Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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The purpose of this study is to reveal the participation of different regulatory cytokines within the process of pseudoexfoliation (PEX). ⋯ Based on our findings local chronic inflammation in the eye is accompanied by the secretion of different profibrotic cytokines (TGF-β, PDGF, EGF, IGF, IL-8) without angiogenesis due to effects of ITAC.
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Meta Analysis
Use of proton pump inhibitors and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Worldwide, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used for the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Recently, concern has arisen over the potential association between PPIs and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of PPI use on the risk of HCC, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ The current meta-analysis has shown that PPI use does not significantly increase the risk of HCC after adjusting for confounding factors. However, further studies are warranted to verify the association between PPIs and HCC in special populations, such as viral or alcoholic liver diseases.
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Comparative Study
Volume-targeted versus pressure-limited ventilation for preterm infants.
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Postoperative urology patients may require the insertion of a ureteral stent. However, the delayed removal or change of the ureteral stent may lead to serious consequences for some patients. This study primarily aimed to examine the risk factors and complications associated with forgotten double-J stents (DJSs). ⋯ Patients older than 60 years were 3.6 times more likely to have forgotten DJSs than patients aged 60 and below, and DJSs exchanged using fibrocystoscopy were 5.4 times more likely to be forgotten than those inserted using ureterorenoscopy. Greater attention with regards to tracking and recalling DJSs should be paid in high-risk patients to prevent forgotten DJSs and associated complications.
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Observational Study
Prostate Health Index outperforms other PSA derivatives in predicting a positive biopsy in men with tPSA <10 ng/mL: Largest prospective cohort in Taiwan.
Few prospective studies have focused on the performance of the Prostate Health Index (PHI) in Asian populations. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the performance of the PHI in predicting prostate cancer (PCa) compared with standard prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. ⋯ PHI was the best biomarker among the PSA derivatives in predicting PCa at biopsy in men with tPSA < 10 ng/mL. The risk of a Gleason score ≥ 7 increased with increasing PHI.