Meta-analysis Of Clinical Data Research Articles

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional video-assisted hepatectomy for liver disease: a meta-analysis of clinical data.

IntroductionThe benefit of three-dimensional (3D) visualization for liver disease is uncertain.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 3D versus two-dimensional (2D) video-assisted hepatectomy for LD.Material and methodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Web of Science for studies addressing 3D versus 2D for 2D until 30 February 2020. Study-specific effect sizes and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to calculate the pooled value using a fixed-effects or random-effects model.ResultsNine studies with 808 patients were included. The 3D group had shorter operative time (mean difference (MD) = 34.39; 95% CI = 59.50, 9.28), experienced less intraoperative blood loss (MD = 106.55; 95% CI = 183.76, 29.34), and a smaller blood transfusion volume (MD = 88.25; 95% CI = 141.26, 35.24). The 3D group had a smaller difference between the predicted volume and the actual resected volume (MD = 103.25; 95% CI = 173.24, 33.26) and a lower rate of postoperative complications (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.91).ConclusionsDuring surgery, 3D video-assisted hepatectomy could effectively reduce operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and blood transfusion volume, and had a smaller difference between the predicted volume and the actual resected volume and a lower rate of postoperative complications. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to verify the reliability and validity of our conclusion.

Short-Term Outcomes of Self-Expandable Metallic Stent versus Decompression Tube for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Data

Purpose: To compare the short-term outcomes between self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and decompression tubes (DT) for malignant colorectal obstruction. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed from inception to 2018/12/6 covering Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library. Methodological assessments of eligible studies were performed by using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The Revman software (version 5.3) was used in our statistical analysis. Results: Totally 7 cohort studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. All the 7 eligible studies proved to be high quality according to the NOS scale. Patients receiving SEMS had higher clinical success rates, higher laparoscopic surgery rates, and higher primary anastomosis rates compared with patients receiving DT. Conclusions: Based on evidence from eastern countries, SEMS placement is an effective procedure that treats malignant colorectal obstruction. Compared with DT placement, patients receiving SEMS may benefit from higher clinical success rates, higher laparoscopic surgery rates, and higher primary anastomosis rates.

Loss of dual-specificity phosphatase-2 promotes angiogenesis and metastasis via up-regulation of interleukin-8 in colon cancer.

Dual-specificity phosphatase 2 (DUSP2) is a negative regulator of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Our previous study showed that DUSP2 expression is down-regulated in many human cancers and loss of DUSP2 promotes cancer progression; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely uncharacterized. Herein, we found that loss of DUSP2 induces angiogenesis, while forced expression of DUSP2 inhibits microvessel formation in xenografted mouse tumours. Genome-wide screening of expression profiles, and meta-analysis of clinical data, identified that the level of interleukin-8 (IL-8) correlated negatively with that of DUSP2, suggesting that it may be a downstream target of DUSP2. Molecular characterization revealed that DUSP2 inversely regulates IL-8 expression, mediated by ERK1/2 and C/EBPα-dependent transcriptional regulation. Further study showed that hypoxia-induced IL-8 expression in cancer cells is also mediated via down-regulation of DUSP2. Treatment with the IL-8 receptor inhibitor reparixin or knockdown of IL-8 in cancer cells abolished angiogenesis induced by loss of DUSP2. Functionally, knockdown of DUSP2 enhanced tumour growth and metastasis, which were abolished by treatment with reparixin or knockdown of IL-8 in an orthotopic mouse model. Taken together, our results demonstrate that hypoxia inhibits DUSP2 expression in colon cancer, leading to up-regulation of IL-8, which facilitates angiogenesis and tumour metastasis. Our findings suggest that blocking hypoxia-DUSP2-IL-8 signalling may be a plausible approach for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract POSTER-TECH-1118: Meta-analysis of cancer microarray data sets reveals a germ line expression profile in ovarian cancers: new biomarkers and potential drug targets

Abstract Overview: One of the main challenges facing oncology is the identification of highly restricted, cancer-specific biomarkers for use in early diagnostics, prognostics, patient stratification and as potential therapeutic targets, including immunotherapeutic and small drug targets. Germ line genes are normally only expressed in the reproductive organs and meiosis-specific genes are normally only activated within the foetal oocytes and/or the spermatocytes in adult males. Our work has been based on the hypothesis that these germ line genes become activated in cancers, driving the oncogenic process and serving as clinically relevant biomarkers / targets. Our approach and relevance to ovarian cancer: We have taken an in silico approach to identify human meiotic and germ line genes. We have used novel computational tools to determine whether these genes are restricted to immunologically privileged / germ line tissues in healthy adults and whether they are activated in human tumours. We have also experimentally validated these expression profiles. Our meta-analysis of human cancer gene expression microarray data reveals high incidences of germ line gene activation in human ovarian cancers1,2, suggesting that these cancers more readily take on a germ line state than other human tumour types. Subsequent laboratory-based work indicates that some of these genes are required for ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Conclusions / perspectives: Evidence is starting to emerge that human cancers adopt a more germ line state as part of the oncogenic process. In a Drosophila melanogaster brain tumour model it has been demonstrated that these germ line genes are required for oncogenesis; moreover, aberrantly expressed human germ line genes are required for the proliferation of human cancer cells in vitro. Indeed, it has been postulated that cancer cells become ‘addicted’ to these germ line factors, making them a very poorly explored pool of potential drug targets. Additionally, recent work has demonstrated that a sub-group of germ line genes can be used as powerful markers for the stratification of lung cancer patients. Our finding that ovarian cancers take on a highly active germ line transcriptional profile suggests that this might provide an important source of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ovarian cancers. 1 Feichtinger et al. (2012) Meta-analysis of clinical data using human meiotic genes identifies a novel cohort of highly restricted cancer-specific marker genes. Oncotarget 3: 843-853. 2 Feichtionger et al. (2014) Meta-analysis of expression of l(3)mbt tumour-associated germline genes supports the model that a soma-to-germline transition is a hallmark of human cancers. Int. J. Cancer 134: 2359-2365. Citation Format: Ramsay McFarlane. Meta-analysis of cancer microarray data sets reveals a germ line expression profile in ovarian cancers: new biomarkers and potential drug targets [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr POSTER-TECH-1118.

Are topical insect repellents effective against malaria in endemic populations? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundRecommended vector control tools against malaria, such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), mainly target mosquitoes that rest and feed on human hosts indoors. However, in some malaria-endemic areas, such as Southeast Asia and South America, malaria vectors primarily bite outdoors meaning that LLINs and IRS may be less effective. In these situations the use of topical insect repellents may reduce outdoor biting and morbidity from malaria. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of topical insect repellents against malaria.MethodsStudies were identified using database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and clinical trials registers), as well as reference list searches and contact with researchers. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials were included that assessed the effect of topical repellents (all active ingredients and concentrations) on Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax malaria or infection in malaria-endemic populations. Meta-analysis of clinical data was conducted in order to generate summary risk ratios.ResultsTen trials met the inclusion criteria. Studies varied in terms of repellent active ingredient and formulation, co-interventions, study population, compliance, and follow-up period. Topical repellents showed an 18% protective efficacy against P. falciparum malaria, although this was not significant (95% CI: -8%, 38%). Similarly, the average protective efficacy of topical repellents against P. vivax malaria did not reach significance (protective efficacy: 20%, 95% CI: -37%, 53%). Exclusion of non-randomized trials from the meta-analysis did not alter the findings.ConclusionsAlthough topical repellents can provide individual protection against mosquitoes, the results of this meta-analysis indicate that topical repellents are unlikely to provide effective protection against malaria. However, there was substantial heterogeneity between studies included and the relatively small number of studies meant that this heterogeneity could not be fully explored in the analysis. Further well-designed trials of topical repellents at appropriate doses and alternative modes of repellent delivery, such as spatial repellents and long-lasting insecticide-treated clothing, are required.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1475-2875-13-446) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Benefit of insecticide-treated nets, curtains and screening on vector borne diseases, excluding malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionInsecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are one of the main interventions used for malaria control. However, these nets may also be effective against other vector borne diseases (VBDs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of ITNs, insecticide-treated curtains (ITCs) and insecticide-treated house screening (ITS) against Chagas disease, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, dengue, human African trypanosomiasis, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and Tropical Disease Bulletin databases were searched using intervention, vector- and disease-specific search terms. Cluster or individually randomised controlled trials, non-randomised trials with pre- and post-intervention data and rotational design studies were included. Analysis assessed the efficacy of ITNs, ITCs or ITS versus no intervention. Meta-analysis of clinical data was performed and percentage reduction in vector density calculated.ResultsTwenty-one studies were identified which met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of clinical data could only be performed for four cutaneous leishmaniasis studies which together showed a protective efficacy of ITNs of 77% (95%CI: 39%–91%). Studies of ITC and ITS against cutaneous leishmaniasis also reported significant reductions in disease incidence. Single studies reported a high protective efficacy of ITS against dengue and ITNs against Japanese encephalitis. No studies of Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis or onchocerciasis were identified.ConclusionThere are likely to be considerable collateral benefits of ITN roll out on cutaneous leishmaniasis where this disease is co-endemic with malaria. Due to the low number of studies identified, issues with reporting of entomological outcomes, and few studies reporting clinical outcomes, it is difficult to make strong conclusions on the effect of ITNs, ITCs or ITS on other VBDs and therefore further studies be conducted. Nonetheless, it is clear that insecticide-treated materials such as ITNs have the potential to reduce pathogen transmission and morbidity from VBDs where vectors enter houses.

EEG coherence analysis in depressive disorders and its possible use in clinical practice: a literature review

Recent reviews and meta-analyses of clinical data have revealed that there is a clear need in objective biomarkers of mental disorders and, in particular, of depression. There is a lot of evidence that EEG coherence can be an important marker of depressive disorders, and can predict response to different antidepressants. The most consistent finding is a decrease of frontal interhemispheric EEG coherence which is observed for most disorders related to depression. Methodological issues are discussed with a particular emphasis on use of statistical classifiers and on coupling EEG coherence with other methods of EEG analysis.

The Cochrane Collaboration and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Data

The Cochrane Collaboration is an international not-for-profit and independent organization, dedicated to making up-to-date, accurate information about the effects of healthcare readily available worldwide. It produces and disseminates systematic reviews of healthcare interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions.

Controlled trials investigating the use of one partially hydrolyzed whey formula for dietary prevention of atopic manifestations until 60 months of age: An overview using meta-analytical techniques

As much as 30% of the pediatric population is reported to be affected by atopic symptoms, at least temporarily. Therefore, efforts at prevention at an early age are of paramount importance. A meta-analysis was undertaken with the aim of combining the results of 15 prospective, controlled trials which measure the effect of exclusive feeding (minimum of three months) of a moderately hydrolyzed whey formula (Nestlé HA formula) on the development of atopic symptoms between 3–6 and 60 months of age in children at high risk for allergy. Odds ratios, statistical methods of meta-analysis (Mantel-Haenszel, Bayesian approach), and “the number needed to treat” analysis at specific time intervals are reported. The meta-analysis of clinical data at 3–6 months of age indicates that the proportion of infants developing atopic symptoms when fed with HA is about one-fourth of the proportion of those fed with the standard cow milk formula (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.18–0.36). For the 12 months data, the proportion with HA is about one-third of the proportion in the cow milk formula group (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.19–0.44). The odds ratios between 12–24 and 60 months of age also showed a significant influence of the HA formula. No significant differences were found when the HA group was compared with breastfed infants. Computation of the “number needed to treat” resulted in an estimate that feeding three to five high risk infants HA formula rather than cow milk formula, will protect one infant from atopic symptoms. Breastfeeding or exclusive feeding of a moderately hydrolyzed formula (Nestlé HA formula) for at least three months in infants at high risk for the development of allergic disease, decreases the incidence of atopic manifestations until 60 months of age.