scholarly journals QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube in Saudi Arabia benchmarked with other sites of the Middle East: A meta-analysis review

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (09) ◽  
pp. 687-699
Author(s):  
Hawra Al-Ghafli ◽  
Sahal Al-Hajoj
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Skin Testing ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Tuberculin Skin Testing

Introduction: Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infections (LTBI) constitutes a key step in health surveillance programs especially among adults of high-risk groups. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic and meta-analysis review that aims to critically assess and compare the agreement of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and Tuberculin Skin Testing (TST) among adults of high-risk groups in Saudi Arabia and compare results with other sites of the Middle East. Methodology: Kappa estimates were meta-analyzed using random effect model and several subgroup analyzes were performed to explain overall heterogeneity. Funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s tests were employed to assess overall publication bias. Results: 18 studies were meta-analyzed, comprising 5070 adults of high-risk groups. Pooled kappa estimates from Saudi Arabia (κ = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.41) showed lower rate of agreement compared to other sites of the Middle East (κ = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.41). However, a significant level of heterogeneity (I2 = 96.7%, p > 0.001) were identified across collected evidence. Begg’s and Egger’s tests confirmed absence of significant publication bias in this review (p = 0.49 and p = 0.16, respectively). Conclusion: This work revealed fair to poor agreement between TST and QFT-GIT, indicating that these two tests are not interchangeable in such settings. Substantial evidence is still needed before considering the sole use of QFT-GIT as an alternative to TST in these populations. Moreover, there is an urgent need for longitudinal studies in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to accurately assess precision of LTBI diagnosis.

scholarly journals Association between Oral Contraceptives and cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and metanalysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Giacchetta ◽  
M Chiavarini ◽  
G Naldini ◽  
R Fabiani
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Oral Contraceptives ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Hormonal Factors ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background The probability of developing invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is higher in women than in men up until the age of 49. Several studies investigated the association between hormonal factors and CMM. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the evidence on the association between Oral Contraceptives (OC) and the risk of CMM. Methods This review and meta-analysis follow the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search was conducted on Medline and Web of Science until December 2019. Studies were eligible if reported a risk estimate for the association between OC and CMM. Heterogeneity testing was performed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test and Begg's test. Meta-analysis was performed using random effect model. Results The results of the pooled analysis of all 32 studies showed no significant association between OC and the risk of CMM (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.94-1.11; I2=39.32%, p = 0.013). The stratified analyses by study design found no significant association between OC and the risk of CMM neither in the 18 case-control studies (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.87-1.21; I2=56.91%, p = 0.002) nor in the 14 cohort studies (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.98-1.11; I2=0.00%, p = 0.557). No significant publication bias could be detected by Egger's test or Begg's test. Conclusions This meta-analysis of available literature suggests no significant association between OC and the risk of developing CMM. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the possible relationship of OC use and other hormonal factors potentially contributing to the increased risk of CMM in women during their reproductive years. Key messages Oral contraceptives (OC) do not significantly contribute to the risk of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma (CMM). Further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of other hormonal factors in the increased probability of developing CMM in women during their reproductive years.

scholarly journals Is Routine Preoperative Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Prior to Bariatric Surgery Mandatory? Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 10,685 Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 3073-3083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walid El Ansari ◽  
Ayman El-Menyar ◽  
Brijesh Sathian ◽  
Hassan Al-Thani ◽  
Mohammed Al-Kuwari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background This systematic review and meta-analysis searched, retrieved and synthesized the evidence as to whether preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (p-EGD) should be routine before bariatric surgery (BS). Methods Databases searched for retrospective, prospective, and randomized (RCT) or quasi-RCT studies (01 January 2000–30 April 2019) of outcomes of routine p-EGD before BS. STROBE checklist assessed the quality of the studies. P-EGD findings were categorized: Group 0 (no abnormal findings); Group 1 (abnormal findings that do not necessitate changing the surgical approach or postponing surgery); Group 2 (abnormal findings that change the surgical approach or postpone surgery); and Group 3 (findings that signify absolute contraindications to surgery). We assessed data heterogeneity and publication bias. Random effect model was used. Results Twenty-five eligible studies were included (10,685 patients). Studies were heterogeneous, and there was publication bias. Group 0 comprised 5424 patients (56%, 95% CI: 45–67%); Group 1, 2064 patients (26%, 95% CI: 23–50%); Group 2, 1351 patients (16%, 95% CI: 11–21%); and Group 3 included 31 patients (0.4%, 95% CI: 0–1%). Conclusion For 82% of patients, routine p-EGD did not change surgical plan/ postpone surgery. For 16% of patients, p-EGD findings necessitated changing the surgical approach/ postponing surgery, but the proportion of postponements due to medical treatment of H Pylori as opposed to “necessary” substantial change in surgical approach is unclear. For 0.4% patients, p-EGD findings signified absolute contraindication to surgery. These findings invite a revisit to whether p-EGD should be routine before BS, and whether it is judicious to expose many obese patients to an invasive procedure that has potential risk and insufficient evidence of effectiveness. Further justification is required.

scholarly journals Apple intake and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (14) ◽  
pp. 2603-2617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Fabiani ◽  
Liliana Minelli ◽  
Patrizia Rosignoli
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

AbstractObjectiveConflicting results on the association between fruit consumption and cancer risk have been reported. Little is known about the cancer preventive effects of different fruit types. The present meta-analysis investigates whether an association exists between apple intake and cancer risk.DesignRelevant observational studies were identified by literature search (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase). A random-effect model was used to estimate the cancer risk in different anatomical sites. Between-study heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using adequate statistical tests.ResultsTwenty case–control (three on lung, five on colorectal, five on breast, two on oesophageal, three on oral cavity, two on prostate and one each on pancreas, bladder, larynx, ovary, kidney and brain cancer) and twenty-one cohort (seven on lung, two on colorectal, three on breast and one each on oesophageal, pancreas, bladder, kidney, endometrial, head–neck, urothelial and stomach cancer) studies met the inclusion criteria. Comparing the highest v. lowest level of apple consumption, the reduction of lung cancer risk was statistically highly significant in both case–control (OR=0·75; 95% CI 0·63, 0·88; P=0·001, I2=0 %) and cohort studies (relative risk=0·89; 95% CI 0·84, 0·94; P<0·001, I2=53 %). Instead, in the case of colorectal (OR=0·66; 95% CI 0·54, 0·81; P<0·001, I2=55%), breast (OR=0·79; 95% CI 0·73, 0·87; P<0·001, I2=1 %) and overall digestive tract (OR=0·50; 95% CI 0·36, 0·69; P<0·001, I2=90 %) cancers a significant preventive effect of apples was found only in case–control studies while prospective studies indicated no effect. No evidence of publication bias could be detected for colorectal, oral cavity, oesophageal and breast cancer. However, some confounding effects may be present and related to the consumption of other fruit which have not been considered as adjusting factors.ConclusionsThe present meta-analysis indicates that consumption of apples is associated with a reduced risk of cancer in different anatomical sites.

scholarly journals Association of human papilloma Virus infection other than cervical cancer: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-128
Author(s):  
Habtamu Molla ◽  
Habtamu Temesgen ◽  
Dereje Beyene
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Human Papilloma Virus ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Papilloma Virus ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Human Papilloma Virus (hpv) infection causes different cancer diseases. Cervical cancer is the most common hpv related disease. hpv infection also causes cancer of anus, vulva, vagina, penis, skin, bladder, prostate, breast, oral and others because the hpv virus is epithelium-tropic. But the association of hpv infection other than cervical cancer, for example breast cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer etc is still inconclusive. Thus, the objective of this review was to collect published information on hpv infection other than cervix to explore the pooled prevalence of hpv infection as well as related types of cancers.  Publish research articles of hpv infection and cancer risks other than cervical cancer were systematically searched through Internet. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Joanna Brigg’s Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (jbi-mastari) adapted for cross sectional/case control study design was used for quality assessment of each individual study. A total of 22 studies were extracted and analyzed using stata 14. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence; whereas subgroup analysis and meta-regression was performed to identify the probable source of heterogeneity. Both Egger’s and Begg’s tests were used to check publication bias.  The totals of 486 studies were retrieved and 22 studies were included in this meta- analysis. The meta-analysis result showed that the pooled prevalence of hpv infection other than cervix was 34.36% (95% CI: 23.75, 44.97) with severe heterogeneity (I2 = 99.5%; p<0.001) with no publication bias. The highest pooled prevalence of hpv infection other than cervix was related to genital cancer which is 58.63% (95% CI: 51.86, 65.39), followed by oral cancer (47.15% with 95% CI: 19.67, 74.63). Although cervical cancer is primarily hpv induced cancer which well articulated with so many researches, other cancer types (based on the location of the hpv infection) are also increasing across the world based on this systematic and meta-analysis study. hpv infection increases the risk of developing cancers other than cervical cancer.

scholarly journals The risk of smoking with stroke in Asia : meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fadhilatul Hasnah ◽  
Yuniar Lestari ◽  
Abdiana Abdiana
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Haemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Fixed Effect Model ◽  
Stroke Subtype ◽  
Effect Model ◽  
Trim And Fill

This study uses a systematic method of review and meta-analysis to look at the risk of smoking with stroke in Asia. Further analysis based on the stroke subtype (ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke was also carried out. Literature search was carried out in the PubMed, EBSCO and Google Scholar databases. Q tests were performed to determine the heterogeneity of included studies. Funnel plot, Egger regression test and trim and fill methods were used to identified publication bias and with the transformation of the model between the fixed effect model and the random effect model for sensitivity analysis A total of 12 articles were included consisting of 9 studies with case control design studies and 3 studies with cohort designs. The meta-analysis results showed that people who smoke have risks pooled OR 2.04 times (95% CI 1.57-2.65) for having a stroke Analysis of the type of stroke, smokers had 2.3 times the risk of having an ischemic stroke or 2.77 times for having a haemorrhagic stroke. Eggers test showed no influence of publication bias on the meta-analysis of smoking with stroke to. From this meta-analysis, it can be concluded that smoking increasing risk for stroke. This study found the risk of smokers to have a haemorrhagic stroke is higher than ischemic stroke.

scholarly journals Effects of underlying morbidities on the occurrence of deaths in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostaured Khan ◽  
Md Nuruzzaman Khan ◽  
Md. Golam Mustagir ◽  
Juwel Rana ◽  
Md Saiful Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Trim And Fill

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most hectic pandemic of the era, is increasing exponentially and taking thousands of lives worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pre-existing morbidities among COVID-19 infected patients and their mortality risks against each type of pre-existing morbidity category. Methods: To conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched using specified relavent keywords. Further searches were conducted using the reference list of the selected studies, renowned pre-print servers (e.g., medRxiv, bioRixv, SSRN), and relevant journal websites. Studies written in the English language included if those were conducted among COVID-19 patients with and without comorbidities and presented survivor vs. non-survivor counts or hazard/odds of deaths or survivors against types of pre-existing morbidities. Comorbidities reported in the selected studies were grouped into eight categories. The pooled likelihoods of deaths in each category were estimated using a fixed or random-effect model, based on the heterogeneity assessment. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of the funnel plot asymmetry and Eggers regression test. Trim and Fill method was used if there any publication bias was found. Results: A total of 42 studies included in this study comprised of 39,398 samples. The most common pre-existing morbidities in COVID-19 infected patients were hypertension (36.5%), cardiovascular disease (11.9%), and diabetes (22.0%). The higher likelihood of deaths was found among COVID-19 patients who had pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 2.79-3.95), immune and metabolic disorders (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 2.00-2.85), respiratory diseases (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.80-2.26), cerebrovascular diseases (OR: 4.12, 95% CI: 3.04-5.58), any types of cancers (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.63-3.03), renal (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 2.60-3.52), and liver diseases (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.21-1.71). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of a higher likelihood of deaths among COVID-19 patients against morbidity categories. These findings could potentially help healthcare providers to sort out the most endangered COVID-19 patients by comorbidities, take precautionary measures during hospitalization, assess susceptibility to death, and prioritize their treatment, which could potentially reduce the number of fatalities in COVID-19.

scholarly journals Association between selenium intake and the risk of pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Wang ◽  
Jianfeng Wang ◽  
Xudong Liu ◽  
Qian Liu ◽  
Guozhuan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Selenium Intake ◽  
Effect Model ◽  
Summary Relative Risk

Quantification of the association between the intake of selenium and risk of pancreatic cancer is still conflicting. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the evidence from epidemiological studies of selenium intake with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of PubMed and Web of Knowledge to July 2016. The random-effect model was used. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted. Data from six studies including 1424 pancreatic cancer cases were used in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that highest selenium intake amount compared with lowest amount was significantly associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer [summary relative risk (RR)=0.659, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.489–0.889, I2=47.6%]. The associations were significant both in case–control studies [RR=0.618, 95%CI=0.399–0.956, I2=59.1%] and Americas [RR=0.570, 95%CI=0.357–0.909, I2=65.6%]. No publication bias was found. Our analysis suggested that the higher intake of selenium might reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.

scholarly journals Prevalence of HIV and Syphilis and their Co-infection among Men Having Sex with Men in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sultan Mahmud ◽  
Md Mohsin ◽  
Abdul Muyeed ◽  
Sorif Hossain ◽  
Md Mynul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Very High

Background: Studies found that the group of men who have sex with men (MSM) is at a very high level of risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Asian regions due to multiple reasons. Although the prevalence of HIV among general people in Asia is considered low, the prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among MSM in this region was found very high and usually, it goes unnoticed. This study aimed to inspect the prevalence and trends of HIV, Syphilis, and their co-infection among MSM in Asia. Methods: A systematic search was performed on January 5, 2021, in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases. To evaluate the heterogeneity, Q-tests and were used. To explore the publication bias, Eggers' test and funnel plot were used. The random-effect model and subgroup analysis were performed due to the significant heterogeneity. Results: A total of 2,872 articles were identified, and 66 articles of high quality were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of HIV among MSM and Syphilis was estimated considering 69 estimates from 66 studies whereas 19 estimates of co-infection were found in 17 studies. The pooled HIV prevalence was 8.48% (CI: 7.01-9.95) and the pooled Syphilis prevalence was 9.86% (CI: 8.30-11.41) with significant heterogeneity and publication bias. The pooled prevalence of HIV and Syphilis co-infection was 2.99% (CI: 1.70-4.27) with significant heterogeneity and no publication bias. The HIV, Syphilis, and HIV and Syphilis co-infection prevalence estimates exhibited an upward trend during 2002-2017. Conclusions: HIV, Syphilis, and their co-infection are quite prevalent among MSM in the Asia-Pacific region. Integrated and intensified intervention strategies, HIV testing, and improved access to antiretroviral treatment as well as increased awareness are needed to reduce HIV, Syphilis, and their co-infection among the discussed vulnerable group.

scholarly journals Investigating the relationship between dietary acid load and risk of diabetes; a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e16-e16
Author(s):  
Mozhgan Ghorbani ◽  
Nasrin Moradi ◽  
Bahareh Behzadi ◽  
Toran Shahani ◽  
Masoumeh Sadat Mousavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Dietary Acid Load ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Dietary Acid ◽  
Acid Load ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease that annually causes four million deaths in the world. It is not just a disease, however a series of metabolic disorders caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Considering the importance of diet in the incidence and complications of diabetes, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the dietary acid load with diabetes, which has recently been considered. Methods: This meta-analysis was first performed as a systematic review by searching in Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Springer, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Scopus, as well as domestic databases including Magiran, SID, Irandoc, and Google Scholar. A total of 1511 articles were found that after reviewing and excluding irrelevant articles, five were included in the study. Results: In the present study, a significantly high heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 61.5, P = 0.01). A random effect model was used and the studies were weighted using the inverse-variance method. The odds ratio (OR) obtained from the meta-analysis was 1.17 (1.12-1.22). Examination of publication bias showed that the studies were symmetrically distributed in the funnel plot. Egger’s and Begg’s tests were also performed that showed no evidence for the existence of publication bias [Egger’s test (P ≥ 0.79) and Begg’s test (P ≥ 0.69)]. Conclusion: The results of the present meta-analysis showed a significant relationship between dietary acid load and the incidence of diabetes. This result is similar to most studies on the subject, except for one study, which was limited to the elderly male population. The number of studies in the present meta-analysis was low due to the limited number of research in this field.

scholarly journals Effects of Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy on Periodontal Clinical Data in Periodontitis Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Huang ◽  
Zheng Zhang ◽  
Youli Zheng ◽  
Zhulan Zhao ◽  
Yang Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Periodontal Therapy ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Abstract Backgrounds: To date, there is still no consensus about the clinical efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with periodontitis. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to summarize available data regarding the clinical efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with RA and periodontitis compared to patients with periodontitis alone.Methods: A meta-analysis of existing randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted. The eligible RCTs were selected through Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and manual retrieval from the earliest records to March 15, 2020 to extract data. The overall effect size of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), attachment loss (AL), probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were calculated by either a fixed or random-effect model, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to the different time points of follow-up. Cochrane Collaboration's tool was responsible for the evaluation of the literature quality and the inter-study heterogeneity was evaluated by Q test and I2 statistic. The authors applied sensitivity analysis for results with heterogeneity. Publication bias was determined by Begg's test, Egger's test and the trim-and-fill method.Results: Eight RCTs eventually met the inclusion criteria for the study. The overall outcomes concerned PI, GI, PD, Al and BOP were 0.42(95% CI 0.02, 0.81), 0.03(95% CI -0.03, 0.10),-0.06mm (95% CI -0.18, 0.06), 0.16mm (95% CI-0.03, 0.36) and 4.15(95% CI -0.26, 8.55), respectively. In subgroup analysis, a larger BOP reduction at 3 months, PI and AL reduction at 6 months were observed in patients with RA and periodontitis group. The results of sensitivity analyses had no significant effect. No evidence of potential publication bias was tested.Conclusions: The authors conclude that SRP is equally effective in patients with periodontitis and RA than in periodontitis ones. This result suggests RA does not affect the clinical efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

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