Reporting standards for literature searches and report inclusion criteria: making research syntheses more transparent and easy to replicate

A complete description of the literature search, including the criteria used for the inclusion of reports after they have been located, used in a research synthesis or meta-analysis is critical if subsequent researchers are to accurately evaluate and reproduce a synthesis' methods and results. Based on previous guidelines and new suggestions, we present a set of focused and detailed standards for reporting the methods used in a literature search. The guidelines cover five search strategies: reference database searches, journal and bibliography searches, searches of the reference lists of reports, citation searches, and direct contact searches. First, we bring together all the unique recommendations made in existing guidelines for research synthesis. Second, we identify gaps in reporting standards for search strategies. Third, we address these gaps by providing new reporting recommendations. Our hope is to facilitate successful evaluation and replication of research synthesis results.

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Impact of Non-Confinement Accommodation on Farrowing Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Farrowing Crates Versus Pens

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9110957 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 957 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dannielle Glencorse ◽

Kate Plush ◽

Susan Hazel ◽

Darryl D’Souza ◽

Michelle Hebart

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Relative Risk ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Literature Searches ◽

Piglet Mortality ◽

Partial Confinement ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Piglet Survival

There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of farrowing house accommodation on piglet performance. The aim of this investigation was to use a systematic review and meta-analyses to summarise the results of publications that focused on direct comparisons between full confinement conventional crates and various designs of loose-housed farrowing pens from loading until weaning. Literature searches in Scopus, BIOSIS Previews, Cab Abstracts, and Web of Science identified 6695 articles. Twenty-two publications were retained for the systematic review and individual meta-analyses after screening for inclusion criteria. The random effects meta-analyses were performed on crate versus pen for number of piglets born alive, number of stillborn piglets, pre-weaning mortality, and number of piglets weaned. Additionally, the modifiers of confinement length (no confinement from loading until weaning or partial confinement for shorter periods of time in the early stages post parturition), enrichment (no enrichment or enrichment provided), and pen size (small, medium, or large) were examined. There was a 14% increase in the relative risk of piglet mortality in farrowing pens when they were compared with crates (p = 0.0015). The number of stillborns per litter was not different between the pen and crate. However, when providing enrichment in the pens, there was an increase in stillborns within farrowing crates versus pens (p = 0.009). There was no overall effect on piglets that were born alive or number weaned. As there is no difference between piglets born alive and mortality is significantly higher in farrowing pens, a reduction in the number of piglets weaned was expected but not observed, which was possibly due to the lack of weaning details provided in the publications. This was the first systematic review and meta-analysis conducted on the performance of farrowing accommodation and identified that farrowing pens do compromise post-natal piglet survival. Future efforts should focus on improving sow comfort in the farrowing crate to maximize both piglet and sow welfare.

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Family-Only Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838018770410 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 367-381 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Joakim Petersson ◽

Susanne J. M. Strand

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Quality Criteria ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Literature Searches ◽

The Family ◽

The One

This article presents the first systematic review of family-only intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators (as originally proposed by Holtzworth-Munroe & Stuart). The aims of the present review were to summarize and describe the prevalence of the family-only perpetrator subtype, as well as to investigate what characteristics were associated with perpetrators within this subtype. Electronic literature searches in several databases (e.g., PsychINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed) were carried out. Of the 3,434 studies identified, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria as well as the methodological quality criteria. Thematic analyses were conducted, where several themes and subthemes were identified. The proportion of family-only perpetrators, averaged across sample types, was 47.5%. Drawing on the thematic analyses of the reviewed studies, family-only perpetrators presented as a less violent subtype, displaying several pro-social personality traits, as well as a lower degree of psychopathology. The findings were in line with Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart’s predictions. The findings also demonstrated the utility of a 2-fold typology, consisting of a family-only and a generally violent (GV) subtype, as well as the need to reconsider the one-size-fits-all approach to IPV treatment. We also included a discussion of the terminology of the subtypes and propose an adoption of the terms “partner only violent” and “generally violent” subtypes.

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The effects of Rhodiola Rosea supplementation on depression, anxiety and mood – A Systematic Review

Global Psychiatry ◽

10.2478/gp-2019-0022 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 72-82

Author(s):

Fanaras Konstantinos ◽

Reinhard Heun

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Rhodiola Rosea ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Moderate Depression ◽

Literature Searches ◽

Made In

AbstractObjectivesRhodiola rosea is an adaptogen herb from the Crassulaceae family, which has been vastly used in the Russian and Chinese medicine. The herb is used against depression, anxiety, mental and physical fatigue and to promote overall health. In this systematic review, we examined the effects of R. rosea on depression, anxiety and mood, as these are the most relevant to mental health.MethodsLiterature searches were made in PubMed using the term ‘Rhodiola rosea’. Inclusion criteria were: Randomized controlled trials using interventions of R. rosea on any type of participants, while focusing on the effects of the intervention on depression, anxiety or mood. Mixed interventions of R. rosea with other herbs were excluded. Studies not published in English or Greek were excluded.ResultsA total of 39 randomized controlled trials were identified and their abstract was screened. After screening, a total of 17 papers were excluded because they were focusing on irrelevant outcomes. The full text of the remaining 22 papers was read and an additional 17 papers were excluded. These papers were excluded because they were eventually not focusing on our main outcome or they were using R. rosea interventions with other herbs. In the end, a total of 5 papers (n = 327 participants) were found eligible for our systematic review. In these studies, R. rosea seems to improve the symptoms of mild to moderate depression, symptoms of mild anxiety and to enhance mood. The last date of our search was October 13, 2019.ConclusionRhodiola rosea supplementation may alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression and mild anxiety, while it may also enhance mood. The findings of our review are not definite due to the lack of available experimental data. Randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias are needed to further study the herb.

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Associations of tobacco retailer density and proximity with adult tobacco use behaviours and health outcomes: a meta-analysis

Tobacco Control ◽

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056717 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. tobaccocontrol-2021-056717

Author(s):

Joseph G L Lee ◽

Amanda Y Kong ◽

Kerry B Sewell ◽

Shelley D Golden ◽

Todd B Combs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Outcomes ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Data Synthesis ◽

Literature Searches ◽

Adult Participants ◽

Study Selection

ObjectiveWe sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence to inform policies that reduce density and proximity of tobacco retailers.Data sourcesTen databases were searched on 16 October 2020: MEDLINE via PubMed, PsycINFO, Global Health, LILACS, Embase, ABI/Inform, CINAHL, Business Source Complete, Web of Science and Scopus, plus grey literature searches using Google and the RAND Publication Database.Study selectionIncluded studies used inferential statistics about adult participants to examine associations between tobacco retailer density/proximity and tobacco use behaviours and health outcomes. Of 7373 studies reviewed by independent coders, 37 (0.5%) met inclusion criteria.Data extractionEffect sizes were converted to a relative risk reduction (RRR) metric, indicating the presumed reduction in tobacco use outcomes based on reducing tobacco retailer density and decreasing proximity.Data synthesisWe conducted a random effects meta-analysis and examined heterogeneity across 27 studies through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Tobacco retailer density (RRR=2.55, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.19, k=155) and proximity (RRR=2.38, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.37, k=100) were associated with tobacco use behaviours. Pooled results including both density and proximity found an estimated 2.48% reduction in risk of tobacco use from reductions in tobacco retailer density and proximity (RRR=2.48, 95% CI 1.95 to 3.02, k=255). Results for health outcomes came from just two studies and were not significant. Considerable heterogeneity existed.ConclusionsAcross studies, lower levels of tobacco retailer density and decreased proximity are associated with lower tobacco use. Reducing tobacco supply by limiting retailer density and proximity may lead to reductions in tobacco use. Policy evaluations are needed.

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The Impact of Wildfires on Mental Health: A Scoping Review

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11090126 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 126

Author(s):

Patricia To ◽

Ejemai Eboreime ◽

Vincent Agyapong

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Personal Safety ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Literature Searches ◽

The Many ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

The Impact

One of the many consequences of climate change is an increase in the frequency, severity, and, thus, impact of wildfires across the globe. The destruction and loss of one’s home, belongings, and surrounding community, and the threat to personal safety and the safety of loved ones can have significant consequences on survivors’ mental health, which persist for years after. The objective of this scoping review was to identify primary studies examining the impact of wildfires on mental health and to summarize findings for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Literature searches on Pubmed and Embase were conducted in February and April of 2021, respectively, with no date restrictions. A total of 254 studies were found in the two database searches, with 60 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three other studies were identified and included based on relevant in-text citations during data abstraction. The results show an increased rate of PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety at several times of follow-up post-wildfire, from the subacute phase, to years after. An increased rate of mental health disorders post-wildfire has been found in both the adult and pediatric population, with a number of associated risk factors, the most significant being characteristics of the wildfire trauma itself. Several new terms have arisen in the literature secondary to an increased awareness and understanding of the impact of natural disasters on mental health, including ecological grief, solastalgia, and eco-anxiety. There are a number of patient factors and systemic changes that have been identified post-wildfire that can contribute to resilience and recovery.

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Hyperhomocysteinemia and Ischemic Stroke: A Potential Dose-Response Association—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

TH Open ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1735978 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 05 (03) ◽

pp. e420-e437

Author(s):

Marte Holmen ◽

Anne-Mette Hvas ◽

Johan F. H. Arendt

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Dose Response ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Adult Population ◽

Response Analysis ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Unique Identifier ◽

Literature Searches ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Nonlinear Association

Abstract Background and Purpose Previous studies suggest an association between increased homocysteine (Hcy) and risk of ischemic stroke. Yet, it remains unknown whether a dose-response association exists between Hcy levels and risk of ischemic stroke. Methods Systematic literature searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were studies investigating ischemic stroke risk in an adult population with measured Hcy levels. We computed odds ratios (ORs) for a 5 µmol/L increase in Hcy levels using a random effects meta-analysis. Results In total, 108 studies met the inclusion criteria of which 22 were rated as high-quality studies, and 20 studies included a dose-response analysis. Hcy levels were analyzed either as a continuous or categorical variable. The majority of the studies found an increased risk of ischemic stroke when comparing the highest-to-lowest Hcy strata. A graded association was observed over the Hcy strata, indicating a dose-response association, with the most apparent effect when Hcy levels exceeded approximately 15 µmol/L. No studies explored a potential nonlinear association between Hcy levels and ischemic stroke. Six studies were included in a meta-analysis, showing an OR of 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–1.61) per 5 µmol/L increase in Hcy levels. Conclusion This review and meta-analysis indicate a dose-response association between Hcy levels and ischemic stroke. An evident increase in effect measures was observed when Hcy levels exceeded 15 µmol/L, indicating a nonlinear association between ischemic stroke and Hcy levels. This nonlinear association warrants further study.This study is registered with clinical trial ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ; unique identifier: CRD42019130371).

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Prognostic disclosure: A scoping review on communication guidelines and their application in oncology.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e24107 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e24107-e24107

Author(s):

Julie R Bloom ◽

Deborah Catherine Marshall ◽

Carlos Rodriguez-Russo ◽

Emily J Martin ◽

Joshua Adam Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Core Competency ◽

Supporting Evidence ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Literature Searches ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Randomized Control

e24107 Background: Prognostic disclosure is essential to informed decision making in oncology, yet many oncologists are unsure how to successfully facilitate this discussion. This scoping review determines what prognostic communication guidelines exist, compares and contrasts these guidelines and explores the supporting evidence. Methods: A protocol was created using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols extension for Scoping Reviews. Comprehensive literature searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL were performed to identify relevant publications between 1971 and 2020. Results: In total, 1532 articles were identified, of which 78 met inclusion criteria and contained 5 communication guidelines. Three guidelines have been validated in randomized control trials (Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG), The Four Habits Model and ADAPT) and demonstrated improved patient reported outcomes and objective communication measures. Among guidelines’ core principles, 3 concepts are common to all: patient’s understanding and preference, prognosis, and responding to emotion. Conclusions: Communicating prognosis is a core competency skill in cancer care, yet remains underprioritized in training and practice. This review highlights available models and acknowledges areas in need of further understanding including how to maintain learned communication skills for lifelong practice.[Table: see text]

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Protocol for a Systematic Review of Rationing of Nursing Care

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1708748 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 08 (02) ◽

pp. 015-018

Author(s):

Lata Mandal ◽

A. Seethalakshmi ◽

Anitha Rajendra Babu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Nursing Care ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Quality Standards ◽

Narrative Synthesis ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Quantitative Studies ◽

Literature Searches ◽

Relationship Of

Abstract Purpose: To identify and synthesize the findings of studies related to “rationing of nursing care”. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta analysis (PRISMA) guidelines will be followed in this review and literature searches will be conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psyc Info, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. Only quantitative studies meeting the predetermined inclusion criteria, quality standards and credibility will be synthesised using narrative synthesis. Results: A descriptive synthesis of the findings of the selected studies will be carried out which will be presented in narrative summary with statistical findings incorporated. Conclusion: This review will provide a synthesis of up to date evidence regarding the rationing of care by nurses. It will also support the hypothesis that rationing of care has effects on patients and nurses and explore relationship of rationing of care with patients and nursing outcome.

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Reporting of adherence in RCTs examining manualized multi-session online interventions: A systematic review of practices and a proposal for reporting standards (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14181 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ina Beintner ◽

Bianky Vollert ◽

Anna-Carlotta Zarski ◽

Felix Bolinski ◽

Peter Musiat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Median Number ◽

Reporting Standards ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Online Interventions ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Research Findings ◽

Substance Related Disorders ◽

Comparability Of Results ◽

Usage Metrics

UNSTRUCTURED Adherence reflects the extent to which individuals experience or engage with the content of online interventions and poses a major challenge. Neglecting to examine and report adherence and its relation to outcomes can compromise the interpretation of research findings. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze how adherence is accounted for in publications and to propose standards for measuring and reporting adherence to online interventions. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials on online interventions for the prevention and treatment of common mental health disorders (depression, anxiety disorders, substance related disorders, eating disorders) published between January 2006 and May 2018. We included primary publications on manualized online treatments (more than 1 session, successive access to content) and examined how adherence was reported in these publications. We identified 216 publications that met our inclusion criteria. Adherence was addressed in 85% of full text manuscripts, but only 31% of abstracts. The median number of usage metrics reported was three; the most frequently reported usage metric was intervention completion, which was reported in 61% of the manuscripts. Manuscripts published in specialized E-Health journals more frequently included information on the relation of adherence and outcomes. We found substantial variety in the reporting of adherence and the usage metrics used to operationalize adherence. This limits the comparability of results and impedes the integration of findings from different studies. Based on our findings, we propose reporting standards for future publications regarding online interventions.

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