Postgraduate medical journal
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Meta Analysis
Diagnostic accuracy of E-cadherin for malignanteffusions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The differential diagnosis of malignant effusion remains a clinical challenge. We aim to summarise all relevant literature studies in order to determine the overall clinical value of E-cadherin in the diagnosis of malignant effusion by meta-analysis. ⋯ E-cadherin exhibits very good diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis for malignant effusion; thus, it can be helpful in the process of clinical decisions.
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Although the concept of medical specialty competitiveness may seem intuitive, there are very little existing empirical data on the determinants of specialty competitiveness in USA. An understanding of the determinants of specialty competitiveness may inform career choices among students and their advisors. Specialty competitiveness correlates with availability and appeal. ⋯ A 'competitive specialty' correlates strongly with high earnings potential and limited position availability. In an ideal world, a student's pursuit of a medical specialty should be guided by interest, qualifications and ability to succeed in that field. However, students must contend with the realities of competition created by the residency matching system.
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Clinical trials are considered the gold-standard method for the evaluation of healthcare interventions. However, randomised control trials are complex to perform and many researchers, especially those in the early stages of their career, can find it challenging to know where to start set up, contribute to or lead a trial. This guide provides an introduction to trials and also practical advice to help potential investigators complete their clinical trial to time and to budget by signposting the pathway through the complex regulatory landscape. The authors draw on their own recent experiences of running clinical trials and provide tips and tricks for troubleshooting common problems encountered including trial design and documentation.
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It is uncertain how diastolic blood pressure (DBP) may associate with ischaemic stroke in elder patients with hypertension. We aimed to explore this relationship in a Chinese community. ⋯ DBP had a non-linear association with the risk of ischaemic stroke among Chinese elderly patients with hypertension. DBP between 70 and 80 mm Hg may be an appropriate indicator for a lower stroke risk.