scholarly journals Spatial connectivity in mosquito-borne disease models: a systematic review of methods and assumptions

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (178) ◽  
pp. 20210096
Author(s):  
Sophie A. Lee ◽  
Christopher I. Jarvis ◽  
W. John Edmunds ◽  
Theodoros Economou ◽  
Rachel Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Statistical Models ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Spatial Models ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Local Regression ◽  
Vector Ecology ◽  
Spatial Connectivity

Spatial connectivity plays an important role in mosquito-borne disease transmission. Connectivity can arise for many reasons, including shared environments, vector ecology and human movement. This systematic review synthesizes the spatial methods used to model mosquito-borne diseases, their spatial connectivity assumptions and the data used to inform spatial model components. We identified 248 papers eligible for inclusion. Most used statistical models (84.2%), although mechanistic are increasingly used. We identified 17 spatial models which used one of four methods (spatial covariates, local regression, random effects/fields and movement matrices). Over 80% of studies assumed that connectivity was distance-based despite this approach ignoring distant connections and potentially oversimplifying the process of transmission. Studies were more likely to assume connectivity was driven by human movement if the disease was transmitted by an Aedes mosquito. Connectivity arising from human movement was more commonly assumed in studies using a mechanistic model, likely influenced by a lack of statistical models able to account for these connections. Although models have been increasing in complexity, it is important to select the most appropriate, parsimonious model available based on the research question, disease transmission process, the spatial scale and availability of data, and the way spatial connectivity is assumed to occur.

scholarly journals How Effective Is Auditory–Verbal Therapy (AVT) for Building Language Development of Children with Cochlear Implants? A Systematic Review

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Paris Binos ◽  
Elina Nirgianaki ◽  
George Psillas
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Voice Quality ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Mainstream Society ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Auditory Verbal Therapy

This systematic review sheds light on the effectiveness of auditory–verbal therapy (AVT) outcomes in children with cochlear implants (CIs). The presented outcome is based on research findings from the last 10 years. The systematic review was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Critical Appraisal of Treatment Evidence (CATE) checklist. Specific keywords were chosen based on the research question and searched on the PubMed database. All searched papers were analysed based on specific exclusion criteria and classified into four evidence levels. The results revealed that children who participated in AV therapy can achieve linguistic skills at the same level as their hearing peers. Voice quality seemed positively affected, placing young children with CIs in the normal range for receptive vocabulary development. In contrast, reading skills seemed less benefited. AV therapy seems to contribute to integration into mainstream society. Despite the recorded speech and language improvements of young children with CIs, the aim of AV therapy is still not fulfilled. AV therapy can be seen as the best clinical practice for young children with CIs till now, but the lack of well-controlled studies is undermining.

scholarly journals Study protocol of a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis using two different approaches: Healthcare related needs and desires of older people with post-stroke aphasia

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e039348
Author(s):  
Nadine Janis Pohontsch ◽  
Thorsten Meyer ◽  
Yvonne Eisenmann ◽  
Maria-Inti Metzendorf ◽  
Verena Leve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older People ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

IntroductionStroke is a frequent disease in the older population of Western Europe with aphasia as a common consequence. Aphasia is known to impede targeting treatment to individual patients’ needs and therefore may reduce treatment success. In Germany, the postacute care of patients who had stroke is provided by different healthcare institutions of different sectors (rehabilitation, nursing and primary care) with substantial difficulties to coordinate services. We will conduct two qualitative evidence syntheses (QESs) aiming at exploring distinct healthcare needs and desires of older people living with poststroke aphasia. We thereby hope to support the development of integrated care models based on needs of patients who are very restricted to communicate them. Since various methods of QESs exist, the aim of the study embedding the two QESs was to determine if findings differ according to the approach used.Methods and analysisWe will conduct two QESs by using metaethnography (ME) and thematic synthesis (ThS) independently to synthesise the findings of primary qualitative studies. The main differences between these two methods are the underlying epistemologies (idealism (ME) vs realism (ThS)) and the type of research question (emerging (ME) vs fixed (ThS)).We will search seven bibliographical databases. Inclusion criteria comprise: patients with poststroke aphasia, aged 65 years and older, studies in German/English, all types of qualitative studies concerning needs and desires related to healthcare or the healthcare system. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines and includes three items from the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the synthesis of Qualitative Research checklist.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented on national conferences.

E-voting adoption in many countries: A literature review

2021 ◽  
pp. 205789112110405
Author(s):  
Ikhsan Darmawan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Research Question ◽  
The United States ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Research Questions

Although the number of countries that have adopted e-voting has decreased lately, the number of academic publications on e-voting adoption has increased in the last two years. To date, there is no coherent narrative in the existing literature that explains the progress of the research on e-voting adoption. This article aims to answer the following research question: “How has research on the topic of e-voting adoption progressed over the last 15 years?” The article provides a semi-systematic review of 78 studies that were conducted from 2005 to 2020. In this article, I argue that although the studies on e-voting adoption are dominated by a single case study, by research in the United States, and by the positivist paradigm, scholars have employed the term “e-voting adoption” diversely and the research on e-voting adoption has evolved to address more specific research questions. Recommendations for the future agenda of research on e-voting adoption are also discussed.

Machine Learning-based Prediction Models for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nghia H Nguyen ◽  
Dominic Picetti ◽  
Parambir S Dulai ◽  
Vipul Jairath ◽  
William J Sandborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Prediction ◽  
Statistical Models ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Bowel Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Machine Learning Models

Abstract Background and Aims There is increasing interest in machine learning-based prediction models in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We synthesized and critically appraised studies comparing machine learning vs. traditional statistical models, using routinely available clinical data for risk prediction in IBD. Methods Through a systematic review till January 1, 2021, we identified cohort studies that derived and/or validated machine learning models, based on routinely collected clinical data in patients with IBD, to predict the risk of harboring or developing adverse clinical outcomes, and reported its predictive performance against a traditional statistical model for the same outcome. We appraised the risk of bias in these studies using the Prediction model Risk of Bias ASsessment (PROBAST) tool. Results We included 13 studies on machine learning-based prediction models in IBD encompassing themes of predicting treatment response to biologics and thiopurines, predicting longitudinal disease activity and complications and outcomes in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis. The most common machine learnings models used were tree-based algorithms, which are classification approaches achieved through supervised learning. Machine learning models outperformed traditional statistical models in risk prediction. However, most models were at high risk of bias, and only one was externally validated. Conclusions Machine learning-based prediction models based on routinely collected data generally perform better than traditional statistical models in risk prediction in IBD, though frequently have high risk of bias. Future studies examining these approaches are warranted, with special focus on external validation and clinical applicability.

scholarly journals Interventions to promote psychiatric patients’ compliance to mental health treatment: A systematic review

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mosidi B. Serobatse ◽  
Emmerentia Du Plessis ◽  
Magdalena P. Koen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Health Treatment

Background: Non-compliance to treatment remains one of the greatest challenges in mental healthcare services, and how to improve this remains a problem.Aim: The aim of this study was to critically synthesise the best available evidence from literature regarding interventions to promote psychiatric patients’ compliance to mental health treatment. The interventions can be made available for mental health professionals to use in clinical practice.Method: A systematic review was chosen as a design to identify primary studies that answered the following research question: What is the current evidence on interventions to promote psychiatric patients’ compliance to mental health treatment? Selected electronic databases were thoroughly searched. Studies were critically appraised and identifid as answeringthe research questions. Evidence extraction, analysis and synthesis were then conducted by means of evidence class rating and grading of strength prescribed in the American Dietetic Association’s manual.Results: The systematic review identifid several interventions that can improve patients’ compliance in mental health treatment, for example adherence therapy and motivational interviewing techniques during in-hospital stay.Conclusions: Conclusions were drawn and recommendations formulated for nursing practice, education and research.Agtergrond: Geen-samewerking met behandeling bly steeds een van die grootste uitdagings in geestesgesondheidsorgdienste, en genoegsame kennis oor hoe om dit te verbeter, is steeds ’n probleem.Doelwit: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die beskikbare bewyse vanuit literatuur aangaande intervensies ter bevordering van psigiatriese pasiënte se samewerking met geestesgesondheidsbehandeling krities te sintetiseer. Hierdie intervensies kan aan professionele gesondheidsorgpersoneel beskikbaar gestel word ter bevordering van psigiatriese pasiënte se samewerking met geestesgesondheidsbehandeling.Metode: ’n Sistematiese literatuuroorsig is gekies as die ontwerp om primêre studieste identifieer wat die volgende navorsingsvraag beantwoord: Wat is die huidige kennis ten opsigte van intervensies wat psigiatriese pasiënte se samewerking met geestesgesondheidsbehandeling bevorder?Resultate: Studies is ingesluit vir kritiese gehalte-beoordeling ten opsigte van metodologie, en is uiteindelik geïdentifieer as bronne van bewyse wat die literatuuroorsigvraag toepaslik beantwoord. Bewysonttrekking, -analise en -sintese is gedoen deur middel van die beoordeling van bewysklas en -gradering van bewyssterkte, soos voorgeskryf in die American Dietetic Association se handleiding. Die sistemiese literatuuroorsig het aangedui datdaar heelparty intervensies is wat psigiatriese pasiënte se samewerking met behandeling kan verbeter, byvoorbeeld samewerkingsterapie en motiveringsonderhoudstegnieke.Gevolgtrekking: Gevolgtrekkings is gemaak en aanbevelings is geformuleer vir die verpleegpraktyk, verpleegonderrig en navorsing in verpleging.

scholarly journals Models of Privacy and Disclosure on Social Networking Sites: A Systematic Literature Review

Mathematics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Lili Nemec Zlatolas ◽  
Luka Hrgarek ◽  
Tatjana Welzer ◽  
Marko Hölbl
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Statistical Models ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
User Awareness ◽  
Structural Equations Models

Social networking sites (SNSs) are used widely, raising new issues in terms of privacy and disclosure. Although users are often concerned about their privacy, they often publish information on social networking sites willingly. Due to the growing number of users of social networking sites, substantial research has been conducted in recent years. In this paper, we conducted a systematic review of papers that included structural equations models (SEM), or other statistical models with privacy and disclosure constructs. A total of 98 such papers were found and included in the analysis. In this paper, we evaluated the presentation of results of the models containing privacy and disclosure constructs. We carried out an analysis of which background theories are used in such studies and have also found that the studies have not been carried out worldwide. Extending the research to other countries could help with better user awareness of the privacy and self-disclosure of users on SNSs.

scholarly journals Symptomatic manifestations of the disease caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) in adults: systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (spe) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Rosa de Sousa Neto ◽  
Ana Raquel Batista de Carvalho ◽  
Erika Morganna Neves de Oliveira ◽  
Rosilane de Lima Brito Magalhães ◽  
Maria Eliete Batista Moura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Nasal Congestion ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Runny Nose ◽  
Cough Headache

ABSTRACT Objective To identify symptoms of COVID-19 in adults in the scientific literature. Method Systematic review of studies published from December 1, 2019 to April 21, 2020 from the Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases, in order to answer the following research question: “What are the symptoms caused by COVID-19 in adults?” using the keywords “Symptoms”, “Clinical Manifestations”, “Coronavirus”, “COVID-19”. Results Of the total 105 references, 13 references that addressed the symptoms of COVID-19 were selected. Fever and normal or dry cough were symptoms present in all studies. Conclusion The symptoms identified in adult patients were fever, normal or dry cough, headache, pharyngalgia, dyspnea, diarrhea, myalgia, vomiting, sputum or expectoration, anxiety or chest pain, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain, rhinorrhea, runny nose or nasal congestion, dizziness, chills, systemic pain, mental confusion, hemoptysis, asthma, taste disorder, smell disorder, belching and tachycardia.

scholarly journals Relationship between hormonal contraceptives and sleep among women of reproductive age: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e045819
Author(s):  
Jinhui Ma ◽  
Megan Cheng ◽  
Lehana Thabane ◽  
Caihong Ma ◽  
Ning Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age

IntroductionThe aetiology of sleep disruptions is unknown, but hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause have been shown to potentially affect how well a woman sleeps. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether hormonal contraceptives are associated with a decreased quality of sleep and increased sleep duration in women of reproductive age.MethodsThis review will analyse data from randomised controlled trials or non-randomised comparative studies investigating the association between hormonal contraceptives and sleep outcomes among women of reproductive age. Reviews addressing the same research question with similar eligibility criteria will be included. A literature search will be performed using the MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to 7 March 2021. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias for Randomised Trials V.2.0 and The Risk of Bias for Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool will be used to assess risk of bias for each outcome in eligible studies. Two reviewers will independently assess eligibility of studies and risk of bias and extract the data. All extracted data will be presented in tables and narrative form. For sleep measures investigated by two or more studies with low heterogeneity, we will conduct random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the magnitude of the overall effect of hormonal contraceptives. If studies included in this systematic review form a connected network, a network meta-analysis will be conducted to estimate the comparative effect of different contraceptives. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach will be used to summarise the quality of evidence. Our protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols 2015 guidelines.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as data were sourced from previously reported studies. The findings of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020199958.

scholarly journals The Effects of Corticosteroids on the Respiratory Microbiome: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia E. Hartmann ◽  
Werner C. Albrich ◽  
Marija Dmitrijeva ◽  
Christian R. Kahlert
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Corticosteroid Treatment ◽  
Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Culture Independent ◽  
Respiratory Microbiome

Background: Since its discovery, the respiratory microbiome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple pulmonary diseases. Even though corticosteroid treatments are widely prescribed for pulmonary diseases, their effects on the respiratory microbiome are still poorly understood. This systematic review summarizes the current understanding of the effects of corticosteroids on the microbiome of the airways.Research Question: How does treatment with corticosteroids impact the respiratory microbiome?Study Design and Methods: According to the PRISMA guidelines, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were systematically searched for all observational or randomized-controlled studies comparing the microbiome parameters of patients receiving corticosteroids to those of controls. The primary outcomes of interest were changes in the diversity, composition and total burden of the respiratory microbiome as assessed by culture-independent molecular methods.Results: Out of 1,943 identified reports, five studies could be included: two on patients with asthma, two on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and one on patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The studies were highly heterogeneous with regards to the methods used and the populations investigated. Microbiome diversity increased with corticosteroids at least transiently in three studies and decreased in one study. The effects of corticosteroids on the composition of the respiratory microbiome were significant but without a clear shared direction. A significant increase in microbial burden after corticosteroids was seen in one study.Interpretation: Data on the effect of corticosteroids on the respiratory microbiome are still limited, with considerable heterogeneity between studies. However, available data suggest that corticosteroid treatment may have significant effects on the composition and possibly the diversity of the respiratory microbiome. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of corticosteroids on the respiratory microbiome and thus better target its widespread therapeutic use.

scholarly journals The Ipsilesional Upper Limb Can Be Affected following Stroke

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma H. Kitsos ◽  
Isobel J. Hubbard ◽  
Alex R. Kitsos ◽  
Mark W. Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Data Source ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Objective. Neurological dysfunction commonly occurs in the upper limb contralateral to the hemisphere of the brain in which stroke occurs; however, the impact of stroke on function of the ipsilesional upper limb is not well understood. This study aims to systematically review the literature relating to the function of the ipsilesional upper limb following stroke and answer the following research question: Is the ipsilesional upper limb affected by stroke?Data Source. A systematic review was carried out in Medline, Embase, and PubMed.Review Methods. All studies investigating the ipsilesional upper limb following stroke were included and analysed for important characteristics. Outcomes were extracted and summarised.Results. This review captured 27 articles that met the inclusion criteria. All studies provided evidence that the ipsilesional upper limb can be affected following stroke.Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that clinicians should consider ipsilesional upper limb deficits in rehabilitation and address this reduced functional capacity. Furthermore, the ipsilesional upper limb should not be used as a “control” measure of recovery for the contralateral upper limb.

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