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ABSTRACT This study sought to investigate the association between interleukin‐10 (IL10) polymorphisms and susceptibility to Sjögren's syndrome. A systematic search of the Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify relevant articles from inception to April 2024. No restrictions were placed on race, ethnicity or geographic area, but only studies published in English were included. A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the association among the IL10‐1082 G/A (rs1800896), ‐819 C/T (rs1800871) and ‐592 C/A (rs1800872) polymorphisms, as well as their haplotypes and the risk of developing Sjögren's syndrome. The included studies involved 998 Sjögren's syndrome patients and 1576 controls. Ten studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis of the IL10‐1082 G/A polymorphism revealed no significant association with Sjögren's syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.115, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.888–1.401, p = 0.343), with stratification by ethnicity yielding consistent results for Europeans and Latin Americans. Similarly, the IL10‐819 C/T polymorphism was not associated with Sjögren's syndrome in any study subjects (OR = 0.859, 95% CI: 0.648–1.138, p = 0.290). The IL10‐592 C allele also exhibited no association with Sjögren's syndrome (OR = 1.131, 95% CI: 0.776–1.646, p = 0.522). However, the GCC carrier status demonstrated a significant association with Sjögren's syndrome across all study subjects (OR = 1.496, 95% CI: 1.200–1.865, p < 0.001), particularly in Europeans (OR = 1.444, 95% CI: 1.085–1.921, p = 0.012) and Latin Americans (OR = 1.324, 95% CI: 1.115–2.366, p = 0.012). A significant protective effect of the homozygous ATA/ATA haplotype on Sjögren's syndrome was found in Europeans (OR = 0.320, 95% CI: 0.121–0.846, p = 0.022).This meta‐analysis indicates a significant link between carrying the GCC haplotype of the IL10‐1082 G/A, ‐819 C/T and ‐592 C/A polymorphisms and an increased susceptibility to Sjögren's syndrome. Conversely, the homozygous ATA/ATA haplotype appears to confer protection against the risk of Sjögren's syndrome, particularly in European populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta-analysis methodology has evolved with the development of more robust statistical techniques; however, few reviews in special education have focused specifically on methodological rigor in meta-analyses. In this study, we examined 29 meta-analyses of mathematics interventions published from 2000 to 2022 to determine the extent to which researchers have applied four best practices in meta-analyses focused on mathematics interventions for students with disabilities. Our findings were (a) studies used three primary moderator techniques: meta-regression (k = 10), subgroup analysis (k = 8), analysis of variance (k = 3), and both subgroup analysis and meta-regression (k = 1); (b) only one study considered small sample corrections for hypothesis tests; (c) few researchers handled the dependence between multiple effect sizes (k = 3); and (d) the funnel plot was commonly used to detect publication bias (k = 8). Based on our findings, we make recommendations for methodological considerations for future meta-analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our objective was to assess the overall and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) among patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: An exhaustive systematic review was undertaken, encompassing studies that scrutinized SMRs, both overall and for specific causes, in patients diagnosed with SLE compared to the general populace. The databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane were meticulously searched to collate relevant literature. Following this comprehensive search, a meta-analysis was executed to methodically assess all-cause, sex-specific, ethnicity-specific, and cause-specific SMRs in individuals with SLE. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by 29 studies encompassing 72,342 patients with SLE and documenting 7352 deaths. The meta-analysis disclosed a pronounced 2.87-fold elevation in the SMR for all-cause mortality in SLE patients relative to the general population (SMR, 2.866; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.490–3.242; p <.001). Region-specific assessments showed variable all-cause SMRs, with Europe reporting 2.607 (95% CI, 1.939–3.275; p <.001), Asia revealing 3.043 (95% CI, 2.082–4.004; p <.001), and particularly high SMRs noted in North America and Oceania. Gender-focused analyses presented a pooled SMR of 3.261 (95% CI, 2.674–3.848; p <.001) for females, and 2.747 (95% CI, 2.190–3.304; p <.001) for males. Evaluations specific to cause of death illustrated notably elevated SMRs for renal disease (SMR, 4.486; 95% CI, 3.024–5.948; p <.001), infections (SMR, 4.946; 95% CI, 4.253–5.639; p <.001), cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (SMR, 2.931; 95% CI, 1.802–4.061; p <.001), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) (SMR, 1.588; 95% CI, 0.647–2.528; p =.001), and cancer (SMR, 1.698; 95% CI, 0.871–2.525; p <.001). Conclusions: This meta-analysis underscores a significant 2.87-fold elevation in the SMR among patients with SLE compared to the general population, transcending differences in sex or geographical regions. Moreover, an appreciable increase in mortality due to specific causes, including renal disease, infection, CVD, CVA, malignancy, and neuropsychiatric SLE, accentuates the imperative for targeted interventions to mitigate these elevated risks in SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed to examine the effects of curcumin on chronic inflammatory metabolic disease by extensively evaluating meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a literature search of meta-analyses of RCTs published in English in PubMed®/MEDLINE up to 31 July 2023. We identified 54 meta-analyses of curcumin RCTs for inflammation, antioxidant, glucose control, lipids, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, endothelial function, depression, and cognitive function. A reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was observed in seven of ten meta-analyses of RCTs. In five of eight meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly lowered interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. In six of nine meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly lowered tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels. In five of six meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In 14 of 15 meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. In 12 of 12 meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In seven of eight meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. In eight of ten meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced insulin levels. In 14 of 19 meta-analyses, curcumin intake significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) levels. Curcumin intake plays a protective effect on chronic inflammatory metabolic disease, possibly via improved levels of glucose homeostasis, MDA, TC, and inflammation (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and adiponectin). The safety and efficacy of curcumin as a natural product support the potential for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of baricitinib in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register to find relevant publications. Using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of baricitinib in patients with active SLE who did not respond well to standard treatments. Results: A total of 1849 individuals (1235 experimental participants and 614 controls) from three RCTs on baricitinib were included. A reduction of ≥ 4 points from baseline in SLEDAI-2K score in the baricitinib 4 mg group was greater than the placebo group's reduction (odds ratio [OR] = 1.407, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.123–1.763, p =.003). The baricitinib 4 mg group significantly outperformed the placebo group in terms of SLEDAI-2K remission of arthritis or rash (OR = 1.327, 95% CI = 1.059–1.663, p =.014). Other effectiveness outcomes such as the SRI4 response did not substantially improve in the baricitinib 4 mg group when compared with the placebo group. And there were no significant increase in the efficacy outcomes in the baricitinib 2 mg group than in the placebo group. However, there was a substantially higher incidence of severe adverse events (SAE) and serious infections in the baricitinib 4 mg group (OR = 1.493, 95% CI = 1.002–2.225, p =.049; OR = 2.303, 95% CI = 1.147–4.622, p =.019) compared to the placebo group. There were no differences between the baricitinib 2 mg and placebo groups in any of the safety outcome data. Conclusion: Meta-analysis reveals that baricitinib 4 mg is beneficial for treating active SLE in terms of a reduction of ≥ 4 points from baseline in SLEDAI-2K score and SLEDAI-2K remission of arthritis or rash. However, the higher frequency of SAEs and serious infections was observed in the group receiving baricitinib 4 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the potential associations between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and NOD‐, LRR‐, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) rs35829419, rs10754558, s4612666, and caspase recruitment domain family member 8 (CARD8) rs2043211 polymorphisms. Methods: Relevant papers were searched for in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. Allele contrast, recessive, dominant, and homozygote contrast models were used to investigate the relationship between the NLRP3 rs35829419, rs10754558, and s4612666, and CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphisms and RA. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023451231). Results: The meta‐analysis included 11 comparative studies comprising 3789 patients with RA and 3956 controls. No significant association was found between NLRP3 rs35829419 C allele and RA in Europeans, Arabs, or Latinos. The NLRP3 rs10754558 G allele was not associated with RA in the Asian or Arab populations. However, a single study in Latin America discovered a link between RA and the NLRP3 rs10754558 G allele. The NLRP3 rs4612666 T allele was not associated with RA, according to the meta‐analysis. When ethnicity was stratified, there was no association between the NLRP3 rs4612666 T allele and RA, except for a single study that found an association among Arabs. The CARD8 rs2043211 T allele did not seem to be associated with RA. According to an ethnic stratification study, the CARD8 rs2043211 T allele did not appear to be associated with RA in Europeans, Arabs, or Latinos. Conclusions: The meta‐analysis indicated that the NLRP3 rs35829419, rs10754558, and s4612666 polymorphisms, as well as the CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphism, were not linked to RA susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Very low-carbohydrate diets or ketogenic diets (KDs) have garnered attention for weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity as well as for normal-weight adults, yet the adverse effects of KDs, such as dyslipidemia in normal-weight adults, have not been studied extensively. Objective This meta-analysis aimed to identify the effects of KDs on the lipid profile in normal-weight (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m2) adults from randomized controlled trials. Data Sources PubMed and Embase databases were searched on November 21, 2021, using search terms representing KDs and lipid profiles. Two researchers independently screened articles according to PICOS inclusion criteria. Data Extraction General study information, dietary data, and lipid profiles were extracted from eligible studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool. Data Analysis Fixed- or random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effects of KDs on total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A (apoA), and apolipoprotein B (apoB), considering heterogeneity across studies. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Results Three studies were selected for meta-analysis. A KD significantly increased TC by 1.47 mmol/L (95%CI, 0.72–2.22 mmol/L), LDL-C by 1.08 mmol/L (95%CI, 0.37–1.79 mmol/L), and apoB by 0.35 g/L (95%CI, 0.06–0.65 g/L). In addition, a KD significantly increased HDL-C by 0.35 mmol/L (95%CI, 0.27–0.42 mmol/L) and apoA by 0.34 g/L (95%CI, 0.28–0.41 g/L) compared with control diets. Triglyceride levels were not significantly different between KDs and control diets (P  =   0.63). Conclusion This study suggests unfavorable effects of KDs on TC and LDL-C in normal-weight adults. Although an increase in HDL-C can compensate for unfavorable changes in lipids, normal-weight individuals should consider the risk of hypercholesterolemia when consuming a KD. Results for triglycerides were inconsistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of Floseal, a thrombin-based hemostatic matrix, in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in minimizing blood loss and transfusion requirements remains a topic of debate. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the up-to-date randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy and safety of Floseal in TKA. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases to identify relevant RCTs. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed, and data extraction was performed. The pooled effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eight studies involving 904 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The use of a thrombin-based hemostatic agent significantly reduced hemoglobin decline (SMD = −0.49, 95% CI: −0.92 to −0.07) and the risk of allogenic transfusion (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.81) but showed no significant difference in the volume of drainage or total blood loss. Funnel plots showed no evidence of publication bias. This meta-analysis provides robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of Floseal in reducing hemoglobin decline and transfusion in TKA. Further well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up periods are warranted to assess long-term efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to determine whether miR-146a and miR-499 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. We performed a meta-analysis on the association of miR-146a rs2910164, rs2431697, rs57095329, and miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphisms with susceptibility to SLE. Results: Twenty-one studies from 17 reports, with 18,910 patients and 29,622 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed no association between SLE and the rs2910164 C allele (odds ratio [OR] = 0.999, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.816–1.222, p = 0.990). Stratification by ethnicity indicated no association between the miR-146a C allele and SLE in Arab or Latin American populations. The meta-analysis revealed an association between SLE and the miR-499 rs374644 CC + CT genotype in the overall group (OR = 1.313, 95% CI = 1.015–1.698, p = 0.038). Furthermore, meta-analysis revealed a significant association between SLE and the miR-146a rs2431697 C allele in the overall group (OR = 0.746, 95% CI = 0.697–0.798, p = 0.038). The miR-146a rs2431697 C allele is protective against SLE risk. Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the miR-146a rs2431697 C allele and SLE in Asian and European, but not Arab populations. The meta-analysis showed an association between the miR-146a rs57095329 G allele and SLE in Asian, but not Arab populations. Discussion/Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the miR-146a rs2431697 polymorphism is a protective factor against the risk of SLE, and that the miR-146a rs57095329 and miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SLE. However, miR-146a rs2910164 was not associated with susceptibility to SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Limited palatal muscle resection (PMR) is a surgical technique employed to alleviate respiratory disturbances in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with retropalatal narrowing by reducing soft palate volume and tightening the muscles. Although some previous publications have demonstrated the effectiveness of limited PMR, the overall efficacy and therapeutic role of limited PMR for the treatment of OSA remain uncertain. This study utilized meta-analysis and a systematic literature review to estimate the overall effectiveness of limited PMR in treating OSA. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched using specific keywords related to OSA and limited PMR. Original articles assessing respiratory disturbances before and after limited PMR in patients with OSA were included. Data from selected articles were collected using standardized forms, including clinicodemographic characteristics, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and lowest pulse oximetry values (minimum SpO2). Random effect models were used for analyzing significant heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plot were used to identify publication bias. Results: Four studies were included in this meta-analysis for AHI, and three studies were included for minimum SpO2 during sleep. A significant reduction in the AHI and an increase in the minimum SpO2 were shown following limited PMR as the standardized mean difference (95% confidence interval) was 2.591 (1.092–4.090) and 1.217 (0.248–2.186), respectively. No publication bias was found in either analysis. Conclusions: The results of the meta-analysis and systemic review add to the literature that limited PMR can result in a reduction in the AHI and an increase in min SaO2. In OSA patients with suspected retropalatal obstruction, limited PMR may be efficiently performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether polymorphisms in toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) contribute to vulnerability to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant articles. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association between the TLR9 rs187084, rs352139, rs352140, and rs5743836 polymorphisms and SLE risk. Results: A total of 5447 patients with SLE and 6588 control participants across 26 trials from 24 articles were included. The TLR9 rs187084 T allele was significantly associated with SLE (odds ratio, 1.146; 95% confidence interval, 1.033–1.273; p = 0.010). In a meta-analysis, the TLR9 rs187084 T allele was associated with SLE in the Asian population but not in the Arab population, demonstrating the existence of ethnicity-specific effects. Using homozygote contrast and recessive models, the researchers also found that the TLR9 rs187084 T/C polymorphism was associated with SLE. The TLR9 rs352139 G allele was not associated with SLE in this meta-analysis. After accounting for ethnic differences, we found that the TLR9 rs352139 G allele was not associated with SLE in Asians and Arabs. Furthermore, homozygote contrast and dominant models found no association between the TLR9 rs352139 G/A polymorphism and SLE. TLR9 polymorphisms at rs352140 and rs5743836 were not associated with an increased risk of SLE in any genetic prediction model, including people of Asian, European, or Latin American ancestry. Conclusions: SLE susceptibility is associated with the TLR9 rs187084 polymorphism in the Asian population and the rs187084, rs352139, rs352140, and rs5743836 polymorphisms in the Asian, European, and Latin American populations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the dermatological as well as the esthetic potential of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) by performing a systematic review and meta‐analysis. From the electronic databases, 554 articles were assessed; however, only 31 studies were selected after manually screening and eliminating unnecessary studies. The potential effectiveness of LEDs for skin therapies was assessed by evaluating the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and funnel plots of this meta‐analysis. It was discovered that both red and blue LED lights play an important role in the treatment of acne vulgaris with an overall statistically significant SMD of −2.42 [−2.64, −2.15] and I2 = 17% < 50%. Additionally, other LEDs (e.g., yellow LEDs and near‐infrared devices) showed outstanding levels of effectiveness, not only in reducing the lesions of herpes simplex and psoriasis but also in improved skin rejuvenation with highly consistent analytical results (I2 = 0% and 33%, respectively). However, the analysis of LED‐based skin wound healing and atopic dermatitis treatments exhibited heterogeneity (I2 = 85% and 90%) due to the lack of unpublished articles. In conclusion, it is suggested that LEDs are useful for dermatology and could be potential candidates for future cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their role in inflammatory reactions and immunological responses as well as their chromosomal location, interleukin (IL) 17A and 17F are regarded as candidate causal genes associated with asthma. The aim of this study was to determine whether IL17 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to asthma. We used the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases to search for studies reporting IL17 polymorphisms in patients with asthma and healthy controls. Meta‐analyses were conducted to determine the associations between IL17A rs8193036 (−737C/T), rs2275913 (−197G/A), rs3819024 (A/G), rs3748067 (C/T), and rs4711998 (A/G) and IL17F rs763780 (7488A/G), rs2397084 (T/C), rs1889570 (C/T), rs11465553 (G/A), and rs1266828 (T/C) polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility. A total of 20 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Our results revealed the IL17A rs8193036 CC genotype was associated with asthma susceptibility (odds ratio [OR] = 1.490, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.027–2.161, p =.036). However, stratification by ethnicity indicated no association between this polymorphism and asthma in European and Asian subjects. Furthermore, no association was found between this polymorphism and asthma using the allele contrast, dominant or homozygous contrast models. No evidence of an association was found between any of the other IL17A and IL17F polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility in this meta‐analysis. This meta‐analysis showed that, among the studied polymorphisms, only the CC genotype of IL17A rs8193036 is associated with asthma susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms may play an important role in the vitiligo susceptibility. There have been many studies looking at the associations between VDR polymorphisms and vitiligo risk, but the conclusions are still up for debate. Aim: This study aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in the VDR are associated to the susceptibility to vitiligo. Methods: Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in vitiligo patients and controls were identified using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases. The relationships between the VDR ApaI, TaqI, BsmI, and TaqI polymorphisms and vitiligo were investigated using meta‐analyses of all participants and Asian, Arab, European, and Latin American groups. Results: This meta‐analysis included 13 papers with 2034 patients and 2771 controls. In all individuals, there was no link between vitiligo and the VDR ApaI A allele (OR = 0.889, 95% CI = 0.713–1.109, p = 0.298). However, in Asians (OR = 0.721, 95% CI = 0.553–0.940, p = 0.016) but not in Europeans or Arabs, there was a link between the VDR ApaI A allele and vitiligo. Utilizing recessive, dominant, and homozygote contrast models, a link between vitiligo and the VDR ApaI polymorphism was discovered in Asians. Meta‐analysis of the VDR BsmI polymorphism showed a significant association between vitiligo and the B allele (OR = 0.812, 95% CI = 0.686–0.961, p = 0.015). In contrast, no connection between vitiligo and VDR polymorphisms was identified for TaqI and FokI polymorphisms. Conclusion: In the Asian population, ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms in VDR have been correlated to vitiligo susceptibility. However, TaqI and FokI polymorphisms in VDR are not associated with vitiligo susceptibility in European, Asian, Arab, and Latin American populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]