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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to May 6, 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared MSCs and placebo or other nonsurgical approaches for treating OA. Two investigators independently searched the literature and extracted data, and conventional meta-analyses were conducted with Review Manager 5.3. The outcomes included pain relief, functional improvement, and risk of adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS
A total of 18 articles were included. Overall, MSCs were superior to placebo in terms of relieving pain and improving function at the 12-month follow-up. However, the differences in treatment-related AEs were not significant.
CONCLUSION
MSCs may relieving pain and improving function of OA. The limitations of this study include the high heterogeneity of the included studies. Additionally, the follow-up time in the included studies was relatively short, so more clinical trials are needed to predict the long-term efficacy and safety of MSCs.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5BT6E, identifier CRD42022354824.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Treatment Outcome; Osteoarthritis; Mesenchymal Stem Cells
PubMed: 38915896
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1366297 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies involving a disorganization of arteries and veins with no intervening capillaries. In the past 10 years,...
BACKGROUND
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies involving a disorganization of arteries and veins with no intervening capillaries. In the past 10 years, radiomics and machine learning (ML) models became increasingly popular for analyzing diagnostic medical images. The goal of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of current radiomic models being employed for the diagnostic, therapeutic, prognostic, and predictive outcomes in AVM management.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, in which the PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the following terms: (cerebral OR brain OR intracranial OR central nervous system OR spine OR spinal) AND (AVM OR arteriovenous malformation OR arteriovenous malformations) AND (radiomics OR radiogenomics OR machine learning OR artificial intelligence OR deep learning OR computer-aided detection OR computer-aided prediction OR computer-aided treatment decision). A radiomics quality score (RQS) was calculated for all included studies.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were included, which were all retrospective in nature. Three studies (23%) dealt with AVM diagnosis and grading, 1 study (8%) gauged treatment response, 8 (62%) predicted outcomes, and the last one (8%) addressed prognosis. No radiomics model had undergone external validation. The mean RQS was 15.92 (range: 10-18).
CONCLUSION
We demonstrated that radiomics is currently being studied in different facets of AVM management. While not ready for clinical use, radiomics is a rapidly emerging field expected to play a significant future role in medical imaging. More prospective studies are warranted to determine the role of radiomics in the diagnosis, prediction of comorbidities, and treatment selection in AVM management.
PubMed: 38915798
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1398876 -
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 -
PeerJ 2024To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Brolucizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Brolucizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies. Stata and RevMan5.4 were applied for meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment. Data on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CSFT), presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and/or subretinal fluid (SRF), participants with ≥1 serious adverse events, and participants with ≥1 adverse events were analyzed.
RESULTS
Six studies were finally included. Meta-analysis showed statistical differences in BCVA [SMD = -0.65, 95% CI [-0.17 to -0.23], < 0.05], the presence of IRF and/or SRF [RR = 0.67, 95% CI [0.56-0.79], < 0.05], and the safety of participants with ≥1 serious adverse events [RR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.39-0.84], < 0.05] between the experimental group and the control group. However, no statistical differences were observed in CSFT [SMD = -1.16, 95% CI [-2.79 to 0.47], > 0.05] or the safety of participants with ≥1 adverse events [RR = 1.07, 95% CI [0.97-1.17], > 0.05].
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to other anti-VEGF drugs such as Aflibercept and Ranibizumab, intravitreal injection of 6 mg Brolucizumab is more effective and safer for n-AMD, especially in the presence of IRF and/or SRF, and for participants with ≥1 serious adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Intravitreal Injections; Macular Degeneration; Treatment Outcome; Visual Acuity; Wet Macular Degeneration
PubMed: 38915383
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17561 -
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 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Jun 2024Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery (total mesorectal excision, TME). While achieving a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery (total mesorectal excision, TME). While achieving a complete pathological response (pCR) is a strong indicator of a positive prognosis, the specific benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy after pCR remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the potential advantages of adjuvant therapy in patients who achieve pCR.
METHODS
In this study, we searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant research. We focused on binary outcomes, analyzing them using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To account for potential variability between studies, all endpoints were analyzed with DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. We assessed heterogeneity using the I statistic and employed the R statistical software (version 4.2.3) for all analyses.
RESULTS
Thirty-four studies, comprising 31,558 patients, were included. The outcomes demonstrated a significant difference favoring the AC group in terms of overall survival (OS) (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.60-0.94; p = 0.015; I = 0%), and OS in 5 years (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.21-2.24; p = 0.001; I = 39%). There was no significant difference between the groups for disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.76-1.17; p = 0.61; I = 17%), DFS in 5 years (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.82-1.74; p = 0.36; I = 43%), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.87-1.40; p = 0.39; I = 0%), and relapse-free survival (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.78-1.51; p = 0.62; I = 0%).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant difference in favor of the ACT group in terms of survival after pCR. Therefore, the administration of this treatment as adjuvant therapy should be encouraged in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Rectal Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Treatment Outcome; Survival Analysis; Disease-Free Survival; Neoadjuvant Therapy
PubMed: 38913175
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04668-x -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024In 2019, 80% of the 7.4 million global child deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Global and regional estimates of cause of hospital death and...
In 2019, 80% of the 7.4 million global child deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Global and regional estimates of cause of hospital death and admission in LMIC children are needed to guide global and local priority setting and resource allocation but are currently lacking. The study objective was to estimate global and regional prevalence for common causes of pediatric hospital mortality and admission in LMICs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify LMIC observational studies published January 1, 2005-February 26, 2021. Eligible studies included: a general pediatric admission population, a cause of admission or death, and total admissions. We excluded studies with data before 2,000 or without a full text. Two authors independently screened and extracted data. We performed methodological assessment using domains adapted from the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Data were pooled using random-effects models where possible. We reported prevalence as a proportion of cause of death or admission per 1,000 admissions with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Our search identified 29,637 texts. After duplicate removal and screening, we analyzed 253 studies representing 21.8 million pediatric hospitalizations in 59 LMICs. All-cause pediatric hospital mortality was 4.1% [95% CI 3.4%-4.7%]. The most common causes of mortality (deaths/1,000 admissions) were infectious [12 (95% CI 9-14)]; respiratory [9 (95% CI 5-13)]; and gastrointestinal [9 (95% CI 6-11)]. Common causes of admission (cases/1,000 admissions) were respiratory [255 (95% CI 231-280)]; infectious [214 (95% CI 193-234)]; and gastrointestinal [166 (95% CI 143-190)]. We observed regional variation in estimates. Pediatric hospital mortality remains high in LMICs. Global child health efforts must include measures to reduce hospital mortality including basic emergency and critical care services tailored to the local disease burden. Resources are urgently needed to promote equity in child health research, support researchers, and collect high-quality data in LMICs to further guide priority setting and resource allocation.
PubMed: 38910960
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1397232 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024The question of whether segmentectomy and lobectomy have similar survival outcomes for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a matter of debate. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The question of whether segmentectomy and lobectomy have similar survival outcomes for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a matter of debate.
METHODS
A cohort study and randomized controlled trial were included, comparing segmentectomy and lobectomy, by utilizing computerized access to the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up until July 2022. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to evaluate the randomized controlled trials, while the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the cohort studies. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out.
RESULTS
The analysis incorporated 17 literature studies, including one randomized controlled trial and 16 cohort studies, and was divided into a segmentectomy group (n = 2081) and a lobectomy group (n = 2395) based on the type of surgery the patient underwent. Each study was followed up from 27 months to 130.8 months after surgery. Over survival (OS): HR = 1.14, 95%CI(0.97,1.32), P = 0.10; disease-free survival (DFS): HR = 1.13, 95%CI(0.91,1.41), P = 0.27; recurrence-free survival (RFS): HR = 0.95, 95%CI(0.81,1.12), P = 0.54.
CONCLUSION
The results of the study suggest that the survival outcomes of the segmentectomy group were not inferior to that of the lobectomy group. Segmentectomy should therefore be considered as a treatment option for early stage NSCLC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Pneumonectomy; Neoplasm Staging; Survival Rate
PubMed: 38909240
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02832-6 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Jun 2024
PubMed: 38908977
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.05.188 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Jun 2024Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established treatment for high and intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Recent studies...
BACKGROUND
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established treatment for high and intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Recent studies have demonstrated non-inferiority of TAVI compared to surgery in low-risk patients. In the past decade, numerous literature reviews (SLRs) have assessed the use of TAVI in different risk groups. This is the first attempt to provide an overview of SRs (OoSRs) focusing on secondary studies reporting clinical outcomes/process indicators. This research aims to summarize the findings of extant literature on the performance of TAVI over time.
METHODS
A literature search took place from inception to April 2024. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for SLRs. SLRs reporting at least one review of clinical indicators were included. Subsequently, a two-step inclusion process was conducted: [1] screening based on title and abstracts and [2] screening based on full-text papers. Relevant data were extracted and the quality of the reviews was assessed.
RESULTS
We included 33 SLRs with different risks assessed via the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score. Mortality rates were comparable between TAVI and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) groups. TAVI is associated with lower rates of major bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence, and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Vascular complications, pacemaker implantation, and residual aortic regurgitation were more frequent in TAVI patients.
CONCLUSION
This study summarizes TAVI performance findings over a decade, revealing a shift to include both high and low-risk patients since 2020. Overall, TAVI continues to evolve, emphasizing improved outcomes, broader indications, and addressing challenges.
Topics: Humans; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Risk Assessment; Aortic Valve; Postoperative Complications; Time Factors; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 38907344
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03980-2