Medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
An evidence-based approach to assess the accuracy of intravoxel incoherent motion imaging for the grading of brain tumors.
Differentiation of high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and low-grade gliomas (LGGs) is an important clinical problem because treatment strategies vary greatly. This study was performed to investigate the potential diagnostic value of incoherent intravoxel motion imaging (IVIM) to distinguish HGG from LGG by meta-analysis. ⋯ The present meta-analysis shows that the ADC, D, and D* values derived from IVIM may be useful in differentiating HGG from LGG. Considering the small sample of this study, we need to be cautious when interpreting the results of this study. Other prospective and large-sample randomized controlled trials were needed to establish the value of IVIM in differentiating HGG from LGG.
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Review Meta Analysis
Ursodeoxycholic acid after common bile duct stones removal for prevention of recurrence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The recurrence rate of common bile duct stones (CBDS) after removal has been reported to exceed 10% and no established pharmacologic treatment exists for the prevention of recurrent CBDS. Many studies indicated ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has the potential to prevent the recurrence of CBDS. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of UDCA for prevention of recurrence after common bile duct stones removal. ⋯ Our study will provide evidence to judge whether UDCA is an effective intervention to prevent the recurrence after CBDS removal.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy of tasquinimod in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Tasquinimod is an oral quinoline-3-carboxamide derivative for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Tasquinimod has antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory, and antimetastatic properties, but it is also associated with toxicities, including skeletal pain, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, and mental disorders. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long-term survival for tasquinimod in patients with mCRPC. ⋯ Tasquinimod is associated with better rPFS in mCRPC. The toxicity of tasquinimod requires further investigation, it is not recommended for routine clinical use.
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Review Meta Analysis
The clinical value of using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine as autophagy inhibitors in the treatment of cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Autophagy is a mechanism which relies on lysosomes for clearance and recycling of abnormal proteins or organelles. Many studies have demonstrated that the deregulation of autophagy is associated with the development of various diseases including cancer. The use of autophagy inhibitors is an emerging trend in cancer treatment. However, the value of autophagy inhibitors remains under debate. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed, aiming to evaluate the clinical value of autophagy-inhibitor-based therapy. ⋯ This meta-analysis showed that autophagy-inhibitor-based therapy has better treatment response compared to chemotherapy or radiation therapy without inhibiting autophagy, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of cancers.
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Urticaria is a common skin disease that has a high impact on a patient's daily life. Xiaofeng powder (XFP) is one of the most commonly used Chinese herbal formula in China for urticaria. However, due to the lack of systematic evaluations, its clinical efficacy remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect and safety of XFP for urticaria. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD 42018087260.