Additional file 1: of TRAIL gene 1595C/T polymorphisms contribute to the susceptibility and severity of intervertebral disc degeneration: a data synthesis

Supplementary Tables and Figures. (DOCX 303 kb

Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture versus Medications for CLBP in pain on VAS 10 cm.

<p>Fixed-effects model was used; CI, confidence interval; CLBP, chronic low back pain; SD, standard deviation; WMD, weighted mean difference.</p

Tax Liability for Wage Theft

This paper shows how, under existing tax law, illegal wage underpayment by an employer (sometimes called “wage theft”) may generate employer tax liability for unreported income or disallowed business expense deductions. Given that the tax authority needs information from the underpaid worker to prove such liability, the paper identifies two ways that a worker can transmit that information to a tax authority: becoming a tax informant, or bringing a qui tam action under a state false claims act. Finally, the paper discusses possible influences on the decision of the unpaid worker to inform on the employer to the tax authority, and considers the conditions under which a tax authority is likely to audit an employer based on such information. In so doing, the paper identifies a new approach to combating wage theft and an undiscovered implication of basic income tax law

Rating of Clinical Importance.

<p>Rating of Clinical Importance.</p

Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture versus Usual Care for CLBP in pain.

<p>CI, confidence interval; CLBP, chronic low back pain; SD, standard deviation; standardized mean difference.</p

Updated Method Guidelines for Systematic Reviews in the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group—a 12 Item Tool.

<p>Updated Method Guidelines for Systematic Reviews in the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group—a 12 Item Tool.</p

Meta-Analysis of Acupressure versus Physical Therapy for CLBP in Pain.

<p>CI, confidence interval; CLBP, chronic low back pain; SD, standard deviation; standardized mean difference.</p

Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture plus UC versus UC for CLBP in Disability.

<p>UC, usual care; CI, confidence interval; CLBP, chronic low back pain; SD, standard deviation; standardized mean difference.</p

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Background</p><p>Neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP) are common symptoms bothering people in daily life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat various symptoms and diseases in China and has been demonstrated to be effective. The objective of the present study was to review and analyze the existing data about pain and disability in TCM treatments for NP and LBP.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Studies were identified by a comprehensive search of databases, such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, up to September 1, 2013. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in managing NP and LBP.</p><p>Results</p><p>Seventy five randomized controlled trials (n = 11077) were included. Almost all of the studies investigated individuals experiencing chronic NP (CNP) or chronic LBP (CLBP). We found moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective than sham-acupuncture in reducing pain immediately post-treatment for CNP (visual analogue scale (VAS) 10 cm, mean difference (MD) = -0.58 (-0.94, -0.22), 95% confidence interval, p = 0.01), CLBP (standardized mean difference = -0.47 (-0.77, -0.17), p = 0.003), and acute LBP (VAS 10 cm, MD = -0.99 (-1.24, -0.73), p< 0.001). Cupping could be more effective than waitlist in VAS (100 mm) (MD = -19.10 (-27.61, -10.58), p < 0. 001) for CNP or medications (e.g. NSAID) for CLBP (MD = -5.4 (-8.9, -0.19), p = 0.003). No serious or life-threatening adverse effects were found.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping could be efficacious in treating the pain and disability associated with CNP or CLBP in the immediate term. Gua sha, tai chi, qigong, and Chinese manipulation showed fair effects, but we were unable to draw any definite conclusions, and further research is still needed. The efficacy of tuina and moxibustion is unknown because no direct evidence was obtained. These TCM modalities are relatively safe.</p></div

Meta-Analysis of Chinese Herbal Medicine for CNP in Pain (NRS 3).

<p>NRS, numerical rating scale; CI, confidence interval; CNP, chronic neck pain; SD, standard deviation; WMD, weighted mean difference.</p