Objective To systematically review the relationship between the expression of Survivin mRNA and ovarian cancer. Methods PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2016), CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data databases were searched to identify case-control studies concerning the association between the expression of Survivin mRNA and ovarian cancer up to November 2016. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. Results A total of 10 studies were included. The positive of Survivin mRNA in ovarian cancer group was significantly higher than that in control group (OR=24.63, 95% CI 13.44 to 45.15,P<0.000 01). The positive of Survivin in low differentiated group was significantly higher than that in high differentiation group (OR=3.69, 95% CI 2.29 to 5.93,P<0.000 01). The positive of Survivin in clinical stage of Ⅲ-Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in clinical stage of Ⅰ-Ⅱ (OR=4.76, 95% CI 2.99 to 7.57,P<0.000 01), respectively. However, the expression of Survivin mRNA was not associated with lymph node metastasis, ascites and histological type. Conclusion The current evidence indicates that the expression of Survivin mRNA is significantly correlated with ovarian cancer and its clinicopathologic features. Due to the limited quantity and quality of includes studies, the above conclusions are needed to be verified by more high quality studies.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect on complication after esophagectomy by comparing the different methods of anastomosis (cervical versus thoracic anastomosis). MethodsWe searched the following databases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cervical versus thoracic anastomosis for esophagectomy patients from establishment of each database to October 30, 2014. Quality of the included RCT was evaluated. Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsWe finally identified 4 RCTs involving 267 patients. In terms of the postoperative complication, the incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR=3.83, 95%CI 1.70 to 8.63, P=0.001) with cervical anastomosis was significantly higher than that of the patients with thoracic anastomosis. However, there was no statistical difference in incidence of anastomotic stricture (RR=1.04, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.76, P=0.87), pulmonary complication (RR=0.73, 95%CI 0.27 to 1.91, P=0.52), and mortality (RR=0.89, 95%CI 0.40 to 1.97, P=0.77) between cervical and thoracic anastomosis. ConclusionCompared with thoracic anastomosis, the method of cervical anastomosis is associated with a higher incidence of anastomotic leakage. But there are many unclear factors about anastomotic stricture, pulmonary complication and mortality, further measurement should be taken.
ObjectivesTo assess the methodological and reporting quality of surgical meta-analyses published in English in 2014.MethodsAll meta-analyses investigating surgical procedures published in 2014 were selected from PubMed and EMbase. The characteristics of these meta-analyses were collected, and their reporting and methodological quality were assessed by the PRISMA and AMSTAR, respectively. Independent predictive factors associated with these two qualities were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 197 meta-analyses covering 10 surgical subspecialties were included. The mean PRISMA and AMSTAR score (by items) were 22.2±2.4 and 7.8±1.2, respectively, and a positive linear correlation was found between them with a R2 of 0.754. Those meta-analyses conducted by the first authors who had previously published meta-analysis was significantly higher in reporting and methodological quality than those who had not (P<0.001). Meanwhile, there were also significant differences in these reporting (P<0.001) and methodological (P<0.001) quality between studies published in Q1 ranked journals and (Q2+Q3) ranked jounals. On multivariate analyses, region of origin (non-Asiavs. Asia), publishing experience of first authors (ever vs. never), rank of publishing journals (Q1 vs. Q2+Q3), and preregistration (presence vs. absence) were associated with better reporting and methodologic quality, independently.ConclusionThe reporting and methodological quality of current surgical meta-analyses remained suboptimal, and first authors' experience and ranking of publishing journals were independently associated with both qualities. Preregistration may be an effective measure to improve the quality of meta-analysis, which deserves more attention from future meta-analysis reviewers.
Meta-analysis has been regarded as the critical tool of assisting the healthcare professionals to make decisions. And the theory of evidence-based medicine is widely disseminated in domestic. However, it must be noted that the increasing number of meta-analyses causes a fact that several meta-analyses investigating the same or similar clinical questions were captured commonly. More importantly, the results from these meta-analyses are often conflicting. Consequently, decision-making of those healthcare professionals who depend on those results become a thorny thing. To address this issue, Jadad et al. from McMaster University proposed an adjunct algorithm to help healthcare professionals to select the best result from conflicting meta-analyses to make decisions properly. Our article will introduce the tool briefly and explain the process of it with an example.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for improving mental health and social functions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2016), CBM and CNKI from inception to May 2016, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCT) about CBT on mental health and social function in patients with MS. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 11 RCTs involving 1 102 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, the HADS scores (depression: MD=-1.28, 95%CI-2.07 to-0.48, P=0.002; anxiety: MD=-1.52, 95%CI-2.99 to-0.06, P=0.04), BDI scores (MD=-9.11, 95% CI-15.82 to-2.40, P=0.008), HRDS scores (MD=-7.23, 95% CI-13.65 to-0.82, P=0.03), Chalder scores (MD=-4.88, 95% CI-6.61 to-3.16, P < 0.000 01), MFIS scores (MD=-2.98, 95% CI-4.52 to-1.44, P=0.000 2) and GHQ-12 scores (MD=-3.61, 95%CI-5.20 to-2.02, P < 0.000 01) in the CBT group were lower than that in the control group. No significant difference was found in WSAS scores (MD=-1.98, 95%CI-4.88 to 0.93, P=0.18) between two groups. ConclusionCBT may be effective for improving the negative mental experience, fatigue and quality of life in MS. No evidence to support CBT has benefits in social functions. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the above conclusion needs to be verified by more high quality studies.
ObjectiveThe diagnostic efficacy of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) for tuberculosis was evaluated by systematic review. MethodsData from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CMJFD, CNKI and WanFang Data were searched. Literatures on the diagnostic value of lncRNA in tuberculosis from the database establishment to August 20, 2024 were selected, and the quality of literatures was assessed using QUADAS-2 tool. Meta-Disc 1.0 software tested the threshold heterogeneity of the included studies. Stata 18.0 software calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and other effect sizes, and performed subgroup analysis and meta regression to explore the source of heterogeneity. Deeks funnel plot evaluates publication bias. Results A total of 28 case-control studies were included in 14 literatures. The meta-results showed that the combined sensitivity was 0.88 (95%CI 0.81 to 0.93), the specificity was 0.90 (95%CI 0.84 to 0.94), and the PLR was 9.05 (95%CI 5.16 to 15.87). The NLR and DOR were 0.13 (95%CI 0.08 to 0.22) and 67.96 (95%CI 27.27 to 169.39), and the AUC were 0.95 (95%CI 0.93 to 0.97). Subgroup analysis showed that lncRNA was more effective in the diagnosis of tuberculosis when PMBC samples, lncRNA expression was down-regulation, the study sample size was ≤100, there was cut-off value, GAPDH was used as the internal reference, and RNA extraction kit was used. meta regression indicated that lncRNA expression level and sample size were the main sources of heterogeneity. Conclusion LncRNA has high accuracy in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, and is expected to become a new biomarker to assist the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy, safety and economics of digestive enzyme for dyspepsia. Methods Electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CBM, VIP and CNKI were searched from establishment dates of databases to June 2010 to identify the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of digestive enzyme for dyspepsia. Then studies were identified according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and their quality was evaluated. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results Eight studies involving 1 092 patients were included, 3 of which were Grade B while the rest were Grade C. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the total efficacy rate of oryz-aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablet, compound digestive enzymes capsule, and compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet for dyspepsia were better than either placebo or blank intervention, with the results as (OR=49.70, 95%CI 17.16 to 143.96), (OR=7.71, 95%CI 3.88 to 15.33) and (OR=16.27, 95%CI 6.85 to 38.66), respectively. The efficacy for treating loss of appetite, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea and belching was superior to either placebo or blank intervention. Oryz-aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablet was inferior to compound digestive enzyme capsule in treating dyspepsia following cholecystectomy. No significant difference was observed in treating dyspepsia following chronic pancreatitis between compound azintamide enteric-coated tablet and compound digestive enzymes capsule. Drug-related adverse reactions as well as economic evaluation were not reported in included studies. Conclusion Digestive enzyme is effective for dyspepsia caused by various diseases. The OR of digestive enzyme versus the placebo/blank-control group shows that oryz-aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablet is better than other digestive enzyme drugs.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the incidence of social isolation in Chinese elderly population. MethodsCNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases were electronically searched to collect studies on the incidence of social isolation in China from inception to May 2022. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies, then, meta-analysis was performed by using Stata 15.1 software. ResultsA total of 20 studies involving 86 111 subjects were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of social isolation among the elderly in China was 27.54% (95%CI 22.15% to 57.74%). The results of subgroup analysis showed that gender, age, educational level, marital status, self-assessment of health, living style, year of publication, and region surveyed were all influential factors of the incidence of social isolation among the elderly in China. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that the incidence of social isolation among the elderly in China is relatively high. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and side effect of non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.Methods Trials were identified by searching CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Chinese Biological Medicine Database (CBMdisc) and Chinese VIP Database. We handresearched the data from 10 kinds of important Chinese journals. Two reviewers assessed and extracted the studies. The following primary outcomes were assessed: complete relief (CR), overall survival (OS), acute side effect and late side effect. Results Twenty-three trials involving 8 411 patients were included. Thirteen trials were of good quality, and the rest were of poor quality. Meta-analysis of these trials showed that: (1) non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy vs conventional fractionated radiotherapy: ① Only S-HART and CAIR resulted in higher CR, RR=1.21 (95%CI 1.02 to 1.44), 3.31 (95%CI 1.16 to 9.42), respectively; ② Only HRT could improve 2-year OS (RR=1.32, 95%CI 1.13 to 1.54), but this difference wasn’t found in 5-year follow up; ③ Most of the non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy could increase acute side effects, but not the late ones; (2) non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy combined with concurrent chemotherapy vs non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy: ① Only C-HRT resulted in higher CR (RR=1.58, 95%CI 1.18 to 2.11); ② Higher 2-year OS could be gained when combined with chemotherapy (RR=1.35, 95%CI 1.18 to 1.54), and only C-HRT resulted in higher 5-year OS (RR=1.57, 95%CI 1.19 to 2.07). ③ Acute and late side effects of radiotherapy would not increase when combined with chemotherapy. Conclusion It can not be concluded that non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy can improve the CR and OS of head and neck cancer, for a small number of patients, but it will get effect when combined with concurrent chemotherapy, and would not increase acute or late side effects. The effects of HRT and C-HRT should be cared specially.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the association between 936C/T polymorphism in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and the risk of preeclampsia (PE). MethodsSuch databases as PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2014), CBM, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang Data were searched up to November 2014, to collect case-control studies of the association between 936C/T polymorphism in VEGF gene and the risk of PE. Two reveiwers independently screened studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. And then, meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of nine case-control studies involving 904 PE patients and 1 113 controls were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, significant association was found between VEGF gene 936C/T polymorphism and the risk of PE in the total analysis (T vs. C:OR=1.61, 95%CI 1.17 to 2.22, P=0.003; TT vs. CC:OR=2.65, 95%CI 1.37 to 5.11, P=0.004; CT vs. CC:OR=1.55, 95%CI 1.09 to 2.22, P=0.02; TT+CT vs. CC:OR=1.68, 95%CI 1.15 to 2.45, P=0.007; TT vs. CT+CC:OR=2.19, 95%CI 1.31 to 3.68, P=0.003). In the subgroup analysis, significant association of the polymorphism was found in Asians but not in Caucasians. ConclusionVEGF gene 936C/T polymorphism may be associated with PE risk in Asians. Due to limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the conclusion should be assessed in further studies.