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Phytomedicine : International Journal... Sep 2022Compound Kushen injection (CKI) is a Chinese patented medicine that improves the immunity level of cancer patients and inhibits tumor cell proliferation and metastasis.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Compound Kushen injection (CKI) is a Chinese patented medicine that improves the immunity level of cancer patients and inhibits tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Clinically, CKI is widely used in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. This study attempted to systemically evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of CKI and PBC for NSCLC treatment by modulating the immune function.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of CKI in combination with PBC for NSCLC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
English and Chinese databases were retrieved for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of NSCLC treatment using a combination of CKI and PBC, and the changes of peripheral blood T lymphocytes (such as CD3 T cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells), and CD4/CD8 T cell ratio among NSCLC patients were detected before and after treatment using CKI with PBC. The search deadline was set as November 2021. The systemic evaluation was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The methodology and quality of each study included in the systemic evaluation were assessed. Review Manager 5.4, Stata12.0, and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were used for data analysis. The outcome indicators were qualified using GRADEprofiler software.
RESULTS
A total of 25 RCTs involving 2460 cases of patients were included. The results showed that the combination of CKI with PBC effectively increased the objective response rate (ORR) [relative risk (RR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.19, 1.44)] and disease control rate (DCR) [RR = 1.16, 95%CI (1.09,1.23)], regulated the expression of peripheral blood T lymphocytes (such as CD3T cells, CD4T cells, CD8T cells, and CD4/CD8T cell ratio), upregulated the level of serum immunoglobulins (such as IgA, IgG, and IgM), and reduced the frequency of gastrointestinal reaction, marrow inhibition, hepatorenal toxicity, reduction of white blood cells and blood platelets, baldness, infection, neutrophilic granulocyte counts, diarrhea, or constipation. According to subgroup analysis results, chemotherapy cycles (1-2) had a more significant effect on DCR. A combination of CKI and GP regimens had better effects on improving CD3T cell levels, and there were no significant changes among other chemotherapies regiments.
CONCLUSION
A combination of CKI and PBC had a marked effect in improving tumor response, priming immune function, and decreasing the frequency of adverse reactions, which was safe for NSCLC treatment.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Immunocompetence; Lung Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35868145
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154315 -
Histopathology Apr 2023Lymph node micrometastases could be one of the reasons for the high recurrence rate after complete surgical resection in stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prognostic impact of lymph node micrometastasis and isolated tumour cells in patients with stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer.
Lymph node micrometastases could be one of the reasons for the high recurrence rate after complete surgical resection in stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The standard evaluation of a single haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slide of a paraffin-embedded section of a lymph node is insufficient for the detection of micrometastases, and there is a need for additional histopathological evaluation. The association of lymph node micrometastases with survival remains as yet unresolved. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate if lymph node micrometastases and isolated tumour cells in patients with stage I-IIIA NSCLC, detected with multiple sectioning and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), are associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after surgical resection. We performed a meta-analysis of time-to-event outcomes based on 15 articles using ancillary techniques to detect micrometastases. We extracted the OS and DFS every 3-6 months after surgery, for patients with and without occult lymph node micrometastasis, from the survival curves published in each article. These data were used to reconstruct OS and DFS for 'micrometastasis' and 'no micrometastasis' groups. Based on all included studies that used IHC, serial sectioning, or RT-PCR, we found a 5-year OS of 55% (micrometastasis) vs. 75% (no micrometastasis), and a 5-year DFS of 53% (micrometastasis) vs. 75% (no micrometastasis). Patients with stage I-IIIA NSCLC with lymph node micrometastases detected by ancillary histopathological and molecular techniques have a significantly poorer OS and DFS compared to patients without lymph node micrometastases.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Prognosis; Lung Neoplasms; Neoplasm Micrometastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Lymph Nodes
PubMed: 36282087
DOI: 10.1111/his.14831 -
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports... May 2022To summarize the content, development, and delivery of education interventions in clinical trials for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). (Review)
Review
Knee Osteoarthritis Education Interventions in Published Trials Are Typically Unclear, Not Comprehensive Enough, and Lack Robust Development: Ancillary Analysis of a Systematic Review.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the content, development, and delivery of education interventions in clinical trials for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
DESIGN
Ancillary analysis of a systematic review.
LITERATURE SEARCH
MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 2020.
STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials involving patient education for people with knee OA.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Content of education interventions was matched against a predefined topic list (n = 14) and categorized as accurate and clear, partially accurate/lacks clarity, or not reported. We examined whether education interventions included skill development or stated learning objectives and if they were developed based on theory, previous research, or codesign principles. Delivery methods and mode(s) were also identified. Data were summarized descriptively.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight education interventions (30 trials) were included. Interventions lacked comprehensiveness (median topics per intervention = 3/14, range = 0-11). Few topics were accurately and clearly described (10%, 13/136). Sixty-one percent (n = 23/38) of interventions targeted skill development, and 34% (n = 13/38) identified learning objectives. Forty-two percent (n = 16/38) were based on theory; 45% (n = 17/38) were based on research for chronic conditions, including 32% (n = 12/38) based on OA. Eleven percent of interventions (n = 4/38) were codesigned. Education was typically facilitated through face-to-face sessions (median = 9, range = 0-55), supplemented with telephone calls and/or written materials.
CONCLUSION
Education interventions for people with knee OA lacked comprehensiveness plus accurate and clear descriptions of topics covered. Most interventions failed to identify learning objectives and were not based on theory, previous research, or codesign principles. .
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee
PubMed: 34905960
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2022.10771 -
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Apr 2022Current evidence has revealed the beneficial effects of mobile health applications on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, there is still no solid evidence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Current evidence has revealed the beneficial effects of mobile health applications on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, there is still no solid evidence of the underlying factors for these outcomes, and hypertension treatment is performed mainly by medication intake. This study aims to analyze the impacts of health applications on medication adherence of patients with hypertension and understand the underlying factors.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted considering controlled clinical trials published, without year filter, through July 2020. The searches were performed in the electronic databases of Scopus, MEDLINE, and BVSalud. Study characteristics were extracted for qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis examined medication-taking behavior outcomes using the generic inverse-variance method to combine multiple variables.
RESULTS
A total of 1,199 records were identified, of which 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and 9 met the criteria for meta-analysis with 1,495 participants. The analysis of mean changes revealed significant improvements in medication adherence (standardized mean difference=0.41, 95% CI=0.02, 0.79, I=82%, p=0.04) as well as the analysis of the values measured after follow-up (standardized mean difference=0.60, 95% CI=0.30, 0.90, I=77%, p<0.0001). Ancillary improvements were also identified, such as patients' perceived confidence, treatment self-efficacy and self-monitoring, acceptance of technology, and knowledge about the condition and how to deal with health issues.
DISCUSSION
There is evidence that mobile health applications can improve medication adherence in patients with hypertension, with broad heterogeneity between studies on the topic. The use of mobile health applications conceivably leads to ancillary improvements inherent to better medication adherence.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Humans; Hypertension; Medication Adherence; Mobile Applications; Telemedicine
PubMed: 34963562
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.11.003 -
European Journal of Neurology Jun 2022Neurosarcoidosis can affect all parts of the nervous system of which myelitis is relatively frequent. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Neurosarcoidosis can affect all parts of the nervous system of which myelitis is relatively frequent. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of patients with myelitis attributable to neurosarcoidosis.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective cohort study and a systematic review and meta-analysis of neurosarcoidosis-associated myelitis.
RESULTS
Myelitis was identified in 41 of 153 (27%) neurosarcoidosis patients seen at our clinic from 2015 to 2020. Classification of neurosarcoidosis was definite in three (7%), probable in 29 (71%) and possible in nine patients (22%). The median (interquartile range) age at onset was 49 (41-53) years and 20 of the patients were female (49%). The presenting symptoms included muscle weakness in 31 of 41 patients (78%), sensory loss in 35 (88%) and micturition abnormalities in 30 (75%). Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed longitudinally extensive myelitis in 27 of 36 patients (75%) and cerebrospinal fluid examination showed an elevated leukocyte count in 21 patients (81%). Initial treatment consisted of glucocorticoids in 38 of 41 patients (93%), with additional methotrexate or azathioprine in 21 of 41 patients (51%) and infliximab in 10 of 41 patients (24%). Treatment led to remission, improvement or stabilization of disease in 37 of 39 patients (95%). Despite treatment, 18 of 30 patients (60%) could not walk independently at the end of follow-up (median 36 months). A review of the literature published between 2000 and 2020 identified 215 patients with comparable clinical characteristics and results of ancillary investigations.
CONCLUSION
Sarcoidosis-associated myelitis is observed in 27% of neurosarcoidosis patients. Although treatment often led to a decrease in disease activity, residual neurological deficits leading to loss of ambulation occurred frequently.
Topics: Central Nervous System Diseases; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Myelitis; Retrospective Studies; Sarcoidosis
PubMed: 35189010
DOI: 10.1111/ene.15295 -
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Jan 2021Although statins have been associated with increased risk of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, their relationship with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) formation is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Although statins have been associated with increased risk of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, their relationship with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) formation is poorly understood. We systematically reviewed previously published studies reporting on the association between CMBs presence and current statin use. We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases on October 24, 2019 to identify all cohorts from randomized-controlled clinical trials or observational studies reporting on CMB prevalence and statin use. We extracted cross-sectional data on CMBs presence, as provided by each study, in association to the history of current statin use. Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates. We included 7 studies (n = 3734 participants): unselected general population [n = 1965], ischemic stroke [n = 849], hemorrhagic stroke [n = 252] and patients with hypertension over the age of 60 [n = 668]. Statin use was not associated with CMBs presence in either unadjusted (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 0.76-1.74) or adjusted analyses (OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.64-1.86). Statin use was more strongly related to lobar CMB presence (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.48-2.72) in unadjusted analysis. The effect size of this association was consistent, but no longer statistically significant in adjusted analysis that was confined to two eligible studies (OR = 2.26, 95%CI: 0.86-5.91). Except for the analysis on the unadjusted probability of lobar CMBs presence, considerable heterogeneity was present in all other analyses (I > 60%). Our findings suggest that statin treatment seems not to be associated with CMBs overall, but may increase the risk of lobar CMB formation. This hypothesis deserves further investigation within magnetic resonance imaging ancillary studies of randomized trials.
Topics: Cerebral Hemorrhage; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Stroke
PubMed: 33183779
DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117224 -
Survey of Ophthalmology 2024Diagnosis of dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) typically relies on a set of diagnostic clinical features, including decreased visual acuity, impaired color vision,... (Review)
Review
Diagnosis of dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) typically relies on a set of diagnostic clinical features, including decreased visual acuity, impaired color vision, presence of relative afferent pupillary defect, optic disc swelling and ancillary tests including visual field (VF), pattern visual evoked potential (pVEP), and apical crowding or optic nerve stretching on neuroimaging. We summarize various diagnostic methods to establish or rule out DON. A total of 95 studies (involving 4619 DON eyes) met the inclusion criteria. All of the studies considered clinical features as evidence of DON, while most of the studies confirmed DON diagnosis by combining clinical features with ancillary tests. Forty studies (42.1%) used at least 2 out of the 3 tests (VF, pVEP and neuroimaging) and 13 studies (13.7%) used all 3 tests to diagnose DON. In 64 % of the published studies regarding DON, the diagnostic methods of DON were not specified. It is important to note the limitations of relying solely on clinical features for diagnosing DON. On the other hand, since some eyes with optic neuropathy can be normal in one ancillary test, but abnormal in another, using more than one ancillary test to aid diagnosis is crucial and should be interpreted in correlation with clinical features. We found that the diagnostic methods of DON in most studies involved using a combination of specific clinical features and at least 2 ancillary tests.
Topics: Humans; Optic Nerve Diseases; Graves Ophthalmopathy; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; Visual Fields; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 38007201
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.11.009 -
Journal of Clinical Psychology Apr 2015The cultivation of mindfulness and acceptance has been theoretically and empirically associated with psychological ancillary well-being and has demonstrated efficacy in... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
The cultivation of mindfulness and acceptance has been theoretically and empirically associated with psychological ancillary well-being and has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of various disorders. Hence, mindfulness and acceptance-based treatments (MABTs) have recently been explored for the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). This review aims to evaluate the benefits of MABTs for SAD.
METHODS
Systematic review of studies investigating an MABT for individuals with SAD, using PsycInfo, Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
RESULTS
Nine studies were identified. Significant improvements in symptomatology were demonstrated following the MABT, but benefits were equivalent or less than yielded by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
LIMITATIONS
The few treatment studies available were compromised by significant methodological weaknesses and high risk of bias across domains. Studies were largely uncontrolled with small sample sizes. The hybrid nature of these interventions creates ambiguity regarding the specific utility of treatment components or combinations.
CONCLUSIONS
MABTs demonstrate significant benefits for reducing SAD symptomatology; however, outcomes should be interpreted with caution until appropriate further research is conducted. Furthermore, the benefit of MABTs above and beyond CBT must be considered tentative at best; thus, CBT remains best practice for first-line treatment of SAD.
Topics: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anxiety Disorders; Behavior; Behavior Therapy; Humans; Middle Aged; Mindfulness; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self Concept; Young Adult
PubMed: 25529254
DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22144 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Optimal breastfeeding (BF) practices are essential for child survival and proper growth and development. The purpose of this overview is to evaluate the effectiveness of...
BACKGROUND
Optimal breastfeeding (BF) practices are essential for child survival and proper growth and development. The purpose of this overview is to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions for promoting and optimizing breastfeeding.
METHODS
We included systematic reviews (SRs) [including trials from Low-Income (LICs) and Low Middle-Income countries (LMICs)] that have evaluated the effect of various interventions for promoting and optimizing breastfeeding and excluded non-systematic reviews, and SRs based on observational studies. We searched various electronic databases. We followed the standard methodology as suggested by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two sets of reviewers undertook screening followed by data extraction and assessment of the methodological quality of included SRs.
RESULT
We identified and screened 1,002 Cochrane SRs and included six SRs in this overview. Included SRs reported only two of the primary outcomes, early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and/or exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). None of the included SR reported continued BF up to 2 years of age. The results were evaluated using two major comparisons groups: BF intervention against routine care and one type of BF intervention vs. other types of BF intervention. Overall results from included SRs showed that there were improvements in the rates of EIBF and EBF among women who received BF intervention such as BF education sessions and support compared to those women who received only standard care. However, BF intervention mobile devices showed no improvements. In Target Client Communication (TCC) mobile devices intervention group, no significant improvements were reported in BF practices, and also the reported evidence was of very low certainty.
CONCLUSION
Community Based Intervention Packages (CBIP) delivered to pregnant and reproductive-age women during their Antenatal care (ANC) and/or Postnatal care (PNC) periods by Ancillary Nurse-Midwives reported the highest improvement in EIBF compared to women who received standard care. However, insufficient evidence was reported to suggest that BF intervention showed improvements in EBF in both the comparison groups. This overview highlighted the gaps in primary research regarding the uncertainty about the settings such as LICs or LMICs, lack of evidence from LMICs, and also identified gaps in the availability of reliable up-to-date SRs on the effects of several BF interventions to promote and optimize practices.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020174998, PROSPERO [CRD42020174998].
Topics: Child; Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Breast Feeding; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Prenatal Care; Communication; Uncertainty
PubMed: 36761137
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.984876 -
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention,... Mar 2015As far as we are aware, no previous systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative/descriptive literature on polypharmacy in anabolic-androgenic steroid(s) (AAS)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
As far as we are aware, no previous systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative/descriptive literature on polypharmacy in anabolic-androgenic steroid(s) (AAS) users has been published.
METHOD
We systematically reviewed and synthesized qualitative/descriptive literature gathered from searches in electronic databases and by inspecting reference lists of relevant literature to investigate AAS users' polypharmacy. We adhered to the recommendations of the UK Economic and Social Research Council's qualitative research synthesis manual and the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
A total of 50 studies published between 1985 and 2014 were included in the analysis. Studies originated from 10 countries although most originated from United States (n=22), followed by Sweden (n=7), England only (n=5), and the United Kingdom (n=4). It was evident that prior to their debut, AAS users often used other licit and illicit substances. The main ancillary/supplementary substances used were alcohol, and cannabis/cannabinoids followed by cocaine, growth hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), amphetamine/meth, clenbuterol, ephedra/ephedrine, insulin, and thyroxine. Other popular substance classes were analgesics/opioids, dietary/nutritional supplements, and diuretics. Our classification of the various substances used by AAS users resulted in 13 main groups. These non-AAS substances were used mainly to enhance the effects of AAS, combat the side effects of AAS, and for recreational or relaxation purposes, as well as sexual enhancement.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings corroborate previous suggestions of associations between AAS use and the use of other licit and illicit substances. Efforts must be intensified to combat the debilitating effects of AAS-associated polypharmacy.
Topics: Anabolic Agents; Androgens; Drug Users; Humans; Polypharmacy; Self Medication
PubMed: 25888931
DOI: 10.1186/s13011-015-0006-5