NetMetaXL is a macro command to conduct network meta-analysis in the frame of Microsoft Excel on basis of Bayesian theory. This macro command, which was officially launched in 2014, integrates data extraction and entry, analysis results output and graph plotting as a whole. Currently, this version contains enough optional models, and all operations are through menu and easy to conduct; however, it is appropriate only for the network meta-analysis based on dichotomous variables, which still has fairly a lot to be enhanced and improved. This article gives a brief introduction based on examples to implement network meta-analysis using NetMetaXL.
ObjectiveTo review guidelines on diet intervention for hypertension, compare the similarities/differences and the regularity of the guidelines, discuss the prevention and treatment effects of diet intervention for hypertension, promote the understanding of the guide, and to explore the best method of diet intervention for hypertension. MethodsDatabase such as CNKI, EMbase, PubMed, etc., as well as guideline websites were searched from inception to February 28th, 2014, for collecting guidelines on diet intervention in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE Ⅱ) were applied to assess methodological quality of the guidelines. Characteristics of diets recommended by the guidelines were analyzed through comparing the different regions and quality levels of the guidelines. ResultsA total of 27 guidelines on diet intervention for hypertension were included. They were formulated by 5 continents, 9 countries, 2 regions (Taiwan of China and Europe), and 1 international organization (WHO). According to the AGREE Ⅱ instrument, 13 guidelines were graded as Level A (recommendation) and 14 were graded as Level B (recommended after changes), respectively. The domains were more than 60% except for "rigor of development" (57.89±7.71)% and "applicability" (58.39±6.29)%. Each guideline recommended low sodium diet (usually:5 to 6 g/d; Oceania:4 g/d; North America:the amount of sodium intake should be decreased as age increases). The amount of alcohol intake was generally 30 mL/d for men and 20 mL/d for women. All included guidelines recommended to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and potassium. ConclusionCurrently, more than half of diet intervention recommendations for hypertension in different countries and regions are still needs to be improved and modified. Diet recommendations differ in regions, gender, and age.
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Shenlingcao oral liquid on HIV-RNA load, CD4+ T cells of HIV carriers. MethodsWe included asymptomatic HIV-infection people from February to April 2012, gave them Shenlingcao oral liquid for oral intake (1 bottle/d, 200 mL/bottle) during 6 months, and observed the changes of HIV-RNA load and CD4+ T cell at different time points (before intake, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months). ResultsA total of 25 cases were included. The results showed that a tendency existed that CD4+ T cells counts gradually increased along with time; HIV-RNA load did not change regularly; and the total effective rate was steady; and the cases in steady status tended to increase. ConclusionShenlingcao oral liquid is beneficial to the improvement of the immunity of asymptomatic HIV-infected people. Because of limited sample size and study design, the above conclusion should be verified by further conducting large-scale high quality randomized controlled trials.