scholarly journals Serum Homocysteine Levels in Men with and without Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Sansone ◽  
Angelo Cignarelli ◽  
Massimiliano Sansone ◽  
Francesco Romanelli ◽  
Giovanni Corona ◽  
...  

Objectives. Elevated levels of serum homocysteine (Hcy) have been associated with cardiovascular diseases and endothelial dysfunction, conditions closely associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). This meta-analysis was aimed to assess serum Hcy levels in subjects with ED compared to controls in order to clarify the role of Hcy in the pathogenesis of ED. Methods. Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for publications investigating the possible association between ED and Hcy. Results were restricted by language, but no time restriction was applied. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was obtained by random effect models. Results. A total of 9 studies were included in the analysis with a total of 1320 subjects (489 subjects with ED; 831 subjects without ED). Pooled estimate was in favor of increased Hcy in subjects with ED with a SMD of 1.00, 95% CI 0.65–1.35, p<0.0001. Subgroup analysis based on prevalence of diabetes showed significantly higher SMD in subjects without diabetes (1.34 (95% CI 1.08–1.60)) compared to subjects with diabetes (0.68 (95% CI 0.39–0.97), p<0.0025 versus subgroup w/o diabetes). Conclusions. Results from our meta-analysis suggest that increased levels of serum Hcy are more often observed in subjects with ED; however, increase in Hcy is less evident in diabetic compared to nondiabetic subjects. This study is registered with Prospero registration number CRD42018087558.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malwina M. Naghibi ◽  
Richard Day ◽  
Samantha Stone ◽  
Ashton Harper

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological condition with a complex etiology. Recent advances in the understanding of the gut microbiome have shown the role of gut micro-organisms in disease outcomes for distant organs—including the brain. Interventions targeting the gut microbiome have been shown to be effective in multiple neurological diagnoses, but there is little research into the role of the microbiome in migraine. This systematic review seeks to assess the current research landscape of randomized placebo controlled trials utilizing probiotic interventions as migraine prophylaxis. Searches were conducted of scientific databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library, following PRISMA guidelines. Of 68 screened studies, 2 were eligible for analysis. Due to methodological differences, meta-analysis was not possible. Qualitative comparison of the studies demonstrated a dichotomy of results—one trial reported no significant change in migraine frequency and intensity, while the second trial reported highly significant improvements. No clear ‘gold standard’ currently exists for microbiome research, let alone for migraine-related microbiome research. The heterogeneity of outcome measures used in the two trials included in this systematic review shows the need for a standardization of outcome measures, therefore a series of recommendations for future probiotic–migraine research are included.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan D Vo ◽  
Ehimen Aneni ◽  
Ebenezer Oni ◽  
Wazim Maziak ◽  
Theodore Feldman ◽  
...  

Introduction: A recent meta-analysis showed that erectile dysfunction (ED) was associated with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. However, findings from studies examining the relationship between ED and sub-clinical CVD have been conflicting. This study summarizes the current evidence related to the association of ED and vascular disease as measured by flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the endothelium and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Methods: We searched multiple internet databases for published literature on studies assessing the association of ED and FMD, and CIMT between 1964 and 2014. A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for examining the association between ED and FMD, while 7 studies met criteria for assessing the association with CIMT. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were used to assess and compare the standardized mean difference (SMD) of FMD and CIMT between persons with and without ED. Results: From a total of 795 individual participant data (590 with and 205 without ED), persons with ED had a 0.66mm (0.49, 0.83) increase in CIMT by fixed effects model or 0.67mm (0.44, 0.90) by random effects model compared to those without ED. Similarly, from 1055 individual participant data (536 with and 419 without ED), ED was associated with a significant reduction in FMD by both fixed effect (-1.10% (95% CI: -2.10, -0.95)) and random effect models (-1.53% (95% CI: -2.10, -0.95)). There was significant heterogeneity among studies assessing the relationship between ED and FMD (I2 = 93.2%, p<0.001) but not among those comparing CIMT among persons with ED (I2 = 43.5% p=0.09). Conclusion: This study confirms that ED is associated with both worsening endothelial function and increased CIMT. Thus, worsening vascular function may be a pathogenic mechanism for increased CVD morbidity and mortality in persons with ED. A diagnosis of ED should prompt a thorough CV work-up and aggressive preventive management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijin Li ◽  
Li Song ◽  
Lihong Hao

Abstract Background Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH) is a common disease in newborns. This research study aimed to assess the associations between uridine diphospho-glucuronate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1, c.-3279 T > G) polymorphisms and NNH risk. Methods We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Embase electronic databases. All published eligible studies before July 1, 2019, were searched for this meta-analysis. Results We identified 7 independent studies including 1560 cases. The data showed that in the general population, compared with the GT + GG vs TT and GG vs TT, c.-3279 T > G (rs4124874) was significantly related to a higher NNH risk (GG vs TT: OR = 1.865, 95% CI: 1.031–3.373, P = 0.039; GT + GG vs TT: OR = 1.331, 95% CI: 1.055–1.679, P = 0.016). Although not statistically significant, the data showed that c.3279 T > G had a tendency to be associated with NNH under the allele model and GG vs GT + TT in the overall population (G vs T: OR = 1.288, 95% CI: 0.982–1.689, P = 0.067; GG vs TT + GT: OR = 1.583, 95% CI: 0.947–2.647, P = 0.080). Conclusion The UGT1A1 gene c.-3279 T > G (rs4124874) polymorphism increased susceptibility to NNH, especially for the comparison of GT + GG vs TT and GG vs TT. In the future, we can use homozygous state of the UGT1A1 gene c.-3279 T > G (rs4124874) polymorphism for the diagnosis and screening of molecular biomarkers in NNH patients.


BMC Urology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengzhuo Liu ◽  
Dehong Cao ◽  
Zhengju Ren ◽  
Jinze Li ◽  
Lei Peng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Controversy remains despite several studies have discussed the role of bariatric surgery in improving male’s sexual function. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of bariatric surgery in promoting male’s erectile function. Methods PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI and Clinical Trails.gov were searched from database inception to May 2019. The language of publication was limited in English. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) score were set as the primary outcome. Results Eleven studies with a total of 370 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The results showed significant improvement in the IIEF score (erectile function: MD = 5.33, 95% CI 4.12–6.54; intercourse satisfaction: MD = 2.57, 95% CI 1.19–3.94; orgasmic function: MD = 0.50, 95%CI 0.60–0.94; overall satisfaction: MD = 1.67, 95% CI 0.78–2.56; sexual desire: MD = 1.27, 95% CI 0.61–1.93; total erectile function: MD = 7.21, 95% CI 4.33–10.10) and the BSFI score (erection: MD =2.53, 95% CI 2.39–2.67; ejaculation: MD = 1.40, 95% CI 1.28–1.51; desire: MD =1.40, 95% CI 1.32–1.49; problem assessment: MD = 2.20, 95% CI 2.06–2.34; sexual satisfaction: MD = 0.70, 95% CI 0.60–0.76) in obese individuals after bariatric surgery. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that bariatric surgery could be effective in promoting males’s sexual function for obese individuals.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma Khalil ◽  
Emily Cooper ◽  
Rosemary Townsend ◽  
Basky Thilaganathan

Objectives: The natural history of stage 1 Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains unclear and its optimal management is yet to be established. The main aims of this meta-analysis were to quantify the incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS and to ascertain survival in these pregnancies.Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched. Reference lists within each article were hand-searched for additional reports. The outcomes included incidence of progression and survival in stage 1 TTTS. Randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were included. Case reports, studies including three or fewer cases of stage 1 TTTS, and editorials were excluded. Proportion meta-analysis was used for analysis (Registration number: CRD42016036190).Results: The search yielded 3,085 citations; 18 studies were included in the review (172 pregnancies to assess progression and 433 pregnancies to assess the survival). The pooled incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS was 27% [95% CI 16–39%]. The pooled overall survival, double survival and at least one survival in the pregnancies managed expectantly were 79% [95% CI 62–92%], 70% [95% CI 54–84%] and 87% [95% CI 69–98%], respectively. In those undergoing amnioreduction, the corresponding figures were 77% [95% CI 68–85%], 67% [95% CI 57–76%] and 86% [95% CI 76–94%], respectively. The survival rates were 68% [95% CI 54–81%], 54% [95% CI 36–72%], and 81% [95% CI 69–90%], when laser surgery was performed.Conclusions: The optimal initial management of stage 1 TTTS remains in equipoise. The ongoing randomized trial comparing immediate laser surgery versus conservative management should provide a definitive answer.


Author(s):  
Han Li ◽  
Jinsheng Xu ◽  
Yaling Bai ◽  
Shenglei Zhang ◽  
Meijuan Cheng ◽  
...  

SummaryBackground Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have dramatically improved cancer therapy for many patients. Adverse kidney effects have been found to be an important complication but have unclear mechanisms. Methods We searched Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library to identify potential eligible studies. All included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining patients with solid tumors treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and/or chemotherapy. The relative risk (RR) was used to assess the risk of nephrotoxic events. Results We included 27 clinical trials (15,063 patients). Compared with chemotherapy, the RR of all-grade nephritis was significantly increased with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs (RR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.09–6.99, P = 0.03). Furthermore, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs plus chemotherapy can significantly increase the RR of all-grade nephritis (RR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.07–8.35, P = 0.04). There was also a significant increase in the RRs of all-grade increased blood creatinine (RR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.24–2.86, P = 0.003) and acute kidney injury (AKI) (RR =3.35, 95% CI: 1.48–7.60, P = 0.004). Conclusions Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs can significantly increase nephrotoxicity in patients with solid tumors, especially when combined with chemotherapy. During the application of these drugs, we should remain aware of nephrotoxicity for better efficacy. Trial registration number and date of registration Not applicable.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shasha Cao ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Peihong Shen ◽  
Ruiping Xu

Abstract Background The role of STMN1 in the development and progression of esophageal carcinoma is not yet determined. The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the correlation between STMN1 and prognosis of patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were searched to identify studies evaluating the impact of STMN1 on the survival of esophageal cancer patients, without the language limitation. Two investigators screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of the included studies. The combined analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software. Results A total of 8 studies, involving 1240 esophageal carcinoma patients, were included in this retrospective design. Meta-analysis showed that esophageal carcinoma patients with low STMN1 had a superior overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than those with high expression of STMN1. Compared to the high expression of STMN1, the 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with low level of STMN1. Patients with high STMN1 expression had a higher risk of experiencing clinical grade III-IV disease, lymph node metastasis, and tumor invasion than those with low STMN1. Conclusion STMN1 is an indicator for the prognosis of esophageal carcinoma patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Qiu ◽  
Yilu Li ◽  
Ling Li ◽  
Jun He ◽  
Feiyun Ouyang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As one of the most widely researched consequence of traumatic events, the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak varies greatly across studies. This review aimed at examining the pooled prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak. Methods Systematic searches of databases were conducted for literature published on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PsycArticle, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure until October 14, 2020. Statistical analyses were performed using R software (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020180309). Results A total of 106,713 people exposed to the trauma resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak were identified in the 76 articles, of which 33,810 were reported with post-traumatic stress symptoms. The pooled prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak was 28.34%, with a 95% confidence interval of 23.03-34.32%. Subgroup analysis indicated that older age, male and bigger sample size were associated with higher prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. After controlling for other factors, the results of meta-regression showed that the influence of gender and sample size on prevalence is no longer significant. Conclusions Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were very common among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak. Further research is needed to explore more possible risk factors for post-traumatic stress symptoms and identify effective strategies for preventing PTSD-related symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak.


2016 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 29-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Drago ◽  
T.N. Winding ◽  
N. Antypa

AbstractContextVideoconferencing in psychiatry allows psychiatric counseling to be dealt remotely. A number of human randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on this topic were conducted but not systematically analysed since 2005.ObjectsA meta-analysis was undertaken to test the hypothesis of non-inferiority of remote psychiatric counseling, including both assessment and treatment, compared to face-to-face setting. Focus of research was the general psychiatric approach, which includes pharmacotherapy, counseling and some not specific psychotherapeutic techniques such as listening, reformulation and clarification among others. Specific forms of psychotherapies were not included in this analysis.DesignRCTs including ≥ 10 subjects per arm were identified in Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase and the reference list of single papers. A random-effect and a mixed-effect model served for test the hypothesis under analysis.ResultsTwenty-six RCTs were included in the analysis, involving 765 (assessment) and 1585 patients (efficacy). The non-inferiority of remote psychiatric counseling was reported both for assessment and treatment. Heterogeneity could not be excluded for assessment, but was excluded for treatment while taking into account clinical and study related variables (P-values = 0.003 and 0.06, respectively).ConclusionHigh levels of consistency between remote and in vivo psychiatric assessment is reported. Efficacy of remote psychiatric counseling was shown to be not inferior compared to in vivo settings. Heterogeneity could not be excluded for assessment, and further analyses are mandatory. The presence of multiple diagnoses included in the analysis was a limit of the present investigation.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e031531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma Naheed ◽  
Chloe Holden ◽  
Lulu Tanno ◽  
Eleanor Jaynes ◽  
Judith Cave ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe omission of the immunohistochemical proliferation marker Ki-67 labelling index (henceforth, simply Ki-67) from the 2015 WHO classification system of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours (Lung-NETs) as a prognostic and grading criterion remains controversial. This systematic review along with meta-analysis will be conducted to assess the prognostic/grading utility of Ki-67 in Lung-NETs.MethodsThis systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A systematic search of MEDLINE Ovid, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library will be performed from the inception of each database to 28 February 2019 for studies investigating any role of Ki-67 in Lung-NETs. Only full papers published in English detailing survival outcomes and HRs according to Ki-67 will be included. The primary endpoint will be establishing whether Ki-67 is a reliable marker in determining prognosis and thus assessing grade of Lung-NETs patients.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be required as this is an academic review of published literature. Findings will be disseminated through the preparation of a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal as well as presentation at national and international conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018093389


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