A Meta-Analysis of the Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of circZFR in Human Gastrointestinal Cancers

Background: Studies of gastrointestinal (GIT) cancers have shown that circZFR could be involved in the development and progression of various GIT cancers. However, small sample sizes limit the clinical significance of these studies. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted to ascertain the actual involvement of circZFR in the development and prognosis of GIT cancers. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to December 31, 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to evaluate the association between circZFR expression and overall survival (OS). Publication bias was measured using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. Results: 10 studies having 659 participants were enrolled for meta-analysis. High circZFR expression was associated with poor OS (HR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.70). High circZFR expression also predicted larger tumor size (OR = 4.38, 95% CI 2.65, 7.25), advanced clinical stage (OR = 5.33, 95% CI 3.10, 9.16), and tendency for distant metastasis (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.11), but was not related to age, gender, and histological grade. Conclusions: In summary, high circZFR expression was associated with poor OS, larger tumor size, advanced stage cancer and tendency for distant metastasis. These findings suggested that circZFR could be a prognostic marker for GIT cancers.

Efficacy and safety of remimazolam in bronchoscopic sedation:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Remimazolam is a new benzodiazepine used for procedural sedation and general anesthesia.Several studies have used remimazolam for bendable bronchoscopy.AIM To assess the safety and efficacy of remimazolam for sedation in patients undergoing bendable bronchoscopy by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS We searched the EMBASE,PubMed,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases for RCTs on bendable bronchoscopic procedural sedation with remimazolam vs conventional sedatives(CS).RESULTS Five studies with 1080 cases were included.Remimazolam had the same sedation success rate compared with CS[relative risk(RR):1.35,95%CI:0.60-3.05,P=0.474,I2=99.6%].However,remimazolam was associated with a lower incidence of hypotension(RR:0.61;95%CI:0.40-0.95,P=0.027;I2=65.1%)and a lower incidence of respiratory depression(RR:0.50,95%CI:0.33-0.77,P=0.002,I2=42.3%).A subgroup analysis showed a higher success rate of sedation with remimazolam than midazolam(RR:2.45,95%CI:1.76-3.42,P<0.001).Compared with propofol,the incidence of hypotension(RR:0.45,95%CI:0.32-0.64,P<0.001,I2=0.0%),respiratory depression(RR:0.48,95%CI:0.30-0.76,P=0.002,I2=78.4%),hypoxemia(RR:0.36,95%CI:0.15-0.87,P=0.023),and injection pain(RR:0.04,95%CI:0.01-0.28,P=0.001)were lower.CONCLUSION Remimazolam is safe and effective during bronchoscopy.The sedation success rate was similar to that in the CS group.However,remimazolam has a higher safety profile,with fewer inhibitory effects on respiration and circulation.

Effects of high-dose glucose-insulin-potassium on acute coronary syndrome patients receiving reperfusion therapy:a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND:This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of high-dose glucose-insulinpotassium(GIK) therapy on clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome(ACS) patients receiving reperfusion therapy.METHODS:We searched the PubMed,Web of Science,MEDLINE,Embase,and Cochrane Library databases from inception to April 26,2022,for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that compared high-dose GIK and placebos in ACS patients receiving reperfusion therapy.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs).RESULTS:Eleven RCTs with 884 patients were ultimately included.Compared with placebos,high-dose GIK markedly reduced MACEs(risk ratio [RR] 0.57,95% confidence interval [95% CI]:0.35 to 0.94,P=0.03) and the risk of heart failure(RR 0.48,95% CI:0.25 to 0.95,P=0.04) and improved the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(mean difference [MD] 2.12,95% CI:0.40 to 3.92,P=0.02) at 6 months.However,no difference was observed in all-cause mortality at 30 d or 1 year.Additionally,high-dose GIK was significantly associated with increased incidences of phlebitis(RR 4.78,95% CI:1.36 to 16.76,P=0.01),hyperglycemia(RR 9.06,95% CI:1.74 to 47.29,P=0.009) and hypoglycemia(RR 6.50,95% CI:1.28 to 33.01,P=0.02) but not reinfarction,hyperkalemia or secondary reperfusion.In terms of oxidative stress-lowering function,high-dose GIK markedly reduced superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity but not glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) or catalase(CAT) activity.CONCLUSION:Patients with ACS receiving reperfusion therapy exhibited a reduction in MACEs and good oxidative stress-lowering eflcacy in response to high-dose GIK.Moreover,with a higher incidence of complications such as phlebitis,hyperglycemia,and hypoglycemia.Furthermore,there were no observed survival benefits associated with high-dose GIK.More trials with long-term follow-up are still needed.

Prognostic role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with non-metastatic and metastatic prostate cancer:A meta-analysis and systematic review

Objective: To analyze data available in the literature regarding a possible prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients stratified in non-metastatic and metastatic diseases.Methods: A literature search process was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In our meta-analysis, the pooled event rate estimated and the pooled hazard ratio were calculated using a random effect model.Results: Forty-two articles were selected for our analysis. The pooled risk difference for non-organ confined PCa between high and low NLR cases was 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.03-0.15) and between high and low PLR cases increased to 0.30 (95% CI: 0.16-0.43). In non-metastatic PCa cases, the pooled hazard ratio for overall mortality between high and low NLR was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.78-1.88) and between high and low PLR was 1.47 (95% CI: 0.91-2.03), whereas in metastatic PCa cases, between high and low NLR was 1.79 (95% CI: 1.44-2.13) and between high and low PLR was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.87-1.24).Conclusion: The prognostic values of NLR and PLR in terms of PCa characteristics and responses after treatment show a high level of heterogeneity of results among studies. These two ratios can represent the inflammatory and immunity status of the patient related to several conditions. A higher predictive value is related to a high NLR in terms of risk for overall mortality in metastatic PCa cases under systemic treatments.

The effects of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents:a meta-analysis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a crucial neurotrophic factor that plays a significant role in brain health. Although the vast majority of meta-analyses have confirmed that exercise interventions can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents, the effects of specific types of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are still controversial. To address this issue, we used meta-analytic methods to quantitatively evaluate, analyze, and integrate relevant studies. Our goals were to formulate general conclusions regarding the use of exercise interventions, explore the physiological mechanisms by which exercise improves brain health and cognitive ability in children and adolescents, and provide a reliable foundation for follow-up research. We used the Pub Med, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley Online Library, Weipu, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to search for randomized controlled trials examining the influences of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. The extracted data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. According to the inclusion criteria, we assessed randomized controlled trials in which the samples were mainly children and adolescents, and the outcome indicators were measured before and after the intervention. We excluded animal experiments, studies that lacked a control group, and those that did not report quantitative results. The mean difference(MD;before versus after intervention) was used to evaluate the effect of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. Overall, 531 participants(60 children and 471 adolescents, 10.9–16.1 years) were included from 13 randomized controlled trials. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q statistic and I^(2) test provided by Review Manager software. The meta-analysis showed that there was no heterogeneity among the studies(P = 0.67, I^(2) = 0.00%). The combined effect of the interventions was significant(MD = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.53–4.22, P < 0.0001), indicating that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels of the children and adolescents in the exercise group were significantly higher than those in the control group. In conclusion, different types of exercise interventions significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. However, because of the small sample size of this meta-analysis, more high-quality research is needed to verify our conclusions. This metaanalysis was registered at PROSPERO(registration ID: CRD42023439408).

Urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection in adult dyspeptic patients: A meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection has been well-established as a significant risk factor for several gastrointestinal disorders.The urea breath test(UBT)has emerged as a leading non-invasive method for detecting H.pylori.Despite numerous studies confirming its substantial accuracy,the reliability of UBT results is often compromised by inherent limitations.These findings underscore the need for a rigorous statistical synthesis to clarify and reconcile the diagnostic accuracy of the UBT for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection.AIM To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT for H.pylori infection in adult patients with dyspepsia.METHODS We conducted an independent search of the PubMed/MEDLINE,EMBASE,and Cochrane Central databases until April 2022.Our search included diagnostic accuracy studies that evaluated at least one of the index tests(^(13)C-UBT or ^(14)C-UBT)against a reference standard.We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the methodo-logical quality of the studies.We utilized the bivariate random-effects model to calculate sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative test likelihood ratios(LR+and LR-),as well as the diagnostic odds ratio(DOR),and their 95%confidence intervals.We conducted subgroup analyses based on urea dosing,time after urea administration,and assessment technique.To investigate a possible threshold effect,we conducted Spearman correlation analysis,and we generated summary receiver operating characteristic(SROC)curves to assess heterogeneity.Finally,we visually inspected a funnel plot and used Egger’s test to evaluate publication bias.endorsing both as reliable diagnostic tools in clinical practice.CONCLUSION In summary,our study has demonstrated that ^(13)C-UBT has been found to outperform the ^(14)C-UBT,making it the preferred diagnostic approach.Additionally,our results emphasize the significance of carefully considering urea dosage,assessment timing,and measurement techniques for both tests to enhance diagnostic precision.Nevertheless,it is crucial for researchers and clinicians to evaluate the strengths and limitations of our findings before implementing them in practice.

Clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Advanced pancreatic cancer is resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs,resulting in limited treatment efficacy and poor prognosis.Combined administration of the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine and erlotinib is considered a potential first-line treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.However,their comparative benefits and potential risks remain unclear.AIM To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with other chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.METHODS Literature on the clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer was retrieved through an online search.The retrieved literature was subjected to a methodological qualitative assessment and was analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 software.Ten randomized controlled trials involving 2444 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were included in the meta-analysis.RESULTS Compared with chemotherapeutic treatment,erlotinib combined with chemotherapy significantly prolonged the progression-free survival time of pancreatic cancer patients[hazard ratio(HR)=0.78,95%CI:0.66-0.92,P=0.003].Meanwhile,the overall survival(HR=0.99,95%CI:0.72-1.37,and P=0.95)and disease control rate(OR=0.93,95%CI:0.45-0.91,P=0.84)were not significantly favorable.In terms of safety,the erlotinib and chemotherapy combination was associated with a significantly higher risk of diarrhea(OR=3.59,95%CI:1.63-7.90,P<0.05)and rash(OR=3.63,95%CI:1.64-8.01,P<0.05)compared with single-agent chemotherapy.Moreover,the risk of vomiting(OR=1.27,95%CI:0.62-2.59,P=0.51),regurgitation/anorexia(OR=1.61,95%CI:0.25-10.31,P=0.62),and infection(OR=0.72,95%CI:0.28-1.87,P=0.50)were not significant in either group.CONCLUSION Compared with a single chemotherapeutic modality,erlotinib combined with gemcitabine can prolong progression-free survival in pancreatic cancer,but does not improve survival benefit or disease control rate,and can increase the risk of diarrhea and rash.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with hepatitis B:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)has increased in recent clinical practice;however,the relationship between CHB and hepatic steatosis(HS)remains controversial.AIM To shed light on the potential association between NAFLD and hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search using multiple databases,including PubMed,the Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and EMBASE,to identify relevant studies.Predefined inclusion criteria were used to determine the eligibility of the studies for further analysis.RESULTS Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used for statistical analysis,which covered 20 studies.The results indicated a lower NAFLD susceptibility in HBVinfected individuals(pooled OR=0.87;95%CI=0.69-1.08;I2=91.1%),with diabetes(P=0.015),body mass index(BMI;P=0.010),and possibly age(P=0.061)as heterogeneity sources.Of note,in four studies(6197 HBV patients),HBV-infected individuals had a reduced NAFLD risk(OR=0.68,95%CI=0.51-0.89,P=0.006).A positive link between hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome emerged in hepatitis B patients,along with specific biochemical indicators,including BMI,creatinine,uric acid,fasting blood glucose,and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.CONCLUSION HBV infection may provide protection against HS;however,the occurrence of HS in patients with HBV infection is associated with metabolic syndrome and specific biochemical parameters.

Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in end-stage liver disease:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)is commonly utilized as a prognostic indicator in end-stage liver disease(ESLD),encompassing conditions like liver failure and decompensated cirrhosis.Nevertheless,some studies have contested the prognostic value of NLR in ESLD.AIM To investigate the ability of NLR to predict ESLD.METHODS Databases,such as Embase,PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Weipu,and Wanfang,were comprehensively searched to identify studies published before October 2022 assessing the prognostic ability of NLR to predict mortality in patients with ESLD.Effect sizes were calculated using comprehensive meta-analysis software and SATAT 15.1.RESULTS A total of thirty studies involving patients with end-stage liver disease(ESLD)were included in the evaluation.Among the pooled results of eight studies,it was observed that the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio(NLR)was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors(random-effects model:standardized mean difference=1.02,95%confidence interval=0.67-1.37).Additionally,twenty-seven studies examined the associations between NLR and mortality in ESLD patients,reporting either hazard ratios(HR)or odds ratios(OR).The combined findings indicated a link between NLR and ESLD mortality(randomeffects model;univariate HR=1.07,95%CI=1.05-1.09;multivariate HR=1.07,95%CI=1.07-1.09;univariate OR=1.29,95%CI=1.18-1.39;multivariate OR=1.29,95%CI=1.09-1.49).Furthermore,subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed regional variations in the impact of NLR on ESLD mortality,with Asian studies demonstrating a more pronounced effect.CONCLUSION Increased NLR in patients with ESLD is associated with a higher risk of mortality,particularly in Asian patients.NLR is a useful prognostic biomarker in patients with ESLD.

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition affects forest plant and soil system carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus stoichiometric flexibility:A meta-analysis

Background:Nitrogen(N)deposition affects forest stoichiometric flexibility through changing soil nutrient availability to influence plant uptake.However,the effect of N deposition on the flexibility of carbon(C),N,and phosphorus(P)in forest plant-soil-microbe systems remains unclear.Methods:We conducted a meta-analysis based on 751 pairs of observations to evaluate the responses of plant,soil and microbial biomass C,N and P nutrients and stoichiometry to N addition in different N intensity(050,50–100,>100 kg·ha^(-1)·year^(-1)of N),duration(0–5,>5 year),method(understory,canopy),and matter(ammonium N,nitrate N,organic N,mixed N).Results:N addition significantly increased plant N:P(leaf:14.98%,root:13.29%),plant C:P(leaf:6.8%,root:25.44%),soil N:P(13.94%),soil C:P(10.86%),microbial biomass N:P(23.58%),microbial biomass C:P(12.62%),but reduced plant C:N(leaf:6.49%,root:9.02%).Furthermore,plant C:N:P stoichiometry changed significantly under short-term N inputs,while soil and microorganisms changed drastically under high N addition.Canopy N addition primarily affected plant C:N:P stoichiometry through altering plant N content,while understory N inputs altered more by influencing soil C and P content.Organic N significantly influenced plant and soil C:N and C:P,while ammonia N changed plant N:P.Plant C:P and soil C:N were strongly correlated with mean annual precipitation(MAT),and the C:N:P stoichiometric flexibility in soil and plant under N addition connected with soil depth.Besides,N addition decoupled the correlations between soil microorganisms and the plant.Conclusions:N addition significantly increased the C:P and N:P in soil,plant,and microbial biomass,reducing plant C:N,and aggravated forest P limitations.Significantly,these impacts were contingent on climate types,soil layers,and N input forms.The findings enhance our comprehension of the plant-soil system nutrient cycling mechanisms in forest ecosystems and plant strategy responses to N deposition.

Impact of different anastomosis methods on post-recurrence after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Crohn's disease(CD)is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract,often requiring intestinal resection as a common treatment.However,recurrence after surgery is common.The anastomotic configuration after bowel resection appears to be associated with the recurrence of CD.Previous studies have suggested that the Kono-S anastomosis may help to reduce the recurrence rate.However,the results remain controversial.Therefore,evidence-based evidence is needed to prove the advantages of Kono-S anastomosis.AIM To measure the influence of anastomosis techniques on the long-term relapse rate of CD by conducting a meta-analysis.METHODS PubMed,Scopus,and Cochrane Library were searched until October 8,2023.Patients who underwent intestinal resection due to CD were included.The intervention measures included Kono-S anastomosis,whereas the control group received traditional anastomosis such as end-to-end,end-to-side,and side-to-side anastomosis.Only randomized clinical trials and observational studies were included.The primary outcome measures were hospital stay post-surgery,overall postoperative complication incidence,the proportion of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or higher,overall postoperative recurrence rate,and Rutgeerts score.RESULTS From 2011 to 2023,six articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.The results indicated that Kono-S anastomosis can reduce the hospital stay post-surgery of patients with CD[MD=-0.26,95%CI:-0.42 to-0.10,P=0.002]than other traditional anastomosis methods.Compared to other traditional anastomosis methods,Kono-S anastomosis can significantly reduce the total recurrence rate[MD=0.40,95%CI:0.17 to 0.98,P=0.05]and postoperative Rutgeerts score[MD=-0.81,95%CI:-0.96 to-0.66,P<0.001]in patients with CD.However,there is no significant disparity in the overall occurrence of postoperative complications and the proportion of Clavien-Dindo≥IIIa.CONCLUSION Kono-S anastomosis has the potential to expedite the recuperation of CD and diminish relapse hazards;however,additional larger trials are necessary to authenticate its effectiveness.

Influence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on response to antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Although hepatitis B virus infection is the leading cause of chronic liver injury globally,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is gradually gaining attention as another major chronic liver disease.The number of patients having chronic hepatitis B(CHB)with concomitant hepatic steatosis has increased.AIM To analyze the effect of NAFLD on the response to antiviral treatment in patients with CHB.METHODS Relevant English studies were systematically searched across PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library until October 2023.Studies in which the treatment outcomes were compared between patients with CHB only and those with CHB and hepatic steatosis were included.RESULTS Of the 2502 retrieved studies,11 articles were finally included.Biochemical response until 48 wk(OR=0.87,95%CI:0.50–1.53,P=0.000)and 96 wk(OR=0.35,95%CI:0.24–0.53,P=0.24)and virological response until 96 wk(OR=0.80,95%CI:0.43–1.49,P=0.097)were lower in patients with hepatic steatosis than in patients with CHB alone.CONCLUSION Hepatic steatosis lowers the biochemical response to antiviral treatment in patients with CHB.

Transarterial chemoembolization plus stent placement for hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Portal vein tumor thrombus is an important indicator of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.Transarterial chemoembolization is recommended as the standard first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Portal vein stent placement is a safe and effective therapy for promptly restoring flow and relieving portal hypertension caused by tumor thrombus.AIM To assess the clinical significance of transarterial chemoembolization plus stent placement for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis.METHODS We searched English and Chinese databases,assessed the quality of the included studies,analyzed the characteristic data,tested heterogeneity,explored heterogeneity,and tested publication bias.RESULTS In total,eight clinical controlled trials were included.The results showed that the pressure in the main portal vein after stent placement was significantly lower than that with no stent placement.The cumulative stent patency and survival rates at 6 and 12 months were lower in the transarterial chemoembolization+stent placement group than in the transarterial chemoembolization+stent placement+brachytherapy/radiotherapy group.The survival rates of patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization+stent placement for 6 and 12 months were higher than those of patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization alone.CONCLUSION For Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis,transarterial chemoembolization plus stenting is effective.Transarterial chemoembolization+stent placement is more effective than transarterial chemoembolization alone.Transarterial chemoembolization+stent placement+brachytherapy/radiotherapy is more effective than transarterial chemoembolization+stenting.

A meta-analysis on the clinical efficacy of fire dragon cupping in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

Background:The incidence of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)is notably high.Consensus among experts highlights non-surgical treatments as the primary therapeutic approach for LDH.Contemporary medicine frequently employs pharmacotherapy and epidural injections in such treatments,which are associated with numerous adverse effects.Prolonged use can severely impair the liver and kidney functions of patients.Hence,the role of safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine techniques becomes pivotal.Among various traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating LDH,fire dragon cupping,renowned for its remarkable efficacy,cost-effectiveness,and ease of application,is extensively utilised in clinical settings for managing LDH.Nonetheless,there is a scarcity of systematic and standardised evidence from evidence-based medicine studies.Therefore,conducting a meta-analysis is imperative.Methods:A comprehensive computerised search was conducted in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,VIP,China Biology Medicine disc,PubMed,EMbase,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and CINAHL.The search aimed to gather randomised controlled trials on fire dragon cupping therapy for LDH,spanning from the inception of these databases until December 2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,and assessed the methodological quality of the studies included,utilising RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis.Results:The results show that the fire dragon cupping therapy group had better clinical effectiveness(relative risk=1.23,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.14,1.33),P<0.00001),less pain(standardized mean difference=–1.33,95%CI(–1.49,–1.16),P<0.00001),and some improvement in lumbar function(Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores:mean difference=3.37,95%CI(2.31,4.43),P<0.00001.Conclusion:The fire dragon cupping therapy significantly alleviates LDH,warranting its extensive application.However,considering the limitations in the number and quality of studies included,the aforementioned conclusion necessitates further validation through more high-quality research.

The Performance of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Various Viral Pneumonia Pandemics: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Objective: To compare the effects of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and routine mechanical ventilation on mortality and the risk of associated adverse events in patients with severe viral pneumonia. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and other databases were searched to collect case-control or cohort studies on prognoses associated with ECMO treatment for viral pneumonia. Search terms included extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ECMO, viral pneumonia, COVID-19, influenza, MERS, and others. According to the PICOS principle, two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted the data, cross-checked the data, and extracted the data again. Two researchers evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and cross-checked the results. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Nine studies were included for analysis, encompassing a total of 4,330 patients, which were categorized into ECMO and CMV groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in most baseline data;however, the ECMO group had a lower oxygenation index, and some studies reported higher SOFA scores in the ECMO group compared to the CMV group. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the two groups. The length of ICU stay, total hospital stay, and total mechanical ventilation time were longer in the ECMO group than in the CMV group. In terms of adverse events, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of kidney injury between the two groups. Bleeding events were reported in two studies, with more bleeding events occurring in the ECMO group. According to the subgroup analysis of different virus types, there were no statistical differences in the above aspects among patients with swine flu, novel coronavirus, and MERS. Conclusion: ECMO has a certain degree of positive significance in the treatment of severe viral pneumonia, but there is no significant difference in the treatment outcome of ECMO across different epidemic periods. The timing of ECMO treatment, patient management, and withdrawal evaluation still need further research.

Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.

Clinical Effects of the Follicular Phase Long Regimen and Luteal Phase Long Regimen on Ovulation Induction in IVF-ET Treatment: A Meta-Analysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical effects of the follicular phase long regimen and the luteal phase long regimen on ovulation induction in IVF-ET treatment.Methods:Databases including PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Chinese Biomedical Literature(CBM),VIP,Wanfang,and others were searched up to January 2021.Clinical studies on ovulation induction using the follicular phase long regimen and luteal phase long regimen in IVF-ET treatment were identified.Literature screening,data extraction,and quality evaluation were conducted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:After screening,a total of 11 studies were included,comprising 21,544 patients:9,974 in the follicular phase long regimen group and 11,570 in the luteal phase long regimen group.The meta-analysis results were as follows:(1)The number of Gn days and the total amount of Gn in the follicular phase long regimen were higher than those in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05);(2)The number of eggs obtained in the follicular phase long regimen was higher than that in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the rate of embryo optimization and cycle cancellation between the two groups(P>0.05);(3)The embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate in the follicular phase long regimen were higher than those in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05),while the abortion rate in the follicular phase long regimen was lower than that in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared to the luteal phase long regimen,the follicular phase long regimen involves more Gn days and a higher total amount of Gn.The optimal embryo rate and cycle cancellation rate were similar between the regimens,but the follicular phase long regimen resulted in more eggs,significantly improved the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates,and reduced the abortion rate.However,these conclusions require further validation through more multicenter,large-sample RCT studies.

Choroidal thickness,myopia,and myopia control interventions in children:a Meta-analysis and systemic review

AIM:To investigate changes of choroidal thickness(ChT) in children with myopia and the effect of current myopia control interventions on ChT.METHODS:Major literature databases were searched for studies relevant to myopia in children.All studies used swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT) or enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography(EDI-OCT) to measure the ChT value.The weighted mean difference(WMD) and 95% confidence interval(CI) were pooled to evaluate ChT in myopia children.RESULTS:A total of 11 eligible articles,including 1693 myopic and 1132 non-myopic eyes,were included in the first Meta-analysis.The sub-foveal choroidal thickness(SFCT;WMD=-40.06,95%CI,-59.36 to-20.75,P<0.001) and ChT at other sectors were significantly thinner in myopic eyes compared with the non-myopic eyes.The Meta-analysis revealed that the ChT decreased horizontally from the temporal sector toward the nasal sector in the pediatric myopia population.Another 11 studies reporting the effect of myopia control interventions were included in the second Meta-analysis for the relationship between myopia control treatments and ChT.SFCT significantly increased after orthokeratology(OK) treatment and OK combined with 0.01% atropine(OKA) treatment(WMD=19.47,95%CI,15.96 to 22.98,P<0.001;WMD=21.81,95%CI,12.92 to 29.70,P<0.001,respectively).The forest plots showed that SFCT changed little in myopic children receiving 0.01% atropine(P=0.30).Furthermore,the Meta-analysis showed that OK treatment had a stronger effect on the value of SFCT in myopic children as compared with 0.01% atropine(WMD=9.86;95%CI,-0.21 to 19.93,P=0.05).There is no difference between the treatment with OK and OKA treatment in ChT in myopic children(P=0.37).CONCLUSION:The ChT in myopic eyes is thinner than that in non-myopic eyes in pediatric population.Myopia control interventions including OK and OKA lead to ChT thickening,but other treatments such as 0.01% atropine did not show an increase in ChT.

Immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have shown promising efficacy in treatment and clinical management of advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.However,the inhibitors also cause immune-related adverse events(irAEs).The current systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the incidence and nature of irAEs caused by ICIs.AIM To investigate the incidence and nature of irAEs in advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.METHODS This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO(Reg.number:CRD42020152291).Data included in this study were collected from patients diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer and treated with ICIs.A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library databases.Meta-analysis was carried out using the single sample rate method.Synthesis and analysis of the data was conducted using Stata/SE and Review Manager Software.RESULTS The patients enrolled in the present study included 14 patients from 14 case reports,326 patients from 6 case series,and 1249 patients from 8 clinical trials.It was found that the overall incidence of irAEs was 16%[95%confidence interval(CI):11-20]for all grades and 3%(95%CI:2-4)for the severe grade.It was evident that the incidence of irAEs varied with the type of inhibitor and organs.A comparative study of the anti-programmed cell death receptor-1(PD-1)and antiprogrammed death receptor-ligand 1(PD-L1)treatments showed that the antiPD-1 group had a higher overall incidence of irAEs(20%)as compared with that of the anti-PD-L1 group(13%).Results of this study showed that the endocrine system experienced the highest incidence of organ-specific irAEs(7.4%),including hypothyroidism,hyperthyroidism,thyroiditis,diabetes,and adrenal insufficiency,followed by gastroenterology(2.2%),pulmonology(1.8%),neurology(1.4%),dermatology(1.4%),hematology(0.8%),and hepatology(0.7%).In clinical trials,it was found that the incidence of death related to irAEs was 1%(95%CI:0-2.0),whereby colitis and interstitial lung diseases were the leading causes of death.CONCLUSION It was evident that the incidence and nature of irAEs are both organ-and inhibitor-specific.The anti-PD-1 group had the highest incidence of all irAEs grades including the severe grades of irAEs.Early identification and management of irAEs allows clinical oncologists to effectively consider the pros and cons and hence enables them to strike a balance.

Postoperative efficacy,safety,predictability,and visual quality of implantable collamer lens implantation versus small incision lenticule extraction in myopic eyes:a Meta-analysis

AIM:To compare the postoperative efficacy,safety,predictability,and visual quality of implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation versus small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in myopia eyes.METHODS:Pub Med,EMBASE,Web of Science,Cochrane Library and several Chinese databases were searched at May 2021 to select relevant studies in comparison of clinical outcomes between ICL implantation and SMILE for myopia.The primary outcomes were efficacy,safety,and predictability.And the secondary outcomes were postoperative higher-order ocular aberrations(HOAs),modulation transfer function cutoff frequency(MTF),objective scatter index(OSI),contrast sensitivity and a quality of vision(Qo V)questionnaire.RESULTS:A total of 1036 eyes from 10 studies,of which 503 eyes underwent ICL implantation and 533 eyes underwent SMILE,were enrolled in this Meta-analysis.Pooled results revealed that ICL group had a better safety index and post-corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA)(P=0.007,<0.00001,respectively),and a lower percentage of eyes with a postoperative CDVA lost 1 line(P=0.007)than the SMILE group.No significant differences were found in comparison of the other primary outcomes.In the longterm follow-up(>6mo),ICL group had a lower total HOA,coma,and spherical aberration than SMILE group(P=0.003,<0.00001,0.04).Yet higher trefoil was found in ICL group at 6mo after surgery(P=0.003).Additionally,ICL group also had a higher MTF value(P=0.02),and a higher contrast sensitivity score for spatial frequencies of 1.5,6,and 12 cpds(P=0.02,0.005,0.02,respectively).And it also had a lower score of bothersome in Qo V questionnaire than SMILE group(P=0.003).CONCLUSION:ICL implantation and SMILE have similar and comparable outcomes in term of the efficacy and predictability for correcting high myopia.However,ICL group is relatively safer and also has better visual quality in comparison of SMILE group.