scholarly journals Premenstrual syndrome and alcohol consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e019490 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Mar Fernández ◽  
Jurgita Saulyte ◽  
Hazel M Inskip ◽  
Bahi Takkouche
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Premenstrual Syndrome ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Moderate Increase ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectivePremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a very common disorder worldwide which carries an important economic burden. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the role of alcohol in the occurrence of PMS.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the five regional bibliographic databases of the WHO, the Proceedings database and the Open Access Thesis and Dissertations (OATD) from inception to May 2017. We also reviewed the references of every article retrieved and established personal contact with researchers to trace further publications or reports. We did not include any language limitations. Studies were included if: (1) they presented original data from cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies, (2) PMS was clearly defined as the outcome of interest, (3) one of the exposure factors was alcohol consumption, (4) they provided estimates of odds ratios, relative risks, or any other effect measure and their confidence intervals, or enough data to calculate them.ResultsWe identified 39 studies of which 19 were eligible. Intake of alcohol was associated with a moderate increase in the risk of PMS (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.79). Heavy drinking yielded a larger increase in the risk than any drinking (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.39 to 2.32).DiscussionOur results suggest that alcohol intake presents a moderate association with PMS risk. Future studies should avoid cross-sectional designs and focus on determining whether there is a threshold of alcohol intake under which the harmful effect on PMS is non-existent.

scholarly journals Computer-Controlled Virtual Humans in Patient-Facing Systems: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.2196/18839 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e18839
Author(s):  
Debaleena Chattopadhyay ◽  
Tengteng Ma ◽  
Hasti Sharifi ◽  
Pamela Martyn-Nemeth
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Virtual Humans ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Desktop Computer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Virtual humans (VH) are computer-generated characters that appear humanlike and simulate face-to-face conversations using verbal and nonverbal cues. Unlike formless conversational agents, like smart speakers or chatbots, VH bring together the capabilities of both a conversational agent and an interactive avatar (computer-represented digital characters). Although their use in patient-facing systems has garnered substantial interest, it is unknown to what extent VH are effective in health applications. Objective The purpose of this review was to examine the effectiveness of VH in patient-facing systems. The design and implementation characteristics of these systems were also examined. Methods Electronic bibliographic databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles with relevant key terms. Studies were included in the systematic review if they designed or evaluated VH in patient-facing systems. Of the included studies, studies that used a randomized controlled trial to evaluate VH were included in the meta-analysis; they were then summarized using the PICOTS framework (population, intervention, comparison group, outcomes, time frame, setting). Summary effect sizes, using random-effects models, were calculated, and the risk of bias was assessed. Results Among the 8,125 unique records identified, 53 articles describing 33 unique systems, were qualitatively, systematically reviewed. Two distinct design categories emerged — simple VH and VH augmented with health sensors and trackers. Of the 53 articles, 16 (26 studies) with 44 primary and 22 secondary outcomes were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the 44 primary outcome measures revealed a significant difference between intervention and control conditions, favoring the VH intervention (SMD = .166, 95% CI .039-.292, P=.012), but with evidence of some heterogeneity, I2=49.3%. There were more cross-sectional (k=15) than longitudinal studies (k=11). The intervention was delivered using a personal computer in most studies (k=18), followed by a tablet (k=4), mobile kiosk (k=2), head-mounted display (k=1), and a desktop computer in a community center (k=1). Conclusions We offer evidence for the efficacy of VH in patient-facing systems. Considering that studies included different population and outcome types, more focused analysis is needed in the future. Future studies also need to identify what features of virtual human interventions contribute toward their effectiveness.

scholarly journals Associations of childhood exposure to malaria with cognition and behaviour outcomes: a systematic review protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDREW SENTOOGO SSEMATA ◽  
JACQUELLINE ANN NAKITENDE ◽  
SIMON KIZITO ◽  
ELIZABETH C WHIPPLE ◽  
PAUL BANGIRANA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Malaria Infection ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Malaria is one of the major contributing risk factors for poor development of children living in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). However, little is known about the specific domains of cognition and behaviour that are impacted by malaria, the extent of these deficits, and the different types of the malaria spectrum that are associated with these deficits. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the association of the different type of malaria infection on cognition and behavioural outcomes among children living in LMICs. Methods and analysis: We will systematically search online bibliographic databases including MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL (via EBSCO), PsycINFO (via EBSCO), Embase and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) as well as Google Scholar and bibliographies of pertinent articles. We will include studies with a comparison group (e.g., clinical trials, cohort, observational, cross-sectional case–control and controlled before and after or interrupted–time–series studies) involving children under 18 years of age living in LMICs, as determined by World Bank Criteria, with either an active malaria infection or history of malaria. Included articles must also measure cognitive and/or behaviour outcomes determined by standardized psychological assessments (questionnaire-based scales and or neurocognitive assessments). Studies will be excluded if they are not in English, lack a control group, take place in a high-income country, or if a standardized instrument was not used. Two reviewers will independently review all articles to determine if they meet eligibility criteria. Any conflicts will be resolved after discussion with a third reviewer. When a list of included articles is finalized, two reviewers will extract data to populate and then cross check within an electronic table. Risk of bias and the strength of evidence and recommendations will be assessed independently using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, and a final score will be given upon consensus. For sufficiently homogeneous data on measured outcomes in multiple studies, we will investigate the possibility of pooling data to perform a meta-analysis. Discussion: This systematic review will evaluate the evidence of the association of malaria on the cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Findings from this planned review will generate insight on the domains affected by the different forms malaria infection and may inform subsequent malaria interventions and future research in paediatric care.Systematic review registration: This systematic review has been registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42020154777)

scholarly journals Computer-Controlled Virtual Humans in Patient-Facing Systems: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debaleena Chattopadhyay ◽  
Tengteng Ma ◽  
Hasti Sharifi ◽  
Pamela Martyn-Nemeth
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Virtual Humans ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Desktop Computer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND Virtual humans (VH) are computer-generated characters that appear humanlike and simulate face-to-face conversations using verbal and nonverbal cues. Unlike formless conversational agents, like smart speakers or chatbots, VH bring together the capabilities of both a conversational agent and an interactive avatar (computer-represented digital characters). Although their use in patient-facing systems has garnered substantial interest, it is unknown to what extent VH are effective in health applications. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review was to examine the effectiveness of VH in patient-facing systems. The design and implementation characteristics of these systems were also examined. METHODS Electronic bibliographic databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles with relevant key terms. Studies were included in the systematic review if they designed or evaluated VH in patient-facing systems. Of the included studies, studies that used a randomized controlled trial to evaluate VH were included in the meta-analysis; they were then summarized using the PICOTS framework (population, intervention, comparison group, outcomes, time frame, setting). Summary effect sizes, using random-effects models, were calculated, and the risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS Among the 8,125 unique records identified, 53 articles describing 33 unique systems, were qualitatively, systematically reviewed. Two distinct design categories emerged — simple VH and VH augmented with health sensors and trackers. Of the 53 articles, 16 (26 studies) with 44 primary and 22 secondary outcomes were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the 44 primary outcome measures revealed a significant difference between intervention and control conditions, favoring the VH intervention (SMD = .166, 95% CI .039-.292, <i>P</i>=.012), but with evidence of some heterogeneity, <i>I<sup>2</sup></i>=49.3%. There were more cross-sectional (<i>k</i>=15) than longitudinal studies (<i>k</i>=11). The intervention was delivered using a personal computer in most studies (<i>k</i>=18), followed by a tablet (<i>k</i>=4), mobile kiosk (<i>k</i>=2), head-mounted display (<i>k</i>=1), and a desktop computer in a community center (<i>k</i>=1). CONCLUSIONS We offer evidence for the efficacy of VH in patient-facing systems. Considering that studies included different population and outcome types, more focused analysis is needed in the future. Future studies also need to identify what features of virtual human interventions contribute toward their effectiveness.

scholarly journals The effects of childhood exposure to malaria on cognition and behaviour. A systematic review protocol.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDREW SENTOOGO SSEMATA ◽  
JACQUELLINE ANN NAKITENDE ◽  
SIMON KIZITO ◽  
ELIZABETH C WHIPPLE ◽  
PAUL BANGIRANA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Malaria Infection ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Malaria is one of the major contributing risk factors for poor development of children living in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). However, little is known about the specific domains of cognition and behaviour that are impacted by malaria, the extent of these deficits, and the different types of the malaria spectrum that are associated with these deficits. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the effect of the different type of malaria infection on cognition and behaviour among children living in LMICs. Methods and analysis: We will systematically search online bibliographic databases including MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL (via EBSCO), PsycINFO (via EBSCO), EMBASE and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) as well as Google Scholar and bibliographies of pertinent articles. We will include studies with a comparison group (e.g., clinical trials, cohort, observational, cross-sectional case–control and controlled before and after or interrupted–time–series studies) involving children under 18 years of age living in LMICs, as determined by World Bank Criteria, with either an active malaria infection or history of malaria. Included articles must also measure cognitive and/or behaviour outcomes determined by standardized psychological assessments (questionnaire-based scales and or neurocognitive assessments). Studies will be excluded if they are not in English, lack a control group, take place in a high-income country, or if a standardized instrument was not used. Two reviewers will independently review all articles to determine if they meet eligibility criteria. Any conflicts will be resolved after discussion with a third reviewer. When a list of included articles is finalized, two reviewers will extract data to populate and then cross check within an electronic table. Risk of bias and the strength of evidence and recommendations will be assessed independently using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, and a final score will be given upon consensus. For sufficiently homogeneous data on measured outcomes in multiple studies, we will investigate the possibility of pooling data to perform a meta-analysis. Discussion: This systematic review will evaluate the evidence of the effect of malaria on the cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Findings from this planned review will generate insight on the domains affected by the different forms malaria infection and may inform subsequent malaria interventions and future research in paediatric care.Systematic review registration: This systematic review has been registered under PROSPERO: CRD42020154777

scholarly journals Alcohol and the risk of pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e022344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelia Simou ◽  
John Britton ◽  
Jo Leonardi-Bee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Higher Alcohol ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Heterogeneity

ObjectiveA systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the magnitude of the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults was undertaken.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsComprehensive searches of Medline, Embase and Web of Science were carried out to identify comparative studies of the association between alcohol intake and CAP between 1985 and 2017. Reference lists were also screened. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled effect sizes. A dose–response meta-analysis was also performed.ResultsWe found 17 papers eligible for inclusion in the review, of which 14 provided results which could be pooled. Meta-analysis of these 14 studies identified an 83% increased risk of CAP among people who consumed alcohol or in higher amounts, relative to those who consumed no or lower amounts of alcohol, respectively (relative risk=1.83, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.57). There was substantial between-study heterogeneity, which was attributable in part to differences in study continent, adjustment for confounders and pneumonia diagnosis (clinical vs death). Dose–response analysis found that for every 10–20 g higher alcohol intake per day, there was an 8% increase in the risk of CAP.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that alcohol consumption increases the risk of CAP. Therefore, strengthening policies to reduce alcohol intake would be likely to reduce the incidence of CAP.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Possibility of Vertical Transmission of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-76
Author(s):  
Sareh Dashti ◽  
◽  
Tahereh Fathi Najafi ◽  
Hamid Reza Tohidinik ◽  
Narjes Bahri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has put a great burden on global health and healthcare systems. There is controversy regarding the possibility of vertical transmission of COVID-19. This proposed systematic review will be done to assess the possibility of vertical transmission of COVID-19 based on currently published literature. Methods: In this study, all published observational studies, including cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies, as well as case reports and case series, in peer-reviewed journals in any language until the end of July 2020 will be assessed. Editorials, commentaries, and letters to editors will be excluded from the review. Searching will be conducted using international bibliographic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. The search strategy will be improved and finalized based on the results of the primary search. Data extraction of the included articles will be performed by two researchers using the Zotero and review manager (revMan) software. The heterogeneity of the articles will be assessed using DerSimonian & Laird Q test and I2 statistic. The pooled estimated prevalence of vertical transmission of COVID-19 will be performed using the Metaprop command. Publication bias will be assessed using Begg’s rank correlation and the Egger weighted regression methods Results: Based on the reviewers comments the results section was deleted because this manuscript was a systematic review protocol. Conclusion: The findings of this study will help practitioners and health care providers in decision-making for the care and management of COVID-19-infected pregnant women.

The association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of central obesity in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 535-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi ◽  
Mahdi Vajdi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Obesity Indices

Abstract. Backgrounds: Central obesity, as a pivotal component of metabolic syndrome is associated with numerous co-morbidities. Dietary factors influence central obesity by increased inflammatory status. However, recent studies didn’t evaluate the association between central obesity and dietary inflammation index (DII®) that give score to dietary factors according to their inflammatory potential. In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarized the studies that investigated the association between DII® with central obesity indices in the general populations. Methods: In a systematic search from PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences and Cochrane electronic databases, we collected relevant studies written in English and published until 30 October 2019. The population of included studies were apparently healthy subjects or individuals with obesity or obesity-related diseases. Observational studies that evaluated the association between DII® and indices of central obesity including WC or WHR were included. Results: Totally thirty-two studies were included; thirty studies were cross-sectional and two were cohort studies with 103071 participants. Meta-analysis of observational studies showed that higher DII® scores were associated with 1.81 cm increase in WC (Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.813; CI: 0.785–2.841; p = 0.001). Also, a non-significant increase in the odds of having higher WC (OR = 1.162; CI: 0.95–1.43; p = 0.154) in the highest DII category was also observed. In subgroup analysis, the continent, dietary assessment tool and gender were the heterogeneity sources. Conclusion: The findings proposed that adherence to diets with high DII® scores was associated with increased WC. Further studies with interventional designs are necessary to elucidate the causality inference between DII® and central obesity indices.

Effectiveness of Passion Fruit Peel Flour (Passiflora edulis L.) versus Turmeric Flour (Curcuma longa L.) on Glycemic Control: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 450-456
Author(s):  
Danilo F. Sousa ◽  
Vivian S. Veras ◽  
Vanessa E.C.S. Freire ◽  
Maria L. Paula ◽  
Maria A.A.O. Serra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Glycemic Control ◽  
Curcuma Longa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Passion Fruit ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Bias Analysis ◽  
Fruit Peel ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background:: It is undeniable that diabetes may cause several health complications for the population. Many of these complications are associated with poor glycemic control. Due to this, strategies to handle this problem are of great clinical importance and may contribute to reducing the various complications from diabetes. Objective: : The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the passion fruit peel flour versus turmeric flour on glycemic control. Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA protocol. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) Case-control studies, cohort studies, and clinical trials, due to the improved statistical analysis and, in restrict cases, cross-sectional studies; (2) Articles published in any language. The databases used for the search were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and LILACS. A bias analysis and a meta-analyses were undertaken using R Studio (version 3.3.1) using effect- size models. Results: : A total of 565 studies were identified from which 11 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Through isolated analysis, the effectiveness of turmeric flour on glycemic control was in the order of 0.73 CI (Confidence Interval) (from 0.68 to 0.79) and the effectiveness of passion fruit peel flour was 0.32 CI (0.23 to 0.45). The joint analysis resulted in 0.59 CI (0.52 to 0.68). The assessment of blood glucose was by glycated hemoglobin levels. All values were significant at a p < 0.05 level. Conclusion: Both interventions showed significant effects on glycemic control.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji ◽  
Jean Joel Bigna ◽  
Sebastien Kenmoe ◽  
Fredy Brice N. Simo ◽  
Marie A. Amougou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Language Restriction

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684. Results Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0–37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1–28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2–4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9–65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats). Conclusions We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.

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