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Frontiers in Immunology 2024Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, but the response rate remains low. Programmed cell death ligand 1... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prognostic significance of programmed cell death ligand 1 blood markers in non-small cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, but the response rate remains low. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in peripheral blood, including soluble form (sPD-L1), expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs PD-L1) and exosomes (exoPD-L1), are minimally invasive and promising markers for patient selection and management, but their prognostic significance remains inconclusive. Here, we performed a meta-analysis for the prognostic value of PD-L1 blood markers in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs.
METHODS
Eligible studies were obtained by searching PubMed, EMBAS, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library prior to November 30, 2023. The associations between pre-treatment, post-treatment and dynamic changes of blood PD-L1 levels and progression-free survival (PFS)/over survival (OS) were analyzed by estimating hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
A total of 26 studies comprising 1606 patients were included. High pre- or post-treatment sPD-L1 levels were significantly associated with worse PFS (pre-treatment: HR=1.49, 95%CI 1.13-1.95; post-treatment: HR=2.09, 95%CI 1.40-3.12) and OS (pre-treatment: HR=1.83, 95%CI 1.25-2.67; post-treatment: HR=2.60, 95%CI 1.09-6.20, P=0.032). High pre-treatment exoPD-L1 levels predicted a worse PFS (HR=4.24, 95%CI 2.82-6.38, P<0.001). Pre-treatment PD-L1 CTCs tended to be correlated with prolonged PFS (HR=0.63, 95%CI 0.39-1.02) and OS (HR=0.58, 95%CI 0.36-0.93). Patients with up-regulated exoPD-L1 levels, but not sPD-L1, after ICIs treatment had significantly favorable PFS (HR=0.36, 95%CI 0.23-0.55) and OS (HR=0.24, 95%CI 0.08-0.68).
CONCLUSION
PD-L1 blood markers, including sPD-L1, CTCs PD-L1 and exoPD-L1, can effectively predict prognosis, and may be potentially utilized for patient selection and treatment management for NSCLC patients receiving ICIs.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Lung Neoplasms; B7-H1 Antigen; Biomarkers, Tumor; Prognosis
PubMed: 38915398
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400262 -
Health Science Reports Jun 2024The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of dextrose prolotherapy on individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of dextrose prolotherapy on individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
METHODS
To conduct a thorough investigation, a variety of leading international databases were checked, including PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Sciences, EMBASE (Elsevier), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library. The search covered a period from January 2000 to the end of June 2023, which facilitated the collection of relevant studies.
RESULTS
The findings of the study revealed that when the studies utilizing the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Index tool (WOMAC) were combined, patients with KOA who received prolotherapy experienced an improvement in function compared with those who received other treatments (SMD: 0.20; 95% Confidence Interval [1]: -0.11, 0.51; value SMD = 0.221; : 78.49%; < 0.001). Additionally, there was a decrease in mean pain and stiffness among patients who received prolotherapy compared with those who received other treatments or a placebo [(SMD: -0.95; 95% CI: -1.14, -0.76; value SMD < 0.001; : 59.35%; = 0.070) and (SMD: -0.21; 95% CI: -0.32, -0.10; value SMD < 0.001; : 88.11%; < 0.001)]. Furthermore, based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, there was a reduction of 0.81 units out of 10 in mean pain for patients with KOA who received prolotherapy (SMD: -0.81; 95% CI: -5.63, 4.10; value SMD = 0.693; : 48.54%; = 0.08).
CONCLUSION
Drawing from the data analysis performed in this meta-analysis, it is apparent that dextrose prolotherapy exhibits promising effectiveness in reducing joint pain and stiffness, as well as improving functional performance in individuals suffering from KOA. Furthermore, it is recommended that forthcoming studies incorporate follow-up periods to guide decisions concerning the duration of prolotherapy's effects.
PubMed: 38915358
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2145 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature regarding the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) using... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature regarding the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), while also discussing the mid-long term functional outcomes, complications, and surgical failure rate.
METHODS
We searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for studies on OLT treated with AMIC with an average follow-up of at least 2 years. Publication information, patient data, functional scores, surgical failure rate, and complications were extracted.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies were screened and included, with 12 case series selected for meta-analysis and 3 non-randomized controlled studies chosen for descriptive analysis. The improvements in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot, and Tegner scores at the last follow-up were (SMD = - 2.825, 95% CI - 3.343 to - 2.306, P < 0.001), (SMD = 2.73, 95% CI 1.60 to 3.86, P < 0.001), (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.2, P < 0.001) respectively compared to preoperative values. The surgery failure rate was 11% (95% CI 8-15%), with a total of 12 patients experiencing complications.
CONCLUSION
The use of AMIC demonstrates a positive impact on pain management, functional improvement, and mobility enhancement in patients with OLT. It is worth noting that the choice of stent for AMIC, patient age, and OLT size can influence the ultimate clinical outcomes. This study provides evidences supporting the safety and efficacy of AMIC as a viable treatment option in real-world medical practice.
Topics: Humans; Talus; Chondrogenesis; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome; Time Factors; Cartilage, Articular
PubMed: 38915104
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04864-z -
Journal of Vascular and Interventional... Jun 2024To assess the effect of cryoablation on renal function (measured by eGFR or serum creatinine) for treating Stage I renal cancer. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To assess the effect of cryoablation on renal function (measured by eGFR or serum creatinine) for treating Stage I renal cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from inception to May 1, 2023. Cohort studies that included data on change of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine increase were included. Meta-analysis was performed by measuring the weighted mean difference and by fitting random-effect models.
RESULTS
Overall, 38 studies were included, comprising of 3,202 participants. Percutaneous cryoablation was associated with an absolute eGFFR reduction of -3.06 ml/min/1.73 m (95% CI: -4.12 to -2.01; p-value < 0.001) and serum creatinine increase of 0.05 mg/dl (95% CI: -0.02 to 0.11; p-value> 0.05). The weighted absolute mean difference of percutaneous cryoablation for treating stage T1b renal cell carcinoma was estimated at -5.19 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI: -11.1 to 0.72; p-value > 0.05). Lastly, when analyzing studies that included cohorts with solitary kidneys, the pooled weighted mean difference was estimated as -3.27 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI: -6.79 to 0.25; pvalue >0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous cryoablation for Stage 1 renal cell carcinoma has minimal significant impact on renal function (measured by eGFR or serum creatinine). The same outcome was observed in patients with larger tumors (T1b) and those with solitary kidneys.
PubMed: 38914159
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2024.06.013 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Jun 2024Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death worldwide in 2021, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, encompassing hypercholesterolemia, being a major...
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death worldwide in 2021, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, encompassing hypercholesterolemia, being a major contributing factor. A range of lipid-lowering medications is used for the management of hyperlipidemia, but the use of statins is considered as standard therapy. Unfortunately, some patients do not respond to this therapy, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Tafolecimab is a novel proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibody that inhibits the binding of PCSK9 with low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) and increases LDLR recycling, and thus it indirectly lowers circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by increasing LDL-C uptake. The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of tafolecimab in reducing LDL-C levels.
METHODS
A thorough search was conducted on Medline (PubMed), Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception until December 2023. Review Manager was used for statistical analysis. The random effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I index. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's RoB 2 tool. This review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023471020).
RESULTS
A total of four Chinese studies matched the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. A total of 726 patients were included in this review, out of which 476 patients were males. Out of four, three studies that studied the efficacy of 450 mg tafolecimab every 4 weeks in patients (n = 462) as compared to placebo (n = 224) were included in the meta-analysis. According to the pooled results, tafolecimab caused a significant decrease in LDL-C levels from baseline to week 12 as compared to placebo (MD = - 63.78, 95% CI - 65.88 to - 61.68, p value < 0.00001, I = 97%). The pooled results showed that more patients achieved ≥ 50% reductions in LDL-C levels (RR = 52.33, 95% CI 18.51-147.95, p value < 0.00001, I = 0%) and LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/L (RR = 17.27, 95% CI 9.59-31.11, p value < 0.00001, I = 0%) at week 12 in the tafolecimab group than the placebo group. Additionally, tafolecimab also caused a robust decrease in non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) levels from baseline to week 12 compared to placebo. The overall risk of bias was low, as determined by the RoB 2 tool.
CONCLUSIONS
Tafolecimab showed promising lipid-lowering efficacy and a well-tolerated safety profile. Our findings suggest its potential as an innovative therapeutic option for individuals with hypercholesterolemia; however, significant heterogeneity was observed in some results, making it difficult to come to a firm conclusion. Therefore, large-scale randomized trials are required to confirm our findings, particularly exploring the most effective dosage regimens across varied populations.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO identifier number CRD42023471020.
PubMed: 38913274
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-024-00654-4 -
Annals of Surgery Open : Perspectives... Jun 2024To assess the added value of 3-dimensional (3D) vision, including high definition (HD) technology, in laparoscopic surgery in terms of surgeon preference and clinical...
OBJECTIVE
To assess the added value of 3-dimensional (3D) vision, including high definition (HD) technology, in laparoscopic surgery in terms of surgeon preference and clinical outcome.
BACKGROUND
The use of 3D vision in laparoscopic surgery has been suggested to improve surgical performance. However, the added value of 3D vision remains unclear as a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 3D vision including HD technology in laparoscopic surgery is currently lacking.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines with a literature search up to May 2023 using PubMed and Embase (PROSPERO, CRD42021290426). We included RCTs comparing 3D versus 2-dimensional (2D) vision in laparoscopic surgery. The primary outcome was operative time. Meta-analyses were performed using the random effects model to estimate the pooled effect size expressed in standard mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The level of evidence and quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
RESULTS
Overall, 25 RCTs with 3003 patients were included. Operative time was reduced by 3D vision (-8.0%; SMD, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.06; = 0.007; n = 3003; 24 studies; = 75%) compared to 2D vision. This benefit was mostly seen in bariatric surgery (-16.3%; 95% CI, -1.28 to -0.21; = 0.006; 2 studies; n = 58; = 0%) and general surgery (-6.7%; 95% CI, -0.34 to -0.01; = 0.036; 9 studies; n = 1056; = 41%). Blood loss was nonsignificantly reduced by 3D vision (SMD, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.68 to 0.017; = 0.060; n = 1830; = 92%). No differences in the rates of morbidity (14.9% vs 13.5%, = 0.644), mortality (0% vs 0%), conversion (0.8% vs 0.9%, = 0.898), and hospital stay (9.6 vs 10.5 days, = 0.078) were found between 3D and 2D vision. In 15 RCTs that reported on surgeon preference, 13 (87%) reported that the majority of surgeons favored 3D vision.
CONCLUSIONS
Across 25 RCTs, this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated shorter operative time with 3D vision in laparoscopic surgery, without differences in other outcomes. The majority of surgeons participating in the RCTs reported in favor of 3D vision.
PubMed: 38911624
DOI: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000415 -
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral... Jun 2024Mandibular fractures are frequent in facial trauma. Management of mandibular condylar fractures (MCF) remains an ongoing matter of controversy in maxillofacial injury. A... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mandibular fractures are frequent in facial trauma. Management of mandibular condylar fractures (MCF) remains an ongoing matter of controversy in maxillofacial injury. A number of techniques, from closed reduction (CR) to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), can be effectively used to manage these fractures. The best treatment strategy, that is, closed reduction or open reduction with internal fixation, remains controversial.
AIM
The aim of this study is to systematically review the existing scientific literature to determine whether open reduction with internal fixation or closed reduction is a better treatment alternative for the patients with condylar fractures through a meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases like PubMed, google scholar and Ebsco Host were searched from 2000 to December 2021 for studies reporting management of condylar fractures through open reduction with internal fixation against closed reduction and reporting the outcome in terms of mean and standard deviation (SD). Quality assessment of included case control and cohort studies was performed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and randomized studies were evaluated using Cochrane risk-of-bias (ROB)-2 tool through its domains. The risk of bias summary graph and risk of bias summary applicability concern was plotted using RevMan software version 5.3. The standardized mean difference (SDM) was used as summary statistic measure with random effect model and p value <0.05 as statistically significant.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis, of which only nine studies were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate through the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of 0.80, 0.36 and 0.42 for maximum inter incisal opening, laterotrusion and protrusion favours CR compared to ORIF for condylar fracture management. Also, most results of heterogeneity tests were poor and most of the funnel plots showed asymmetry, indicating the presence of possible publication bias.
CONCLUSION
The results of our meta-analysis suggest that CR provides superior outcomes in terms of maximum inter incisal opening, laterotrusion and protrusion compared to ORIF in condylar fractures management. It is necessary to conduct more prospective randomized studies and properly control confounding factors to achieve effective results and gradually unify clinical guidelines.
PubMed: 38911430
DOI: 10.1007/s12663-024-02125-4 -
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral... Jun 2024To systematically review existing scientific literature to determine, compare and evaluate the sinus complication and survival rates of quad zygoma against two zygomatic... (Review)
Review
Comparative Evaluation of Sinus Complication and Survival Rates of Quad Zygoma versus Bizygoma in Combination with two Regular Implants in Atrophic Maxilla: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AIM
To systematically review existing scientific literature to determine, compare and evaluate the sinus complication and survival rates of quad zygoma against two zygomatic implants with combination of two regular implants in atrophic maxilla in adults.
METHODS
Review was performed in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines and registered in PROSPERO-CRD42023392721 Electronic databases like PubMed, Google scholar and EBSCO host were searched from 2000 to December 2022 for studies reporting treatment of Atrophic maxilla with either quad zygoma or two zygomatic implants in combination with two regular implants. Quality assessment was evaluated using Cochrane risk of bias-2 tool for randomized controlled trials (RCT). The risk of bias summary graph and risk of bias summary applicability concern was plotted using RevMan software version 5.3. The odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used as summary statistic measure with random effect model and value < 0.05 as statistically significant.
RESULTS
Eleven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis, of which only nine studies were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate through the odds ratio 0.59 signifies that the quad zygomatic implants on an average has 0.59 (0.18-1.93) times or odds of developing sinus complications while the SMD signifies that better survival rate (SR) on an average is 0.35 (- 0.61 to 1.30) times more by two zygomatic implants with combination of two regular implants as compared to quad zygomatic implants ( > 0.05). Publication bias through the funnel plot showed asymmetric distribution with systematic heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Two zygomatic implants in combination with two regular implants provides better survival rate and less sinus complications compared to quad zygoma in atrophic maxilla. Despite the high SR observed, there is a need to conduct more randomized controlled clinical trials to examine their efficacy in comparison with other techniques.
PubMed: 38911424
DOI: 10.1007/s12663-024-02136-1 -
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Jul 2024The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the clinical relevance of the different intra-articular corticosteroids (CS) effects in vivo for osteoarthritis... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the clinical relevance of the different intra-articular corticosteroids (CS) effects in vivo for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment.
METHODS
The search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science in October 2023. The PRISMA guidelines were used. Inclusion criteria: animal or human randomized controlled trials (RCTs), English language and no time limitation, on the comparison of different intra-articular CS for OA treatment. The articles' quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 and GRADE guidelines for human RCTs, and SYRCLE's tool for animal RCTs.
RESULTS
Eighteen RCTs were selected (16 human and 2 animal studies), including 1577 patients (1837 joints) and 31 animals (51 joints). The CS used were triamcinolone (14 human and 2 animal studies), methylprednisolone (7 human and 1 animal study), betamethasone (3 human studies) and dexamethasone (1 human study). All studies addressed knee OA except for three human and one animal study. A meta-analysis was performed on the comparison of methylprednisolone and triamcinolone in humans with knee OA analysing VAS pain at very short- (≤2 weeks), short- (>2 and ≤4 weeks), mid- (>4 and ≤8 weeks), long- (>8 and ≤ 12 weeks), and very long-term (>12 and ≤24 weeks). Triamcinolone showed better post-injection values compared to methylprednisolone at very short-term ( = 0.028). No difference in terms of VAS improvement was observed at any follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
The available preclinical and clinical literature provides limited evidence on the comparison of different CS, hindering the possibility of determining the best CS approach in terms of molecule and dose for the intra-articular injection of OA joints.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I.
PubMed: 38911187
DOI: 10.1002/jeo2.12060 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding...
INTRODUCTION
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Heterozygous patients have a range of symptoms, while homozygous LPL deficiency presents with severe symptoms including acute pancreatitis, xanthomas, and lipemia retinalis.
METHODS
We described the clinical characteristics of three Slovenian patients (an 8-year-old female, an 18-year-old man, and a 57-year-old female) and one Pakistani patient (a 59-year-old male) with LPL deficiency. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the gene, and Sanger sequencing for variant confirmation. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all cases with three identified variants and described their clinical characteristics.
RESULTS
Two Slovenian patients with a heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.984G>T (p.Met328Ile) were diagnosed within the first three years of life and had triglyceride (TG) values of 16 and 20 mmol/L. An asymptomatic Pakistani patient with TG values of 36.8 mmol/L until the age of 44 years, was identified as heterozygous for a pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.724G>A (p.Asp242Asn). His TG levels dropped to 12.7 mmol/L on dietary modifications and by using fibrates. A Slovenian patient who first suffered from pancreatitis at the age of 18 years with a TG value of 34 mmol/L was found to be homozygous for NM_000237.3:c.337T>C (p.Trp113Arg).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with LPL deficiency had high TG levels at diagnosis. Homozygous patients had worse outcomes. Good diet and medication compliance can reduce severity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Slovenia; Adolescent; Middle Aged; Lipoprotein Lipase; Child; Pakistan; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type I; Mutation
PubMed: 38911039
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1387419