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Introduction: Dementia is quite prevalent and among the leading causes of death worldwide. According to earlier research, diabetes may increase the possibility of developing dementia. However, the association between antidiabetic agents and dementia is not yet clear. This investigation examines the association between the use of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and the risk of dementia in patients with diabetes. Methods: Up to April 18, 2023, four databases—Europe PMC, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library—were searched for relevant literature. We included all studies that examine dementia risk in adults with diabetes who use SGLT2i. Random-effect models were used to compute the outcomes in this investigation, producing pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Pooled data from seven observational studies revealed that SGLT2i use was linked to a lower risk of dementia in people with diabetes (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.34–0.61; p < 0.00001, I2 = 97%). The reduction in the risk of dementia due to SGLT2i's neuroprotective effect was only significantly affected by dyslipidemia (p = 0.0004), but not by sample size (p = 0.2954), study duration (p = 0.0908), age (p = 0.0805), sex (p = 0.5058), hypertension (p = 0.0609), cardiovascular disease (p = 0.1619), or stroke (p = 0.2734). Conclusions: According to this research, taking SGLT2i reduces the incidence of dementia in people with diabetes by having a beneficial neuroprotective impact. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are still required in order to verify the findings of our research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effort to search for the optimal COVID-19 treatment has continuously been attempted. Thymosin alpha-1 have immunomodulatory properties which may be beneficial in case of viral infection. This study's goal is to determine whether thymosin alpha-1 is effective in treating people with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Methods: We searched for literature in 4 database: Scopus, Europe PMC, Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library until March 25th, 2023. If those articles have data on the efficacy of thymosin alpha-1 therapy on COVID-19, they would be included. Risk ratio (RR) and Mean Difference (MD) along with their 95% confidence intervals were used to pool the results of dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively. Results: Pooled data from 8 studies indicated that moderate to critical Covid-19 patients who were receiving thymosin alpha-1 therapy had significantly lower mortality from COVID-19 (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.37–0.93, p = 0.02, I2 = 84%), but without any difference in the needs for mechanical ventilation (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.48–1.44, p = 0.51, I2 = 74%) and hospital length of stay (MD 2.32; 95% CI – 0.93, 5.58, p = 0.16, I2 = 94%) compared to placebo. The benefits of thymosin alpha-1 on the mortality rate were significantly affected only by sample size (p = 0.0000) and sex (p = 0.0117). Conclusion: Our study suggests that treatment with thymosin alpha-1 may reduce mortality rate in moderate to critical COVID-19 patients. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are still required to verify the findings of our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fluvoxamine may be beneficial for the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) because of its effect on the sigma-1 receptor. Available evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has shown conflicting results. Objective: This study sought to analyze the efficacy and safety of fluvoxamine as an outpatient treatment for Covid-19. Methods: Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov sources until February 1, 2023. We collected all published clinical trials on fluvoxamine and Covid-19. We were using Review Manager 5.4 to conduct statistical analysis. Results: We include a total of 6 trials. Our pooled analysis revealed that fluvoxamine did not offer any significant benefit when compared with placebo in reducing the risk of clinical deterioration (risk ratio [RR] = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.65-1.06, P = 0.14, I 2 = 29%), and hospitalization (RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.62-1.04, P = 0.09, I 2 = 0%) of Covid-19 outpatients. The serious adverse events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Conclusions and Relevance: This study indicates that although safe, fluvoxamine was not effective for outpatient treatment of Covid-19. Until more evidence can be obtained from larger RCTs, our study did not encourage the use of fluvoxamine as routine management for patients with Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of death worldwide and has a high cost of treatment. Studies have indicated that a combination of waist circumference (WC) and triglyceride (TG) levels can be used to determine the risk of CKD. This study analyzes the risk of CKD using four phenotype models based on WC and TG. Methods: This meta-analysis analyzes 113,019 participants from 13 studies. We conducted relevant literature searches in the Europe PMC, Medline, and Scopus databases using specific keywords. The results obtained were pooled into odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models. Results: Our pooled analysis revealed that the highest significant independent association was between CKD and the high WC-high TG phenotype (adjusted OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.39 to 1.88; P<0.00001; I2=59%), followed by the high WC-normal TG phenotype (adjusted OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.57; P=0.001; I2=67%), and the normal WC-high TG phenotype (adjusted OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.37; P=0.005; I2=29%) when the normal WC-normal TG phenotype was taken as the reference. Conclusion: Our study suggests that phenotype models based on WC and TG can be used as screening tools to predict the risk of CKD. Our results also indicate that WC plays a larger role than TG in the CKD risk. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the results of our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. T Parkinson’s Disease (PD) stands as the neurodegenerative disorder with the second highest incidence, leading to substantial disability and death rates. Research to date suggests a potential increased risk for PD development in individuals with diabetes, yet the correlation between PD and the use of antidiabetic drugs remains to be fully understood. This study aims to investigate the relationship between thiazolidinedione (TZD) use with the risk of PD in patients with diabetes. Methods. A search of literature was carried out using certain keywords across four databases up until December 11th, 2022: Europe PMC, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library. The review included all studies assessing the risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in patients with diabetes who were treated with thiazolidinediones (TZDs). The pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using random-effects models. Results. Our meta-analysis from 12 observational studies revealed that TZD use was associated with reduced risk of PD in patients with diabetes (RR 0.75; 95%CI: 0.63 – 0.91, p=0.003, I2 = 92%). The neuroprotective impact of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) against Parkinson’s Disease (PD) did not show significant variation based on patient characteristics like age (p=0.3380), gender (p=0.9761), hypertension (p=0.1849), smokers (p=0.1476), stroke (p=0.4810), head injury (p=0.5025), and diabetes duration (p=0.2533). Conclusions. This study suggests that the use of TZD in patients with diabetes has a positive neuroprotective effect on the risk of PD. However, to validate these results, further randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achieving critical view of safety is a key for a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) procedure. Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography using indocyanine green (NIF-ICG) in LC has been extensively used and accepted as beneficial auxiliary tool to visualize extrahepatic biliary structures intraoperatively. This study aimed to analyze its safety and efficacy. Materials and Methods: Searching for potential articles up to March 25, 2022 were conducted on PubMed, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Articles on the near infrared fluorescence during laparoscopy cholecystectomy were collected. Review Manager 5.4 software was utilized to perform the statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-two studies with a total of 3457 patients undergo LC for the analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that NIF-ICG technique during LC was associated with shorter operative time (Std. Mean Difference −0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) −1.49 to −0.23], P = .007, I2 = 97%), lower conversion rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.28 [95% CI 0.16–0.50], P < .0001, I2 = 0%), higher success in identification of cystic duct (CD) (RR 1.24 [95% CI 1.07–1.43], P = .003, I2 = 94%), higher success in identification of common bile duct (CBD) (RR 1.31 [95% CI 1.07–1.60], P = .009, I2 = 90%), and shorter time to identify biliary structures (Std. Mean Difference −0.52 [95% CI −0.78 to −0.26], P < .0001, I2 = 0%) compared with not using NIF-ICG. Conclusions: NIF-ICG technique beneficial for early real-time visualization of biliary structure, shorter operative time, and lower risk of conversion during LC. Larger randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm the results of our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botulinum Toxin (BTX) has been found to have anti-spasm and analgesic effects. The utility of BTX after conventional hemorrhoidectomy remains unclear. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis are required to find out its utility after conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Europe PMC sources until March 27th, 2022. All published studies on botulinum toxin anal sphincter injection after conventional hemorrhoidectomy were collected. We were using Review Manager 5.4 software to conduct statistical analysis. Five clinical trial studies with a total of 260 patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy were included in the analysis Our pooled analysis revealed that BTX injection after hemorrhoidectomy was associated with lower VAS at 24 h post-operative [Mean Difference −1.35 (95% CI −1.90, −0.80), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and shorter time to return work [Mean Difference −8.94 days (95% CI −12.57, −5.30), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%]. However, BTX injection did not differ significantly from placebo in terms of time to first defecation (p = 0.22), fecal incontinence (p = 0.91) and urinary retention incidence (p = 0.18). BTX sphincter injection may offer some benefit after conventional hemorrhoidectomy in reducing pain from the first day after the procedure and promoting wound healing without complication. Further randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm the results of our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine, the third most common neurological disorders worldwide, can cause significant burden to the patients. Currently, it has been found that calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) has a significant role in pathophysiology of migraine. This study sought to analyse the efficacy and safety of eptinezumab, one of the CGRP‐monoclonal antibody as preventive treatment for episodic/chronic migraine. Specific keywords were used to comprehensively go through the potential articles on ClinicalTrials.gov, Europe PMC, Scopus and PubMed databases until April 2022. All published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on eptinezumab and migraine were gathered. Statistical analysis was conducted by using Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis version 3 software. There were four RCTs with 2739 migraine patients in the meta‐analysis. In terms of efficacy, our analysis revealed that eptinezumab corresponded with higher reduction in monthly migraine days from baseline to week 12 (standardized mean difference, −0.34 [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.41, −0.28], P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%), higher 75% and 50% migraine responder rate, reduction in rate of migraine on day‐1 after dosing, lower headache impact test‐6 score on week 4 and week 12. In terms of safety, eptinezumab has comparable adverse events when compared with placebo (risk ratio, 1.01 [95% CI 0.96–1.07], P = 0.63, I2 = 0%). Further regression analysis also revealed that the association between eptinezumab and each outcomes of interest were not influenced by age, gender, body mass index and duration of migraine. This study proposes that eptinezumab is generally effective and safe for the preventive treatment of episodic or chronic migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is among one of the common comorbidities in older patients. People with PD may be more vulnerable to severe pneumonia, due to the impairment of pulmonary function. Currently, the association between PD and COVID-19 is not yet established. This study aims to analyze the relationship between PD and in-hospital outcomes of COVID-19.Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until December 25th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and Parkinson's Disease were retrieved. The quality of the study was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool for observational studies and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools for cross-sectional studies. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software.Results: A total of 12 studies with 103,874 COVID-19 patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that Parkinson's Disease was associated with poor in-hospital outcomes [[OR 2.64 (95% CI 1.75-3.99), p < 0.00001, I2 = 81%] and its subgroup which comprised of severe COVID-19 [OR 2.61 (95% CI 1.98-3.43), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and mortality from COVID-19 [RR 2.63 (95% CI 1.50-4.60), p = 0.0007, I2 = 91%]. Meta-regression showed that the association was influenced by age (p = 0.05), but not by gender (p = 0.46) and dementia (p = 0.23).Conclusions: Extra care and close monitoring should be provided to Parkinson's Disease patients to minimize the risk of infections, preventing the development of severe and mortality outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder which could impair someone's quality of life and is also associated with poor outcomes from many diseases. Currently, the evidence regarding the link between OSA and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still conflicting. This study aims to analyze the relationship between OSA and poor outcomes of COVID-19.Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until December 10th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and OSA were retrieved. The quality of the study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool for observational studies. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software.Results: A total of 21 studies with 54,276 COVID-19 patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that OSA was associated with composite poor outcome [OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.55-1.91), p < 0.00001, I2 = 36%, random-effect modeling] and its subgroup which comprised of severe COVID-19 [OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.18-2.45), p = 0.005], ICU admissions [OR 1.76 (95% CI 1.51-2.05), p < 0.00001], the need for mechanical ventilation [OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.48-1.88), p < 0.00001], and mortality [OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.39-2.19), p < 0.00001].Conclusions: Extra care and close monitoring should be provided to patients with OSA to minimize the risk of infections. Simple questionnaires such as STOP-Bang questionnaire can be used for screening patients who may be at risk for severe adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is no widely acceptable and proven effective treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Colchicine has been shown to offer a benefit in reducing the inflammation in several inflammatory diseases. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of colchicine administration and outcomes of COVID‐19. We systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until January 29, 2021. All articles published on COVID‐19 and colchicine treatment were retrieved. The quality of the study was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool for observational studies and Revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) for clinical trial studies. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software. A total of eight studies with 5778 COVID‐19 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. This meta‐analysis showed that the administration of colchicine was associated with improvement of outcomes of COVID‐19 [OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.34–0.55), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%, fixed‐effect modelling] and its subgroup which comprised of reduction from severe COVID‐19 [OR 0.44 (95% CI 0.31–0.63), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%, fixed‐effect modelling] and reduction of mortality rate from COVID‐19 [OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.32–0.58), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%, fixed‐effect modelling]. Our study suggests the routine use of colchicine for treatment modalities of COVID‐19 patients. More randomized clinical trial studies are still needed to confirm the results from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Currently, the evidence regarding epilepsy and Covid-19 outcome is still unclear. • Epilepsy is associated with higher severity and mortality from Covid-19. • Patients with epilepsy should be prioritized to receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Patients with epilepsy experience seizures, which have been reported to increase and worsen during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the association between epilepsy and COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze whether patients with epilepsy have an increased risk of having poor COVID-19 outcomes. We comprehensively evaluated potential articles extracted from the medRxiv, Europe PMC, and PubMed databases until June 30, 2021, using selected keywords. All published studies on epilepsy and COVID-19 were selected. We used the Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3 software for statistical analysis. Thirteen studies with 67,131 patients with COVID-19 were included in the analysis. Evaluation of the collated data revealed an association between epilepsy and increased severity of COVID-19 (OR, 1.69; 95%CI: 1.11–2.59; p = 0.010; I 2 = 29%; random-effect modeling) and mortality from COVID-19 (OR, 1.71; 95%CI: 1.14–2.56; p = 0.010; I 2 = 53%; random-effect modeling). The results also showed that the association between epilepsy and increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 is influenced by sex and neurodegenerative disease. The findings of this study suggest that patients with epilepsy are at risk of having poor COVID-19 outcomes. Patients with epilepsy need special attention and should be prioritized for administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Registration details: PROSPERO (CRD42021264979). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, JAK-inhibitors are repurposed for therapy of Covid-19 because of their ability in restraining immune response, yet the corroboration regarding their advantage is still unclear. This study sought to analyze the efficacy of JAK-inhibitors to ameliorate the outcomes of Covid-19 sufferer. Research design and methods: Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on ClinicalTrials.gov, Europe PMC, and PubMed sources until June 2 nd , 2021. All published studies on JAK-inhibitors and Covid-19 were collected., Results: There were 14 studies with 4,363 Covid-19 patients contained in the meta-analysis. Based on our data, we suggested that JAK-inhibitors corresponded with increased recovery rate (RR 1.17; 95%CI: 1.01-1.36, p = 0.040, I 2  = 91%, random-effect modeling); shortened time to recovery (mean difference -0.96; 95%CI: -1.15, -0.77, p < 0.00001, I 2  = 28%, random-effect modeling); reduction of clinical deterioration risk (RR 0.66; 95%CI: 0.48-0.89, p = 0.008, I 2  = 57%, random-effect modeling); and reduction of Covid-19 mortality (RR 0.52; 95%CI: 0.36-0.76, p = 0.0006, I 2  = 33%, random-effect modeling)., Conclusions: This study propose that JAK-inhibitors perhaps provide advantageous effects on Covid-19 outcomes. JAK-inhibitors may be given during 1-2 weeks of disease to optimize its beneficial effects in halting the exaggerated immune response.

Background: The number of positive and death cases from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still increasing until now. One of the most prone individuals, even in normal situations is patients with dementia. Currently, no study provides clear evidence regarding the link between dementia and COVID-19. This study aims to analyze the relationship between dementia and poor outcomes of COVID-19 infection., Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until October 25th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and dementia were retrieved. The quality of the study was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool for observational studies. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software., Results: A total of 24 studies with 46,391 dementia patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that dementia was associated with composite poor outcome [RR 2.67 (95% CI 2.06 - 3.47), p < 0.00001, I 2  = 99%, random-effect modeling] and its subgroup which comprised of risk of COVID-19 infection [RR 2.76 (95% CI 1.43 - 5.33), p = 0.003, I 2  = 99%, random-effect modeling], severe COVID-19 [RR 2.63 (95% CI 1.41 - 4.90), p = 0.002, I 2  = 89%, random-effect modeling], and mortality from COVID-19 infection [RR 2.62 (95% CI 2.04 - 3.36), p < 0.00001, I 2  = 96%, random-effect modeling]., Conclusions: Extra care and close monitoring should then be provided to patients with dementia to minimize the risk of infections, preventing the development of severe and mortality outcomes., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)