Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning versus Traditional Teaching Methods in Improving Acquisition of Radiographic Interpretation Skills among Dental Students—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Problem-based learning is an experiential and student-centred learning method to practice important skills like querying, critical thinking, and collaboration through pair and group work. The study is aimed at comparing the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional teaching (TT) methods in improving acquisition of radiographic interpretation skills among dental students. Clinical trials (randomized and nonrandomized) were conducted with the help of dental students studying oral radiology using PBL and TT methods and assessing radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level as outcomes. Articles published from PubMed/MEDLINE, DOAJ, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool, the MINORS Checklist, and the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBIN-I) tool. Meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3. There were twenty-four articles for qualitative synthesis and 13 for meta-analysis. The cumulative mean difference was found to be 0.54 (0.18, 0.90), 4.15 (-0.35, 8.65), and -0.14 (-0.36, 0.08) for radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level, respectively, showing significant difference favouring PBL as compared to TT except for satisfaction level which favoured the TT group. To understand the long-term effectiveness of PBL over TT methods in oral radiology among dental students, well-designed long-term randomized controlled trials are needed.

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632 SUTURED VERSUS MESH-AUGMENTED HIATUS HERNIA REPAIR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Diseases of the Esophagus ◽

10.1093/dote/doab052.632 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Josipa Petric ◽

Tim Bright ◽

David Liu ◽

Melissa Wee ◽

David Watson

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hiatus Hernia ◽

Mesh Repair ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hernia Recurrence ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Absorbable Mesh ◽

Hiatal Closure

Abstract Repair of large hiatus hernias is increasingly being performed. However, there is no consensus for the optimal technique for hiatal closure between sutured versus mesh-augmented (absorbable or non-absorbable) repair. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed published randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing sutured versus mesh-augmented hiatus hernia (HH) repair. Our primary endpoint was HH recurrence at short- and long-term follow-up. Secondary endpoints were: surgical complications, operative times, dysphagia and quality of life. Methods A systematic review of Medline, Scopus (which encompassed Embase), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science and PubMed was performed to identify relevant studies comparing mesh-augmented versus sutured HH repair. Data were extracted and compared by meta-analysis, using odds ratio and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Results Seven RCTs were found which compared mesh-augmented (non-absorbable mesh: n = 296; absorbable mesh: n = 92) with sutured repair (n = 347). There were no significant differences for short-term hernia recurrence (defined as 6–12 months, 10.1% mesh versus 15.5% sutured, P = 0.22), long-term hernia recurrence (defined as 3–5 years, 30.7% mesh vs 31.3% sutured, P = 0.69), functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. The only statistically significant difference was that the mesh repair required a longer operation time (P = 0.05, OR 2.33, 95% CI 0.03–24.69). Conclusion Mesh repair for hiatus hernia does not offer any advantage over sutured hiatal closure. As both techniques deliver good and comparable clinical outcomes, a suture only technique is still an appropriate approach.

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Should Finasteride Be Routinely Given Preoperatively for TURP?

ISRN Urology ◽

10.1155/2013/458353 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

O. M. Aboumarzouk ◽

M. Z. Aslam ◽

A. Wedderburn ◽

K. Turner ◽

O. Hughes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Postoperative Bleeding ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Vascular Endothelial ◽

Central Register ◽

Language Restriction ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor

Objective. The aim of the review was to compare the use of finasteride to placebo in patients undergoing TURP procedures. Material & Methods. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1966–November 2011), EMBASE (1980–November 2011), CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, reference lists of articles, and abstracts from conference proceedings without language restriction for studies comparing finasteride to placebo patients needing TURPs. Results. Four randomised controlled trials were included comparing finasteride to a placebo. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to the disparity present in the results between the studies. Three of the studies found that finasteride could reduce either intra- or postoperative bleeding after TURP. One study found finasteride to significantly lower the microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). None of the studies reported any long-term complications related to either the medication or the procedure. Conclusion. finasteride reduces bleeding either during or after TURP.

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Hydroxyurea for β-Thalassemia Major: A Meta-Analysis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.4894.4894 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 4894-4894 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ali H. Algiraigri ◽

Nicola A. Wright ◽

Aliya Kassam

Keyword(s):

Sample Size ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Response Rate ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Thalassemia Major ◽

Organ Damage ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register

Abstract Background β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is one of the most common inherited diseases worldwide, characterized by a reduced ability to produce hemoglobin resulting in life-long transfusion-dependent anemia. Chronic transfusions carry significant risks such as infection, and result in iron overload that can cause significant multisystem organ damage. Hydroxyurea, an oral chemotherapeutic drug, is anticipated to decrease the need for transfusions, either completely or partially by raising hemoglobin levels and thus decreasing the short and long term complications of chronic transfusions. Objectives To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hydroxyurea in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients of any age. Search strategy We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ongoing trials registers, and major preceding conferences. Hand searches were also conducted using reference lists from primary studies. All searches were updated to June 5, 2014. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (sample size ≥ 5) assessing the clinical efficacy of hydroxyurea alone for three months or longer, for the treatment of patients with β-TM were included. Data collection and analysis Two authors acted as reviewers and independently assessed study quality and extracted data from the included studies. Authors of included studies were contacted if further information was required. β-TM includes the classical β-TM as well as severe hemoglobin E/β thalassemia, both of which are characterized by lifelong transfusion needs. The effect size was estimated as a proportion (those showing response to treatment over the total number treated) and reported as overall response rate (ORR) or complete response rate (CRR). ORR was defined as ≥ 50% reduction in transfusion need and CRR was defined as complete cessation of regular transfusion. All data was analyzed using Stata, Version 13.0. Results A total of 10 observational studies involving 620 patients were included. Hydroxyurea was associated with a statistically significant decrease in transfusion need with CRR of 36% (95% CI, 23-50%) and ORR of 66% (95% CI, 52-79%). All of the studies had several limitations, such as small sample size, lack of comparison group, under-reporting of data and methods, and being observational studies. Adverse events (AEs) were transient and improved with temporary cessation of the drug and/or adjustment of the dose. No long-term AEs, including cancer or end organ damage were reported. Authors’ conclusion Hydroxyurea appears to be effective in the management of β-TM by decreasing the need for chronic blood transfusions completely or partially in a significant number of patients. It appears to be well tolerated and associated with mild and transient AEs. Patients with β-TM may benefit from a trial of hydroxyurea, though large RCTs assessing efficacy should be done to confirm the findings of this meta-analysis. Disclosures Off Label Use: Hydroxyurea for β-Thalassemia.

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Efficacy and safety of edaravone for acute intracerebral haemorrhage: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039366 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. e039366

Author(s):

Luda Feng ◽

Ning Liang ◽

Tingting Li ◽

Qinyu Yang ◽

Ping Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Intracerebral Haemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Routine Treatment ◽

Manual Search

IntroductionIntracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening condition with no effective internal treatment options. However, edaravone is a promising therapeutic agent, although its beneficial effects are inconclusive based on previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses. While several trials in the last 8 years have reported the favourable long-term functional outcomes, a few reports indicated edaravone to be associated with an increase in adverse events.Methods and analysisThis protocol was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. We will perform the comprehensive and manual search for published articles, ongoing trials, dissertations and grey literature. The following databases will be searched from inception to 23 April 2020: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese scientific periodical database of VIP INFORMATION, Wanfang Data and SinoMed, with no language restrictions. All randomised controlled trials that (1) compared edaravone with placebo or no treatment, and (2) compared edaravone plus routine treatment or cointervention with routine treatment or cointervention for treating acute ICH will be included. Mortality and long-term dependency will be the primary outcomes. The incidence of adverse events will be assessed for safety evaluation. Two reviewers in pairs will independently carry out the article selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Assessment of the risk of bias and data synthesis will be performed using software Review Manager V.5.3. Finally, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to evaluate the quality of the overall evidence.Ethics and disseminationThere are no ethical considerations associated with this updated systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals or conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019147801.

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A comprehensive comparison between cementless and cemented fixation in the total knee arthroplasty: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02299-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuan Liu ◽

Yi Zeng ◽

Yuangang Wu ◽

Mingyang Li ◽

Huiqi Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Functional Recovery ◽

Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Joint Infection ◽

Standard Form ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Total Knee

Abstract Background Whether the cement should be used in the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was still in controversy. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of two kinds of fixation. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective/retrospective observational studies from PubMed (on 2019 September), EMBASE (on 2019 September), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science (on 2019 September) were searched. Only studies followed more than 2 years was included for the review. The PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane Handbook were adopted to assess the quality of the results reported in included studies to ensure that the results of our meta-analysis were reliable and veritable. The continuous and dichotomous outcomes were collected in a standard form, and the data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 software. Finally, the results were presented in the Forest plots. Results Twenty-six studies involving 2369 patients in cementless TKA and 2654 patients in cemented TKA were included. The rate of revision was not significantly different in two groups (p = 0.55). More than eight reasons caused revision were found in our study, the aseptic loosing was the most common, followed by the periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), neither was significantly different (p = 0.88 and 0.45, respectively). While significantly better long-term functional recovery was found in cementless TKA in terms of Knee Society Function Score (p = 0.004) and manipulation under anesthesia (p = 0.007). Conclusion Cementless fixation did not decrease the rate of revision after the total knee arthroplasty compared with the cemented fixation, while the long-term functional recovery was significantly better in the cementless group.

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Efficacy of EMG- and EEG-Biofeedback in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis and a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2013/962741 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Julia Anna Glombiewski ◽

Kathrin Bernardy ◽

Winfried Häuser

Keyword(s):

Pain Intensity ◽

Effect Size ◽

Fibromyalgia Syndrome ◽

Literature Search ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Eeg Biofeedback ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Control Groups

Objectives. Biofeedback (BFB) is an established intervention in the rehabilitation of headache and other pain disorders. Little is known about this treatment option for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The aim of the present review is to integrate and critically evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy of biofeedback for FMS.Methods. We conducted a literature search using Pubmed, clinicaltrials.gov (National Institute of Health), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and manual searches. The effect size estimates were calculated using a random-effects model.Results. The literature search produced 123 unique citations. One hundred sixteen records were excluded. The meta-analysis included seven studies (321 patients) on EEG-Biofeedback and EMG-Biofeedback. In comparison to control groups, biofeedback (BFB) significantly reduced pain intensity with a large effect size (; 95% CI: 0.22–1.36). Subgroup analyses revealed that only EMG-BFB and not EEG-BFB significantly reduced pain intensity in comparison to control groups (; 95% CI: 0.11–1.62). BFB did not reduce sleep problems, depression, fatigue, or health-related quality of life in comparison to a control group.Discussion. The interpretation of the results is limited because of a lack of studies on the long-term effects of EMG-BFB in FMS. Further research should focus on the long-term efficacy of BFB in fibromyalgia and on the identification of predictors of treatment response.

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Adjuvant treatment of anogenital warts with systemic interferon: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

10.1136/sextrans-2017-053150 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 94 (1) ◽

pp. 21-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Lukas Westfechtel ◽

Ricardo Niklas Werner ◽

Corinna Dressler ◽

Matthew Gaskins ◽

Alexander Nast

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Dose ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Alpha Interferon ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Anogenital Warts ◽

Complete Clearance

BackgroundInterferons are natural messenger proteins that are used to treat various disease entities. Due to their immunomodulating, antiviral and antiproliferative effects, the systemic administration of interferons after ablative treatment for anogenital warts (AGWs) has been advocated to increase clearance and decrease recurrence rates. However, studies investigating the efficacy of adjuvant systemic interferon have yielded inconsistent results. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to comprehensively assess and evaluate the available evidence from randomised controlled trials.MethodsA literature search was conducted in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and MEDLINE. Available data were classified according to the interferon type and dosage. Pooled effect estimates were calculated for predefined outcomes. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the included trials and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to evaluate our confidence in the effect estimates.ResultsTwelve trials were identified that met the inclusion criteria and assessed immunocompetent patients with external AGW. Compared with placebo, adjuvant alpha-, beta- and gamma-interferon were generally not significantly superior in terms of complete clearance over the short, intermediate or long term, nor with regard to intermediate- or long-term recurrence. However, the low-dose subgroup of adjuvant alpha-interferon was significantly superior compared with placebo regarding intermediate-term complete clearance and recurrence. Further data were available for the comparison of different dosages of alpha- and beta-interferon and for comparisons of the three interferon types. No significant differences were seen in these comparisons regarding efficacy. Data on quality of life were not available.ConclusionsThe GRADE quality of the evidence ranged from ‘very low’ to ‘high’. The significantly higher efficacy of low-dose alpha-interferon compared with placebo was based on a single trial, and our confidence in the effect estimates rated as ‘low’. Overall, we found no reliable evidence favouring the systemic use of interferon after ablative treatment of AGW.

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Immediate Effect of Fan Therapy in Terminal Cancer With Dyspnea at Rest: A Meta-Analysis

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine® ◽

10.1177/1049909119873626 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 294-299 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jun Kako ◽

Masamitsu Kobayashi ◽

Yasufumi Oosono ◽

Kohei Kajiwara ◽

Mika Miyashita

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Terminal Cancer ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Central Register ◽

Nonmalignant Disease ◽

The Cochrane Library

Background: Dyspnea is a common distressing symptom in patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Fan therapy, which uses a fan to blow air toward the patient’s face, can alleviate dyspnea; however, its efficacy remains unclear. Aim: To examine the immediate efficacy of fan therapy for alleviation of dyspnea at rest. Design: Meta-analysis. Data sources: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE EBSCO, CINAHL EBSCO, and Scopus from January 1, 1987, to August 21, 2018 (PROSPERO-CRD42018108610). In addition, we hand-searched studies and used the similar articles feature on PubMed to search for articles. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of fan therapy with placebo or other interventions to alleviate dyspnea at rest, in which patients were aged ≥18 years, were eligible for inclusion in the review. We excluded articles on long-term intervention involving fan therapy and complex intervention (including fan therapy). The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane tool, and the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.3. Results: We identified a total of 218 studies; 2 met our criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Fan therapy significantly improved dyspnea at rest in terminally ill patients with cancer compared to control groups (mean difference: −1.31, 95% confidence interval: −1.79 to −0.83, P < .001). There were no studies that met the inclusion criteria regarding fan therapy for patients with nonmalignant disease. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that fan therapy may be an effective intervention for dyspnea at rest in patients with terminal cancer.

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Convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients: a protocol of a prospective meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05066-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lajos Szakó ◽

Nelli Farkas ◽

Szabolcs Kiss ◽

Szilárd Váncsa ◽

Noémi Zádori ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Organ Failure ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Plasma Therapy ◽

Monthly Basis ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection with possible serious consequences. The plasma of recovered patients might serve as treatment, which we aim to assess in the form of a prospective meta-analysis focusing on mortality, multi-organ failure, duration of intensive care unit stay, and adverse events. Methods A systematic search was conducted to find relevant registered randomized controlled trials in five trial registries. A comprehensive search will be done continuously on a monthly basis in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science to find the results of previously registered randomized controlled trials. The selection will be done by two independent authors. Data extraction will be carried out by two other independent reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by a third investigator. An update of the search of the registries and the first search of the databases will be done on the 21st of July. Data synthesis will be performed following the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. In the case of dichotomous outcomes (mortality and organ failure), we will calculate pooled risk ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from two-by-two tables (treatment Y/N, outcome Y/N). Data from models with multivariate adjustment (hazard ratios, odds ratio, risk ratio) will be preferred for the analysis. P less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. In the case of ICU stay, weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval will be calculated. Heterogeneity will be tested with I2, and χ2 tests. Meta-analysis will be performed if at least 3 studies report on the same outcome and population. Discussion Convalescent plasma therapy is a considerable alternative in COVID-19, which we aim to investigate in a prospective meta-analysis.

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Comparative efficacy and safety of different regimens of ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040906 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e040906

Author(s):

Xinyu Zhao ◽

Lihui Meng ◽

Youxin Chen

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Randomised Controlled Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Age Related ◽

Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveTo give a comprehensive efficacy and safety ranking of different therapeutic regimens of ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).DesignA systematic review and network meta-analysis.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and other clinical trial registries were searched up to 1 October 2019 to identify related randomised controlled trials (RCT) of different regimens of ranibizumab for nAMD. The primary efficacy outcome was the changes of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 year, the primary safety outcome was the incidence of severe ocular adverse events. Secondary outcomes such as changes of central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated. We estimated the standardised mean difference (SMD), ORs, 95% CIs, the surface under the cumulative ranking curves and the mean ranks for each outcome using network meta-analyses with random effects by Stata 14.0.ResultsWe identified 26 RCTs involving 10 821 patients with nAMD randomly assigned to 21 different therapeutic regimens of ranibizumab or sham treatment. Ranibizumab 0.5 mg (treat and extend, T&E) is most effective in terms of changes of BCVA (letters, SMD=21.41, 95% CI 19.86 to 22.95) and three or more lines of BCVA improvement (OR=2.83, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.38). However, it could not significantly reduce retreatment times compared with monthly injection (SMD=−0.94, 95% CI −2.26 to 0.39). Ranibizumab 0.5 mg (3+pro re nata)+non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is most effective in reducing CRT and port delivery system of ranibizumab (100 mg/mL) could reduce the number of retreatment most significantly. All regimes have no more risk of severe ocular complications (including vitreous haemorrhage, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, retinal tear and retinal pigment epithelium tear) or cardiocerebral vascular complications.ConclusionsRanibizumab 0.5 mg (T&E) is most effective in improving the visual outcome. The administration of topical NSAIDs could achieve additional efficacy in CRT reduction and visual improvement. Both interventions had acceptable risks of adverse events.

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