scholarly journals Tobacco industry data on illicit tobacco trade: a systematic review of existing assessments

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen W A Gallagher ◽  
Karen A Evans-Reeves ◽  
Jenny L Hatchard ◽  
Anna B Gilmore
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
English Language ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Industry Data ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Illicit Tobacco Trade

ObjectiveTo examine the quality of tobacco industry-funded data on the illicit tobacco trade (ITT) through a systematic review of existing assessments of industry-funded data on ITT.Data sourcesPapers and reports assessing tobacco industry-funded data on ITT were obtained via searches of 8 academic databases, Google searches and correspondence with ITT experts.Study selectionInclusion criteria identified 35 English-language papers containing an original assessment of tobacco industry-funded data.Data extractionUsing a coding framework, information was extracted from the assessments regarding the quality of tobacco industry data. Documents were second-coded, achieving 94% intercoder reliability with all disagreements resolved.Data synthesisOf the 35 assessments reviewed, 31 argued that tobacco industry estimates were higher than independent estimates. Criticisms identified problems with data collection (29), analytical methods (22) and presentation of results (21), which resulted in inflated ITT estimates or data on ITT that were presented in a misleading manner. Lack of transparency from data collection right through to presentation of findings was a key issue with insufficient information to allow replication of the findings frequently cited.ConclusionsTobacco industry data on ITT are not reliable. At present, the tobacco industry continues to fund and disseminate ITT research through initiatives such as PMI IMPACT. If industry data on ITT cannot meet the standards of accuracy and transparency set by high-quality research publications, a solution may be to tax tobacco companies and administer the resulting funds to experts, independent of the tobacco industry, who use previously developed reliable models for measuring ITT.

Systematic review of interventions to improve gender equity in graduate medicine

2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-138864
Author(s):  
Sinéad Lydon ◽  
Emily O'Dowd ◽  
Chloe Walsh ◽  
Angela O'Dea ◽  
Dara Byrne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Gender Equity ◽  
English Language ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Reference List ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Work Settings

Women are substantially underrepresented in senior and leadership positions in medicine and experience gendered challenges in their work settings. This systematic review aimed to synthesise research that has evaluated interventions for improving gender equity in medicine. English language electronic searches were conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Reference list screening was also undertaken. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and March 2020 that evaluated interventions to improve gender equity, or the experiences of women, in academic or clinical medicine were reviewed. Dual reviewer data extraction on setting, participants, type of intervention, measurement and outcomes was completed. Methodological rigour and strength of findings were evaluated. In total, 34 studies were included. Interventions were typically focused on equipping the woman (82.4%), that is, delivering professional development activities for women. Fewer focused on changing cultures (20.6%), ensuring equal opportunities (23.5%) or increasing the visibility or valuing of women (23.5%). Outcomes were largely positive (87.3%) but measurement typically relied on subjective, self-report data (69.1%). Few interventions were implemented in clinical settings (17.6%). Weak methodological rigour and a low strength of findings was observed. There has been a focus to-date on interventions which Equip the Woman. Interventions addressing systems and culture change require further research consideration. However, institutions cannot wait on high quality research evidence to emerge to take action on gender equity. Data collated suggest a number of recommendations pertaining to research on, and the implementation of, interventions to improve gender equity in academic and clinical settings.

Brexanolone (Zulresso): Finally, an FDA-Approved Treatment for Postpartum Depression

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason G Powell ◽  
Scott Garland ◽  
Kayla Preston ◽  
Chris Piszczatoski
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Onset Of Action ◽  
Fda Approval ◽  
Study Selection

Objective: To review the safety and efficacy of brexanolone for the treatment of moderate to severe postpartum depression (PPD). Data Sources: A literature search through PubMed was conducted (January 2012 to July 2019) using the keyword brexanolone for clinical trials published in the English language. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles were selected if they were related to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of brexanolone or provided novel clinical information regarding this drug entity. Data Synthesis: The findings of the review show that brexanolone administered via IV infusion is both an effective and a fairly safe option for the treatment of PPD. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: There are several antidepressants currently used to treat PPD; however, this is the first with FDA approval for this indication. The rapid onset of action of brexanolone may offer a quicker relief of these symptoms and may possibly lead to improved quality of life for both the mother and the child. Conclusion and Relevance: The recent FDA approval of brexanolone may offer an effective treatment of moderate to severe PPD and has been shown to rapidly decrease depression symptoms.

Efficacy of Non-Invasive Auricular Acupressure for Treating Constipation in Leukemia Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 406-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Ye Chen ◽  
Xiao-Xu Lin ◽  
Xing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale ◽  
Potential Safety

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of auricular acupressure (AA) therapy for preventing constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: We searched 5 English databases and 4 Chinese databases, from their inception until August 2017. Quantitative syntheses of RCTs were conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Study selection, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Cochrane criteria for risk-of-bias were used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. Results: Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and most were of low methodological quality. All RCTs compared AA + routine care with routine care alone. Our analysis found that complementary effects of AA can improve the scores of the Bristol Stool Form (BSF), the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS), and the Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). However, the same positive results were not found in terms of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the EuroQoL 5-domain (EQ-5D), and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Conclusions: Overall, as a potential safety therapy, AA may be recommended in addition to routine care including use of laxatives to prevent constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. In the future, more rigorous RCTs must be conducted to overcome the limitations of our existing data and to confirm the effect and safety of AA for managing constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy.

scholarly journals Multimorbidity, Loneliness, and Social Isolation. A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8688 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Hajek ◽  
Benedikt Kretzler ◽  
Hans-Helmut König
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Final Synthesis

No systematic review has appeared so far synthesizing the evidence regarding multimorbidity and loneliness, social isolation, or social frailty. Consequently, our aim was to fill this gap. Three electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched in our study. Observational studies examining the link between multimorbidity and loneliness, social isolation, and social frailty were included, whereas disease-specific samples were excluded. Data extraction included methods, characteristics of the sample, and the main results. A quality assessment was conducted. Two reviewers performed the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. In sum, eight studies were included in the final synthesis. Some cross-sectional and longitudinal studies point to an association between multimorbidity and increased levels of loneliness. However, the associations between multimorbidity and social isolation as well as social frailty remain largely underexplored. The quality of the studies included was rather high. In conclusion, most of the included studies showed a link between multimorbidity and increased loneliness. However, there is a lack of studies examining the association between multimorbidity and social isolation as well as social frailty. Future studies are required to shed light on these important associations. This is particularly important in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Determinants of Frequent Attendance in Primary Care. Study Protocol for a Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3710
Author(s):  
André Hajek ◽  
Benedikt Kretzler ◽  
Hans-Helmut König
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Frequent Attendance ◽  
Longitudinal Observational Studies

Thus far, no study has systematically synthesized longitudinal studies investigating the determinants of frequent attendance in primary care. Consequently, the purpose of our systematic review is to give an overview of evidence based on longitudinal observational studies analyzing the determinants of frequent attendance. Three electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL) will be searched. Moreover, the reference lists of studies included in our systematic review will be searched manually. Longitudinal observational studies examining the determinants of frequent attendance in primary care will be included. Disease-specific samples will be excluded. Data extraction focuses on methods (e.g., measurement of frequent attendance, statistical analysis), characteristics of the sample and key results. Furthermore, the quality of the studies included will be examined using an appropriate tool. Two reviewers will perform study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. A meta-analysis will be conducted (if possible).

scholarly journals How are meta-analyses being conducted and reported in dentistry?

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. e211701
Author(s):  
Leticia Tainá de Oliveira Lemes ◽  
Lara Dotto ◽  
Bernardo Antonio Agostini ◽  
Gabriel Kalil Rocha Pereira ◽  
Rafael Sarkis-Onofre
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Great Part ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity ◽  
Meta Analyses

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate how meta-analyses are conducted and reported in dentistry. Methods: We conducted a search to identify dentistry-related Systematic Reviews (SRs) indexed in PubMed in 2017 (from January 01 until December 31) and published in the English language. We included only SRs reporting at least one meta-analysis. The study selection followed the 4-phase flow set forth in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement (PRISMA), and it was independently conducted by two researchers. Data extraction was performed by one of three reviewers, and data related to conducting and reporting of the meta-analysis were collected. Descriptive data analysis was performed summarizing frequencies for categorical items or median and interquartile range for continuous data. Results: We included 214 SRs with meta-analyses. Most of the studies reported in the title that a meta-analysis was conducted. We identified three critical flaws in the included studies: Ninety (90) meta-analyses (43.1%) did not specify the primary outcome; most of the meta-analyses reported that a measure of statistical heterogeneity was used to justify the use of a fixed-effect or random-effects meta-analysis model (n=114, 58.5%); and a great part did not assess publication bias (n=106, 49.5%). Conclusion: We identified deficiencies in the reporting and conduct of meta-analysis in dentistry, suggesting that there is room for improvement. Educational approaches are necessary to improve the quality of such analyses and to avoid biased and imprecise results.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Antalgic Therapies in Patients with Vertebral Bone Metastasis: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3991
Author(s):  
Antonio Jose Martin-Perez ◽  
María Fernández-González ◽  
Paula Postigo-Martin ◽  
Marc Sampedro Pilegaard ◽  
Carolina Fernández-Lao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bone Metastasis ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Vertebral Metastasis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

There is no systematic review that has identified existing studies evaluating the pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention for pain management in patients with bone metastasis. To fill this gap in the literature, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different antalgic therapies (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) in the improvement of pain of these patients. To this end, this protocol has been written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020135762). A systematic search will be carried out in four international databases: Medline (Via PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, to select the randomized controlled clinical trials. The Risk of Bias Tool developed by Cochrane will be used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the identified studies. A narrative synthesis will be used to describe and compare the studies, and after the data extraction, random effects model and a subgroup analyses will be performed according to the type of intervention, if possible. This protocol aims to generate a systematic review that compiles and synthesizes the best and most recent evidence on the treatment of pain derived from vertebral metastasis.

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.

Lead in Mineral or Multivitamin-Multimineral Products

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110233
Author(s):  
C. Michael White
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
The United States ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Pubmed Search ◽  
Zinc Supplements ◽  
Average Lead ◽  
Year 2000

Objective Assess the current daily interim reference level of lead and the amount contained in current mineral and multivitamin-multimineral (MVM) products. Data Sources PubMed search from 1980 to May 15, 2021, limited to the English language, via the search strategy ((mineral OR multivitamin OR calcium OR iron OR magnesium OR copper OR zinc OR chromium OR selenium) AND (heavy metals OR Pb OR lead)). Study Selection and Data Extraction Narrative review of studies assessing lead content in mineral or MVM products. Data Synthesis Products containing different calcium forms (dolomite, bone meal, natural carbonate) have historically had higher lead levels than others (refined carbonate, lactate, gluconate, acetate, sevelamer), but the gap has closed considerably since the year 2000. Although only limited assessments of magnesium and zinc supplements have been conducted, no alarming average lead amounts were found. MVM products assessed since 2007 had low median or mean lead concentrations. However, large interproduct differences exist, with many products having very little lead and some products having concerning amounts. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice It is difficult for pharmacists and consumers to know the amount of lead in an actual product unless it is tested in an independent third-party lab. The United States Pharmacopeia and NSF International will provide a seal on the products stating that the products have a low level of lead, but even so, children could receive more lead than the Food and Drug Administration’s Interim Reference Level. Conclusions The threat from lead exposure in mineral and MVM products have diminsihed considerably over time but some products can still have excessive amounts. Without third-party testing, it is difficult for clinicians and consumers to know which outlier products to avoid.

scholarly journals Prioritising recommendations following analyses of adverse events in healthcare: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e000843
Author(s):  
Kelly Bos ◽  
Maarten J van der Laan ◽  
Dave A Dongelmans
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Personal Opinion ◽  
User Friendly

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review was to identify an appropriate method—a user-friendly and validated method—that prioritises recommendations following analyses of adverse events (AEs) based on objective features.Data sourcesThe electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO (Ovid) and ERIC (Ovid) were searched.Study selectionStudies were considered eligible when reporting on methods to prioritise recommendations.Data extractionTwo teams of reviewers performed the data extraction which was defined prior to this phase.Results of data synthesisEleven methods were identified that are designed to prioritise recommendations. After completing the data extraction, none of the methods met all the predefined criteria. Nine methods were considered user-friendly. One study validated the developed method. Five methods prioritised recommendations based on objective features, not affected by personal opinion or knowledge and expected to be reproducible by different users.ConclusionThere are several methods available to prioritise recommendations following analyses of AEs. All these methods can be used to discuss and select recommendations for implementation. None of the methods is a user-friendly and validated method that prioritises recommendations based on objective features. Although there are possibilities to further improve their features, the ‘Typology of safety functions’ by de Dianous and Fiévez, and the ‘Hierarchy of hazard controls’ by McCaughan have the most potential to select high-quality recommendations as they have only a few clearly defined categories in a well-arranged ordinal sequence.

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