Trending Articles
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J. Huazhong Univ. Sci. Technol. Med. Sci. · Jun 2016
Meta AnalysisPrognostic value of Sox2 expression in digestive tract cancers: A meta-analysis.
The aim of the present study was to accurately evaluate the association of Sox2 expression with the survival of patients with digestive tract cancers. Relevant literatures were identified by comprehensively searching databases including the Pubmed, Embase, CBMdisc, and Wanfang (up to October 2014). A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the association between Sox2 expression and overall survival or clinicopathological parameters of patients with digestive tract cancers (esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers). ⋯ Furthermore, Sox2 over-expression was highly correlated with vascular invasion (OR=1.86, 95% CI=1.25-2.77) and poor differentiation (OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.14-3.08), especially in esophageal and colorectal cancers. In conclusion, Sox2 expression may serve as a novel prognostic factor for patients with digestive tract cancers. Over-expression of Sox2 that is correlated with vascular invasion and poor differentiation suggests poor outcomes of patients with digestive tract cancers.
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The bone & joint journal · Feb 2017
Review Meta AnalysisMeta-analysis of gap balancing versus measured resection techniques in total knee arthroplasty.
There are two techniques widely used to determine the rotational alignment of the components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA); gap balancing (GB) and measured resection (MR). Which technique is the best remains controversial. We aimed to investigate this in a systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ This study suggests that GB may provide better radiographic and clinical outcomes than MR when used to determine mechanical rotation in TKAs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:151-8.
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J. Huazhong Univ. Sci. Technol. Med. Sci. · Aug 2017
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyTIPS versus endoscopic therapy for variceal rebleeding in cirrhosis: A meta-analysis update.
Endoscopic therapy (ET) is most common method for preventing variceal bleeding in cirrhosis, but the outcomes are not perfect. Recently, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is introduced into clinical practice. However, the beneficial effects of TIPS compared to ET on cirrhotic patients is unknown. ⋯ Although there was no significant difference in survival and PTE, TIPS was superior to ET in decreasing the incidence of VRB (OR=0.27; 95% CI, 0.19-0.39, P<0.00001), and decreasing the incidence of bleeding-related death (OR=0.21; 95% CI, 0.13-0.32, P<0.00001). Subgroup analysis found a lower mortality (OR=0.48; 95% CI, 0.23-0.97; P=0.04) without any increased incidence of PTE (OR=1.37; 95% CI, 0.75-2.50; P=0.31) in the studies of a greater proportion (≥40%) of patients with Child-Pugh class C cirrhosis receiving TIPS, and TIPS with covered stent did not increase the risk of PTE compared to ET (OR=1.52, 95% CI =0.82-2.80, P=0.18). It was concluded that TIPS with covered stent might be considered the preferred choice of therapy in patients with severe liver disease for secondary prophylaxis.
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Meta Analysis
Using the coronary artery calcium score to predict coronary heart disease events: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Primary prevention of coronary heart disease is most appropriate for patients at relatively high risk. Measurement of coronary artery calcium has been proposed as a way to improve risk assessment, but it is unknown whether it adds predictive information to standard risk factor assessment. ⋯ The coronary artery calcium score is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease events.
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J. Thromb. Haemost. · Sep 2016
Meta AnalysisDiagnostic characteristics of lower limb venous compression ultrasonography in suspected pulmonary embolism: a meta-analysis.
Essentials Lower limb ultrasonography (CUS) could be useful in suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). We performed a metaanalysis on the diagnostic characteristics of CUS in suspected PE. With a sensitivity of 41%, proximal CUS would be positive in one of every 7.3 patients. Complete CUS has a higher sensitivity but specificity for PE is too low to use it in suspected PE. ⋯ Background Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is commonly based on D-dimer measurement and computed tomography (CT) angiography. Lower limb vein compression ultrasonography (CUS) for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis may be of interest in patients with suspected PE. Objectives We aimed to summarize the data on the diagnostic characteristics of CUS in suspected PE patients. Patients/Methods We conducted a literature review by using PUBMED and EMBASE and included 15 prospective studies in which CUS was performed in consecutive patients with suspected PE. Results Of the 6991 included patients, 2001 (30%) had pulmonary embolism. Eight of the 15 studies included only outpatients, two included hospitalized patients and five involved both in- and outpatients. In 13 studies, only proximal CUS was performed. Two studies analyzed the added value of distal CUS including the calf veins (whole-leg CUS). Pooled estimate of proximal CUS sensitivity was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36-46%) with strong heterogeneity (I square, 79%). Specificity of proximal CUS was 96% (95% CI, 94-98%). The overall positive likelihood ratio for proximal CUS was 11.9 (95% CI, 7.1-19.8), whereas the overall negative likelihood ratio was 0.6 (95% CI, 0.5-0.7). The sensitivity of whole-leg CUS was 79% (95% CI, 24-98%) and specificity was 84% (95% CI, 76-90%). Conclusions Proximal CUS has low sensitivity and cannot be used to rule out PE. Nevertheless, its high specificity allows confirming PE, which may be useful in patients with contraindications to CT angiography. Whole-leg CUS has a higher sensitivity but low specificity for PE and can therefore not be recommended.