-
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Jun 2024Taping is increasingly used to manage proprioceptive deficits, but existing reviews on its impact have shortcomings. To accurately assess the effects of taping, a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Taping is increasingly used to manage proprioceptive deficits, but existing reviews on its impact have shortcomings. To accurately assess the effects of taping, a separate meta-analyses for different population groups and tape types is needed. Therefore, both between- and within-group meta-analyses are needed to evaluate the influence of taping on proprioception. According to PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted across seven databases (Web of Science, PEDro, Pubmed, EBSCO, Scopus, ERIC, SportDiscus, Psychinfo) and one register (CENTRAL) using the keywords "tape" and "proprioception". Out of 1372 records, 91 studies, involving 2718 individuals, met the inclusion criteria outlined in the systematic review. The meta-analyses revealed a significant between and within-group reduction in repositioning errors with taping compared to no tape (Hedge's g: -0.39, p < 0.001) and placebo taping (Hedge's g: -1.20, p < 0.001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses further confirmed the reliability of the overall between and within-group analyses. The between-group results further demonstrated that both elastic tape and rigid tape had similar efficacy to improve repositioning errors in both healthy and fatigued populations. Additional analyses on the threshold to detection of passive motion and active movement extent discrimination apparatus revealed no significant influence of taping. In conclusion, the findings highlight the potential of taping to enhance joint repositioning accuracy compared to no tape or placebo taping. Further research needs to uncover underlying mechanisms and refine the application of taping for diverse populations with proprioceptive deficits.
Topics: Humans; Proprioception; Athletic Tape
PubMed: 38890668
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07571-2 -
Open Heart Jun 2024Neurocardiogenic syncope is a common condition with significant associated psychological and physical morbidity. The effectiveness of therapeutic options for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neurocardiogenic syncope is a common condition with significant associated psychological and physical morbidity. The effectiveness of therapeutic options for neurocardiogenic syncope beyond placebo remains uncertain.
METHODS
The primary endpoint was the risk ratio (RR) of spontaneously recurring syncope following any therapeutic intervention. We also examined the effect of blinding on treatment efficacy. We identified all randomised trials which evaluated the effect of any pharmacological, device-based or supportive intervention on patients with a history of syncope. A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, PubMed databases and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials from 1950 to 25 April 2023. Event rates, their RRs and 95% CIs were calculated, and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for each intervention. Data analysis was performed in R using RStudio.
RESULTS
We identified 47 eligible trials randomising 3518 patients. Blinded trials assessing syncope recurrence were neutral for beta blockers, fludrocortisone and conventional dual-chamber pacing but were favourable for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.63, p<0.001), midodrine (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.94, p=0.016) and closed-loop stimulation (CLS) pacing (RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.35, p<0.001). Unblinded trials reported significant benefits for all therapy categories other than beta blockers and consistently showed larger benefits than blinded trials.
CONCLUSIONS
Under blinded conditions, SSRIs, midodrine and CLS pacing significantly reduced syncope recurrence. Future trials for syncope should be blinded to avoid overestimating treatment effects.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022330148.
Topics: Humans; Syncope, Vasovagal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Recurrence
PubMed: 38890128
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2024-002669 -
PloS One 2024Effective labor pain management is crucial for parturient well-being, as it can improve the delivery experience of pregnant women and reduce anxiety and tension. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Effective labor pain management is crucial for parturient well-being, as it can improve the delivery experience of pregnant women and reduce anxiety and tension. This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of various analgesics, classified by drug category and individual treatment methods, for labor pain control.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. All searches commenced from the database's inception to the date of the literature search (May 31, 2023). The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool assessed study bias risk. Network meta-analyses using a random-effects model and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed.
RESULTS
Fifteen randomized controlled trials evaluating analgesic interventions in ASA I or II parturients were included. Combination therapies (OR: 5.81; 95% CI, 3.76-7.84; probability: 60%) and non-opioid analgesics (OR: 5.61; 95% CI, 2.91-8.30; probability: 39.2%) were superior to placebo for labor pain relief. Specifically, dexmedetomidine/ropivacaine/sufentanil (OR: 7.32; 95% CI, 2.73-11.89; probability: 40.6%) and dexmedetomidine/ropivacaine (OR: 6.50; 95% CI, 2.51-10.33; probability: 11.9%) combinations, bupivacaine/fentanyl and ropivacaine/sufentanil combinations, and remifentanil monotherapy showed improved analgesic efficacy versus placebo. Dexmedetomidine/ropivacaine reduced parturient nausea and vomiting versus alternatives.
CONCLUSION
Non-opioids, opioids and combinations thereof effectively relieved labor pain. In addition, dexmedetomidine/ropivacaine combination demonstrated analgesic efficacy and lower nausea and vomiting incidence.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Analgesics, Opioid; Labor Pain; Network Meta-Analysis; Pain Management; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dexmedetomidine
PubMed: 38889108
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303174 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Dementia is a gradual and ongoing cognitive decline due to damage to nerve cells in the brain. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the potential relationship between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Dementia is a gradual and ongoing cognitive decline due to damage to nerve cells in the brain. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the potential relationship between regional anesthesia (RA) and the risk of dementia.
METHODS
Electronic databases including Embase, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies investigating the association between RA and dementia risk from inception to March 2022. The primary outcome was the risk of dementia in patients who underwent RA (RA group) and those who received general anesthesia (GA group). Secondary outcomes included identifying other potential risk factors for dementia and comparing dementia risk between individuals receiving RA and those not receiving surgery/anesthesia (placebo group).
RESULTS
Eight cohort studies published between 2014 and 2023 were included in this analysis. A meta-analysis of the available data demonstrated no differences in baseline characteristics and morbidities (i.e., age, male proportion, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and severe comorbidities) between the RA and GA groups (all > 0.05). Initial analysis revealed that the risk of dementia was higher in the GA group than in the RA group (HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.29-2.55, = 0.007, = 99%, five studies). However, when a study featuring a relatively younger population was excluded from the sensitivity analysis, the results showed a similar risk of dementia (HR, 1.17; = 0.13) between the GA and RA groups. The pooled results revealed no difference in dementia risk between the RA and placebo groups (HR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.69-2.07, = 0.52, = 68%, three studies). Sensitivity analysis revealed that the evidence was not stable, suggesting that limited datasets precluded strong conclusions on this outcome. Anxiety, stroke history, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes are potential predictors of dementia.
CONCLUSION
Our results emphasize that, while RA could be protective against dementia risk compared to GA, the association between the type of anesthesia and dementia risk might vary among different age groups. Owing to the significant prevalence of dementia among older people and their surgical needs, further investigations are warranted to clarify the association between dementia risk and regional anesthesia.: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023411324.
Topics: Humans; Anesthesia, General; Dementia; Anesthesia, Conduction; Risk Factors; Male; Aged; Female
PubMed: 38887243
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1362461 -
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Jun 2024Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been linked to the dysregulation in the cholinergic and endocannabinoid (EC) system. This study...
INTRODUCTION
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been linked to the dysregulation in the cholinergic and endocannabinoid (EC) system. This study systematically reviews the present literature on treatment strategies aimed at enhancing the activity of both systems in ASD models.
METHOD
We performed a systematic evaluation of literatures that investigated the effects of different therapeutic interventions on the components of the cholinergic and EC systems in ASD models, following the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Four databases were searched: Google Scholar, Web of science, EMBASE and MEDLINE/PubMed, between August 2012 and February 2023. The selected research papers' references were also examined. Twelve papers (five for cholinergic system, six for EC system and one for the two systems) were reviewed in this study of prior relevant treatment strategies that impact both systems. There were 77 studies cited in total.
RESULTS
The majority of research revealed that different therapeutic interventions down-regulated cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors, and the systems hydrolyzing enzymes and up-regulated EC, Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), and acetylcholine signaling molecules. The regulation of the components of the cholinergic and EC systems by the therapeutics generally enhanced behaviors in ASD models.
CONCLUSION
It is possible that there are therapeutic interventions assessed in one of the systems that may be effective in treating the core ASD-associated phenotype. The benefits of the reviewed therapeutic interventions in this study need to be further investigated in randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
PubMed: 38885129
DOI: 10.47626/2237-6089-2024-0791 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024The progression of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) can partially predict the occurrence of future cardiovascular events. This network meta-analysis compared the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The progression of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) can partially predict the occurrence of future cardiovascular events. This network meta-analysis compared the effects of 14 antidiabetic drugs (acarbose, alogliptin, exenatide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, ipragliflozin, metformin, nateglinide, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, sitagliptin, tofoglifozin, troglitazone, voglibose) on the progression of cIMT.
METHOD
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to screen all clinical trials of treatment of cIMT with hypoglycemic agents before March 1, 2024. The differences in the changes in cIMT between the treatment group and control group were evaluated.
RESULT
After screening 8395 citations, 25 studies (6675 patients) were included. The results indicated that exenatide had the best efficacy in slowing down cIMT progress, and exenatide [MD=-0.13,95%CI (-0.25, -0.01)], alogliptin [MD=-0.08,95%CI (-0.13, -0.02)] and metformin [MD=-0.05, 95%CI (-0.09, -0.02)] are more effective than placebo.
CONCLUSION
Long-term treatment of exenatide, alogliptin, and metformin may be more effective than other hypoglycemic drugs in slowing the progression of cIMT.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024519474.
Topics: Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Network Meta-Analysis; Disease Progression; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
PubMed: 38883606
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1403606 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024The World Health Organization recently revised their recommendations and considered healthy children and adolescents as low priority group for COVID-19 vaccine. This...
OBJECTIVES
The World Health Organization recently revised their recommendations and considered healthy children and adolescents as low priority group for COVID-19 vaccine. This review comprehensively assessed existing clinical evidence on COVID-19 vaccine in 12-17 years old.
METHODS
Included in this review were any type of study that investigated the efficacy, immunogenicity, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine on protection against SARS-COV-2 infection in 12-17 years old. Various electronic databases were searched up to March 15, 2023. Studies were screened, data extracted, risk of bias appraised, and certainty of evidence was judged using GRADE. Review Manager 5.4 was used to estimate pooled effects. Difference between the two groups was described as mean difference for continuous variables and as relative risk or odds ratio for categorical variables.
RESULTS
There were six randomized controlled trials and 16 effectiveness studies (8 cohorts and 8 case control). Low certainty evidence showed that BNT162b2 (Pfizer) was effective, immunogenic, and safe in healthy adolescents. There were 15 effectiveness studies on BNT162b2 (Pfizer) in healthy adolescent and one on immunocompromised patients. It was protective against infection with any of the variants, with higher protection against Delta than Omicron. BNT162b2 is protective against hospitalization and emergency and urgent care (high certainty); and critical care and MIS-C (low). Very low certainty evidence noted that BNT 162b2 was also immunogenic in 12-21 years old with rheumatic diseases while on immunomodulatory treatment but with possible increased exacerbation of illness. Low certainty evidence demonstrated that mRNA-1273 (Moderna) was effective, immunogenic, and safe. Low to very low certainty evidence were noted on the safety and immunogenicity of two vector base vaccines (ChAdOx1-19 and Ad5 vector COVID vaccine) and two inactivated vaccines (CoronaVac and BBIBP CorV).
CONCLUSION
There is presently low certainty evidence on the use of RNA vaccines in 12-17 years old. The recommendation on its use is weak. There is presently insufficient evidence for the use of inactivated and vector-based COVID-19 vaccines. Different countries should consider whether to vaccinate healthy adolescent without comprising the other recommended immunization and health priorities that are crucial for this age group. Other factors including cost-effectiveness of vaccination and disease burden should be accounted.
PubMed: 38882914
DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i7.7930 -
Translational Cancer Research May 2024Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality. Combined anlotinib and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy may have synergistic...
Efficacy and safety of anlotinib in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors or not as advanced non-small cell lung cancer treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality. Combined anlotinib and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy may have synergistic antitumor effects in NSCLC. This study aimed to comparing the efficacy and safety of anlotinib and ICIs treatment, monotherapy and combination in NSCLC.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 4,308 NSCLC patients across four regimens: anlotinib, ICIs, anlotinib plus ICIs, and placebo. Efficacy outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). Safety outcomes included treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), TRAE grade three or higher (TRAE ≥3). Analyses were performed in RevMan 5.3 and R 3.5.1 (gemtc package). P<0.05 or effect estimate with 95% confidence interval (CI) that did not include 1 indicated statistical significance.
RESULTS
Fourteen publications involving 4,308 patients across four treatment regimens (anlotinib, ICIs, anlotinib plus ICIs, placebo) were included. For PFS, network meta-analysis showed all three interventions significantly improved PFS versus placebo. Anlotinib plus ICIs demonstrated the greatest PFS improvement [hazard ratio (HR) =0.24; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.36], followed by anlotinib (HR =0.37; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.58), and ICIs (HR =0.43; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.67). For OS, compared to placebo, anlotinib plus ICIs showed the greatest OS improvement (HR =0.52; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.74), followed by anlotinib (HR =0.66; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.95), and ICIs (HR =0.72; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.97). For ORR, anlotinib plus ICIs demonstrated the greatest improvement versus placebo [odds ratio (OR) =5.29; 95% CI: 3.32, 8.58], followed by anlotinib (OR =4.38; 95% CI: 2.42, 8.19), and ICIs (OR =2.17; 95% CI: 1.65, 2.89). For DCR, anlotinib plus ICIs showed the greatest improvement versus placebo (OR =13.32; 95% CI: 4.99, 45.09), followed by anlotinib (OR =5.56; 95% CI: 2.17, 14.38), and ICIs (OR =3.46; 95% CI: 1.29, 10.85). Compared to placebo, anlotinib was associated with the highest risk of TRAEs (OR =3.67, 95% CI: 1.12, 15.77), followed by ICIs (OR =1.83; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.69). Due to lack of data on anlotinib plus ICIs, no comparison was conducted. For grade ≥3 TRAEs, compared to placebo, anlotinib increased the risk (OR =3.67; 95% CI: 1.12, 15.77), while anlotinib plus ICIs (OR =2.45; 95% CI: 0.51, 11.6) and ICIs (OR =1.29; 95% CI: 0.33, 4.38) did not increase the risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Anlotinib combined with ICIs demonstrates improved efficacy over monotherapy for NSCLC treatment, without increased adverse events.
PubMed: 38881944
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1483 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jun 2024To determine the efficacy and safety of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in infants and older adults.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in infants and older adults.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials that evaluated the efficacy of maternal RSV immunization against infections in infants, as well as the efficacy of RSV vaccines in older adults. The primary outcome was the vaccine efficacy against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD). GRADE criteria was used to evaluate the level of evidence.
RESULTS
Ten trials were included in the review. For maternal vaccination, the RSV vaccine showed favourable efficacy against RSV-related LRTD (vaccine efficacy 57.3%, 95% CI 31.3 to 73.5; low certainty) and RSV-related severe LRTD (vaccine efficacy 81.9%, 95% CI 56.8 to 92.4; moderate certainty) in infants within 90 days after birth. For older adults, Meta-analysis showed that RSV vaccines could also reduce the risk of RSV-related LRTD (vaccine efficacy 78.3%, 95% CI 65.6 to 86.3; moderate certainty) and RSV-related severe LRTD (vaccine efficacy 86.5%, 95% CI 68.3 to 94.3; moderate certainty). There was no significant difference in serious adverse events between RSV vaccines and placebo.
CONCLUSION
RSV vaccines have the potential to offer protection against RSV disease in both infants and older adults, without apparent safety concerns.
PubMed: 38878994
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107118 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2024Obesity is associated with many chronic non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, gallbladder...
INTRODUCTION
Obesity is associated with many chronic non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, gallbladder disease, bone and joint disorders, skin diseases, fatty liver disease, etc. (Wharton et al., 2020) The recent report revealed that overweight and obesity were prevalent in 60 % of the adult population. Several studies have been published to determine the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. on obesity treatment, but the findings are still inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of H. sabdariffa Linn in the treatment of obesity.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from inception to February 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they explored the effect of H. sabdariffa on one of the following outcomes: body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. A random-effects model was used to meta-analyze the data. I was used to quantify statistical heterogeneity among the included RCTs. PROSPERO registered protocol: CRD42023408880.
RESULTS
A total of six RCTs with 339 participants were included. Four trials used H. sabdariffa extract in capsules as the intervention of interest compared to placebo, while the other two trials used H. sabdariffa tea compared to black or green tea. Our meta-analyses showed that the mean difference in weight reduction between H. sabdariffa and control was - 0.27 kg (95 % confidence interval (CI); - 1.98 to 1.42, I = 0.0 %). The mean differences for BMI and waist circumference reduction were - 0.06 kg/m (95 % CI; - 0.58 to 0.47, I = 0.0 %) and - 0.20 centimeters (95 % CI; - 2.06 to 1.66, I = 0.00 %). No safety concerns were reported in the included studies.
CONCLUSION
Our study did not show a clinical benefit of H. sabdariffa extract in obesity treatment. However, further high-quality RCTs with a longer treatment duration and a standard dose are still warranted.
PubMed: 38878905
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103063