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Journal of Comparative Effectiveness... Feb 2023In the absence of head-to-head trials comparing immunotherapies for advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NsqNSCLC), a network meta-analysis (NMA) was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In the absence of head-to-head trials comparing immunotherapies for advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NsqNSCLC), a network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare the relative efficacy of these treatments. A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials evaluating first-line-to-progression and second-line treatments for advanced NsqNSCLC informed Bayesian NMAs for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) end points. Among first-line-to-progression treatments, pembrolizumab + pemetrexed + platinum showed the greatest OS benefit versus other regimens and a PFS benefit versus all but three regimens. Among second-line treatments, an OS benefit was seen for atezolizumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab versus docetaxel. Pembrolizumab + pemetrexed + platinum showed the maximum OS benefit in the first-line setting. In the second-line setting, anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 monotherapies were better than docetaxel.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Docetaxel; Pemetrexed; Network Meta-Analysis; Platinum; Bayes Theorem; Immunotherapy; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
PubMed: 36621905
DOI: 10.2217/cer-2022-0016 -
Nutrients Oct 2023Cataract, defined as the opacification of the lens that prevents clear vision, is a leading cause of vision loss and impairment worldwide. Elderly people comprise the... (Review)
Review
Cataract, defined as the opacification of the lens that prevents clear vision, is a leading cause of vision loss and impairment worldwide. Elderly people comprise the highest proportion of those suffering from this eye disease. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the risk of developing aged-related cataract (ARC) increases with every decade of life, starting from the age of 40. Despite progress in surgical treatment methods, life-style modifications may be beneficial in prevention or slowing down the progression of ARC. This systematic review aims to summarize studies on the significance of specific nutritional patterns, dietary products, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids intake in the onset or progression of ARC. In this context, the presented paper thoroughly analyzes 24 articles, following the PRISMA guidelines. The results indicate significant protective effects of various dietary patterns, including the Korean balanced diet, vegetarian diet, "dairy products and vegetables", "traditional", "antioxidant", and "omega-3" patterns. Additionally, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, skimmed yoghurt, fish, coffee, and vitamins has shown positive effects on cataract incidence. Therefore, further research seems to be essential to gain a better understanding of these associations and to create uniform dietary recommendations for both the vulnerable population and ARC patients.
Topics: Aged; Animals; Humans; Vitamins; Diet; Cataract; Antioxidants; Vitamin A; Vegetables; Vitamin K
PubMed: 37960238
DOI: 10.3390/nu15214585 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2021Osteoporosis results from excessive bone resorption and reduced bone formation, triggered by sex hormone deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation. Tanshinones are a...
BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis results from excessive bone resorption and reduced bone formation, triggered by sex hormone deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation. Tanshinones are a class of lipophilic phenanthrene compounds found in the roots of with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its anti-osteoporosis effects. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the skeletal beneficial effects of tanshinones.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2021 using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science from the inception of these databases. Original studies reporting the effects of tanshinones on bone through cell cultures, animal models and human clinical trials were considered.
RESULTS
The literature search found 158 unique articles on this topic, but only 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The available evidence showed that tanshinones promoted osteoblastogenesis and bone formation while reducing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.
CONCLUSIONS
Tanshinones modulates bone remodelling by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast apoptosis and stimulating osteoblastogenesis. Therefore, it might complement existing strategies to prevent bone loss.
Topics: Abietanes; Animals; Antioxidants; Humans; Osteoblasts; Osteogenesis
PubMed: 33923673
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082319 -
BMC Cancer Nov 2023Paclitaxel and carboplatin is the standard chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. However, the benefit of adding programmed cell... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus carboplatin and paclitaxel compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
BACKGROUND
Paclitaxel and carboplatin is the standard chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. However, the benefit of adding programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors to chemotherapy is still unclear.
METHOD
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials that investigated PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus carboplatin and paclitaxel compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. We computed hazard ratios (HRs) or risk ratios (RRs) for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used DerSimonian and Laird random-effect models for all endpoints. Heterogeneity was assessed using I statistics. R, version 4.2.3, was used for statistical analyses.
RESULTS
A total of three studies and 1,431 patients were included. Compared with carboplatin plus paclitaxel-based chemotherapy, progression-free survival (PFS) rate (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.23-0.44; p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) at 30 months (RR 3.13; 95% CI 1.26-7.78; p = 0.01) were significant in favor of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus carboplatin and paclitaxel group in the mismatch repair-deficient subgroup. However, there were no significant differences in the mismatch repair-proficient subgroup for PFS (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.50-1.08; p = 0.117) or OS at 30 months (RR 2.24; 95% CI 0.79-6.39; p = 0.13).
CONCLUSION
Immunotherapy plus carboplatin-paclitaxel increased significantly PFS and OS among patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, with a significant benefit in the mismatch repair-deficient and high microsatellite instability population.
Topics: Female; Humans; Carboplatin; Paclitaxel; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Endometrial Neoplasms; B7-H1 Antigen; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 38031003
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11654-z -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Dec 2020The comparison between paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) angioplasty and plain balloon angioplasty (PBA) for hemodialysis (HD) access stenosis or occlusion has not been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The comparison between paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) angioplasty and plain balloon angioplasty (PBA) for hemodialysis (HD) access stenosis or occlusion has not been well investigated. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to compare all-cause mortality, HD access primary patency, and circuit primary patency after endovascular maintenance procedures using PCB angioplasty vs PBA.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Databases were systematically searched to identify all the relevant studies on paclitaxel-coated devices for stenosis or thrombosis of HD access. A random effects model was applied to pool the effect measures. Dichotomous data were presented using an odds ratio (OR). Effect data were presented using pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies were included in this meta-analysis, 12 randomized controlled trials and 4 cohort studies involving 1086 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for HD access stenosis or occlusion. All-cause mortality rates at 6, 12, and 24 months after intervention were similar between the PCB and PBA groups (6 months: OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.38-2.96; P = .907; I = 19.2%]; 12 months: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.66-2.16; P = .554; I = 0%]; 24 months: OR, 1.43 [95% CI, 0.83-2.45; P = .195; I = 0%]). There was a significant improvement of primary patency in the PCB group compared with the PBA group (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.33-0.69; P < .001; I = 67.3%). This benefit was consistent with the analysis of randomized controlled trials, whereas cohort studies were excluded. Further subgroup analysis of target lesions demonstrated that primary patency was significantly higher in the PCB group than in the PBA group, not only for arteriovenous fistula (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.30-0.98; P = .041; I = 76.8%) but also for central venous stenosis (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.22-0.71; P = .002; I = 0%). The PCB group was associated with higher 6-month (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27-0.59; P < .001) and 24-month lesion primary patency (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.72; P = .009) than PBA and was marginally associated with 12-month lesion primary patency (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.26-1.03; P = .06). Circuit primary patency analysis showed a marginal trend toward better outcome in the PCB group (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40-1.00) but no statistical significance (P = .052).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that PCB angioplasty is associated with significantly improved primary patency of arteriovenous fistula and central venous stenosis for HD access maintenance, with no evidence of increasing all-cause mortality based on short-term and midterm follow-up. Further large cohort study is needed to investigate long-term mortality.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Angioplasty, Balloon; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Equipment Design; Female; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paclitaxel; Recurrence; Renal Dialysis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Access Devices; Vascular Patency
PubMed: 32540324
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.04.525 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Jul 2022Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Little is known about HG-related vitamin K deficiency. We aimed...
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Little is known about HG-related vitamin K deficiency. We aimed to summarise available evidence on the occurrence of HG-related vitamin K deficiency and corresponding maternal and neonatal complications. A systematic review was conducted, searching Medline and EMBASE from inception to 12 November 2020. We identified 1564 articles, of which we included fifteen in this study: fourteen case reports ( 21 women) and one retrospective cohort study ( 109 women). Nine out of twenty-one women reported in case reports had a prolonged prothrombin time (PT). The cohort study measured PT in 39/109 women with HG, of whom 10/39 women (26 %) had prolonged PT. In total, 30-50 % women received vitamin K supplementation after vitamin K deficiency had been diagnosed. Four case reports ( 4 women) reported corresponding maternal complications, all consisting of coagulopathy-related haemorrhage. Nine case reports ( 16 neonates) reported corresponding neonatal complications including intracranial haemorrhage ( 2 neonates) and embryopathy ( 14 neonates), which consisted of Binder phenotype ( 14 neonates), chondrodysplasia punctata ( 9 neonates) and grey matter heterotopia ( 3 neonates). In conclusion, vitamin K deficiency and related complications occur among women with HG. In our systematic review, we were unable to assess the incidence rate.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Male; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Cohort Studies; Retrospective Studies; Vitamin K Deficiency; Vitamin K
PubMed: 34325760
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521002865 -
Nutrients Apr 2024This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of any vitamin administration(s) in preventing and managing COVID-19 and/or long-COVID. Databases were searched up to May 2023... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The Efficacy of Multivitamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D Supplements in the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 and Long-COVID: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of any vitamin administration(s) in preventing and managing COVID-19 and/or long-COVID. Databases were searched up to May 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials comparing data on the effects of vitamin supplementation(s) versus placebo or standard of care on the two conditions of interest. Inverse-variance random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality between supplemented and non-supplemented individuals. Overall, 37 articles were included: two regarded COVID-19 and long-COVID prevention and 35 records the COVID-19 management. The effects of vitamin D in preventing COVID-19 and long-COVID were contrasting. Similarly, no conclusion could be drawn on the efficacy of multivitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin B in COVID-19 management. A few positive findings were reported in some vitamin C trials but results were inconsistent in most outcomes, excluding all-cause mortality (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97). Vitamin D results were mixed in most aspects, including mortality, in which benefits were observed in regular administrations only (RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49-0.91). Despite some benefits, results were mostly contradictory. Variety in recruitment and treatment protocols might explain this heterogeneity. Better-designed studies are needed to clarify these vitamins' potential effects against SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; COVID-19; Vitamins; Vitamin D; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ascorbic Acid; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin A; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 38732592
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091345 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jul 2023Paclitaxel dose-dense regimen has been controversial in clinical trials in recent years. This systematic review and meta-analysis tried to evaluate the efficacy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dose-dense regimen versus conventional three-weekly paclitaxel combination with carboplatin chemotherapy in first-line ovarian cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Paclitaxel dose-dense regimen has been controversial in clinical trials in recent years. This systematic review and meta-analysis tried to evaluate the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel dose-dense chemotherapy in primary epithelial ovarian cancer.
METHODS
An electronic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted (Prospero registration number: CRD42020187622), and then a systematic review and meta-analysis of included literature were initiated to determine which regimen was better.
RESULTS
Four randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative evaluation, and 3699 ovarian cancer patients were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the dose-dense regimen could prolong PFS (HR0.88, 95%CI 0.81-0.96; p = 0.002) and OS (HR0.90, 95%CI 0.81-1.02; p = 0.09), but it also increased the overall toxicity (OR = 1.102, 95%CI 0.864-1.405; p = 0.433), especially toxicity of anemia (OR = 1.924, 95%CI 1.548-2.391; p < 0.001), neutropenia (OR = 2.372, 95%CI 1.674-3.361; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the dose-dense regimen could significantly prolong not only PFS (HR0.76, 95%CI 0.63-0.92; p = 0.005 VS HR0.91, 95%CI 0.83-1.00; p = 0.046) but also OS (HR0.75, 95%CI 0.557-0.98; p = 0.037 VS HR0.94, 95%CI 0.83-1.07; p = 0.371) in Asian, and overall toxicity was significantly increased in Asians (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 0.877-1.858, p = 0.202) compared to non-Asians (OR = 1.02, 95%CI 0.737-1.396, p = 0.929).
CONCLUSION
Paclitaxel dose-dense regimen could prolong PFS and OS, but it also increased the overall toxicity. Therapeutic benefits and toxicity of dose-dense are more obvious in Asians compared to non-Asians, which need to be further confirmed in clinical trials.
Topics: Humans; Female; Carboplatin; Paclitaxel; Ovarian Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37430376
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01216-z -
Nutrition Reviews Feb 2021Worldwide, there is an array of clinical trials under way to evaluate treatment options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute...
Worldwide, there is an array of clinical trials under way to evaluate treatment options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Concurrently, several nutritional therapies and alternative supportive treatments are also being used and tested to reduce the mortality associated with acute respiratory distress in patients with COVID-19. In the context of COVID-19, improved nutrition that includes micronutrient supplementation to augment the immune system has been recognized as a viable approach to both prevent and alleviate the severity of the infection. The potential role of micronutrients as immune-boosting agents is particularly relevant for low- and middle-income countries, which already have an existing high burden of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. A systematic literature review was performed to identify nutritional interventions that might prevent or aid in the recovery from COVID-19. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched electronically from February to April 2020. All abstracts and full-text articles were examined for their relevance to this review. The information gathered was collated under various categories. Deficiencies of micronutrients, especially vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, zinc, iron, and selenium, are common among vulnerable populations in general and among COVID-19 patients in particular and could plausibly increase the risk of mortality. Judicious use of need-based micronutrient supplementation, alongside existing micronutrient fortification programs, is warranted in the current global pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income economies.
Topics: COVID-19; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Immune System; Iron; Micronutrients; Nutrition Therapy; Nutritional Status; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Zinc
PubMed: 33570583
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa063 -
Journal of Nutritional Science 2021Countries are increasingly transitioning from event-based vitamin A supplementation (VAS) distribution to delivery through routine health system contacts, shifting also... (Review)
Review
Countries are increasingly transitioning from event-based vitamin A supplementation (VAS) distribution to delivery through routine health system contacts, shifting also to administrative, electronic-based monitoring tools, a process that brings certain limitations affecting the quality of administrative VAS coverage. At present, there is no standardised methodology for measuring the coverage of VAS delivered through routine health services. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify and recommend methods to measure VAS coverage, with the aim of providing guidance to countries on the collection of consistent data for planning, monitoring and evaluating VAS programmes integrated into routine health systems. We searched the PubMed®, Embase®, Scopus, Google Scholar and World Health Organization (WHO) Global Index Medicus databases for studies published from 1 January 2000 to 1 January 2021, reporting original data on VAS coverage and methodologies used for measurement. We screened 2371 original titles and abstracts, assessed twenty-seven full-text articles and ultimately included eighteen studies. All but two studies used a coverage cluster survey (CCS) design to measure VAS coverage, adapting the WHO Vaccination Coverage Cluster Surveys methodology, by modifying sample size and sampling parameters. Annual two-dose VAS coverage was reported from only four studies. Until electronic-based systems to collect and analyse VAS data are equipped to measure routine two-dose VAS coverage using administrative data, CCSs that comply with the 2018 WHO Vaccination Coverage Cluster Surveys Reference Manual represent the gold-standard method for effective VAS programme monitoring.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency
PubMed: 34527226
DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.65