Adjuvant therapy with Astragalus membranaceus for post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review.

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common symptom after stroke and interferes with the rehabilitation. There are limited pharmacological therapies for managing PSF. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) is a frequently used Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in the treatment of fatigue in China. The aim of this review was to summarize the efficacy of adjuvant therapy with CHM Huangqi (CHM-HQ) in managing fatigue after stroke. We searched the databases in both English and Chinese for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on CHM-HQ for PSF till November 2016. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of included trials, and the Review Manager 5.3 software was used to conduct the data analysis. Sixteen RCTs with a total of 1222 participants were included. The evidence was poor in quality with unclear or high risks of bias. Compared to routine intervention, treatment with CHM-HQ decreased the fatigue severity based on the assessment of the Fatigue Severity Scale, Fugl-Meyer and Visual Analogue Scale, and improved the quality of life as measured by the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale, the Barthel index, and the modified Barthel index, while the adverse effects were mild. In conclusions, adjuvant therapy with CHM-HQ may benefit in managing fatigue and quality of life in stroke patients. However, stronger evidence is needed for a promising conclusion and more rigorous designs of RCTs are merited in the future.

Comparison between Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery in Early Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in early rectal neuroendocrine tumor (RNET) patients. This article will provide reliable evidence for surgeons in regards to clinical decision-making. METHODS: Systematic literature retrieval was performed in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane database from 2013/4/30 to 2023/4/30. Methodology validation was performed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data-analysis was conducted by using the Review manager version 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of three retrospective studies were included in our meta-analysis. All eligible studies were considered to be high quality. By comparing baseline characteristics between TEM and ESD, patients in the TEM group seemed to be characterized by a larger tumor size and lower tumor level, even though no statistical significance was found. Clear statistical significance favoring TEM was identified in terms of R0 resection rate, procedure time and hospital stay. No statistical significance was found in terms of recurrence rate, adverse events rate and additional treatment rate. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ESD, TEM was a more effective treatment modality for early RNET patients; it was associated with a relatively higher R0 resection rate and a similar degree of safety. However, the relatively higher cost and complicated manipulation restricted the promotion of TEM. Surgeons should opt for TEM as a primary treatment in patients with a larger tumor size and deeper degree of tumorous infiltration if the financial condition and hospital facility permit.

Effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San on central neuroendocrine and pharmacokinetics in female ovariectomized rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional Chinese medicine formula Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) has been reported to have estrogen-like effects and therapeutic effects on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore whether the central oxytocin and neuroendocrine system is involved in the modulating effects of DSS on the cognition and neuropsychiatric hebaviors in female AD rats, and to investigate the pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in female AD rats with DSS treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DSS (1.2, 3.2, 8.6 g/kg/day) was orally administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and saline was orally administered to sham operation rats as control group. The Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, and passive avoidance test were conducted for evaluation of learning and memory abilities, while elevated plus maze test and forced swim test were performed to assess anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of estrogen (E), estrogen receptor α (ERα), oxytocin (OT), oxytocin receptor (OTR), acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholin esterase (AchE), and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) in the cortex. The concentrations of Ach, glutamate (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in the hippocampus were assessed by HPLC-MS. The changes of neuronal morphology in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining. The pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in OVX rats with DSS treatment were studied by HPLC. RESULTS: In the Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, and passive avoidance test, OVX rats showed cognitive impairment. In the elevated plus maze test and forced swim test, the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats were significant as compared to the control group. Treatment of DSS significantly imporved the cognitive deficits, and ameliorated anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats. The expression of E, ERα, OT, OTR, AchE and ChAT in the cortex of model group were significantly decreased, and DSS significantly reversed these changes. The concentrations of Ach, Glu, GABA, 5-HT and NE in the hippocampus of OVX rats were significantly decreased, whereas DSS significantly increased the levels of Ach, Glu, GABA, 5-HT and NE. There was no significant difference in the concentration of DA in the hippocampus among groups. Degenerating neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region were observed in OVX rats, and the number of neurons was decreased. DSS treatment reduced the degenerating neurons, and incresed the number of neurons. The MRT (0 - ∞), AUC (0 - ∞), Cmax and t1/2z values of paeoniflorin, and the AUC 0-∞ and Cmax value of ferulic acid were higher in DSS-treated OVX rats than those in the DSS-treated control rats. CONCLUSIONS: DSS improves the learning and memory ability, and attenuates anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats. The mechanism may be through increasing estrogen, reducing cholinergic damage, and modulating neurotransmitters. The increase in absorption and elimination time of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in OVX rats may enhance the efficacy of DSS.

[Study on the fingerprint of honey-fried farfarae flos by HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a HPLC-FP for the determination of honey-fried Farfarae Flos. METHODS: HPLC analysis was performed on a C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm), the mobile phase consisted of 0.1% phosphoric acid solution and acetonitrile as gradient elution with the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The wavelength was 240 nm. RESULTS: HPLC fingerprint of honey-fried Farfarae Flos was established and the results of methodological study met the technical requirements for fingerprint. CONCLUSION: The established method can be used for quality control of honey-fried Farfarae Flos.

[Study on the extraction of total alkaloid from folium nelumbinis with ultrasonic wave technology optimized by central composite design and response surface method].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the extracting process of Folium Nelumbinis by central composite design and response surface method. METHODS: Independent variables were ethanol concentration, solvents ratio and pH,dependent variable was extracting rate of alkaloid. Composite design and response surface method were used to optimize the extracting process. Resultant model was used to predict the response in the optimal region. RESULTS: The optimum extraction conditions were 80% aqueous ethanol, 75 fold solvent, pH value 5. CONCLUSION: The optimum process is simple and more convenient for extracting Folium Nelumbinis. The observed and predicted values are close to each other.

Is There Necessity for Oversewing the Staple Line During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the current mainstream surgical treatment for obesity. With the development of clinical practice, surgeons realized the associated severity and danger of postoperative bleeding and leakage. Surgeons constantly explore different strategies to reduce the incidence of these complications. By reviewing previous clinical articles on the staple line reinforcement (SLR) in LSG, the conclusions were inconsistent regarding effectiveness. This article aims to discuss effectiveness of oversewing the staple line in LSG. Methods: From the start date of each database to September 27, 2018, a comprehensive search of published articles in English was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Central (Cochrane) databases and Scopus databases. We extracted and analyzed the main results on postoperative bleeding, staple line leakage, hospital stay and operative time of the final included articles. This review was compliant with PRISMA guidelines. Results: Finally, we extracted and analyzed 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which contain 2411 patients (1219 patients as part of the oversewing (OS) group and 1192 patients in the no-oversewing (NOS) group). In the OS group, there were 15 cases (1.23%) of postoperative bleeding, and 8 cases (0.66%) of postoperative leakage. While in the NOS group, 35 patients (2.94%) had postoperative bleeding and 21 patients (1.76%) had postoperative leakage. By comparing and analyzing the OS group and the NOS group, the risk ratio (RR) for postoperative bleeding was 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.83 p = 0.447). In addition, the RR for postoperative leakage was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.21-0.89 p = 0.835). The standardized mean difference (SMD) for hospital stay was -0.10 (95% CI, -0.25 to 0.04 p = 0.061) and 2.26 for operative time (95%CI, 0.82-3.69 p = 0.000). Conclusion: This study suggested that oversewing the staple line during LSG has a significant clinical value: it decreased the incidence of postoperative bleeding, postoperative leakage; moreover, it also significantly prolonged the operative time and but did not change hospital stay. More high-quality and large sample RCTs are expected to get more accurate results.

Short-Term Outcomes of Self-Expandable Metallic Stent versus Decompression Tube for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Data.

Purpose: To compare the short-term outcomes between self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and decompression tubes (DT) for malignant colorectal obstruction. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed from inception to 2018/12/6 covering Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library. Methodological assessments of eligible studies were performed by using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The Revman software (version 5.3) was used in our statistical analysis. Results: Totally 7 cohort studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. All the 7 eligible studies proved to be high quality according to the NOS scale. Patients receiving SEMS had higher clinical success rates, higher laparoscopic surgery rates, and higher primary anastomosis rates compared with patients receiving DT. Conclusions: Based on evidence from eastern countries, SEMS placement is an effective procedure that treats malignant colorectal obstruction. Compared with DT placement, patients receiving SEMS may benefit from higher clinical success rates, higher laparoscopic surgery rates, and higher primary anastomosis rates.

Clinical Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass After Failed Adjustable Gastric Banding.

BACKGROUND: Over recent decades, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been among the most common bariatric surgeries. Nowadays, many patients require revision surgery due to insufficient weight loss and band-related complications. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the two most common revision surgeries for failed LAGB, but the conclusions about their efficacy and safety have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to review the clinical outcomes of SG and RYGB after failed LAGB. METHODS: In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were systematically searched for articles that had studied the efficacy and safety of SG and RYGB. The most appropriate effects model was chosen based on the heterogeneity of the articles included in this meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 14.0. RESULTS: Of 586 articles that were retrieved, 16 articles which examined 2141 SG and 2990 RYGB patients met the inclusion criteria. The patients in RYGB groups showed increased percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 12 and 24 months after revision surgery but no statistically significant change was found about %EWL after 3, 6, or 36 months. In addition, RYGB was associated with a higher rate of complications, interventions, and readmission in addition to being of more operative time. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggested that RYGB was more effective at demonstrating weight loss after 12 and 24 months, but comparisons of the long-term efficacy of RYGB with that of SG remain inconclusive. In addition, RYGB was accompanied by a greater number of post-operative complications, interventions, and readmissions. Thus, surgeons should consider the overall status of the patients and their comorbidities as crucial factors when selecting a form of revision surgery. Additional high-quality randomized controlled studies are required to further compare the efficacy and safety of these treatments with longer follow-up times.

Comparison of anastomotic leakage rate and reoperation rate between transanal tube placement and defunctioning stoma after anterior resection: A network meta-analysis of clinical data.

OBJECTIVE: Defunctioning stoma (DS) and transanal tube (TT) placement have all been reported to be effective procedures to prevent anastomotic leakage after anterior resection. However, there are few studies that directly compare the 2 procedures, and those that do are unclear. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search from the databases of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane library. We limited the publication date from 2008/01/01 to 2018/07/29. The bias risk of eligible randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were assessed by Cochrane Collaboration's tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, respectively. The direct meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. The network graph, inconsistency test and comparison-adjusted funnel plot were performed by the Stata 14.0 software. The indirect meta-analysis and rank probabilities were performed by GeMTC R package. RESULTS: 6 randomized controlled trials and 26 cohort studies were included in our meta-analysis. All eligible studies were assessed as low risk of bias. The anastomotic leakage rate and reoperation rate was lower in the patients receiving DS or TT placement than patients with non-protection. DS shared similar anastomotic leakage rate with TT. However, the reoperation rate was significantly lower in patients receiving DS than patients receiving TT. CONCLUSION: Both TT and DS were protective factors for anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. DS reduced severity of anastomotic leakage in a more effective way than TT placement. However, we still suggested the routing use of TT for decreasing the risk of anastomotic leakage in anterior resection because it was cheaper and technically simpler.

Differential composition of gut microbiota among healthy volunteers, morbidly obese patients and post-bariatric surgery patients.

The modulation of the gut microbiota was recently deemed one of the mechanisms responsible for the excellent outcomes of bariatric surgery. However, to date, only few studies have assessed this, and they have high heterogeneity. In the present study, next-generation 16S ribosomal DNA amplicon sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiota of healthy volunteers, as well as patients prior to and after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Significant differences in α diversity, ß diversity and species were identified between the different groups/time-points. The results demonstrated excellent outcomes of SG and RYGB. The ß diversity was lower in healthy volunteers compared with that in morbidly obese patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. At 3 months after SG, the α diversity was increased and the ß diversity was decreased. The abundance of certain species changed significantly after SG and RYGB. It was also revealed that the abundance of certain microbes was significantly correlated with the body mass index, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin. It may be concluded that bariatric surgery may cause obvious alterations in the gut microbiota and compared with healthy volunteers and obese patients without bariatric surgery, the microbiota composition of post-bariatric surgery has unique characteristics. However, studies with a larger cohort and longer follow-up may be required to confirm these results.

[Study on adscription of drug constituents in Beagle dog plasma after intragastric administration with Jiangzhining extract].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the drug constituents in Beagle dog plasma after intragastric administration with Jiangzhining extract, which is a Chinese medicine prescription and it consisting of processed Radix Polygoni Multiflori, Fructus Crataegi, Semen Cassiae and Folium Nelumbinis. METHOD: The drug constituents and their origin in Beagle dogs plasma were assigned by comparison of high-performance liquid chromatographic profiles, retention time and ultraviolet spectra of the drug-free plasma, plasma contained drug, Jiangzhining extract and the ingredients of crude drug. RESULT: Twenty-four components were detected after intragastric administration of Jiangzhining extract, among which eight compounds were the original components existed in Jiangzhining extract and sixteen compounds were likely to metabolites of the some chemical constituents in ingredients of crude drug. CONCLUSION: Studies on the drug constituents and the metabolites in plasma after intragastric administration of Jiangzhining extract are useful to elucidate the effective substances of Jiangzhining prescription.

Outcomes of transanal tube placement in anterior resection: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, transanal tube placement was reported to be an effective procedure preventing anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal cancer. However, this procedure is still controversial owing to inconsistent results found in previous studies. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library from the databases inception up until June 21, 2018. The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were evaluated by Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: 1 randomized controlled trial and 9 cohort studies were included in our meta-analysis. The randomized controlled trial was proven to be low risk according to the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. All of the cohort studies proved a high quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Patients in transanal tube group had more disadvantageous preoperative demographic characteristics than patients in non-transanal tube group. The anastomotic leak rate was lower in the transanal tube group. Patients in the transanal tube group tended to have lower reoperation rates and shorter hospital stays compared with patients in the non-transanal tube group. CONCLUSION: Despite various unfavorable preoperative characteristics, anastomotic leakage after anterior resection was lower in patients who received transanal tube placement compared with the control group. Transanal tube placement may be an alternative procedure of defunctioning stoma. A large sample size, multicenter RCT was needed to prove our results.

Outcomes of Mini vs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Mini gastric bypass has been proved to be capable of achieving excellent metabolic results by numerous published studies. Compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass is a technically simpler and reversible procedure. However, comparative outcomes of the effectiveness between Mini gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass remain unclear. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library from inception to February 9, 2018. For assessment of method quality, NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) and Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias were used for cohort study and randomized controlled trials, respectively. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: 10 cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial was included in our meta-analysis. The method quality of the 10 cohort studies was proved as high quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The randomized controlled trial was proved to have a low risk of bias according to Cochrane Collaboration's assessment. Patients receiving mini-gastric bypass had multiple advantageous indexes as compared with patients receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Examples include: a higher 1-year EWL% (P < 0.05), higher 2-year EWL% (P < 0.05), higher type 2 diabetes mellitus remission rate, as well as a shorter operation time (P < 0.05). No significant statistical difference was observed in hypertension remission rate, mortality, leakage rate, GERD rate, or hospital stay between mini gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. CONCLUSION: Mini gastric bypass seems to be a simpler procedure with a better weight reduction effect. This seems to also be the case regarding remission rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus when using Mini gastric bypass in comparison to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A small sample size and biased data may have influenced the stability of our results. In light of this, surgeons should treat our results in a conservative way. Larger sample size and multi-center randomized control trials are needed to compare the effectiveness and safety between mini-gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Combination of RNA Interference and Stem Cells for Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases.

RNA interference (RNAi), including microRNAs, is an important player in the mediation of differentiation and migration of stem cells via target genes. It is used as a potential strategy for gene therapy for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Stem cells are considered vectors of RNAi due to their capacity to deliver RNAi to other cells. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in studies of RNAi pathways in controlling neuronal differentiation and migration of stem cells. We also highlight the utilization of a combination of RNAi and stem cells in treatment of CNS diseases.

Comparison of safety and effectiveness between laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass is a newly emerged surgical procedure in recent years. Owe to safe and simple process and effective outcomes, laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass has quickly become one of the most popular procedures in some countries. The safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy remain unclear. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library from inception to May 20, 2017. The methodological quality of Randomized Controlled Trials and non-Randomized Controlled Trials were, respectively, assessed by Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Patients receiving mini-gastric bypass had a lot of advantageous indexes than patients receiving sleeve gastrectomy, such as higher 1-year EWL% (excess weight loss), higher 5-year EWL%, higher T2DM remission rate, higher hypertension remission rate, higher obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remission rate, lower osteoarthritis remission rate, lower leakage rate, lower overall late complications rate, higher ulcer rate, lower gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) rate, shorter hospital stay and lower revision rate. No significant statistical difference was observed on overall early complications rate, bleed rate, vomiting rate, anemia rate, and operation time between mini-gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: Mini-gastric bypass is a simpler, safer, and more effective bariatric procedure than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Due to the biased data, small sample size and short follow-up time, our results may be unreliable. Large sample and multicenter RCT is needed to compare the effectiveness and safety between mini-gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Future study should also focus on bile reflux, remnant gastric cancer, and long term effectiveness of mini-gastric bypass.

Association between CYP2E1 polymorphisms and risk of gastric cancer: An updated meta-analysis of 32 case-control studies.

Previous studies suggested that RsaI/PstI and DraI polymorphisms on cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) may be associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). However, this association remains ambiguous. A meta-analysis of previously published studies was performed in an attempt to elucidate this association. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to assess the strength of the association. In the overall analyses of RsaI/PstI and DraI, no association was identified. In the subgroup analyses, RsaI/PstI was identified to increase the risk of GC in the smoking population. In addition, in the previous studies of interactions with other genes, RsaI/PstI was revealed to be associated with increased GC risks when glutathione S-transferase-µ-1 or glutathione S-transferase θ-1 was null or DraI was homozygous wild-type. However, these stratified analyses were lacking credibility due to the limitation of correlational study numbers. In conclusion, CYP2E1 polymorphisms revealed no association with the risk of GC.