Effects of qigong on systolic and diastolic blood pressure lowering: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Background: The benefits of qigong for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) reduction have been noted in previously published systematic reviews; however, the data on its effectiveness has been at best scarce. We aimed to update the evidence of qigong on blood pressure reduction after taking into consideration the risks of random error and reliability of data in the cumulative meta-analysis using trial sequential analysis (TSA). Methods: Included trials were assessed using Cochrane risk of bias instrument. We performed meta-analysis with random-effects model and random errors were evaluated with TSA. We performed the search for the eligible randomized controlled trial (RCT) through Medline, Cinahl, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and also PubMed. Results: A total of 370 subjects sourced from seven eligible RCTs were entered into the analysis. The pooled results demonstrated the significant reduction with the use of qigong of the systolic blood pressure [weighted mean difference (WMD), − 10.66 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) = − 17.69,-3.62, p < 0.001] and diastolic BP [WMD, − 6.76 mmHg, 95% CI = − 12.22, − 1.30, p < 0.001] as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Significant reductions in BP is seen with the use of qigong as compared with the control group, suggesting that qigong may be used as a complementary therapy in the somewhat complicated management of hypertension

Disparities in COVID-19 related outcomes in the United States by race and ethnicity pre-vaccination era: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

BackgroundMeta-analyses have investigated associations between race and ethnicity and COVID-19 outcomes. However, there is uncertainty about these associations’ existence, magnitude, and level of evidence. We, therefore, aimed to synthesize, quantify, and grade the strength of evidence of race and ethnicity and COVID-19 outcomes in the US.MethodsIn this umbrella review, we searched four databases (Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Epistemonikos) from database inception to April 2022. The methodological quality of each meta-analysis was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews, version 2 (AMSTAR-2). The strength of evidence of the associations between race and ethnicity with outcomes was ranked according to established criteria as convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, or non-significant. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022336805.ResultsOf 880 records screened, we selected seven meta-analyses for evidence synthesis, with 42 associations examined. Overall, 10 of 42 associations were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Two associations were highly suggestive, two were suggestive, and two were weak, whereas the remaining 32 associations were non-significant. The risk of COVID-19 infection was higher in Black individuals compared to White individuals (risk ratio, 2.08, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.60–2.71), which was supported by highly suggestive evidence; with the conservative estimates from the sensitivity analyses, this association remained suggestive. Among those infected with COVID-19, Hispanic individuals had a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization than non-Hispanic White individuals (odds ratio, 2.08, 95% CI, 1.60–2.70) with highly suggestive evidence which remained after sensitivity analyses.ConclusionIndividuals of Black and Hispanic groups had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization compared to their White counterparts. These associations of race and ethnicity and COVID-19 outcomes existed more obviously in the pre-hospitalization stage. More consideration should be given in this stage for addressing health inequity

Bulimia nervosa and its relation to voice changes in young adults: A simple review of epidemiology, complications, diagnostic criteria and management

Background: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a type of feeding disorder that starts in adolescence and presents a variety of symptoms, recurrent vomiting in the oral cavity that may reach down to the larynx - similarly to gastro-esophageal reflux, causing laryngeal and voice disorder alterations. Objective: These studies aimed at surveying the literature and investigate the studies that considered BN a risk factor for voice disorders and its epidemiology, complications, diagnostic criteria, and management. Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was done based on a survey of BIOMED CENTRAL and COCHRANE @ OVID databases, which are linked to the IMU ezproxy virtual library (http://ezp.imu.edu.my/menu). The keywords "bulimia nervosa", "teenage complications" and "voice changes" were used. Citations with summaries were chosen to limit the topic, for the period between 2000 and 2010, in English. Results: Of the ninety three papers we found, twenty three were used as a basis for this review. Among them, only three discuss BN as an etiology factor associated with voice changes in adult women, and we did not find any paper associating this with bulimic teenagers. Conclusion: It is necessary to observe laryngeal and vocal signs and symptoms associated with BN, especially in teenagers whose voices are going through a period of change. The contribution of this type of investigation, which should begin with a clinical history, is essential for minimizing the complications of bulimia nervosa. Thus, adolescents and adults with voice disorders should be investigated in greater detail

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Antifungal Agents in the Prophylaxis of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis among HIV-Infected Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of antifungal agents used in the prevention of oropharyngeal candidiasis among HIV-infected adults. A systematic search was conducted in four databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Embase) for eligible randomized control trials (RCTs). The network meta-analyses (NMA) were performed using a random-effects model. Interventions were ranked based on the efficacy and safety using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. From a total of 1574 studies screened, 7 RCTs comprising 959 participants were included in NMA. The use of fluconazole as a prophylactic agent was associated with a significant reduction in incidence of OPC compared to placebo (RR, 0.45 (95% CI: 0.27–0.77)) in HIV-infected adults. The overall quality of evidence was graded as moderate. Fluconazole was ranked the best antifungal for efficacy (SUCRA—95.6%) as well as safety (SUCRA—39.3%) in HIV-infected adults. Overall, the quality of evidence was graded as moderate. Fluconazole can be considered as an effective agent with a better safety profile for the prophylaxis of OPC in HIV-infected adults. However, similar to any other antimicrobial agent, the risk of possibility of resistance must be weighed against the benefits

Comparative Efficacy of Interventions for the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic premalignant condition and is characterized by fibroblastic change of lamina propria and stiffness of oral mucosa. Though there are several treatment options available, the best agent is not yet identified. This study assessed the comparative efficacy and safety of medical interventions in the management of OSMF. Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of interventions for OSMF with each other, or placebo. A network meta-analysis was performed, and the interventions were ranked according to their efficacy based on the surface under the cumulative ranking. (PROSPERO Registration no: CRD42021255094). Results: Thirty-two RCTs comprising 2063 patients were eligible for quantitative analysis. In terms of therapeutic efficacy in the improvement of mouth opening Oxitard, a herbal formulation was ranked as the most efficacious agent, [MD, 10.29 (95%CI 6.34–14.25)] followed by combination therapy of Lycopene with corticosteroids and hyaluronidase [MD, 7.07 (95%CI 1.82–12.31)]. For improvement of burning sensation aloe vera was ranked first [MD, 6.14 (95%CI 4.58–7.70)] followed by corticosteroids with antioxidants [MD, 6.13 (95%CI 4.12–8.14)] and corticosteroids in combination with hyaluronidase with antioxidants [MD, 5.95 (95%CI 3.79–8.11)]. In terms of safety, most of the drugs were reported to cause mild adverse effects only. Significant inconsistencies could be identified in the analysis for both the outcomes assessed and were further explored. Conclusions: Our study highlighted the potential efficacy of several agents over placebo in the improvement of mouth opening and burning sensation in OSMF patients. However, the RCTs lacked methodological soundness. Well-designed studies with a larger number of participants with a rigorous randomization process and stringent methodology are recommended to strengthen the results obtained, which may help to construct a clinical guideline for OSMF management

Effects of calcium on the incidence of recurrent colorectal adenomas: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Protective effects of calcium supplementation against colorectal adenomas have been documented in systematic reviews; however, the results have not been conclusive. Our objective was to update and systematically evaluate the evidence for calcium supplementation taking into consideration the risks of systematic and random error and to GRADE the evidence. Methods:The study comprised a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched for RCTs published up until September 2016. Retrieved trials were evaluated using risk of bias. Primary outcome measures were the incidences of any recurrent adenomas and of advanced adenomas. Meta-analytic estimates were calculated with the random-effects model and random errors were evaluated with trial sequential analyses (TSAs). Results: Five randomized trials (2234 patients with a history of adenomas) were included. Two of the 5 trials showed either unclear or high risks of bias in most criteria. Meta-analysis of good quality RCTs suggest a moderate protective effect of calcium supplementation on recurrence of adenomas (relative risk [RR], 0.88 [95% CI 0.79–0.99]); however, its effects on advanced adenomas did not show statistical significance (RR, 1.02 [95% CI 0.67–1.55]). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a greater protective effect on recurrence of adenomas with elemental calcium dose ≥1600mg/day (RR, 0.74 [95% CI 0.56–0.97]) compared to �1200 mg/day (RR, 0.84 [95% CI 0.73–0.97]). No major serious adverse events were associated with the use of calcium, but there was an increase in the incidence of hypercalcemia (P=.0095). TSA indicated a lack of firm evidence for a beneficial effect. Concerns with directness and imprecision rated down the quality of the evidence to “low.” Conclusion: The available good quality RCTs suggests a possible beneficial effect of calcium supplementation on the recurrence of adenomas; however, TSA indicated that the accumulated evidence is still inconclusive. Using GRADE-methodology, we conclude that the quality of evidence is low. Large well-designed randomized trials with low risk of bias are needed