Publication Bias Research Articles

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between neglected tropical diseases and malnutrition: more research needed on diseases other than intestinal parasites, leishmaniasis and leprosy.

Background. According to the World Health Organization, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over two billion people worldwide. While the links between nutrition and many diseases have become clear over recent decades, NTDs have lagged behind and the linkage with nutrition is largely unknown. We conducted this systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the current knowledge on the association between NTDs and malnutrition. Methodology. PubMed, Embase, Scopus and African Journals Online databases were searched using predefined search terms. We included all original articles with a case-control design and at least one NTD. The studies had to compare nutritional parameters between infected cases and control participants. Articles that did not report original data were excluded. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled estimates were conducted using the random effect model. The publication bias of the studies was determined by funnel plots. Q and I 2 statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Results. After screening 1294 articles, only 16 qualified for the systematic review and 12 for meta-analysis. These predominately had a focus on soil-transmitted helminthiasis (ascariasis, hookworm diseases and trichuriasis) and schistosomiasis, with a minority concerning leishmaniasis and leprosy. Pooled estimates showed an association between intestinal parasites and stunting in children [odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.66, I 2 = 0%, tau2 = 0]. We also identified a moderate association established between serum iron deficiency (OR = 4.67, 95% CI: 1.91-11.44, tau2 = 0) and intestinal parasites. Conclusions/significance. Of the 20 NTDs, the links between diet and disease have been explored for only 4. There is a paucity of data from low- and middle-income countries and least-developed countries where the NTD burden is high. Therefore, more research into the role of malnutrition in NTDs other than intestinal parasites, leishmaniasis and leprosy is needed.

Prognostic values of combined ratios of white blood cells in glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gliomas, the most prevalent type of neurological tumor, pose a challenging prognosis for patients. Recent studies have underscored the importance of inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in predicting the prognosis of gliomas. We undertook a thorough meta-analysis to elucidate the role of these inflammatory markers in forecasting the prognosis of glioma patients. We extracted hazard ratios (HR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) from each study for analysis. To assess heterogeneity and identify influential studies, we conducted sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity, and we employed Egger's test to evaluate publication bias in the meta-analysis. Higher NLR levels were associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.33-1.60) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.48). There was no significant correlation between PLR levels and overall survival (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01) or progression-free survival (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98-1.02) in glioma patients. Elevated MLR levels were associated with decreased overall survival in glioma patients (HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.36-2.34). SII levels did not show any significant association with overall or progression-free survival in glioma patients (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99-1.01).In the sensitivity analysis, two studies potentially contributed to the instability. Subgroup analyses showed patient population and area were identified as potential sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test showed that there was publication bias in the relationship between NLR and PLR and overall survival (P < 0.05).All randomized controlled models, except for these, were not affected by publication bias. NLR and MLR are two reliable indicators of inflammation in the prognosis of glioma patients; PLR and SII do not have significant value in the prognosis of glioma patients.

Electronic Health Interventions and Cervical Cancer Screening: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cervical cancer is a significant cause of mortality in women. Although screening has reduced cervical cancer mortality, screening rates remain suboptimal. Electronic health interventions emerge as promising strategies to effectively tackle this issue. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of electronic health interventions in cervical cancer screening. On December 29, 2023, we performed an extensive search for randomized controlled trials evaluating electronic health interventions to promote cervical cancer screening in adults. The search covered multiple databases, including MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. These studies examined the effectiveness of electronic health interventions on cervical cancer screening. Studies published between 2013 and 2022 were included. Two independent reviewers evaluated the titles, abstracts, and full-text publications, also assessing the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on subjects, intervention type, and economic level. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used within a random-effects model to pool the relative risk of participation in cervical cancer screening. A screening of 713 records identified 14 articles (15 studies) with 23,102 participants, which were included in the final analysis. The intervention strategies used in these studies included short messaging services (4/14), multimode interventions (4/14), phone calls (2/14), web videos (3/14), and internet-based booking (1/14). The results indicated that electronic health interventions were more effective than control interventions for improving cervical cancer screening rates (relative risk [RR] 1.464, 95% CI 1.285-1.667; P<.001; I2=84%), cervical cancer screening (intention-to-treat) (RR 1.382, 95% CI 1.214-1.574; P<.001; I2=82%), and cervical cancer screening (per-protocol; RR 1.565, 95% CI 1.381-1.772; P<.001; I2=74%). Subgroup analysis revealed that phone calls (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.40-2.38), multimode (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.26-2.08), SMS (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14-1.73), and video- and internet-based booking (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.51) interventions were superior to usual care. In addition, electronic health interventions did not show a statistically significant improvement in cervical cancer screening rates among women with HPV (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.95-1.45). Electronic health interventions had a greater impact on improving cervical cancer screening rates among women in low- and middle-income areas (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.27-1.79). There were no indications of small study effects or publication bias. Electronic health interventions are recommended in cervical cancer screening programs due to their potential to increase participation rates. However, significant heterogeneity remained in this meta-analysis. Researchers should conduct large-scale studies focusing on the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. CRD42024502884; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=502884.

Exploring mindfulness interventions across cultures: a comparative meta-analysis of mindfulness interventions for athletes in Western and Eastern contexts.

Applying mindfulness training across cultures can be challenging because its internal motivation depends on values, but there are differences between Western and Eastern contexts. This meta-analysis examines the comparative impacts of the Western Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach and the culturally-adapted Chinese Mindfulness-Acceptance-Insight-Commitment (MAIC) mindfulness training for athletes, to explore the importance of cultural adaptation in cross-cultural psychology to psychological skills training. This meta-analysis was registered with Prospero (ID: CRD42023474474) and adhered to the PRISMA principles. The PICO search methodology was employed to identify pertinent Chinese and English literature across six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP) from 2003 to 2023. The evidence originated from randomized controlled trials. Effect sizes were evaluated across three primary domains: athletic performance, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility, and heterogeneity and publication bias. Both MAC and MAIC demonstrated positive effects across all outcome categories in 18 studies. MAIC exhibited substantially larger effect sizes compared to MAC. In mindfulness (MAIC: g = 1.273, p < 0.001; MAC: g = 0.521, p = 0.001), sports performance (MAIC: g = 0.945, p = 0.015; MAC: g = 0.550, p < 0.001), MAC did not provide evidence of improved psychological flexibility (g = 0.076, p = 0.747), while MAIC demonstrated significant benefits (g = 0.964, p < 0.001). While MAIC is based on MAC, it yields more significant outcomes. This may be the "Insight" component introduced by MAIC, which skillfully integrates Eastern context. The MAIC strategy not only becomes more appropriate for local athletes but also indirectly enhances their mindfulness, athletic performance, and psychological flexibility, resulting from cultural adaptation. The new idea not only solves the culture shock caused by the direct application of Western MAC approach on Chinese athletes, but also provides a new solution to the problem that there is insufficient evidence to support the effect of the MAC approach on "psychological flexibility." Investigating differential effects between MAC and MAIC contributes to understanding the significance of culturally adapting mindfulness training and transnational movement of practices. The findings will assist practitioners in selecting evidence-based protocols tailored to athlete needs and cultural contexts. Prospero (ID: CRD42023474474).

Does agricultural cooperative membership improve farm productive performance? A meta‐regression analysis

AbstractIn this article, we provide a quantitative review of the literature on the effect of cooperative membership on farms productive performance. Based on a dataset composed of 332 estimates from 80 studies, our meta‐regression analysis suggests that the current literature suffers from a severe positive publication bias. After correcting this bias, the overall average effect of cooperative membership on farms' productive performance is positive and statistically significant, but its magnitude is small to negligible. Interestingly, we find that cooperative membership has a stronger effect on yield than on technical efficiency. We also explore how contextual variables and methodological choices affect the reported estimates in the literature.

The Unmet Treatment Need for Eating Disorders: What Has Changed in More Than 10 Years? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A minority of individuals with eating disorders seek help from health professionals qualified to provide eating disorder care. This review assessed the proportion of individuals with eating disorders who had sought help or received treatment, as an update to an earlier review conducted more than a decade ago. Three databases were searched for studies that: (1) included a community sample of help-seekers and non-help seekers, (2) used a standardized eating disorder screening instrument, and (3) assessed the percentage of participants who had sought help specifically for eating disorder concerns. Of 972 articles, 21 studies met inclusion criteria, representing 37,423 participants. The pooled proportion reporting help-seeking from any source (e.g., helpline, support groups, chat rooms as well as health professionals) was 30% and the pooled proportion reporting formal treatment seeking from health professionals (e.g., psychologist) specifically for eating disorder concerns was 32%. However, there was evidence of publication bias across studies. These rates suggest little to no improvement in the unmet need for treatment since the last review with studies continuing to focus on white adult women. Help-seeking rates among other populations remain unclear and there is an urgent need to understand reasons for overall low help-seeking rates. Clear definitions and measures of help-seeking with appropriate distinctions between sources of help are needed to improve our understanding of help-seeking pathways and identify solutions to facilitate help-seeking. Better visibility of health professionals qualified to provide safe and effective eating disorder care could help reduce the substantial treatment gap.

Can blood flow restriction induce cross-education of muscle strength and volume? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This research systematically assesses the effects of low-load blood flow restriction on the cross-education of muscle strength and volume, providing evidence-based guidance for clinicians and rehabilitation therapists. The literature search utilized databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration's RCT bias evaluation tool. Data synthesis, forest plot creation, and publication bias assessment were performed with Reman 5.4 software. This study is registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY), 202440038. Six meta-analyses, encompassing 259 undergraduate students, were performed. Results indicated a markedly enhanced cross-education effect in muscle strength induction via blood flow restriction, surpassing that of traditional unilateral training and control groups. Nonetheless, the cross-education impact on muscle volume induction showed no notable variance among the groups. Blood flow restriction has been shown to effectively induce cross-education in muscle strength. Nevertheless, additional research is required to determine its impact on muscle strength. Nevertheless, additional research is required to determine its impact on muscle volume cross-education. Reduced exercise intensity with blood flow restriction may augment neural activation, implying possible advantages in rehabilitative training for individuals with neurological conditionsmeriting additional investigation.

Implementation of bedside handover that includes patients or carers in hospital settings: A systematic review.

Increasing complexity in healthcare systems necessitates effective handover. While a universal structure is often recommended, many frameworks do not include the patient. A systematic review was completed examining outcomes following handover that included patients or carers using a realist-orientated paradigm. The research group used Covidence™ software and followed PRISMA guidelines. A librarian-led search of Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and SCOPUS yielded 5,790 relevant studies for screening. Included studies reported on peer-reviewed studies that assessed qualitative or quantitative outcomes resulting from patient-centred handover. To assess quality, we used the McMaster Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Patient-orientated and quantitative outcomes are reported descriptively. For qualitative outcomes, we employed a deductive analytical approach. Braun and Clarke's steps were followed to develop themes with group work used to clarify and discuss the various codes. Heterogenous reporting precluded meta-analysis. Thirty studies were eligible (10 mixed methods; 11 quantitative; 9 qualitative) with variable quality and scope. Most studies related to nursing-led bedside handover and originated in Anglophone countries. Positive effects were reported for patient satisfaction, engagement, autonomy and effective information exchange. Providers reported a positive experience but also barriers to implementation, cognitive load and reducing compliance over time. There were contradicting findings for patient-orientated outcomes including falls risk. Publication bias may have led to under reporting of negative trials. There was limited reporting on physician-led handovers that included patients. Patient-centred handover was associated with self-reported benefits for patients and providers but potential advantages over conventional handover could be undermined by barriers such as time, implementation challenges and a perceived increase in staff workload.

Comparing the properties of traditional and novel approaches to the modified Rankin scale: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the most commonly used functional measure in stroke research but is limited by inter-rater reliability (IRR). Various interventions to improve mRS application have been described. We aimed to compare properties of differing approaches to mRS assessment. Multidisciplinary databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Health and Psychosocial Instruments [OVID], CINAHL, PsycINFO [EBSCO]) were searched for adult human stroke studies describing psychometric properties of mRS. Two researchers independently screened 20% titles and abstracts, reviewed all full studies, extracted data, and conducted risk of bias (ROB) analysis. Primary outcomes for random-effects meta-analysis were IRR measured by kappa (K) and weighted kappa (KW). Validity and inter-modality reliability measures (Spearman's rho, KW) were also summarised. From 897 titles, 46 studies were eligible, including twelve differing approaches to mRS, 8608 participants. There was high ROB in 14 (30.4%) studies. Overall, reliability was substantial (n = 29 studies, K = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.58-0.71) but IRR was higher for novel approaches to mRS, for example, the Rankin Focussed Assessment (n = 2 studies, K = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98) than standard mRS (n = 13 studies, K = 0.55, 95%CI:0.46-0.64). Reliability improved following the introduction of mRS training (K = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44-0.67; vs K = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.62-0.77). Validity ranged from poor to excellent, with an excellent overall concurrent validity of novel scales (n = 6 studies, KW = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75-0.97). The agreement between face-to-face and telephone administration was substantial (n = 5 studies, KW = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74-0.87). The mRS is a valid measure of function but IRR remains an issue. The present findings are limited by a high ROB and possible publication bias. Interventions to improve mRS reliability (training, structured interview, adjudication) seem to be beneficial, but single interventions do not completely remove reliability concerns.

Enhancing emerging technology discovery in nanomedicine by integrating innovative sentences using BERT and NLDA

Abstract Purpose Nanomedicine has significant potential to revolutionize biomedicine and healthcare through innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, and regenerative medicine. This study aims to develop a novel framework that integrates advanced natural language processing, noise-free topic modeling, and multidimensional bibliometrics to systematically identify emerging nanomedicine technology topics from scientific literature. Design/methodology/approach The framework involves collecting full-text articles from PubMed Central and nanomedicine-related metrics from the Web of Science for the period 2013–2023. A fine-tuned BERT model is employed to extract key informative sentences. Noiseless Latent Dirichlet Allocation (NLDA) is applied to model interpretable topics from the cleaned corpus. Additionally, we develop and apply metrics for novelty, innovation, growth, impact, and intensity to quantify the emergence of novel technological topics. Findings By applying this methodology to nanomedical publications, we identify an increasing emphasis on research aligned with global health priorities, particularly inflammation and biomaterial interactions in disease research. This methodology provides deeper insights through full-text analysis and leading to a more robust discovery of emerging technologies. Research limitations One limitation of this study is its reliance on the existing scientific literature, which may introduce publication biases and language constraints. Additionally, manual annotation of the dataset, while thorough, is subject to subjectivity and can be time-consuming. Future research could address these limitations by incorporating more diverse data sources, and automating the annotation process. Practical implications The methodology presented can be adapted to explore emerging technologies in other scientific domains. It allows for tailored assessment criteria based on specific contexts and objectives, enabling more precise analysis and decision-making in various fields. Originality/value This study offers a comprehensive framework for identifying emerging technologies in nanomedicine, combining theoretical insights and practical applications. Its potential for adaptation across scientific disciplines enhances its value for future research and decision-making in technology discovery.

Effects of Injury Registry Data on Policy Making, Hospitalizations, and Mortality: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Initiated in 2021, a Brazilian project aims to establish a national injury registry, compiling comprehensive data on events and individuals across the country, irrespective of injury severity. The registry integrates information from prehospital and hospital care, diverse health systems lacking interoperability, and sectors such as firefighters and the police. Its primary goal is to enhance health surveillance by providing timely, high-quality information, guiding prevention strategies, and informing policy making. The project still aims to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality associated with injuries. A knowledge gap remains regarding the effects of injury registries in relation to policies and injury outcomes. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to answer "What is the effect of implementation and use of injury registry data on policy making, hospitalization, and mortality?" The systematic review follows PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, focusing on studies reporting results related to the implementation and use of injury registries, including trauma registries. Outcomes of interest include policy making, hospitalization rates or duration, and mortality. Registries within well-defined administrative boundaries will be included. Data will be collected from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, and references. Records will be independently screened by 2 reviewers, with any disagreements resolved through arbitration by a third reviewer. Homogeneous studies, with 3 or more evaluating the same outcome, may undergo meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses by registry type, injury groups, and other selected variables of interest will be conducted. Sensitivity analysis, risk of bias assessment, publication bias evaluation, and quality appraisal will also be performed. This systematic review will run from November 2023 to June 2024. No identical review was found. Search strategies were finalized, the bibliographic search started, duplicates were eliminated, and title and abstract screening began. Of 35 studies retrieved, 85 were excluded due to duplication, leaving 50 for selection. This study is timely, aligning with ongoing national efforts to implement an injury registry. By synthesizing available evidence, we will identify the potential of injury registries to guide the decisions of Brazilian policy makers. PROSPERO CRD42023481528; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=481528. PRR1-10.2196/55029.

Biological traits and biome features mediate responses of terrestrial bird demography to droughts.

Changing drought regimes are a rising threat to biodiversity, yet their impacts on wildlife vary greatly. Acknowledging the factors associated with these consequences brings novel insights into species vulnerability resulting from extreme climatic events and facilitates effective mitigation of climate change risks. Based on 319 observations from 29 peer-reviewed studies on birds-a well-monitored taxonomic group-we extract the responses of demographic metrics to droughts for 204 species across eight terrestrial biomes to examine the consequences of droughts. According to relevant studies, we chose the factors potentially moderating bird demography under droughts and compiled the data for these factors from published datasets. A meta-analysis is performed to determine the drought effect on bird demography at individual and population levels, accounting for the influence of species traits, timescale and severity of droughts, as well as biome features. The results show that droughts have an overall negative effect on bird demography, and the effect is mediated by different factors at each level. For individuals exposed to droughts, declines in demographic rates are found to be related to narrower extents of occurrence of species, and a significant overall reduction in demographic rates is identified for individuals residing in deserts and xeric shrublands. At the population level, declines in abundance or reproductive performance are generally identified for invertivores, frugivores, nectarivores and omnivores; short-lived species with small clutch sizes also show greater susceptibilities under the impacts of droughts. Our findings additionally suggest that the demographic vulnerability of bird individuals and populations could be affected by the duration and magnitude of drought episodes. Although our results are subject to publication bias, these conclusions advance the assessment of vulnerability to extreme climatic events that used to be based on equally weighted species traits and support bird conservation by prioritizing the declining populations of species with drought-susceptible traits.

Climate change and epidemiological trends of malaria and Lassa fever transmission in Nigeria (2015-2022): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Climate change exacerbates infectious disease transmission in Nigeria, a country with a high burden of infectious diseases. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the relationship between climate variability and infectious disease transmission in Nigeria. Methods: We systematically searched major databases, identifying 25 studies, with 11 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis using R version 4.4.1. Results: The meta-analysis revealed significant associations between temperature increases and malaria (pooled effect estimate = 1.034, 95% CI: 1.016-1.052) and Lassa fever (pooled effect estimate = 1.029, 95% CI: 1.015-1.043) transmission. Egger's funnel plot showed no significant publication bias, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the association between climate variability and infectious disease transmission in Nigeria. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations, including children under 5, pregnant women, the elderly, people with comorbidity, and low-income communities.

The impact of cysteine on lifespan in three model organisms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cysteine is an amino acid present in thiol proteins and often dictates their secondary structures. Although considered nonessential, cysteine may be essential for patients with certain metabolic diseases and can reduce the requirement for dietary methionine. Cysteine and some of its derivatives, such as N-acetylcysteine, are considered antioxidants and widely used in animal aging studies. To provide insights into the potential anti-aging effects of cysteine, we systematically reviewed and performed a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of cysteine supplementation on lifespan using three model organisms: mice, nematodes, and fruit flies. A total of 13 mouse studies, 13 C. elegans studies, and 5 Drosophila studies were included in the analysis. The findings revealed that cysteine supplementation significantly reduced the risk of mortality in mice and C. elegans. Subgroup analysis showed consistent results across different starting times and administration methods and revealed adverse effects of high doses on worms and a lack of effect in nondisease mouse models. Similar to mice, the effects of cysteine supplementation on Drosophila were not statistically significant, except in transgenic flies. The study identified certain limitations, including the quality of the included studies and the potential for publication bias. We also discussed uncertainties in the underlying molecular mechanisms and the clinical application of dietary cysteine.

The value of serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe early detection and intervention of liver fibrosis (LF) in patients with chronic liver disease is critical to their management. The accuracy of serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) in the diagnosis of LF remains controversial. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the value of serum M2BPGi in diagnosing LF.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The effect values were combined using a random-effects model. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. In addition, publication bias assessment and sensitivity analysis were conducted.ResultsThis study includes 12 studies with 2,416 patients. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of M2BPGi in the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (≥F2) were 0.65 (95% CI: 0.57–0.71), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.84), and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74–0.81), respectively, while those for predicting extensive fibrosis (≥F3) were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71–0.80), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.68–0.81), and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77–0.84). Sensitivity analysis indicated stable results in this study. The disease type, cut-off values, study country, average age, and male proportion were the sources of heterogeneity in diagnosing significant fibrosis of M2BPGi (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Sample size, disease type, study country, publication year, cut-off values, average age, and male proportion were important sources of heterogeneity in diagnosing extensive fibrosis (p &amp;lt; 0.05).ConclusionSerum M2BPGi has good diagnostic performance for significant fibrosis and extensive fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is an effective, non-invasive, and convenient marker.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-10-0086/.

Course of Depression and Anxiety among Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Studies

AbstractRefugees and asylum seekers are at a high risk of developing mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety. The prevalence of these disorders in refugees and asylum seekers has been well-documented in cross-sectional studies, but it is impossible to track their course over time using this research design. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis used data from existing longitudinal studies to examine the course of depression and anxiety in refugees and asylum seekers in upper-middle and high-income countries. Longitudinal studies reporting depression and anxiety were systematically searched from seven databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) and included studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and underwent Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality assessment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used to report the findings. An estimated pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety across time points was reported using a random effect model with a 95% confidence interval. Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics were conducted to assess heterogeneity among included studies, while funnel plots and Eggers tests were used to assess publication bias. Twenty longitudinal studies for depression and eight longitudinal studies for anxiety were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression and Anxiety at baseline was 23.14% (95% CI: 16.34, 29.94) and 25.33% (95% CI: 5.10, 45.57), respectively. After the baseline data collection, the pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety increased over time. Specifically, the prevalence of depression rose from 17.55% (95% CI: 6.66, 28.45) 1 year after baseline to 34.04% (95% CI: 15.45, 52.63) 3 years after baseline. Similarly, the pooled prevalence of anxiety increased from 14.96% (95% CI: 10.59, 29.33) at 1 year after baseline to 33.09% (95% CI: 26.96, 39.21) at 3 years after baseline. The prevalence of depression more than doubled over the course of 3 years, rising from 17.55% at the 1-year mark after baseline to 34.04% at the 3-year mark after baseline. Similarly, the prevalence of anxiety exhibited a significant increase from 14.96% at the 1-year mark after baseline to 33.09% at the 3-year follow-up. These findings underscore the importance of implementing early settlement interventions and designing targeted measures to mitigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among refugees and asylum seekers.

Effectiveness of exercise intervention in improving physical and mental status of patients with alcohol use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis and systematic review examined the effects of an exercise intervention on alcohol dependence and physical and mental states in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and Embase. Randomized controlled trials published in English from the inception of the database until June 30, 2024, were included. All forms of exercise intervention (aerobic, resistance, yoga, mixed exercise, etc.) were included in the study, using an exercise intervention for patients with AUD and a non-exercise control group. Studies that excluded acute exercise or did not describe a specific intervention program; duplicate publications; review articles, conference articles, etc.; and studies that did not report appropriate outcome metrics. This protocol was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol standard. The risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool as described by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Interventions. Alcohol dependence (number of drinks per day, number of drinks per week, AUDIT), physical and mental status [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), resting heart rate, anxiety state, depression state, stress level]. Seventeen RCTs with a total of 1,905 patients with alcohol use disorders were included as subjects, and the results revealed that the exercise intervention had a significant effect on alcohol dependence, the number of drinks per day and the AUDIT score, the exercise intervention also had a significant effect on physical and mental status, VO2max, the resting heart rate, the anxiety state, the depression state, and the stress level. High heterogeneity in the number of drinks per day, anxiety, depression and stress outcomes (I2 > 50%), but Egger's test showed no publication bias for all outcome indicators (p > 0.05). Exercise intervention can effectively reduce alcohol dependence and significantly improve the physical and mental states of AUD patients, and exercise intervention as an adjunct to the treatment of AUD patients is significantly effective.

Lasers efficacy in pain management after primary and secondary endodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Postoperative pain is a common concern following root canal treatments (RCT), impacting both patients and oral health practitioners. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment modalities in reducing postoperative pain compared to conventional methods after primary and secondary RCT in permanent mature teeth. A search of three electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and The Cochrane Library) was conducted, using a broad range of keywords and terms. Gray literature and manual searches were conducted to complement the search. The inclusion criteria included randomized clinical trials based on the objective of the secondary study. A minimum sample size of 10 participants per group and a clearly defined criterion for postoperative pain assessment were required. The characteristics of the included studies were presented as tables. The Cochrane collaboration tool RoB 2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias within each study. Two reviewers extracted the data and assessed the studies independently, and discrepancies were resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis to estimate the overall effect measure. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and the I2 index. Publication bias was explored via Funnel plots and Egger’s test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to assess variations among laser methods and examine the influence of independent factors. The significance threshold for all analyses was set at 5% (α = 0.05). Intraoral laser therapy demonstrated no significant advantage over conventional treatments but consistently outperformed placebo, particularly from 4 to 72 h post-treatment. Low-level laser therapy provided slight pain reduction in the first 8 h, though its effectiveness diminished in retreatment scenarios. Photodynamic therapy and laser disinfection showed marginal benefits, especially shortly after treatment, with reduced efficacy in longer-term or retreatment contexts. Further research is needed to explore different applications of laser modalities and assess distinct prognostic factors in more detail.

The Evidence Base for Circulating Tumor DNA-Methylation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) remains a challenging disease to manage with effectiveness. Early detection and precise monitoring are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers a non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring method. Emerging biomarkers, such as ctDNA methylation, have shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment in NSCLC. In this review, we examined the current evidence regarding ctDNA methylation's role in NSCLC detection through a systematic review of the existing literature and meta-analysis. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to 26 June 2024 for studies on the role of ctDNA methylation analysis in NSCLC patients. We included studies from 2010 to 2024 on NSCLC patients. We excluded case reports, non-English articles, studies on cell lines or artificial samples, those without cfDNA detection, prognostic studies, and studies with non-extractable data or mixed cancer types. Funnel plots were visually examined for potential publication bias, with a p value < 0.05 indicating bias. Meta-analysis was conducted using R packages (meta, forestplot, and mada). Combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) and area under the curve (AUC) with related Standard Error (SE) were used to evaluate the overall diagnostic performance. Additionally, RASSF1A, APC, SOX17, SEPT9, and RARβ2 were analyzed, since their methylation was assessed in two or more studies. Results: From 38 candidate papers, we finally identified 12 studies, including 472 NSCLC patients. The pooled sensitivity was 0.62 (0.47-0.77) and the specificity was 0.90 (0.85-0.94). The diagnostic odds ratio was 15.6 (95% CI 9.36-26.09) and the area under the curve was 0.249 (SE = 0.138). The positive and negative predictive values were 5.38 (95% CI 3.89-7.44) and 0.34 (95% CI 0.22-0.54), respectively. For single genes, the specificity reached 0.83~0.96, except for RARβ2, but the sensitivity was relatively low for each gene. Significant heterogeneity across the included studies, the potential publication bias for specificity (p = 0.0231), and the need to validate the clinical utility of ctDNA methylation for monitoring treatment response and predicting outcomes in NSCLC patients represent the main limitations of this study. Conclusions: These results provide evidence of the significant potential of ctDNA methylation as a valuable biomarker for improving the diagnosis of NSCLC, advocating for its integration into clinical practice to enhance patient management.

The value of lncRNAs as a biomarker for the pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are tissue-specific and highly stable and may serve as early molecular markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between aberrant expression of lncRNAs and adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients. We searched electronic databases: Embase, Medline, EBSCO, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases to find relevant articles. Included studies quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 quality assessment tool. Prognostic value of lncRNAs were pooled using risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The heterogeneity was analyzed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistical test, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Begg's test funnel plots were analyzed for publication bias. The review included nine studies. Overall, the review found that altered expression of lncRNAs was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes of GDM patients (RR: 1.616, 95%CI: 1.308-1.996), and was a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes both of Infants (RR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.30-2.17) and maternal (RR: 4.14, 95% CI: 1.90-9.03) in patients with GDM. The diagnostic procedure, diagnostic criteria, expression trend of lncRNAs, and adverse pregnancy outcomes were the sources of heterogeneity. Aberrant expression of lncRNAs was strongly associated with the adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM.