Comparison of efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for scapulohumeral periarthritis: A protocol for Bayesian network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Scapulohumeral periarthritis is a disease with high incidence and great pain. The current western treatments with many side effects, poor efficacy cannot fundamentally solve the problem. Complementary and alternative therapies have played an excellent role in the treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis. However, it is not clear which complementary and alternative therapy is more effective. Therefore, we propose a protocol to compare the efficacy and safety of various complementary and alternative therapies through network meta-analysis (NMA) to provide choice guidance for the therapy. METHODS: A comprehensive search will be conducted for randomized controlled trials of complementary and alternative therapy for scapulohumeral periarthritis as well as ongoing trials. The time limit is from the establishment of the database until January 2021. Literature and data extraction were completed independently by two researchers. Through pairwise comparison and meta-analysis of Bayesian NMA, all the evidences are evaluated comprehensively. STATA16.0 and WinBUGS1.4.3 software will be used for data processing and analysis, and recommendation evaluation will be used to develop and assess grades to classify the quality of NMA evidence. RESULTS: Through the analysis, we will obtain the ranking of the efficacy and safety of different complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis, in order to provide reference for clinical selection of treatment methods. CONCLUSION: Complementary and alternative therapies of scapulohumeral periarthritis plays a positive role in improving the symptoms of scapulohumeral periarthritis. This study can provide evidence support for clinicians and patients.International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols registration number: INPLASY202140044.

Complementary and alternative therapies for tension-type headache: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common form of primary headache with high prevalence, which affects the quantity of life seriously. The pharmacological treatment of TTH is not the most effective. Meanwhile, complementary therapies and alternative therapies play an essential role in the treatment of TTH, and there is an absence of comparison between various interventions. Therefore, we propose the network meta-analysis protocol to compare the efficacy and safety of various complementary therapies and alternative therapies for TTH. METHODS: From the beginning to February 2021, we will search the database to collect randomized controlled trials of complementary and alternative therapies for TTH. Two researchers will be responsible for screening retrieve documents, extracting data. The risk of bias will be assessed based on the Cochrane bias risk tool. We will use STATA16.0 and WinBUGS1.4.3 for paired meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment development and evaluation. RESULTS: This study will compare and rank the efficacy and safety of various complementary and alternative treatments for TTH. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide more extensive evidence for the complementary and alternative therapies of TTH. We expect to assist clinicians and patients in choosing the optimum treatment. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202130088.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for primary trigeminal neuralgia: A protocol for a Bayesian network meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) is a type of peripheral neuralgia that seriously affects people's lives. In recent years, complementary therapies and alternative therapies have played a significant role in treating PTN. However, there is a lack of comparison among all the complementary and alternative therapies at present. Thus, the aim of this study is to discuss the efficacy and safety of diverse complementary and alternative therapies by Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We will retrieve the Chinese and English databases to gather related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complementary and alternative therapies for treating PTN. The deadline is November 2020. Two independent researchers will be in charge of screening qualified literature, extracting data, and independently evaluating bias risks involved in the research. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed to assess all evidence. Then, we will use STATA16.0 as well as WinBUGS1.4.3 software for data analysis. Besides, the quality of NMA evidence will be classified by grading of recommendations assessment development and evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: This study will compare and rank the efficacy and safety of different complementary and alternative therapies in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia. CONCLUSION: Complementary and alternative therapies play an essential role in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia. We expect our study will furnish meaningful evidence support for clinicians and patients. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020120026. ETHICAL APPROVAL: Since the study is based on published or registered RCTs, ethical approval and patient informed consent are abandoned.

Complementary and alternative therapies for precancerous lesions of gastric cancer: A protocol for a Bayesian network meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, which seriously affect peoples quality of life and threaten people's health. Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) are a critical stage in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Early effective intervention is an important means to prevent and control gastric cancer. In this study, we will evaluate the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of PLGC by Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We will search PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI and other databases to gather randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of PLGC with complementary and alternative therapies. Two reviewers will screen the literature and extract the data according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then assess the quality and bias risk according to Cochrane's Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted by Stata16.0 and WinBUGS1.4.3. RESULTS: This study will compare and rank the efficacy and safety of different complementary and alternative therapies for PLGC. CONCLUSION: This study can provide reliable evidence for the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies in treatment of PLGC. We expect to provide scientific and rigorous evidence support for clinicians and patients, and then assist them to choose the optimum treatment. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020120077.

[Mechanism of astragaloside â £ alleviating PC12 cell injury by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments].

In this study, the molecular mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease(PD) was explored based on network pharmacology, and the potential value of AS-Ⅳ in alleviating neuronal injury in PD by activating the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway was verified through molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Such databases as SwissTargetPrediction, BTMAN-TAM, and GeneCards were used to predict the targets of AS-Ⅳ for the treatment of PD. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins(STRING) was employed to analyze protein-protein interaction(PPI) and construct a PPI network, and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery(DAVID) was used for Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Based on the results of GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis, the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway was selected for further molecular docking and in vitro experiments in this study. The in vitro cell model of PD was established by MPP~+. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay and effect of AS-Ⅳ on the expression of the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway-related genes and proteins by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot. Network pharmacology revealed totally 122 targets of AS-Ⅳ for the treatment of PD, and GO enrichment analysis yielded 504 GO terms, most of which were biological processes and molecular functions. Totally 20 related signaling pathways were screened out by KEGG pathway analysis, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway, GABAergic synapse, and calcium signaling pathway. Molecular docking demonstrated high affinity of AS-Ⅳ to serine/threonine-protein kinases(AKT1, AKT2), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma(PIK3 CG), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide(PIK3 CA) on the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro experiments showed that AS-Ⅳ could effectively inhibit the decrease of the viability of PC12 induced by MPP~+ and up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of AKT1 and PI3 K as well as the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3 K. As an active component of Astragali Radix, AS-Ⅳ acts on PD through multiple targets and pathways. Furthermore, it inhibits neuronal apoptosis and protects neurons by activating the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby providing reliable theoretical and experimental supports for the treatment of PD with AS-Ⅳ.

Comparative efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: At present, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a major public health issue throughout the world, especially in developing countries. Notably, traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) are of great significance in the treatment of T2DM combined with conventional Western medicine therapy. However, there is a lack of comparison among all the current common TCPMs for treating T2DM. Therefore, this study intends to explore the efficacy and safety of different TCPMs against T2DM through the Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We will conduct a comprehensive and systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCPM for the treatment of T2DM in both Chinese and English databases published till August 2020. Two researchers will be responsible for screening eligible literature, extracting data, and assessing the risk of bias of included studies independently. Then, pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian network meta-analyses will be conducted to assess all available evidence. In the end, data will be analyzed using STATA15.0 and WinBUGS1.4.3 software. CONCLUSION: This study will compare the efficacy and safety of different TCPMs against T2DM in detail. Our findings will provide a reliable evidence for selecting clinical treatment program and guideline development of T2DM.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is the focus and difficult problem in the world at present, and we found that Chinese patent medicine(CPM) shown a more miraculous effect. Many kinds of Chinese patent medicine have been proved to be effective in the treatment of this disease, but it is still unclear which kind of Chinese patent medicine has the best effect. Therefore, we propose a network meta-analysis (NMA) protocol to observe the efficacy of various CPM for this disease and provide guidance for clinical practice. METHODS: We will use the NMA method to complete this study. First, all the randomized controlled trials of CPM or CPM combined with western medicine in the treatment of PMOP were collected by searching all online Chinese and English databases. The information time limit is from the establishment of the database to August 30, 2020. Then 2 staff members will sift through all the literature and analyze the data using Stata and Winbugs. RESULTS: Through this analysis, we will observe and rank the clinical effects of different CPM for PMOP. The main evaluation indexes include: New fracture, Quality of life, Severe side effects, Death from all causes. Secondary outcome indicators include Bone Mineral density, clinical efficiency, and some laboratory indicators, such as estradiol, serum calcium, serum, etc. CONCLUSION:: This study will rank the therapeutic effects of various proprietary Chinese medicines in the treatment of PMOP, which will be helpful in improving the PMOP treatment regimen.INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202090047.

Comparative efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese patent medicine for anxiety disorders in children or adolescence: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety is the most common mental illness among adolescents and children, and its incidence is increasing year by year, which has a serious adverse effect on the academic and growth of adolescents and children. Conventional treatment methods such as oral administration of western medicine and psycho-behavioral therapy have obvious limitations. Chinese patent medicines play an irreplaceable role in the treatment of this disease. At present, there is no comparison of the safety and effectiveness of various Chinese patent medicines curing anxiety in adolescents. So we take advantage of the method of network meta-analysis to systematically compare the efficacy of various Chinese patent medicines curing this disease. METHODS: We will systematically and comprehensively search the following databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, China BioMedical Literature (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and Wanfang database. We will include all RCT trials that meet the inclusion criteria, starting from the establishment of the database until August 2020. Two researchers will independently screen the literature based on inclusion criteria. While extracting data, we also assess the risk of bias in the included studies. All the data and evidence obtained will be evaluated by the method of Bayesian network meta-analysis. STATA and WinBUGS software will be used. RESULTS: This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various TCPMs for anxiety disorders in children or adolescence. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide valuable references for the clinical application of Traditional Chinese patent medicines, and assist clinicians in formulating more reasonable diagnosis and treatment strategies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study does not require ethical approval. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202080048.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for Parkinson's disease: A Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been on the rise. However, the existing therapy of PD cannot fundamentally treat the disease. Meanwhile, the complementary and alternative therapies of PD have played a positive role in the treatment of PD. Traditional meta-analysis was only able to compare 2 interventions, while the efficacy and safety of many complementary and alternative therapies were not comparable. Therefore, this study compared the efficacy and safety of different complementary and alternative therapies through network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: A comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials of complementary and alternative therapies for PD, as well as trials currently in progress, will be conducted until August 2020. Literature and data extraction were independently completed by two researchers. Through the meta-analysis of pairwise comparison and Bayesian NMA, all evidences are comprehensively evaluated. Use STATA15.0 and WinBUGS1.4.3 software for data processing and analysis, and use grading of recommendations assessment development and evaluation to classify the quality of evidence in the NMA. RESULTS: The aim of this study is to obtain a ranking of efficacy and safety of different complementary and alternative therapies for PD. CONCLUSION: Complementary and alternative therapies for PD have positive significance in improving the symptoms of PD, and can provide evidence support for clinicians and patients. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202080079.