Clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation using a radiofrequency needle device for varicose ulcer: A non-randomized controlled prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a radiofrequency (RF) needle device for varicose ulcers. METHODS: From September 2020 to September 2021, a total of 80 patients with varicose ulcers were included in this study. Based on the different surgical methods, the patients were divided into RF group and control groups, with 40 cases in each group. In the RF group, RFA was performed using an RF needle device and foam sclerotherapy was used for superficial veins. The control group was treated with conventional high-ligation stripping. The surgical data, hospitalization data, clinical efficacy, and postoperative complications of two groups were compared. Meanwhile, the correlation between RBC, HB, HCT, and ulcer healing time was analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, RF group had shorter surgery time, duration in the hospital, and less intraoperative bleeding (p < .05). The VCSS and CIVIQ scores in RF group were significantly higher than that in control group (p < .05). The healing time of ulcers was shorter in the RF group (x2 = 19.766, p = .000). The RF group had fewer postoperative complications. There was a positive correlation between RBC, HB, and HCT, and ulcer healing time (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The use of the RF needle device for RFA to treat patients with varicose ulcers showed acceptable short-term clinical outcomes with less incidence of trauma, faster recovery, and fewer complications.

The effectiveness of problem-based learning and case-based learning teaching methods in clinical practical teaching in TACE treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a bayesian network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and case-based learning (CBL) teaching methods in clinical practical teaching in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, the Weipu database and the Wanfang database up to June 2023 was performed to collect studies that evaluate the effectiveness of problem-based learning and case-based learning teaching methods in clinical practical teaching in TACE treatment in China. Statistical analysis was performed by R software (4.2.1) calling JAGS software (4.3.1) in a Bayesian framework using the Markov chain-Monte Carlo method for direct and indirect comparisons. The R packages "gemtc", "rjags", "openxlsx", and "ggplot2" were used for statistical analysis and data output. RESULTS: Finally, 7 studies (five RCTs and two observational studies) were included in the meta-analysis. The combination of PBL and CBL showed more effectiveness in clinical thinking capacity, clinical practice capacity, knowledge understanding degree, literature reading ability, method satisfaction degree, learning efficiency, learning interest, practical skills examination scores and theoretical knowledge examination scores. CONCLUSIONS: Network meta-analysis revealed that the application of PBL combined with the CBL teaching mode in the teaching of liver cancer intervention therapy significantly improves the teaching effect and significantly improves the theoretical and surgical operations, meeting the requirements of clinical education.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Portal Vein Cavernous Transformation: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is technically challenging in the treatment of portal vein cavernous transformation (PVCT), and there is no high-quality evidence regarding whether it is an option for patients with PVCT. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the feasibility and safety of TIPS for PVCT. METHODS: Systematic search of PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Wanfang database through December 2021 for appropriate studies reporting efficacy and safety in patients with PVCT undergoing TIPS. The main outcome included the technical success rate, postoperative rebleeding rate, postoperative hepatic encephalopathy rate, stent patency rate, preoperative, and postoperative portal pressure. RESULTS: Ten studies, including 292 patients were included. Our results showed that TIPS was technically successful in 82.97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.14%-88.41%, p = 0.297) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 18.39%, p = 0.279). Postoperative rebleeding occurred in 9.56% (95% CI: 4.55%-16.77%, p = 0.073) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 46.45%, p = 0.06). Postoperative hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 18.55% (95% CI: 9.23%-27.05%, p = 0.343) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 48.62%, p = 0.049). Stent patency during follow-up was in 78.43% (95% CI: 70.74%-85.20%, p = 0.805) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.654). Postoperative portal pressure significantly reduced (WMD = 12.79 mm Hg, 95% CI: 12.09-13.48 mm Hg, p < 0.00001) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 61.4%, p = 0.02). Both Begg test and funnel plot showed that there was no significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: TIPS is feasible and safe in patients with PVCT and PVCT should not be considered an absolute contraindication to TIPS.

Accuracy of quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging for differentiating benign and malignant pancreatic lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A variety of imaging techniques can be used to evaluate diffusion characteristics to differentiate malignant and benign pancreatic lesions. The diagnostic performance of diffusion parameters has not been systematic assessed. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for pancreatic lesions. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies from inception to March 30, 2020, which involves the quantitative diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in the pancreas. Studies were reviewed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of articles was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUATAS-2). A bivariate random-effects model was used to evaluate pooled sensitivities and specificities. Univariable meta-regression analysis was used to test the effects of factors that contributed to the heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 31 studies involving 1558 patients were ultimately eligible for data extraction. The lowest heterogeneity was found in specificity of perfusion fraction (f) with the I2 value was 17.97% and Cochran p value was 0.28. However, high heterogeneities were found for the other parameters (all I2 > 50%). There was no publication bias found in funnel plot (p = 0.30) for the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameter. The pooled sensitivities for ADC, f, pure diffusion coefficient (D), and pseudo diffusivity coefficient (D*) were 83%, 81%, 76%, and 84%, respectively. The pooled specificities for ADC, f, D, and D* were 87%, 83%, 69%, and 81% respectively. The areas under the curves for ADC, f, D, and D* were 0.92, 0.87, 0.79, and 0.87 respectively. CONCLUSION: Quantitative DWI and IVIM have a good diagnostic performance for differentiating malignant and benign pancreatic lesions. KEY POINTS: • IVIM has high sensitivity and specificity (84% and 83%, respectively) for differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, which is comparable to that of the ADC (83% and 87%, respectively). • The ADC has an excellent diagnostic performance for differentiating malignant from benign IPMNs (sensitivity, 0.83; specificity, 0.92); the f has the best diagnostic performance for differentiating pancreatic carcinoma from PNET (sensitivity, 0.85; specificity, 0.85). • For the ADC, using a maximal b value < 800 s/mm2 has a higher diagnostic accuracy than ≥ 800 s/mm2; performing in a high field strength (3.0 T) system has a higher diagnostic accuracy than a low field strength (1.5 T) for pancreatic lesions.

Population data for 22 autosomal STR loci in the Uygur ethnic minority.

Allele frequencies and forensically relevant population statistics parameter of 22 short tandem repeat (STR) loci were determined from 525 unrelated Uygur ethnic individuals. The samples were amplified with Microreader™ 23sp ID system. No significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected, except for loci D7S3048, D21S1270, and D13S325. Investigated loci are very discriminating in Uygur ethnic population, with a combined discrimination power of 0.999999999999999999999999999920743. Furthermore, a comparison with previously published frequency data from Han population is presented.

Forensic parameters of 19 X-STR polymorphisms in two Chinese populations.

Application of X-STRs as complements of autosomal STR application in the forensic genetics has become a tendency for kinship testing, especially in deficiency paternity cases. Recently, a novel kit of 19 X-STR loci was developed, which permitted the analysis of 19 STR in the same PCR reaction, and these markers can be clustered into seven groups for the physical linkage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the allele and haplotype diversity of 19 X-STR loci in the Uygur (n = 220) and Tibetan nationality (n = 270) and to estimate the usefulness for complex kinship analysis. In the Tibetan and Uygur populations, a total of alleles of all loci were 188 and 212, with the allele frequencies ranged from 0.0037 to 0.5593 and from 0.0045 to 0.5409, respectively. Compared with previous studies, DXS10135 was the most polymorphic locus in the two population groups, whereas the least variant locus was DXS10164 in the Uygur population and DXS7423 in the Tibetan nationality. Haplotype diversity obtained in this investigation was greater than 0.9 across all LGs. This study indicated the new kit could be used as a supplementary tool in kinship testing in China. In addition, the data sets can be used as supplementary national X-STR references to enlarge the database.

Genetic polymorphism of 23 Y-STR loci in the Zhuang minority population in Guangxi of China.

In the present study, 23 Y-STR loci (DYS576, DYS389I, DYS389 II, DYS448, DYS19, DYS391, DYS481, DYS549, DYS533, DYS438, DYS437, DYS570, DYS635, DYS390, DYS439, DYS392, DYS393, DYS458 DYS456, DYS643, YGATAH4, and DYS385ab) were investigated in 266 unrelated, healthy autochthonous individuals from the Zhuang minority population residing in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. One hundred and eighty-nine alleles and 245 haplotypes were found in the Zhuang group. Two hundred and twenty-four haplotypes among them were unique, and the remaining 21 haplotypes were found in two individuals. Discrimination capacity was 0.9211. Haplotype diversity was 0.9993 and gene diversity ranged from 0.4173 (DYS437) to 0.9678 (DYS385ab). Populations' differentia was calculated and compared with Tibetan, Bai, Dai, Minnan Han, Beijing Han, Chengdu Han, Xuanwei Han, and Southern Han ethnic groups in China, the Singapore Han population, and the Kinh group from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in the same 23 Y-STR loci. Our results showed that these 23 Y-STRs are highly genetically polymorphic in the Zhuang group and can also enrich Chinese ethnic genetic information.

Recent status and trends of nanotechnology in cervical cancer: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis.

Background: Cervical cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death among women from developing countries (1). However, there is a lack of effective treatment methods, and the existing treatments often result in significant adverse reactions and high chances of recurrence, which ultimately impact the prognosis of patients. As a result, the application of nanotechnology, specifically nanoparticle-based approaches, in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer has gained significant attention. This study aims to examine the current research status and future development trends of nanotechnology in relation to cervical cancer using a bibliometric perspective. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed to gather relevant research papers from the Web of Science database. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were utilized to conduct quantitative analysis and identify hot topics in the field, focusing on countries, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords. Result: A total of 997 eligible literature were retrieved. From January 1, 2014 to September 20, 2023, the overall number of publications showed an upward trend. The paper mainly comes from China (n=414). The main institution is the Chinese Academy of Sciences (n=62), and 60% of the top 10 institutions in the number of documents issued are from China. First authors Ma, Rong (n=12) and Alifu, Nuernisha (n=12). The journal with the highest publication volume is ACS Applied Materials&INTERFACES (n=35), and the journal with the highest citation frequency is BIOMATERIALS (n=508). "Nanoparticles (n=295)", "cervical cancer (n=248)", and "drug delivery (n=218)" are the top three most frequently occurring keywords. In recent years, photothermal therapy and indocyanine green have become research hotspots. Conclusion: The application of nanotechnology in the field of cervical cancer has garnered considerable attention. Nanoparticles-based methods for diagnosis, administration, and treatment have proven to be instrumental in enhancing the sensitivity of cervical cancer detection, improving the accuracy and efficiency of administration, and reducing drug toxicity. Enhancing treatment efficacy and improving patient prognosis have emerged as current research priorities and future directions.

Corrigendum: Recent status and trends of nanotechnology in cervical cancer: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1327851.].

Global Research Trends and Hotspots for Ferroptosis, Necroptosis, and Pyroptosis in Alzheimer's Disease from the Past to 2023: A Combined Bibliometric Review.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a genetically intricate neurodegenerative disorder. Studies on "Ferroptosis in AD", "Pyroptosis in AD", and "Necroptosis in AD" are becoming more prevalent and there is increasing evidence that they are closely related to AD. However, there has not yet been a thorough bibliometrics-based investigation on this subject. Objective: This study uses a bibliometric approach to visualize and analyze the literature within the field of three distinct types of cell death in AD and explores the current research hotspots and prospective research directions. Methods: We collected relevant articles from the Web of Science and used CiteSpace, VOS viewer, and Pajek to perform a visual analysis. Results: A total of 123, 95, and 84 articles were published in "Ferroptosis in AD", "Pyroptosis in AD", and "Necroptosis in AD", respectively. Based on keywords analysis, we can observe that "oxidative stress" and "lipid peroxidation", "cell death" and "activation", and "Nlrp3 inflammasome" and "activation" were the three most prominent words in the field of "Ferroptosis in AD", "Pyroptosis in AD", and "Necroptosis in AD", respectively. Focusing on the breakout words in the keyword analysis, we reviewed the mechanisms of ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis in AD. By mapping the time zones of the keywords, we speculated on the evolutionary trends of ferroptosis, pyrotosis, and necroptosis in AD. Conclusions: Our findings can help researchers grasp the research status of three types of cell death in AD and determine new directions for future research as soon as possible.

Comprehensive landscape and future perspectives of non-coding RNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a bibliometric analysis from 2008 to 2023.

Objectives: Summarize the progress and hot topic evolution of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) research in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in recent years and predict future research directions. Methods: Relevant articles from the Web of Science until 31 October 2023 were obtained. Bibliometric analysis of included articles was performed using software (VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix). The volume and citation of publications, as well as the country, institution, author, journal, keywords of the articles were used as variables to analyze the research trends and hot spot evolution. Results: 1,118 literature from 2008 to 2023 were retrieved from database, with 25 countries/regions, 793 institutions, 5,426 authors, 261 journals involved. Global cooperation was centered on China, Japan, and the United States. Zhengzhou University, an institution from China, had the highest publication. The most prolific author was Guo Wei, and the most prolific journal was Oncology Letters. Analysis of keywords revealed that the research in this field revolved around the role of ncRNAs in the occurrence, development, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ESCC, mainly including micro RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and then circular RNAs. Conclusion: Overall, research on ncRNAs in ESCC remains strong. Previous research has mainly focused on the basic research, with a focus on the mechanism of ncRNAs in the occurrence, development, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ESCC. Combining current research with emerging disciplines to further explore its mechanisms of action or shifting the focus of research from preclinical research to clinical research based on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, will be the main breakthrough in this field in the future.

Causal Association Between Allergic Diseases and Dementia: Evidence from Multivariate Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: The link between allergic diseases and dementia remains controversial, and the genetic causality of this link is unclear. Objective: This study investigated the causal relationship between allergic diseases and dementia using univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. Methods: We selected genome-wide association studies including 66,645 patients with allergic diseases and 12,281 patients with dementia, with statistical datasets derived from the FinnGen Consortium of European origin. After a rigorous screening process for single nucleotide polymorphisms to eliminate confounding effects, MR estimation was performed mainly using the inverse variance weighting method and the MR-Egger method. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO test, MR Pleiotropy residuals and leave-one-out analysis. Results: Univariate and multivariate MR together demonstrated a causal relationship between atopic dermatitis and reduced vascular dementia (VaD) risk (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.99, p = 0.031; OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95, p = 0.003). MVMR confirmed asthma was associated with a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.94, p = 0.005) and may be associated with a reduction in the risk of VaD (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.99, p = 0.042); allergic rhinitis may be causally associated with an increased risk of AD (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.35, p = 0.046) and VaD (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.62, p = 0.027). In sensitivity analyses, these findings were reliable. Conclusions: MR methods have only demonstrated that allergic rhinitis dementia is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. Previously observed associations between other allergic diseases and dementia may be influenced by comorbidities and confounding factors rather than causality.

A bibliometric and visual analysis of epigenetic research publications for Alzheimer's disease (2013-2023).

Background: Currently, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressively rising, particularly in developed nations. There is an escalating focus on the onset and progression of AD. A mounting body of research indicates that epigenetics significantly contributes to AD and holds substantial promise as a novel therapeutic target for its treatment. Objective: The objective of this article is to present the AD areas of research interest, comprehend the contextual framework of the subject research, and investigate the prospective direction for future research development. Methods: ln Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), we searched documents by specific subject terms and their corresponding free words. VOSviewer, CiteSpace and Scimago Graphica were used to perform statistical analysis on measurement metrics such as the number of published papers, national cooperative networks, publishing countries, institutions, authors, co-cited journals, keywords, and visualize networks of related content elements. Results: We selected 1,530 articles from WOSCC from January 2013 to June 2023 about epigenetics of AD. Based on visual analysis, we could get that China and United States were the countries with the most research in this field. Bennett DA was the most contributed and prestigious scientist. The top 3 cited journals were Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Neurobiology of Aging and Molecular Neurobiology. According to the analysis of keywords and the frequency of citations, ncRNAs, transcription factor, genome, histone modification, blood DNA methylation, acetylation, biomarkers were hot research directions in AD today. Conclusion: According to bibliometric analysis, epigenetic research in AD was a promising research direction, and epigenetics had the potential to be used as AD biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Global research trends and hotspots for leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 from the past to 2023: a combined bibliometric review.

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2) is an important cytokine synthesized by liver. Significant research interest is stimulated by its crucial involvement in inflammatory response, immune regulation, disease occurrence and development. However, bibliometric study on LECT2 is lacking. In order to comprehend the function and operation of LECT2 in human illnesses, we examined pertinent studies on LECT2 investigation in the Web of Science database, followed by utilizing CiteSpace, VOSview, and Scimago Graphica for assessing the yearly quantity of papers, countries/regions involved, establishments, authors, publications, citations, and key terms. Then we summarized the current research hotspots in this field. Our study found that the literature related to LECT2 has a fluctuating upward trend. "Angiogenesis", "ALECT2", "diagnosis", and "biliary atresia" are the current investigative frontiers. Our findings indicated that liver diseases (e.g. liver fibrosis and hepatic cell carcinoma), systemic inflammatory disease, and amyloidosis are the current research focus of LECT2. The current LECT2 research outcomes are not exceptional. We hope to promote the scientific research of LECT2 and exploit its potential for clinical diagnosis and treatment of related diseases through a comprehensive bibliometric review.

Emerging role of mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles in vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia (VD) is a prevalent cognitive disorder among the elderly. Its pathological mechanism encompasses neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, vascular abnormalities, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, among others. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered significant attention as an emerging therapeutic strategy. Current research indicates that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) play a pivotal role in both the diagnosis and treatment of VD. Thus, this article delves into the recent advancements of MSC-EVs in VD, discussing the mechanisms by which EVs influence the pathophysiological processes of VD. These mechanisms form the theoretical foundation for their neuroprotective effect in VD treatment. Additionally, the article highlights the potential applications of EVs in VD diagnosis. In conclusion, MSC-EVs present a promising innovative treatment strategy for VD. With rigorous research and ongoing innovation, this concept can transition into practical clinical treatment, providing more effective options for VD patients.

[Expression of SSB following early myocardial ischemia in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of Sjögren's syndrome antigen B (SSB) gene and SSB protein in the early ischemic myocardium in rats. METHODS: Adult healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups of operation [myocardial ischemia (MI) and non-ischemia (NI)], non-operation (NO) and sham-operation (SO) (n = 6 for MI and NI; n = 4 for NO and SO). According to time of ischemia, it was then divided into groups of 0 min, 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, and 240 min. The expression of SSB gene in the myocardium was examined by real-time PCR, and the expression of SSB protein was examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: The expressions of SSB gene was down-regulated at early stage of ischemia. There was significant difference between 0 min and 120 min at the level of expression of SSB gene in MI group, so did that between 120 min group and NO group (P < 0.05). The expression of SSB protein at 60 min after ischemia was significantly decreased compared with that in the group of 0 min (P < 0.05). The expression of SSB protein in NI groups was significantly higher than that in MI groups at the time of 60 min and 120 min after myocardial ischemia (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of SSB protein was mainly located in the myocardial nucleus, myocardial plasma, and plasma membrane of partial myocardiocytes according to the result of immunofluorescence staining. CONCLUSION: SSB may participate in pathophysiologic regulation process in myocardial cells at the early stage of myocardial ischemia in rats.

Primary liposarcoma of the uterus with MDM2 negative.

ABSTRACT: Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft-tissue sarcomas that originates from adipose tissue. Primary uterine liposarcoma is extremely rare. With the MDM2, negative is even rarer. We report a 37-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal discomfort and increase in vaginal secretions for more than 2 months. The ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass sized 81 × 73 × 67 mm in the right adnexal area. Histopathologically, the neoplasm was mainly composed of mature adipose tissue, a small number of scattered lipoblasts, and the spindle cell which with mild atypia. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were positive for CDK4 but negative for MDM2, and FISH analysis showed no MDM2 amplification. The patient only underwent tumor excision and is currently doing well.

Transarterial Chemoembolization Plus Sorafenib versus Transarterial Chemoembolization Alone for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews.

Background: Sorafenib is the standard treatment for most cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on Western and Eastern clinical guidelines. Thus, an increasing number of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib combination therapies have been used in clinical practice. In addition, several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have explored the efficacy and safety of the combination of TACE and sorafenib. Therefore, we performed an umbrella review to summarize and evaluate these evidence-based studies. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched up to June 1, 2023. All meta-analyses that evaluated the effect of TACE plus sorafenib on HCC were considered eligible. The quality of the included meta-analyses was evaluated by AMSTAR2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews). The quality of evidence per association provided in the meta-analyses was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). This study was registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42023420417). Results: We included 12 meta-analyses, including randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and observational studies. A total of 44 associations with overall survival, survival rate, time to disease progression, overall response rate, disease control rate, and adverse events were evaluated in this umbrella review. The quality of most associations ranged from low to very low, indicating that flaws were significant in the current meta-analyses. Conclusion: This umbrella review identified beneficial associations between TACE and sorafenib combination therapy in advanced HCC. However, owing to the low certainty of the evidence, clinicians should interpret our results with caution when applying them in clinical practice, and high-quality studies are required in the future to confirm our results.

Diagnostic performance of prediction models for extraprostatic extension in prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: In recent decades, diverse nomograms have been proposed to predict extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to systematically evaluate the accuracy of MRI-inclusive nomograms and traditional clinical nomograms in predicting EPE in PCa. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to provide baseline summative and comparative estimates for future study designs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched up to May 17, 2023, to identify studies on prediction nomograms for EPE of PCa. The risk of bias in studies was assessed by using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were obtained with bivariate random-effects model. Heterogeneity was investigated through meta-regression and subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Forty-eight studies with a total of 57 contingency tables and 20,395 patients were included. No significant publication bias was observed for either the MRI-inclusive nomograms or clinical nomograms. For MRI-inclusive nomograms predicting EPE, the pooled AUC of validation cohorts was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.83). For traditional clinical nomograms predicting EPE, the pooled AUCs of the Partin table and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomogram were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.76) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.82), respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative risk stratification is essential for PCa patients; both MRI-inclusive nomograms and traditional clinical nomograms had moderate diagnostic performance for predicting EPE in PCa. This study provides baseline comparative values for EPE prediction for future studies which is useful for evaluating preoperative risk stratification in PCa patients. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This meta-analysis firstly evaluated the diagnostic performance of preoperative MRI-inclusive nomograms and clinical nomograms for predicting extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa) (moderate AUCs: 0.72-0.80). We provide baseline estimates for EPE prediction, these findings will be useful in assessing preoperative risk stratification of PCa patients. KEY POINTS: • MRI-inclusive nomograms and traditional clinical nomograms had moderate AUCs (0.72-0.80) for predicting EPE. • MRI combined clinical nomogram may improve diagnostic accuracy of MRI alone for EPE prediction. • MSKCC nomogram had a higher specificity than Partin table for predicting EPE. • This meta-analysis provided baseline and comparative estimates of nomograms for EPE prediction for future studies.

Interactions of interleukin-12A and interleukin-12B polymorphisms on the risk of intracranial aneurysm.

Several lines of evidence indicate that inflammatory processes play pivotal role in the development of intracranial aneurysm (IA). Recently, polymorphisms in the interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene were shown to be associated with immune-mediated inflammatory disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions of IL-12A and IL-12B polymorphisms on the risk of IA in a Chinese population. A total of 422 individuals (including 164 patients with IA and 258 controls) were involved in the study. The polymorphisms (i.e., rs2243115 and rs568408 in IL-12A and rs3212227 in IL-12B) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and DNA sequencing. We found an association of the AC/CC genotypes and C allele of IL-12B rs3212227 with an increased risk of IA, compared with the AA genotype and A allele (AC/CC vs. AA: OR = 2.09, 95 % CI: 1.29-3.38; C vs. A: OR = 1.45, 95 % CI: 1.10-1.91). Moreover, a significant gene interaction of IL-12A and IL-12B was evident on the risk of IA, and subjects carrying variant genotypes of IL-12B rs3212227 had an increased risk of IA. In the stratified analysis by gender, the IL-12B rs3212227 AC/CC genotypes had an increased risk of IA compared with the AA genotype in male patients (AC/CC vs. AA: OR = 4.63, 95 % CI: 1.92-11.16). These findings suggest that the IL-12A and IL-12B independently and jointly be involved in the susceptibility to IA.