SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Efficacy of carboplatin-based preoperative chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Wang et al’s meta-analysis aimed to assess evidence available from randomized controlled trials, suggesting that carboplatin-based therapy is associated with significantly greater pathologic complete response and breast-conserving surgery rate than non-carboplatin therapy. PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, major clinical trial registries, and abstract collections from major international meetings were systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials.

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Funnel plot for publication bias in pathologic complete response analysis. SE - standard error, RR - relative risk

see page 18

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is effective prognostic indicator for post-amputation patients with critical limb ischemia

In this retrospective observational study, Wang et al confirm whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio are indicators for the prognosis of post-amputation patients with critical limb ischemia. The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were recorded before amputations. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated and NLR ≥8.08 was defined as elevated. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the prognostic value.

see page 24

The relationship between periapical lesions and the serum levels of glycosylated hemoglobin and C-reactive protein in type 2 diabetic patients

Al-Zahrani et al’s cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the presence of periapical lesions (PL) and levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients who were seeking dental treatment and fullfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria were asked to participate in the study. Medical and dental history and Sociodemographic data were obtained from participants. Dental and periodontal examinations were conducted and blood samples were obtained to determine levels of HbA1c and CRP. The presence of PL was recorded from panoramic and periapical radiographs. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used for data analyses.

see page 36

CASE REPORT

Glycogenic hepatopathy, an underdiagnosed cause of relapsing hepatitis in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus

Al Sarkhy et al describe the clinical, biochemical, and histopathological features in a 6-year-old Saudi girl with glycogenic hepatopathy (GH). They discuss that although GH is well-described, it is still underdiagnosed, and that early diagnosis and subsequent implementation of good glycemic control will ultimately lead to an excellent prognosis.

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Histopathological section of the liver showing hepatocytes with clear and fine granular cytoplasm (white arrow) (hematoxylin and eosin stain ×400),

see page 89