How can the aetiological factors of rectal distension be managed to reduce interfraction prostate motion during a course of radiotherapy treatment

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Bayles ◽  
Mark Collins ◽  
Melanie Clarkson
Keyword(s):  
Current Practice ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Normal Tissue Damage ◽  
Prostate Motion ◽  
Rectal Volume ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Radiotherapy Treatment

AbstractAimDuring radiotherapy of the prostate it is important to minimise interfraction prostate motion to allow dose escalation and reduce normal tissue damage. Rectal volume has been identified as playing a significant role in prostate motion with various methods used to reduce it. The aim was to systematically review published literature to allow evidence based recommendations to be made to current practice to reduce interfraction prostate motion.Materials and methodsA systematic search of CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, NHS Evidence and The Cochrane Library was performed. Limited searches of The Society of Radiographers website, OpenGrey and COPAC were undertaken, alongside manual searches of cross references of eligible articles. The quality of included papers was measured using a pre-existing tool. The causes, consequences and solutions to manage rectal volume and its effect on prostate position were extracted, compared and evaluated to extract solutions to be implemented into clinical practice.ResultsOf the 2,339 unique articles systematically retrieved, 23 met the inclusion criteria, 15 of which discuss radiotherapy, five constipation and three flatulence.FindingsA combined medicinal and dietary approach adaptable to departmental workflow is required to manage rectal volume, with special consideration to patients with pre-existing extrinsic factors.

scholarly journals Predictive factors of sagittal stability after treatment of Class II malocclusions

2015 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 1033-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Maniewicz Wins ◽  
Gregory S. Antonarakis ◽  
Stavros Kiliaridis
Keyword(s):  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Class Ii ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Class Ii Malocclusion ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Functional Factors ◽  
The Cochrane Library

ABSTRACT Objective:  To determine the existence of factors permitting the prediction of sagittal stability after orthodontic treatment in patients with Angle Class II malocclusion. Materials and Methods:  PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to March 2015. Inclusion criteria were longitudinal studies with at least 10 subjects investigating associations between at least one factor and stability, with an average minimum follow-up period of 2 years; stability measured using posttreatment sagittal dental changes; and orthodontic treatment including removable and/or fixed appliances with or without extractions. Two reviewers independently selected and assessed the quality of the articles. Results:  The search strategy resulted in 1372 articles, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. Large changes during treatment in molar and canine relationships were the only two factors found to be positively associated with relapse, but with limited evidence. Fourteen factors were found not to be predictive of relapse, also with limited evidence. These factors included treatment characteristics, patient pretreatment characteristics, and final posttreatment characteristics. Conclusions:  There is currently limited evidence to support the influence of factors predictive of sagittal stability following Class II malocclusion treatment. More high-quality prospective studies are needed, and functional factors possibly affecting relapse also need to be further assessed.

scholarly journals Overcrowding Factors in an Emergency Department: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-69
Author(s):  
Muhammad Nur Hidayah ◽  
Yanny Trisyani W ◽  
Aan Nuraeni
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Patient Disposition ◽  
Nursing Services ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Cochrane Library

The Emergency Department (ED) is an important department or unit and the core clinical unit of a hospital, which functions to receive, stabilize, and manage patients who need immediate emergency treatment, both in daily conditions and in disasters. Overcrowding in ED is a problem in many countries and is one cause of increased mortality and decreased quality of optimal health and nursing services in the world today, including in Indonesia. There has been little research on overcrowding factors in the ED. Many factors are thought to cause overcrowding. This literature review identifies factors that can influence overcrowding in the ED. The literature search was carried out on the electronic databases of Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo and the Cochrane Library with the keywords factors overcrowding, AND, ED crowding. The inclusion criteria consisted of overcrowding factors in the ED, Fulltext, and publishing from 2013 to 2019 in English. The assessment of the quality of the articles was carried out using instruments from CONSORT. The first search results found 5,026 articles, and after screening and evaluation, 3 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results of the literature review show that the many factors that influence the occurrence of overcrowding in the ED are categorized into three factors, namely input factors (increased number of patient visits), throughput factors (patient disposition and delay in diagnostic examination results), and output factors (access block, inability to transfer patients out of the emergency room to inpatient, lack of inpatient beds, entry rooms, and other resources).      

Barriers and facilitators to conducting research by early career psychiatrists: a literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-154
Author(s):  
Katja Koelkebeck ◽  
Maja Pantovic Stefanovic ◽  
Dorota Frydecka ◽  
Claudia Palumbo ◽  
Olivier Andlauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Participation ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Research Career ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Electronic Search ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
To Receive

AbstractObjectivesTo understand and identify factors that promote and prevent research participation among early career psychiatrists (ECPs), in order to understand what would encourage more ECPs to pursue a research career.MethodsWe conducted an electronic search of databases (PubMed and the Cochrane library) using the keywords ‘doctors’, ‘trainees’, ‘residents’, ‘physicians’ and ‘psychiatric trainees’ as well as ‘research’ (MeSH) and ‘publishing’ (MeSH). This search was complemented by a secondary hand search.ResultsWe identified 524 articles, of which 16 fulfilled inclusion criteria for this review. The main barriers included lack of dedicated time for research, lack of mentoring and lack of funding. The main facilitators were opportunities to receive mentorship and access to research funding.ConclusionsAction is needed to counteract the lack of ECPs interested in a career in research. Specific programs encouraging ECPs to pursue research careers and having access to mentors could help increase the current numbers of researching clinicians in the field.

scholarly journals Lumbar Roll Usage While Sitting Reduces the Forward Head Posture in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5171
Author(s):  
Yusuke Handa ◽  
Kenya Okada ◽  
Hiroshi Takasaki
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grade System ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Forward Head Posture ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Head Posture ◽  
Head Extension ◽  
The Cochrane Library

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms.

scholarly journals Association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and their correlation with disease severity: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006052110023
Author(s):  
Qian Zou ◽  
Jiawei Si ◽  
Yatao Guo ◽  
Jiayu Yu ◽  
Huijuan Shi
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Psoriasis Severity

Objective To determine the association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and to evaluate the correlation between serum visfatin levels and the severity of psoriasis. Methods The electronic databases PubMed®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published from inception to 1 May 2020. Data were extracted and then standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pooled estimates. Results A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included (448 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 377 controls). This meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with psoriasis had significantly higher levels of visfatin than the controls (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI 0.52, 1.28). Subgroup analyses showed that differences in serum visfatin levels between the patient group and the control group were associated with ethnicity, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body mass index. Additionally, a meta-analysis of correlations showed that visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were positively correlated with PASI ( r = 0.51, 95% CI 0.14, 0.75). Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that serum visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly higher than those in the controls and a positive correlation between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis severity was observed.

scholarly journals Medicines Related Problems (MRPs) Originating in Primary Care Settings in Older Adults - A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002110236
Author(s):  
Rosetta Chinyere Ude-Okeleke ◽  
Zoe Aslanpour ◽  
Soraya Dhillon ◽  
Nkiruka Umaru
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Data Bases ◽  
Primary Care Settings ◽  
Preventative Interventions ◽  
Use Of Health Services

Background: As people age, they become increasingly vulnerable to the untoward effects of medicines due to changes in body systems. These may result in medicines related problems (MRPs) and consequent decline or deterioration in health. Aim: To identify MRPs, indicators of deterioration associated with these MRPs, and preventative interventions from the literature. Design and Setting: Systematic review of primary studies on MRPs originating in Primary Care in older people. Methods: Relevant studies published between 2001 and April 2018 were obtained from Medline (via PubMed), CINAHL, Embase, Psych Info, PASCAL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Zetoc. Falls, delirium, pressure ulcer, hospitalization, use of health services and death were agreed indicators of deterioration. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Down and Black tool. Results: There were 1858 articles retrieved from the data bases. Out of these, 21 full text articles met inclusion criteria for the review. MRPs identified were medication error, potentially inappropriate medicines, adverse drug reaction and non-adherence. These were associated with indicators of deterioration. Interventions that involved doctors, pharmacists and patients in planning and implementation yielded benefits in halting MRPs. Conclusion: This Systematic review summarizes MRPs and associated indicators of deterioration. Appropriate interventions appeared to be effective against certain MRPs and their consequences. Further studies to explore deterioration presented in this systematic review is imperative.

scholarly journals Traditional Chinese Herb Combined with Surgery versus Surgery for Varicocele Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong-liang Dun ◽  
Min Yao ◽  
Long Yang ◽  
Xue-jun Cui ◽  
Jian-min Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Chinese Herb ◽  
Chinese Herbs ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Dichotomous Data ◽  
Surgery Group ◽  
Traditional Chinese Herb ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Objective. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery for male varicocele infertility compared to surgery.Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data of traditional Chinese herbs combined with surgery for male varicocele fertility versus surgery were collected by searching the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Chinese databases. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Handbook. Study outcomes were presented as risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data.Results. Seventeen of 72 potentially relevant trials met the inclusion criteria. The methodological qualities of the RCTs were low. Compared with the surgery group, the traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery group had superiority in pregnancy rate at 3-month (RR=1.76, andP=0.008), 6-month (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005), and 2-year (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005) follow-ups. No RCT was found to describe the side effects.Conclusion. On considering the low methodological quality of RCTs, there was no enough evidence on traditional Chinese herb with surgery for male varicocele infertility, and more high-quality RCTs of large sample sizes are required.

scholarly journals Driving Cessation and Social Participation in Late Life: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 464-464
Author(s):  
Weidi Qin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
The Us

Abstract Driving cessation is a major life transition in late life, and can affect the quality of social life in older adults. The present study aims to systematically review the literature on how driving cessation affects social participation among older adults in the US. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Extant literature published from 1990 to 2019 that examined driving cessation and social participation or social engagement among older adults in the US was searched using eight search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL, SocIndex, AgeLine, MedLine, Scopus, Transportation Research Board Publication Index, and Cochrane Library. Quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The assessment of methodological quality was also conducted for included studies. In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the included studies found significant relationships between driving cessation and at least one domain of social participation, such as volunteering, employment, leisure-time activities, and the frequency of contacts. However, the measures of social participation were inconsistent across studies, which might explain that no effects of driving cessation were found on the structure of social network, such as contacts with friends and extended family. There is a need to assist older adults in successfully transitioning to driving cessation and maintaining the social participation. The overall quality of included studies is moderate based on the assessment of risk of bias and confounding.

scholarly journals Does Conservative Kidney Management Offer a Quantity or Quality of Life Benefit Compared to Dialysis? A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buur Louise Engelbrecht ◽  
Madsen Jens Kristian ◽  
Eidemak Inge ◽  
Krarup Elizabeth ◽  
Lauridsen Thomas Guldager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Place Of Death ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD5) collaborate with their clinicians when choosing their future treatment modality. Most elderly patients with CKD5 may only have two treatment options: dialysis or conservative kidney management (CKM). The objective of this systematic review was to investigate whether CKM offers a quantity or quality of life benefit compared to dialysis for some patients with CKD5.MethodsThe databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies comparing patients with CKD5 treated with CKM or dialysis. The primary outcomes were mortality and quality of life (QoL). Hospitalization, symptom burden, and place of death were secondary outcomes. For studies reporting hazard ratios, pooled values were calculated, and forest plots conducted.ResultsTwenty-four primary studies, all observational, were identified. All studies except one reported an increased mortality in patients treated with CKM (pooled hazard ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.69). For patients aged ≥ 80 years and for elderly individuals with comorbidities, results were ambiguous. In most studies, CKM seemed advantageous for QoL and secondary outcomes. Findings were limited by the heterogeneity of studies and biased outcomes favouring dialysis.ConclusionsIn general, patients with CKD5 live for a shorter time on CKM than on dialysis. In patients aged ≥ 80 years old, and in elderly individuals with comorbidities, the survival benefits of dialysis seem to be lost. Regarding QoL, symptom burden, hospitalization, and place of death, CKM may have advantages. Higher quality studies are needed to guide patients and clinicians in the decision-making process.

Outcomes of digital biomarker-based interventions: protocol for a systematic review of systematic reviews (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Motahari-Nezhad ◽  
Márta Péntek ◽  
László Gulácsi ◽  
Zsombor Zrubka
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Digital Biomarkers

BACKGROUND Digital biomarkers are defined as objective, quantifiable physiological and behavioral data that are collected and measured by means of digital devices such as portables, wearables, implantables or digestibles. For their widespread adoption in publicly financed healthcare systems, it is important to understand how their benefits translate into improved patient outcomes, which is essential for demonstrating their value. OBJECTIVE To assess the quality and strength of evidence of the impact of digital biomarkers on clinical outcomes compared to interventions without digital biomarkers, reported in systematic reviews. METHODS A comprehensive search for 2019-2020 will be conducted in the PubMed and the Cochrane Library using keywords related to digital biomarkers and a filter for systematic reviews. Original full-text English publications of systematic reviews comparing clinical outcomes of interventions with and without digital biomarkers via meta-analysis will be included. The AMSTAR-2 tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of reviews. To assess the quality of evidence, we will evaluate systematic reviews using the GRADE tool. To detect the possible presence of reporting bias, we will record whether the protocol of the systematic reviews was published before the start of the study. A qualitative summary of results by digital biomarker technology and outcome will be provided. RESULTS This protocol was submitted before data collection. The next steps in this review will be initiated after the protocol is accepted for publication. CONCLUSIONS Our study will provide a comprehensive summary of the highest level of evidence available on digital biomarker interventions. Our results will help identify clinical areas where the use of digital biomarkers leads to favorable clinical outcomes. In addition, our findings will highlight areas of evidence gaps where the clinical benefits of digital biomarkers have not yet been demonstrated.

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