Plos One
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Meta Analysis
Genetic polymorphism of the kinesin-like protein KIF1B gene and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Frequent deletions of the kinesin-like protein gene 1B (KIF1B) have been reported in neural tumors. Recently, a genome-wide association study revealed an association between polymorphisms in the KIF1B gene and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and several case-control studies have further investigated this relationship. However, these studies have yielded controversial results. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the association between the KIF1B gene polymorphisms and HCC risk. ⋯ These findings demonstrate that the presence of the G allele at rs17401966 of the KIF1B gene may decrease the risk for HCC and suggest that KIF1B may play a critical role in the development of HCC. High-quality studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnic populations will be of great value to further confirm these findings.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Identifying vulnerable populations using a social determinants of health framework: analysis of national survey data across six Asia-Pacific countries.
In order to improve the health of the most vulnerable groups in society, the WHO called for research on the multiple and inter-linking factors shaping the social determinants of health (SDH). This paper analyses four key SDH (social cohesion, social inclusion, social empowerment and socioeconomic security) across six Asia-Pacific countries: Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. ⋯ This paper provides baseline measures for identifying where and how policy should be altered to improve the SDH. Furthermore, these data can be used for future policy evaluation to identify whether changes in policy have indeed improved the SDH, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable populations.
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Multicenter Study
The continuum of maternal sepsis severity: incidence and risk factors in a population-based cohort study.
To investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with uncomplicated maternal sepsis and progression to severe sepsis in a large population-based birth cohort. ⋯ The rate of severe sepsis was approximately twice the 1991-2003 national estimate. Risk factors identified are relevant to obstetric practice given their cumulative risk effect and the apparent increase in severe sepsis incidence.
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Meta Analysis
Associations between tumor necrosis factor-α polymorphisms and risk of psoriasis: a meta-analysis.
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) may play an important role in the recalcitrant inflammatory and hyperproliferative dermatosis of psoriasis, and there may be a relationship between TNF-α polymorphisms and psoriasis risk. ⋯ The meta-analysis suggests that TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism is associated with decreased risk of psoriasis, while TNF-α 238 G/A is associated with increased risk of psoriasis.
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To evaluate the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for otorhinolaryngology in China. ⋯ The quality of otorhinolaryngology guidelines in China is low. Greater efforts are needed to provide high-quality guidelines that serve as a useful and reliable tool for clinical decision-making in this field.