Comparison of accuracy and safety between robot-assisted and conventional fluoroscope assisted placement of pedicle screws in thoracolumbar spine: A meta-analysis

Objective:The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the screw positioning accuracy, complications related to pedicle screw implantation, revision rate and radiation exposure between robot screw placement and traditional fluoroscopic screw placement.Methods:We searched several databases, including CNKI, Wanfang database, cqvip datebase, PubMed, Cochrane library and EMBASE, to identify articles that might meet the criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 software.Results:A total of 13 randomized controlled trial were included. The results showed that the pedicle screw accuracy of the robot assisted group was significantly better than that of the conventional freehand (FH) group (OR = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.75,4.45], P < .0001). There was no significant difference in the complications caused by pedicle screw implantation between the robot-assisted group and the conventional FH group [OR = 0.39, 95%CI (0.10,1.48), P = .17]. The rate of facet joint invasion in the robot-assisted group was significantly lower than that in the conventional FH group (OR = 0.06, 95%CI [0.01,0.29], P = .0006). The revision rate in the robot-assisted group was significantly lower than that in the conventional FH group (OR = 0.19, 95%CI [0.05,0.71], P = 0.0.01). There was no significant difference in the average radiation of pedicle screws implantation between the robot-assisted group and the conventional FH (mean difference = -7.94, 95%CI [-20.18,4.30], P = .20).Conclusion:The robot-assisted group was significantly better than the conventional FH in the accuracy of pedicle screw placement and facet joint invasion rate and revision rate. There was no significant difference in the complication and fluoroscopy time between the two groups.     

The clinical profiles,management, and prognostic factors of biliary mixed neuroendocrine nonneuroendocrine neoplasms: A systematic review of the literature

Background:Mixed neuroendocrine nonneuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) originating from the biliary system (gallbladder, biliary tract, or ampulla of Vater) are extremely rare and have not been discussed in detail or systematically. We aimed to present the demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, management, and prognostic factors of biliary MiNENs.Methods:A systematic search of electronic biomedical databases (Web of Science, PUBMED, and Embase) was performed to identify eligible studies. Survival was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Log-rank tests were used to evaluate the differences between groups, and the effects of various clinical and histopathological features on prognosis were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression.Results:Fifty-three publications (patients, n = 67) were included. The median overall survival time was 21.0 months. Fifty-one patients (76.1%) underwent radical surgery and median survival for 41 months (P < .001). Twenty-two patients who received adjuvant radiochemotherapy treatment after radical surgery had a median survival for 43 months (P = .076). Radical resection (P < .001), Ki-67 index (P = .011), tumor stage (P < .001), neuroendocrine (NEC) grade (P = .011), and non-NEC grade (P = .017) were independent statistically significant prognostic factors according to univariate analysis; radical resection (P = .010) and small morphological subtype (P = .036) were independent statistically significant prognostic factors associated with higher overall survival according to multivariate analysis, and radical resection (P = .005) and age < 65 years (P = .026) were associated with higher recurrence free survival time.Conclusion:Radical resection is essential for long-term survival. Aggressive multimodality therapy with adjuvant radiochemotherapy and biotherapy may improve survival of biliary MiNENs. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the standard treatment.     

Effect of pelvic floor electrical stimulation on diaphragm excursion and rib cage movement during tidal and forceful breathing and coughing in women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial

Background:The pelvic floor muscle (PFM) is associated with respiratory function. We investigated the effects of PFM training by pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES) on PFM strength, diaphragm excursion, and upper rib cage movement during tidal and forceful breathing and coughing in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods:In total, 33 participants with SUI were divided into PFES and control groups. The two groups were measured pre- and post-8 weeks of training. Diaphragm excursion and upper rib cage movement during tidal and forceful breathing and coughing and PFM strength were measured using sonography, electromagnetic sensors, and perineometry.Results:There were significant difference of main effect between pre- and post-training and between groups in PFM strength (between groups: P = .001, between time: P < .001) and diaphragm excursion during forceful breathing (between groups: P = .015, between time: P = .026) and coughing (between groups: P = .035, between time: P = .006). There were significant differences in diaphragm excursion during tidal (P = .002) and forceful breathing (P = .005) and coughing (P < .001) between pre- and post-training in the PFES group. Elevation of the upper rib cage during tidal (P < .001) and forceful breathing (P = .001) was significantly decreased after 8 weeks of training in the PFES group. Widening in the horizontal plane in the upper rib cage during forceful breathing (P < .001) was significantly increased after 8 weeks of training in the PFES group. PFM strength (P < .001) was significantly increased after 8 weeks of training in the PFES group.Conclusions:Pelvic floor muscles training by electrical stimulation can improve diaphragm excursion and breathing patterns in women with SUI.     

Comparison of clinical efficacy of robotic right colectomy and laparoscopic right colectomy for right colon tumor: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of robotic right colectomy (RRC) and laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) in the treatment of right colon tumor.Methods:We systematically searched PubMed, Web of science, EMBASE ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Central Register for studies (studies published between January 2011 and June 2020). The included studies compared the clinical efficacy of RRC and LRC in the treatment of right colon tumor, and analyzed the perioperative data.Results:Our meta-analysis included 10 studies involving 1180 patients who underwent 2 surgical procedures, RRC and LRC. This study showed that compared with LRC, there was no significant difference in first flatus passage (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −0.37, 95% CI: −1.09–0.36, P = .32), hospital length of stay (WMD: −0.23, 95% CI: −0.73–0.28, P = .32), reoperation (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 0.67–4.10, P = .27), complication (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.60–1.14, P = .25), mortality (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.02–11.22, P = .63), wound infection (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.34–1.25, P = .20), and anastomotic leak (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.33–1.63, P = .44). This study showed that compared with LRC, the lymph nodes retrieved (WMD: 1.47, 95% CI: −0.00–2.94, P = .05) of RRC were similar, with slight advantages, and resulted in longer operative time (WMD: 65.20, 95% CI: 53.40–77.01, P < .00001), less estimated blood loss (WMD: −13.43, 95% CI: −20.65–6.21, P = .0003), and less conversion to open surgery (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.17–0.54, P < .0001).Conclusions:RRC is equivalent to LRC with respect to first flatus passage, hospital length of stay, reoperation, complication, and results in less conversion to LRC.     

Efficacy and tolerability of doxazosin gastro-intestinal therapeutic system versus tamsulosin in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists (α₁-blockers) are first-line drugs for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) and tamsulosin belong to the 2 most frequently prescribed α₁-blockers. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of these 2 α₁-blockers.Methods:A systematic review of published randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese language was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and Vip databases. After data extraction and quality assessment, the meta-analysis was performed to compare clinical parameters (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] total [IPSS-T], storage [IPSS-S], voiding [IPSS-V], maximum urine flow [Q_max], and postvoid residual) and adverse events (AEs) that changed after first drug intake.Results:After the screening, 8 eligible randomized controlled trials with 1316 patients were identified. Doxazosin-GITS showed a significantly higher efficacy compared with tamsulosin (IPSS-T P < .001, IPSS-S P < .001, and IPSS-V P < .001). There were no significant differences between the 2 drugs for changes in Q_max (P = .477) or postvoid residual (P = .739). The overall AEs were significantly lower in the doxazosin-GITS group (risk ratio: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.54–1.08; P = .036). However, dizziness (P = .387), headache (P = .745), asthenia (P = .693), postural hypotension (P = .114), and retrograde ejaculation (P = .187) were similar between the 2 groups.Conclusions:This meta-analysis indicates that doxazosin-GITS has significantly higher efficacy and lower AEs than tamsulosin in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostate hyperplasia.     

Efficacy and safety of sevoflurane vs propofol in combination with remifentanil for anesthesia maintenance during craniotomy: A meta-analysis

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sevoflurane-remifentanil (SR) vs propofol-remifentanil (PR) as inhalation anesthesia or total intravenous anesthesia in patients undergoing craniotomy, respectively.Methods:Electronic databases included PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Cochrane library, CNKI, and Wanfang data were searched using suitable search items. Randomized clinical controlled trials comparing the combination of SR and PR as anesthetics for neurosurgery were included. The outcomes included wake-up time, spontaneous respiration time, extubation time, and safety.Results:Seventeen studies were included in this meta-analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in wake-up time (P = .25, standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.29, 95% CI –0.20 to 0.77), extubation time (P = .1, SMD = 0.52, 95% CI –0.11 to 1.14) and spontaneous respiration time (P = .58, SMD = 0.43, 95% CI –1.07 to 1.93) when patients with SF and PF for anesthesia maintenance. Moreover, the changes of hemodynamic parameters are similar between the 2 groups. During anesthesia maintenance, SF could significantly increase the incidence of hypotension and brain edema than PF (P = .02, SMD = 1.68, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.62; P < .0001, SMD = 3.37, 95% CI 1.86 to 6.12), PF markedly promoted the incidence of hypertension (P = .001, SMD = 0.55, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.79). The postoperative adverse reactions were similar between the 2 groups (P > .05), but the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting proved to be higher in SF group (P < .0001, SMD = 2.12, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.07).Conclusions:SR and PR as anesthetics in patients underwent craniotomy had similar effects, but PR was superior to SR in terms of safety of intraoperation and postoperation.     

Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of acute esophageal necrosis and severe reflux esophagitis

The similarities and differences between acute esophageal necrosis and severe reflux esophagitis have not been elucidated. We compared Los Angeles classification Grade C reflux esophagitis, Grade D reflux esophagitis, and acute esophageal necrosis to consider the similarities and differences between acute esophageal necrosis and severe reflux esophagitis.We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at a tertiary referral center from January 2012 to December 2019. Data on patients diagnosed as Grade C reflux, Grade D reflux, or acute esophageal necrosis for the first time were extracted for analysis.A total of 213 patients were enrolled in the study, composed of 130 Grade C reflux, 74 Grade D reflux, and 9 acute esophageal necrosis patients. Compared to Grade C reflux patients, Grade D reflux and acute esophageal necrosis patients were more likely to be transfused (P = .013 and P = .011, respectively), to have duodenal ulcers (P = .025 and P = .049, respectively), and to have psychiatric illnesses (P = .022 and P = .018, respectively). Compared to both Grade C and D reflux, acute esophageal necrosis patients were more likely to present with shock (P = .003 and P < .001, respectively), have type 1 diabetes (P = .030 and P = .004, respectively), and present in winter (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Significant step-wise differences (Grade C < Grade D < acute esophageal necrosis) were observed in the need for admission (P < .001 and P = .009), coffee ground emesis (P < .001 and P = .022), and stigmata of hemorrhage on endoscopy (P = .002 and P < .001). Admission (P = .003) and coffee ground emesis (P = .003) independently predicted either Grade D reflux or acute esophageal necrosis over Grade C reflux on multivariate analysis.Shock, type 1 diabetes, and winter may predict acute esophageal necrosis, while the need for admission and coffee ground emesis may predict Grade D reflux or acute esophageal necrosis.     

Pooled-analysis of efficacy and safety of minimally invasive versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Background:This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with renal and upper ureteric stones.Methods:We conducted a pooled analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The eligible RCTs were selected from the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also investigated.Results:Our analysis included 10 RCTs with 1612 patients. Pooled data from 10 RCTs revealed the following: stone-free rate (odds ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.12,1.88], P = .004), operative time (mean difference [MD]  = 4.10, 95% CI [–1.37,9.56], P = .14), length of hospital stay (MD = –15.31, 95% CI [–29.43,–1.19], P = .03), hemoglobin decrease (MD = –0.86, 95% CI [–1.19,–0.53], P < .00001), postoperative fever (MD = 0.83, 95% CI [0.49,1.40], P = .49), and urine leakage (MD = 0.59, 95% CI [0.25,1.37], P = .22). Besides, we performed sub-group analysis based on vacuum suction effect and multiple kidney stones. For vacuum suction effect, it revealed the following: stone-free rate in vacuum suction group (P = .007) and in non-vacuum suction group (P = .19). Operative time in vacuum suction group (P = .89), non-vacuum suction group (P = .16). Postoperative fever in vacuum suction group (P = .49), non-vacuum suction group (P = .85).Conclusion:This pooled analysis indicated that MPCNL was a safe and effective method for treating renal stones compared with standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Besides, the vacuum suction effect in MPCNL played a more important role. When it comes to multiple or staghorn stones, the longer operative time in MPCNL could not be ignored.     

Is intraoperative corticosteroid a good choice for postoperative pain relief in total joint arthroplasty? A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials

Background:Effective postoperative analgesia is of great significance for postoperative rehabilitation. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of corticosteroid on pain following total joint arthroplasty.Method:PubMed (1996–December 2020), Embase (1996–December 2020), and the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL, December 2020) were searched and a total of 11 randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria.Results:Eleven randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Pooled data indicated the corticosteroid group was effective compared to the control group in terms of the visual analogue scale at rest (P < .05) and movement (P < .05), the total morphine equivalent consumption (P < .05), and the length of stay (P < .05), without increasing the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (P = .74) and the length of stay (P = .32).Conclusions:Compared to the control group, intraoperative corticosteroid was benefit to the pain management in total joint arthroplasty.     

COL5A2 as a potential clinical biomarker for gastric cancer and renal metastasis

Background:Gastric cancer, characterized by insidious onset and multiple metastasis, is almost incurable and has poor prognosis, and also one of the leading causes of treatment failure and death in patients with gastric cancer (GC). However, the prognosis of collagen type V alpha2 chain (COL5A2) in GC and renal metastasis is unknown.Methods:Recruited 148 patients who underwent GC. The diagnosis of GC was confirmed by ultrasound imaging and pathological examination. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were performed to exam the expression level of COL5A2. The statistical methods included Pearson chi-square test, Spearman-rho correlation test, univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis. Finally, this research constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and applied the area under the curve (AUC).Results:Based on Pearson''s chi-square test, Spearman-rho test, and univariate/multivariate cox regression, pathologic grade (P < .001), renal metastasis (P < .001) and staging (P < .001) were significantly related to COL5A2. And COL5A2 expression (hazard ratio [HR]: 18.834, P < .001) is an independent risk factor of GC. The AUC was used as the degree of confidence in judging each factor: COL5A2 (AUC = 0.878, P < .001), COL1A1 (AUC = 0.636, P = .006), COL1A2 (AUC = 0.545, P = .368), and COL3A1 (AUC = 0.617, P = .019). Through the ROC result, COL5A2 had more advantage as a biomarker for GC than other collagens.Conclusions:COL5A2 gene expression level might be a risk factor for GC. COL5A2 has a strong correlation with the prognosis of the disease.     

Single-stage intraoperative ERCP combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus preoperative ERCP Followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of cholecystocholedocholithiasis: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

ObjectivesThe optimal treatment strategy for cholecystocholedocholithiasis is still controversial. We conducted an up-to-date meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of the intra- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) + LC procedure with the traditional pre-ERCP +  laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) procedure in the management of cholecystocholedocholithiasis.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to September 2020. Published randomized controlled trials comparing intra-ERCP + LC and pre-ERCP + LC were considered. This meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager Version 5.3, and outcomes were documented by pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsEight studies with a total of 977 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding CBD stone clearance (RR = 1.03, P = .27), postoperative papilla bleeding (RR = 0.41, P = .13), postoperative cholangitis (RR = 0.87, P = .79), and operation conversion rate (RR = 0.71, P = .26). The length of hospital stay was shorter in the intra-ERCP + LC group (MD = −2.75, P < .05), and intra-ERCP + LC was associated with lower overall morbidity (RR = 0.54, P < .05), postoperative pancreatitis (RR = 0.29, P < .05) and cannulation failure rate (RR = 0.22, P < .05).ConclusionsIntra-ERCP + LC was a safer approach for patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis. It could facilitate intubation, shorten hospital stay, and lower postoperative complications, especially postoperative pancreatitis, and reduce stone residue and reduce the possibility of reoperation for stone removal.     

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of miR-638 in cancer patients: A meta-analysis

Introduction:MiR-638 is believed to be involved in human cancers. However, the prognostic value of miR-638 in human carcinomas is controversial and inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association between miR-638 expression and clinical outcomes in the patients with various cancers.Methods:We searched Pubmed, Embase, Wanfang, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to September 1, 2020 to identify relevant studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to correlate expression of miR-638 with prognosis and clinicopathological features.Results:A total of 18 studies involving 1886 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that low miR-638 expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.46–2.98, P < .001), but not with disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 0.31–9.56, P = .540). Subgroup analysis found that low miR-638 expression was associated with worse OS in patients with digestive system cancer (HR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.85–3.30, P < .001), the reported directly from articles group (HR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.34–3.33, P < .001), survival curves group (HR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.07–3.80, P = .029), in studies with sample size ≥100 (HR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.34–3.35, P = .001), and in studies with sample size <100 (HR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.09–3.75, P = .025). Moreover, cancer patients with low miR-638 expression were prone to tumor size (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.03–2.09, P = .035), earlier lymph node metastasis (present vs absent, OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.63–3.14, P < .001), earlier distant metastasis (present vs absent, OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.45–4.67, P < .001), TNM stage (III-IV vs I-II, OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.35–2.99, P = .001), and portal vein invasion (present vs absent, OR = 4.39, 95% CI:2.23–8.64, P < .001), but not associated with age, gender, tumor differentiation, and vascular invasion.Conclusions:MiR-638 may serve as a promising indicator in the prediction of prognosis and clinicopathological features in patients with different kinds of cancers.     

Predictors of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with antidiabetic medications: A cross-sectional study in China

This study aimed to clarify of the predictors of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients treated with antidiabetic medications in China.This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional study based on SuValue database. T2DM patients aged 18 years or older performing glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) examinations from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2018 were included and have been treated with antidiabetic medications for at least 6 months. HbA1c < 7.0% was defined as adequate glycemic control. Multivariate analysis was performed for the factors associated with poor glycemic control.A total of 13972 T2DM patients were included in this study. The adequate glycemic control rate was 44.04% (n = 6153). In the multivariate analysis, predictors of poor glycemic control include longer T2DM duration (5–10 years vs <5 years and >10 years vs <5 years, odds ratio [OR] = 1.499 and 1.581, P < .001 and P = .008), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.141, P = .041), diabetic neuropathy (OR = 1.409, P < .001), secondary hospital (OR = 1.877, P < .001), underdeveloped regions (OR = 1.786, P < .001), insulin only (OR = 3.912, P < .001), combination of oral antidiabetic agents and/or insulin use (P < .001).In conclusion, longer T2DM duration, secondary hospital, myocardial infarction, diabetic neuropathy, undeveloped regions and use of polypharmacy and insulin were associated with poor glycemic control among T2DM patients treated with antidiabetic medications. Patient education and training of health care providers may be short-term strategy to achieve adequate glycemic control.     

Efficacy and safety of aspirin and rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after total hip or knee arthroplasty: A protocol for meta-analysis

Background:The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy and safety of aspirin and rivaroxaban in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following either total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty.Methods:A comprehensive literature search of several electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) was conducted to identify relevant studies. Outcomes of interest included VTE rate, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rate, pulmonary embolism rate, major bleeding events, mortality rate, blood transfusion, and wound complication. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model or random-effects model.Results:A total of 8 studies with 97,677 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with rivaroxaban, aspirin had a significantly higher incidence of DVT (RR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.27, 1.72; P < .001), and decreased risk of blood transfusion (RR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.93, 0.94; P < .001). However, there were no significant differences between the 2 drugs in terms of total VTE rate (RR = 1.39%, 95%CI: 0.94, 2.05; P = .101), pulmonary embolism rate (RR = 1.64, 95%CI: 0.92, 2.92; P = .094), mortality rate (RR = 1.13, 95%CI: 0.15, 8.27; P = .907), major bleeding (RR = 1.00, 95%CI: 0.44, 2.27; P = .995), and wound complication rate (RR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.07, 1.87; P = .229).Conclusion:Our results suggested that aspirin and rivaroxaban offered similar effect in the prevention of VTE after total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty. However, rivaroxaban seemed to have better effect than aspirin in reducing the risk of DVT, and aspirin was safer than rivaroxaban in decreasing the blood transfusion rate.     

Personalized tourniquet pressure may be a better choice than uniform tourniquet pressure during total knee arthroplasty: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

Background:Pneumatic tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Some surgeons prefer a uniform tourniquet inflation pressure (UTIP) for all patients; others use personalized tourniquet inflation pressures (PTIP) based on systolic blood pressure and limb occlusion pressure. However, no consensus exists regarding the optimal mode of inflation pressure during TKA. This review aimed to appraise if personalized tourniquet inflation pressures are better than uniform tourniquet inflation.Methods:The databases (Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang) were searched on March 2021 to systematically identify and screen the literature for randomized controlled trials involving PTIP and UTIP during total knee arthroplasty.Results:Thirteen randomized controlled trials, involving 1204 TKAs (1201 patients) were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis identified a trend toward less visual analogue scale (VAS) score at rest with PTIP group at 1 day (P = .002), 2 to 3 days (P = .01), and less VAS score at activity 1 day (P < .0001), 2 to 3 days after the operation (P < .00001), and discharge (P < .0001). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of VAS score at rest when discharge (P = 1.0). We also found no significant difference in terms of intraoperative blood loss (P = .48), total blood loss (P = .15), lower limb vein thrombosis (P = .42), and thigh bullae (P = .17). However, in the PTIP group, we found a significant higher hospital for special surgery (HSS) score (P = .007), broader knee Range of motion (P = .02), less rate of thigh ecchymosis (P = .00001), and shorter thigh circumference at 1 day (P = .006), 2 to 3 days (P = .0005), and discharge (P = .02).Conclusion:PTIP provides a similar bloodless surgical field compared with the conventional UTIP. Furthermore, PTIP provides less pain intensity, thigh circumference, rate of thigh ecchymosis, higher hospital for special surgery, and better initial recovery of knee flexion in total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, we recommend using a PTIP method during TKA. More adequately powered and better-designed randomized controlled trials studies with long-term follow-up are required to produce evidence-based guidelines regarding the PTIP method.     

A meta-analysis of the influence of body mass index on the clinicopathologic progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background:Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) incidence has been increasing worldwide. Obesity, that is, having a high body mass index, is associated with the incidence of several cancers including colon, breast, esophageal, and kidney cancer. However, the association between obesity and the clinical features of PTC is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the impact of obesity on the clinical features of PTC.Method:A database search was conducted for articles published up to 2020 on obesity and clinical features of PTC. Data were extracted from articles that met the meta-analysis inclusion criteria.Results:A total of 11 retrospective cohorts and 11,729 patients were included. Obesity was associated with the following variables in PTC patients: older age (difference in means = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–3.74, P = .03), male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.13, 95%CI 2.24–4.38, P < .00001), tumor size ≥1 cm (OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.11–1.61, P < .002), multifocality (OR = 1.54, 95%CI 1.27–1.88, P < .0001), extrathyroidal extension (OR = 1.78, 95%CI 1.22–2.59, P = .003) and advanced tumor, node, metastasis stage (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.44–1.96, P < .00001). Preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level (difference in means  = 0.09, 95%CI 0.35–0.52, P = .70), Vascular invasion (OR = 0.84, 95%CI 0.56–1.26, P = .41), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.07, 95%CI 0.87–1.32, P = .50), distant metastasis (OR = 1.14, 95%CI 0.64–2.04, P = .66), and recurrence (OR = 1.45, 95%CI 0.97–2.15, P = .07) were not associated with obesity.Conclusion:Obesity was associated with several poor clinicopathologic prognostic features: older age, male gender, tumor size ≥1 cm, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, and advanced tumor/node/metastasis stage. However, thyroid-stimulating hormone level, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and recurrence were not associated with obesity in PTC.     

Association between Alpha B-crystallin expression and prognosis in patients with solid tumors: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Alpha B-crystallin (CRYAB), as a small heat shock protein, may play critical roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of several kinds of human cancers. However, the prognostic value of CRYAB in solid malignancies remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between CRYAB expression and clinicopathology and prognosis of solid tumor patients.Methods:PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang databases were systematically searched to retrieve studies that investigated the prognostic value of CRYAB expression in various solid tumors. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the strength of association between CRYAB expression and survival in patients with solid tumors. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were pooled to assess the correlation between CRYAB expression and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with solid tumors.Results:A total of 17 studies, including 18 cohorts with 6000 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. Our results showed that increased CRYAB expression could predict poor overall survival (HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.50–2.19, P < .001), disease-free survival (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16–1.86, P = .001), and disease-specific survival (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.19–1.63, P < .001) in patients with cancer. Furthermore, the high expression level of CRYAB was associated with certain phenotypes of tumor aggressiveness, such as lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.48–4.11, P = .001), distant metastasis (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.96–5.70, P < .001), advanced clinical stage (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.24–4.08, P = .008), low OS rate (OR = 4.81, 95% CI: 2.82–8.19, P < .001), and high recurrence rate (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.11–1.72, P = .004).Conclusions:CRYAB may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in human solid tumors.     

The relationship between NLR/PLR/LMR levels and survival prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Background:The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and the dire prognosis of non-small cell lung carcinoma patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are not known yet.Methods:We screened the articles that meet the criteria from the database. The relationship between NLR/PLR/LMR levels and the survival and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with ICIs was analyzed. Summarize hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to study progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results:Thirty-four studies involving 3124 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. In short, high pre-treatment NLR was related to poor OS (HR = 2.13, 95% CI:1.74–2.61, P < .001, I² = 83.3%, P < .001) and PFS (HR = 1.77, 95% CI:1.44–2.17, P < .001, I² = 79.5%, P < .001). Simultaneously, high pre-treatment PLR was related to poor OS (HR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.17–1.91, P < .001, I² = 57.6%, P = .003) and PFS (HR = 1.62, 95% CI:1.38–1.89, P < .001, I² = 47.1%, P = .036). In all subgroup analysis, most subgroups showed that low LMR was related to poor OS (HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.34–0.59, P < .001) and PFS (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.47–0.77, P < 0.001, I² = 0.0%, P < .001).Conclusion:High pre-treatment NLR and pre-treatment PLR in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients treated with ICIs are associated with low survival rates. Low pre-treatment and post-treatment LMR are also related to unsatisfactory survival outcomes. However, the significance of post-treatment NLR and post-treatment PLR deserve further prospective research to prove.     

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus in parturients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) in parturientsMethods:The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (from inception to July 2021) were searched for identification of randomized placebo-controlled trials in which PIEB was applied in parturients. The outcomes were the effect of analgesia, satisfaction score, mode of delivery, duration of labor, neonatal condition, and adverse events. The pooled odds ratios (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random- and fixed-effects models.Results:PIEB was found to be associated with decreased total consumption of ropivacaine (WMD = −15.83, 95% CI: −19.06 to −12.60, P < .00001; I² = 61%; P for heterogeneity = .04), total consumption of sufentanil (WMD = −4.93, 95% CI: −6.87 to 2.98, P < .00001; I² = 68%; P for heterogeneity = .05), numbers of patients who require patient-controlled epidural analgesia bolus (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14–0.51, P < .0001; I² = 65%; P for heterogeneity = .01), the number of attempts (WMD = −4.12, 95% CI: −7.21 to −1.04, P = .009; I² = 100%; P for heterogeneity < .00001), rate of breakthrough pain (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28–0.80, P = .005; I² = 47%; P for heterogeneity = .09). Eight studies focus on the duration of analgesia. After by meta-analysis, we found that the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 30 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 5 hours in PIEB group was significantly lower when compared with control group, (WMD = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.26 to −0.04, P = .006; I² = 0%; P for heterogeneity = .64), (WMD = −0.79, 95% CI: −1.32 to 0.25, P = .004; I² = 97%; P for heterogeneity < .00001), (WMD = −1.00, 95% CI: −1.08 to −0.91, P < .00001; I² = 0%; P for heterogeneity = .67), (WMD = −1.81, 95% CI: −3.23 to −0.39, P = .01; I² = 98%; P for heterogeneity < .00001), respectively. Nineteen studies discussed the mode of delivery between 2 groups. The results suggest that the rate of normal delivery is significantly higher in PIEB group compared with control group (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08–1.75, P = .01). The time of first and second stage of labor are significantly shorter in PIEB group compared with control group, the result is (WMD = −10.52, 95% CI: −14.74 to 4.76, P < .00001; I² = 0%; P for heterogeneity = .86), (WMD = −1.48, 95% CI: −2.26 to −0.69, P = .0002; I² = 35%; P for heterogeneity = .10), respectively. Thirteen studies concerned the satisfaction score of patients. The satisfaction score of patients in the PIEB group was significantly higher when compared with control group (WMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.42–1.39, P = .0003; I² = 98%; P for heterogeneity < .00001). The Apgar score at 1, 5 minutes in PIEB group are significantly higher (WMD = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02–0.13 P = .007; I² = 55%; P for heterogeneity = .04), (WMD = −0.08, 95% CI: −0.12 to −0.05, P < .00001; I² = 21%; P for heterogeneity = .27), respectively.Conclusions:PIEB is a good alternative for labor analgesia with better analgesic effect, maternal and infant outcome.