scholarly journals Lessons from countries implementing find, test, trace, isolation and support policies in the rapid response of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e047832
Author(s):  
Sheng-Chia Chung ◽  
Sushila Marlow ◽  
Nicholas Tobias ◽  
Alessio Alogna ◽  
Ivano Alogna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Finding ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Study Objective

ObjectiveTo systematically learn lessons from the experiences of countries implementing find, test, trace, isolate, support (FTTIS) in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design, data sources and eligibility criteriaWe searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and JSTOR, initially between 31 May 2019 and 21 January 2021. Research articles and reviews on the use of contact tracing, testing, self-isolation and quarantine for COVID-19 management were included in the review.Data extraction and synthesisWe extracted information including study objective, design, methods, main findings and implications. These were tabulated and a narrative synthesis was undertaken given the diverse research designs, methods and implications.ResultsWe identified and included 118 eligible studies. We identified the core elements of an effective find, test, trace, isolate, support (FTTIS) system needed to interrupt the spread of a novel infectious disease, where treatment or vaccination was not yet available, as pertained in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We report methods used to shorten case finding time, improve accuracy and efficiency of tests, coordinate stakeholders and actors involved in an FTTIS system, support individuals isolating and make appropriate use of digital tools.ConclusionsWe identified in our systematic review the key components of an FTTIS system. These include border controls, restricted entry, inbound traveller quarantine and comprehensive case finding; repeated testing to minimise false diagnoses and pooled testing in resource-limited circumstances; extended quarantine period and the use of digital tools for contact tracing and self-isolation. Support for mental or physical health and livelihoods is needed for individuals undergoing self-isolation/quarantine. An integrated system with rolling-wave planning can best use effective FTTIS tools to respond to the fast-changing COVID-19 pandemic. Results of the review may inform countries considering implementing these measures.

scholarly journals Biomarkers predictive of treatment response in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1759720X2110140
Author(s):  
Conor Magee ◽  
Hannah Jethwa ◽  
Oliver M. FitzGerald ◽  
Deepak R. Jadon
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Psoriatic Disease ◽  
Subsequent Response

Aims: The ability to predict response to treatment remains a key unmet need in psoriatic disease. We conducted a systematic review of studies relating to biomarkers associated with response to treatment in either psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library from their inception to 2 September 2020, and conference proceedings from four major rheumatology conferences. Original research articles studying pre-treatment biomarker levels associated with subsequent response to pharmacologic treatment in either PsV or PsA were included. Results: A total of 765 articles were retrieved and after review, 44 articles (22 relating to PsV and 22 to PsA) met the systematic review’s eligibility criteria. One study examined the response to methotrexate, one the response to tofacitinib and all the other studies to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Whilst several studies examined the HLA-C*06 allele in PsV, the results were conflicting. Interleukin (IL)-12 serum levels and polymorphisms in the IL-12B gene show promise as biomarkers of treatment response in PsV. Most, but not all, studies found that higher baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were associated with a better clinical response to treatment in patients with PsA. Conclusion: Several studies have identified biomarkers associated with subsequent response to treatment in psoriatic disease. However, due to the different types of biomarkers, treatments and outcome measures used, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. Further validation is needed before any of these biomarkers translate to clinical practice.

Stretched penile length at birth: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Álvaro López-Soto ◽  
Mar Bueno-González ◽  
Maribel Urbano-Reyes ◽  
Javier Garví-Morcillo ◽  
José Luis Meseguer-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Penile Length ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Term Newborns ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Methodological Aspects ◽  
A Current

Abstract Background Micropenis is an endocrinological condition that is habitually observed at birth. Diagnosis is made by measuring the stretched penile length, a method established 80 years ago. Discrepancies in the normative data from recent studies raise the need for a current revision of the methodology. Objectives The aims of this systematic review were to compare the different normative data of SPL at birth, to examine the methodological aspects of the technique and to evaluate the independent variables that may be involved. Methods Searches were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scielo, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A combination of the relevant medical terms, keywords and word variants for “stretched penile length”, “penile length”, “penile size”, “newborn” and “birth” were used. Eligibility criteria included normative studies that used the stretched penile length (SPL) measurement on a population of healthy, full-term newborns during the first month of life. The outcomes studied included characteristics of the studies, methodological aspects and independent variables. Results We identified 49 studies comprising 21,399 children. Significant discrepancies are observed between the different studies. Methodological aspects seem to be consistent and similar. The main independent variables appear to be ethnic group and gestational age. Main limitations were the absence of studies of entire world regions such as Europe or South America, and the heterogeneity of the ethnic background that complicates the analysis. Conclusions It seems advisable to suggest the creation of customized reference charts for each specific population instead of resorting to the classic cut-off points.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Value of TLE1 in Synovial Sarcoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sarcoma ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc El Beaino ◽  
Daniel C. Jupiter ◽  
Tarek Assi ◽  
Elie Rassy ◽  
Alexander J. Lazar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Synovial Sarcoma ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Specific Marker ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Mean

Background. Synovial sarcoma can present morphologically in multiple forms, including biphasic and monophasic subtypes. As a result, the histological diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. Transducin-Like Enhancer 1 (TLE1) is a transcriptional corepressor that normally is involved in embryogenesis and hematopoiesis but is also expressed in certain tumors. This systematic review examines the potential role of TLE1 as a diagnostic biomarker for the synovial sarcoma. Materials and Methods. A literature review and meta-analysis were conducted using the electronic databases Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Thirteen studies met our eligibility criteria and were selected for in-depth analysis. Results. The mean sensitivity and specificity of TLE1 in detecting synovial sarcoma were 94% (95% CI 91%–97%) and 81% (95% CI 72%–91%), respectively, when all studies were aggregated together. The mean positive predictive value (PPV) of TLE1 was 75% (95% CI 62%–87%), whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI 93%–98%). Conclusion. TLE1 is a sensitive and specific marker for synovial sarcoma that can aid in its diagnosis. Due to its involvement in several relevant signaling pathways, TLE1 might have direct relevance to the pathophysiology of the disease.

scholarly journals Incidence and trend of preterm birth in China, 1990–2016: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e039303
Author(s):  
Shiwen Jing ◽  
Chang Chen ◽  
Yuexin Gan ◽  
Joshua Vogel ◽  
Jun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Preterm Birth Rate

ObjectivesTo update the WHO estimate of preterm birth rate in China in 1990–2016 and to further explore variations by geographic regions and years of occurrence.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Sinomed databases were searched from 1990 to 2018.Eligibility criteriaStudies were included if they provided preterm birth data with at least 500 total births. Reviews, case–control studies, intervention studies and studies with insufficient information or published before 1990 were excluded. We estimated pooled incidence of preterm birth by a random effects model, and preterm birth rate in different year, region and by livebirths or all births in subgroup analyses.ResultsOur search identified 3945 records. After the removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, we reviewed 254 studies in full text and excluded 182, leaving 72 new studies. They were combined with the 82 studies included in the WHO report (154 studies, 187 data sets in total for the meta-analysis), including 24 039 084 births from 1990 to 2016. The pooled incidence of preterm birth in China was 6.09% (95% CI 5.86% to 6.31%) but has been steadily increasing from 5.36% (95% CI 4.89% to 5.84%) in 1990–1994 to 7.04% (95% CI 6.09% to 7.99%) in 2015–2016. The annual rate of increase was about 1.05% (95% CI 0.85% to 1.21%). Northwest China appeared to have the highest preterm birth rate (7.3%, 95% CI 4.92% to 9.68% from 1990 to 2016).ConclusionsThe incidence of preterm birth in China has been rising gradually in the past three decades. It was 7% in 2016. Preterm birth rate varied by region with the West having the highest occurrence.

scholarly journals The impact of decision aids in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e028379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenaya Goldwag ◽  
Priscilla Marsicovetere ◽  
Peter Scalia ◽  
Heather A Johnson ◽  
Marie-Anne Durand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Decision Aids ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Treatment

ObjectivesOur aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine the impact of patient decision aids (PDA) on patients facing treatment decisions for colorectal cancer.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesSources included Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library from inception to June, 20, 2019.Eligibility criteriaWe included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, mixed methods and case series in which a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was used. Qualitative studies were excluded from our review.Data extraction and synthesisFollowing execution of the search strategy by a medical librarian, two blinded independent reviewers identified articles for inclusion. Two blinded reviewers were also responsible for data extraction, risk of bias and study quality assessments. Any conflict in article inclusion or extraction was resolved by discussion.ResultsOut of 3773 articles identified, three met our inclusion criteria: one RCT, one before-and-after study and one mixed-method study. In these studies, the use of a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was associated with increased patient knowledge, satisfaction and preparation for making a decision. On quality assessment, two of three studies were judged to be of low quality.ConclusionA paucity of evidence exists on the effect of PDA for colorectal cancer treatment with existing evidence being largely of low quality. Further investigation is required to determine the effect of decision aids for colorectal cancer treatment as well as reasons for the lack of PDA development and implementation in this area.Prospero registration numberCRD42018095153.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in patients with cancer: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-270
Author(s):  
Izumi Sato ◽  
Hideki Onishi ◽  
Chiaki Kawanishi ◽  
Shuhei Yamada ◽  
Mayumi Ishida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
D2 Receptor ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Low Incidence

BackgroundAntipsychotics potentially cause a low incidence of the side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which has a high mortality rate. However, few studies on NMS among patients with cancer exist.AimsWe aimed to examine the characteristics of antipsychotic-induced NMS among patients with cancer.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of published reports on NMS described during the treatment of patients with any type of cancer. Articles were identified by a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and reference lists from relevant articles published until 25 December 2019. Original articles or case reports on humans published in English were included. This review summarises the symptoms, characteristics, treatment course and prognosis of patients with cancer with NMS.ResultsEleven patients with various cancer types from ten case reports published from 1988 to 2013 met the eligibility criteria. Mean age of the 11 patients was 52.5 (range, 32–83) years. NMS developed mostly during the postoperative period, and haloperidol and D2 receptor antagonists were determined as the common causative drugs. Ten patients survived following treatment that mostly involved discontinuing the causative drugs and administering dantrolene, if necessary.ConclusionAlthough NMS intrinsically has a low incidence and high mortality, only few reports were available, with most patients surviving after early detection and appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers should consider NMS development while prescribing antipsychotics to ensure prompt recognition of the condition and rapid treatment for preventing unnecessary deaths.

scholarly journals Neighbourhood socioeconomic status and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e028238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shimels Hussien Mohammed ◽  
Tesfa Dejenie Habtewold ◽  
Mulugeta Molla Birhanu ◽  
Tesfamichael Awoke Sissay ◽  
Balewgizie Sileshi Tegegne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Status

ObjectiveLow neighbourhood socioeconomic status (NSES) has been linked to a higher risk of overweight/obesity, irrespective of the individual’s own socioeconomic status. No meta-analysis study has been done on the association. Thus, this study was done to synthesise the existing evidence on the association of NSES with overweight, obesity and body mass index (BMI).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published until 25 September 2019.Eligibility criteriaEpidemiological studies, both longitudinal and cross-sectional ones, which examined the link of NSES to overweight, obesity or BMI, were included.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction was done by two reviewers, working independently. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the observational studies. The summary estimates of the relationships of NSES with overweight, obesity and BMI statuses were calculated with random-effects meta-analysis models. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses were done by age categories, continents, study designs and NSES measures. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger’s regression test.ResultA total of 21 observational studies, covering 1 244 438 individuals, were included in this meta-analysis. Low NSES, compared with high NSES, was found to be associated with a 31% higher odds of overweight (pooled OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.47, p<0.001), a 45% higher odds of obesity (pooled OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.74, p<0.001) and a 1.09 kg/m2 increase in mean BMI (pooled beta=1.09, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.50, p<0.001).ConclusionNSES disparity might be contributing to the burden of overweight/obesity. Further studies are warranted, including whether addressing NSES disparity could reduce the risk of overweight/obesity.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017063889

scholarly journals Mindfulness based interventions for depression and anxiety in Asian Population: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-23
Author(s):  
S. Thapaliya ◽  
K.D. Upadhyaya ◽  
R. Borschmann ◽  
P.P. Kuppili
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Term Efficacy

Introduction: Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as effective interventions for various psychiatric conditions including depression and anxiety. Asia being home to Buddhist tradition, it will be interesting to explore the trend and efficacy of MBIs in Asian population in Asian settings. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) for management of depression and anxiety (disorders or symptoms) in Asian population. Material And Method: Two researchers independently searched for literature published between January 2007 to December 2018 in Medline, Google Scholar, PsychInfo and Cochrane library using the search terms - ‘Mindfulness/Vipassana’ combined with ‘meditation’, ‘intervention’ ‘therapy’, ‘depression', ‘anxiety’ ‘Asia’ etc. Further, publications were also identified from the references recited in the retrieved articles. After screening 185 articles and applying the eligibility criteria, 40 articles were finally selected for the systematic review. Results: Out of 40 selected articles, 33 articles were controlled trials and 7 had a pre-post test design without any control group. Most of the published studies have evaluated MBCT and MBSR for depressive and anxiety symptoms in different settings. Some of the studies have tested traditional Buddhist meditation and modified models. Overall, MBCT and MBSR seem to be efficacious over ‘routine treatment’ or ‘no treatment’ control for reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms at the end of the treatment. Studies which have modified MBIs based on MBCT/MBSR models have also demonstrated their feasibility and short term efficacy in specific populations like medical professionals with evidence for short term efficacy. Conclusion: Overall, there is emerging evidence of MBIs for depression and anxiety across diverse settings in Asia. Future research should address methodological limitations of current research to strengthen the evidence.

scholarly journals Digital and online symptom checkers and health assessment/triage services for urgent health problems: systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e027743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duncan Chambers ◽  
Anna J Cantrell ◽  
Maxine Johnson ◽  
Louise Preston ◽  
Susan K Baxter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Digital Version

ObjectivesIn England, the NHS111 service provides assessment and triage by telephone for urgent health problems. A digital version of this service has recently been introduced. We aimed to systematically review the evidence on digital and online symptom checkers and similar services.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesWe searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Health Management Information Consortium, Web of Science and ACM Digital Library up to April 2018, supplemented by phrase searches for known symptom checkers and citation searching of key studies.Eligibility criteriaStudies of any design that evaluated a digital or online symptom checker or health assessment service for people seeking advice about an urgent health problem.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction and quality assessment (using the Cochrane Collaboration version of QUADAS for diagnostic accuracy studies and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tool for observational studies) were done by one reviewer with a sample checked for accuracy and consistency. We performed a narrative synthesis of the included studies structured around pre-defined research questions and key outcomes.ResultsWe included 29 publications (27 studies). Evidence on patient safety was weak. Diagnostic accuracy varied between different systems but was generally low. Algorithm-based triage tended to be more risk averse than that of health professionals. There was very limited evidence on patients’ compliance with online triage advice. Study participants generally expressed high levels of satisfaction, although in mainly uncontrolled studies. Younger and more highly educated people were more likely to use these services.ConclusionsThe English ‘digital 111’ service has been implemented against a background of uncertainty around the likely impact on important outcomes. The health system may need to respond to short-term changes and/or shifts in demand. The popularity of online and digital services with younger and more educated people has implications for health equity.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018093564.

scholarly journals Pulmonary Nocardiosis in Suspected Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Mansuri Mehrabadi ◽  
Mina Taraghian ◽  
Aliyar Pirouzi ◽  
Azad Khaledi ◽  
Alireza Neshani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pulmonary Nocardiosis ◽  
Suspected Tuberculosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies

BACKGROUND: nocardiosis is an opportunistic infectious disease in immunocompromised patients. The most common form of nocardiosis infection in humans is pulmonary nocrdiosis caused by inhaling Nocardia species from the environment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary nocardiosis in patients with suspected tuberculosis using systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS: We conducted a systematic search for cross-sectional studies focused on the pulmonary nocardiosis among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) published from January 2001 to October 2019. The search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct databases, and Iranian databases. Medical subject headings (MeSH) and text words were searched: “pulmonary nocardiosis”, “nocardiosis”, OR “nocardial infection”, “pulmonary nocardial infections/agents”, AND “pulmonary tuberculosis”, OR “pulmonary TB”, AND “Iran”. Two of the reviewers enrolled independently articles published in English and Persian languages according to the inclusion and the exclusion criteria. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 3.3.070) was used for meta-analysis.RESULTS: Only 4 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pulmonary nocardiosis prevalence varied from 1.7% to 6.7%. The combined prevalence of nocardiosis among patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in Iran was 4.8% (95% CI: 3-7.3, Q=5.8, Z=12.7). No heterogeneity was observed between studies because I2 was 48.3. N. cyriacigeorgica and N. asteroides were reported as the prevalent isolates, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: This review showed in patients suspected TB when they were negative in all diagnosis laboratory tests, nocardiosis cases which be considered.

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