Objective To identify and investigate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in 11 non-key Chinese medical journals so as to learn about the current status and problems. Methods Eleven non-key medical journals of TCM from 1995 to 2000 were hand searched to identify the RCT and controlled clinical trials (CCTs). Each identified RCT or CCT was page by page verified by handsearchers based on the criteria developed by the Cochrane Handbook; the RCTs’ design, randomization method description, blind, baseline comparison, inclusion and exclusion criteria, diagnostic criteria,criteria for theraputic effectiveness, sample size, statistical method，described outcome, side effects, and follow up etc. were analyzed. Results In the related journals from 1995 to 2000, a total of 66 volumes and 390 issues were checked. As a result, 22 739 clinical studies were identified, of which 1 416 RCTs, only 24 (1.69%) were done with double blinding. There were 141 CCTs from 1995 to 2000, the total number of RCT increased from 95 to 1 416 and most of studies were on digestives diseases. Most of these studies had no detailed randomization method description, only 38 (2.68%) studies provided a methodology description. In addition, 1 220 (86.16% ) described outcome index, 1 203 (84.96%) used statistical method，934 (65.96%) had baseline comparison，828 (58.47%) described diagnostic criteria, 197 (13.91%) had inclusion and exclusion criteria，finally only 89 (6.29%) reported side effects. Conclusions Although the number of RCT has increased in the 11 non-key medical journals of TCM in the past six years, the quality of these RCTs needs to be improved.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effects of aminophylline combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of asthma. MethodsDatabases including The Cochrane Library(Issue 1, 2015), PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched from January 2005 to December 2014 to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the treatment of bronchial asthma combining aminophylline with TCM. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 10 RCTs involving 820 participants were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: The total clinical effective rate in the aminophylline plus TCM group was higher than that of the aminophylline alone group (RR=1.22, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.33). The FEV1 in the aminophylline plus TCM group was also higher than that of the aminophylline alone group (MD=0.53, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.73). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows, the total clinical effective rate of aminophylline combined with TCM for asthma is better than that of aminophylline alone, and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of FEV1. Due to the limited quantity and quality of included studies, the above conclusion needs to be further verified by more high quality studies.
ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic significance of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its association with clinicopathological characteristics. MethodsThe relevant studies investigating the association between CONUT score and prognosis of NSCLC patients were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database and other databases from their inception to July 2023. Two independent researchers screened the references according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and conducted quality assessment. The quality of included references was evaluated using New Castle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software, and a combined hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association of CONUT score with prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics in NSCLC patients. ResultsA total of 17 cohort studies, comprising 5182 NSCLC patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅳ, were included in this analysis. All studies had a NOS≥6 points. The meta-analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between CONUT score and overall survival (OS) as well as disease-free survival (DFS) among NSCLC patients: the higher the score, the shorter the OS [HR=1.87, 95%CI (1.58, 2.21), P<0.001] and DFS [HR=1.91, 95%CI (1.63, 2.24), P<0.001]. These differences were statistically significant. Furthermore, CONUT score was significantly associated with age, smoking status, tumor stage, and N stage (P<0.05). ConclusionA higher CONUT score is associated with a poorer OS and DFS in patients with NSCLC, and CONUT score can be used as a potential predictor of NSCLC prognosis.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical outcomes of different pituitary down regulation protocols with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. MethodsThe clinical data of 358 IVF cycles in women at 40 years old or younger from November 2012 to January 2013 in the West China Second University Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. All the 358 cycles were divided into two groups, according to whether the leading follicle diameter was <14 mm (group A, 158 cycles) or ≥14 mm (group B, 200 cycles) after discontinuing the GnRH-a. The clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsCompared with group B, the amount of gonadotropins used was significantly more, and the time of gonadotropin use was also significantly longer in group A (P<0.05). However, the serum level of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and Luteinizing hormone (LH), incidence of premature P rise, retrieved ovum number, the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth did not significantly differ between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionDiscontinuing the use of GnRH-a in early stage of controlled ovarian stimulation can keep effective pituitary down regulation and it has the same optimal clinical outcomes in patients undergoing IVF-ET.
Objective To explore the effect of controlled release of nerve growth factor (NGF) on peripheral nerve defect repaire by acellular nerve graft. Methods The microspheres of NGF were prepared with drug microsphere technologyand fixed with the fibrin glue to make the compl icated controlled release NGF. Twenty healthy male SD rats weighing 280-300 g were adopted to prepare acellular xenogenous nerve, 52 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were adopted to prepare the 10 mm defect model of left sciatic nerve. and thereafter were randomly divided into 4 groups: autograft group(group A), acellular nerve allograft combined with the double controlled release NGF (group B), acellular nerve allograft (group C) and acellular nerve allograft combined with fibrin glue (group D). Without any operation, the right sciatic nerve was regarded as control group. General observation was conducted after operation. The nerve axon regeneration length was measured 2 weeks after operation. The effects of peripheral nerve regeneration were evaluated by neural electrophysiology, the recovery rate of triceps surae muscular tension and weight and histological assessment 16 weeks after operation. Results All the animals survived till the end of experiment. The length of nerve regeneration was measured at 2 weeks after transplantation. The regeneration nerve of group A was longer than that of other groups (P lt; 0.05), group B longer than groups C and D (P lt; 0.05), and there were no difference between group C and group D (P gt; 0.05). At 16 weeks after operation, the recovery rates of nerve conduction velocity of groups A and B (73.37% ± 7.82% and 70.39% ± 8.45%) were larger than that of groups C and D (53.51% ± 6.31% and 55.28% ± 5.37%) (P lt; 0.05). The recovery rates of the triceps surae muscular tension in group A (85.33% ± 5.59%) were larger than that in groups B, C and D (69.79% ± 5.31%, 64.46% ± 8.49％ and 63.35% ± 6.40%) (P lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences among groups B, C and D (P gt; 0.05). The recovery rates of the triceps surae weight in group A (62.54% ± 8.25%) werelarger than that in groups B, C and D (53.73% ± 4.56%, 46.37% ± 5.68% and 45.78% ± 7.14%, P lt; 0.05). There was significant difference between group B and groups C, D (P lt; 0.05) and no significant differences between group C and group D (P gt; 0.05). The histological observation indicated that axon number and myel in thickness in group B were larger than those in group C and group D (P lt; 0.05). The axonal diameter in group B was significantly less than that in group A (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Acellular nerve graft combined with the controlled release NGF is a satisfactory alternative to repair the peripheral nerve defect.
ObjectiveTo summarize the recent progress of the controlled releasing delivery of biological factors for cartilage repair. MethodsThe recently published 1iterature at home and abroad on the controlled releasing delivery of biological factors for cartilage repair was reviewed and summarized. ResultsVarious biological factors have been applied for repairing cartilage. For better cartilage repair effects, controlled releasing delivery of biological factors can be applied by means of combining biological factors with degradable biomaterials, or by micro- and nano-particles. Meanwhile, multiple biologic delivery and temporally controlled delivery are also inevitable choices. ConclusionAlthough lots of unsolved problems exist, the controlled releasing delivery of biological factors has been a research focus for cartilage repair because of the controllability and delicacy.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of GnRH antagonist on vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods We searched CBMdisc (1979 to 2010), Wanfang (1994 to 2010), CNKI (1994 to 2010), VIP (1989 to 2010), PubMed (1997 to 2010), PML (1997 to 2010), FMJS (2000-2010), and 9 related journals to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the comparison between GnRH antagonist (GnRHA) and GnRH agonist (GnRHa). The quality of included trials was critically appraised. RevMan 4.2.7 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Six published RCTs involving 1 208 participants were included. Compared with the GnRHa group, stimulation duration in the GnRHA group was lower (WMD= –1.07, 95%CI –1.38 to –0.76), dose of gonadotrophins (Gns) in the GnRHA group was slightly lower (WMD= –0.49, 95%CI –1.63 to 0.66), endometrial thickness at the time of HCG administration was no significant difference in the two groups (WMD= –0.09, 95%CI –0.42 to 0.24), number of oocytes retrieved in the GnRHA group was lower (WMD= –1.80, 95%CI –2.48 to –1.12), OHSS rate in the GnRHA group was slightly lower (Peto OR= 0.77, 95%CI 0.35 to 1.72), pregnancy rate in the GnRHA group was slightly lower (Peto OR= 0.83, 95%CI 0.65 to 1.05), miscarraige rate as no significant difference in the two groups (Peto OR= 1.49, 95%CI 0.79 to 2.82). Conclusions Compared with GnRHa, GnRHA requires shorter stimulation duration and less Gn, less affected the pregnancy rate, and reduces the incidence of OHSS. The use of GnRHA in clinical practice is relatively flexible with good acceptability. GnRHA for the superovulation IVF-ET offers an alternative treatment. The above conclusion still needs more well-designed, multi-center, and large-scale RCTs to confirm and update.
Objective To evaluate the status of asthma control in asthmatic outpatients.Methods We performed an investigation by a questionnaire in a face-to-face setting from Feb 2006 to May 2006 in asthmatic outpatients of China-Japan Friendship Hospital.Results A total of 101 asthmatic patients were investigated with a mean age of 47±14.8 years and course of disease of 9.1±12.8 years.80.2% of the asthmatic patients had various social insurance.40.6% of the respondents had visited emergency department because of asthma exacerbation.The percentage of adults with lost workdays caused by asthma was 61.7% (29/47)，and which of children with lost schooldays was 75% (3/4).37.6% of asthmatic patients were completely controlled.Approximately three fourth of respondents (75.2%) was either well or completely controlled.72.3% of respondents had undergone a lung-function test during the past year.The one third of respondents (36.6%) owned oneself peak flowmeter.Only 12.9% reported kept regular use of peak flowmeter.87.1% of patients use inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) regularly.Conclusion With the implementation of patient education program and asthma guideline，the asthma control level has been further improved.
ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of low-(10 mg) and high-dose (20 mg) of recombinant tissue typeplasminogen activator (rt-PA) catheter-directed thrombolysis for lower limb ischemia by using meta-analysis. MethodsThe literatures of randomized clinical trials (RCT) concerning low-versus high-dose rt-PA catheter-directed thrombolysis for lower limb ischemia study were searched using the national and international electronic databases.The literatures were screened and quality evaluated according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and analyzed by using the Cochrane Center the RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total of 4 RCT studies, with a total of 360 patients (192 patients in low dose group and 168 patients in high-dose group) were included.No statistical difference were noted in low-versus high-dose group with regard to ankle-brachial index (RR=0.20, 95%CI=-0.43-0.02, P=0.07), 30 days amputation-free survival (RR=1.00, 95%CI=0.94-1.08, P=0.91), 6 months the probability of restenosis (RR=1.00, 95%CI=0.60-1.67, P=1.00), and the incidence of groin hematoma (< 5 cm, RR=1.24, 95%CI=0.56-2.77, P=0.59).But the incidence of bleeding and the incidence of stress ulcer in low-dose group were lower than those in high-dose group (RR=2.38, 95%CI=1.10-5.15, P=0.03;RR=2.49, 95%CI=1.21-5.13, P=0.01). ConclusionTwo doses of rt-PA treatment of limb ischemia similar efficacy, but the incidence of low-dose regimen of complications is significantly lower than the high dose regimen.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of intravenous calcium infusion for preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). MethodsDatabases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2015), CNKI, Sinomed and WanFang Data were searched from inception to July 2015 to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs about intravenous calcium infusion for OHSS. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of six studies involving 1 061 women were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that intravenous calcium infusion could reduce the incidence of moderate OHSS (RR=0.27, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.65, P=0.003), but not the incidence of severe OHSS (RR=0.77, 95% CI 0.23 to 2.63, P=0.68). In addition, intravenous calcium infusion had a tendency to increase the pregnant rate (RR=1.19, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.50, P=0.15). The subgroup analysis showed that, compared with placebo/no treatment, intravenous calcium infusion reduced the incidence of moderate OHSS, but not the incidence of severe OHSS. There were no statistical differences between intravenous calcium infusion and other positive control (cabergoline and hydroxyethyl starch) in the incidence of OHSS and pregnant rate. No side effect was reported in the studies included. ConclusionsCurrent evidence indicates that intravenous calcium infusion can reduce the incidence of OHSS without influence pregnant outcomes. Due to the quantity and quality limitations of included studies, more high quality case-control or cohort studies are needed to verify the above conclusions.