Efficacy and safety of solifenacin plus tamsulosin oral controlled absorption system in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a meta-analysis.

We performed a meta-analysis to compare treatment with a combination of solifenacin plus tamsulosin oral controlled absorption system (TOCAS) with placebo or TOCAS monotherapy. The aim of the meta-analysis was to clarify the efficacy and safety of the combination treatments method for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We searched for trials of men with LUTS that were randomized to combination treatment compared with TOCAS monotherapy or placebo. We pooled data from three placebo-controlled trials meeting inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes of interest included changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and urinary frequency. We also assessed postvoid residual, maximum urinary flow rate, incidence of urinary retention (UR), adverse events. Data were pooled using random or fixed effect models for continuous outcomes and the Mantel-Haenszel method to generate risk ratio. Reductions in IPSS storage subscore and total urgency and frequency score (TUFS) were observed with solifenacin 6 mg plus TOCAS compared with placebo (P< 0.0001 and P< 0.0001, respectively). Reductions in IPSS storage subscore and TUFS were observed with solifenacin 9 mg plus TOCAS compared with placebo (P = 0.003 and P= 0.0006, respectively). Reductions in TUFS was observed with solifenacin 6 mg plus TOCAS compared with TOCAS (P = 0.01). Both combination treatments were well tolerated, with low incidence of UR. Solifenacin 6 mg plus TOCAS significantly improved total IPSS, storage and voiding symptoms compared with placebo. Solifenacin 6 mg plus TOCAS also improved storage symptoms compared with TOCAS alone. There was no additional benefit of solifenacin 9 mg compared with 6 mg when used in combination with TOCAS.

Diagnostic value of interleukin 21 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels in malignant pleural effusions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of interleukin 21 (IL-21) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in tuberculous pleural effusions (TPEs) and malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Pleural effusion samples from 103 patients were classified on the basis of diagnosis as TPE (n=51) and MPE (n=52). The concentration of IL-21 was determined by ELISA. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine dehydrogenase (ADA) and CEA levels were also determined in all patients. A significant difference was observed in the levels of ADA and CEA (P<0.01), but not in the levels of LDH (P>0.05) between TPE and MPE. The concentration of IL-21 in MPE was significantly higher compared to TPE (P<0.01). With a threshold value of 4.32 pg/ml, IL-21 had a sensitivity of 76.9% (40/52) and a specificity of 80.4% (41/51). Combined detection of IL-21 and CEA had a sensitivity of 69.2% (36/52) and a specificity of 92.2% (47/51). These two markers can contribute to the differential diagnosis of MPEs.

[The origin of Red Cross and its history in China.]

This article discusses the origin of Red Cross and its history and general condition in China, and reviewes and analyzes that Red Cross is a lofty project for human being. On October 26(th) in 1863, Henry Dunant, the founder of Red Cross, set up the rescue organization which undertook the load of rescuing and protected people's lives and healthy. Red Cross actively performs the responsibility of rescue, efficiently develops series of movement, and makes great contribution to our country's reform and development, our nation's stability and world's peace.