scholarly journals Role of Participatory Health Informatics in Detecting and Managing Pandemics: Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elia Gabarron ◽  
Octavio Rivera-Romero ◽  
Talya Miron-Shatz ◽  
Rebecca Grainger ◽  
Kerstin Denecke
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Health Informatics ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Computing Machinery ◽  
Disease Patterns ◽  
Search Patterns

Objectives: Using participatory health informatics (PHI) to detect disease outbreaks or learn about pandemics has gained interest in recent years. However, the role of PHI in understanding and managing pandemics, citizens’ role in this context, and which methods are relevant for collecting and processing data are still unclear, as is which types of data are relevant. This paper aims to clarify these issues and explore the role of PHI in managing and detecting pandemics. Methods: Through a literature review we identified studies that explore the role of PHI in detecting and managing pandemics. Studies from five databases were screened: PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), IEEE Xplore, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Digital Library, and Cochrane Library. Data from studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were extracted and synthesized narratively. Results: Out of 417 citations retrieved, 53 studies were included in this review. Most research focused on influenza-like illnesses or COVID-19 with at least three papers on other epidemics (Ebola, Zika or measles). The geographic scope ranged from global to concentrating on specific countries. Multiple processing and analysis methods were reported, although often missing relevant information. The majority of outcomes are reported for two application areas: crisis communication and detection of disease outbreaks. Conclusions: For most diseases, the small number of studies prevented reaching firm conclusions about the utility of PHI in detecting and monitoring these disease outbreaks. For others, e.g., COVID-19, social media and online search patterns corresponded to disease patterns, and detected disease outbreak earlier than conventional public health methods, thereby suggesting that PHI can contribute to disease and pandemic monitoring.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in Prostate Cancer Staging: A Systematic Review

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 552
Author(s):  
Salam Awenat ◽  
Arnoldo Piccardo ◽  
Patricia Carvoeiras ◽  
Giovanni Signore ◽  
Luca Giovanella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Metastatic Disease ◽  
Cancer Staging ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Pet Ct

Background: The use of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted agents for staging prostate cancer (PCa) patients using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasing worldwide. We performed a systematic review on the role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging to provide evidence-based data in this setting. Methods: A comprehensive computer literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases for studies using 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging was performed until 31 December 2020. Eligible articles were selected and relevant information was extracted from the original articles by two authors independently. Results: Eight articles (369 patients) evaluating the role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging were selected. These studies were quite heterogeneous, but, overall, they demonstrated a good diagnostic accuracy of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in detecting PCa lesions at staging. Overall, higher primary PCa aggressiveness was associated with higher 18F-PSMA-1007 uptake. When compared with other radiological and scintigraphic imaging methods, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT had superior sensitivity in detecting metastatic disease and the highest inter-reader agreement. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT showed similar results in terms of diagnostic accuracy for PCa staging compared with PET/CT with other PSMA-targeted tracers. Dual imaging with multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT may improve staging of primary PCa. Notably, 18F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT may detect metastatic disease in a significant number of patients with negative standard imaging. Conclusions: 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT demonstrated a good accuracy in PCa staging, with similar results compared with other PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals. This method could substitute bone scintigraphy and conventional abdominal imaging for PCa staging. Prospective multicentric studies are needed to confirm these findings.

scholarly journals Reporting of the Role of the Expert Searcher in Cochrane Reviews

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Margaret Sampson ◽  
Jessie McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Statistical Decision ◽  
Cochrane Reviews ◽  
Statistical Decisions ◽  
Search Quality

Introduction - This study applied the principles of evidence based information practice to clarify the role of information specialists and librarians in the preparation of Cochrane systematic reviews and to determine whether information specialists impact the quality of searching in Cochrane systematic reviews. Objectives - This research project sought to determine how the contribution of the person responsible for searching in the preparation of Cochrane systematic reviews was reported; whether the contribution was recognized through authorship or acknowledgement; the qualifications of the searcher; and the association between the type of contributorship and characteristics of the search strategy, assessability, and the presence of certain types of errors. Methods - Data sources: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, The Cochrane Library 3 (2002). Inclusion criteria: The study included systematic reviews that met the following criteria: one or more sections of the Cochrane Highly Sensitive Search Strategy were utilised, primary studies were either randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs, and included and excluded studies were clearly identified. Data extraction: Two librarians assessed the searches for errors, establishing consensus on discordant ratings. Results - Of the 169 reviews screened for this project, 105 met all eligibility criteria. Authors fulfilled the searching role in 41.9% of reviews studied, acknowledged persons or groups in 13.3%, a combination in 9.5%, and the role was not reported in 35.2% of reviews. For the 78 reviews in which meta-analyses were performed, the positions of those responsible for statistical decisions were examined for comparative purposes. The statistical role was performed by an author in 47.4% of cases and unreported in the same number of cases. Insufficient analyzable data was obtained regarding professional qualifications (3/105 for searching, 2/78 for statistical decisions). Search quality was assessed for 66 searches across 74 reviews. In general, it was more possible to assess the search quality when the searcher role was reported. An association was found between the reporting of searcher role and the presence of a consequential error. There was no association between the number of consequential errors and how the contribution of the searcher was reported. Conclusions - Qualifications of the persons responsible for searching and statistical decision-making were poorly reported in Cochrane reviews, but more complete role reporting is associated with greater assessability of searches and fewer substantive errors in search strategies.

Medical Issues in Playing the Oboe: A Literature Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 235-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Banzhoff ◽  
Maria del Mar Ropero ◽  
Gabriele Menzel ◽  
Tatjana Salmen ◽  
Manfred Gross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Velopharyngeal Incompetence ◽  
Obstructive Sleep

Playing a musical instrument can affect physical and mental health. A literature review was conducted to determine the prevalence of health problems among oboists, which medical conditions can be caused or exacerbated by playing, whether oboe playing can be a protective factor, and whether recommendations are possible as to who should or should not play the oboe. Searches in 7 databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SocIndex, PsyIndex, Psychinfo) yielded a total of 950 studies; after exclusion of duplicates and those not meeting eligibility criteria, 37 articles were selected for final analysis. In addition, Google Scholar and a musicology library served as additional sources, revealing another 6 publications for inclusion. As a result, some evidence was found for musculoskeletal problems, focal dystonia, stress velopharyngeal incompetence, increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lower pulmonary function, disease transmission via instruments, and hearing loss due to noise exposure. Playing the oboe may be protective against obstructive sleep apnea. However, due to small sample sizes, uncertain reproducibility of findings, and lack of accurate descriptions of problems reported by oboists, far more evidence would be necessary to answer the research questions conclusively. There was no evidence for causal relationships, and thus no recommendations can be made regarding who should (not) play the oboe. To improve the quality of medical care for these musicians and to implement prevention strategies, future investigations with more in-depth instrument-specific analyses and higher numbers of participants are needed.

scholarly journals A brief literature review on the management of post-haemorrhoidectomy pain

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Mohsin Uzzaman ◽  
Muhammed Rafay Sameem Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Symptomatic Control

The most commonly encountered complication after haemorrhoidectomy is post-operative pain. Relief of this pain may aid earlier recovery. A literature search was performed examining the different surgical and medical agents for the relief of post haemorrhoidectomy pain using Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane library databases. Pain can be relieved by surgical or medical agents. Surgery incorporates a risk of incontinence. A number of studies examine the role of medical agents.A variety of surgical techniques and medical agents are available to the clinician in the treatment of post haemorrhoidectomy pain. Tailored management to individual patients should ensure appropriate symptomatic control and prompt recovery.

scholarly journals AN OVERVIEW OF AUTOIMMUNITY IN IMPLANTATION FAILURE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 777-783
Author(s):  
Vladyslav O. Berestoviy ◽  
Ahmad A. Mahmood ◽  
Oleg O. Berestoviy ◽  
Valentyna G. Ginzburg ◽  
Dmytro O. Govsieiev
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Pathological State ◽  
Implantation Failure ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Medical University

The aim: This review was aimed to understand the role of different types of autoantibodies like antiphospholipid, antithyroid, antisperm, antinuclear, anti-ovarian autoantibodies and heat shock protein HSP 60 in the process of implantation in the normal way of conceiving and IVF and also to estimate that how the presence of these autoantibodies affect the normal pregnancy outcome. Materials and methods: This review process performed in the obstetrics and gynaecology postgraduate department, Bogomolets national medical university, Kyiv, Ukraine. It was a review of already published papers not to need the ethical board committee's approval. By following the literature review guidelines, this paper was written and searched for relevant studies regarding autoantibodies and implantation, published in medical literature till 2020 were included in this review process. The search is done for studies published till 2020 in the English language from the Medline database, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library database. Conclusions: Our recent work found that the involvement of APA, ANA and/or ATA in recipients of oocyte donations did not affect their pregnancy outcomes. Some researchers did not give any clear conclusion about these risks, and some stated that the use of some immunodepressant agents could be useful to reduce the harmful effects of these autoantibodies associated with implantation failure. Each autoantibody has a different mechanism of action to create the pathological state, some have direct effect, and some indirectly impact implantation. In future, further high-quality studies need to be performed for better understanding.

Information literacy needs of community college students in transition: a literature review

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Community College ◽  
Community Colleges ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
College Library

Purpose This literature review aims to look at the unique role of community colleges as they address the information literacy needs of their students, who are by nature continuously in transition to and from the institution. Design/methodology/approach Library science databases and online sources were reviewed for relevant information. Findings Community colleges are addressing the needs of their various student populations in a variety of ways. Originality/value The role of the community college library is underrepresented in the literature. This review provides more information about the unique role that community colleges fill in the higher education ecosystem.

scholarly journals THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIGITAL DIVIDE AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-201
Author(s):  
Thommy Sebatana Molala ◽  
Jabulani Calvin Makhubele
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Employment Education ◽  
Communication Policies

Purpose of the study: This paper aims to ascertain the nexus between the digital divide and social exclusion (inequalities) - directly and indirectly, as digital technology enables people to socialise, communicate, work, study, and conduct business. Methodology: To do this, the literature review is employed as a methodology. Specifically, the narrative or semi-systematic literature review was conducted on all sources germane to the topic under investigation. Main findings: The paper has found that the digital divide has adverse effects on the employment, education, health, social services, and socio-economic development of digitally excluded people. In addition, it has emerged that the digital divide exacerbates social exclusion. Applications of this study: To this end, Social Workers and associated professionals are empowered with knowledge about the role of the digital divide in social exclusion, thus they are expected to play active assume advocacy roles as far as Information Communication Policies are concerned. Novelty/Originality of this study: Digitalisation has embedded factors inducing poverty, inequity, and discrimination unintentionally; thereby this paper replenishes literature in Social Science to enable Social Scientists to utilise relevant information –in their research, intervention, and commentary.  

scholarly journals Mechanisms of neurogenesis and angiogenesis in ischaemic stroke: literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
Ekaterina S. Koroleva ◽  
Valentina M. Alifirova
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Neuroblast Migration ◽  
Vascular Regulation ◽  
Ischaemic Brain

Scientific achievements of recent decades indicate that neurogenesis and angiogenesis are interrelated processes in the struggle for functional recovery after ischaemic stroke. This literature review presents current data on the neurovascular interactions in ischaemic stroke, and describes the role of signalling molecules and growth factors in the regulation of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, which are crucial for neuronal survival and neuroplasticity. The authors conducted a literature search for abnormal neuroblast migration into the ischaemic penumbra and the role of signalling molecules, molecular targets of angiogenesis, and role of endogenous growth factors and neurochemical markers in post-stroke vascular regulation in acute cerebral ischaemia. Relevant keywords were entered into the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines, as well as Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health, CyberLeninka, eLibrary, and other databases. Despite promising results obtained in animal models, and the data from clinical studies, deeper interrelationships between molecular and cellular interactions of neurogenesis and angiogenesis are still not entirely clear. Further study and understanding of complex interactions between neurogenesis and angiogenesis is needed to find targets for exogenous growth factor administration and changes in endogenous molecule expression for treatment of ischaemic brain injury.

scholarly journals Health Informatics for Pediatric Disaster Preparedness Planning

2010 ◽  
Vol 01 (03) ◽  
pp. 256-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.V. Burke ◽  
T. Ryutov ◽  
R. Neches ◽  
J.S. Upperman
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Health Informatics ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Family Reunification ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Medical Databases ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Disaster Preparedness Planning ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Summary Objective: 1. To conduct a review of the role of informatics in pediatric disaster preparedness using all medical databases. 2. To provide recommendations to improve pediatric disaster preparedness by the application of informatics. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINHL and the Cochrane Library using the key words “children” AND “disaster preparedness and disaster” AND “informatics”. Results: A total of 314 papers were initially produced by the search and eight that met the selection criteria were included in the review. Four themes emerged: tools for disaster preparedness, education, reunification and planning and response. Conclusion: The literature pertaining to informatics and pediatric disaster preparedness is sparse and many gaps still persist. Current disaster preparedness tools focus on the general population and do not specifically address children. The most progress has been achieved in family reunification; however, the recommendations delineated are yet to be completed.

scholarly journals Music for anxiety? Meta-analysis of anxiety reduction in non-clinical samples

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia Panteleeva ◽  
Grazia Ceschi ◽  
Donald Glowinski ◽  
Delphine S. Courvoisier ◽  
Didier Grandjean
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Underlying Processes

The beneficial influence of listening to music on anxiety states has often been discussed. However, the empirical evidence and theoretical mechanisms underlying these effects remain controversial. The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of music on anxiety in healthy individuals. A comprehensive search in the PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Knowledge databases produced 19 articles complying with the eligibility criteria. The main results of the study reveal an overall decrease in self-reported anxiety ( d = −0.30, 95% CI [–0.55, –0.04]); however, the decrease was not significant for psychophysiological signals related to anxiety. Nevertheless, in several cases, listening to music greatly affects blood pressure, cortisol level and heart rate. The great heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of rigorous methodological standards, assessed with CONSORT guidelines, may have biased the results. Thus, listening to music should be cautiously considered as a part of more complex music-based psychological interventions for anxiety regulation. Nonetheless, as discussed in this article, the role of underlying processes (spontaneous memory recollections, mental imagery) must not be neglected. Further research perspectives are discussed.

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