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PloS One 2022To assess the diagnostic utility of smartphone-based measurement in detecting moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To assess the diagnostic utility of smartphone-based measurement in detecting moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
METHODS
Six databases were thoroughly reviewed. Random-effect models were used to estimate the summary sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, diagnostic odds ratio, summary receiver operating characteristic curve and measured the areas under the curve. To assess the accuracy and precision, pooled mean difference and standard deviation of apnea hypopnea index (AHI) between smartphone and polysomnography (95% limits of agreement) across studies were calculated using the random-effects model. Study methodological quality was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were analyzed. The smartphone diagnostic odds ratio for moderate-to-severe OSAS (apnea/hypopnea index > 15) was 57.3873 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [34.7462; 94.7815]). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.917. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.9064 [0.8789; 0.9282], 0.8801 [0.8227; 0.9207], 0.9049 [0.8556; 0.9386], and 0.8844 [0.8234; 0.9263], respectively. We performed subgroup analysis based on the various OSAS detection methods (motion, sound, oximetry, and combinations thereof). Although the diagnostic odds ratios, specificities, and negative predictive values varied significantly (all p < 0.05), all methods afforded good sensitivity (> 80%). The sensitivities and positive predictive values were similar for the various methods (both p > 0.05). The mean difference with standard deviation in the AHI between smartphone and polysomnography was -0.6845 ± 1.611 events/h [-3.8426; 2.4735].
CONCLUSIONS
Smartphone could be used to screen the moderate-to-severe OSAS. The mean difference between smartphones and polysomnography AHI measurements was small, though limits of agreement was wide. Therefore, clinicians should be cautious when making clinical decisions based on these devices.
Topics: Humans; Oximetry; Polysomnography; Predictive Value of Tests; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Smartphone
PubMed: 35587944
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268585 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Ultrasound elastography is gaining attention for its diagnostic potential across various medical fields, and its physical properties make it valuable in modern clinical... (Review)
Review
Ultrasound elastography is gaining attention for its diagnostic potential across various medical fields, and its physical properties make it valuable in modern clinical medicine. However, its specific attributes, especially in the context of recent medical advancements, remain relatively unexplored. This study aimed to identify instrument-specific characteristics and applications of real-time ultrasound elastography, shear wave elastography, and strain elastography, particularly within gastroenterology. Following PRISMA guidelines, the study examined elastography articles on databases like PubMed, resulting in 78 included articles. Data on patient demographics, organ involvement, specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were extracted. Statistical analysis involved SPSS version 21, with significance set at < 0.05. The majority of patients were male (50.50%), with a mean age of 42.73 ± 4.41 years. Shear wave elastography was the most prevalent technique (48.7%), and liver investigations were predominant in gastroenterology (34.6%). Gastrointestinal applications showed higher sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values ( < 0.05) but lower specificity ( < 0.05). Real-time ultrasound elastography exhibited increased specificity, accuracy, and predictive values ( < 0.05). Ultrasound elastography appears more accurate and effective in gastroenterological settings. Nonetheless, its performance depends on instrument-specific and operator-dependent factors. While promising, further studies are necessary to ascertain optimal utilization in both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal conditions.
PubMed: 37958199
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213302 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Sep 2022Penile cancer is rare among male malignancies. Various biomarkers have been used to predict the prognosis of cancer, one of which is the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Penile cancer is rare among male malignancies. Various biomarkers have been used to predict the prognosis of cancer, one of which is the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of NLR in penile cancer.
METHODS
This review was conducted following the PRISMA guideline. Several databases, including Scopus, Science-direct, and PubMed, were systematically searched. The primary outcomes were lymph node metastasis (LNM), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). All statistical analyses were processed using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4.
RESULTS
A total of six retrospective studies were included in the analysis. The cut-off values of NLR in the included studies ranged from 2.6 to 3.59. Meta-analysis showed that penile cancer patients with high NLR had worse LNM and CSS based on the univariate analysis (OR 3.56, 95% CI 2.38, 5.32, p < 0.01; HR 4.19, 95% CI 2.19, 8.01, p = 0.0; respectively). Furthermore, the meta-analysis revealed that NLR is an independent predictor of LNM and CSS (OR 6.67, 95% CI 2.44, 18.22, p < 0.01; HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.23, 3.73, p < 0.01; respectively). However, NLR failed to show as independent predictor for OS (HR 1.69,95% CI 0.95,3.00, p = 0.07).
CONCLUSION
NLR is an independent predictor of LNM and CSS. However, NLR is not proven to be an independent predictor of OS in this study.
PubMed: 36147188
DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104335 -
The Knee Oct 2023To critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries based on the different cut-off values of the timing of operation.
METHODS
PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang Digital Periodical database were searched from inception to November 2022 without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies (CSs) comparing early ACLR with delayed ACLR for ACL injuries were included.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies (10 RCTs and 14 CSs) were included. According to the information from included studies, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after ACL injuries were considered as the cut-off values of early and delayed ACLR. When 4 weeks were considered as the cut-off value, early ACLR could significantly improve Lysholm score, IKDC score and VAS score at 6 and 12 months postoperatively and decrease the incidence of adverse events compared with delayed ACLR (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference in positive rate of Lachman test and incidence of meniscus injuries and chondral lesions between the two groups when 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months or 12 months after ACL injuries were considered as the cut-off values of early and delayed ACLR (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The present study suggests that early ACLR, especially conducted within 3-4 weeks after ACL injuries, may be more effective for improving knee function and relieving pain compared with delayed ACLR. More high-quality RCTs are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Knee Joint; Meniscus; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37517167
DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2023.07.008 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis May 2024COVID-19 has been associated with alterations in coagulation. Recent reports have shown that protein C and S activities are altered in COVID-19. This may affect the... (Review)
Review
COVID-19 has been associated with alterations in coagulation. Recent reports have shown that protein C and S activities are altered in COVID-19. This may affect the complications and outcome of the disease. However, their exact role in COVID-19 remains uncertain. The aim of the current study was therefore to analyze all papers in the literature on protein C and S activities in COVID-19. We searched three medical electronic databases. Of the 2442 papers, 28 studies were selected for the present meta-analysis. For the meta-analysis, means ± standard deviations with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for protein C and S activities were extracted. Pooled p values were calculated using STATA software. Protein C and S activities were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients than in healthy controls (pooled p values: 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Similarly, protein C activities were considerably lower in nonsurviving patients (pooled p value = 0.00). There was no association between proteins C or S and thrombosis risk or ICU admission in COVID-19 patients (p value > 0.05). COVID-19 patients may exhibit lower activities of the C and S proteins, which might affect disease outcome; however, additional attention should be given when considering therapeutic strategies for these patients.
PubMed: 38722521
DOI: 10.1007/s11239-024-02971-6 -
BJU International Mar 2023The use of scrotal ultrasonography (SUS) has increased the detection rate of indeterminate testicular masses. Defining radiological characteristics that identify... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
The use of scrotal ultrasonography (SUS) has increased the detection rate of indeterminate testicular masses. Defining radiological characteristics that identify malignancy may reduce the number of men undergoing unnecessary radical orchidectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To define which SUS or scrotal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics can predict benign or malignant disease in pre- or post-pubertal males with indeterminate testicular masses.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidance. Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials and systematic reviews databases were searched from (1970 to 26 March 2021). Benign and malignant masses were classified using the reported reference test: i.e., histopathology, or 12 months progression-free radiological surveillance. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool (QUADAS-2).
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 32 studies were identified, including 1692 masses of which 28 studies and 1550 masses reported SUS features, four studies and 142 masses reported MRI features. Meta-analysis of different SUS (B-mode) values in post-pubertal men demonstrated that a size of ≤0.5 cm had a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) of malignancy compared to masses of >0.5 cm (P < 0.001). Comparison of masses of 0.6-1.0 cm and masses of >1.5 cm also demonstrated a significantly lower OR of malignancy (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference between masses of 0.6-1.0 and 1.1-1.5 cm. SUS in post-pubertal men also had a statistically significantly lower OR of malignancy for heterogenous masses vs homogenous masses (P = 0.04), hyperechogenic vs hypoechogenic masses (P < 0.01), normal vs increased enhancement (P < 0.01), and peripheral vs central vascularity (P < 0.01), respectively. There were limited data on pre-pubertal SUS, pre-pubertal MRI and post-pubertal MRI.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis identifies radiological characteristics that have a lower OR of malignancy and may be of value in the management of the indeterminate testis mass.
Topics: Male; Humans; Radiography; Orchiectomy; Testicular Neoplasms; Scrotum; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 35980855
DOI: 10.1111/bju.15869 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2022The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is used as biomarker in malignant diseases showing significant association with poor oncological outcomes. The main research... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is used as biomarker in malignant diseases showing significant association with poor oncological outcomes. The main research question of the present study was whether NLR has also prognostic value in cholangiocarcinoma patients (CCA). A systematic review was carried out to identify studies related to NLR and clinical outcomes in CCA evaluating the literature from 01/2000 to 09/2021. A random-effects model, pooled hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to investigate the statistical association between NLR and overall survival (OS) as well as disease-free survival (DFS). Subgroup analyses, evaluation of sensitivity and risk of bias were further carried out. 32 studies comprising 8572 patients were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled outcomes revealed that high NLR prior to treatment is prognostic for poor OS (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.18-1.38, p < 0.01) and DFS (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17-1.66, p < 0.01) with meaningful HR values. Subgroup analysis revealed that this association is not significantly affected by the treatment modality (surgical vs. non-surgical), NLR cut-off values, age and sample size of the included studies. Given the likelihood of NLR to be prognostic for reduced OS and DFS, pre-treatment NLR might serve as a useful biomarker for poor prognosis in patients with CCA and therefore facilitate clinical management.
Topics: Bile Duct Neoplasms; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Cholangiocarcinoma; Humans; Lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Prognosis
PubMed: 35879385
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16727-w -
European Spine Journal : Official... Jun 2021The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the cervical sagittal parameters between patients with cervical spine disorder and asymptomatic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the cervical sagittal parameters between patients with cervical spine disorder and asymptomatic controls.
METHODS
Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Web of Science up to June 2020. Cervical sagittal balance parameters, such as T1 slope, cervical SVA (cSVA), and spine cranial angle (SCA), were compared between the cervical spine in healthy, symptomatic, and pre-operative participants. Where possible, we pooled data using random-effects meta-analysis, by CMA software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using the I-squared statistic and funnel plots, respectively.
RESULTS
A total of 102 studies, comprising 13,802 cases (52.7% female), were included in this meta-analysis. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) to evaluate the quality of studies included in this review. Funnel plot and Begg's test did not indicate obvious publication bias. The pooled analysis reveals that the mean (SD) values were: T1 slope (degree), 24.5 (0.98), 25.7 (0.99), 25.4 (0.34); cSVA (mm), 18.7 (1.76), 22.7 (0.66), 22.4 (0.68) for healthy population, symptomatic, and pre-operative assessment, respectively. The mean value of the SCA (degree) was 79.5 (3.55) and 75.6 (10.3) for healthy and symptomatic groups, respectively. Statistical differences were observed between the groups (all P values < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The findings showed that the T1 slope and the cSVA were significantly lower among patients with cervical spine disorder compared to controls and higher for the SCA. Further well-conducted studies are needed to complement our findings.
Topics: Cervical Vertebrae; Female; Humans; Lordosis; Male; Neck; Retrospective Studies; Skull; Spinal Diseases
PubMed: 33772659
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-06825-0 -
Phlebology Aug 2022This study examines the influence of Earth's gravity field on the prevalence of varicose veins in geophysical area.
AIM
This study examines the influence of Earth's gravity field on the prevalence of varicose veins in geophysical area.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review (OVID and Google Scholar) of studies focusing on prevalence of varicose veins to determine the influence of Earth's gravity field-GRACE GGM05S gravity model-on the disease prevalence. PROSPERO: CRD42021279513.
RESULTS
81 studies met inclusion and quality criteria. Areas with stronger gravity have significantly higher prevalence of varicose veins with adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI) (-values < 0.02). Adjusted for age, prevalence of varicose veins in areas with gravity field +20 mGal and more is 1.37 time higher than in areas with gravity field less than +20 mGal, -value 0.005 (95% CI: -12.5 to -2.4): mean disease prevalence for gravity field +20 mGal and more-27.5% (mean age, 40.1 years; mean gravity field, +27.1 mGal; 63.9% females, 37 studies, 123,164 participants) vs mean disease prevalence for gravity field less than +20 mGal - 20.1% (mean age, 42.2 years; mean gravity field, +5.7 mGal; 56.8% females, 44 studies, 205,925 participants). Older age is the main risk factor for varicose veins (-values < 0.005). Female gender and high BMI are insignificantly associated with high prevalence of varicose veins (-values > 0.4 for gender, -values > 0.2 for BMI).
CONCLUSION
Stronger gravity field is significantly associated with higher prevalence of varicose veins-risk factor. The potential mechanism of this phenomenon is that high gravity field alters systemic venous return, pooling blood and fluid in the peripheral, gravity-dependent regions of the body in upright humans constantly living in the defined geophysical area.
Topics: Adult; Body Mass Index; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 35471106
DOI: 10.1177/02683555221090054 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Oct 2022This study aims to model the relationship among performance, whole body composition, and processing yield through meta-regression. Scientific papers found in Scopus and... (Review)
Review
This study aims to model the relationship among performance, whole body composition, and processing yield through meta-regression. Scientific papers found in Scopus and Google Scholar were included if they reported results and variability values of an actual experiment in the three mentioned groups of variables using a single broiler genetic line. Weighted mean effect sizes were determined with a random model, the risk of bias was determined, and heterogeneity was considered an indicator of usefulness. Meta-regressions considered the effect sizes of the response variable and the percent change in one or more variables as predictors. A 78-row database was built from 14 papers, including nine factors tested on 22,256 broilers. No influencing bias was found, and the data was determined useful. Meta-regressions showed that the changes in body weight gain (BWG) are inversely related to the effects in feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.001) and that the changes in FCR and effects in protein-to-fat gain (PFG) are directly related (p < 0.001). The changes in PFG and the effects on carcass conformation or the market value of birds are directly related (p < 0.001). In conclusion, body composition predicts carcass conformation and its market value, supporting its use to predict the economic value of broilers.
PubMed: 36230447
DOI: 10.3390/ani12192706