Characteristics of the Frequency-Following Response to Speech in Neonates and Potential Applicability in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review

Purpose We sought to critically analyze and evaluate published evidence regarding feasibility and clinical potential for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes of the frequency-following responses (FFRs) to speech recordings in neonates (birth to 28 days). Method A systematic search of MeSH terms in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied HealthLiterature, Embase, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline (R) and E-Pub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily, Web of Science, SCOPUS, COCHRANE Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed. Manual review of all items identified in the search was performed by two independent reviewers. Articles were evaluated based on the level of methodological quality and evidence according to the RTI item bank. Results Seven articles met inclusion criteria. None of the included studies reported neurodevelopmental outcomes past 3 months of age. Quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to high. Protocol variations were frequent. Conclusions Based on this systematic review, the FFR to speech can capture both temporal and spectral acoustic features in neonates. It can accurately be recorded in a fast and easy manner at the infant's bedside. However, at this time, further studies are needed to identify and validate which FFR features could be incorporated as an addition to standard evaluation of infant sound processing evaluation in subcortico-cortical networks. This review identifies the need for further research focused on identifying specific features of the neonatal FFRs, those with predictive value for early childhood outcomes to help guide targeted early speech and hearing interventions.

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Cachexia and anorexia in cancer; a systematic review

Immunopathologia Persa ◽

10.34172/ipp.2021.20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. e20-e20

Author(s):

Ali Darakhshandeh ◽

Mahnaz Momenzadeh

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Cachexia ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Mesh Terms ◽

The Subject ◽

Cancer Anorexia ◽

Cachexia Syndrome ◽

Expected Outcomes

The treatment strategy for cancer cachexia is based on the cachexia stage of the cancer and its phenotypes, therefore interventions and expected outcomes vary. In order for the patient to get the most out of the treatment, it should be done based on the mechanism of intervention and the quality of life of patients should be addressed, including aspects of rehabilitation and reduction of the patient’s suffering using a multidisciplinary team. Given the importance of the subject, the present study aims to investigate cachexia and anorexia in cancer. From the electronic databases, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Sciences have been used to perform a systematic literature until 2020. Therefore, a software program (Endnote X8) has been utilized for managing electronic titles. Searches were performed with mesh terms. This review recommended that clinicians establish an interaction between cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) treatments and chronic pain treatments and choose the best treatment option.

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Long-Term Outcomes after Early Neonatal Hyperglycemia in VLBW Infants: A Systematic Review

Neonatology ◽

10.1159/000517951 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Megan E. Paulsen ◽

Sarah Jane Brown ◽

Katherine M. Satrom ◽

Johannah M. Scheurer ◽

Sara E. Ramel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Metabolic Health ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽

Vlbw Infants ◽

Quality Of Evidence

Introduction: Long-term effects of early hyperglycemia in VLBW infants are poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effect of early hyperglycemia on growth, metabolic health, and neurodevelopment after neonatal intensive care unit discharge in VLBW infants. Methods: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019123335). Data sources included Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus. Selected studies included infants with a blood glucose concentration >150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) during the first 28 days of life, a gestational age (GA) <32 weeks, and/or a birth weight <1,500 g and longitudinal data on growth, metabolic health, or neurodevelopment outcomes. The GRADE system was used to assess quality of evidence. Results: Eight studies (n = 987 infants) reported long-term outcomes from 4-month corrected GA to 7 years old. Most studies compared long-term outcomes of preterm infants with and without hyperglycemia. Two studies addressed outcomes related to interventions following early hyperglycemia. Some studies found differences in growth, metabolic health, and neurodevelopment outcomes between VLBW preterm infants with hyperglycemia and without hyperglycemia, while other studies found no differences between groups. The overall graded quality of evidence was low. Conclusions: Well-designed randomized controlled and prospective studies are necessary to determine the effect of early hyperglycemia and its treatment on later metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBW infants. Authors propose a potential study design for standardizing the assessment of long-term metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes following early hyperglycemia in preterm infants.

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Effectiveness of Antalgic Therapies in Patients with Vertebral Bone Metastasis: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18083991 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 3991

Author(s):

Antonio Jose Martin-Perez ◽

María Fernández-González ◽

Paula Postigo-Martin ◽

Marc Sampedro Pilegaard ◽

Carolina Fernández-Lao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Bone Metastasis ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Pharmacological Intervention ◽

Vertebral Metastasis ◽

Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

There is no systematic review that has identified existing studies evaluating the pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention for pain management in patients with bone metastasis. To fill this gap in the literature, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different antalgic therapies (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) in the improvement of pain of these patients. To this end, this protocol has been written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020135762). A systematic search will be carried out in four international databases: Medline (Via PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, to select the randomized controlled clinical trials. The Risk of Bias Tool developed by Cochrane will be used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the identified studies. A narrative synthesis will be used to describe and compare the studies, and after the data extraction, random effects model and a subgroup analyses will be performed according to the type of intervention, if possible. This protocol aims to generate a systematic review that compiles and synthesizes the best and most recent evidence on the treatment of pain derived from vertebral metastasis.

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Effectiveness of massage therapy on fatigue and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical ◽

10.1177/20552173211022779 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 205521732110227

Author(s):

Shahin Salarvand ◽

Mohammad Eghbal Heidari ◽

Kazem Farahi ◽

Erfan Teymuri ◽

Mohammad Almasian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Massage Therapy ◽

Pharmacological Therapy ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Clinical Value ◽

Significant Trial

Background Fatigue and pain are prevalent symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and frequent complaint in MS patients, which reduce their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effect of massage therapy on pain and fatigue in MS Patients. Method The original and Persian databases were searched included PubMed, web of science, embase, ovid, scopus, and the Cochrane Library, SID, and Iranedex from inception to November 2020. Studies that reported the effect of massage on fatigue and pain were included. Two investigators extracted all relevant data, independently. For deriving analysis, mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used. Result Ten studies were eligible acoording criteria. The effect of massage on fatigue showed significant improvement (−1.62; 95% CL −2.40, −0.83; p < .00001), also results of the systematic review showed a significant reduction in pain severity. Conclusion Massage as a complementary and non-pharmacological therapy might have been associated with alleviating fatigue and pain in M.S. patients. Based on the current study, massage intervention for MS patients could have possible clinical value for palliating pain and fatigue and improving quality of life; however, this matter needs further and more significant trial studies.

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Treatment strategies for cerebrospinal shunt infections: a systematic review of observational studies

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038978 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e038978

Author(s):

Joan L Robinson ◽

Dolores Freire ◽

Liza Bialy

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Small Sample ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Csf Shunt ◽

Entry Site ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Shunt Infections

ObjectiveA systematic review was conducted of studies comparing time to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sterilisation or rate of recurrence with different treatment strategies for CSF shunt infections.MethodsA librarian-directed search was conducted of Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid Medline Daily and Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Wiley Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus with Full Text via EBSCOhost, Scopus Advanced Search, and Web of Science Core Collection from 1990 to May 2019. Studies of any design that compared outcomes in groups of any age with different management strategies were included. Studies that compared complete versus incomplete shunt removal were excluded. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsThe search identified 2208 records, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. All were cohort studies of moderate quality. Four studies compared the duration of antibiotics; none demonstrates that a longer course prevented recurrences. Two studies analysed addition of rifampin, with one showing a decrease in recurrences while the other had a small sample size. No studies analysed the addition of intraventricular antibiotics, but one showed equally good results with once versus twice daily administration. One study reported no difference in recurrences with placement of antibiotic-impregnated catheters. Recurrence rates did not differ with shunt replacement minimum of 7 days vs less than 7 days after CSF became sterile. There were no recurrences in either group when shunt replacement was performed after sterile CSF cultures were obtained at 24 vs 48 hours after antibiotics were discontinued. A new shunt entry site did not decrease recurrences.DiscussionThe main limitations are the lack of high-quality studies, the small sample sizes and the heterogeneity which precluded meta-analysis. Addition of rifampin for staphylococcal infections may decrease relapse but requires further study.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105171 ◽

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.

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Communication in decision aids for stage I–III colorectal cancer patients: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044472 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e044472

Author(s):

Saar Hommes ◽

Ruben Vromans ◽

Felix Clouth ◽

Xander Verbeek ◽

Ignace de Hingh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Decision Making ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Decision Aids ◽

Specific Treatment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Plain Language ◽

Patient Decision

ObjectivesTo assess the communicative quality of colorectal cancer patient decision aids (DAs) about treatment options, the current systematic review was conducted.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesDAs (published between 2006 and 2019) were identified through academic literature (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO) and online sources.Eligibility criteriaDAs were only included if they supported the decision-making process of patients with colon, rectal or colorectal cancer in stages I–III.Data extraction and synthesisAfter the search strategy was adapted from similar systematic reviews and checked by a colorectal cancer surgeon, two independent reviewers screened and selected the articles. After initial screening, disagreements were resolved with a third reviewer. The review was conducted in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. DAs were assessed using the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) and Communicative Aspects (CA) checklist.ResultsIn total, 18 DAs were selected. Both the IPDAS and CA checklist revealed that there was a lot of variation in the (communicative) quality of DAs. The findings highlight that (1) personalisation of treatment information in DAs is lacking, (2) outcome probability information is mostly communicated verbally and (3) information in DAs is generally biased towards a specific treatment. Additionally, (4) DAs about colorectal cancer are lengthy and (5) many DAs are not written in plain language.ConclusionsBoth instruments (IPDAS and CA) revealed great variation in the (communicative) quality of colorectal cancer DAs. Developers of patient DAs should focus on personalisation techniques and could use both the IPDAS and CA checklist in the developmental process to ensure personalised health communication and facilitate shared decision making in clinical practice.

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The prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10993-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sohail Akhtar ◽

Jamal Abdul Nasir ◽

Amara Javed ◽

Mariyam Saleem ◽

Sundas Sajjad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Included Study ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Or Education ◽

Meta Regression

Abstract Background The aim of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in Afghanistan through a systematic review and meta–analysis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library, carried out from inception to April 312,020, without language restriction. Meta–analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. The existence of publication bias was initially assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. This systematic review was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and the methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines. Results Out of 64 potentially relevant studies, only 06 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in the general population based on population-based studies were 12.13% (95% CI: 8.86–16.24%), based on a pooled sample of 7071 individuals. Results of univariate meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of diabetes increased with mean age, hypertension and obesity. There was no significant association between sex (male vs female), smoking, the methodological quality of included articles or education (illiterate vs literate) and the prevalence of diabetes. Conclusions This meta-analysis reports the 12.13% prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan,with the highest prevalence in Kandahar and the lowest in Balkh province. The main risk factors include increasing age, obesity and hypertension. Community-based care and preventive training programmes are recommended. Trial registration This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020172624).

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

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/08971900211023638 ◽

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.

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Anemia as a risk factor for tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12199-020-00931-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yemataw Gelaw ◽

Zegeye Getaneh ◽

Mulugeta Melku

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Infectious Diseases ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Double Burden ◽

Mesh Terms

Abstract Background Tuberculosis is a major public health problem caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, occurring predominantly in population with low socioeconomic status. It is the second most common cause of death from infectious diseases. Tuberculosis becomes a double burden among anemic patients. Anemia increases an individual’s susceptibility to infectious diseases including tuberculosis by reducing the immunity level. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether anemia is a risk factor for tuberculosis. Method Relevant published articles were searched in electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library using the following MeSH terms: risk factor, predictors, tuberculosis, TB, Anaemia, Anemia, hemoglobin, Hgb, and Hb. Articles written in the English, observational studies conducted on the incidence/prevalence of tuberculosis among anemic patients, or papers examined anemia as risk factors for tuberculosis were included. From those studies meeting eligibility criteria, the first author’s name, publication year, study area, sample size and age of participants, study design, and effect measure of anemia for tuberculosis were extracted. The data were entered using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata version 11 for analysis. The random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled OR and HR, and 95% CI. The sources of heterogeneity were tested by Cochrane I-squared statistics. The publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test statistics. Results A total of 17 articles with a 215,294 study participants were included in the analysis. The odd of tuberculosis among anemic patients was 3.56 (95% CI 2.53–5.01) times higher than non-anemic patients. The cohort studies showed that the HR of tuberculosis was 2.01 (95% CI 1.70–2.37) times higher among anemic patients than non-anemic patients. The hazard of tuberculosis also increased with anemia severity (HR 1.37 (95% CI 0.92–2.05), 2.08 (95% CI 1.14–3.79), and 2.66 (95% CI 1.71–4.13) for mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively). Conclusion According to the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we can conclude that anemia was a risk factor for tuberculosis. Therefore, anemia screening, early diagnose, and treatment should be provoked in the community to reduce the burden of tuberculosis.

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