Medicine
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This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). ⋯ This study will provide new evidence to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of electroacupuncture for LDH. Due to the data is not personalized, no formal ethical approval is required.
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Observational Study
Exploring immune-related genes with prognostic value in microenvironment of breast cancer from TCGA database.
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide. Many studies have shown that tumor microenvironment cells, immune cells, and stromal cell infiltration have an important impact on prognosis, so it is important to identify biomarkers for achieving better treatment and prognosis. To better understand the relationship between immune and stromal cell-related genes and prognosis, we screened patients with breast cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and divided them into high and low groups based on immune/stromal scores. ⋯ Combining the Estimation of Stromal and Immune Cells in Malignant Tumor Tissues using Expression database and the TCGA database to extract the list of tumor microenvironment related genes which may help to outline the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Some previously overlooked genes have the potential to become additional biomarkers for breast cancer. Further research on these genes can reveal a new understanding of the potential relationship between tumor microenvironment and breast cancer prognosis.
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Observational Study
A retrospective study of drug utilization and hospital readmissions among Medicare patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication occurring in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with neuropsychiatric and motor abnormalities. Symptomatic HE episodes almost always require hospitalization and the frequent recurrence of episodes is associated with poor prognosis and increased medical costs. The utilization of existing therapies for management of HE and adherence to them has yet to be evaluated using real-world claims data. ⋯ Despite availability of therapy, medication utilization was alarmingly low after discharge of patients from HE-related hospitalization. Medication adherence was also low, which may affect the rate of recurrence and costs associated with readmissions. Efforts are needed in both care coordination of these patients to ensure they are prescribed appropriate medications and to enhance adherence to them.