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Cureus May 2022We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare round window (RW) and cochleostomy (C) surgical approaches for the placement of cochlear implants... (Review)
Review
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare round window (RW) and cochleostomy (C) surgical approaches for the placement of cochlear implants (CIs). After obtaining the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, 213 peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2000, and August 1, 2021, comparing RW and C approaches were identified via a search on Google Scholar, Cochrane, and PubMed. The inclusion criteria were articles having an English version and involving only human subjects (cadaveric or alive). Statistical analysis of compiled electrode-to-modiolus distances was performed with two-sample independent t-tests. Live patients were categorized as having complete hearing preservation (<10 dB threshold shift), partial hearing preservation (10-20 dB shift), or minimal hearing preservation (>20 dB shift). Chi-squared testing was used to compare the distribution of hearing preservation categories between surgical approaches. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the data, only summative information was provided on the effects of approaches on trauma, electrical impedance, speech perception, vestibular dysfunction, ease of scala tympani insertion, and scalar shift. A total of 3,797 CI patients were evaluated. The RW approach resulted in a smaller (0.15 mm smaller on average, p<0.05) electrode-to-modiolus distance when compared to the C approach. The RW approach (93.0%) led to statistically better hearing preservation than the C approach (84.3%) (p<0.05). The RW approach was also associated with better outcomes in terms of speech perception, ease of scala tympani insertion, and reduced scalar shift. No difference between approaches was found with regard to trauma, electrical impedance, and vestibular dysfunction. Based on our findings, the RW approach appears to have several benefits compared to the C approach.
PubMed: 35774686
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25451 -
Journal of Clinical GastroenterologyThe spatial-temporal distribution of Helicobacter pylori infection in China is poorly understood. We aimed to study the spatial-temporal distribution of H. pylori... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The spatial-temporal distribution of Helicobacter pylori infection in China is poorly understood. We aimed to study the spatial-temporal distribution of H. pylori infection in Chinese mainland and to explore its influencing factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched the relevant literature from 2001 to 2021 and applied meta-analysis to obtain the pooled prevalence estimates of all studies and subgroups. Then, we used the pooled prevalence as the dependent variable for the following analysis, including time series analysis, statistical mapping, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and influencing factor analysis based on generalized additive model and panel data model.
RESULTS
A total of 726 articles and 3,407,392 people were included. The pooled prevalence was 43.7% (95% confidence interval: 42.7%-44.8%). The prevalence decreased in the past 20 years, with high in the eastern and western regions and low in the central region. Qinghai Tibet Plateau and Guizhou Plateau were the high incidence areas of this disease. The intake of vegetable oil, aquatic products, meat, milk, per capita gross domestic product, and annual average humidity were significantly correlated with H. pylori.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of H. pylori is decreasing in Chinese mainland, but still high in underdeveloped areas. Appropriate strategies for the prevention need greater attention.
Topics: China; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Incidence; Prevalence
PubMed: 35324486
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001691 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2021The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent in Arabian populations. Several small-scale studies have been performed to investigate the genetic basis of MetS. This... (Review)
Review
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent in Arabian populations. Several small-scale studies have been performed to investigate the genetic basis of MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine whether candidate gene polymorphisms are associated with MetS susceptibility among ethnic groups of the Arabian world and to suggest possible directions for future research regarding genetic markers and MetS. A search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles that examined the genetic association of MetS in Arabian populations in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Direct Science, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar until March 31, 2021. Articles were eligible if they were case-control studies, which investigated MetS as a dichotomous outcome (MetS vs no MetS). To assess the quality of the studies, the Q-Genie tool (Quality of Genetic Association Studies) was used. A non-central chi2 (random-effect) distribution was used to determine the heterogeneity (H) of Q and (Galassi et al., The American journal of medicine, 2006, 119, 812-819) statistics. Our search strategy identified 36 studies that met our inclusion criteria. In most cases, studies were excluded due to a lack of statistical information such as odds ratios, confidence intervals, and -values. According to the Q-Genie tool, 12 studies scored poorly (a score of≤35), 13 studies scored moderately ( >35 and≤45), and 12 studies had good quality ( >45 or higher). The most frequently studied genes were FTO and VDR (both included in four studies). Three SNPs indicated increased risk for MetS after calculating the pooled odds ratios: FTO-rs9939609 (odds ratio 1.49, 95% CI: 0.96-2.32); LEP-rs7799039 (odds ratio 1.85, 95% CI: 1.37-2.5); and SERPINA12-rs2236242 (odds ratio 1.65, 95% CI: 1.21-2.24). Meta-analysis studies showed no significant heterogeneity. There were many sources of heterogeneity in the study settings. Most of the studies had low to moderate quality because of sample size and power issues, not considering all potential sources of bias, and not providing details about genotyping methods and results. As most studies were small-scale, aimed to replicate findings from other populations, we did not find any unique genetic association between MetS and Arabian populations.
PubMed: 34868209
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.733746 -
Journal of Diabetes and Its... Jun 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on visceral adipose tissue... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Influence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on fat accumulation in patients with diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
AIM
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in individuals with diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or obesity.
METHODS
A search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until October 2023 identified 13 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria. Bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias instrument. Statistical analysis utilized standard mean differences (SMD) in Review Manager 5.4. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. This study used the protocol registered with the Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY2023110020).
RESULTS
GLP-1RA treatment significantly reduced VAT (SMD -0.55, 95 % CI [-0.90, -0.19]), SAT (SMD -0.59, 95 % CI [-0.99, -0.19]), body weight (SMD -1.07, 95 % CI [-1.67, -0.47]), and body mass index (BMI) (SMD -1.10, 95 % CI [-1.74, -0.47]) compared to controls. Heterogeneity was observed for VAT (I = 79 %, P < 0.01), SAT (I = 73 %, P < 0.01), body weight (I = 82 %, P < 0.01), and BMI (I = 82 %, P < 0.01). No publication bias was detected for VAT (P = 0.57) and SAT (P = 0.18). GLP-1RA treatment improved fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial glucose (PPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis highlights GLP-1RAs' potential to reduce fat accumulation, body weight, and BMI and improve glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus and NAFLD or obesity. These findings supported using GLP-1RAs as promising therapeutic agents to address abnormal adipose tissue distribution and metabolic dysfunction.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Obesity; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hypoglycemic Agents; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Adiposity; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
PubMed: 38688179
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2024.108743 -
PloS One 2021Many studies report the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. We aimed to synthesize seroprevalence data to better... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Many studies report the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. We aimed to synthesize seroprevalence data to better estimate the level and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection, identify high-risk groups, and inform public health decision making.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched publication databases, preprint servers, and grey literature sources for seroepidemiological study reports, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. We included studies that reported a sample size, study date, location, and seroprevalence estimate. We corrected estimates for imperfect test accuracy with Bayesian measurement error models, conducted meta-analysis to identify demographic differences in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and meta-regression to identify study-level factors associated with seroprevalence. We compared region-specific seroprevalence data to confirmed cumulative incidence. PROSPERO: CRD42020183634.
RESULTS
We identified 968 seroprevalence studies including 9.3 million participants in 74 countries. There were 472 studies (49%) at low or moderate risk of bias. Seroprevalence was low in the general population (median 4.5%, IQR 2.4-8.4%); however, it varied widely in specific populations from low (0.6% perinatal) to high (59% persons in assisted living and long-term care facilities). Median seroprevalence also varied by Global Burden of Disease region, from 0.6% in Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania to 19.5% in Sub-Saharan Africa (p<0.001). National studies had lower seroprevalence estimates than regional and local studies (p<0.001). Compared to Caucasian persons, Black persons (prevalence ratio [RR] 3.37, 95% CI 2.64-4.29), Asian persons (RR 2.47, 95% CI 1.96-3.11), Indigenous persons (RR 5.47, 95% CI 1.01-32.6), and multi-racial persons (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.60-2.24) were more likely to be seropositive. Seroprevalence was higher among people ages 18-64 compared to 65 and over (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.11-1.45). Health care workers in contact with infected persons had a 2.10 times (95% CI 1.28-3.44) higher risk compared to health care workers without known contact. There was no difference in seroprevalence between sex groups. Seroprevalence estimates from national studies were a median 18.1 times (IQR 5.9-38.7) higher than the corresponding SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence, but there was large variation between Global Burden of Disease regions from 6.7 in South Asia to 602.5 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Notable methodological limitations of serosurveys included absent reporting of test information, no statistical correction for demographics or test sensitivity and specificity, use of non-probability sampling and use of non-representative sample frames.
DISCUSSION
Most of the population remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Public health measures must be improved to protect disproportionately affected groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, until vaccine-derived herd immunity is achieved. Improvements in serosurvey design and reporting are needed for ongoing monitoring of infection prevalence and the pandemic response.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Viral; COVID-19; COVID-19 Serological Testing; Child; Health Personnel; Humans; Incidence; Middle Aged; Sensitivity and Specificity; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 34161316
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252617 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2020Cryptosporidium is one of the major causes of diarrhea in HIV-positive patients. The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cryptosporidium is one of the major causes of diarrhea in HIV-positive patients. The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in these patients. PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane and Ovid databases were searched for relevant studies dating from the period of 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017. Data extraction for the included studies was performed independently by two authors. The overall pooled prevalence was calculated and subgroup analysis was performed on diagnostic methods, geographical distribution and study population. Meta-regression was performed on the year of publication, proportion of patients with diarrhea, and proportion of patients with CD4 < 200 cells/mL. One hundred and sixty-one studies and 51,123 HIV-positive participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in HIV-positive patients was 11.2% (CI95%: 9.4%-13.0%). The pooled prevalence was estimated to be 10.0% (CI95%: 8.4%-11.8%) using staining methods, 13.5% (CI95%: 8.9%-19.8%) using molecular methods, and 26.3% (CI95%: 15.0%-42.0%) using antigen detection methods. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in HIV patients was significantly associated with the country of study. Also, there were statistical differences between the diarrhea, CD4 < 200 cells/mL, and antiretroviral therapy risk factors with Cryptosporidiosis. Thus, Cryptosporidium is a common infection in HIV-positive patients, and safe water and hand-hygiene should be implemented to prevent cryptosporidiosis occurrence in these patients.
Topics: CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cryptosporidiosis; Diarrhea; Feces; Geography; HIV Infections; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32351207
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020025 -
Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society 2020The aim of this review was to investigate utility or futility of facebow for fabrication of complete denture prosthesis to maximise clinical efficiency and acceptability... (Review)
Review
AIM
The aim of this review was to investigate utility or futility of facebow for fabrication of complete denture prosthesis to maximise clinical efficiency and acceptability of complete dentures.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A study question was designed based on PICOT model which was used to evaluate whether facebow transfer is required or not for fabrication of complete denture prosthesis. An extensive search was carried out manually and using electronic databases such as PubMed-Medline, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Parameters under review included patient satisfaction, masticatory efficiency, occlusal adjustments, clinician time, stability and retention. Boolean operators, MeSH terms and limiters were applied to develop the search and reach to conclusive studies pertaining to study design. Literature dated between 1950 and 2019 were selected. The data extraction and assessment of the studies was done by two independent investigators.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
No meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity of data obtained.
RESULTS
13690 studies were shortlisted, 13672 were excluded based on title and abstract. By the end of search phase, 07 RCTs were considered relevant. 04 studies concluded comparable/ no differences in outcome with and without use of facebow for fabrication of complete denture prostheses, whereas 03 studies concluded better results without the use of facebow.
CONCLUSION
The use of facebow results in fabrication of complete denture prostheses with similar results in terms of clinical efficiency and patient acceptability as compared to simplified techniques using anatomical landmarks. Variations in assessment criteria, non uniform distribution of sample size amongst different clinical trials and subjective questionnaire based criteria are the weaker links in the review. Extensive research and long term standardised studies with objective criteria for assessment are required for comprehensive and conclusive results to establish the need for change in clinical practice.
PubMed: 33223693
DOI: 10.4103/jips.jips_402_19 -
Revista Do Instituto de Medicina... 2020Leptospirosis is a reemerging zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira sp. with global importance in the medical and veterinary fields, being responsible for...
Leptospirosis is a reemerging zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira sp. with global importance in the medical and veterinary fields, being responsible for about 59 thousand deaths each year in the world. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the health sector is propitious and has been adopted by human and animal health professionals as an important tool in spatial analyses of health. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the geoprocessing and spatial analysis techniques adopted for mapping risk areas of human and animal leptospirosis. The articles were collected on scientific platforms by entering the following terms: SIG/GIS, leptospirose/leptospirosis, area de risco/risk area and distribuicao espacial/spatial distribution, and included in the study if they met the following criteria: a) publication in the period from 1998 to 2017; b) identification of risk areas and/or spatial distribution of leptospirosis as one of the research topics; and c) application of GIS in the methodology. As a result, we found 40 articles, published by 15 different countries, which adopted GIS for the spatial analysis and identification of risk areas of leptospirosis. Among these, only 45% (18) conducted an spatial statistical analysis. Brazil and USA had the highest numbers of publications, 16 and 7 articles, respectively. From 2007, the use of GIS and spatial analysis techniques, applied to the theme of this study, have been intensified and diversified, and 93% of the articles elected for this review were published from 2007 to 2017. The results point to a progressive interest of health professionals in applying these techniques for monitoring and conducting epidemiological analyses of leptospirosis, besides indicating a greater need for intersectoral integration between health professionals and others, in the use of spatial analysis and GIS techniques.
Topics: Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Leptospirosis; Risk Assessment; Spatial Analysis
PubMed: 32520210
DOI: 10.1590/S1678-9946202062035 -
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science... Jul 2021Essential oils (EOs) are commercially important products, sources of compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities considered indispensable for several fields,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Essential oils (EOs) are commercially important products, sources of compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities considered indispensable for several fields, such as the food industry, cosmetics, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, sanitary and agricultural industries. In this context, this systematic review and meta-analysis, a novel approach will be presented using chemometric tools to verify and recognize patterns of antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of EOs according to their geographic, botanical, chemical, and microbiological distribution. Scientific papers were selected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement flow diagram, and the data were evaluated by the self-organizing map and hierarchical cluster analysis. Overall, this novel approach allowed us to draw an overview of antioxidants and antimicrobials activities of EOs reported in 2019, through 585 articles evaluated, obtaining a dataset with more than 10,000 data, distributed in more than 80 countries, 290 plant genera, 150 chemical compounds, 30 genera of bacteria, and 10 genera of fungi. The networks for geographic, botanical, chemical, and microbiological distribution indicated that Brazil, Asia, the botanical genus Thymus, species Thymus vulgaris L. "thyme," the Lamiaceae family, limonene, and the oxygenated monoterpene class were the most representative in the dataset, while the species Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were the most used to assess the antimicrobial activity of EOs. This work can be seen as a guide for the processing of metadata using a novel approach with non-conventional statistical methods. However, this preliminary approach with EOs can be extended to other sources or areas of food science.
Topics: Candida albicans; Lamiaceae; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Oils, Volatile; Thymus Plant
PubMed: 34125485
DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12773 -
PloS One 2022Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global health threat, especially in developing countries. The successful scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The proportion of loss to follow-up from antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its association with age among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global health threat, especially in developing countries. The successful scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs to address this threat is hindered by a high proportion of patient loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU is associated with poor viral suppression and increased mortality. It is particularly acute among adolescents, who face unique adherence challenges. Although LTFU is a critical obstacle on the continuum of care for adolescents, few regional-level studies report the proportion of LTFU among adolescents receiving ART. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the pooled LTFU in ART programs among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
METHODS
We searched five databases (PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) for articles published between 2005 and 2020 and reference lists of included articles. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. A standardised checklist to extract data was used. Descriptive summaries were presented using narrative tables and figures. Heterogeneity within the included studies was examined using the Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test. Random effect models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of LTFU among ALHIV. We used Stata version 16 statistical software for our analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine eligible studies (n = 285,564) were included. An estimated 15.07% (95% CI: 11.07, 19.07) of ALHIV were LTFU. Older adolescents (15-19 years old) were 43% (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87) more likely to be LTFU than younger (10-14 years old) adolescents. We find an insignificant relationship between gender and LTFU (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.03). A subgroup analysis found that regional differences in the proportion of adolescent LTFU were not statistically significant. The trend analysis indicates an increasing proportion of adolescent LTFU over time.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The proportion of LTFU among HIV-positive adolescents in SSA seems higher than those reported in other regions. Older adolescents in the region are at an increased risk for LTFU than younger adolescents. These findings may help policymakers develop appropriate strategies to retain ALHIV in ART services. Such strategies could include community ART distribution points, appointment spacing, adherence clubs, continuous free access to ART, and community-based adherence support.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Anti-HIV Agents; Child; Follow-Up Studies; Global Health; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Young Adult
PubMed: 35951621
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272906