Gender bias in reference letters for residency and academic medicine: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2021-140045
Author(s):  
Shawn Khan ◽  
Abirami Kirubarajan ◽  
Tahmina Shamsheri ◽  
Adam Clayton ◽  
Geeta Mehta
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Gender Bias ◽  
Academic Medicine ◽  
Medical Faculty ◽  
Gendered Language ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Faculty Hiring ◽  
Match Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Analyses

Reference letters play an important role for both postgraduate residency applications and medical faculty hiring processes. This study seeks to characterise the ways in which gender bias may manifest in the language of reference letters in academic medicine. In particular, we conducted a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO from database inception to July 2020 for original studies that assessed gendered language in medical reference letters for residency applications and medical faculty hiring. A total of 16 studies, involving 12 738 letters of recommendation written for 7074 applicants, were included. A total of 32% of applicants were women. There were significant differences in how women were described in reference letters. A total of 64% (7/11) studies found a significant difference in gendered adjectives between men and women. Among the 7 studies, a total of 86% (6/7) noted that women applicants were more likely to be described using communal adjectives, such as “delightful” or “compassionate”, while men applicants were more likely to be described using agentic adjectives, such as “leader” or “exceptional”. Several studies noted that reference letters for women applicants had more frequent use of doubt raisers and mentions of applicant personal life and/or physical appearance. Only one study assessed the outcome of gendered language on application success, noting a higher residency match rate for men applicants. Reference letters within medicine and medical education exhibit language discrepancies between men and women applicants, which may contribute to gender bias against women in medicine.

scholarly journals Is the use of contraceptives associated with periodontal diseases? A systematic review and meta-analyses

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Micaele Maria Lopes Castro ◽  
Maria Karolina Martins Ferreira ◽  
Iasmin Encaua Essashika Prazeres ◽  
Paula Beatriz de Oliveira Nunes ◽  
Marcela Baraúna Magno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptive ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Clinical Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Previous studies indicated an impact of hormonal contraceptive use on oral health. This systematic review aimed to investigate the evidence supporting the impact of the use of hormonal contraceptives and periodontal diseases. Methods This study is based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and based on the PECO acrostic. Inclusion criteria comprised observational studies including women (P), which evaluated hormonal contraceptive users (E) and hormonal contraceptive non-users (C), to verify the association between this hormonal therapy and the periodontal diseases (O). Searches were performed on 5 databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS and grey literature (OpenGrey and Google Scholar). After the selection process, the included studies were evaluated qualitatively. Moreover, quantitative data were analyzed in two meta-analyses for clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD). Finally, the level of certainty was measured with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) tool between periodontal clinical parameters. Results 18 articles were eligible for the qualitative synthesis and 7 of them were selected for quantitative analysis. Hence, 15 of the eligible articles reported an association between the use of hormonal contraceptives and severity of periodontal disease. However, 6 articles demonstrated high risk of bias and were excluded from quantitative synthesis. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant difference for CAL (MD 0.24 [0.09, 0.40]; p = 0.002), but in PD (MD 0.05 [− 0.05, 0.15]; p = 0.33) such difference was not identified. A very low level of evidence was found between the clinical parameters. Conclusions The use of hormonal contraceptives may be associated to severity of periodontal diseases. However, the quantitative analysis points to an inconclusive outcome due to the high level of heterogeneity. The association is biologically plausible, however additional studies are warranted to better elucidate the clinical significance of this possible association.

Alternative Tendon Coaptations to the Pulvertaft Weave Technique: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Biomechanical Studies

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110432
Author(s):  
Emily M. Graham ◽  
Jeremie D. Oliver ◽  
Russell Hendrycks ◽  
Dino Maglic ◽  
Shaun D. Mendenhall
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Yield Strength ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Dichotomous Data ◽  
Inverse Variance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Alternative Techniques ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background The Pulvertaft weave technique (PT) is frequently used during tendon repairs and transfers. However, this technique is associated with limitations. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on in vitro, biomechanical studies that compared the PT with alternative techniques. Methods Articles included for qualitative and/or qualitative analysis were identified following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies included in the meta-analysis were analyzed either as continuous data with inverse variance and random effects or as dichotomous data using a Mantel-Haenszel analysis assuming random effects to calculate an odds ratio. Results A comprehensive electronic search yielded 8 studies meeting inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Two studies with a total of 65 tendon coaptations demonstrated no significant difference in strength between the PT and traditional side-to-side (STS) techniques ( P = .92). Two studies with a total of 43 tendon coaptations showed that the STS with 1 weave has a higher yield strength than the PT ( P = .03). Two studies with a total of 62 tendon repairs demonstrated no significant difference in strength between the PT and the step-cut (SC) techniques ( P = .70). The final 2 studies included 46 tendon repairs and demonstrated that the wrap around (WA) technique has a higher yield strength than the PT ( P < .001). Conclusions The STS, SC, and WA techniques are preferred for improving tendon form. The STS and WA techniques have superior yield strengths than the PT, and the SC technique withstands similar stress to failure as the PT.

Medical visit time and predictors in health facilities: a mega systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakineh Hajebrahimi ◽  
Ali Janati ◽  
Morteza Arab-Zozani ◽  
Mobin Sokhanvar ◽  
Elaheh Haghgoshayie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Visit Time ◽  
Medical Visit ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Analyses

Purpose Visit time is a crucial aspect of patient–physician interaction; its inadequacy can negatively impact the efficiency of treatment and diagnosis. In addition, visit time is a fundamental demand of patients, and it is one of the rights of every patient. The purpose of this paper is to determine factors influencing the consultation length of physicians and to compare consultation length in different countries. Design/methodology/approach MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. In addition, references of references were checked, and publication lists of individual scholars in the field were examined. We used data sources up to June 2018, without language restriction. We used a random-effects model for the meta-analyses. Meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version (CMA) 3.0. Findings Of 16,911 identified studies, 189 studies were assessed of which 125 cases (67 percent) have been conducted in the USA. A total of 189 studies, 164 (86.77 percent) involved face-to face-consultations. The effects of three variables, physician gender, patient gender, and type of consultation were analyzed. According to moderate and strong evidence studies, no significant difference was found in the consultation lengths of female and male doctors (Q=42.72, df=8, I2=81.27, p=0.891) and patients’ gender (Q=55.98, df=11, I2=80.35, p=0.314). In addition, no significant difference was found in the telemedicine or face-to-face visits (Q=41.25, df=5, I2=87.88, p=0.170). Originality/value In this systematic review and meta-analysis, all of physicians’ visits in 34 countries were surveyed. The evidence suggests that specified variables do not influence the length of consultations. Good relationship is essential to a safe and high-quality consultation and referral process. A high-quality consultation can improve decisions and quality of visits, treatment effectiveness, efficiency of service, quality of care, patient safety and physician and patient satisfaction.

Neutropenic diets to prevent cancer infections: updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2018-001742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Bassam Sonbol ◽  
Tania Jain ◽  
Belal Firwana ◽  
Talal Hilal ◽  
Thomas Deleon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Regular Diet ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Haematopoietic Cell ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Neutropenic Patients ◽  
Meta Analyses

IntroductionMultiple studies have questioned the benefit of neutropenic diets in decreasing infections in patients with cancer, but recent surveys showed that such diets are still prescribed. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effectiveness of neutropenic diet in decreasing infection and mortality in neutropenic patients with cancer with neutropenia. This review is an update of a previously published systematic review.Materials and methodsWe searched different databases to identify comparative studies that investigated the effect of neutropenic diet compared with regular diet in neutropenic adults and children with cancer. We conducted random‐effects meta‐analyses using the Der‐Simonian and Laird method to pool treatment effects from included studies. Outcomes of interest were mortality, bacteremia/fungemia, major infections, quality of life, and the composite outcome for neutropenic fever and/or infection.ResultsWe included six studies (five randomised) with 1116 patients, with 772 (69.1%) having underwent haematopoietic cell transplant. There was no statistically significant difference between neutropenic diet and regular diet in the rates of major infections (relative risk [RR] 1.16; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.42) or bacteremia/fungemia (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.60 to 1.53). In haematopoietic cell transplant patients, neutropenic diet was associated with a slightly higher risk of infections (RR 1.25; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.54). No difference in mortality was seen between neutropenic diet and regular diet (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.50).ConclusionThere is currently no evidence to support the use of neutropenic diet or other food restrictions in neutropenic patients with cancer. Patients and clinicians should continue to follow the safe food-handling guidelines as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Tapered and non-tapered prosthetic grafts in upper extremity dialysis access: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 112972982097417
Author(s):  
Venkata Sai Jasty ◽  
David Haddad ◽  
Babu Mohan ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Jeffrey J Siracuse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Primary Patency ◽  
Secondary Patency ◽  
Dialysis Access ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Arteriovenous Grafts ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Steal Syndrome

Objective: It is unclear whether tapered arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are superior to non-tapered AVGs when it comes to preventing upper extremity ischemic steal syndrome. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of tapered and non-tapered AVGs using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A literature search was systemically performed to identify all English publications from 1999 to 2019 that directly compared the outcomes of upper extremity tapered and non-tapered AVGs. Outcomes evaluated were the primary patency at 1-year (number of studies ( n) = 4), secondary patency at 1-year ( n = 3), and risk of ischemic steal ( n = 5) and infection ( n = 4). Effect sizes of individual studies were pooled using random-effects model, and between-study variability was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results: Of 5808 studies screened, five studies involving 4397 patients have met the inclusion criteria and included in the analysis. Meta-analyses revealed no significant difference for the risk of ischemic steal syndrome (pooled odds ratio (OR) 0.92, 95% Confidence Incidence (CI) 0.29–2.91, p = 0.89, I2 = 48%) between the tapered and non-tapered upper extremity AVG. The primary patency (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.93–1.90, p = 0.12, I2 = 10%) and secondary patency at 1-year (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.84–2.63, p = 0.17, I2 = 13%), and rate of infection (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.30–1.27, p = 0.19, I2 = 29%) were also similar between the tapered and non-tapered AVG. Conclusions: The risk of ischemic steal syndrome and patency rate are comparable for upper extremity tapered and non-tapered AVGs. This meta-analysis does not support the routine use of tapered graft over non-tapered graft to prevent ischemic steal syndrome in upper extremity dialysis access. However, due to small number of studies and sample sizes as well as limited stratification of outcomes based on risk factors, future studies should take such limitations into account while designing more robust protocols to elucidate this issue.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Oral Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen X. Chen ◽  
Bruce Barrett ◽  
Kristine L. Kwekkeboom
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Zingiber Officinale ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Analyses

This systematic review examines the efficacy of oral ginger for dysmenorrhea. Key biomedical databases and grey literature were searched. We included randomized controlled trials comparing oral ginger against placebo or active treatment in women with dysmenorrhea. Six trials were identified. Two authors independently reviewed the articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus with a third reviewer. We completed a narrative synthesis of all six studies and exploratory meta-analyses of three studies comparing ginger with placebo and two studies comparing ginger with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ginger appeared more effective for reducing pain severity than placebo. The weighted mean difference on a 10 cm visual analogue scale was 1.55 cm (favoring ginger) (95% CI 0.68 to 2.43). No significant difference was found between ginger and mefenamic acid (an NSAID). The standardized mean difference was 0 (95% CI −0.40 to 0.41). Available data suggest that oral ginger could be an effective treatment for menstrual pain in dysmenorrhea. Findings, however, need to be interpreted with caution because of the small number of studies, poor methodological quality of the studies, and high heterogeneity across trials. The review highlights the need for future trials with high methodological quality.

scholarly journals Multicomponent Lifestyle Interventions for Treating Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. K. Ø. Elvsaas ◽  
L. Giske ◽  
B. Fure ◽  
L. K. Juvet
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Group Treatment ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Lifestyle Interventions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Specialist Health Care ◽  
Moderate Effect ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background. Treatment of childhood obesity is important in preventing development of obesity-related diseases later in life. This systematic review evaluates the effect of multicomponent lifestyle interventions for children and adolescents from 2 to 18 years.Methods and Results. We performed systematic searches in nine databases. Thirty-nine studies met the criteria for meta-analyses. We found a significant difference in body mass index (BMI) after 6 months (MD −0.99 (95% CI −1.36 to −0.61)), 12 months (MD −0.67 (95% CI −1.01 to −0.32)), and 24 months (MD −0.96 (95% CI −1.63 to −0.29)) in favour of multicomponent lifestyle interventions compared to standard, minimal, and no treatment. We also found a significant difference in BMIZscores after 6 months (MD −0.12 (95% CI −0.17 to −0.06)), 12 months (MD −0.16 (95% CI −0.21 to −0.11)), and 24 months (MD −0.16 (95% CI −0.21 to −0.10)) in favour of multicomponent lifestyle interventions. Subgroup analyses suggested an increased effect in specialist health care with a group treatment component included in the intervention.Conclusion. Multicomponent lifestyle interventions have a moderate effect on change in BMI and BMIZscore after 6, 12, and 24 months compared with standard, minimal, and no treatment.

scholarly journals Effect of periodontal therapy on the systemic inflammation and metabolic  markers in patients undergoing hemodialysis or/and peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Yue ◽  
Xinxin Xu ◽  
Qin Liu ◽  
Xiaozhi Li ◽  
Yiting Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Periodontal Treatment ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Metabolic Markers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background: This systematic review aimed to investigate whether periodontal treatment can reduce the systemic inflammatory levels and improve the metabolic levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or/and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, NCKI, and WFPD) were searched up to July 2019. The risk of bias within studies was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration' s risk assessment tool. The systemic inflammatory and metabolic measures were the highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-a), the albumin (Alb), and lipid metabolic levels. Meta-analyses (MAs) were performed to calculate the overall effect size where appropriate. Results: Five studies were eligible for this systematic review. The result of four studies revealed a significant difference in the CRP level after periodontal treatment in patients receiving HD or/and PD. Two studies reported the IL-6 and the Alb level after periodontal treatment but revealed no significant difference. No MAs could be performed on the TNF- a level and the lipid metabolic markers. Conclusions: Periodontal treatment may moderately reduce the serum of CRP levels in HD or/and PD patients. For the TNF-a, IL-6, Alb levels and lipid metabolic markers, no sufficient evidence supports the difference after periodontal treatment. Therefore, larger scales and high-quality randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are required to assess the effect of periodontal treatment on systemic inflammatory and metabolic parameters in HD or/and PD patients.

scholarly journals Effects of Aging on the Color and Translucency of Monolithic Translucent Y-TZP Ceramics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Chang-yuan Zhang ◽  
Check Agingu ◽  
James Kit Hon Tsoi ◽  
Hao Yu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Tetragonal Zirconia ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Hydrothermal Aging ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Effects Of Aging ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background. Monolithic restorations made of translucent yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) have become popular over the past few decades. However, whether aging affects the color and translucency of monolithic translucent Y-TZP is unclear. Objective. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to evaluate the effects of aging on the color and translucency of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics. Materials and Methods. This systematic review/meta-analysis was reported according to the PRISMA statement and registered in the OSF registries (https://osf.io/5qjmu). Four databases including Medline via the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases and the Cochrane Library were searched using no publication year and language limits. The last search was executed on November 20, 2020. In vitro studies comparing the translucency and/or color of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics before and after simulated aging were selected. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3, Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) with random-effects models at a significance level of 0.05. A risk-of-bias assessment was also performed for the included studies. Results. Of the 188 potentially relevant studies, 13 were included in the systematic review. The hydrothermal aging duration ranged from 1 to 100 h at relatively similar temperatures (~134°C). In the general meta-analyses, the aged Y-TZP ceramics exhibited similar translucency parameter (TP), L ∗ , and b ∗ values compared with the nonaged controls ( P = .73 , P = .49 , and P = .62 , respectively). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the aged and nonaged Y-TZP ceramics in the a ∗ value ( P = .03 ; MD = − 0.26 ; 95% CI = − 0.51   to − 0.02 ), favoring the nonaged Y-TZP ceramics. The subgroup analyses showed that the duration of aging contributed to changes in the translucency and color of the Y-TZP ceramics. Conclusions. The optical properties of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics were stable after hydrothermal aging at 134°C and 0.2 MPa for ≤20 h. Moreover, clinically unacceptable changes in the translucency and color of monolithic translucent Y-TZP ceramics were found after hydrothermal aging for >20 h.

scholarly journals Antioxidants as Adjuvants in Periodontitis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micaele Maria Lopes Castro ◽  
Nathallia Neves Duarte ◽  
Priscila Cunha Nascimento ◽  
Marcela Barauna Magno ◽  
Nathalia Carolina Fernandes Fagundes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Conventional Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Parameter ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Clinical Attachment Loss ◽  
Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Analyses

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidants as an adjuvant in periodontitis treatment. The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Lilacs, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar. Based on the PICO strategy, the inclusion criteria comprised interventional studies including periodontitis patients (participants) treated with conventional therapy and antioxidants (intervention) compared to patients treated only with conventional therapy (control) where the periodontal response (outcome) was evaluated. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB tool (for randomized studies) and ROBINS-I tool (for nonrandomized studies). Quantitative data were analyzed in five random effects meta-analyses considering the following periodontal parameters: clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD). After all, the level of certainty was measured with the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Among the 1884 studies identified, only 15 interventional studies were according to the eligibility criteria and they were included in our review. From them, 4 articles presented a high risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant difference for CAL (SMD 0.29 (0.04, 0.55), p=0.03, I2=13%), PI (SMD 0.41 (0.18, 0.64), p=0.0005, I2=47%), and BOP (SMD 0.55 (0.27, 0.83), p=0.0001, I2=0%). The GRADE tool showed a moderate to high certainty in the quality of evidence depending on the clinical parameter and antioxidants used. These results suggest that the use of antioxidants is an adjunct approach to nonsurgical periodontal therapy which may be helpful in controlling the periodontal status.

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