It is a challenge for clinicians and diagnostic systematic reviewers to determine the best test in clinical diagnosis and screening. Meanwhile, it also becomes the new chance and challenge for diagnostic test meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis has been commonly used in intervention systematic reviews, which can compare the effect size of all available interventions and to choose the best intervention. Network meta-analysis of diagnostic test can be defined as comparing all available diagnostic technologies in the same conditions based on the common reference tests. In order to provide the guide for diagnostic systematic reviewers, we aims to introduce four methods of conducting diagnostic test accuracy network meta-analysis, and to explore two ranking methods of network meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.
To compare the effectiveness between open reduction combined with internal fixation and artificial radial head replacement in treating Mason type-III comminuted fracture of radial head, to provide the evidence for available treatment methods. Methods Between January 2004 and June 2008, 65 cases of Mason type-III comminuted fractures were treated with open reduction, AO mini plate and screw system or a combination of Kirschner treatment (internal fixation group, n=35) and with artificial radial head replacement (replacement group, n=30). In internal fixation group, there were 21 males and 14 females with an age range of 21 to 35 years (mean, 30.7 years); the causes of injury were traffic accidentin 12 cases, fall ing from height in 8 cases, and a fall in 15 cases; the locations were left side in 23 cases and right side in 12 cases; and the time between injury and surgery was 1-7 days (mean, 3 days). In replacement group, there were 19 males and 11 females with an age range of 23 to 67 years (mean, 32.5 years); the causes of injury were traffic accident in 7 cases, fall ing from height in 8 cases, and a fall in 15 cases; the locations were left side in 17 cases and right side in 13 cases; and the time between injury and surgery was 1-6 days (mean, 1.5 days). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease cause, disease duration, or other general information between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), so that 2 series of patients had comparabil ity. Results Incisions healed primarily in 2 groups. All patients were followed up 1 to 4 years with an average of 2.5 years. There were significant differences in elbow flexion angle, extension angle, and forearm rotation angle between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference in elbow pronation or supination weakness (P gt; 0.05). In internal fixation group, primary union occurred in 29 cases, delayed union in 2 cases, nonunion with ectopic ossification in 2 cases, and internal fixation failure in 2 cases. In replacement group, elbow flexion angle lost beyond 30o in 1 case after 1 year, elbow stiffness occurred in 1 case because prosthesis was too long. According to Broberg and Morrey elbow scores system, the scores were 69.51 ± 10.23 in internal fixation group and 81.55 ± 12.06 in replacement group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). The results were excellent in 15 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 11 cases, and poor in 4 cases with an excellent and good rate of 57.1% in internal fixation group; the results were excellent in17 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 6 cases, and poor in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 73.3%. Conclusion Artificial radial head replacement can achieve better joint function compared with open reduction combined with internal fixation in treating Mason type-III comminuted fractures of radial head.
Objective To compare the clinical effects of treating prolapse of the cervical intervertebral disc by the Solis cage fusion, the titanium cage fusion or the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation. Methods Sixty-four patients with prolapse of the cervical intervertebral discadmitted to hospital from February 2002 to May 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. In Group A, 20 patients (15 males and 5 females, aged 38.76 years, 30 intervertebral spaces) were treated with the Solis cage fusion, and the preoperative JOAscores were 9-16, averaged 11.4; in Group B, 21 patients (15 males and 6 females,aged 37-78 years, 23 intervertebral spaces) were treated with the titanium cagefusion, and the preoperative JOA scores were 8-13, averaged 10.1; in Group C, 23 patients (18 males and 5 females, aged 32-76 years, 28 intervertebral spaces)were treated with the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation, and the preoperative JOA scores were 9-14, averaged 10.6. The comparative analysis was made among the 3 groups in the following aspects: X-ray exposure time, time working on the iliac bone, operation time, hemorrhage amount，complication incidence after operation, cervical vertebral fusion rate, symptom relief rate, and recovery rate of the JOA score. Results According to the follow-upfor 2-15 months averaged 12 months, the time working on the iliac bone was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (11.5±2.4 vs 4.1±1.7 minand 4.2±1.9 min, P＜0.05); the operation time was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (98.3±14.7 min vs 55.5±10.3 min and 56.8±12.6 min, P＜0.05); and the X-ray exposure time was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (7.8±1.8 min vs 4.3±1.2 min and 4.2±1.3 min, P＜0.05). Also, the hemorrhage amount in Group C was much greater than in Groups A and B (145.8±19.3 ml vs 65.8±10.2 ml and 67.2±12.3 ml,P＜0.05). The postoperative complication rate was lower in Groups A and Bthan in Group C (P＜0.05). There was a significant difference in the complication rate in the cervical region between Group A (5.0%±1.8%) and Group B (14.3%±2.6%,Plt;0.05）. The fusion rate in Groups A and B was 100% 3-4 monthsafteroperation, and there was no difference when compared with that in Group C. The recovery rates of the JOA scores in the three groups were 81.9%±3.2%，78.9%±7.3%, and 76.3%±9.4%, respectively, and there was no significant difference among the three groups. Conclusion The Solis cage fusion has a better therapeutic effect in treating prolapse of the cervical intervertebral disc than the titanium cage fusion and the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation. The Solis cage fusion also makes the operation easier, with a more rapid recovery rate and fewer postoperative complications in the patient.
To compare the effectiveness of dressing by a combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-Western medicine (WM) after TCM bath and by the silver sulfadiazine cream (SD-Ag) in treating residual deep burn wound. Methods A total of 128 cases of residual deep burn wound between July 2003 and December 2009 were randomly divided into the TCM-WM treatment group (70 cases) and the WM control group (58 cases). In the treatment group, there were 45 males and 25 females with an average age of 38.6 years (range, 18-60 years), including 34 cases of flame burns, 28 cases of molten steel burns, and 8 cases of chemical burns with an average burn area of 57.6% total body surface area (TBSA) and an average residual wound of 7.4% TBSA. In the control group, there were 50 males and 8 females with an average of 37.9 years (range, 20-59 years), including 26 cases of flame burns, 12 cases of hot water burns, 16 cases of molten steel burns, and 4 cases of chemical burns with an average burn area of 56.5% TBSA and an average residual wound of 6.9%TBSA. There was no significant difference in general data between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), so the cl inical data of 2 groups had comparabil ity. In the treatment group, the patients had a bath with TCM, and then the wounds were treated with dressing change of combined TCM-WM. In the control group, the wounds were treated with SD-Ag after cleaning the wounds with chlorhexidine solution. The pain, wound heal ing time, and the rate of scar formation were observed in 2 groups after treatment. Results According to wound pain classification after medication, the results were excellent in 23 cases, good in 30 cases, fair in 17 cases in the treatment group; were excellent in 17 cases, good in 20 cases, fair in 13 cases, poor in 5 cases, and fairly poor in 3 cases in the control group. The wound heal ing time of the treatment group (13.45 ± 4.74) days was significantly shorter than that of the control group [(23.87 ± 14.45) days, P lt; 0.05)]. After 2 weeks of treatment, scar occurred in 15 patients (21.4%) of the treatment group and 35 patients (60.3%) of the control group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Based on TCM bath, a combination of TCM-WM for the residual burn wounds is obviously superior to SD-Ag. It has the advantages of rapid heal ing, l ight pain, no obvious scar, and short hospital ization time.
In 2025, the American Cancer Society published "Cancer statistics, 2025", which projected cancer data for the upcoming year based on incidence data collected by central cancer registries (through 2021) and mortality data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (through 2022). Similarly, the National Cancer Center of China released "Cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2022" in December 2024, analyzing data from 22 cancer registries across the country. This study provides a comparative analysis of cancer incidence and mortality trends in China and the United States during the same period, with a focus on sex- and age-specific distributions and long-term changes in cancer patterns. Long-term trends indicate that lung and liver cancer mortality rates in China have declined, primarily due to tobacco control measures and hepatitis B vaccination programs. However, the burden of gastric and esophageal cancers remains substantial. In the United States, mortality rates for colorectal and lung cancers have continued to decline, largely attributed to widespread screening programs and advances in immunotherapy. As economic growth and social development, China’s cancer profile is gradually shifting towards patterns observed in countries with high human development index. However, the prevention and control of upper gastrointestinal cancers remains a critical public health challenge that requires further attention.
ObjectiveTo compare the curative effect of levetiracetam combined with lamotrigine and sodium valproate on postoperative patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
MethodsA total of 186 postoperative patients with temporal lobe epilepsy during August 2012 to August 2014 in our hospital were divided into levetiracetam combined with lamotrigine group (n=98), and sodium valproate group (n=88) based on postoperative different antiepileptic drugs treatment. Antiepileptic treatment were followed up for 12~48 months.Curative effect and adverse reaction were observed. Reservation rates and incidence rates of adverse reaction were calculated in the two groups.
ResultsIn levetiracetam combined with lamotrigine group, EngelⅠratio was 72.4%(71), EngelⅡratio was 17.3%(17), EngelⅢratio was 7.1%(7), and EngelⅣratio was 3.2%(3);in sodium valproate group, EngelⅠratio was 67.0%(59), EngelⅡratio was 21.6%(19), EngelⅢratio was 9.1%(8), and EngelⅣratio was 2.3%(2), and the difference was not statistically significant in the same grade of two groups (P > 0.05).Reservation rate and incidence rate of adverse reaction in levetiracetam combined with lamotrigine group were 90.8%(89) and 15.3%(15) respectively.While those in sodium valproate group were 80.7%(71) and 36.4%(32) respectively.The differences were statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05).
ConclusionsLevetiracetam combined with lamotrigine treatment on postoperative patients with temporal lobe epilepsy may have better curative effects than sodium valproate treatment, and levetiracetam combined with lamotrigine has its advantage in reservation rate and less adverse reaction.
Objective To evaluate and compare the efficacy of anterior subcutaneous and submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve in treating cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods From August 2006 to August 2008, 66 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated with anterior subcutaneous transposition (subcutaneous group, 24 cases) and with anterior submuscular transposition (submuscular group, 42 cases). According to McGowan stages, all patients were at Stage2 or 3 entrapment neuropathy with paresthesia in the ring and small fingers. Respectively, 3 cases and 8 cases compl icated by interosseous muscle atrophy in subcutaneous group and in submuscular group. No significant difference was found in gender, age, duration of the disease, and compl ication between two groups (P lt; 0.05). The surgical features, distribution of Bishop rates, two-point discrimination test, muscular strength, and compl ications were recorded. Results The operation time was (28.4 ± 5.2) minutes in subcutaneous group and (43.8 ± 5.6) minutes in submuscular group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.01). The incision length was (12.2 ± 2.5) cm in subcutaneous group and (13.6 ± 2.8) cm in submuscular group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). All patients were followed up 1-3 years. According to Bishop scoring system, the results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 2 cases in subcutaneous group; excellent in 36 cases, good in 3 cases, and poor in 3 cases in submuscular group; and showing no significant difference between two groups (P gt; 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, twopoint discrimination and grip strength were improved when compared with that of preoperation (P lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between two groups (P gt; 0.05). Pain and dysesthesia of the scar were noted in 1 patient of the subcutaneous group and 3 patients of the submuscular group. No infection or hematoma was found and no patient needed reoperation. Conclusion Both operative methods are effective alternative for treating cubital tunnel syndrome. The anterior ubcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve has fewer traumas, and it is a better choice for some old patients.
Due to the lack of head to head direct comparison evidence, applying indirect comparison (ITC) as well as network meta-analysis to compare multiple interventions becomes a new popular and powerful statistical technique. However, its theoretical system still needs improvement. In this article, we briefly introduce and summarize its progress concerning basic concepts, method assumptions, influencing factors of effectiveness, and software for analysis, so as to help researchers better understand the method and promote its application in evidence production.
Objective To compare the long-term results between theMckay procedure and the musclestrength balancing procedure in treatment of congenital clubfoot (CCF).Methods Thirty-seven children with 54 clubfeet were treated by the muscle-strength balancing procedure (31 feet) or the Mckay procedure (23 feet).There were 27 males (38 feet) and 10 females (16 feet). The average age at the time of surgery was 1.2 years (range, 5 months to 3.5 years). The deformity occurred on the left side in 7 patients, on the right side in 13, and on both sides in 17. During the musclestrength balancing procedure, the anterior tibial tendonwas transplanted to the middle or the lateral cuneiform, and the Achilles tendon was lengthened. During the Mckay procedure, the complete releasing of the softtissues and the lengthening of the tendons were performed routinely; in addition, the abductor hallucis was also excised. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Diméglio classification method. According to the Diméglio scoring system, 3 clubfeet were at Grade Ⅱ (score, 6-10); 26 clubfeet at Grade Ⅲ (score, 11-15); 25 clubfeet at Grade Ⅳ (score, 16-20). Based on the Diméglio grading system, all the patients were divided into two groups before operation. Group Aconsisted of 29 feet at Grade Ⅱ or Ⅲ (score, 12.55±1.84); Group B consistedof 25 feet at Grade Ⅳ (score, 17.20±1.08). The score in the group undergoingthe musclestrength balancing procedure was 14.16±2.83, and the score in the group undergoing the Mckay procedure was 15.43±2.63. Results All the patients were followed up for an average of 8.2 years (range, 5.0-10.5 years). According to the Diméglio grading system, 32 patients were at Grade Ⅰand 22 patients at Grade Ⅱ, and none of the patients at Grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Two patients undergoing the Mckay procedure developed the postoperative incision infection, but the incision wound healed after the dressing changes. The Diméglio score was 4.07±1.25 in Group A and 6.52±1.74 in Group B after operation, with a significant difference when compared with before operation (Plt;0.05). In Group A the two procedureshad no significant difference in effectiveness (Pgt;0.05); however, in Group B they had a significant difference (Plt;0.05). Judging by the correction degrees for the deformity on the different planes, the two procedures had no significant difference for correcting the equinus of hind foot (Pgt;0.05); however, in the correction degrees for the cross-foot and supination or adduction of the anterior foot, the Mckay procedure was significantly finer than the muscle-strength balancing procedure. It has a good biocompatibility. The mechanical test has showed that the Mckay procedure had the best result in the correction of the forefoot adduction. Conclusion For treatment of congenital clubfoot at Grades Ⅰ-Ⅲ, the musclestrength balancing procedure can achieve an excellent correction result; for treatment of congenital clubfoot at Grade Ⅳ, the Mckay procedure should be performed. No matter whichprocedure, the abductor hallucis excision is recommended to prevent poor correction for the anterior foot adduction.
With the increase in the number of single-arm clinical trials and lack of head-to-head clinical studies, the application of unadjusted indirect comparisons and network meta-analysis methods has been limited. Matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) is an alternative method to fully utilize individual patient data from one study and balance potential bias caused by baseline characteristics differences in different trials through propensity score matching with aggregated data reported in other studies, and complete the comparison of the efficacy between target interventions. This study introduced the concept and principles of MAIC. In addition, we demonstrated how to use the anchored MAIC method based on R language for survival data, which has been widely used in anti-cancer drug evaluation. This study aimed to provide an alternative method to inform evidence-based decisions.
