Search strategy (including electronic databases searched). DRAJER: Several search strategies were used for each data base. Only those with maximal hits were considered Embase “defibrillation” AND “pads” AND “impedance” as text words (all fields): 31 hits Embase “defibrillation” AND “pads” AND [<1966-2010]/py: 85 hits PubMed “defibrillation” AND “electrode pads” as text words (all fields): 52 hi...

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (through July 2006) for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies of BMC transplantation to treat ischemic heart disease. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis across eligible studies measuring the same...

The association between gene polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and risk of acute rejection (AR) of solid organ allograft was investigated in many published studies; however, the currently available results are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide a precise evidence for an association between the TNF-α polymorphism and risk of AR. A comprehensive el...

Cocaine abuse is a widespread social problem with many well-recognized complications. These include cardiac, cerebrovascular and gastrointestinal events. Cocaine may effect a severe vasoconstriction, and its potential to induce severe side effects, because of this pharmacological action, are well recognized. In the abdomen the development of ischaemic strictures in both the small and large bowe...

OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy in patients with an acute pulmonary embolism (PE). BACKGROUND Thrombolytic therapy is approved for the treatment of acute PE; however, the safety and efficacy of this therapy remain debated. METHODS A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials comparing thrombolytic agents with intravenous heparin in patients wit...

Although many studies have discussed the benefits of Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) systems, their configuration can have a great impact on clinicians' adoption of these systems. Poorly designed CPOE systems can lead to usability problems, users' dissatisfaction and may disrupt normal flow of clinical activities. This paper reports on a literature review focused on the identification ...

Fast track (FT) procedure has proposed to accelerate recovery, reduce morbidity and shorten hospital stay. The aim of this review was to compare the safety and effectiveness of the FT procedure with that of conventional care in laparoscopic colorectal resection. A systematic literature search for relevant articles was conducted in PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Library digital databases. The main ...

Objective: To study the association between sleep duration and stroke incidence in a British population and to synthesize our findings with published results through a meta-analysis. Methods: The prospective study included 9,692 stroke-free participants aged 42–81 years from the EuropeanProspective Investigation intoCancer–Norfolk cohort. Participants reported sleep duration in 1998–2000 and 20...

Method: Relevant articles were identified through EMBASE and MEDLINE using MeSH headings such as: ‘celiac disease,’ ‘gluten free,’ and ‘glutenin.’ These terms were combined with additional terms such as ‘attention deficit disorder,’ ‘ADHD,’ and ‘ADD.’ Articles published in a peer-reviewed journal, in English, with an appropriate study design (i.e. case control or experimental trial) were included.