Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of laser acupuncture for patients with chronic Bell's palsy: A study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot trial.
Bell's palsy is the most frequent cause of unilateral peripheral facial palsy, a common condition that third of patients can have inadequate recovery and subsequent physical and social impairments. The largely ineffective and even controversial nature of the various medical and surgical treatment options means that novel, alternative approaches are needed. In preclinical and clinical evidence, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated the ability to regenerate peripheral nerves. Laser acupuncture treatment (LAT), the stimulation of traditional acupoints with low-intensity, non-thermal laser irradiation, is a common treatment modality, but its efficacy in chronic Bell's palsy is undetermined. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of LAT in patients experiencing inadequate recovery from Bell's palsy. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge, this double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial is the first such investigation into the efficacy of LAT in chronic Bell's palsy. Clinical trials using LLLT have shown positive therapeutic effects in acute Bell's palsy, although as yet, the feasibility and efficacy of LAT remain unclear in patients experiencing inadequate recovery from Bell's palsy.
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It has been reported that the encapsulated miRNAs from exosomes are potential biomarkers of tumors prognosis. Yet, the results are controversial, so it is obliged to do a meta-analysis to reach a definite conclusion. ⋯ The expression levels of exosomal miRNAs, particularly miR-21, miR-451a, miR-1290, and miR-638 could strongly predict prognosis of solid tumor patients and might be a potential target for tumor treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on intraocular pressure and optic nerve sheath diameter in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A randomized, clinical trial.
There has been no study of the effect of post end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on intraocular or intracranial pressure during pneumoperitoneum with steep Trendelenburg positioning. We investigated the effects of 5 cmH2O of PEEP on intraocular pressure and optic nerve sheath diameter as a surrogate for intracranial pressure in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. ⋯ Applying 5 cmH2O of PEEP did not increase intraocular pressure or optic nerve sheath diameter during pneumoperitoneum with steep Trendelenburg positioning in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. These results suggest that low PEEP can be safely applied during surgery with pneumoperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg positioning in patients without preexisting eye disease and brain pathology.
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Numerous studies have reported the efficacy of fenofibrate for patients with diabetic retinopathy (DRP). No systematic review has, however, addressed its efficacy for DRP. Thus, this systematic review will firstly evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenofibrate for patients with DRP. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD42019121869.
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Dry eye (DE) is a common type of ocular surface disease that affects many people. Moxibustion has been widely used in China to treat ocular surface diseases, especially DE. Many clinical trials have demonstrated that moxibustion can increase the tear secretion quantity and improve tear film stability. The purpose of this review is to provide an objective and normative systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion treatment in patients with DE. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD42018097399.