Objective To systematically review the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of tumor-related cognitive dysfunction. Methods The PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect studies on acupuncture for the treatment of tumor-related cognitive dysfunction from the establishment of the database to February 13th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. Results A total of 16 studies involving 1 361 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the mini-mental state examination (MD=1.82, 95%CI 1.49 to 2.15, P<0.000 01) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MD=1.56, 95%CI 0.83 to 2.29, P<0.0001) scores of the acupuncture treatment group were superior to those in the control group. Furthermore, the acupuncture treatment group showed a reduced incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RR=0.50, 95%CI 0.39 to 0.63, P<0.000 01) and decreased levels of interleukin-6 (MD=−10.43, 95%CI −14.91 to −5.95, P<0.000 01), interleukin-1β (MD=−47.14, 95%CI −63.92 to −30.36, P<0.000 01), and tumor necrosis factor-α (MD=−9.13, 95%CI −12.38 to −5.89, P<0.000 01). In contrast, the visual analog scale score of the acupuncture treatment group (MD=−1.26, 95%CI −2.06 to −0.47, P=0.002) was better than that of the control group. No significant difference was found in the level of central nervous system-specific protein (S100β) (MD=−0.06, 95%CI −0.13 to 0.01, P=0.12) between the two groups. Conclusion Acupuncture therapy can improve tumor-related cognitive function in patients. Its curative effect is better than that of non-acupuncture therapy; however, its ability to reduce S100β levels is not significantly different from that of non-acupuncture therapy. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
The most important difference between systematic review and traditional narrative review lies in their respective quality, namely the degree of bias control. Generally speaking, the sources of bias include the process of literature searching, study selection, data extraction and original studies. A systematic review may greatly reduce bias, as it takes effective steps such as developing search strategies, undertaking funnel plot analysis, using established criteria for study selection, and assessment of the methodology quality of studies. All these help to control, identify and, describe the possible bias.
An increasing number of health system researchers use systematic review to synthesize research evidence to inform the development of health policies at global and national levels. However, there are methodological challenges facing the health system research in undertaking systematic reviews of health policy literatures. This paper explored the constraints and promise of systematic review as a tool for evidence-based health system research in developing countries. It introduced the systematic review method and its evolution in health research over the past decades. The paper then discussed the definition of health system research, as system science, and contrasted its features/characteristics to those of medical research. It discussed and analyzed if the systematic review could be an effective tool for evidence-based health system research, particularly in developing countries. The paper concludes that the systematic review may be a very useful tool that can be used for evidence-based health system research to address specific policy issues; however, research on some health system/policy issues may not be appropriate to use the systematic review at all.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the correlation between mTOR protein expression and different clinical pathological features as well as the response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy of cervical cancer. MethodsWe electronically searched databases including The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2015), PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, CBM, VIP and WanFang Data from inception to April 2015 to collect case-control studies investigating the correlation between mTOR protein expression and different clinical pathological features as well as the response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy of cervical cancer. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk bias of the included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total of 8 case-control studies involving 591 patients were included. Among these cases, 365 cases were in the cervical cancer group, 135 cases were in the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) group, and 91 cases were in the normal cervix tissue group. The results of meta-analysis showed that:(1) Compared with the normal cervix tissue group, mTOR protein was overexpressed in the cervical cancer group (OR=24.14, 95%CI 4.47 to 130.35, P=0.000 2) and the CIN group (OR=4.71, 95%CI 2.15 to 10.33, P=0.000 1); Compared with the CIN group, mTOR protein was overexpressed in the cervical cancer group (OR=5.12, 95%CI 2.96 to 8.86, P<0.000 01). (2) Compared with the non-lymphnode-metastasis group, mTOR protein was overexpressed in the lymph node metastasis group (OR=3.29, 95%CI 1.61 to 6.69, P=0.001); Compared with the FIGO I group, mTOR protein was overexpressed in the FIGO Ⅱ group (OR=3.00, 95%CI 1.49 to 6.04, P=0.002); Compared with the radiotherapy and chemotherapy responsive group, mTOR protein was overexpressed in the non-response group (OR=15.64, 95%CI 3.17 to 77.15, P=0.000 7). In addition, there was no significant difference between the medium/high differentiation group and low differentiation group (OR=1.70, 95%CI 0.75 to 3.81, P=0.20). ConclusionmTOR protein expression is associated with cervical cancer, and mTOR protein overexpression was associated with lymph node metastasis, higher FIGO and non-response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the above conclusion needs to be further verified by more high quality studies.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect on complication after esophagectomy by comparing the different methods of anastomosis (cervical versus thoracic anastomosis). MethodsWe searched the following databases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cervical versus thoracic anastomosis for esophagectomy patients from establishment of each database to October 30, 2014. Quality of the included RCT was evaluated. Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsWe finally identified 4 RCTs involving 267 patients. In terms of the postoperative complication, the incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR=3.83, 95%CI 1.70 to 8.63, P=0.001) with cervical anastomosis was significantly higher than that of the patients with thoracic anastomosis. However, there was no statistical difference in incidence of anastomotic stricture (RR=1.04, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.76, P=0.87), pulmonary complication (RR=0.73, 95%CI 0.27 to 1.91, P=0.52), and mortality (RR=0.89, 95%CI 0.40 to 1.97, P=0.77) between cervical and thoracic anastomosis. ConclusionCompared with thoracic anastomosis, the method of cervical anastomosis is associated with a higher incidence of anastomotic leakage. But there are many unclear factors about anastomotic stricture, pulmonary complication and mortality, further measurement should be taken.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the measurement properties of observational pain assessment scales for pediatric patients after surgery. MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycArticles, and SinoMed databases were electronically searched to collect studies related to the objects from inception to April 13, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. And the quality of measurement properties was rated using updated criteria for good measurement properties to determine recommendation levels. ResultsA total of 26 studies were finally included involving 12 observational pain assessment scales for pediatric patients after surgery. None reported measurement error or cross-cultural validity. The overall content validity of all 12 scales was evaluated by reviewers, with measurement properties rated as sufficient or inconsistent. For internal consistency, due to insufficient or uncertain content validity, the evidence quality was low. Eight scales calculated internal consistency, among which CHEOPS, CHIPPS, COMFORT, FLACC, and NCCPC-PV scales had sufficient measurement properties with evidence quality of low or above, receiving Grade A recommendations. ConclusionCompared with other scales, CHEOPS, CHIPPS, COMFORT, FLACC, and NCCPC-PV scales demonstrated good measurement property evaluation with acceptable evidence quality and can be recommended for use. Other scales still require further improvement in measurement property validation.
Objective To assess the effect and safety of clinical nutritional supplementation with different patterns for treating systematic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from MEDLINE (1996 to Nov. 2004), EMBASE (1984 to Nov. 2002), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 4, 2004), Chinese Cochrane Centre Database (Issue 4, 2004), CBMdisc (1978 to Nov. 2004). We handsearched related published and unpublished data and their references. All RCTs of nutritional interventions for SIRS were included. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently with designed extraction form. RevMan 4.2.7 software was used for data analysis. Results Six RCTs involving 353 patients were included. All the results of meta-analysis were listed as the following: ① Mortality: compared with routine nutrition, one study showed that glutamine had a statistical difference with RR 0.67 and 95%CI 0.31 to 1.32. Compared with no treatment, one study showed selenium had a statistical difference with RR 1.19, 95%CI 0.59 to 2.41. ② Compared with routine nutrition, one study showed that glutamine had a statistical difference on reducing the ratio of nasocomial infection of SIRS with RR 0.5, 95%CI 0.27 to 0.91, but had no statistical difference on reducing the ratio of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome with RR 1.53, 95%CI 0.64 to 3.66. ③ Improvement of the critical condition of SIRS: compared with routine nutrition, one study showed that glutamine had a statistical differences with WMD 4.0, 95%CI 2.36 to 5.64; compared with high calorie intake, two studies showed low calorie intake had a statistical difference with WMD 4.9, 95%CI 1.76 to 8.04. ④ Reduction of the complication of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia: compared with high calorie intake, one study showed low calorie intake had statistical difference with WMD －0.70, 95%CI －1.20 to －0.20 and WMD －1.80, 95% CI －2.42 to －1.16 respectively and all P≤0.01. ⑤ Increasing of the plasma IgG concentration: compared with routine nutrition, two studies showed that glutamine had a statistical difference with WMD 4.20, 95% CI 2.23 to 6.16. ⑥ Increasing of the nitrogen balance, intestinal permeability, the level of plasma concentration of anlbumin, prealbumin and TRF: compared with control interventions, glutamine, low calorie intake, selenium supplementation and fructose-glucose-xylitol mixture showed no statistical difference. Conclusions Glutamine, low calorie intake, selenium supplementation, FGX mixture may decrease the complication of infection or metabolism and be better than the controlled interventions; but there is no benefit on reducing the rate of death result from SIRS compared with controlled interventions. The evidence of most RCTs with poor quality is too weak to draw a conclusion. More high quality trials are required.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates in preventing and treating glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2016), CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related bisphosphonates for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis from inception to January 2016. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 20 RCTs were included, which involved 2 330 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with the placebo group, the bisphosphonates group could significantly increase the bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar and femoral neck (MD=3.70, 95%CI 2.65 to 4.75, P<0.000 01; MD=2.18, 95%CI 1.30 to 3.06, P<0.000 01), but the bisphosphonates group could not decrease the incidence rates of vertebral fracture or non-vertebral fracture (OR=0.66, 95%CI 0.38 to 1.16, P=0.15; OR=0.73, 95%CI 0.42 to 1.28, P=0.28). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of total adverse reactions and total severe adverse reactions between the two groups (OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.28, P=0.53; OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.39, P=0.72). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that, compared with placebo, bisphosphonates canld effectively prevent and treat the decrease of bone mineral density of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis, not decrease the incidence of fracture, but not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.
Objective To systematically review the health state utility values in patients with schizophrenia, and to provide references for subsequent studies on the health economics of schizophrenia. Methods The PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP databases were searched from inception to December 1st, 2021 to collect studies on health state utility values in patients with schizophrenia. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed by Stata 15.0 software. Results A total of 19 studies were included. Patients’ utility values were 0.68 (95%CI 0.59 to 0.77) for direct measures, and 0.77 (95%CI 0.75 to 0.80) and 0.66 (95%CI 0.61 to 0.70) for indirect measures with the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L as the primary scales. Utility values varied with measures, tariffs, regions, and populations. Conclusion Studies on health state utility value in schizophrenia are diversified in measurement methods, showing high inter-study heterogeneity. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the study on utility value measurement in schizophrenia in China.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of early oxygen therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MethodsWe searched databases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2015) and CBM from inception to October 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about early oxygen therapy for patients with AMI. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 7 RCTs involving 1 388 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, there were no significant differences between the oxygen therapy group and the control group in mortality (OR=1.12, 95%CI 0.57 to 2.20, P=0.75), the incidence of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (OR=1.00, 95%CI 0.46 to 2.18, P=1.00), the incidence of arrhythmia (OR=1.01, 95%CI 0.45 to 2.24, P=0.98) and the incidence of cardiac death (OR=0.53, 95%CI 0.17 to 1.67, P=0.28). But, the oxygen therapy group had higher risk of recurrent myocardial infarction (OR=5.50, 95%CI 1.44 to 20.99, P=0.01) and longer average hospital length of stay (MD=1.28, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.47, P<0.0001). ConclusionThe efficacy of early oxygen therapy for patients with AMI is not clear, even may increase the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and the average hospital length of stay. Due to the limited quantity and quality of include studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.