Current medical research and opinion
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Gefitinib is a well known therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to review clinical reports of gefitinib as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy regardless of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, and assess its efficacy and safety in Chinese patients. ⋯ Gefitinib produced encouraging efficacy, safety and survival when delivered as maintenance therapy for NSCLC in Chinese patients after first-line chemotherapy regardless of EGFR mutation, especially for the patients who were female, non-smokers, LAC and with rash. Key limitations of this review include limited subgroup data, small sample sizes, and the lack of EGFR/KRAS data.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Efficacy and safety of valsartan in reducing blood pressure and albuminuria in Chinese patients with essential hypertension: a multicenter prospective open-label observational study.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 80 or 160 mg/day valsartan in Chinese adult patients with essential hypertension and albuminuria. ⋯ Valsartan can safely and effectively reduce BP and albuminuria in Chinese adult patients with essential hypertension and albuminuria. Valsartan has the more dramatic effect on albuminuria in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients.
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To investigate whether plagiarism is more prevalent in publications retracted from the medical literature when first authors are affiliated with lower-income countries versus higher-income countries. Secondary objectives included investigating other factors associated with plagiarism (e.g., national language of the first author's country affiliation, publication type, journal ranking). ⋯ This is the first study to demonstrate that publications retracted for plagiarism are significantly associated with first authors affiliated with lower-income countries. These findings have implications for developing appropriate evidence-based strategies and allocation of resources to help mitigate plagiarism misconduct.
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Describe characteristics of diabetic patients who initiated basal insulin and assess their glycemic control. ⋯ A high proportion of T2DM patients did not have adequate glycemic control after initiating basal insulin. Various factors existing prior to insulin initiation were related to successful treatment of T2DM. Further research on how to improve glycemic control is encouraged.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Transdermal buprenorphine for postoperative pain control in gynecological surgery: a prospective randomized study.
Although numerous methods are available for postoperative pain (POP) management, new approaches are constantly being investigated. This feasibility study assessed the buprenorphine transdermal therapeutic system (Bup-TTS) for the treatment of POP after gynecological open surgery. ⋯ Bup-TTS efficacy was directly proportional to its dosage, although additional analgesia was required, particularly in the first postoperative hour. Moreover, the consumption of morphine and ketorolac was inversely correlated to the Bup-TTS dosage. Increasing Bup-TTS doses were not associated with an increased incidence of side effects. Bup-TTS appears a safe and feasible approach for moderate POP management; further larger studies are warranted.