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Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Jun 2024Significant variation exists in the outcomes used in cancer cachexia trials, including measures of body composition, which are often selected as primary or secondary... (Review)
Review
Significant variation exists in the outcomes used in cancer cachexia trials, including measures of body composition, which are often selected as primary or secondary endpoints. To date, there has been no review of the most commonly selected measures or their potential sensitivity to detect changes resulting from the interventions being examined. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the frequency and diversity of body composition measures that have been used in cancer cachexia trials. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched between January 1990 and June 2021. Eligible trials examined adults (≥18 years) who had received an intervention aiming to treat or attenuate the effects of cancer cachexia for >14 days. Trials were also of a prospective controlled design and included body weight or at least one anthropometric, bioelectrical or radiological endpoint pertaining to body composition, irrespective of the modality of intervention (e.g., pharmacological, nutritional, physical exercise and behavioural) or comparator. Trials with a sample size of <40 patients were excluded. Data extraction used Covidence software, and reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. This review was prospectively registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022276710). A total of 84 clinical trials, comprising 13 016 patients, were eligible for inclusion. Non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer were studied most frequently. The majority of trial interventions were pharmacological (52%) or nutritional (34%) in nature. The most frequently reported endpoints were assessments of body weight (68 trials, n = 11 561) followed by bioimpedance analysis (BIA)-based estimates (23 trials, n = 3140). Sixteen trials (n = 3052) included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)-based endpoints, and computed tomography (CT) body composition was included in eight trials (n = 841). Discrepancies were evident when comparing the efficacy of interventions using BIA-based estimates of lean tissue mass against radiological assessment modalities. Body weight, BIA and DEXA-based endpoints have been most frequently used in cancer cachexia trials. Although the optimal endpoints cannot be determined from this review, body weight, alongside measurements from radiological body composition analysis, would seem appropriate. The choice of radiological modality is likely to be dependent on the trial setting, population and intervention in question. CT and magnetic resonance imaging, which have the ability to accurately discriminate tissue types, are likely to be more sensitive and provide greater detail. Endpoints are of particular importance when aligned with the intervention's mechanism of action and/or intended patient benefit.
Topics: Humans; Cachexia; Neoplasms; Body Composition; Body Weight; Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38738581
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13478 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024In the age of information technology and the additional computational search tools and software available, this systematic review aimed to identify potential therapeutic... (Review)
Review
In the age of information technology and the additional computational search tools and software available, this systematic review aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets for obesity, evaluated in silico and subsequently validated in vivo. The systematic review was initially guided by the research question "What therapeutic targets have been used in in silico analysis for the treatment of obesity?" and structured based on the acronym PECo (P, problem; E, exposure; Co, context). The systematic review protocol was formulated and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022353808) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items Checklist for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P), and the PRISMA was followed for the systematic review. The studies were selected according to the eligibility criteria, aligned with PECo, in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS, and EMBASE. The search strategy yielded 1142 articles, from which, based on the evaluation criteria, 12 were included in the systematic review. Only seven these articles allowed the identification of both in silico and in vivo reassessed therapeutic targets. Among these targets, five were exclusively experimental, one was exclusively theoretical, and one of the targets presented an experimental portion and a portion obtained by modeling. The predominant methodology used was molecular docking and the most studied target was Human Pancreatic Lipase (HPL) (n = 4). The lack of methodological details resulted in more than 50% of the papers being categorized with an "unclear risk of bias" across eight out of the eleven evaluated criteria. From the current systematic review, it seems evident that integrating in silico methodologies into studies of potential drug targets for the exploration of new therapeutic agents provides an important tool, given the ongoing challenges in controlling obesity.
Topics: Humans; Obesity; Animals; Computer Simulation; Molecular Docking Simulation; Anti-Obesity Agents; Lipase; Molecular Targeted Therapy
PubMed: 38731918
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094699 -
Cancers Apr 2024Clinical guidelines include monitoring blood test abnormalities to identify patients at increased risk of undiagnosed cancer. Noting blood test changes over time may... (Review)
Review
Clinical guidelines include monitoring blood test abnormalities to identify patients at increased risk of undiagnosed cancer. Noting blood test changes over time may improve cancer risk stratification by considering a patient's individual baseline and important changes within the normal range. We aimed to review the published literature to understand the association between blood test trends and undiagnosed cancer. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched until 15 May 2023 for studies assessing the association between blood test trends and undiagnosed cancer. We used descriptive summaries and narratively synthesised studies. We included 29 articles. Common blood tests were haemoglobin (24%, n = 7), C-reactive protein (17%, n = 5), and fasting blood glucose (17%, n = 5), and common cancers were pancreatic (29%, n = 8) and colorectal (17%, n = 5). Of the 30 blood tests studied, an increasing trend in eight (27%) was associated with eight cancer types, and a decreasing trend in 17 (57%) with 10 cancer types. No association was reported between trends in 11 (37%) tests and breast, bile duct, glioma, haematological combined, liver, prostate, or thyroid cancers. Our review highlights trends in blood tests that could facilitate the identification of individuals at increased risk of undiagnosed cancer. For most possible combinations of tests and cancers, there was limited or no evidence.
PubMed: 38730644
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091692 -
Cancers Apr 2024Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) are currently recommended for the pathologic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) are currently recommended for the pathologic diagnosis of pancreatic solid lesions (PSLs). The application of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (ECEUS) could aid the endoscopist during an FNA and/or FNB procedure. CEUS is indeed able to better differentiate the pathologic tissue from the surrounding healthy pancreatic parenchyma and to detect necrotic areas and vessels.
OBJECTIVES
Our objective was to evaluate if ECEUS could reduce the number of needle passes and side effects and increase the diagnostic efficacy of FNA and/or FNB.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of clinical studies was performed to explore if ECEUS-FNA or FNB could increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of needle passes and adverse effects compared to standard EUS-FNA or FNB. In accordance with the study protocol, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evidence was planned.
RESULTS
The proportion of established diagnoses of ECEUS was 90.9% compared to 88.3% of EUS, with no statistically significant difference ( = 0.14). The diagnosis was made through a single step in 70.9% of ECEUS patients and in 65.3% of EUS patients, without statistical significance ( = 0.24). The incidence of adverse reactions was substantially comparable across both groups ( = 0.89).
CONCLUSION
ECEUS-FNA and FNB do not appear superior to standard EUS-FNA and FNB for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.
PubMed: 38730610
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091658 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Despite a lack of evidence, patients are often not fed for 48-96 h after upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB); however, many trials have demonstrated the benefits of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Despite a lack of evidence, patients are often not fed for 48-96 h after upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB); however, many trials have demonstrated the benefits of early nutrition (EN). We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RTCs) to evaluate the outcomes of EN compared to delayed nutrition (DN) after UGIB. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022372306). PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on the 27th of April 2024 to identify eligible RCTs. The primary outcomes were early (within 7 days) and late (within 30-42 days) mortality and rebleeding. Pooled risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. A total of 10 trials with 1051 patients were included in the analysis. Early mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (RR 1.20, CI 0.85-1.71, I = 0%), whereas late mortality was reduced to a clinically relevant extent in the EN group (RR 0.61, CI 0.35-1.06, I = 0%). When comparing the two groups, we found no significant difference in terms of early and late rebleeding (RR 1.04, CI 0.66-1.63, I = 0% and RR 1.16, CI 0.63-2.13, I = 0%, respectively). Our analysis also showed that the length of hospital stay was reduced in the EN group compared to the DN group (MD -1.22 days, CI: -2.43 to -0.01, I = 94%). In conclusion, compared with DN, EN (within 24 h) appears to be a safe intervention and could reduce the length of hospital stay without increasing the risk of complications after UGIB.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Length of Stay; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38730079
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61543-z -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Accurate detection of the histological grade of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is important for patients' prognoses and treatment. Here, we investigated the...
BACKGROUND
Accurate detection of the histological grade of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is important for patients' prognoses and treatment. Here, we investigated the performance of radiological image-based artificial intelligence (AI) models in predicting histological grades using meta-analysis.
METHOD
A systematic literature search was performed for studies published before September 2023. Study characteristics and diagnostic measures were extracted. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Evaluation of risk of bias was performed by the QUADAS-2 tool.
RESULTS
A total of 26 studies were included, 20 of which met the meta-analysis criteria. We found that the AI-based models had high area under the curve (AUC) values and showed moderate predictive value. The pooled distinguishing abilities between different grades of PNETs were 0.89 [0.84-0.90]. By performing subgroup analysis, we found that the radiomics feature-only models had a predictive value of 0.90 [0.87-0.92] with I = 89.91%, while the pooled AUC value of the combined group was 0.81 [0.77-0.84] with I = 41.54%. The validation group had a pooled AUC of 0.84 [0.81-0.87] without heterogenicity, whereas the validation-free group had high heterogenicity (I= 91.65%, P=0.000). The machine learning group had a pooled AUC of 0.83 [0.80-0.86] with I = 82.28%.
CONCLUSION
AI can be considered as a potential tool to detect histological PNETs grades. Sample diversity, lack of external validation, imaging modalities, inconsistent radiomics feature extraction across platforms, different modeling algorithms and software choices were sources of heterogeneity. Standardized imaging, transparent statistical methodologies for feature selection and model development are still needed in the future to achieve the transformation of radiomics results into clinical applications.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022341852.
PubMed: 38725633
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1332387 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the double-guidewire technique along with other methods (persistent standard cannulation...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the double-guidewire technique along with other methods (persistent standard cannulation techniques, transpancreatic sphincterotomy, and pancreatic stent-assisted technique) for difficult biliary cannulation.
METHODS
Two researchers searched for literature on the efficacy and safety of the double-guidewire technique and other techniques in difficult biliary cannulation in databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The success rate of cannulation, duration of cannulation, post-ERCP pancreatitis, and overall postoperative complications were also analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software.
RESULTS
In total, 20 randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies involving 2008 participants were identified. The success rate of cannulation in the double-guidewire technique was much higher than that in persistent standard cannulation techniques [RR = 1.37, 95%CI (1.05, 1.79), = 0.02]. However, it was lower than the success rate observed with transpancreatic sphincterotomy [RR = 0.89, 95%CI (0.81, 0.97), = 0.01]. There was no significance in post-ERCP pancreatitis [RR = 1.09, 95% CI (0.85, 1.40), = 0.49], overall postoperative complications [RR = 0.90, 95% CI (0.56, 1.45), = 0.66], and duration of cannulation [SMD = -0.14, 95%C I (-1.43, 1.15), = 0.83] between the double-guidewire technique and other techniques.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that the success rate of cannulation ranged from transpancreatic sphincterotomy to the double-guidewire technique and then to persistent standard cannulation techniques.
PubMed: 38716417
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1344644 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders May 2024Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general practice. Currently, LBP is categorised into specific and non-specific causes. However,...
BACKGROUND
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general practice. Currently, LBP is categorised into specific and non-specific causes. However, extravertebral causes, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or pancreatitis, are not being considered.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed across MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library, complemented by a handsearch. Studies conducted between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2020, where LBP was the main symptom, were included.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 6040 studies, from which duplicates were removed, leaving 4105 studies for title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 265 publications were selected for inclusion, with an additional 197 publications identified through the handsearch. The majority of the studies were case reports and case series, predominantly originating from specialised care settings. A clear distinction between vertebral or rare causes of LBP was not always possible. A range of diseases were identified as potential extravertebral causes of LBP, encompassing gynaecological, urological, vascular, systemic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Notably, guidelines exhibited inconsistencies in addressing extravertebral causes.
DISCUSSION
Prior to this review, there has been no systematic investigation into extravertebral causes of LBP. Although these causes are rare, the absence of robust and reliable epidemiological data hinders a comprehensive understanding, as well as the lack of standardised protocols, which contributes to a lack of accurate description of indicative symptoms. While there are certain disease-specific characteristics, such as non-mechanical or cyclical LBP, and atypical accompanying symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or leg swelling, that may suggest extravertebral causes, it is important to recognise that these features are not universally present in every patient.
CONCLUSION
The differential diagnosis of extravertebral LBP is extensive with relatively low prevalence rates dependent on the clinical setting. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for extravertebral aetiologies, especially in patients presenting with atypical accompanying symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Pancreatitis; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38714994
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07435-9 -
Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Jun 2024Solid pancreatic masses are sampled through tissue acquisition by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Inadequate samples may significantly delay diagnosis, increasing costs and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound likely does not improve diagnostic adequacy during endoscopic ultrasound guided tissue acquisition: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Solid pancreatic masses are sampled through tissue acquisition by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Inadequate samples may significantly delay diagnosis, increasing costs and carrying risks to the patients.
AIM
assess the diagnostic adequacy of tissue acquisition using contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CEH-EUS) compared to conventional EUS.
METHODS
Five databases (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched in November 2023. Studies comparing diagnostic adequacy, accuracy and safety using CEH-EUS versus conventional EUS for tissue acquisition of solid pancreatic masses were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RoB2) and the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for non-randomized studies, level of evidence using the GRADE approach, Odds Ratios (RR) with 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) calculated and pooled using a random-effects model. I quantified heterogeneity.
RESULTS
The search identified 3858 records; nine studies (1160 patients) were included. OR for achieving an adequate sample was 1.467 (CI: 0.850-2.533), for randomized trials 0.902 (CI: 0.541-1.505), for non-randomized 2.396 (CI: 0.916-6.264), with significant subgroup difference. OR for diagnostic accuracy was 1.326 (CI: 0.890-1977), for randomized trials 0.997 (CI: 0.593-1.977) and for non-randomized studies 1.928 (CI: 1.096-3.393), significant subgroup difference (p = 0.0467). No differences were observed for technical failures or adverse events. Heterogeneity was low, risk of bias "low" to "some concerns" for most outcomes, mostly moderate for non-randomized studies.
CONCLUSION
Non-randomized studies indicated differences in favor of contrast-enhanced EUS, randomized studies showed no difference in diagnostic adequacy, accuracy or sensitivity when using CEH-EUS.
Topics: Humans; Contrast Media; Endosonography; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreas
PubMed: 38714387
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2024.04.007 -
BMC Infectious Diseases May 2024Sepsis is a common syndrome of multiorgan system dysfunction secondary to the dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. The role of pancreatic stone protein (PSP)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Sepsis is a common syndrome of multiorgan system dysfunction secondary to the dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. The role of pancreatic stone protein (PSP) in diagnosing sepsis has been investigated in previous studies. The meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively investigate the diagnostic value of PSP in identifying sepsis.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were systematically searched. Studies investigating the diagnostic performance of PSP were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive Likelihood Ratio (+ LR) and negative Likelihood Ratio (-LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) of summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) were calculated.
RESULTS
The sensitivity of PSP was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77-0.94), and the pooled specificity was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.65-0.87). Pooled + LR, -LR, and DOR were 4.1 (2.3, 7.3), 0.16 (0.07, 0.34), and 26 (7, 98). The AUC value for the SROC of PSP was 0.90 (0.87, 0.92). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, + LR and - LR, and DOR for PSP among neonates were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.96), 0.66 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.74), 3.97 (95% CI: 0.53, 29.58), 0.13 (95% CI: 0.02, 1.00), and 31.27 (95% CI: 0.97, 1004.60).
CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that PSP demonstrated favorable diagnostic accuracy in detecting sepsis. Well-designed studies are warranted to ascertain the value of PSP measurement to guide early empirical antibiotic treatment, particularly in neonates.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers; Lithostathine; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sepsis
PubMed: 38711008
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09347-4