A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Current Research Trends in Chinese Medicine for Osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: To illustrate the research framework, overall knowledge structure, and development trends of Chinese medicine (CM) treatment for osteosarcoma (OS) by using a bibliometric analysis and newly developed visualization tools. METHODS: Research datasets were acquired from the Web of Science (WOS) database from January 1, 1980 to September 30, 2019. VOS viewer and Citespace software was used to analyze the data and generate visualization knowledge maps. Annual trends of publications, distribution of institutes, distribution of journals, citation and H-index status, co-authorship status, research hotspots and co-citation status were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 223 publications in the WOS database met the requirement. The number of published articles showed a rise but the citation frequency and the H-index of China were relatively low. The cooperation between the countries, institutes and authors were relatively weak. Most publications were basic researches. Most of the previous researches focused on basic mechanisms of CM in treating OS, and therapy and improvement of dosage form may become a frontier in this research field. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other fields, the field of CM treatment for osteosarcome is still in infancy. The distribution of researches is imbalanced and cooperation between countries, institutions and authors remains to be strengthened. Furthermore, basic research occupies an absolute dominant position, and the exploration of the molecular mechanism of CM in preventing and treating OS may become a key point in the future.

The efficacy of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) for elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures who received surgery: study protocol for a randomized, blinded, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) is increasing with the rapid increase in the aging population, often causes a high mortality rate in old patients and increases the economic burden of the family and society. ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) is a powerful guarantee for patients to accelerate their recovery after surgery. TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) promotes repair of injured tissues and eliminates traumatic aseptic inflammation. Therefore, this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the clinical effect of the evidence-based ERAS pathway of integrating TCM with western medicine on perioperative outcomes in ITF patients undergoing intramedullary fixation and provide reliable evidence-based data for applying the program to clinical practice. METHODS/DESIGN: We will conduct a prospective randomized, blinded, controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of ERAS care pathway with traditional care pathway and to investigate whether the ERAS care pathway can improve the perioperative outcome in ITF patients undergoing intramedullary fixation. A total of 60 patients with ITF will be enrolled and treated with the two care pathway, respectively. Length of stay, economic indicators, Harris score, VAS score, time to get out of bed, 30-day readmission rates, postoperative transfusion rates, discharge to home, and mortality will be evaluated. Any signs of acute adverse reactions will be recorded at each visit during treatment. DISCUSSION: Although an evidence-based process using the best available literature and Delphi expert-opinion method has been used to establish an ERAS pathway of integrating TCM with western medicine, there is a lack of consensus about its effectiveness. This trial will provide convincing evidence about the effect of ERAS pathway. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on 12 October 2019. Trial number is ChiCTR1900026487.

The clinical efficacy of Shi-style lumbar manipulations for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: protocol for a randomized, blinded, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) presents spinal problems in daily life. Shi-style lumbar manipulation (SLM), as an alternative treatment for DLS, is popular in China. SLM is based on the channels and collaterals theory of the traditional Chinese medicine, in which the symptoms are believed to result from channel blockage and joint displacement. However, there is no solid evidence to show the effect of the SLM on the management of symptomatic DLS. METHODS/DESIGN: We conduct a prospective randomized, blinded, controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of SLM with mechanical lumbar traction and explore whether it could be a potential therapy for symptomatic DLS. A total of 60 patients with symptomatic DLS will be enrolled and treated with the SLM or mechanical lumbar traction for 2 weeks. VAS score and SF-36 questionnaire were assessed at baseline and at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Any signs of acute adverse reactions, such as lower limb paralysis or syndrome of cauda equina, will be recorded at each visit during treatment. DISCUSSION: Although the SLM has been used in China for many years to treat symptomatic DLS, there is a lack of consensus about its effectiveness. This trial will provide convincing evidence about the effect of SLM on symptomatic DLS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on 6 January 2019; the trial number is ChiCTR1900020519 .