Plos One
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Meta Analysis
Machine perfusion versus cold storage of kidneys derived from donation after cardiac death: a meta-analysis.
In response to the increased organ shortage, organs derived from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors are becoming an acceptable option once again for clinical use in transplantation. However, transplant outcomes in cases where DCD organs are used are not as favorable as those from donation after brain death or living donors. Different methods of organ preservation are a key factor that may influence the outcomes of DCD kidney transplantation. ⋯ MP preservation of DCD kidneys is superior to CS in terms of reducing DGF rate post-transplant. However, primary non-function, one year graft survival, and one year patient survival were not affected by the use of MP or CS for preservation.
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Meta Analysis
Fusion versus nonfusion for surgically treated thoracolumbar burst fractures: a meta-analysis.
Posterior pedicle screw fixation has become a popular method for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures. However, it remains unclear whether additional fusion could improve clinical and radiological outcomes. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of fusion as a supplement to pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures. ⋯ The results of this meta-analysis suggested that fusion was not necessary when thoracolumbar burst fracture was treated by posterior pedicle screw fixation. More randomized controlled trials with high quality are still needed in the future.
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Meta Analysis
Fish oil and atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Influence of fish oil supplementation on postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) was inconsistent according to published clinical trials. The aim of the meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of perioperative fish oil supplementation on the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Current evidence did not support a preventative role of fish oil for POAF. However, relative amounts of DHA and EPA in fish oil may be important for the prevention of POAF.
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A number of studies assessed the association of tissue plasminogen activator(TPA) gene polymorphisms with ischemic stroke, but the results were contradictory. We aimed to explore the role of TPA -7351C/T SNP in the susceptibility to ischemic stroke through a meta-analysis. ⋯ This meta-analysis suggested that the -7351C/T polymorphism in TPA gene would be a risk factor for ischemic stroke, especially among East-Asians compared with Caucasians, but not in South-Asians, and it may play a role in the pathogenesis of LAA in Caucasians, but not in SVO and CE.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Use of a computerized C-reactive protein (CRP) based sepsis evaluation in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants: a five-year experience.
Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) values may be useful for decision-making regarding duration of antibiotics in neonates. However, established standard of practice for its use in preterm very low birth weight (<1500 g, VLBW) infants are lacking. ⋯ CDS/CRP-guided antibiotic use is safe and effective in culture-negative VLBW infants. CRP results are not affected by low WBC indices.