Medicine
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With the progression of society aging demographic, the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) continues to rise steadily, exerting a significant impact on individuals' quality of life. Acupuncture therapy has garnered extensive utilization in the management of osteoarthritis; however, a comprehensive systematic review integrating acupuncture with traditional Chinese medicine remains absent. This study compared the clinical efficacy of 7 acupuncture methods (electroacupuncture, conventional acupuncture, warm needle, floating needle, fire needle, needle knife, and silver needle) for the treatment of KOA through a network meta-analysis. ⋯ Based on the network meta-analysis, silver needle therapy emerged as the most efficacious and analgesic intervention for KOA. Nevertheless, given the notable variations in the quality and quantity of studies encompassing diverse treatment modalities, the findings of this research necessitate further substantiation through forthcoming high-quality multicenter, large-sample, randomized double-blind trials.
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Meta Analysis
Oral glucose gel in the prevention of neonatal hypoglycemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder in neonates and glucose gel in oral solution is a relatively new treatment option for NH. We aimed to determine whether oral glucose gel can prevent NH. ⋯ The use of oral glucose gel as a preventative measure may not reduce the incidence of NH. In order to assess the efficacy of glucose gel in preventing NH, a more high-quality, large-sample, and rigorously designed randomized controlled trial is required.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in improving functional outcome of non-surgically treated symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis: Randomized controlled clinical trial - Pilot study.
Although vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients associated with musculoskeletal system function, there is no standard treatment method for vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the improvement in symptoms, functional recovery of the spine, and changes in the quality of life in patients with spinal stenosis. ⋯ If a vitamin D deficiency that does not require surgical treatment exists in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, high-dose vitamin D injections can improve lower back pain, which is the main symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis, as well as the functional outcomes of the spine and quality of life.
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Meta Analysis
Herpes Zoster virus infection and the risk of developing dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection that affects a significant portion of the adult population; however, its potential role in the onset or progression of neurodegenerative disorders like dementia remains unclear. ⋯ Our study showed no significant association between HZV and the incidence of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, but it shows a significant association between HZO and the incidence of dementia. More multicenter studies are needed to establish the actual association between the HZV and dementia.
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Although increasing evidence has revealed the efficacy of acupuncture in obesity/overweight, actual improvement in metabolism in children and adolescents is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate this correlation. ⋯ Our results suggest that acupuncture is effective in improving metabolic outcomes of obese/overweight children and adolescents. Owing to the limited number of trials included in this study, the results should be interpreted with caution.