Medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Comparison of Direct Anterior and Lateral Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).
The direct anterior approach (DAA) to total hip arthroplasty has been promoted as a minimally invasive alternative to the lateral approach, which we sought to verify by systematically reviewing and meta-analyzing the literature comparing clinical, radiographic, and surgical outcomes. Two reviewers independently searched PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing the DAA and lateral approach for total hip arthroplasty. Quality of RCTs was assessed using the Jadad scoring system, quality of cohort studies, using the Minors system. ⋯ The 2 approaches were associated with similar rates of perioperative surgical complications and transfusions, as well as similar radiographic analysis results. Although DAA may provide shorter hospitalization and faster recovery during the early postoperative period, the available evidence is still insufficient to conclude whether the DAA or lateral approach is superior for total hip arthroplasty. More high-quality studies and subsequent meta-analyses are needed.
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Observational Study
Gender and Age Impacts on the Association Between Thyroid Function and Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese.
The relationship between thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (MS) is complex. We aimed to explore the impact of gender and age on their association in a large Chinese cohort. This cross-sectional study enrolled 13,855 participants (8532 male, 5323 female), who self-reported as healthy without any known previous diseases. ⋯ Females with high TSH and high FT3 had higher MS risks than males. Aging was a risk for MS, especially for females. Urgent need is necessary to initiate interventional programs.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Chinese Population With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Toxoplasmosis is fatal in the immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients with chemotherapy. Clinical toxoplasmosis in cancer patients is a great public health concern in China. We performed this meta-analysis to assess the seroprevalence and odds ratios (ORs) of Toxoplasma gondii in Chinese population with cancer compared with those without. ⋯ The pooled OR estimates were 6.16 (95% CI 3.87-9.78) when the sample size was below 400, 5.37 (95% CI 3.84-7.53) when the sample size was between 400 and 500, and 2.58 (95% CI 2.17-3.07) when the sample size was above 500. The pooled OR estimates were 5.50 (95% CI 3.98-7.62) by using indirect hemagglutination assay method, and 3.15 (95% CI 2.67-3.72) by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The meta-analysis study found Chinese population with cancer had higher seroprevalence rates of T. gondii compared with those without.
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Review Meta Analysis
Vitamin D Receptor Gene FokI Polymorphism Contributes to Increasing the Risk of Tuberculosis: An Update Meta-Analysis.
The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI polymorphism and tuberculosis (TB) risk remains a matter of debate. Potential selection bias exists in most studies using HIV-positive TB patients. An update meta-analysis was carried out to derive a more reliable assessment of the association between FokI polymorphisms and TB risk, especially in HIV-negative TB patients. ⋯ In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, significant associations were found in the Asian group (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.205-2.261, P = 0.002; I = 43.9%, and P = 0.024 for heterogeneity), but not in the Caucasian group (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.762-1.547, P = 0.649; I = 0.0%, and P = 0.740 for heterogeneity) and African group (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.726-1.341, P = 0.934; I = 43.9%, and P = 0.024 for heterogeneity). This meta-analysis confirms that VDR FokI polymorphism contributes to the risk of TB, especially in HIV-negative TB patients and in the Asian group. Further studies are required to clarify the role of the FokI polymorphism in HIV-positive TB and in other ethnic groups.
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Observational Study
Surveillance of Patients in the Waiting Area of the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Many patients visiting an emergency department are in reduced general condition of health and at risk of suffering further deterioration during their stay. We wanted to test the feasibility of a new monitoring system in a waiting area of an emergency department. In an observational cross-sectional single-center study, patients with acute cardiac or pulmonary symptoms or in potentially life-threatening conditions were enrolled. ⋯ Linear regression analysis between clinical symptom category groups of patients showed significant differences in the respiratory rate and noninvasive blood pressure courses. Feedback from patients and users via questionnaires showed overall very good acceptance and patients felt that they were given better care. To assist medical staff of an emergency department waiting area to rapidly response to potentially life-threatening situations of its patients, a new monitoring system proved to be feasible and safe.