Medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Anti-hyperlipidemia of garlic by reducing the level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein: A meta-analysis.
This study aimed to understand the impact of garlic on improving blood lipids using a meta-analysis. ⋯ Garlic can reduce the level of TC and LDL instead of HDL and TG, indicating the ability of anti-hyperlipidemia.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effects of genetic variants on serum parathyroid hormone in hyperparathyroidism and end-stage renal disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is one of the principal regulators of calcium homeostasis, crucial for normal functioning of the kidneys, bones, heart, and nervous system. Different pathologic conditions can affect serum PTH level resulting in hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism. Our study assessed the association of previously reported polymorphisms with the level of PTH (expressed in pg/mL) among individuals with different pathologic conditions affecting PTH level. ⋯ Scientific evidence of genetic association of serum PTH level among individuals with different pathologic conditions remains deficient and published results provide weak evidence. Further well-conducted studies on larger sample sets designed according to evidence-based principles are warranted to assure clinically applicable findings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture for chronic low back pain: A study protocol for a randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, multicenter clinical trial.
Back pain is one of the most common diseases, and many patients with recurrent pain seek alternative treatment strategies. Thread embedding acupuncture involves thread insertion at the acupuncture point for continuous physical and chemical stimulation. Although thread embedding is widely used in clinical practice, there is no sound evidence of its efficacy for chronic back pain. We describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial for investigation of the efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture for chronic low back pain. ⋯ Our study results will provide evidence of the efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture for the management of chronic low back pain. Even though the assessors will be blinded, the patients will not be blinded to treatment because of the lack of a sham embedding acupuncture group; this is a limitation of our study.
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Review Case Reports
Case report: A rare case of focal myositis presenting as Sartorius muscle contracture: A case report and review of literature.
Focal myositis (FM) is a very rare myopathy of unknown etiology characterized by focal enlargement within one single skeletal muscle. In particular, it occurs only involving the Sartorius muscle has never been reported. ⋯ This case report is the first to report FM presenting as sartorius muscle contracture and the surgery is an alternative therapy for these patients.
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Eunkyosan (EKS) is widely used for common colds in East Asian countries. Many clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of EKS formula for the treatment of common colds have been reported. This review will assess the clinical evidence for and against the use of EKS formula as a treatment for common colds. ⋯ This systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will also be disseminated electronically and in print. The review will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practices.Registration number: CRD42018087694.