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Current Developments in Nutrition Dec 2023Emerging research suggests whey protein (WP) supplementation may modify type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factors, including glucose control. As systematic reviews... (Review)
Review
Emerging research suggests whey protein (WP) supplementation may modify type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factors, including glucose control. As systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) gain importance in nutrition literature, we conducted an umbrella systematic review to chronicle published systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of RCTs pertinent to WP supplementation and T2DM modifiable risk factors. This review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews standards. Potentially eligible articles were identified via a systematic search of 5 electronic health research databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL [EBSCO], Scopus, and SPORTDiscus [EBSCO]). Included articles were assessed for quality using the "A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2" critical appraisal tool. Thirteen articles, representing 109 unique RCTs, of the 2205 identified articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine articles (69%) were deemed high quality, 2 (15%) moderate quality, and 2 (15%) low quality. Findings from this umbrella review of 13 systematic reviews, including 12 meta-analyses, suggest WP may lower hemoglobin A1c, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and fasting insulin in groups classified as overweight/obese or at risk for or with metabolic syndrome; blood triglycerides in groups classified as overweight/obese or at risk for or with metabolic syndrome; and blood pressure in groups classified as overweight/obese. WP did not differentially affect C-reactive protein, body weight, body mass index, or waist circumference, nor did it adversely affect any T2DM risk factors. Insufficient evidence precluded assessing the influence of WP on glucose control-related outcomes in groups classified at lower risk for T2DM. Information regarding WP dose, duration, or types was insufficient to draw conclusions. Collectively, evidence suggests WP supplementation may improve multiple clinical indicators of glucose control, along with triglycerides and blood pressure, in groups of adults at increased risk of developing T2DM.
PubMed: 38076400
DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102017 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Using Mesh Meta Analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene for treating Polycystic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Using Mesh Meta Analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene for treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), in order to provide evidence-based medical evidence for whether to recommend Acupuncture & Moxibustion or Combine western medicine to treat PCOS.
METHODS
Eight databases including The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Date, VIP and CBM were searched by computer. The included research period is from the establishment of the database to May 2023, which concerned with randomized controlled trials involving Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene on ovulation induction and pregnancy outcome in patients with PCOS. The duration of the research paper is from 2016 to 2023.The inclusion criteria refer to the Rotterdam standards issued by the European Center for Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in January 2003, or the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by the Endocrinology Group of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Simultaneously exclude related diseases, repetitive literature, as well as literature with incomplete abstract information and no original data provided. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias included in the study, using Stata17.0 software for a mesh meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Six randomized controlled trials were included, covering 1410 PCOS patients. Three interventions included Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene. Mesh Meta Analysis showed that in terms of improving ovulation rate, there was no statistical difference between Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A), Clomiphene (B), Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) (P>0.05).Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=0.15,95% CI (-0.51,0.80)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.60,95% CI (0.97,2.23)], Clomiphene (B) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.45,95% CI (0.91,1.99)]. In terms of pregnancy outcome, the difference between the three intervention methods was statistically significant (P<0.05). Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=-0.80,95% CI (-1.84,0.23)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=0.29,95% CI (-0.73,1.30)], and Clomiphene (B) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.09,95% CI (0.39,1.79)], The order of pregnancy rate from high to low is Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C), Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A), Clomiphene (C).In terms of influencing endometrial thickness, the difference between the three intervention methods was statistically significant (P<0.05). Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=-0.84,95% CI (-1.87,0.19)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) [MD=0.26,95% CI (-1.01,1.53)], Clomiphene (B) versus Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) [MD=1.10,95% CI (0.36,1.84)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) has the best effect on improving endometrial thickness. In subgroup analysis, the effect of Acupuncture & Moxibustion treatment frequency on ovulation rate and pregnancy rate was not statistically significant. The combination of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Electroacupuncture and warm Acupuncture & Moxibustion has no effect on the pregnancy rate, but the combination of Electroacupuncture and Clomiphene has the best effect on improving the ovulation rate. In the observation of adverse reactions, compared with clomiphene alone, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene can reduce the occurrence of Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), and reduce the occurrence of physical adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, headache and dermatitis.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture & Moxibustion is effective in improving the ovulation promoting effect and pregnancy outcome of PCOS patients. The ovulation promoting effect of Acupuncture & Moxibustion or combined with Clomiphene is similar to that of Clomiphene alone, but Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene has more advantages in improving the pregnancy rate of PCOS, and it also can reduce the adverse reactions of Clomiphene alone. Acupuncture & Moxibustion can be used as a recommended treatment for PCOS. More cases should also be included in the subgroup analysis to study the impact of Acupuncture & Moxibustion programs on clinical efficacy and further optimize the Acupuncture & Moxibustion treatment program.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier (CRD42023433057).
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Clomiphene; Pregnancy Outcome; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Moxibustion; Acupuncture Therapy; Ovulation Induction
PubMed: 38075051
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1261016 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2023Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment syndrome, primarily affecting women between the ages of 40 and 70, and conservative treatments are the first... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment syndrome, primarily affecting women between the ages of 40 and 70, and conservative treatments are the first option for mild-to-moderate CTS. However, the comparisons between extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and other non-surgical methods in the treatment of mild-to-moderate CTS remain controversial, and an updated systematic review is needed.
METHODS
An electronic search was performed, and all available articles until August 2023 were included in the analysis. The overall quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach. Meta-analyses were conducted using Manager V.5.3.3. Pooled effect sizes were expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
A total of 19 RCTs were included. Low-level quality evidence showed that ESWT outperformed the control intervention in terms of functional improvements, pain relief, electrodiagnostic parameters, and cross-sectional area of the median nerve at any time point of follow-up. Compared to local corticosteroid injection (LCI), there were statistically better improvements in functional improvements, pain relief, and electrodiagnostic parameters at 3 and 6 months of follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low-level quality evidence to show that both fESWT and rESWT are more clinically effective than controls in symptom relief, functional enhancement, and electrophysiologic parameters' improvement for patients with mild-to-moderate CTS at any time point of follow-up. Compared with LCI, ESWT yielded similar short-term (<1 month) but better medium- (1-6 months) and long-term (>6 months) improvements in pain relief and functional recovery with fewer potential complications.
PubMed: 38068415
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237363 -
Critical Care and Resuscitation :... Dec 2022Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs commonly in intensive care units. The reported mortality rates in studies evaluating ARDS are highly variable. To...
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs commonly in intensive care units. The reported mortality rates in studies evaluating ARDS are highly variable. To investigate mortality rates due to ARDS from before the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic began until the start of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We performed a systematic search and then ran a proportional meta-analysis for mortality. We ran our analysis in three ways: for randomised controlled trials only, for observational studies only, and for randomised controlled trials and observational studies combined. MEDLINE and Embase, using a highly sensitive criterion and limiting the search to studies published from January 2009 to December 2019. Two of us independently screened titles and abstracts to first identify studies and then complete full text reviews of selected studies. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB-2 (a risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials) and the Cochrane ROBINS-1 (a risk-of-bias tool for non-randomised studies of interventions). We screened 5844 citations, of which 102 fully met our inclusion criteria. These included 34 randomised controlled trials and 68 observational studies, with a total of 24 158 patients. The weighted pooled mortality rate for all 102 studies published from 2009 to 2019 was 39.4% (95% CI, 37.0-41.8%). Mortality was higher in observational studies compared with randomised controlled trials (41.8% [95% CI, 38.9-44.8%] 34.5% [95% CI, 30.6-38.5%]; = 0.005). Over the past decade, mortality rates due to ARDS were high. There is a clear distinction between mortality in observational studies and in randomised controlled trials. Future studies need to report mortality for different ARDS phenotypes and closely adhere to evidence-based medicine. CRD42020149712 (April 2020).
PubMed: 38047005
DOI: 10.51893/2022.4.OA4 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Nov 2023Clinical prediction models play an important role in the field of medicine. These can help predict the probability of an individual suffering from disease,... (Review)
Review
Clinical prediction models play an important role in the field of medicine. These can help predict the probability of an individual suffering from disease, complications, and treatment outcomes by applying specific methodologies. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease with a high incidence rate, huge heterogeneity, short- and long-term complications, and complex treatments. In this systematic review study, we reviewed the progress of clinical prediction models in PCOS patients, including diagnosis and prediction models for PCOS complications and treatment outcomes. We aimed to provide ideas for medical researchers and clues for the management of PCOS. In the future, models with poor accuracy can be greatly improved by adding well-known parameters and validations, which will further expand our understanding of PCOS in terms of precision medicine. By developing a series of predictive models, we can make the definition of PCOS more accurate, which can improve the diagnosis of PCOS and reduce the likelihood of false positives and false negatives. It will also help discover complications earlier and treatment outcomes being known earlier, which can result in better outcomes for women with PCOS.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Models, Statistical; Prognosis
PubMed: 38007488
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01310-2 -
Cardiology Journal 2024Bivalirudin is associated with fewer major bleeding events than heparin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but confounding effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Bivalirudin is associated with fewer major bleeding events than heparin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but confounding effects of concomitant glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, routine femoral artery access, and less potent effects of clopidogrel limits meaningful comparisons. The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare bivalirudin to heparin in contemporary practice.
METHODS
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE databases were searched for relevant studies, including comparisons between bivalirudin and heparin in the current medical era from inception to December 23, 2021. Studies reporting incidences of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and net adverse clinical events (NACE) in patients undergoing PCI and meeting the inclusion criteria were retained. Data extraction was performed by three independent reviewers.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 8 studies. Compared to heparin, bivalirudin during PCI was associated with a lower NACE risk, lower all-cause death, and similar MACE risk, with a pooled risk ratio of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.97, p = 0.02), 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.94, p = 0.002), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.78-1.10, p = 0.38), respectively. Moreover, the reduction in NACE was mainly attributed to reduced bleeding (22% reduction in the risk of major bleeding, 95% CI 0.63-0.97, p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that bivalirudin use during PCI reduced the risk of NACE and all-cause death but did not reduce the risk of MACE compared with heparin use in PCI. More studies specifically designed for anticoagulation strategies and a personalized anticoagulation regimen to comprehensively balance bleeding and ischemia risks are required.
Topics: Humans; Hirudins; Heparin; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Peptide Fragments; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Recombinant Proteins; Anticoagulants; Antithrombins; Hemorrhage; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37964648
DOI: 10.5603/cj.90956 -
Journal of Global Health Nov 2023Achieving financial risk protection for the whole population requires significant financing for health. Health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are...
BACKGROUND
Achieving financial risk protection for the whole population requires significant financing for health. Health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are plagued with persistent underfunding, and recent reductions in official development assistance have been registered. To create fiscal space for health, the pursuit of efficiency gains and exploring innovative health financing for health seem attractive. This paper sought to synthesize available evidence on the nature of innovative health financing instruments, mechanisms and policies implemented in Africa. We further reviewed the factors that hinder or facilitate implementation, the lessons learnt on the structure, the development process and the implementation.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature to analyze the nature, type, and factors impacting the implementation of innovative health financing mechanisms in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region.
RESULTS
Innovative health financing mechanisms are increasing in the WHO African region as a result of international policy, the need to improve healthy eating and social life of the populace, advocacy and the availability of international mechanisms to which countries can subscribe. The 41 documents included in this review reported ten innovative financing mechanisms in 43 out of the 47 WHO Africa region member states. The most common mechanisms include an excise tax on tobacco products (43 countries) and alcoholic beverages and spirits (41 countries), airline ticket levy (18 countries), sugar-based beverages tax (seven countries), and levy on oil, gas and mineral tax (four countries). Other mechanisms include the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) trust fund, the social impact bond, the financial transaction tax, mobile phone tax and equity funds. Funds generated from many mechanisms are not allocated to health, although some portions are allocated to health-related activities. In some countries where mechanisms implemented are public health-related, emphasis is placed on positive health behavior beyond raising funds. Persistent resistance from industries due to conflicting economic policies is a major challenge.
CONCLUSIONS
Leveraging international policies and setting up intersectoral committees to develop and implement innovative mechanisms that involve excise taxes are recommended as possible solutions to the conflicts of interest.
Topics: Humans; Healthcare Financing; World Health Organization; Financial Management; Public Policy; Alcoholic Beverages
PubMed: 37962340
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04153 -
Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny 2023Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with major complications such as necrosis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) often leads to high mortality rates despite...
INTRODUCTION
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with major complications such as necrosis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) often leads to high mortality rates despite intensive treatment.
AIM
To evaluate the effect of symbiotics (probiotics) on septic complications in patients with SAP.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases for relevant clinical trials and excluded observational studies. Quality appraisal was evaluated according to GRADE, and we assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. We included the following outcomes: C-reactive protein (CRP), APACHE II score, hospital stay, multiorgan failure (MOF), systemic inflammatory response syndrome, infected pancreatic necrosis, septicaemia, need for operation, and death. We performed the analysis of homogeneous data under a fixed-effects model, while analysis of heterogeneous data were analysed under a random-effects model. We performed the analysis of dichotomous outcomes using the risk ratio (RR) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
We included a total of 7 clinical trials. We found that there was no significant difference between both groups regarding MOF (RR = 0.60 (0.25, 1.44), = 0.26), septicaemia (RR = 0.66 (0.29, 1.50), = 0.32), death (RR = 0.66 (0.19, 2.26), = 0.51), infected pancreatic necrosis (RR = 0.50 (0.18, 1.38), = 0.18), SIRS (RR = 0.81 (0.29, 2.23), = 0.68), CRP, APACHE II score, and hospital stay.
CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to some published trials, our meta-analysis concludes that the use of probiotics in patients with SAP is not effective in reducing the mortality rate, septic complications, and need for operation.
PubMed: 37937109
DOI: 10.5114/pg.2022.118164 -
International Journal of Surgery... Dec 2023
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Joint Diseases; Osteotomy; Wrist Joint; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Arthroscopy
PubMed: 37916929
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000722 -
Hand Therapy Dec 2022The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence regarding prognostic factors for persistent pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), after... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence regarding prognostic factors for persistent pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), after a distal radius fracture (DRF), a common condition after which persistent pain can develop.
METHODS
Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Psychinfo, CINAHL, BNI, AMED and the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials were searched from inception to May 2021 for prospective longitudinal prognostic factor studies investigating persistent pain in adults who had sustained a DRF. The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework were used to assess the strength of evidence.
RESULTS
A search yielded 440 studies of which 7 studies met full eligibility criteria. From five studies we found low evidence for high baseline pain or an ulnar styloid fracture as prognostic factors for persistent pain, and very low evidence for diabetes or older age. From two studies, investigating an outcome of CRPS, there was low evidence for high baseline pain, slow reaction time, dysynchiria, swelling and catastrophising as prognostic factors, and very low evidence for depression. Sex was found not to be a prognostic factor for CRPS or persistent pain.
CONCLUSIONS
The associations between prognostic factors and persistent pain following a DRF are unclear. The small number of factors investigated in more than one study, along with poor reporting and methodological limitations contributed to an assessment of low to very low strength of evidence. Further prospective studies, investigating psychosocial factors as candidate predictors of multidimensional pain outcomes are recommended.
PubMed: 37904895
DOI: 10.1177/17589983221124973