The theoretical foundation of relevant packages of R software for network meta-analysis is mainly based on Bayesian statistical model and a few of them use generalized linear model. Network meta-analysis is performed using GeMTC R package through calling the corresponding rjags package, BRugs package, or R2WinBUGS package (namely, JAGS, OpenBUGS, and WinBUGS software, respectively). Meanwhile, GeMTC R package can generate data storage files for GeMTC software. Techonically, network meta-analysis is performed through calling the software based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. In this article, we briefly introduce how to use GeMTC R package to perform network meta-analysis through calling the OpenBUGS software.
R software is a free and powerful statistical tool, including Metafor, Meta as well as Rmeta packages, all of which could conduct meta-analysis. Metafor package provides functions for meta-analyses which include analysis of continuous and categorical data, meta-regression, cumulative meta-analysis as well as test for funnel plot asymmetry. The package can also draw various plots, such as forest plot, funnel plot, radial plot and so forth. Mixed-effects models (involving single or multiple categorical and/or continuous moderates) can only be fitted with Metafor packages. Advanced methods for testing model coefficients and confidence intervals are also implemented only in this package. This article introduces detailed operation steps of Metafor package for meta-analysis using cases.
Objective To compare the effectiveness and linear wear rates between high cross-linked polyethylene cup liner and traditional polyethylene cup liner. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 61 patients (64 hips) who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) between January 2005 and March 2007. According to the type of cup liner, 61 patients (64 hips) were divided into 2 groups: high cross-linked polyethylene cup liner was used in 30 cases (31 hips, trial group), and traditional polyethylene cup liner in 31 cases (33 hips, control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body weight, etiological factor, and preoperative Harris score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Complication was observed after operation; Harris score was used to assess hip function; X-ray film analysis was done to observe osteolysis and prosthesis loosening, and to measure cumulative penetration of the femoral head and linear wear rate. Results All incisions healed by first intention without complication. All patients were followed up. The mean follow-up was 6.3 years (range, 5-7 years) in trial group, and was 6.5 years (range, 4-7 years) in control group. There was no significant difference in Harris score between 2 groups at the 3 months after operation and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Osteolysis was observed in 3 cases (3 hips) of control group, but no osteolysis in trial group. X-ray films showed no aseptic loosening in the patients of 2 groups. The mean cumulative penetration of trial group were significantly lower than those of control group at 1-7 years after operation (P lt; 0.05). Linear wear rate of trial group [(0.025 ± 0.002) mm/year] was significantly lower than that of control group [(0.086 ± 0.005 ) mm/year] (Z=6.804, P=0.000). Conclusion High cross-linked polyethylene cup liner has the similar effectiveness as traditional polyethylene cup liner, but it has lower linear wear rate than the traditional polyethylene cup liner.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the prevalence and disease burden of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in China.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were searched to collect cross-sectional studies about the prevalence and disease burden of KOA in China from January 1st 1995 to August 31st 2017. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed by using R statistical software.ResultsA total of thirty-three studies were included. The results of meta-analysis showed the prevalance rate of KOA was 18% (95%CI 14% to 22%), and it was higher in women (19%, 95%CI 16% to 23%) than in men (11%, 95%CI 9% to 13%) (P<0.05). The prevalence rates of KOA in different regions were as follows: 11% (95%CI 8% to 14%) in north, 17% (95%CI 15% to 20%) in north-east, 21% (95%CI 13% to 32%) in east, 21% (95%CI 13% to 33%) in north-west, 22% (95%CI 6% to 57%) in south-west, and 18% (95%CI 13% to 23%) in south-central, respectively.ConclusionsThe prevalence of KOA in China is high, and the disease burden is heavy. Due to the quantity and quality of included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions in future.
The PRISMA aims to enhance the transparency and reporting quality of systematic reviews. PRISMA 2020 is an update version of PRISMA 2009, which was published in BMJ in March, 2021. This article compared the PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA 2009, interpreted PRISMA 2020 with representative examples, aiming to help Chinese scholars better understand and apply this reporting guideline, thus to improve the reporting quality of systematic reviews.