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Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in Asian nations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Feb 2024Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health concern around the world including Asia. TB burden is high in Asian countries and significant population harbor latent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health concern around the world including Asia. TB burden is high in Asian countries and significant population harbor latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI).
AIM
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI in Asian countries.
METHOD
We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant articles published between January 1, 2005, and January 1, 2023 investigating the overall prevalence of latent TB among people of Asia. Subgroup analysis was done for Asian subregions during the study period of 2011 to 2016 and 2017 to 2023, for tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), respectively, as well as for QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) and TSPOT TB tests. Der Simonian and Laird's random-effects model was used to pool the prevalence of LTBI found using TST and IGRA.
RESULT
A total of 15 studies were included after a systematic search from standard electronic databases. The analysis showed that the prevalence of latent TB in Asia was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19%-23%) and 36% (95% CI: 12%-59%) according to IGRAs and TSTs (cut off 10 mm) results, respectively. Based on IGRA, the prevalence of latent TB was 20% (95% CI: 13%-25%) in 2011 to 2016 and 21% (95% CI: 18%-24%) in 2017 to 2023. Using QFT, the prevalence was 19% (95% CI: 17%-22%) and using TSPOT, the prevalence was 26% (95% CI: 21%-31%). According to the United Nations division of Asia, the prevalence was higher for the Southern region and least for the Western region using TST and higher in the South-Eastern region and least in the Western region using the IGRA test.
CONCLUSION
Almost a quarter of the Asian population has LTBI. Its diagnosis often poses a diagnostic challenge due to the unavailability of standard test in certain areas. Given this prevalence, a mass screening program is suggested with the available standard test and public awareness along with anti-TB regimen should be considered for individuals who test positive. However, for it to be implemented effectively, we need to take the affordability, availability, and cost-effectiveness of such interventions into account.
Topics: Humans; Latent Tuberculosis; Prevalence; Biological Assay; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38411377
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1200 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma Sep 2023To determine the effect of anti-factor Xa assay dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of anti-factor Xa assay dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding, and mortality among orthopaedic trauma patients.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), clinicaltrials.gov , and Scopus were systematically searched from inception of the database to 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Prospective, retrospective, and randomized controlled trial studies were included if they compared rates of VTE, DVT, PE, bleeding, and/or mortality between orthopaedic trauma patients receiving anti-factor Xa-based LMWH dosing and those receiving standard dosing.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts for eligibility. Study characteristics including study design, inclusion criteria, and intervention were extracted.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Meta-analysis was performed using pooled proportion of events (effect size) with 95% confidence intervals. A random-effects model was used. Heterogeneity was quantified by Higgins I 2 . Heterogeneity and variability between subgroups indicated differences in the pooled estimate represented by a P -value.
RESULTS
Six hundred eighty-five studies were identified, and 10 studies including 2870 patients were included. In total, 30.3% and 69.7% received an adjusted and nonadjusted dose of LMWH, respectively. The rate of VTE and DVT were significantly lower in the anti-factor Xa-adjusted cohort, whereas there was no statistically significant difference in rates of PE, bleeding, or mortality between the cohorts.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that anti-factor Xa activity assay dosing of LMWH among orthopaedic trauma patients leads to a reduction in overall DVT rates, although not PE rates, without an increased risk of bleeding events.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Venous Thrombosis; Orthopedics; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Anticoagulants; Pulmonary Embolism; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 37053117
DOI: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000002611 -
EClinicalMedicine Aug 2023Community-based interventions are increasingly being implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for stillbirth prevention, but the nature of these interventions, their...
BACKGROUND
Community-based interventions are increasingly being implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for stillbirth prevention, but the nature of these interventions, their reporting and acceptability are poorly assessed. In addition to understanding their effectiveness, complete reporting of the methods, results and intervention acceptability is essential as it could potentially reduce research waste from replication of inadequately implemented and unacceptable interventions. We conducted a systematic review to investigate these aspects of community-based interventions for preventing stillbirths in SSA.
METHODS
In this systematic review, eight databases (MEDLINE(OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation index (Web of Science Core Collection), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) and Global Index Medicus) and four grey literature sources were searched from January 1, 2000 to July 7, 2023 for relevant quantitative and qualitative studies from SSA (PROSPERO-CRD42021296623). Following deduplication, abstract screening and full-text review, studies were included if the interventions were community-based with or without a health facility component. The main outcomes were types of community-based interventions, completeness of intervention reporting using the TIDier (Template for Intervention Description and replication) checklist, and themes related to intervention acceptability identified using a theoretical framework. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's tools.
FINDINGS
Thirty-nine reports from thirty-four studies conducted in 18 SSA countries were eligible for inclusion. Four types of interventions were identified: nutritional, infection prevention, access to skilled childbirth attendants and health knowledge/behaviour of women. These interventions were implemented using nine strategies: mHealth (defined as the use of mobile and wireless technologies to support the achievement of health objectives), women's groups, community midwifery, home visits, mass media sensitisation, traditional birth attendant and community volunteer training, community mobilisation and transport vouchers. The completeness of reporting using the TIDier checklist varied across studies with a very low proportion of the included studies reporting the intervention intensity, dosing, tailoring and modification. The quality of the included studies were graded as poor (n = 6), fair (n = 14) and good (n = 18). Though interventions were acceptable, only 4 (out of 7) studies explored women's perceptions, mostly focusing on perceived intervention effects and how they felt, omitting key constructs like ethicality, opportunity cost and burden of participation.
INTERPRETATION
Different community-based interventions have been tried and evaluated for stillbirth prevention in SSA. The reproducibility and implementation scale-up of these interventions may be limited by incomplete intervention descriptions in the published literature. To strengthen impact, it is crucial to holistically explore the acceptability of these interventions among women and their families.
FUNDING
Clarendon/Balliol/NDPH DPhil scholarship for UGA. MN is funded by a Medical Research Council Transition Support Award (MR/W029294/1).
PubMed: 37593225
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102133 -
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious... Jul 2024The COVID-19 pandemic had profound global impacts on daily lives, economic stability, and healthcare systems. Diagnosis of COVID-19 infection via RT-PCR was crucial in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic had profound global impacts on daily lives, economic stability, and healthcare systems. Diagnosis of COVID-19 infection via RT-PCR was crucial in reducing spread of disease and informing treatment management. While RT-PCR is a key diagnostic test, there is room for improvement in the development of diagnostic criteria. Identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath provides a fast, reliable, and economically favorable alternative for disease detection.
METHODS
This meta-analysis analyzed the diagnostic performance of VOC-based breath analysis in detection of COVID-19 infection. A systematic review of twenty-nine papers using the grading criteria from Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
RESULTS
The cumulative results showed a sensitivity of 0.92 (95 % CI, 90 %-95 %) and a specificity of 0.90 (95 % CI 87 %-93 %). Subgroup analysis by variant demonstrated strong sensitivity to the original strain compared to the Omicron and Delta variant in detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection. An additional subgroup analysis of detection methods showed eNose technology had the highest sensitivity when compared to GC-MS, GC-IMS, and high sensitivity-MS.
CONCLUSION
Overall, these results support the use of breath analysis as a new detection method of COVID-19 infection.
Topics: Volatile Organic Compounds; Humans; COVID-19; Breath Tests; SARS-CoV-2; Sensitivity and Specificity; COVID-19 Testing; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38692202
DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116309 -
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and... Feb 2024This systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses aimed to compare the effects on intraoperative arterial oxygen tension to inspired... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Intraoperative individualization of positive-end-expiratory pressure through electrical impedance tomography or esophageal pressure assessment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
PURPOSE
This systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses aimed to compare the effects on intraoperative arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO/FiO), exerted by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) individualized trough electrical impedance tomography (EIT) or esophageal pressure (Pes) assessment (intervention) vs. PEEP not tailored on EIT or Pes (control), in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery with an open or laparoscopic/robotic approach.
METHODS
PUBMED®, EMBASE®, and Cochrane Controlled Clinical trials register were searched for observational studies and RCTs from inception to the end of August 2022. Inclusion criteria were: RCTs comparing PEEP titrated on EIT/Pes assessment vs. PEEP not individualized on EIT/Pes and reporting intraoperative PaO/FiO. Two authors independently extracted data from the enrolled investigations. Data are reported as mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Six RCTs were included for a total of 240 patients undergoing general anesthesia for surgery, of whom 117 subjects in the intervention group and 123 subjects in the control group. The intraoperative mean PaO/FiO was 69.6 (95%CI 32.-106.4 ) mmHg higher in the intervention group as compared with the control group with 81.4% between-study heterogeneity (p < 0.01). However, at meta-regression, the between-study heterogeneity diminished to 44.96% when data were moderated for body mass index (estimate 3.45, 95%CI 0.78-6.11, p = 0.011).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery with an open or laparoscopic/robotic approach, PEEP personalized by EIT or Pes allowed the achievement of a better intraoperative oxygenation compared to PEEP not individualized through EIT or Pes.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD 42021218306, 30/01/2023.
Topics: Humans; Electric Impedance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Oxygen
PubMed: 37863862
DOI: 10.1007/s10877-023-01094-2 -
Current Medical Imaging 2024Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively rare vascular complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), and its mortality rate is high. To our knowledge, relevant literature... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively rare vascular complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), and its mortality rate is high. To our knowledge, relevant literature reports still need to be summarized. In this study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of five patients with AP complicated by PE and summarized and reviewed the relevant literature.
METHODS
Clinical data of patients with AP complicated by PE treated in Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province between January 2017 and September 2022 were retrospectively collected. Combined with the relevant literature, the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognoses of patients with AP combined with PE were analyzed and summarized.
RESULTS
Five patients were eventually enrolled in this study. Among the five patients with AP complicated by PE, all (100%) had symptoms of malaise, primarily chest tightness, shortness of breath, and dyspnea. All patients (100%) had varied degrees of elevated D-dimer levels and a significant decrease in the pressure of partial oxygen (PO2) and pressure of arterial oxygen to fractional inspired oxygen concentration ratio (PaO2/FiO2). Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or pulmonary ventilation/perfusion imaging revealed a pulmonary artery filling defect in these patients. One patient (20%) had left calf muscular venous thrombosis before the occurrence of PE. Four patients (80%) were treated with lowmolecular- weight heparin (LMWH), and one patient (20%) was treated with rivaroxaban during hospitalization; all continued oral anticoagulant therapy after discharge. All patients (100%) were cured and discharged. No patients showed recurrence of AP or PE.
CONCLUSION
PE is a rare but life-threatening complication of AP. However, once diagnosed, early treatment with anticoagulation or radiological interventional procedures is effective, and the prognosis is good. Core Tips: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare but life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). Its early diagnosis and timely anticoagulation or radiological intervention can reduce mortality. However, only nine cases have been reported in the English literature thus far, and they are all case reports. Our study is the first systematic analysis of patients with AP combined with PE with a review of the relevant literature. Our patients and those reported in the literature were discharged with good prognoses under treatment such as anticoagulation and vascular intervention. These cases remind clinicians that, in patients with AP, especially those with risk factors for venous thrombosis, it is necessary to monitor the D-dimer level dynamically. Clinicians should pay attention to AP patients' symptoms and related examinations to reduce the chance of a missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of PE.
Topics: Humans; Acute Disease; Anticoagulants; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Oxygen; Pancreatitis; Prognosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Retrospective Studies; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 38389370
DOI: 10.2174/0115734056275789231129102057 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Disorders of mucociliary clearance, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and bronchiectasis of unknown origin, are characterised by periods... (Review)
Review
Disorders of mucociliary clearance, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and bronchiectasis of unknown origin, are characterised by periods with increased respiratory symptoms, referred to as pulmonary exacerbations. These exacerbations are hard to predict and associated with lung function decline and the loss of quality of life. To optimise treatment and preserve lung function, there is a need for non-invasive and reliable methods of detection. Breath analysis might be such a method. We systematically reviewed the existing literature on breath analysis to detect pulmonary exacerbations in mucociliary clearance disorders. Extracted data included the study design, technique of measurement, definition of an exacerbation, identified compounds and diagnostic accuracy. Out of 244 identified articles, 18 were included in the review. All studies included patients with CF and two also with PCD. Age and the definition of exacerbation differed between the studies. There were five that measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, two using an electronic nose and eleven measured organic compounds in exhaled breath condensate. Most studies showed a significant correlation between pulmonary exacerbations and one or multiple compounds, mainly hydrocarbons and cytokines, but the validation of these results in other studies was lacking. The detection of pulmonary exacerbations by the analysis of compounds in exhaled breath seems possible but is not near clinical application due to major differences in results, study design and the definition of an exacerbation. There is a need for larger studies, with a longitudinal design, international accepted definition of an exacerbation and validation of the results in independent cohorts.
PubMed: 38929901
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123372 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate differences in sleep...
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate differences in sleep monitoring indicators between patients with OSAHS and positive FM and patients with OSAHS and negative FM and to determine the incidence of FM in patients with OSAHS. An exhaustive literature review was conducted to analyze the incidence of FM in patients with OSAHS, using online databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang, both in English and Chinese. The quality of the included studies was assessed by two researchers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores. The acquired data were analyzed using Stata 11.0 software. Continuous variables were combined and analyzed using the weighted mean difference as the effect size. Conjoint analyses were performed using random-effects (I > 50%) or fixed-effect (I ≤ 50%) models based on I values. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. This study showed that 21% of patients with OSAHS experienced FM. Subgroup analyses were performed based on race, age, sex, body mass index, and diagnostic criteria for patients with OSAHS. These findings indicate that obese patients with OSAHS have a higher risk of FM, similar to females with OSAHS. Regarding most sleep monitoring indicators, there were no discernible differences between patients with OSAHS with positive FM and those with negative FM. However, patients with positive FM had marginally lower minimum arterial oxygen saturation levels than those with negative FM. The current literature suggests that patients with OSAHS have a high incidence of FM (21%), and FM has little effect on polysomnographic indicators of OSAHS. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024510786, identifier CRD42024510786.
PubMed: 38831795
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1394865 -
European Radiology Feb 2024To analyze the prevalence of burnout among radiology residents. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the prevalence of burnout among radiology residents.
METHOD
Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were searched for studies reporting burnout in radiology residents for the period up to November 7, 2022.
RESULTS
A total of 423 studies were identified, and eventually, 16 studies were selected for the qualitative analysis, of which 11 studies were used in the meta-analysis. There was a total of 2164 radiology residents. Six studies reported the prevalence of burnout but the data could not be pooled due to their inconsistent definitions of burnout. The mean scores of three burnout subscales indicated a moderate to high degree of severity: emotional exhaustion = 25.2 (95% CI, 22.1-28.3; I = 94.4%), depersonalization = 10.2 (95% CI, 8.5-11.9; I = 93.0%), and low perception of personal accomplishment = 32.9 (95% CI, 30.5-35.4; I = 94.4%). The pooled prevalence of high-degree emotional exhaustion was 49.9% (95% CI, 43.6-56.1%; I = 55.7%), high-degree depersonalization was 45.1% (95% CI, 38.3-52.0%; I = 63.2%), and high-degree diminished personal accomplishment was 58.2% (95% CI, 36.0-77.6%; I = 84.9%). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiology residents was not investigated. In addition, there are inconsistent findings on the effects of female sex, seniority, and social support on burnout.
CONCLUSIONS
About half of the radiology residents showed at least one of the three burnout manifestations (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment), with a moderate to high degree of severity.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
Such a high prevalence and severity of burnout among radiology residents warrant the attention of residency program directors.
KEY POINTS
• Burnout, not uncommon among radiology residents, has not been effectively analyzed. • Nearly half of the radiology residents experience at least one of the three manifestations of burnout to a moderate to high degree. • The high prevalence and severe degree of burnout among radiology residents warrant the attention of residency program directors.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pandemics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Radiology; Burnout, Psychological; Burnout, Professional; Emotional Exhaustion; Internship and Residency; Prevalence
PubMed: 37589905
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09986-2 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Jan 2024Isolated calf muscular vein thrombosis (ICMVT) can result in pulmonary embolism, but the treatment of ICMVT remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of the present... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Isolated calf muscular vein thrombosis (ICMVT) can result in pulmonary embolism, but the treatment of ICMVT remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the optimal treatment for the ICMVT by comparing the efficacy and safety of different treatments.
METHODS
A network meta-analysis was conducted to search for studies published from database inception to April 30, 2022, that compared the outcomes of 2 or more treatments for ICMVT. The primary outcomes were efficacy (resolution rate) and safety (adverse reactions). Data were extracted following predefined hierarchy and the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. We estimated summary odds ratios with 95% credibility intervals using Bayesian network meta-analysis with random effects.
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies were enrolled in the study. In terms of efficacy and safety, urokinase thrombolysis combined with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was most effective but had the lowest safety, while physical therapy was safest but had the lowest efficacy. More important, direct oral factor Xa inhibitors were most likely to be second most effective and safe compared with other treatments. For the duration of treatment, anticoagulant therapy for at least 3 months could effectively increase the resolution rate of ICMVT.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering both efficacy and safety, taking direct oral factor Xa inhibitors for at least 3 months was the optimal treatment compared to LMWH, urokinase thrombolysis combined LMWH, physical therapy and warfarin for patients with ICMVT.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Anticoagulants; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator; Network Meta-Analysis; Bayes Theorem; Treatment Outcome; Thrombosis; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 37802136
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.08.015