Annals of medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.
The aim of this study was to compare and rank different targeted therapies or immunotherapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma based on efficacy. ⋯ PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)-targeting drugs have shown better therapeutic effects in the systematic treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, and the combination of targeted and immune therapy modes should be further developed.
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Review Meta Analysis
Association between interleukin-6 and preterm birth: a meta-analysis.
Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in preterm birth (PTB), Several meta-analyses investigated the association between IL-6 and PTB, but definitive conclusion has not yet been achieved. This updated meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the association between IL-6 and PTB by examining IL-6 levels in both normal birth and PTB groups. ⋯ Based on the available evidence, IL-6 in amniotic fluid and cervicovaginal fluid might be useful for predicting preterm birth.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effect of exercise intervention on lung function in asthmatic adults: a network meta-analysis.
Exercise has traditionally been viewed as a contraindication for individuals with asthma, as it was believed to trigger or worsen acute asthma attacks. However, with scientific and appropriate exercise training, it has been proven that respiratory function and exercise capacity can be effectively improved and enhanced in asthma patients. This study aimed to compare the effects of different types of exercise on pulmonary function in adult patients with asthma using Network Meta-analysis. ⋯ BT + AT and YG may be more advantageous in improving lung function in adult asthmatics.
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The optimal cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of three and four cycles of NAC in the treatment of MIBC through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. ⋯ Three and four cycles of NAC had similar pathological responses and prognosis for MIBC, although the cancer-specific survival rate of four cycles was better than that of three cycles.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Comparison of the therapeutic effects of 15 mg and 30 mg initial daily prednisolone doses in patients with subacute thyroiditis: a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled trial.
Current guidelines recommendations for the initial dose of prednisolone (PSL) in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) are based on low-quality studies. We designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the efficacy and safety of using a low initial dose of PSL with a standard initial dose of PSL in SAT patients. ⋯ The initial dose of 15 mg/d of PSL was not inferior to the dose of 30 mg/d in terms of efficacy and showed a similar safety profile. A low initial dose of PSL could be recommended for Chinese adult SAT patients who have a suboptimal response using NSAIDs or experience moderate-to-severe pain.KEY MESSAGESLow initial dose (15 mg/d) of prednisolone was non-inferior to the standard initial dose of prednisolone (30 mg/d) in treatment duration, time to pain relief, or the prevalence of hypothyroidism, recurrence, and adverse reactions in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis.Patients with subacute thyroiditis administered a low initial dose of prednisolone had a lower total dose of prednisolone compared to those receiving the standard dose of prednisolone.