Comparing the effectiveness of using generic and specific search terms in electronic databases to identify health outcomes for a systematic review: a prospective comparative study of literature search methods

Abstract Background Although B waves were introduced as a concept in the analysis of intracranial pressure (ICP) recordings nearly 60 years ago, there is still a lack consensus on precise definitions, terminology, amplitude, frequency or origin. Several competing terms exist, addressing either their probable physiological origin or their physical characteristics. To better understand B wave characteristics and ease their detection, a literature review was carried out. Methods A systematic review protocol including search strategy and eligibility criteria was prepared in advance. A literature search was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE, with the following search terms: B waves + review filter, slow waves + review filter, ICP B waves, slow ICP waves, slow vasogenic waves, Lundberg B waves, MOCAIP. Results In total, 19 different terms were found, B waves being the most common. These terminologies appear to be interchangeable and seem to be used indiscriminately, with some papers using more than five different terms. Definitions and etiologies are still unclear, which makes systematic and standardized detection difficult. Conclusions Two future lines of action are available for automating macro-pattern identification in ICP signals: achieving strict agreement on morphological characteristics of “traditional” B waveforms, or starting a new with a fresh computerized approach for recognition of new clinically relevant patterns.

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PP29 Evaluating Supplementary Search Methods: Outcomes To Measure And Why

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care ◽

10.1017/s0266462318001988 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (S1) ◽

pp. 77-77

Author(s):

Juan Talens-Bou ◽

Chris Cooper ◽

Jo Varley-Campbell

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Literature Search ◽

Staff Time ◽

Search Methods ◽

Record Time ◽

Unique Data ◽

Author Contact ◽

E Mail ◽

Contacting Authors ◽

Search Effectiveness

Introduction:In a recently published review of supplementary search methods, we proposed that researchers could usefully record time taken to search and present outcome values in similar way to existing studies, to facilitate generalisability of outcomes, where appropriate. We also discuss the idea of linking literature search effectiveness to study value. In this vignette, we discuss which outcomes we believe are important to measure and why. We discuss this in the context of the review of supplementary search methods and using a recently submitted evaluation of contacting study authors for context.Methods:In a recently completed systematic review, we contacted eighty-two study authors to ask three questions. We aimed to measure the following outcomes when contacting study authors: Effectiveness - determined as number of contacts compared to number of replies; Efficiency - i) time to make contact and ii) time between contact and reply. We determined this in hours, minutes and seconds, in line with other studies; Cost - determined by comparing the efficiency of contacting authors with the effectiveness; and Value - determined by reading and comparing the published studies with the replies received to see if any unique data were identified.Results:Effectiveness: thirty-eight answers were received from eighty-two possible contacts. Efficiency: In total, author contact took six hours, fifty-four minutes and twenty-five seconds across thirty-nine weeks. Replies were received across zero to thirty-nine days (median fourteen days). Cost: Cost for staff time was GBP 80.33 (EUR 91.20) or GBP 2.11 (EUR 2.40) per e-mail reply received. Value: We were able to identify value in author replies for each of the questions asked.Conclusions:In a recently published review of supplementary search methods, and a linked evaluation of the effectiveness of contacting study authors, we suggest outcomes that should be measured to determine effectiveness of literature search methods. We conclude that measuring these outcomes demonstrate both effectiveness and value.

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Neonatal prophylaxis with antibiotic containing ointments does not reduce incidence of chlamydial conjunctivitis in newborns

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05974-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tamar A. Smith-Norowitz ◽

Crystal Ukaegbu ◽

Stephan Kohlhoff ◽

Margaret R. Hammerschlag

Keyword(s):

Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽

Comparative Study ◽

Silver Nitrate ◽

Respiratory Infection ◽

Literature Search ◽

Prenatal Screening ◽

Prospective Comparative Study ◽

Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Abstract Background Neonatal ocular prophylaxis with silver nitrate does not prevent neonatal conjunctivitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis. The efficacy of antibiotic containing preparations for prevention of neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis (NCC) has not been established. Objective To examine published literature to determine whether antibiotic containing preparation are efficacious for prevention of NCC and C. trachomatis in the nasopharynx. Methods A literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles were selected for review if their content included 4 key criteria: (1) Prospective/comparative study. (2) Prenatal screening of mothers for C. trachomatis with results reported. (3) Follow-up of infants born to chlamydia-positive women. (4) Infants prospectively followed at regular intervals and tested for C. trachomatis in the eye/ nasopharynx (NP). Results The search yielded 159 studies; 11 were selected for full reviews, eight were excluded; three addressed the four criteria. Rates of C. trachomatis conjunctivitis in infants in included studies who received silver nitrate was 20–33%; positive NP, 1–28% and pneumonia, 3–8%. Rates of C. trachomatis conjunctivitis in neonates who received erythromycin or tetracycline prophylaxis did not differ from silver nitrate; 0–15 and 11%, respectively, who received erythromycin or tetracycline developed NCC. Similarly, 4–33 and 5% of infants who received erythromycin or tetracycline, respectively, had positive NP cultures; 0–4% developed chlamydial pneumonia. Conclusion Neonatal ocular prophylaxis with erythromycin or tetracycline ophthalmic ointments does not reduce incidence of neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis or respiratory infection in infants born to mothers with C. trachomatis infection compared to silver nitrate.

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Chilblain-Like Lesions (CLL) Associated With COVID-19 (“COVID Toes”): A Systematic Review

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/12034754211004575 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 120347542110045

Author(s):

Nadia Kashetsky ◽

Ilya M. Mukovozov ◽

James Bergman

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Clinical Relevance ◽

Complete Resolution ◽

Prognostic Value ◽

Literature Search ◽

Temporal Association ◽

Skin Changes ◽

Search Terms ◽

Lymphocytic Infiltrates

Reports of chilblain-like lesions (CLL) coinciding with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been described in the literature, but this phenomenon has not been critically summarized. The aim of this paper is to summarize reports of CLL coinciding with SARS-CoV-2 infection to clarify the prevalence, clinical relevance, and prognostic value of these lesions. A literature search was conducted using the Embase, Pubmed, and Scopus databases from December 2019 to June 16, 2020 using the search terms (“COVID-19” OR “coronavirus” OR “2019-nCoV” OR “SARS-CoV-2”) AND (“chilblain-like” OR “COVID toes” OR “acral”). Papers that described skin changes in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were included. A total of 31 papers were summarized, representing 813 cases of CLL. Available data suggests an equal gender distribution, mean age of 21 years, and median age of 14 years. Mild extracutaneous symptoms were reported in 53% of cases and 47% were asymptomatic. CLL occurred an average of 16 days after extracutaneous symptoms. Patients with CLL were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 15% of cases. Lesions were mainly described as asymptomatic and/or pruritic erythematous to violaceous acral macules and plaques. Partial or complete resolution occurred in 85% of cases in a mean of 13 days. The most common histologic findings were perivascular and perieccrine superficial and deep lymphocytic infiltrates. Although a causal relationship between CLL and SARS-CoV-2 has not been confirmed, the temporal association and 15% positive SARS-CoV-2 rate in affected individuals should not be ignored.

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Variable Diagnostic Performance of Stool Xpert in Pediatric Tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa627 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Meseret Gebre ◽

Lindsay Hatzenbuehler Cameron ◽

Getachew Tadesse ◽

Yohannes Woldeamanuel ◽

Liya Wassie

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Additional Specimen ◽

Search Terms ◽

Specimen Collection ◽

Stool Specimens ◽

Pediatric Tuberculosis ◽

Specific Search ◽

Respiratory Specimens ◽

Microbiological Confirmation

Abstract Background Difficult specimen collection and low bacillary load makes microbiological confirmation of tuberculosis (TB) in children challenging. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess diagnostic accuracy of Xpert on stool for pediatric tuberculosis. Methods Our search included studies from 2011 through 2019 and specific search terms were used to retrieve articles from Pubmed, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Clinical trials.gov and Google scholar. Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS 2 tool. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018083637). Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were conducted using meta-disc Software assuming a random effects model. Results We identified 12 eligible studies which included data from 2177 children, of whom 295 (13.6%) had bacteriologically confirmed TB on respiratory specimens. The pooled sensitivity of xpert MTB/RIF on stool specimens compared to bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis with respiratory specimens was 0.50 (95%CI 0.44-0.56) with I 2 of 86%, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The pooled specificity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-0.99), I 2 of 0.0%, p=0.44. Conclusions Despite the observed heterogeneity, stool may be considered as an additional specimen to support diagnosis of pulmonary TB in children especially in settings where it is impossible to get respiratory samples. Further studies should evaluate its optimization as a diagnostic tool.

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Innervation Patterns of the Pronator Teres Muscle and Their Possible Role in Neurotization: A Systematic Review of Cadaveric Studies

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove Czech Republic) ◽

10.14712/18059694.2021.14 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 64 (2) ◽

pp. 77-84

Author(s):

Bhagath Kumar Potu ◽

M. V. Ravishankar

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Literature Search ◽

Systematic Literature Search ◽

Pronator Teres ◽

Nerve Transfers ◽

Search Terms ◽

Cochrane Reviews ◽

Branching Patterns ◽

Innervation Patterns ◽

The Mean

Background: Contrary to the classic anatomical description, many recent studies have reported wide variations in branching patterns and location of motor branches that are supplying the pronator teres muscle. To understand these variations and their implications in surgical procedures of the nerve transfers, a systematic review was performed on the innervation of pronator teres muscle from cadaveric studies.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in databases such as Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane reviews and orthopedics textbooks using the search terms “pronator teres nerve branches”; AND “number” OR “location” OR “length” OR “diameter” yielded 545 article links. Articles were evaluated according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of twenty cadaveric studies including 648 branches have registered 52.9% of two branch innervation pattern followed by 31.3%-single branch pattern; 13.5%-three branch pattern; 1.7%-four branch pattern, and 0.4%-five branch patterns, respectively. Of the 403 branches studied for their location in relation with the humeral intercondylar line, most branches were located distal to the line (50.3%), followed by 32.7% (proximal to it) and 16.8% at the line, respectively. The distance of branches located proximal and distal to humeral intercondylar line was in the range of 1.25–10 cm, and 1.1–7.5 cm, respectively. The mean length and diameter of nerves reported were 4.37 ± 2.43 cm, and 1.5 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Our data defined the morphometrics of nerve branches and they often met the required diameter for neurotization procedures. Our findings also demonstrated that the morphometrics, branching pattern and their location vary between populations and this information is very vital for surgeons during the nerve transfers.

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Phytochemicals against COVID -19, Pharmacological Perspectives: A Systematic Review

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i53b33678 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 34-55

Author(s):

Ahmed S. Ali ◽

Ekram A. Saied ◽

Sharifa M. Theeban ◽

Mazen M. Humayran ◽

Assmaa Ahmed Shaker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Literature Search ◽

Potential Role ◽

Systematic Literature Search ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Pharmacological Profile ◽

Preclinical Research ◽

Search Terms

Background: Many publications discussed the potential role of medicinal plants in the management of COVID-19. However, clinical studies of the efficacy and safety of specified phytochemical(s) are limited. Objectives: To explore the pharmacological profile of specified compounds against COVID-19 Method: Systematic literature search of academic databases to explore specified phytochemicals for the management of COVID-19 using appropriate search terms. Rayyan software was used to organize 786 citations of which. 236 articles were included in this review. Results: Initially 70 compounds were identified to have a potential role in the management of COVID-19. In this review, 18 compounds were selected for further search Conclusion: In vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2activity has been demonstrated for a variety of natural compounds. However, preclinical research for most phytochemicals is scarce, and only a few compounds have been evaluated in clinical trials against COVID-19. A comprehensive pharmacological profile of these phytochemicals is urgently needed.

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