Comparing Balloon Dilation to Non-Balloon Dilation for Access in Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided balloon dilation compared to non-balloon dilation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Results were filtered using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria as described and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results: A total of six studies involving 1189 patients who underwent PCNL were included. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that compared to non-balloon dilation, balloon dilation was associated with reduced haemoglobin drop [mean difference (MD) = -0.26, 95% CI = -0.40 ~ -0.12, P = 0.0002], decreased transfusion rate [odds ratio (OR) = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24 ~ 0.92, P = 0.03], shorter tract establishment time (MD = -1.30, 95% CI = -1.87 ~ -0.72, P < 0.0001) and shorter operation time (MD = -5.23, 95% CI = -10.19 ~ -0.27, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Overall, ultrasound-guided balloon dilatation offered several advantages in PCNL procedures. It facilitated faster access establishment, as evidenced by shorter access creation time. Additionally, it reduced the risk of kidney injury by minimizing postoperative haemoglobin drop and decreasing the need for transfusions. Moreover, it enhanced the efficiency of surgery by reducing the operation time. However, it is important to note that the quality of some included studies was subpar, as they did not adequately control for confounding factors that may affect the outcomes. Therefore, further research is necessary to validate and strengthen these findings.

Association between calcitonin receptor gene polymorphisms and calcium stone urolithiasis: A meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose It has been reported that calcitonin receptor (CALCR) gene polymorphisms might be associated with calcium stone urolithiasis. Owing to mixed and inconclusive results, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize and clarify this association. Materials and Methods A systematic search of studies on the association between CALCR gene polymorphisms and calcium stone urolithiasis susceptibility was conducted in databases. Results Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to pool the effect size. Five articles were included in our meta-analysis. Conclusions CALCR rs1801197 might be associated with increased risk of calcium stone urolithiasis. There is insufficient data to fully confirm the association between CALCR rs1042138 and calcium stone urolithiasis susceptibility. Well-designed studies with larger sample size and more subgroups are required to validate the risk identified in the current meta-analysis.

Expression of microRNA-100 in human gastric cancer / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of microRNA-100 (miR-100) in human gastric cancer cells and its role of miR-100 in migration, invasion and proliferation in gastric cancer cell line SGC7901.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total RNAs were extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples of SGC7901 cells, gastric cancer (50 cases), non-tumor (18 cases) and lymph nodes with metastases (18 cases). The expression of miR-100 was examined by reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR. Additionally, SGC7901 cells were transfected with Pre-miR-100 and negative control constructs, and then their ability of migration, invasion and proliferation in vitro was documented after 48 hours.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>RT-qPCR showed that although miR-100 expressed in all samples, compared to non-tumour tissues, the expression was lower both in SGC7901 cells and gastric cancer tissues (P = 0.0077, P < 0.01). SGC7901 cells and primary gastric cancer tissues with lymph nodes metastasis had lower miR-100 expression than those of without lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0361, P = 0.0356). The migration ability and invasion of SGC7901 cells transfeced with pre-miR-100 decreased as compared with control cells (P = 0.0025, P = 0.0028 respectively). However, miR-100 expression had no significant effects on the cell proliferation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Expression of miR-100 inhibits the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells without significant alteration of proliferation. Therefore, miR-100 may play an inhibitory role in the progression of gastric carcinoma.</p>