Summary Odds Ratios Research Articles

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Versus Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Treatment Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Meta-Analysis of Propensity Matched Studies

Introduction: There are currently limited data comparing the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to report on the summary effect estimate of overall survival and local control at 1-year based on available evidence.
 Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed from database inception until April 2020. Articles were independently screened by two reviewers and included if they reported on a propensity-matched study design comparing SBRT to TACE for the treatment of HCC with at least 1 year follow up. Event data of overall survival and local control at 1-year were extracted. A random-effects model was applied to generate summary odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).
 Results: Four studies with 606 patients were identified and included. SBRT (73.6%) and TACE (67.0%) had similar 1-year rates of OS, with an OR of 0.87 (0.56, 1.37). SBRT (88.4%) had greater local control at 1 year compared to TACE (71.7%); OR of 0.34 (0.13, 0.86).
 Conclusion: SBRT is comparable to TACE in terms of 1-year survival for the treatment HCC and may provide an advantage in terms of local control. Future controlled trials are necessary to determine the clinical advantages and best indications for each treatment.

Therapeutic efficacy and safety of pathogen-reduced platelet components: Results of a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Clinical efficacy and safety of pathogen-reduced platelet concentrates (PR-PCs) concerning bleeding prevention are still debated despite conclusive real-world data from multiple countries where PR-PCs are transfused routinely. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of conventional platelet components (PCs) and PR-PCs prepared with the amotosalen/ultraviolet A light (INTERCEPT platelet concentrate [I-PC]) or riboflavin/ultraviolet light (Mirasol platelet concentrate [M-PC]) technologies, transfused in thrombocytopenic adult patients. A literature search was conducted, and 10 RCTs met the criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Summary odds ratios (ORs) of clinically significant bleeding (World Health Organization [WHO] bleeding grade ≥2), severe bleeding (WHO bleeding score ≥3) and all-cause mortality were calculated. The use of I-PC was not associated with an increase in the OR of clinically significant bleeding when compared to non-treated PCs (OR, 1.12; 95% CI: 0.89-1.41; p = 0.33), whereas transfusions with M-PC showed an increase in clinically significant bleeding (OR, 1.34; 95% CI: 1.03-1.75; p = 0.03). The OR of severe bleeding did not increase with either I-PC or M-PC (OR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.59-1.31; p = 0.52 for I-PC; OR 1.25; 95% CI: 0.66-2.37; p = 0.49 for M-PC). In the case of all-cause mortality, compared to non-treated PC, I-PC showed an OR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.36-1.04; p = 0.07), and M-PC showed an OR of 3.04 (95% CI: 0.81-11.47; p = 0.1). No differences were observed concerning the clinical efficacy and safety of overall PR-PCs when compared to non-treated PCs. However, differences are evident when analysing platelets prepared with the two PR technologies independently.

Association of parathyroid hormone with risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes: a dose-response meta-analysis

BackgroundDespite an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been reported to be associated with a higher risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D), the comprehensive evaluation of the dose-response relationship between PTH and hypertension and T2D remains ambiguous. Therefore, a dose-response meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively investigate this association.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched up to May 2023. Random-effect models were used to estimate the summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines were used to model the dose-response association.ResultsTen articles (including 13 studies) were identified, with a total of 11,878 cases and 51,234 participants in the meta-analysis. Of these studies, eight (five cohort and three cross-sectional) studies investigated the association of PTH with hypertension; five (two cohort and three cross-sectional) studies assessed the association of PTH with T2D. The results showed a positive relationship between PTH and the risk of hypertension (OR,1.24, 95% CI: 1.16–1.33). We found a linear association between PTH and hypertension (Pnon−linearity= 0.222). In the dose-response analysis, the risk of hypertension increased 5% for every 10 pg/ml increase in PTH (OR,1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08). The pooled OR of T2D risk for a 10 pg/ml increase in PTH was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98–1.02).ConclusionsElevated PTH is associated with an increased risk of hypertension. However, the evidence of the association between PTH and T2D is limited, and more well-designed studies need to be explored.

Linking artificial sweetener intake with kidney function: insights from NHANES 2003-2006 and findings from Mendelian randomization research.

The current investigation examines the association between artificial sweetener (AS) consumption and the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), along with its impact on kidney function. We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003-2006 to conduct covariance analysis and weighted adjusted logistic regression, aiming to assess the association between artificial sweetener intake and CKD risk, as well as kidney function indicators. Subsequently, we employed Mendelian randomization methods to validate the causal relationship between the intake of artificial sweeteners, CKD risk, and kidney function indicators. Instrumental variable analysis using inverse-variance weighting and Robust adjusted profile score were the primary analytical methods employed. A total of 20,470 participants were included in the study, with 1,257 participants ultimately included in the analysis. In all adjusted logistic regression models, no significant association was found between the intake of artificial sweeteners and CKD risk. Similarly, the summary odds ratios (OR) for each unit change in genetically predicted CKD risk were 2.14 (95% CI: 0.83, 5.21, p = 0.092), 1.41 (95% CI: 0.54, 3.63, p = 0.482), and 1.50 (95% CI: 0.50, 4.52, p = 0.468) for the impact of artificial sweeteners added to cereals, tea, and coffee, respectively. It was only observed that adding artificial sweeteners to coffee was associated with a modest reduction in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: -0.108, -0.022, p = 0.003), the effect appeared to be relatively small and may not directly impact the individual level. Our study does not support a causal relationship between artificial sweetener intake and the risk of CKD. However, due to the limitations and potential confounding factors, these findings need to be further validated through larger sample sizes in observational studies and Mendelian randomization analyses.

Reproductive factors, hormonal interventions, and gastric cancer risk in the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project.

Gastric cancer incidence is higher in men, and a protective hormone-related effect in women is postulated. We aimed to investigate and quantify the relationship in the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project consortium. A total of 2,084 cases and 7,102 controls from 11 studies in seven countries were included. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) assessing associations of key reproductive factors and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with gastric cancer were estimated by pooling study-specific ORs using random-effects meta-analysis. A duration of fertility of ≥ 40years (vs. < 20), was associated with a 25% lower risk of gastric cancer (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58-0.96). Compared with never use, ever, 5-9years and ≥ 10years use of MHT in postmenopausal women, showed ORs of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.58-0.92), 0.53 (95% CI: 0.34-0.84) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.50-1.00), respectively. The associations were generally similar for anatomical and histologic subtypes. Our results support the hypothesis that reproductive factors and MHT use may lower the risk of gastric cancer in women, regardless of anatomical or histologic subtypes. Given the variation in hormones over the lifespan, studies should address their effects in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Furthermore, mechanistic studies may inform potential biological processes.

Association of genetic polymorphisms with COVID-19 infection and outcomes: An updated meta-analysis based on 62 studies

BackgroundThe relationship between genetic polymorphisms and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains to be inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to provide an updated evaluation of the role of genetic polymorphisms in the infection, severity and mortality of COVID-19 based on all available published studies. MethodsA systematic search was performed using six databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the genotypic comparison. All statistical analyses were conducted in Stata 12.0. ResultsA total of 62 studies with 19600 cases and 28899 controls was included in this meta-analysis. For COVID-19 infection, ACE Ins/Del polymorphism might be related with significantly decreased risk of COVID-19 infection under dominant, homozygote and allelic models. Meanwhile, the IFITM3 rs12252 and TMPRSS2 rs12329760 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the increased risk of COVID-19 infection under one or more models. Regarding COVID-19 severity, ACE2 rs2074192, ACE2 rs2106809, IFITM3 rs12252 and VDR rs1544410 polymorphisms might be related with significantly increased risk of COVID-19 severity in one or more models. Moreover, the analysis of TMPRSS2 rs2070788 indicated that a variant A allele decreased the risk of COVID-19 severity in recessive model. For COVID-19 mortality, the variant C allele of IFITM3 rs12252 polymorphism might be related with significantly increased risk of COVID-19 mortality under all genetic models. ConclusionsThis meta-analysis indicated that he infection, severity or mortality of COVID-19 were related to the above genetic polymorphisms, which might provide an important theoretical basis for understanding the clinical feature of COVID-19 disease.

Association between the MCP-1 -2518 A > G (rs1024611) polymorphism and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis

BackgroundStudies evaluating the association between monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) -2518 A > G (rs1024611) polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) are contradictory. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment and more reliable estimation of the relationship between the MCP-1 rs1024611 polymorphism and T2DM and DN risk.MethodsEligible articles were retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The effect summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained to calculate the summary effect size. Heterogeneity was analyzed by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Publication bias was tested using funnel plots and Egger’s test.ResultsIn total, sixteen studies were included. Thirteen studies involving 2,363 patients with T2DM and 4,650 healthy controls found no significant association between the MCP-1 rs1024611 polymorphism and T2DM in the overall population. Ethnicity stratification found an association between the GG + GA genotype and decreased T2DM risk in Caucasians (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66–0.93, P = 0.006; PQ = 0.372). No significant risks were found in the Asian population for any genetic models. Seven studies found an association between the GG + GA genotype and DN risk in the Asian population (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.11–1.71, P = 0.004, PQ = 0.222). No significant risks were found in the Caucasian population with any genetic models. There were no statistically significant differences in genotype distribution between patients with T2DM and DN in Asians or Caucasians. Meta-regression revealed that genotyping method was a major driver of heterogeneity in five genetic models (GG + GA vs. AA: P = 0.032; GG vs. GA + AA: P = 0.028; GG vs. AA: P = 0.035; GG vs. GA: P = 0.041; G vs. A: P = 0.041).ConclusionThe MCP-1 rs1024611 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to T2DM in Caucasians and DN in Asians. Larger, well-designed cohort studies are needed in the future to verify this association.

The causal association between smoking, alcohol consumption and risk of upper urinary calculi: insights from a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The causal link between smoking, alcohol consumption, and upper urinary calculi remains uncertain in observational studies due to confounding factors. To uncover potential causal associations, we utilized two-sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. Methods: Five risk factors related to lifestyles (cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index, smoking initiation, drinks per week and alcohol intake frequency) were chosen from the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). Upper urinary calculi were obtained from the FinnGen and United Kingdom Biobank consortium. Inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) was mainly used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (Cl). While diligently scrutinizing potential sources of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy via the rigorous utilization of Cochran's Q test, the MR-PRESSO method, and MR-Egger. Results: The summary OR for upper urinary calculi was 0.6 (IVW 95% CI: 0.49-0.74; p = 1.31 × 10-06) per standard deviation decrease in drinks per week. Interestingly, the genetically predicted alcohol intake frequency was associated with a significantly increased risk upper urinary calculi (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.11-1.45; p = 0.0005). Our study found no association between smoking initiation, the number of cigarettes per day, and the lifetime smoking index and the risk of upper urinary calculi. By adjusting for body mass index and education, estimates of drinks per week remained consistent in multivariate MR analyses, while alcohol intake frequency became non-significant. Conclusion: MR analysis showed that drinks per week was negatively associated with upper urinary calculi, whereas the effect of tobacco on upper urinary calculi was not significant and the detrimental effect of alcohol intake frequency on upper urinary calculi became non-significant after adjusting for BMI and education.

The impact on pregnancy outcomes of late-onset gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed during the third trimester: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence is inconsistent regarding the impact of late gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on perinatal outcomes. To evaluate associations of GDM diagnosed in the third trimester (late GDM) with adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. We searched Embase, Medline, and Web of Science from January 1, 1990 to June 16, 2022, for observational studies. Late GDM was defined as a de novo diagnosis, i.e. after a negative screening for diabetes in the second trimester, and at later than 28 weeks of pregnancy. Each abstract and full-text article was independently reviewed by the same two authors. Quality was assessed with the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Twelve studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria, including 3103 patients (571 with late GDM and 3103 controls). Incidences of shoulder dystocia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02-2.42, P = 0.040), 5-minute Apgar score <7 (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.14-2.86, P = 0.024), cesarean delivery (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.51-2.60, P < 0.001), and emergent cesarean delivery (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02-2.40, P = 0.040) were significantly higher among women with late GDM than among the controls. The groups showed similarity in the rates of fetal macrosomia, large-for-gestational-age fetuses, neonatal hypoglycemia, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This meta-analysis showed associations of late GDM with increased adverse perinatal outcomes. Prospective studies should evaluate the impact on perinatal outcomes of repeated third-trimester screening for late GDM.

The Association of Serotonin Toxicity with Combination Linezolid-Serotonergic Agent Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Linezolid (LZD) has a longstanding reported association with the onset of serotonin toxicity (ST), secondary to drug-drug interactions with serotoninergic agents. There have been no conclusive data supporting the incidence or contributing risk factors to date. The study evaluated the incidence of ST in patients treated with LZD and serotonergic agents concomitantly versus LZD alone. The secondary objectives included a comparison of ST incidence in patients treated with one serotonergic agent + LZD versus two or more serotonergic agents + LZD. The studies used for this meta-analysis were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. All studies including a comparison between LZD alone and LZD + a serotonergic agent published between 1 January 2000 and 1 October 2023 and meeting the quality standards were considered for inclusion. Fourteen studies were identified, with five meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria with no significant heterogeneity. For the analysis of LZD monotherapy vs. SA combination therapy, four studies with 6025 patients total were analyzed and yielded an odds ratio of 1.78 (CI [1.04, 3.02]; I2 = 49%; GRADE certainty: low). Four studies and 2501 patients were included in the analysis of one versus more than one SA with an odds ratio of 5.18 (CI [1.05, 25.49]; I2 = 44.87; GRADE certainty: moderate). The Newcastle-Ottawa score, visual inspection of the funnel plot, and Egger's statistic were used to evaluate quality and heterogeneity. The Peto method was used to calculate the summary odds ratios. All analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.0 and R, while GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of the final recommendation. The number of concomitant serotonergic agents may play a role in the development of serotonin toxicity in patients prescribed linezolid. In patients requiring linezolid therapy and serotonergic agents, risk versus benefit analysis should pay attention to the number of interacting drugs.

Perioperative aspirin and coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Background Although consensus guidelines demonstrate clear benefit for the continuation of aspirin in patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) following an acute coronary syndrome where risk of re-infarction outweighs bleeding risk, the evidence remains unclear in the case of elective CABG. We performed the largest to date systematic review and meta-analysis to compare outcomes between CABG patients who stopped and continued aspirin perioperatively. Methods A thorough search of PubMed, MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases was conducted to 25th July 2022 for randomized control trials that evaluated patients undergoing CABG. Summary odds ratios were calculated using a random effects model for dichotomous and continuous variables. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted in order to explore sources of heterogeneity. Results 16 eligible studies were included with a total of 6188 patients who underwent CABG. Patients who continued Aspirin perioperatively demonstrated an increased risk of all cause mortality [OR 1.37 (0.81-2.33)] and reduced risk of perioperative myocardial infarction [OR 0.81 (0.55-1.18)], however neither were statistically significant. No significant difference was observed between low-dose and higher doses of Aspirin. There was minimal heterogeneity amongst included studies (i2 = 0%, p=0.97 and i2=33%, p=0.13 respectively). Continuing aspirin produced a modest increase in postoperative blood loss [mean difference 66.12mL (-1.45-133.69)], as was a dose greater than 100mg [216.87(-152.99-586.72), p=0.60], however this was not statistically significant. Conclusion Continuing Aspirin before CABG is not associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, of perioperative myocardial infarction, and of postoperative bleeding. Future trials with more robust methodology should be aimed at further evaluating this patient cohort to guide perioperative Aspirin use.

Abstract 14161: Recreational Cannabis Use and the Risk of Atrial Arrhythmias: Evidence From a Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Introduction: Tetrahydrocannabinol is known to induce sympathetic stimulation and endothelial dysfunction, potentially increasing the susceptibility to arrhythmias. While a recent AHA consensus document outlined various cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, there was a paucity of data linking its use with arrhythmias. Therefore, we sought to investigate the association between recreational cannabis use and the risk of atrial arrhythmias. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for articles published up to April 2023 for studies that assessed the effect of the recreational use of cannabis on the risk of atrial arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation/flutter, supraventricular tachycardia). The study was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42023428219). Three reviewers independently appraised the data, with summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Our analysis included seventeen cohort studies with a total of 81,269,314 participants from North America, Europe and Oceania. Four studies were prospective observational in design. Mean age was 46 years [41-72] and mean female participation was 45% [31-83] across studies. Recreational use of cannabis was associated with a significantly higher risk of atrial arrhythmias (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.13-2.13) with high degree of heterogeneity (I2=99%). On meta-regression, mean age was not a contributing factor for the observed effect (p=0.58). Conclusions: Recreational use of cannabis was associated with 1.5-fold increased risk of atrial arrhythmias. Prospective studies are warranted to further explore this relationship and the public health implications of cannabis utilization.

Abstract 14909: Door-to-Diuretic Time and Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Recent studies have highlighted potential benefit with time-to-therapy of intravenous (IV) diuretics in patients with acute heart failure (AHF), although the data is conflicting. We sought to evaluate the impact of door-to-IV diuretic time on mortality in patients with AHF presenting to hospital. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42023394255) studies published up to February 2023 that evaluated the effect of door-to-IV diuretic time on clinical outcomes in AHF. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and the secondary outcome 30-day all-cause mortality. Three reviewers independently appraised the data, with summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Seven observational studies comprising 29,102 patients were included. Three studies were prospective in design. Diuretics of choice were furosemide or bumetanide. Early IV diuretic administration was defined as a reference range from 30 to 105 minutes. Early IV diuresis was not associated with any difference in in-hospital mortality (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.57-1.24) with high heterogeneity (I 2 =74%). However, pooled data from 4 studies evaluating 30-day outcomes demonstrated reduced 30-day mortality (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.93). Conclusion: Door-to-IV diuretic time was not associated with reduced in-hospital death but was associated with significantly improved 30-day mortality. Prospective trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of early IV diuresis across heart failure phenotypes and disease severities.

Associations of Inflammatory Biomarkers With the Risk of Morbidity and Mortality After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Although inflammatory biomarkers have been associated with cardiovascular events in nonsurgical settings, these associations have not been systematically addressed in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This review aimed to evaluate the relationships of inflammatory markers with mortality and adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Medline, Embase, and Central databases were systematically searched for studies reporting pre- or postoperative levels of inflammatory biomarkers in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Outcomes of interest were postoperative mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Studies reporting multivariable adjusted risk estimates were included. Risk estimates were pooled with the use of random-effects models and reported as summary odds ratios (ORs). Among 14,465 citations identified, 29 studies including 29,401 participants met the eligibility criteria. The average follow-up time after surgery was 31 months. Preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.60-2.20; I2= 19%; 11 studies) and MACE (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.34-2.24; I2= 0%; 3 studies). CRP levels measured on postoperative day 6 (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.90-18.88, 1 study) and day 10 (OR 11.8, 95% CI 3.50-39.78, 1 study) were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Less, but overall similar, information was available for other inflammatory biomarkers. In this large meta-analysis, inflammatory biomarkers measured before or after cardiac surgery were associated with mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Toll-like receptor 9 (-1237 T/C, -1486 T/C) and the risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of genetic association studies

BackgroundGastric cancer has a complex aetiology including genetic factors. Individual case-control studies of toll like receptor (TLR) 9 (-1237 T/C, -1486 T/C) polymorphisms in the gastric cancer risk were available, and they showed variation in the findings. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to synthesize the evidence on the association between polymorphisms of TLR 9 (-1237 T/C, -1486 T/C) and the risk of gastric cancer using data from eligible studies.MethodsThis study followed the PRISMA 2020 Checklist. Studies were searched in health-related databases. The methodological quality of studies was evaluated with the use of Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria. The summary odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength of association between each polymorphism and the risk of gastric cancer using five genetic models. Stratification was done by ethnic groups. For the robustness of the analysis, a leave-one-out meta-analysis was performed.ResultsEight case-control studies with 3,644 participants (1914 cases, 1730 controls) were conducted across six countries. Half of the studies were conducted in China. In the NOS methodological quality assessment, only three studies received a high-quality rating (i.e., a score of ≥ 7). TLR 9 (-1486 T/C) polymorphism and the risk of gastric cancer were assessed in six studies, four of Asian ethnicity and two of non-Asian. Under the dominant model, only in the Asian ethnic group showed a marginally and significantly increased risk of gastric cancer (overall: OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 0.90–1.67, I2 = 56%; Asian: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.00-1.54, I2 = 0%, non-Asian: OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.38–4.09, I2 = 89%). Under the recessive model in the absence of heterogeneity, only the Asian group had a significantly higher risk of developing gastric cancer (overall: OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.74–2.64, I2 = 85%; Asian: OR: 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07–1.86, I2 = 0%, non-Asian: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.12–11.76, I2 = 97%). Under the heterozygous model, there was no significant association with the risk of gastric cancer overall or among any ethnic subgroup. Under the homozygous model in the absence of heterogeneity, only the Asian group had a significantly higher risk of gastric cancer (overall, OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.76–2.86, I2 = 82%; Asian: OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.13–2.1, I2 = 0%; non-Asian: OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.1-14.33, I2 = 96%). Under the allele model, a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer was observed only in the Asian group (overall: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.89–1.71, I2 = 84%; Asian: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.05–1.41, I2 = 0%; non-Asian: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.34–4.59, I2 = 97%). Four studies investigated the association between TLR 9 (-1237 T/C) polymorphism and the risk of developing gastric cancer. Under any of the five genetic models, there was no association between TLR 9 (-1237 T/C) and the development of gastric cancer in overall or in any ethnic subgroup. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the effect was unstable. With a small number of studies with a small number of participants, we addressed the issue of insufficient power for drawing conclusions.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that TLR9 (-1486 T/C) may play a role in the risk of gastric cancer specific to the Asian ethnic group. To substantiate the findings on the association between these two polymorphisms (TLR9 -1237 T/C, -1486 T/C) and the risk of gastric cancer, future well-designed case-control studies with a sufficient number of participants in multi-ethnic groups are recommended.

Predictive factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury in primiparous women: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The primary objective was to perform a systematic review of predictive factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurrence at first vaginal delivery, with the diagnosis made by ultrasound (US-OASI). The secondary objective was to report on incidence rates of sonographic anal sphincter (AS) trauma, including trauma that was not clinically reported at childbirth, among the studies providing data for our primary objective. We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Both observational cohort studies and interventional trials were eligible for inclusion. Study eligibility was assessed independently by two authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to pool effect estimates from studies reporting on similar predictive factors. Summary odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) is reported with 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. A total of 2805 records were screened and 21 met the inclusion criteria (16 prospective cohort studies, three retrospective cohort studies and two interventional non-randomized trials). Increasing gestational age at delivery (MD, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.04-0.64) weeks), shorter antepartum perineal body length (MD, -0.60 (95% CI, -1.09 to -0.11) cm), labor augmentation (OR, 1.81 (95% CI, 1.21-2.71)), instrumental delivery (OR, 2.13 (95% CI, 1.13-4.01)), in particular forceps extraction (OR, 3.56 (95% CI, 1.31-9.67)), shoulder dystocia (OR, 12.07 (95% CI, 1.06-137.60)), episiotomy use (OR, 1.85 (95% CI, 1.11-3.06)) and shorter episiotomy length (MD, -0.40 (95% CI, -0.75 to -0.05) cm) were associated with US-OASI. When pooling incidence rates, 26% (95% CI, 20-32%) of women who had a first vaginal delivery had US-OASI (20 studies; I2 = 88%). In studies reporting on both clinical and US-OASI rates, 20% (95% CI, 14-28%) of women had AS trauma on ultrasound that was not reported clinically at childbirth (16 studies; I2 = 90%). No differences were found in maternal age, body mass index, weight, subpubic arch angle, induction of labor, epidural analgesia, episiotomy angle, duration of first/second/active-second stages of labor, vacuum extraction, neonatal birth weight or head circumference between cases with and those without US-OASI. Antenatal perineal massage and use of an intrapartum pelvic floor muscle dilator did not affect the odds of US-OASI. Most (81%) studies were judged to be at high risk of bias in at least one domain and only four (19%) studies had an overall low risk of bias. Given the ultrasound evidence of structural damage to the AS in 26% of women following a first vaginal delivery, clinicians should have a low threshold of suspicion for the condition. This systematic review identified several predictive factors for this. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Effect of mode of delivery on perinatal outcome in severe preterm birth: systematic review and meta-analysis.

To review the evidence on the effect of mode of delivery on perinatal outcome of fetuses born before 32 weeks' gestation. MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and gray literature sources were searched, starting from the year 2000 to reflect contemporary practice in perinatal care. Non-randomized or randomized studies that included singleton fetuses without chromosomal abnormality or major congenital defect delivered vaginally or via Cesarean section were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Primary outcomes were neonatal death, defined as death in the first 28 days of age, and survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes were other adverse perinatal events. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The overall quality of evidence for the outcomes was assessed according to GRADE. Summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated, and random-effects models were used for data synthesis. Subgroup analysis was performed for delivery before 28 weeks, delivery between 28 and 32 weeks and according to fetal presentation at delivery. A total of 27 retrospective studies (22 887 neonates) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, all of which reported on singleton pregnancies. Among cases born before 28 weeks, vaginal delivery significantly increased the risk of neonatal death of fetuses with any type of presentation (n = 1496) (OR 1.87 (95% CI, 1.05-3.35); I2 = 65%, very low quality of evidence) and of fetuses with breech presentation (n = 733) (OR 3.55 (95% CI, 2.42-5.21); I2 = 21%, moderate quality of evidence). The odds of survival to discharge were significantly decreased among fetuses with breech presentation delivered before 28 weeks (n = 646) (OR 0.36 (95% CI, 0.24-0.54); I2 = 21%, low quality of evidence). Among breech fetuses born between 28 and 32 weeks, vaginal delivery increased the odds of perinatal death (intrapartum and neonatal) (n = 1581) (OR 3.06 (95% CI, 1.47-6.35); I2 = 0%, high quality of evidence). In non-cephalic fetuses born between 24 and 32 weeks, vaginal delivery decreased the odds of survival to discharge (n = 1030) (OR 0.28 (95% CI, 0.19-0.40); I2 = 0%, moderate quality of evidence). No significant effect on mortality of mode of delivery was observed in cephalic fetuses at any gestational age. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that vaginal delivery in severe preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of neonatal and perinatal death in breech fetuses, while no significant association was observed for cephalic fetuses. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Association of Malnutrition with Risk of Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex clinical syndrome of hospitalization that may be affected by undernutrition and metabolic changes. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the association between malnutrition and the risk of prevalent AKI. We searched PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Chinese databases (WANFANG, VIP, and CKI) from database inception until May 1, 2023, for studies evaluating the association of malnutrition with the risk of AKI. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using a random-effects model. We identified 17 observational studies, which included 273,315 individuals. Compared with patients with normal nutritional status, those with malnutrition had a 125% increased risk of prevalent AKI (pooled ORs, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.80-2.82). Malnutrition was also significantly associated with prevalent AKI across all subgroups when subgroup analyses were performed on covariates such as region, study design, age, sample size, malnutrition assessment method, patient characteristics, covariate adjustment degree, and risk of bias. Meta-regression models demonstrated no significant differences in AKI risk between patients with malnutrition and without malnutrition. Our results suggest that malnutrition may be a potential target for AKI prevention. However, well-designed studies with ethnically or geographically diverse populations are needed to evaluate strategies and interventions to prevent or slow the development and progression of AKI in malnourished individuals.

Paternal Depression and Risk of Depression Among Offspring

Existing epidemiological evidence is equivocal as to whether paternal depression poses a consequent risk of depression in offspring; meta-analysis of findings can help inform preventative intervention efforts. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies examining the association between paternal and offspring depression. Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched between inception and December 2022. The review included all observational studies that investigated the association between paternal and offspring depression and 10 606 studies were initially identified. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were pooled using inverse variance weighted random effect meta-analysis. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. The main outcome of interest was offspring depression measured using recognized depression assessment tools. Sixteen observational studies published between 2002 and 2021 were included, with a combined sample of 7 153 723 father-child dyads. A meta-analysis of these studies showed that paternal depression was associated with an increased risk of depression in offspring (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.17-1.71). The risk was higher among offspring exposed to paternal depressive disorders (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.28-2.12) than those exposed to depression as defined by a nonclinical symptom scale (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.19). Sensitivity analysis revealed consistent pooled estimates ranging from 1.35 (95% CI, 1.12-1.62) to 1.45 (95% CI, 1.18-1.78). Paternal depression was associated with subsequent offspring depression. This finding shows the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems and suggests that mental health interventions benefit not only the patient but also the family as a whole, including both parents.

Optimal anti-platelet therapy for older patients with acute coronary syndrome: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials comprising 59,284 older patients

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal anti-platelet therapy in older acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with a mean age ≥ 60 years by comparing the efficacy and safety of different anti-platelet therapies. The selection of antiplatelet therapy in older patients with ACS is a clinical challenge. Numerous evidences indicate that the de-escalation of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) or P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy may reduce bleeding risk without increasing thrombotic events. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews and optimal strategy analysis regarding older ACS patients. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of anti-platelet therapy in older ACS patients were identified. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included all death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, and trial-defined major bleeding. Frequentist and Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted. Treatments were ranked on posterior probability. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using Bayesian network meta-analysis. A total of 12 RCTs including 59,284 older ACS patients treated with five anti-platelet strategies were included. Ticagrelor monotherapy after 3 months DAPT was comparable to the other strategies (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.32–1.6) in terms of MACE risk. Additionally, P score analysis and SUCRA Bayesian analysis showed that it was the most beneficial treatment for all deaths, cardiovascular death and revascularization. For safety, although there was no significant difference in direct comparisons, both SUCRA Bayesian (0.806) and P score (0.519) analysis suggested that ticagrelor monotherapy was the safest strategy. The current evidence demonstrated that ticagrelor monotherapy after 3 months DAPT may be a promising approach for achieving a more favorable balance between risk and benefit for older ACS patients, with a relatively low bleeding risk and without an increased risk of MACE events. Moreover, it remains the preferred option for clinical outcomes such as all death, CV death and revascularization. Further high-quality and long-term studies are required to validate anti-platelet therapies among older ACS patients.