The Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation for the meta‐analysis of proportions: Recent criticisms were seriously misleading

Author(s):  
Suhail A. Doi ◽  
Chang Xu

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Andrea Raballo ◽  
Michele Poletti ◽  
Antonio Preti

Abstract Background The clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis paradigm is changing psychiatric practice. However, a widespread confounder, i.e. baseline exposure to antipsychotics (AP) in CHR samples, is systematically overlooked. Such exposure might mitigate the initial clinical presentation, increase the heterogeneity within CHR populations, and confound the evaluation of transition to psychosis at follow-up. This is the first meta-analysis examining the prevalence and the prognostic impact on transition to psychosis of ongoing AP treatment at baseline in CHR cohorts. Methods Major databases were searched for articles published until 20 April 2020. The variance-stabilizing Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation was used to estimate prevalence. The binary outcome of transition to psychosis by group was estimated with risk ratio (RR) and the inverse variance method was used for pooling. Results Fourteen studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis, including 1588 CHR individuals. Out of the pooled CHR sample, 370 individuals (i.e. 23.3%) were already exposed to AP at the time of CHR status ascription. Transition toward full-blown psychosis at follow-up intervened in 112 (29%; 95% CI 24–34%) of the AP-exposed CHR as compared to 235 (16%; 14–19%) of the AP-naïve CHR participants. AP-exposed CHR had higher RR of transition to psychosis (RR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.18–1.83; z = 3.48; p = 0.0005), without influence by age, gender ratio, overall sample size, duration of the follow-up, or quality of the studies. Conclusions Baseline AP exposure in CHR samples is substantial and is associated with a higher imminent risk of transition to psychosis. Therefore, such exposure should be regarded as a non-negligible red flag for clinical risk management.



2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J W H Koh ◽  
C H Ng ◽  
M H Lee ◽  
Y H Chin ◽  
Z H Ong ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Biologics are recommended by both the ACG and ECCO community for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Yet, current literature has yet to estimate the rate of colectomies after biologic therapy, and thus a pooled meta-analysis was conducted the rate of colectomies in 1month, 6 months, 1 year, 2years and five years after biologics. Method Medline and Embase were searched for articles examining biologics use in moderate to severe UC or acute severe UC (ASUC) from inception to 21st May 2020. Analysis of proportions were undertaken after a freeman-tukey double arcsine transformation. Results The pooled overall colectomy rates of ASUC and moderate to severe UC were 9% (CI: 4% - 14%) at one month, 18% (CI: 13% - 25%) at six months, 21% (CI:16% - 27%) at one year, 29% (CI:24% - 34%) at two years and 38% (CI:30% - 45%) at five years. Additionally, colectomy rates were consistently lower comparing between articles before and after 2010. At one-year, overall colectomy rate following infliximab use was at 25%, golimumab at 15%, vedolizumab at 14%, and adalimumab at 3%. Conclusions Colectomy rates in the era of biologics ranged from 8% to 38% and lower post-2010 showing significant improvement in management and supporting the utility of biologics in Ulcerative colitis management.



Author(s):  
Schneider K. Rancy ◽  
Scott W. Wolfe ◽  
J. Terrence Jose Jerome

Abstract Objective This article compares predictors of failure for vascularized (VBG) and nonvascularized bone grafting (NVBG) of scaphoid nonunions. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of outcomes after VBG and NVBG of scaphoid nonunion. Fifty-one VBG studies (N = 1,419 patients) and 81 NVBG studies (N = 3,019 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected on surgical technique, type of fixation, time from injury to surgery, fracture location, abnormal carpal posture (humpback deformity and/or dorsal intercalated segmental instability [DISI]), radiographic parameters of carpal alignment, prior failed surgery, smoking status, and avascular necrosis (AVN) as defined by punctate bleeding, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast, MRI without contrast, X-ray, and histology. Meta-analysis of proportions was conducted with Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation. Multilevel mixed-effects analyses were performed with univariable and multivariable Poisson regression to identify confounders and evaluate predictors of failure. Results The pooled failure incidence effect size was comparable between VBG and NVBG (0.09 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05–0.13] and 0.08 [95% CI 0.06–0.11], respectively). Humpback deformity and/or DISI (incidence-rate radios [IRRs] 1.57, CI: 1.04–2.36) and lateral intrascaphoid angle (IRR 1.21, CI: 1.08–1.37) were significantly associated with an increased VBG failure incidence. Time from injury to surgery (IRR 1.09, CI: 1.06–1.12) and height-to-length (H/L) ratio (IRR 53.98, CI: 1.16–2,504.24) were significantly associated with an increased NVBG failure incidence, though H/L ratio demonstrated a wide CI. Decreased proximal fragment contrast uptake on MRI was a statistically significant predictor of increased failure incidence for both VBG (IRR 2.03 CI: 1.13–3.66) and NVBG (IRR 1.39, CI: 1.16–1.66). Punctate bleeding or radiographic AVN, scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, and prior failed surgery were not associated with failure incidence for either bone graft type (p > 0.05). Conclusion Humpback deformity and/or DISI and increasing lateral intrascaphoid angle may be predictors of VBG failure. Time from injury to surgery may be a predictor of NVBG failure. AVN as defined by decreased contrast uptake on MRI may be a marker of increased failure risk for both bone graft types.



2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Hiromi Hori Okuyama ◽  
Tais Freire Galvao ◽  
Marcus Tolentino Silva

Objective.To assess the culture of patient safety in studies that employed the hospital survey on patient safety culture (HSOPS) in hospitals around the world.Method.We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and SciELO. Two researchers selected studies and extracted the following data: year of publication, country, percentage of physicians and nurses, sample size, and results for the 12 HSOPS dimensions. For each dimension, a random effects meta-analysis with double-arcsine transformation was performed, as well as meta-regressions to investigate heterogeneity, and tests for publication bias.Results.59 studies with 755,415 practitioners surveyed were included in the review. 29 studies were conducted in the Asian continent and 11 in the United States. On average studies scored 9 out of 10 methodological quality score. Of the 12 HSOPS dimensions, six scored under 50% of positivity, with “nonpunitive response to errors” the lowest one. In the meta-regression, three dimensions were shown to be influenced by the proportion of physicians and five by the continent where survey was held.Conclusions.The HSOPS is widely used in several countries to assess the culture of patient safety in hospital settings. The culture of culpability is the main weakness across studies. Encouraging event reporting and learning from errors should be priorities in hospitals worldwide.



2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido Schwarzer ◽  
Hiam Chemaitelly ◽  
Laith J. Abu‐Raddad ◽  
Gerta Rücker


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13105-e13105
Author(s):  
Yonette Paul ◽  
Sunil G Iyer ◽  
Leonardo Tamariz ◽  
Zsuzsanna Nemeth ◽  
Gilberto Lopes

e13105 Background: Although poorer outcomes of lung cancer in Blacks compared to other racial groups has been strongly linked to socio-economic factors, it is important to investigate whether lower prevalence of targetable mutations limit treatment options, thereby also contributing to worse outcomes. This study examines the prevalence of EGFR, ALK, ROS-1 and BRAF lung cancer mutations in Blacks compared to other races. Methods: We conducted a meta- analysis compliant with PRISMA guidelines. Searched databases included PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov. Publication bias was mitigated by searching clinicaltrials.gov for unpublished studies. Searches were run to 11/19/2018. Two rounds of screening were performed based on title and then abstract by two independent reviewers. For the purposes of this study we defined racial groups as Black, Asian, Hispanic, and White/Caucasian. We selected studies of lung cancer patients (any stage or type) where the prevalence of at least one mutation was reported in Blacks. We calculated the pooled prevalence of mutations by racial group using fixed effects, exact binomial distributions and Freeman-Turkey double arcsine transformation to stabilize the variances. Results: Prevalence % of mutations by race reported with 95% Confidence Interval in parentheses N = number of tests performed We included 20 studies which totaled 11,867 lung cancer patients. Each mutation tested on a tissue sample was considered an event, for a total of 15,306 events. EGFR was the most prevalent mutation in Blacks (6%). Compared to other races Blacks had the lowest prevalence of all four mutations. Conclusions: In the era of targeted therapy, outcomes for metastatic lung have improved significantly. Of concern, our results show that Blacks are disproportionately ineligible for these therapies due to lower prevalence of targetable mutations. More research is needed to evaluate the unique tumor characteristics and therapeutic strategies in this sub group of patients, in the hope of achieving better disease outcomes.[Table: see text]



2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kourosh Sayemiri ◽  
Hamed Tavan ◽  
Masoumeh Shohani ◽  
Reza Valizadeh

Context: Self-immolation is one of the most violent methods of suicide and is considered a psychosocial problem. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the forms of self-immolation in Iran using a systematic review and meta-analysis method. Data Sources: In this study, seven papers published from 1999 to January 2020 were selected using keywords such as self-immolation and Iran in SID, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), Scopus, and Elsevier databases. Study Selection: Study selection was done by two independent researchers. The results of studies were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine Transformation method. The heterogeneity among studies was checked using the Q-test and I2 index. Data Extraction: Data were extracted using a data extraction form. Results: The total sample size was 9,470. The mortality rate in self-immolation subjects was estimated at 64% (95% CI: 0.56 - 0.73). The most important means of self-immolation was oil [89% (95% CI: 82% - 96%). Winter had the highest numbers of self-immolation [29% (95% CI: 22% - 37%). Meta-regression showed no significant correlation between the mortality of self-immolation and the year of study. Conclusions: To reduce self-immolation, easy access to oil must be restricted in families, and high-risk people should have access to psychology consultation.



2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 1093-1107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Wolfensberger ◽  
Lauren Clack ◽  
Stefan P. Kuster ◽  
Simone Passerini ◽  
Lona Mody ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe transfer of pathogens may spread antimicrobial resistance and lead to healthcare-acquired infections. We performed a systematic literature review to generate estimates of pathogen transfer in relation to healthcare provider (HCP) activities.MethodsFor this systematic review and meta-analysis, Medline/Ovid, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published before July 7, 2017. We reviewed the literature, examining transfer of pathogens associated with HCP activities. We included studies that (1) quantified transfer of pathogens from a defined origin to a defined destination surface; (2) reported a microbiological sampling technique; and (3) described the associated activity leading to transfer. For studies reporting transfer frequencies, we extracted data and calculated the estimated proportion using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation and the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model.ResultsOf 13,121 identified articles, 32 were included. Most articles (n=27, 84%) examined transfer from patients and their environment to HCP hands, gloves, and gowns, with an estimated proportion for transfer frequency of 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12%–57%), 30% (95% CI, 23%–38%) and 10% (95% CI, 6%–14%), respectively. Other articles addressed transfer involving the hospital environment and medical devices. Risk factor analyses in 12 studies suggested higher transfer frequencies after contact with moist body sites (n=7), longer duration of care (n=5), and care of patients with an invasive device (n=3).ConclusionsRecognizing the heterogeneity in study designs, the available evidence suggests that pathogen transfer to HCPs occurs frequently. More systematic research is urgently warranted to support targeted and economic prevention policies and interventions.



PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0253957
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Chiossi ◽  
Roberto D’Amico ◽  
Anna L. Tramontano ◽  
Veronica Sampogna ◽  
Viola Laghi ◽  
...  

Background As uterine rupture may affect as many as 11/1000 women with 1 prior cesarean birth and 5/10.000 women with unscarred uterus undergoing labor induction, we intended to estimate the prevalence of such rare outcome when PGE2 is used for cervical ripening and labor induction. Methods We searched MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane library up to September 1st 2020. Retrospective and prospective cohort studies, as well as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on singleton viable pregnancies receiving PGE2 for cervical ripening and labor induction were reviewed. Prevalence of uterine rupture was meta-analyzed with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation among women with 1 prior low transverse cesarean section and women with unscarred uterus. Results We reviewed 956 full text articles to include 69 studies. The pooled prevalence rate of uterine rupture is estimated to range between 2 and 9 out of 1000 women with 1 prior low transverse cesarean (5/1000; 95%CI 2-9/1000, 122/9000). The prevalence of uterine rupture among women with unscarred uterus is extremely low, reaching at most 0.7/100.000 (<1/100.000.000; 95%CI <1/100.000.000–0.7/100.000, 8/17.684). Conclusions Uterine rupture is a rare event during cervical ripening and labor induction with PGE2.



Author(s):  
Linh Ngo ◽  
Daniel Nour ◽  
Russell A. Denman ◽  
Tomos E. Walters ◽  
Haris M. Haqqani ◽  
...  

Background Leadless pacemaker is a novel technology, and evidence supporting its use is uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers implanted in the right ventricle. Methods and Results We searched PubMed and Embase for studies published before June 6, 2020. The primary safety outcome was major complications, whereas the primary efficacy end point was acceptable pacing capture threshold (≤2 V). Pooled estimates were calculated using the Freedman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. Of 1281 records screened, we identified 36 observational studies of Nanostim and Micra leadless pacemakers, with most (69.4%) reporting outcomes for the Micra. For Micra, the pooled incidence of complications at 90 days (n=1608) was 0.46% (95% CI, 0.08%–1.05%) and at 1 year (n=3194) was 1.77% (95% CI, 0.76%–3.07%). In 5 studies with up to 1‐year follow‐up, Micra was associated with 51% lower odds of complications compared with transvenous pacemakers (3.30% versus 7.43%; odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34–0.70). At 1 year, 98.96% (95% CI, 97.26%–99.94%) of 1376 patients implanted with Micra had good pacing capture thresholds. For Nanostim, the reported complication incidence ranged from 6.06% to 23.54% at 90 days and 5.33% to 6.67% at 1 year, with 90% to 100% having good pacing capture thresholds at 1 year (pooled result not estimated because of the low number of studies). Conclusions Most studies report outcomes for the Micra, which is associated with a low risk of complications and good electrical performance up to 1‐year after implantation. Further data from randomized controlled trials are needed to support the widespread adoption of these devices in clinical practice.



Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document