Search

Objective. This paper aims to systematically evaluate the intervention effect of mind-body exercise on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients. Methods. Databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and SINOMED were retrieved to collect randomized controlled trials on the effects of mind-body exercise on relieving cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients. The retrieval period started from the founding date of each database to January 6, 2021. Cochrane bias risk assessment tools were used to evaluate the methodological quality assessment of the included literature, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analyses. Results. 17 pieces of researches in 16 papers were included with a total of 1133 patients. Compared with the control group, mind-body exercise can improve cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients. The combined effect size SMD = 0.59, 95% CI was [0.27, 0.92], p < 0.00001. Doing Tai Chi for over 40 minutes each time with an exercise cycle of ≤6 weeks can improve cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients more significantly. Sensitivity analysis shows that the combined effect results of the meta-analysis were relatively stable. Conclusion. Mind-body exercise can effectively improve cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Evidence-based research methods were applied to assess the efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of autism in children. Methods. We searched the Chinese Biomedical Literature, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases to collect randomised controlled trials on faecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of autism in children. The search included studies published from the creation of the respective database to 5 April 2022. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation were implemented by three investigators according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.1 software. Results. Nine studies with population-based subjects and four studies with animal-based subjects were included. Five papers were screened for the meta-analysis. The results showed that FMT markedly reduced Autism Behaviour Checklist (ABC) scores in children with autism spectrum disorder (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −14.96; 95% confidence intervals (CI), −21.68 to −8.24; P < 0.001 ; I2 = 0%). FMT also reduced Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores (WMD = −6.95; 95% CI, −8.76 to −5.14; P < 0.001 ; I2 = 28.1%). Conclusion. Our results indicate that FMT can benefit children with autism by reducing ABC and CARS scores, but more high-quality studies are needed to verify these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the correlation between the constitution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout. Method. Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBMdisc), PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Excerpta Medical Database (Embase) were searched to collect observational studies about TCM constitution in HUA and gout from inception to November 21, 2021. The distribution of TCM constitution types in HUA and gout patients was presented by proportion, while the correlation was presented by odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Meta-analysis was performed using StataCorp Stata (STATA) version 16.0 software. Results. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies and 10 case-control studies involving 38028 samples were included, among which 27526 patients were diagnosed with HUA and 2048 patients with gout. Phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC), damp-heat constitution (DHC), and qi-deficiency constitution (QDC) are the most common types, accounting for 24% (20%–27%), 22% (16%–27%), and 15% (12%–18%), respectively, in HUA patients, while DHC, PDC, and blood stasis constitution (BSC) accounted for 28% (18%–39%), 23% (17%–29%), and 11% (8%–15%), respectively, in gout patients. PDC and DHC were the main constitution types in patients with HUA or gout in south China, east China, north China, southwest China, northwest China, and northeast China. There was no difference in the distribution of PDC and QDC in male or female patients with HUA, while males with DHC in HUA were more common than females. The proportion of PDC or DHC among HUA patients was 1.93 times and 2.14 times higher than that in the general population (OR and 95% CI: 1.93 (1.27, 2.93), 2.14 (1.47, 3.13)), while the proportions of PDC, DHC, and BSC were 3.59 times, 4.85 times, and 4.35 times higher than that of the general groups (OR and 95% CI: 3.59 (1.65, 7.80), 4.85 (1.62, 14.57), and 4.35(2.33, 8.11)). Conclusion. PDC, DHC, and QDC are the main constitution types of patients with HUA, while PDC and QDC may be the risk factors for HUA. DHC, PDC, and BSC are the main constitution types of patients with gout, and they may be the risk factors for gout. In clinical and scientific research, more attention should be paid to the relationship between the above-mentioned TCM constitution in HUA or gout. Nevertheless, because the quality of the included observational studies is low, more prospective cohort studies related to TCM constitution and HUA or gout can be carried out to verify the causality between TCM constitution and HUA or gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Bradyarrhythmia treatment is often not timely enough, posing a potential threat to health. It is necessary to find a strategy with stable curative effects and high safety. Mahuang-Fuzi-Xixin (MFX) decoction and Shenmai injection (SMI) are compound Chinese Patent Medicines. Recent evidence has shown that the combined use of these two drugs can effectively treat bradyarrhythmia. Purpose. To evaluate the effect of MFX decoction combined with SMI on bradyarrhythmia. Methods. PRISMA was followed as the guideline for this systematic review. RevMan 5.4 software was applied for meta-analysis. Results. Eight studies were included in the analysis, with a total of 340 patients in the intervention and control groups. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the effective rate of MFX combined with SMI treatment was higher than that of SMI alone (OR = 3.27, 95% CI (2.18, 4.89), P < 0.01); after treatment, MFX combined with SMI treatment and SMI alone had no significant difference in heart rate. In the subgroup of patients with an age less than 60, the effect of MFX combined with SMI treatment on the 24-hour mean heart rate was better than that of SMI alone (MD = 3.68, 95% CI (3.14, 4.22), P < 0.01), as did the 24-hour minimal heart rate (MD = 3.48, 95% CI (3.03, 3.93), P < 0.01). In addition, the effect of MFX combined with SMI treatment on the Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome score (TCMSS) was significantly better than that of SMI alone (MD = −2.69, 95% CI (−3.10, −2.28), P < 0.01). In terms of safety, two adverse events were reported in the SMI combined with MFX group compared to 12 in the SMI alone group. Conclusions. MFX combined with SMI treatment is effective in treating bradyarrhythmia. However, the results were heterogeneous. The safety of MFX combined with SMI treatment should be verified and treated with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Qiliqiangxin (QLQX) capsules are a commonly used proprietary Chinese medicine for the adjuvant treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) in China. In recent years, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported on the efficacy and safety of QLQX combined with sacubitril/valsartan for CHF. Objective. The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of QLQX combined with sacubitril/valsartan in the management of CHF and to provide clinicians as well as scientists with optimal evidence-based medical evidence. Methods. We searched RCTs to evaluate the efficacy and safety of QLQX combined with sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of CHF in the Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception until January 8, 2022. RCTs on QLQX in combination with sacubitril/valsartan for CHF were included. The outcome measures considered were total effective rate, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), 6-minute walking distance (6-MWD), and adverse events. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed thereafter using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Results. The meta-analysis included 17 trials involving 1427 CHF patients. The results indicated that with sacubitril/valsartan administration combined with QLQX treatment, the total effective rate (relative risk (RR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.17, 1.31); p < 0.01), LVEF (mean difference (MD) = 6.20; 95% CI (5.36, 7.05; p < 0.01)), and 6-MWD (MD = 55.87; 95% CI (40.66, 71.09); p < 0.01) of CHF patients were significantly increased, and the LVEDD value of CHF patients was noted to be significantly reduced (MD = −3.98; 95% CI (−4.47, −3.48); p < 0.01). Moreover, there was no increase in the number of adverse events during treatment (RR = 0.67; 95% CI (0.33, 1.34); p < 0.01). Conclusions. This study indicated that in CHF patients, on the basis of sacubitril/valsartan treatment, combination with QLQX can potentially enhance the total effective rate, improve LVEF and 6-MWD, and reduce LVEDD values, with good safety. However, considering the poor quality of the included studies, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled study is needed for further confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To perform a meta-analysis and network analysis identification to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of modified Baitouweng decoction (mBTWD) in the treatment of radiation enteritis. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Databases, SionMed, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mBTWD treating radiation enteritis. Rev.Man 5.3 and Stata 14.0 software are employed for meta-analysis. The GRADE online tool is used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Network analysis and molecular docking approach are applied to predict the potential targets and ingredients of representative drugs in mBTWD for the treatment of radiation enteritis. Results. Seventeen studies are eventually included, covering a total of 1611 patients: (1) The clinical efficacy is significantly higher in mBTWD groups than in control groups (RR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.17, 1.32), P < 0.00001). (2) mBTWD has certain advantages in improving TCM syndromes (MD = −3.41, P < 0.00001). (3) mBTWD has a certain positive effect on the improvement of intestinal signs and symptoms (RR = 1.23, P = 0.0001 ; OR = 3.51, P < 0.00001). (4) Indexes including CRP, KPS, and OB, are better in mBTWD groups than in control groups (P < 0.00001 , P = 0.002 , P = 0.03), but the credibility is downgraded for a small sample size. Adverse events and recurrence rates require further confirmation with larger sample sizes. (5) Univariate meta-regression for clinical efficacy shows none of the coefficients are significantly associated with the estimated risk ratio. The clinical efficacy overestimates about 4.9% from publication bias. The quality of the included studies is low according to GRADE evidence. (6) Quercetin, isorhamnetin, and beta-sitosterol are the main ingredients from representative drugs in mBTWD and its key targets are MYC, TP53, and MAPK14/MAPK1. Conclusions. mBTWD may be effective in the treatment of radiation enteritis, but its long-term benefits, safety, and molecular mechanisms remain unclear due to the poor quality of the evidence. Larger sample sizes, high-quality studies, and basic research are essential in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Microvascular angina (MVA) has received increasing attention and interest in recent years, but there are still some shortcomings in the diagnosis and treatments at current stage. In recent years, several studies have confirmed the efficacy of proprietary Chinese medicines (PCMs) in improving MVA symptoms; however, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the efficacy of PCMs in this area. Objective. Investigating the clinical efficacy of proprietary Chinese medicines for treating MVA and coronary microvascular function. Methods. We looked up articles from January 1, 2012, to the present from eight databases. Then, we screened the literature and followed the 2019 version 2 of Cochrane risk of bias tool for systematic review. The Stata/SE 15.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. Results. There are 21 studies, including 1,641 patients who were included in this review. According to the results, the combination of PCMs and conventional MVA treatment was able to further enhance clinical efficacy [RR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.20, 1.36), p < 0.001], prolong the time of duration on the treadmill exercise testing (TET) [SMD = 1.49, 95% CI (0.63, 2.36), p = 0.001] and improve levels of NO [SMD = −1.77 95% CI (−2.11, −1.43), p < 0.001]. At the same time, PCMs could also decrease the microvascular resistance index (IMR) [SMD = −1.79, 95% CI (−2.58, −1.00), p < 0.001)], serum level of hs-CRP [SMD = −1.21, 95% CI (−1.84, −0.58), p < 0.001] and ET-1 [SMD = −1.77 95% CI (−2.11, −1.43), p < 0.001]. Regards to medication safety, a total of 27 adverse events occurred, including 10 cases in the intervention group and 17 cases in the control group. Conclusion. The study suggests that the combination of PCMs and conventional MVA treatment enhances clinical efficacy and could better improve coronary microvascular function. In the future, we expect more high-quality, randomized, double-blind clinical studies to validate the safety, and efficacy of PCMs to provide valuable evidence-based medicine (EBM) for the treatment of MVA with PCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This paper systematically assessed the efficacy and safety of Jingtong granule (JG) for cervical radiculopathy (CR). Methods. Randomized controlled trials comparing JG with no intervention, placebo, or conventional therapies were retrieved. The trials testing JG combined with conventional therapies versus conventional therapies were also enrolled. Study selection, methodological assessment, data extraction, and analysis were conducted in accordance with the Cochrane standards. The strength of evidence was evaluated according to GRADE approach. Results. Three trials with 400 participants were included. Methodological quality was evaluated as generally low. One study found that JG showed significant difference on decreasing pain scores compared with placebo. Meta-analysis indicated that JG plus conventional analgesic exhibited a significant immediate effect on the pain scores (WMD = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.98; P < 0.00001). Additionally, JG combined with analgesic presented beneficial immediate effect on neck disability index. However, the treatment effects of JG demonstrated in the trials were not large, and the safety of JG was unproven. Finally the evidence level was evaluated to be low. Conclusions. Our results indicated that JG showed some potential benefits for CR. Nevertheless, treatment effects are uncertain due to both the methodological concerns and the very modest reported improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition with only few evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies available. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Qigong for fibromyalgia syndrome. Methods. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cambase databases were screened in December 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials comparing Qigong to control interventions. Major outcome measures were pain and quality of life; and secondary outcomes included sleep quality, fatigue, depression, and safety. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results. Seven trials were located with a total of 395 FMS patients. Analyses revealed low quality evidence for short-term improvement of pain, quality of life, and sleep quality and very low quality evidence for improvement of fatigue after Qigong for FMS, when compared to usual care. No evidence was found for superiority of Qigong compared to active treatments. No serious adverse events were reported. Discussion. This systematic review found that Qigong may be a useful approach for FMS patients. According to the quality of evidence, only a weak recommendation for Qigong can be made at this point. Further high quality RCTs are required for the conclusive judgment of its long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To comprehensively compare the effects of conventional therapy combined with intravenous vitamin C and conventional therapy on viral myocarditis in children through a meta-analysis. Methods. Relevant articles including clinical trials of normal treatment combined with intravenous vitamin C and conventional therapy for viral myocarditis in children that were published between January 2000 and February 2018 were selected from PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and WANFANG database. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane systematic review method (version 5.1.0); data quality was evaluated by two independent researchers. The total effective rate; LDH, CK, and CK-MB levels; and other indicators were analyzed using Rev Man 5.3 software. Results. Eight studies were eligible for this meta-analysis, which included a total of 426 patients in the treatment group and 363 patients in the control group. The meta-analysis results of six studies showed that the total effective rate of intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy was higher than that of conventional therapy alone [Z = 5.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21 (1.13 to 1.30), P < 0.00001]; that of five studies showed that LDH levels were lower in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 3.70, 95% CI: −1.88 (−2.88 to −0.88), P = 0.0002]; that of three studies showed that CK levels were lower in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 4.21, 95% CI: −0.55 (−0.81 to −0.30), P < 0.0001]; that of four studies showed that CK-MB levels were lower in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 13.64, 95% CI: −1.44 (−1.65 to −1.24), P < 0.00001]; that of two studies showed that CD3 levels were higher in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 2.45, 95% CI: 0.41 (0.08–0.73), P = 0.01]; that of two studies showed no significant difference in changes in CD4 levels between children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy and those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 0.28, 95% CI: −0.21 (−1.69 to 1.28), P = 0.78]; and that of two studies showed no significant difference in changes in CD4/CD8 between children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy and those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 0.07, 95% CI: −0.03 (−0.73 to 0.67), P = 0.94]. Conclusion. The meta-analysis results showed that intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy is better than the simple, conventional therapy for the treatment of viral myocarditis in children in terms of the total effective rate and LDH, CK, and CK-MB levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. As a common chronic disease with high morbidity and recurrent rate, acute cerebral infarction (ACI) affects the life quality of patients and gives them heavy psychological burden. And Danshen class injections (DSCIs) are commonly adopted in treating ACI. So, this network meta-analysis (NMA) was designed to assess the clinical efficacy of eight kinds of DSCIs. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, the China Biomedical Literature Service System, the Chinese Scientific Journals Full-text Database, and Wanfang database from their inception to 16th Dec. 2017 aiming to collect related randomized controlled trials (RCTs). And then data were analyzed through Stata and WinBUGS software based on the Bayesian statistical model. The results were reported as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% credible intervals (CIs). The consistency test between direct and indirect comparisons was also evaluated and inconsistency factor was presented to manifest the heterogeneity among them. Meanwhile, the surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities (SUCRA) was utilized to rank the treatments in different outcomes. Results. Finally, 157 RCTs with 15570 patients were included. A total of eight types DSCIs were identified. Based on the results, Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate injection (STS) plus western medicine (WM) had better effect on the clinical effectiveness rate, neurological impairment, and activities of daily living function than others. Meanwhile, Danhong injection (DS) and Danshen Salvianolic Acids injection (DSSA) had excellent performance in perfecting hemorheological indexes. Conclusions. In conclusion, STS plus WM may be the optimum treatment for ACI. The following therapies were DS plus WM and DSSA plus WM. Nevertheless, in terms of the limitations of the study, more large samples, multicenter, and double-blind RCTs are still needed for validating our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]