P<0.05), body mass index (BMI) (WMD=?1.07, 95%CI ?1.52 to ?0.61, P<0.05), glycosylated hemoglobin levels (SMD=?0.78, 95%CI ?1.19 to ?0.38, P<0.05), and fasting glucose levels (SMD=?0.65, 95%CI ?1.01 to ?0.3, P<0.05). ConclusionThe current evidence suggests that intermittent fasting improves body weight, BMI, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of cisplatin combined with etoposide versus other platinum combined with etoposide in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
MethodsWe searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2013), MEDLINE (Ovid), CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the efficacy and safety of cisplatin combined with etoposide (the cisplatin group) versus other platinum combined with etoposide (the control group) for SCLC. The search was up to August 2013. Two reviewers screened literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. And then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.2 software.
ResultsA total of 6 RCTs involving 684 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences in disease control rate (DCR) (RR=1.03, 95%CI 0.91 to 1.17, P=0.63), overall response rate (ORR) (RR=1.04, 95%CI 0.97 to 1.11, P=0.33), occurrence of leukocytopenia (RR=0.97, 95%CI 0.81 to 1.17, P=0.77), decreased hemoglobin (RR=0.89, 95%CI 0.61 to 1.31, P=0.56) between the cisplatin group and the control group. Occurrence of thrombocytopenia was lower (RR=0.49, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.63, P<0.000 01) while occurrence of nausea and vomiting was higher (RR=1.80, 95%CI 1.40 to 2.31, P<0.000 01) in the cisplatin group.
ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that the clinical efficacy of cisplatin combined with etoposide for SCLC is equal to other platinum combined with etoposide, but it has a certain advantage in decreasing the aggregative rate of platelets, while the gastrointesnial reaction patients should avoid using cisplatin combined with etoposide.
Objective To evaluate the role of systematic lymphadenectomy (SL) vs. unsystematic lymphadenectomy (USL) for improving overall survival (OS) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods The databases such as PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (EBMR), CBM, CNKI and VIP were searched between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2010, the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on SL vs. USL in treating EOC were included. Based on Cochrane handbook, the data were extracted, the methodological quality was assessed, and then meta-analyses were conducted by using RevMan 5.0 software. Results The total 13 studies involving 22 796 patients were included, including 5 420 patients in the SL group, and the other 17 376 patients in the USL group. Two of the 13 studies were RCTs, and the other 11 were observational studies (including 2 studies retrieved from SEER data). The analyses on 2 RCTs showed that compared with USL, a) SL could not improve 5-PFS (OR=0.70, 95%CI 0.40 to 1.22, P=0.21) in early-stage EOC (FIGO I to II), but it did improve 5-PFS (OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.40 to 0.96, P=0.03) in advanced-stage EOC (FIGO III to IV); b) SL could not improve 5-OS in both early-stage EOC (OR=0.84; 95%CI 0.44 to1.58, P=0.58) and advanced-stage EOC (OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.64 to 1.37, P=0.73); and c) SL could not improve 5-OS in both early-stage (OR=0.84, 95%CI 0.44 to 1.58, P=0.58) and advanced-stage (OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.64 to 1.37, P=0.73) of EOC patients who had optimal tumor dubulking surgery. The analyses on observational studies showed that compared with USL, a) SL could not improve 5-PFS in both early-stage EOC (OR=0.38, 95%CI 0.08 to 1.74, P=0.21) and advanced-stage (OR=2.88, 95%CI 0.95 to 8.72, P=0.06) EOC; b) Whether SEER impacts were excluded or not, SL did improve 5-OS in both early-stage EOC (OR=0.54, 95%CI 0.46 to 0.63, Plt;0.000 01) and advanced-stage (OR=0.47, 95%CI 0.43 to 0.52, Plt;0.000 01) EOC; and c) For EOC patients who had optimal tumor dubulking surgery, SL could not improve 5-OS in early-stage (OR=0.32, 95% CI 0.02 to 6.19, P=0.45), but it did improve 5-OS in advanced-stage (OR=0.53, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.88, P=0.01). Conclusion These findings suggest that maybe SL can improve 5-PFS and 5-OS in EOC. However, the efficacy of SL on 5-PFS and 5-OS is still undetermined, so more relevant studies are required for further investigating the role of SL in EOC.
ObjectiveTo review the effects of desensitizing toothpaste containing NovaMin for dentine hypersensitivity.
MethodsSuch databases as CNKI, WanFang Data, CBM, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2013) were searched, and meanwhile Google Scholar was used for supplementary search up to December 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treating dentine hypersensitivity with NovaMin-containing toothpaste were retrieved. Literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.2 software.
ResultsSix RCTs involving 283 patients (experiment:140 patients; control:143 patients) were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that at 4 weeks, NovaMin-containing toothpaste was significantly better than potassium-containing toothpaste in alleviating patients' cold sensitivity (SMD=-1.60, 95%CI-2.14 to-1.05, P=0.01) and air blast (SMD=-1.12, 95%-1.64 to-0.60, P=0.02).
ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that, NovaMin-containing toothpaste is effective in treating dentine hypersensitivity, compared with other toothpaste that has been proved to be effective in clinic. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high quality and large-sample RCTs are needed to further verify the above conclusion.
