Clinics
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Review Meta Analysis
Diagnostic performance of microRNA-29a in active pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
In recent years, more and more studies have shown that microRNA-29a (miRNA-29a) can be used as a potential biomarker for active tuberculosis, but the results of these studies are not consistent. ⋯ miRNA-29a can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis.
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To summarize the data on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys conducted in Brazil before the introduction of vaccines METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Brazil. The present review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The authors searched Medline, Embase, and LILACS databases for serologic surveys conducted in the Brazilian population, in the period from 01/10/2019 to 07/11/2021, without language restrictions. The authors included studies that presented data concerning SARS-CoV-2 antibodies seroprevalence in Brazil and had a sample size ≥50 individuals. Considering the expected heterogeneity between studies, all analyses were performed using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic RESULTS: Of 586 publications identified in the initial searches, 54 were included in the review and meta-analysis, which contained the results of 135 surveys, with 336,620 participants. The estimated seroprevalence was 11.0%, ranging from 1.0% to 83.0%, with a substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.55%). In subgroup analyses, the authors observed that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 13.0% in blood donors, 9.0% in the population-based surveys, 13% in schoolchildren, and 11.0% in healthcare workers. ⋯ Seroprevalence increases over time. Large differences were observed among the regions of the country. It was higher in the Northern region, decreasing towards the South. The present results may contribute to the analysis of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Brazilian population before vaccination, one of the factors that may be influencing the clinical presentation of COVID-19 cases related to the new variants, as well as the effectiveness of the vaccination program.
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Stroke is a major global public health problem, affecting 13.7 million people worldwide. Previous studies have found a neuroprotective effect of hypothermia therapy and the efficacy and safety of combined hypothermia and mechanical thrombectomy or thrombolysis in the treatment of ischemic stroke have also attracted attention. ⋯ In summary, the results showed that hypothermia treatment was correlated with mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months, but not linked with complications and mortality within 3 months.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrostimulation in COPD subjects on mechanical ventilation. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To estimate the effectiveness of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES) in adults with COPD undergoing MV. ⋯ NMES may improve functional independence and decrease MV time in adults with COPD; however, its effectiveness on muscle strength is uncertain. More and better RCTs are needed to determine with greater certainty the effectiveness of NMES in this population.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy and safety of potassium-competitive acid blockers versus proton pump inhibitors as Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (P-CABs) have been used in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapies in recent years. However, the efficacy and safety of P-CABs compared to Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) in this setting remain controversial. ⋯ The efficacy of P-CAB-based triple therapy is superior to that of PPI-based triple therapy as a first-line approach to H. pylori eradication, particularly in Japanese patients. As salvage therapy, the efficacy of the two treatments did not significantly differ. The tolerability of P-CAB-based and PPI-based triple therapy was comparable, as was the incidence of adverse events.