ObjectivesTo systematically review the safety and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE), surgery and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of uterine fibroids.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect relevant studies on comparing the safety and effectiveness of UAE, surgery and HIFU in the treatment of uterine fibroids from January 2000 to August 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies, network meta-analysis was performed by ADDIS 1.16.8 software and Stata 14.0 software.ResultsA total of 11 trials (22 references) involving 3469 patients were included. Compared with surgery, UAE and HIFU patients had higher quality of life (1-year follow-up) improvement, and UAE was higher than HIFU. Network meta-analysis showed that patients treated with HIFU had the lowest incidence of major complications within 1 year, followed by UAE, and surgery. Patients treated with HIFU and UAE had shorter hospitalization and quicker recovery time than surgery. The rate of further intervention after surgery treatment might be lower than that of UAE and HIFU.ConclusionsUAE has the highest quality of life improvement (1-year follow-up) for uterine fibroids. HIFU and UAE are safer with shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery time compared with surgery. However, both UAE and HIFU have the risk of re-treatment. However, limited by the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions are needed to be verified by more high-quality studies.
ObjectiveTo evaluate systematically the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with lenvatinib (LEN) in the treatment of intermediate and advanced primary liver cancer (PLC). MethodsThe relevant literature was comprehensively searched in the CNKI, VIP, Ovid, Schopus, PubMed, and other databases from the establishment of the databases to March 14, 2023. The literature was obtained according to the search strategy and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the data were extracted and the literature quality was evaluated. The Revman 5.4 software and Stata 15.1 software were used to conduct the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of TACE+LEN regimen on the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), as well as secondary outcome indicators such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), and hypertension, diarrhea, hand-foot disease, fatigue, proteinuria, and fever for the patients with PLC. ResultsA total of 15 relevant literature was included, including 1 219 patients with PLC, 591 of whom treated with TACE+LEN and 628 treated with TACE alone. The meta-analysis results showed that the TACE+LEN regimen could increase ORR and DCR and prolong OS (P<0.01), as well as effectively decrease AFP level (P<0.01). However, TACE+LEN regimen increased the risks of hypertension, diarrhea, hand-foot disease, fatigue, and proteinuria as compared with TACE alone treatment (P<0.05). However, there were no statistical impacts on AST and ALT, or the risk of fever (P>0.05). ConclusionFrom the results of this meta-analysis, TACE+LEN regimen has a certain efficacy in treatment of intermediate and advanced PLC, but prevention of its related complications is paid attention to.
Objective To systematically evaluate the value of CXC chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Methods Literature on the diagnosis of tuberculosis by plasma CXCL9 were collected by searching PubMed, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases form establishment to September 2022, and then literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two researchers. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 15 softwares. Results According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were selected, including 1586 participants from 5 countries and regions. Meta-analysis results showed that the positive rate of CXCL9 was higher in active tuberculosis patients than that in healthy people and latent tuberculosis patients [active tuberculosis patients vs. healthy people: odds ratio (OR)=21.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) (6.52, 72.16), P<0.00001; active tuberculosis patients vs. latent tuberculosis patients: OR=10.12, 95%CI (3.83, 26.76), P<0.00001]. The sensitivity and specificity of plasma CXCL9 in distinguishing active tuberculosis patients from healthy people were 0.84 [95%CI (0.77, 0.90)] and 0.82 [95%CI (0.63, 0.92)], respectively; the sensitivity and specificity of plasma CXCL9 in distinguishing active tuberculosis patients from latent tuberculosis patients were 0.77 [95%CI (0.56, 0.90)] and 0.72 [95%CI (0.40, 0.91)], respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the infection status of human immunodeficiency virus had some impact on heterogeneity, while other factors had limited impact on heterogeneity. Egger test showed that there was no publication bias (active tuberculosis patients vs. healthy people: P=0.976; active tuberculosis patients vs. latent tuberculosis patients: P=0.606). Conclusion CXCL9 has a high diagnostic value for tuberculosis patients and may be used as a new biomarker to diagnose tuberculosis.
Objective
To assess the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and gastric cancer in Chinese population.
Methods
Relevant literatures were searched from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine Database, Chinese Science and Technology Academic Journal, Chinese Journal Full-Text Database, and Wanfang database, the period ranged from their inception to June 2016, and then meta analysis was performed by Stata 10.0 software.
Results
A meta-analysis of 13 case-control studies enrolled was performed, including 2 569 gastric cancer patients and 3 495 controls. Results of meta-analysis showed that, in Chinese population, CC was a protective factor for gastric cancer comparing with CT 〔OR=0.75, 95% CI is (0.67, 0.85), P=0.001〕 , CT was a protective factor for gastric cancer comparing with TT 〔OR=0.77, 95% CI is (0.68, 0.89), P=0.001〕 , CC was a protective factor for gastric cancer comparing with TT 〔OR=0.56, 95% CI is (0.49, 0.65), P=0.02〕 , CC was a protective factor for gastric cancer comparing with CT+TT 〔OR=0.68, 95% CI is (0.61, 0.76), P=0.001〕 , CC+CT was a protective factor for gastric cancer comparing with TT 〔OR=0.73, 95% CI is (0.60, 0.89), P=0.002〕 .
Conclusion
There is association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and gastric cancer in Chinese population.
Objective To systematically review the willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and its influencing factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search on various databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, Wanfang data, China Biomedical Literature Service System, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, covering the period from database inception to September 6th, 2023. We focused on studies that publicly reported data on the willingness to use PrEP and its influencing factors among MSM in China. The quality of included studies was assessed using the quality evaluation criteria recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. RevMan 5.3 software and Stata 13.1 software were used to perform meta-analysis for the willingness to use PrEP and its influencing factors among MSM in China. Results A total of 24 cross-sectional studies with 19 influencing factors and a sample size of 16499 participants were included in the review. The results revealed a PrEP usage intention rate of 60.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) (51.8%, 68.9%)] among the MSM population in China. Factors such as awareness of PrEP [odds ratio (OR)=5.26, 95%CI (1.33, 20.82)], having heard of PrEP [OR=1.84, 95%CI (1.28, 2.64)], age<25 years [OR=1.92, 95%CI (1.34, 2.77)], being a student [OR=1.92, 95%CI (1.17, 3.16)], monthly income of 1000-3000 yuan [OR=1.36, 95%CI (1.12, 1.65)], history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing [OR=2.05, 95%CI (1.53, 2.74)], history of sexually transmitted infections [OR=1.75, 95%CI (1.27, 2.40)], seeking sexual partners online [OR=1.38, 95%CI (1.19, 1.59)], openness about sexual orientation [OR=1.90, 95%CI (1.27, 2.84)], having a non-local household registration [OR=1.66, 95%CI (1.37, 2.02)], and recommending PrEP to friends [OR=20.14, 95%CI (2.59, 156.91)] were identified as promoting factors for the willingness to use PrEP. Conversely, a homosexual orientation [OR=0.67, 95%CI (0.52, 0.85)] was identified as a barrier to the willingness to use PrEP. Conclusions Chinese MSM have a low intention to use PrEP, and there are many factors affecting the intention to use PrEP in MSM. In the future HIV prevention and control work, measures such as strengthening education and publicity of PrEP, providing a certain degree of support for PrEP costs, strengthening health education on campus, strengthening community organizations and support networks should be taken to promote the willingness of MSM to use PrEP.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effect of different enteral nutrition timing on patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsPubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP databases were searched to collect RCTs for nutritional support in pancreaticoduodenectomy patients. The search time was established until March 1 2019. After two independent investigators conducted literature screening, data extraction, and evaluation of the risk of bias in the included studies, a meta-metabolic analysis was performed using the R 3.5.3 software gemtc package, JAGS 3.4.0, and Revman software.ResultsA total of 8 RCTs were included, for a total of 825 patients. The results of reticular meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the duration of hospitalization for patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy, between the enteral nutrition supported at different timing. The results of the ranking probability map suggested that preoperative enteral nutrition was a better option for supporting nutrition in patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy, secondly, timing to give was 24–48 hours after operation.ConclusionsAccording to the results of mesh meta-analysis and probabilistic ranking, the nutritional status of patients is corrected before surgery, and the effect of enteral nutrition is better than other nutritional support methods. Secondly, enteral nutrition should be given at 24–48 hours after operation in combination with ESPEN and ERAS recommendations.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang and VIP Database were electronically searched to collect case-control and cohort studies about the risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing CABG from inception to February 2020. Two reviewers screened and evaluated the literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 26 articles were collected, involving 84 661 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that age (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.03 to 1.08, P<0.001), age≥70 years (OR=2.14, 95%CI 1.77 to 2.59, P<0.001), female (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.55 to 2.22, P<0.001), body mass index (OR=0.94, 95%CI 0.90 to 0.98, P=0.003), weight (OR=0.95, 95%CI 0.93 to 0.96, P<0.001), body surface area (OR=0.19, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.39, P<0.001), smoking (OR=0.80, 95%CI 0.69 to 0.93, P=0.003), diabetes (OR=1.15, 95%CI 1.09 to 1.20, P<0.000 01), chronic heart failure (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.26 to 1.99, P<0.001), number of diseased coronary arteries (OR=1.17, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.35, P=0.030), reoperation (OR=2.12, 95%CI 1.79 to 2.51, P<0.001), preoperative hemoglobin level (OR=0.60, 95%CI 0.43 to 0.84, P=0.003), preoperative ejection fraction <35% (OR=2.57, 95%CI 1.24 to 5.34, P=0.010), emergency surgery (OR=4.09, 95%CI 2.52 to 6.63, P<0.001), urgent operation (OR=2.28, 95%CI 1.25 to 4.17, P=0.007), intra-aortic balloon pump (OR=3.86, 95%CI 3.35 to 4.44, P<0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass (OR=4.24, 95%CI 2.95 to 6.10, P<0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR=1.01, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.01, P<0.000 01) and minimum hemoglobin during cardiopulmonary bypass (OR=0.42, 95%CI 0.23 to 0.77, P=0.005) were the risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing CABG.ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that age, age≥70 years, female, body mass index, weight, body surface area, smoking, diabetes, chronic heart failure, number of diseased coronary arteries, reoperation, preoperative hemoglobin level, preoperative ejection fraction<35%, emergency surgery, urgent operation, intra-aortic balloon pump, cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiopulmonary bypass time and minimum hemoglobin during cardiopulmonary bypass are risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in patients who undergo CABG. Medical staff should formulate and improve the relevant perioperative blood management measures according to the above risk factors, in order to reduce the perioperative blood utilization rate and improve the clinical prognosis of patients.
Due to the lack of head to head direct comparison evidence, applying indirect comparison (ITC) as well as network meta-analysis to compare multiple interventions becomes a new popular and powerful statistical technique. However, its theoretical system still needs improvement. In this article, we briefly introduce and summarize its progress concerning basic concepts, method assumptions, influencing factors of effectiveness, and software for analysis, so as to help researchers better understand the method and promote its application in evidence production.
To put forward a simple algorithm for the pooled effect size of cumulative meta-analysis based on the random effects model. Firstly, the heterogeneity variance based on the previous k studies and the combined effect size of the previous k studies are both calculated. When adding the effective size of k+1 study, we use recursive method to calculate heterogeneity variance and the corresponding pooled size of the previous k+1 studies. Whenever we add one new study to the previous studies, we carry out one recursive operation to rapidly calculate the heterogeneity variance and the corresponding overall effect size by using recursive formulas. This method is easy and effective, with no need to write programs to obtain these results.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the reliability and stability of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) and conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer.MethodsThe clinical studies of TOETVA and COT in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer were retrieved from major databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI by computer. The search date ended on March 1, 2020. Two investigators screened the literatures strictly and extracted the data following the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then used RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 7 studies including 1 465 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed: compared with the COT group, the operation time of the TOETVA group was longer [WMD=35.18, P=0.000 1], and the number of lymph node dissections in the central area was larger [WMD=1.42, P=0.000 5]. But the intraoperative blood loss [WMD=–5.32, P=0.39], the length of hospital stay after operation [WMD=0.05, P=0.94], the incidences of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy [OR=0.81, P=0.43], transient hypocalcemia [OR=0.55, P=0.35], permanent hypocalcemia [OR=0.39, P=0.22], permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy [OR=1.34, P=0.73], and hematoma [OR=1.29, P=0.69] were not statistically significant between the two groups.ConclusionsTOETVA has a higher stability. Although the COT has a shorter operation time, the former has a higher central lymph node dissection rate, and there is no scar on the neck after surgery and no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications.
