Network meta-analysis of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for the treatment of chronic constipation in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes associated with the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for the treatment of chronic constipation in adults. METHODS: We searched eight electronic databases from database inception to July 11, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that report efficacy and safety for the treatment of chronic constipation. The risk of bias in the included RCTs was evaluated according to the Cochrane tool, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis framework. The analysis was conducted using R version 4.3.0. RESULTS: Out of the 37 RCTs, a total of 21 different types of interventions were reported, involving 3,903 patients. This NMA demonstrated that both prebiotics and synbiotics resulted in an increase in frequency of stool movements per week. Compared to placebo, lactulose (Mean difference [MD] = 3.39, 95% Confdence interval [CI] [1.13, 5.65], moderate certainty), mix2 (consisting of Lactulose and Bacillus coagulans) (MD = 3.63, 95% CI [1.37, 5.89], moderate certainty), mix6 (consisting of Lactulose and Bifidobacterium coagulans) (MD = 4.30, 95% CI [1.04, 7.54], low certainty), and mix7 (consisting of Lactulose, Bifidobacterium subtilis, and Enterococcus faecium) (MD = 4.58, 95% CI [1.35, 7.78], moderate certainty) exhibited a significant effect. Notably, mix7 demonstrated the highest probability of being the most effective intervention (94.8%). Furthermore, when compared to L. plantarum, four probiotics and two synbiotics showed significant advantages in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) score. L. reuteri (MD = -13.74, 95% CI [-22.20, -4.66], very low certainty) exhibited a significant effect in improving the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) score. In terms of safety, there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in all adverse event analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to very low evidence supports the use of lactulose and synbiotics to increase the number of weekly stool movements in patients, particularly highlighting the significant impact of synbiotics in increasing the number of weekly stool movements in patients with constipation. The use of L. paracasei showed improvements in PAC-SYM scores, while L. reuteri demonstrated enhancements in PAC-QoL scores.

Comparison of effectiveness and safety of lasmiditan and CGRP-antagonists for the acute treatment of migraine in adults: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes associated with the use of lasmiditan, rimegepant, ubrogepant, and zavegepant for the acute management of migraine headaches. METHODS: We searched four electronic databases from database inception to August 31, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that report efficacy and safety for the acute treatment of migraine. The risk of bias in the included RCTs was evaluated according to the Cochrane tool, and the certainty of evidence using the CINeMA approach. We conducted frequentist network meta-analyses (NMA) to summarise the evidence. Data were analyzed using R-4.3.1. RESULTS: A total of 18 eligible studies including 10 different types of interventions with 22,429 migraine patients were included. NMA results showed that compared to ubrogepant (25 mg and 50 mg) and zavegepant, lasmiditan (100 mg and 200 mg) exhibits an elevated probability of achieving pain relief within a 2-hour interval. Similarly, relative to zavegepant, rimegepant (75 mg) and ubrogepant (50 mg and 100 mg) demonstrate an enhanced likelihood of sustaining pain relief over a 24-hour period. Furthermore, in contrast to ubrogepant (25 mg) and lasmiditan (50 mg), rimegepant (75 mg) presents a heightened probability of achieving freedom from photophobia within 2 h. Regarding safety, lasmiditan carries the highest risk of adverse events, which are associated with an increased incidence of adverse effects, including dizziness, somnolence, asthenia, paresthesia, and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: In this NMA, a spectrum of evidence ranging from very low to high levels underscores the favorable efficacy and tolerability of rimegepant 75 mg and ubrogepant 100 mg, positioning them as potential candidates for the acute management of migraine. Concurrently, lasmiditan (100 mg and 200 mg) exhibits notable efficacy, albeit accompanied by an increased susceptibility to adverse events. These findings should still be approached with caution, primarily due to the intrinsic limitations associated with indirect comparisons.

Facilely Prepared Carbon Dots as Effective Anode Modifier for Enhanced Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for obtaining energy in wastewater. Effective extracellular electron transfer is one of the key factors for its practical application. In this work, carbon dots (CDs) enriched with oxygen-containing groups on the surface were synthesized as an efficient anode modifier using a simple hydrothermal method and common reactants. The experimental findings indicated that anodes modified with CDs exhibited increased electrical conductivity and greater hydrophilicity. These modifications facilitated increased microorganism loading and contributed to enhancing electrochemical processes within the anode biofilm. The CD-modified MFCs exhibited higher maximum power density (661.1 ± 42.6 mW·m-2) and open-circuit voltage (534.50 ± 6.4 mV), which were significantly better than those of the blank group MFCs (484.1 ± 14.1 mW·m-2 and 447.50 ± 12.1 mV). The use of simple carbon materials to improve the microbial loading on the MFCs anode and the electron transfer between the microbial-electrode may provide a new idea for the design of efficient MFCs.

Extended endoscopic endonasal approach to the chiasmatic cistern: An anatomical study of the arachnoid.

This paper studied the arachnoid of the chiasmatic cistern (CC) and the methods for increasing the exposure of the CC from an endoscopic perspective. Eight anatomical specimens with vascular injection were used for endoscopic endonasal dissection. The anatomical characteristics of the CC were studied and documented, and anatomical measurements were collected. The CC is an unpaired five-walled arachnoid cistern located between the optic nerve, optic chiasm, and the diaphragma sellae. The average exposed area of the CC before the anterior intercavernous sinus (AICS) was transected was 66.67 ± 33.76 mm2 . After the AICS was transected and the pituitary gland (PG) was mobilized, the average exposed area of the CC was 95.90 ± 45.48 mm2 . The CC has five walls and a complex neurovascular structure. It is located in a critical anatomical position. The transection of the AICS and mobilization of the PG or the selective sacrifice of the descending branch of the superior hypophyseal artery can improve the operative field.

Study on fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellets and its compression technology / 药学学报

In this study, fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellet system tablets were prepared and were used to evaluate their release behaviors in vitro. Fluvoxamine maleate pellets were prepared using centrifugal-spherization method and coated by fluidized bed as bottom-spray. The multi-unit sustained-release pellets and appropriate excipients for prescription volumes were mixed uniformly and then compressed to tablets. Screening and determining the optimal formulation of drug loaded pellets through L8 (24) Taguchi experiment. Using Minitab software to design a DOE experiment with 24 partial factors, including material temperature, fan speed, atomization pressure, and spray rate to optimize the bottom spray coating process. Taking monostearate glycerol ester with a particle size of 24-40 mesh as the main diluent for tableting to relieve the delamination phenomenon between pellets and excipients during tablet pressing and reduce mechanical damage to the coating film. By examining the powder fluidity indexes such as angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, and Hausner ratio of mixed particles, it was found that the flowability and compressibility are good and suitable for direct compression. Evaluate the basic properties of the sustained-release tablets, investigate the in vitro release behavior and study the release mechanism. The results of in vitro release test showed that the self-made sustained-release tablets could disintegrate into independent pellet units in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 and release slowly within 24 h, which conformed to the first-order drug release model. The fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellet system tablets meet the requirements of preparation design and has a great commercial prospect.

Targeting cAMP in D1-MSNs in the nucleus accumbens, a new rapid antidepressant strategy

Studies have suggested that the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression; however, the regulatory strategy that targets the NAc to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit has not been elucidated. Here, we identified a specific reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the subset of dopamine D1 receptor medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in the NAc that promoted stress susceptibility, while the stimulation of cAMP production in NAc D1-MSNs efficiently rescued depression-like behaviors. Ketamine treatment enhanced cAMP both in D1-MSNs and dopamine D2 receptor medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) of depressed mice, however, the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine solely depended on elevating cAMP in NAc D1-MSNs. We discovered that a higher dose of crocin markedly increased cAMP in the NAc and consistently relieved depression 24 h after oral administration, but not a lower dose. The fast onset property of crocin was verified through multicenter studies. Moreover, crocin specifically targeted at D1-MSN cAMP signaling in the NAc to relieve depression and had no effect on D2-MSN. These findings characterize a new strategy to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit by elevating cAMP in D1-MSNs in the NAc, and provide a potential rapid antidepressant drug candidate, crocin.

Association between napping and cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidence suggests that napping is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, but the conclusions are inconsistent. Moreover, the extent of the risk is uncertain. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the connection between napping and cognitive impairment. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies that were published up to June 2023, and assessed associations between napping and cognitive impairment. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as the effect sizes for all studies. Heterogeneity and potential publication biases were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 4535 papers were retrieved, with 20 reports assessing the relationships between napping and cognitive impairment. Pooled analysis indicated that napping was associated with dementia (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07-1.21). Importantly, we found that those napping longer than 30, 45, and 60 min/day were 35%, 41%, and 40%, respectively, more likely to have an increased risk of cognitive impairment (30 min: OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24-1.48; 45 min: OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.27-1.58; 60 min: OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.26-1.56). North America and Europe showed that associations existed between napping and cognitive impairment (North America: OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04-1.27; Europe: OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.08-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated associations between long napping durations and cognitive impairment or dementia, suggesting that longer napping might be a potential risk factor of adverse cognitive outcomes.

Effectiveness of Multicomponent Interventions in Office-Based Workers to Mitigate Occupational Sedentary Behavior: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary time in workplaces has been linked to increased risks of chronic occupational diseases, obesity, and overall mortality. Currently, there is a burgeoning research interest in the implementation of multicomponent interventions aimed at decreasing sedentary time among office workers, which encompass a comprehensive amalgamation of individual, organizational, and environmental strategies. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims at evaluating the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions to mitigate occupational sedentary behavior at work compared with no intervention. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from database inception until March 2023 to obtain randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of multicomponent interventions on occupational sedentary behavior among office-based workers. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias by using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. The average intervention effect on sedentary time was calculated using Stata 15.1. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs were used to calculate the continuous variables. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether sit-stand workstation, feedback, and prompt elements played an important role in multicomponent interventions. Further, the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 11 RCTs involving 1894 patients were included in the analysis. Five studies were rated as low risk of bias, 2 as unclear risk of bias, and 4 as high risk. The meta-analysis results showed that compared with no intervention, multicomponent interventions significantly reduced occupational sitting time (MD=-52.25 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -73.06 to -31.44; P<.001) and occupational prolonged sitting time (MD=-32.63 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -51.93 to -13.33; P=.001) and increased occupational standing time (MD=44.30 min/8-h workday, 95% CI 23.11-65.48; P<.001), whereas no significant differences were found in occupational stepping time (P=.06). The results of subgroup analysis showed that compared with multicomponent interventions without installment of sit-stand workstations, multicomponent interventions with sit-stand workstation installment showed better effects for reducing occupational sitting time (MD=-71.95 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -92.94 to -51.15), increasing occupational standing time (MD=66.56 min/8-h workday, 95% CI 43.45-89.67), and reducing occupational prolonged sitting time (MD=-47.05 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -73.66 to -20.43). The GRADE evidence summary showed that all 4 outcomes were rated as moderate certainty. CONCLUSIONS: Multicomponent interventions, particularly those incorporating sit-stand workstations for all participants, are effective at reducing workplace sedentary time. However, given their cost, further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of low-cost/no-cost multicomponent interventions.

The relationship of publication language, study population, risk of bias, and treatment effects in acupuncture related systematic reviews: a meta-epidemiologic study.

BACKGROUND: There are debates in acupuncture related systematic reviews and meta-analyses on whether searching Chinese databases to get more Chinese-language studies may increase the risk of bias and overestimate the effect size, and whether the treatment effects of acupuncture differ between Chinese and non-Chinese populations. METHODS: In this meta-epidemiological study, we searched the Cochrane library from its inception until December 2021, and identified systematic reviews and meta-analyses with acupuncture as one of the interventions. Paired reviewers independently screened the reviews and extracted the information. We repeated the meta-analysis of the selected outcomes to separately pool the results of Chinese- and non-Chinese-language acupuncture studies and presented the pooled estimates as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). We calculated the Ratio of ORs (ROR) by dividing the OR of the Chinese-language trials by the OR of the non-Chinese-language trials, and the ROR by dividing the OR of trials addressing Chinese population by the OR of trials addressing non-Chinese population. We explored whether the impact of a high risk of bias on the effect size differed between studies published in Chinese- and in non-Chinese-language, and whether the treatment effects of acupuncture differed between Chinese and non-Chinese population. RESULTS: We identified 84 Cochrane acupuncture reviews involving 33 Cochrane groups, of which 31 reviews (37%) searched Chinese databases. Searching versus not searching Chinese databases significantly increased the contribution of Chinese-language literature both to the total number of included trials (54% vs. 15%) and the sample size (40% vs. 15%). When compared with non-Chinese-language trials, Chinese-language trials were associated with a larger effect size (pooled ROR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.91). We also observed a higher risk of bias in Chinese-language trials in blinding of participants and personnel (97% vs. 51%) and blinding of outcome assessment (93% vs. 47%). The higher risk of bias was associated with a larger effect estimate in both Chinese-language (allocation concealment: high/unclear risk vs. low risk, ROR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.87) and non-Chinese-language studies (blinding of participants and personnel: high/unclear risk vs. low risk, ROR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.74). However, we found no evidence that the higher risk of bias would increase the effect size of acupuncture in Chinese-language studies more often than in non-Chinese-language studies (the confidence intervals of all ROR in the high-risk group included 1, Table 3). We further found acupuncture appeared to be more effective in Chinese than in non-Chinese population (Table 4). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest the higher risk of bias may lead to an overestimation of the treatment effects of acupuncture but would not increase the treatment effects in Chinese-language studies more often than in other language studies. The difference in treatment effects of acupuncture was probably associated with differences in population characteristics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: We registered our protocol on the Open Science Framework (OSF) ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PZ6XR ).

Long-term exposure to particulate matter on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) has essential and profound effects on human health, but most current studies focus on high-income countries. Evidence of the correlations between PM and health effects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially the risk factor PM1 (particles < 1 µm in size), remains unclear. Objective: To explore the effects of long-term exposure to particulate matter on the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in LMICs. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases from inception to May 1, 2022. Cohort studies and case-control studies that examine the effects of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 on the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in LMICs were included. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. Outcomes were analyzed via a random effects model and are reported as the relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. Results: Of the 1,978 studies that were identified, 38 met all the eligibility criteria. The studies indicated that long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and PM1 was associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases: (1) Long-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity (RR per 1.11 µg/m3, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.17) and mortality (RR per 1.10 µg/m3, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.14) and was significantly associated with respiratory mortality (RR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.38) and morbidity (RR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.04); (2) An increased risk of respiratory mortality was observed in the elderly (65+ years) (RR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.47) with long-term exposure to PM2.5; (3) Long-term exposure to PM10 was associated with cardiovascular morbidity (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01, 1.13), respiratory morbidity (RR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.69) and respiratory mortality (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10, 1.49); (4) A significant association between long-term exposure to PM1 and cardiovascular disease was also observed. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and PM1 was all related to cardiovascular and respiratory disease events. PM2.5 had a greater effect than PM10, especially on respiratory diseases, and the risk of respiratory mortality was significantly higher for LMICs than high-income countries. More studies are needed to confirm the effect of PM1 on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Oral direct thrombin inhibitors or oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a clot can migrate from the deep veins, most commonly in the leg, to the lungs. Conventional treatment of PE used unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), fondaparinux, and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Recently, two forms of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been developed: oral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) and oral factor Xa inhibitors. DOACs have characteristics that may be favourable to conventional treatment, including oral administration, a predictable effect, no need for frequent monitoring or re-dosing, and few known drug interactions. This review reports the efficacy and safety of these drugs in the long-term treatment of PE (minimum duration of three months). This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2015.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of oral DTIs and oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the long-term treatment of PE. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and the ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 2 March 2022. We checked the reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which people with a PE confirmed by standard imaging techniques were allocated to receive an oral DTI or an oral factor Xa inhibitor compared with a conventional anticoagulant or compared with each other for the long-term treatment of PE (minimum duration three months). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were recurrent PE, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and health-related quality of life. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We identified five additional RCTs with 1484 participants for this update. Together with the previously included trials, we have included ten RCTs with a total of 13,073 participants. Two studies investigated an oral DTI (dabigatran) and eight studies investigated oral factor Xa inhibitors (three rivaroxaban, three apixaban, and two edoxaban). The studies were of good methodological quality overall.  Meta-analysis showed no clear difference in the efficacy and safety of oral DTI compared with conventional anticoagulation in preventing recurrent PE (odds ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 2.04; 2 studies, 1602 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent VTE (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.66; 2 studies, 1602 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), DVT (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.13; 2 studies, 1602 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and major bleeding (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.68; 2 studies, 1527 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence by one level for imprecision due to the low number of events. There was also no clear difference between the oral factor Xa inhibitors and conventional anticoagulation in the prevention of recurrent PE (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.29; 3 studies, 8186 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent VTE (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; 8 studies, 11,416 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), DVT (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.25; 2 studies, 8151 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), all-cause mortality (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.70; 1 study, 4817 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and major bleeding (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.41; 8 studies, 11,447 participants; low-certainty evidence); the heterogeneity for major bleeding was significant (I2 = 79%). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence to moderate and low because of imprecision due to the low number of events and inconsistency due to clinical heterogeneity. None of the included studies measured health-related quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence shows there is probably little or no difference between DOACs and conventional anticoagulation in the prevention of recurrent PE, recurrent VTE, DVT, all-cause mortality, and major bleeding. The certainty of evidence was moderate or low. Future large clinical trials are required to identify if individual drugs differ in effectiveness and bleeding risk, and to explore effect differences in subgroups, including people with cancer and obesity.

Oral direct thrombin inhibitors or oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a clot forms in the deep veins, most commonly of the leg. It occurs in approximately one in 1000 people. If left untreated, the clot can travel up to the lungs and cause a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). Previously, a DVT was treated with the anticoagulants heparin and vitamin K antagonists. However, two forms of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been developed: oral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) and oral factor Xa inhibitors, which have characteristics that may be favourable compared to conventional treatment, including oral administration, a predictable effect, lack of frequent monitoring or dose adjustment and few known drug interactions. DOACs are now commonly being used for treating DVT: recent guidelines recommended DOACs over conventional anticoagulants for both DVT and PE treatment. This Cochrane Review was first published in 2015. It was the first systematic review to measure the effectiveness and safety of these drugs in the treatment of DVT. This is an update of the 2015 review.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of oral DTIs and oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the long-term treatment of DVT. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 1 March 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which people with a DVT, confirmed by standard imaging techniques, were allocated to receive an oral DTI or an oral factor Xa inhibitor compared with conventional anticoagulation or compared with each other for the treatment of DVT.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), recurrent DVT and PE. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, major bleeding, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and quality of life (QoL). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 10 new studies with 2950 participants for this update. In total, we included 21 RCTs involving 30,895 participants. Three studies investigated oral DTIs (two dabigatran and one ximelagatran), 17 investigated oral factor Xa inhibitors (eight rivaroxaban, five apixaban and four edoxaban) and one three-arm trial investigated both a DTI (dabigatran) and factor Xa inhibitor (rivaroxaban). Overall, the studies were of good methodological quality. Meta-analysis comparing DTIs to conventional anticoagulation showed no clear difference in the rate of recurrent VTE (odds ratio (OR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.65; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent DVT (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.66; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), fatal PE (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.29 to 6.02; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), non-fatal PE (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.59; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or all-cause mortality (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.08; 1 study, 2489 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). DTIs reduced the rate of major bleeding (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.89; 3 studies, 5994 participants; high-certainty evidence).   For oral factor Xa inhibitors compared with conventional anticoagulation, meta-analysis demonstrated no clear difference in recurrent VTE (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.01; 13 studies, 17,505 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent DVT (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.01; 9 studies, 16,439 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), fatal PE (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.02; 6 studies, 15,082 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), non-fatal PE (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.27; 7 studies, 15,166 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or all-cause mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.14; 9 studies, 10,770 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Meta-analysis showed a reduced rate of major bleeding with oral factor Xa inhibitors compared with conventional anticoagulation (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.89; 17 studies, 18,066 participants; high-certainty evidence).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The current review suggests that DOACs may be superior to conventional therapy in terms of safety (major bleeding), and are probably equivalent in terms of efficacy. There is probably little or no difference between DOACs and conventional anticoagulation in the prevention of recurrent VTE, recurrent DVT, pulmonary embolism and all-cause mortality. DOACs reduced the rate of major bleeding compared to conventional anticoagulation. The certainty of evidence was moderate or high.

Surgical Treatment of Pineal Region Tumors: An 18 year-Experience at a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: The pineal tumor was once considered as a restricted area for surgery. Such cases are rare, with many different opinions on surgical treatment. This study aimed to review our experience of tumor treatment in the pineal region and explore the optimal treatment strategy. METHODS: The clinical data of 72 patients with pineal tumors from January 1997 to May 2015 (18 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative preparation, pathology type, tumor resection rate, surgical approach, and follow-up outcomes were used as the indicators to evaluate the treatment efficacy. RESULTS: The Krause approach was used in 46 cases, the Poppen approach in 10 cases, and the transcallosal-lateral ventricle-choroid fissure approach in 16 cases. The postoperative pathological results were as follows: 24 cases of germinoma, 11 of teratoma, 15 of glioma, 6 of meningioma, 11 of Pineocytoma, 2 of cholesteatoma, 2 of cavernous hemangioma, and 1 of choriocarcinoma. Further, the study included 64 cases of total surgical resections, 8 of subtotal resections, and 2 deaths. The follow-up period was from 7 months to 10 years. Further, 51 (70.8%) patients were followed up. The multivariate regression model showed that the surgical method and the pathological type contributed significantly to predicting outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The type of pathology, extent of excision, and surgical approach had a significant impact on the prognosis of patients. The transcallosal-lateral ventricle-choroid fissure approach for large and medium-sized pineal tumors near the posterior part of the third ventricle had good efficacy.

ZIF-8-derived Cu, N co-doped carbon as a bifunctional cathode catalyst for enhanced performance of microbial fuel cell.

The development of bifunctional catalysts is an effective way to simultaneously address the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the cathode and biofilm contamination in the microbial fuel cells (MFC). Cu-N/C@Cu composites were synthesized as bifunctional cathode catalysts for MFC by doping, adsorption, and two calcinations by using Cu-ZIF-8 as the precursor. The higher Cu-Nx content confers excellent ORR catalytic activity to the optimized Cu-N/C@Cu-2 catalyst. The half-wave potential for Cu-N/C@Cu-2 in a neutral solution is 0.67 V vs. RHE, which is close to that of commercial 20% Pt/C (0.70 V vs. RHE). The maximum power density of the MFCs assembled with Cu-N/C@Cu-2 reached 581 ± 13 mW m-2, which is even better than that using Pt/C (499 ± 13 mW m-2). Moreover, the results of antimicrobial activity and biomass test show that the higher Cu content made Cu-N/C@Cu-2 effective against the contamination of cathode biofilm. And the 16S rDNA results find that the community structure of the biofilm is favorable for the power production and purification of MFC. This work shows that copper-based materials can be used as potential bifunctional catalysts to promote MFC applications in wastewater treatment.

Effect of antidepressants on thyroid hormone level in adolescent depression with suicidal ideation / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo compare the differences in thyroid hormone levels between adolescents with and without suicidal ideation， and to explore the association between thyroid hormone/suicidal ideation and the antidepressant treatment. MethodsA total of 100 patients were divided into non-suicidal ideation group and suicidal ideation group according to the SIOSS. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone （TSH）， triiodothyronine （T3）， thyroxine （T4）， free triiodothyronine （FT3） and free thyroxine （FT4） were compared between the two groups as well as their changes after 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment. ResultsThe levels of FT3， FT4 and T4 in the non-suicidal ideation group were higher than those in the suicidal ideation group. After 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment， the levels of FT3， FT4 and T4 in the suicide ideation group were higher than those before the treatment. The FT3 level in the male non-suicidal ideation group was higher than that in the suicidal ideation group. The levels of FT4 and T4 in the female non-suicidal ideation group were higher than those in the suicidal ideation group （all P<0.05） ConclusionThere are differences in thyroid hormone levels between adolescents with and without suicidal ideation （both with first-episode depression）， and patients with suicidal ideation have significant changes after treatment with antidepressants.

Effects of lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointment on repair of facial depression acne scar / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointment on the repair of facial depression acne scar. Methods:A total of 124 patients with facial acne depression scar who visited the dermatology department of Zhengzhou People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected as subjects, including 60 males and 64 females, aged 16-38 (27.2±4.8) years. According to the random number table, the patients were divided into the control group ( n=62) and observation group ( n=62). The control group were treated with lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser, and the observation group were treated with lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointment for 6 months. The therapeutic efficacy, Vancouver scar scale (VSS), ECCA score, skin barrier related indicators, pain duration, healing time, delayed duration and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:The total effective rate in the observation group (91.94%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (77.42%) (χ 2=5.04, P<0.05), pain duration, scab formation time, scab removal time, complete healing time, delay period and the incidence of adverse reactions were significantly lower than those in the control group [(2.76±1.04) h, (2.64±1.03) d, (6.18±1.47) d, (8.87±1.75) d, (7.89±2.16) d, 3.23% vs. (4.11±1.29) h, (3.87±1.14) d, (7.24±1.56) d, (11.05±1.93) d, (10.52±3.01) d, 12.90%, detection value = 6.42, 6.30, 3.90, 6.59, 5.59, 3.92, P<0.05]. After treatment, the VSS scale and ECCA score in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (5.71±1.06, 39.12±10.64 vs. 6.42±1.17, 42.61±11.51, t=3.54, 2.26, P<0.05). After treatment, the water content of cuticle in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(40.02±14.14) vs. (34.35±11.50) AU, t=2.45, P<0.05], and transepidermal water loss, lactic acid stimulation test score and cuticle protein content were significantly lower than those in the control group [(19.07±5.70) g/(h·m 2), (2.62±1.27) score, (30.12±10.63) μg vs. (21.39±6.51) g/(h·m 2), (3.25±1.89) score, (35.10±11.19) μg, t=2.11, 2.18, 2.54, P<0.05]. Conclusions:Lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointmentis can effectively treat acne scar and reduce adverse reactions, and the curative effect is better than single laser treatment.

Efficacy analysis of anti-platelet in the treatment of high-risk non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events guided by point-of-care testing of CYP2C19 gene / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of different anti-platelet regimens in the treatment of high-risk non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events (HR-NICE) guided by point-of-care testing of CYP2C19 gene. Methods:A single-centre, prospective, randomised, open-label, and blinded endpoint design was uesd in the study. From July 2020 to January 2022, HR-NICE patients were enrolled in the Stroke Green Channel and Department of Neurology of Xuzhou Central Hospital, and all patients were scraped the buccal mucosa for screening for CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele carriers by point-of-care testing . Patients with intermediate metabolism were defined as those who carried 1 loss-of-function allele and patients with poor metabolism were those who carried 2 loss-of-function alleles. This study reduced the test turnaround time to 1 hour by using a fully automated medical polymerase chain reaction analyzer for a point-of-care test of CYP2C19 genotype. CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele carriers were divided according to the random number table method into the conventional treatment group (clopidogrel 75 mg, once a day), the ticagrelor group (ticagrelor 90 mg, twice a day) and the intensive dose group (clopidogrel 150 mg, once a day) separately combined with aspirin (100 mg, once a day) dual antiplatelet for 21 days. Baseline information, Acute Stroke Org 10172 Treatment Trial staging, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score, occurrence of adverse events and severe adverse events were collected for all the 3 groups. The primary efficacy outcome was new stroke within 90 days, and the primary safety outcome was severe or moderate bleeding within 90 days. Results:A total of 716 patients were included: 240 in the conventional treatment group, 240 in the ticagrelor group and 236 in the intensive dose group. There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups at baseline (all P>0.05). There were 26 cases (10.8%) with new stroke events in the conventional treatment group, 11 cases (4.6%) in the ticagrelor group and 4 cases (1.7%) in the intensive dose group, with statistically significant differences among the 3 groups (χ 2=19.28, P<0.05), and the differences between the conventional treatment group and the ticagrelor group (χ 2=6.59, P=0.010) and between the conventional treatment group and the intensive dose group (χ 2=16.83, P<0.001) were statistically significant, whereas the difference between the ticagrelor group and the intensive dose group was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). In the 3 groups, there was 1 case (0.4%) of severe bleeding in the conventional treatment group, 6 cases (2.5%) in the ticagrelor group and none in the intensive dose group, which showed statistically significant differences (χ 2=7.23, P<0.05), and there was statistically significant difference between the ticagrelor group and the intensive dose group ( P=0.030). Among the patients with intermediate CYP2C19 metabolism, there were 13 cases (13/158, 8.2%) with 90-day recurrent stroke in the conventional treatment group, 4 cases (4/153, 2.6%) in the ticagrelor group, and 0 case (0/159) in the intensive dose group, with statistically significant difference (χ 2=16.04, P<0.001), and the differences between the intensive dose group and the conventional treatment group were statistically significant (χ 2=13.64, P<0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the intensive dose group and the ticagrelor group ( P>0.05). In the patients with 90-day recurrent stroke in the intensive dose group, there was 0 case (0/159) with intermediate metabolism and 4 cases (4/77,5.2%) with poor metabolism, with statistically significant differences ( P=0.011), whereas there were no statistically significant differences in the conventional treatment group and the ticagrelor group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Screening carriers of CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles by point-of-care testing can quickly and precisely guide the treatment of patients with non-cardiogenic HR-NICE. An intensive clopidogrel dose of 150 mg, once a day combined with aspirin was effective in reducing stroke recurrence with less occurrence of any bleeding and adverse events, and patients with intermediate CYP2C19 metabolism may be the best population to benefit.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in community-dwelling elderly women and its influencing factors / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the status quo and influencing factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in community-dwelling elderly women.Methods:A total of 9 754 female residents aged 60-79 years who attended health check-up in Anting Town Community Health Service Center from June 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled in the study. According to the ultrasound diagnosis, there were 5 220 cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD group) and 4 534 cases without NAFLD (non-NAFLD group). The general information, physiological and biochemical indicators were compared between two groups with Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test; the influence factors of NAFLD were analyzed with logistic regression. Results:The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 53.52%(5 220/9 754), prevalence in the 65-69 age group was the highest and that in the 75-79 age group was the lowest. Body mass index ( Z=47.667), waist circumference ( Z=45.949), waist-to-hip ratio ( Z=30.805), systolic blood pressure ( Z=7.543), diastolic blood pressure ( Z=7.621), fasting blood glucose ( Z=20.298), glycated hemoglobin ( Z=23.588), alanine aminotransferase ( Z=29.624), aspartate aminotransferase ( Z=7.824), total bilirubin ( Z=4.441), triglyceride ( Z=34.597), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Z=2.476) and blood uric acid ( Z=29.934) levels of NAFLD group were significantly higher than those in non-NAFLD group (all P<0.05); the mean age ( Z=-3.885) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Z=-23.553) in NAFLD group were significantly lower than those in non-NAFLD group (all P<0.001); there were no significant differences in the levels of total cholesterol ( Z=1.762)and creatinine ( Z=1.453) between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus ( χ2=368.395), hypertension ( χ2=208.503), hypertriglyceridemia ( χ2=883.831), hyperuricemia ( χ2=228.562), central obesity ( χ2=1 506.580), high risk of stroke ( χ2=605.322) and high risk of ASCVD ( χ 2=309.434) in NAFLD group were significantly higher than that of non-NAFLD group (all P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR=0.937, 95% CI: 0.928-0.946), body mass index ( OR=1.224, 95% CI:1.194-1.255), waist circumference ( OR=1.072, 95% CI: 1.062-1.082), glycosylated hemoglobin ( OR=1.348, 95% CI: 1.275-1.426), alanine aminotransferase ( OR=1.032, 95% CI: 1.026-1.037), triglyceride ( OR=1.757, 95% CI: 1.646-1.875) and serum uric acid ( OR=1.004, 95% CI: 1.004-1.005) levels were the influencing factors for NAFLD in elderly women (all P<0.001). Conclusion:The prevalence rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the community-dwelling elderly women is high, which are associated with multiple influencing factors.

Preliminary experience of suprapubic three-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of suprapubic three-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (STA-RLRP). Fifteen patients with prostatic cancer underwent STA-RLRP. All the 15 procedures were completed successfully, without the need for ancillary trocars or additional instruments. No patient required conversion to standard laparoscopy or open surgery. STA-RLRP is feasible and safe with good short-term tumor control, satisfactory recovery of urinary control function and good cosmetic outcome, which is worthy of clinical application.