Medicine
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Dexmedetomidine (Dexm), a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, and dexamethasone (Dexa), a very potent and highly selective glucocorticoid, have both been proven effectively to prolong the duration of local anesthetics (LA) in regional anesthesia. However, data comparing the efficacy of Dexm and Dexa as perineural adjuvants are inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the effects of Dexm and Dexa when used as LA adjuvants on peripheral nerve block (PNB). ⋯ This meta-analysis indicated that the analgesic duration of Dexm and Dexa as LA adjuvants in PNB is the same. Meanwhile, the effects of perineural Dexm and Dexa on some secondary outcomes, including the incidence of rescue analgesia, cumulative opioid consumption, and time required for onset of sensory and motor blockades, are associated with the surgical site and type of LA.
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Thyroid nodules are one of the most common entities that affect the thyroid gland. Traditionally, their treatment was surgery. Currently, ablation combination with percutaneous procedure became a good option. ⋯ The thyroid function tests, pre and postablation showed no significant changes (P > .05). Ultrasound-guided microwave-ablation of thyroid nodules is safe and effective. More clinical trials are needed to define the true use of microwave-ablation.
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Meta Analysis
Acupuncture treatment on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in childhood. Acupuncture treatment of ADHD has formed a relatively systematic theoretical and clinical treatment system which achieved satisfactory results. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of its effectiveness and safety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of ADHD. ⋯ INPLASY202140022.
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Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of the efficacy of Da Vinci robotic or laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.
Robotic-assisted gastrectomy has been used for treating gastric cancer since 2002. This meta-analysis was conducted to systematically evaluate the efficacy of Da Vinci robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy (RDG) or laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomy (LDG) in patients with gastric cancer. ⋯ RDG is a safe and feasible treatment option for gastric cancer, and it is non-inferior or even superior to LDG with respect to therapeutic efficacy and radical treatment.
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The prevalence of hypertension has increased with the rise in the elderly population, and high blood pressure is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Physical activity is an important strategy for preventing cardiovascular disease. The study aimed to explore the association between physical activity and cardiovascular risk indicators in community-dwelling older adults with hypertension. ⋯ Group II showed a significant decrease in risk for uncontrolled diabetes compared to Group I (hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [0.888-0.999]). The findings indicated that physical activity is a significant factor associated with indicators of cardiovascular risk in older people with high blood pressure. Healthcare providers should be aware of the importance of older adults' physical activity and encourage them to perform and maintain it steadily for better long-term cardio-metabolic outcomes.