scholarly journals Manual Therapy as a Management of Cervical Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Sergio Borrella-Andrés ◽  
Isabel Marqués-García ◽  
María Orosia Lucha-López ◽  
Pablo Fanlo-Mazas ◽  
Mar Hernández-Secorún ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Cervical Radiculopathy ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Good Definition ◽  
Therapy Technique ◽  
Definition Of

Background. Cervical radiculopathy is defined as a disorder involving dysfunction of the cervical nerve roots characterised by pain radiating and/or loss of motor and sensory function towards the root affected. There is no consensus on a good definition of the term. In addition, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of manual therapy in radiculopathy is contradictory. Objective. To assess the effectiveness of manual therapy in improving pain, functional capacity, and range of motion in treating cervical radiculopathy with and without confirmation of altered nerve conduction. Methods. Systematic review of randomised clinical trials on cervical radiculopathy and manual therapy, in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, and Cochrane Library Plus databases. The PRISMA checklist was followed. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale and RoB 2.0. tool. Results. 17 clinical trials published in the past 10 years were selected. Manual therapy was effective in the treatment of symptoms related to cervical radiculopathy in all studies, regardless of the type of technique and dose applied. Conclusions. This systematic review did not establish which manual therapy techniques are the most effective for cervical radiculopathy with electrophysiological confirmation of altered nerve conduction. Without this confirmation, the application of manual therapy, regardless of the protocol applied and the manual therapy technique selected, appears to be effective in reducing chronic cervical pain and decreasing the index of cervical disability in cervical radiculopathy in the short term. However, it would be necessary to agree on a definition and diagnostic criteria of radiculopathy, as well as the definition and standardisation of manual techniques, to analyse the effectiveness of manual therapy in cervical radiculopathy in depth.

scholarly journals Utilization of Quality-Adjusted Time Without Symptoms or Toxicity (Q-TWiST) Method In Oncology: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 102s-102s
Author(s):  
T.T.X. Mai ◽  
C. Yoon Jung ◽  
C. Hyunsoon
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cancer Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Health States ◽  
Post Hoc Analysis ◽  
Oncology Clinical Trials ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Post Hoc

Background: Common endpoints of many cancer clinical trials are overall survival, progression-free survival or relapse. Despite their given importance, these measures do not account for quality of life (QOL). The Q-TWiST (Quality adjusted Time Without Symptoms and Toxicity) method has been proposed by Gelber in the 1990s to enable a statistical comparison between two treatment groups by incorporating both benefit (survival) and risk (toxicity, QOL). Q-TWiST partitions lifespan of patients from beginning of treatment until death into three time segments corresponding to three distinct health states: toxicity (TOX), TWiST (Time Without Symptoms of Treatment or Diseases) and relapse (REP). Aim: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the utilizations of Q-TWiST method in cancer clinical trials and how these results were translated to clinical practice in oncology field. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and the bibliographies of relevant articles to locate additional publications in Jan 2018. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected eligible studies based on keyword “Q-TWiST” and predetermined selection criteria. Clinical trials in oncology field quantifying Q-TWiST in the analysis were included. We focused how health states were defined and utility coefficients were determined. Other relevant contents were collected and summarized. Results: Out of 79 studies, 36 oncology clinical trials utilizing Q-TWiST method were identified. We included 20 studies published within last decade (2008-2018) in final review. Trials ranged from 182 to 1110 subjects. Breast cancer was most common cancer type. All studies were post hoc analysis which used data from previous publications and applied Q-TWiST in analysis. Methods in determining QOL, also called utility coefficients, varied among included trials. Among 20 studies, six directly measured QOL in their trials and used it for Q-TWiST method, two obtained QOL data from other studies with similar study participants. Most commonly used questionnaires were EORTC QLQ-C30 and EuroQOL EQ-5D. Utility coefficients were arbitrarily set in 12 studies. Most common values were 0.5, 1 and 0.5 for TOX, TWiST and REP respectively. Definition of these health states, especially toxicity, were consistent among included studies. Few studies discussed both statistical and clinical significance of their findings. Conclusion: Q-TWiST method has been increasingly used as a post hoc analysis in many oncology clinical trials within last decade. However, some current limitations should be compromised to make Q-TWiST become a clinically useful method for physicians and patients. We suggest that definition of health states must be standardized, methods to determine utility coefficients must be validated and universal in the future analysis.

scholarly journals Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Oswald D. Kothgassner ◽  
Andreas Goreis ◽  
Kealagh Robinson ◽  
Mercedes M. Huscsava ◽  
Christian Schmahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adolescent Psychopathology ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Clinical Consequences ◽  
Self Harm

Abstract Background Given the widespread nature and clinical consequences of self-harm and suicidal ideation among adolescents, establishing the efficacy of developmentally appropriate treatments that reduce both self-harm and suicidal ideation in the context of broader adolescent psychopathology is critical. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) literature on treating self-injury in adolescents (12–19 years). We searched for eligible trials and treatment evaluations published prior to July 2020 in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials. Twenty-one studies were identified [five randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), three controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and 13 pre-post evaluations]. We extracted data for predefined primary (self-harm, suicidal ideation) and secondary outcomes (borderline personality symptoms; BPD) and calculated treatment effects for RCTs/CCTs and pre-post evaluations. This meta-analysis was pre-registered with OSF: osf.io/v83e7. Results Overall, the studies comprised 1673 adolescents. Compared to control groups, DBT-A showed small to moderate effects for reducing self-harm (g = −0.44; 95% CI −0.81 to −0.07) and suicidal ideation (g = −0.31, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.09). Pre-post evaluations suggested large effects for all outcomes (self-harm: g = −0.98, 95% CI −1.15 to −0.81; suicidal ideation: g = −1.16, 95% CI −1.51 to −0.80; BPD symptoms: g = −0.97, 95% CI −1.31 to −0.63). Conclusions DBT-A appears to be a valuable treatment in reducing both adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation. However, evidence that DBT-A reduces BPD symptoms was only found in pre-post evaluations.

scholarly journals Nervous and Muscular Adverse Events after COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 939
Author(s):  
Jiaxin Chen ◽  
Yuangui Cai ◽  
Yicong Chen ◽  
Anthony P. Williams ◽  
Yifang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Open Label

Background: Nervous and muscular adverse events (NMAEs) have garnered considerable attention after the vaccination against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the incidences of NMAEs remain unclear. We aimed to calculate the pooled event rate of NMAEs after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on the incidences of NMAEs after COVID-19 vaccination was conducted. The PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched from inception to 2 June 2021. Two independent reviewers selected the study and extracted the data. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and generated with random or fixed effects models. The protocol of the present study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021240450). Results: In 15 phase 1/2 trials, NMAEs occurred in 29.2% vs. 21.6% (p < 0.001) vaccinated participants and controls. Headache and myalgia accounted for 98.2% and 97.7%, and their incidences were 16.4% vs. 13.9% (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.28–3.06, p = 0.002) and 16.0% vs. 7.9% (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.05–5.35, p < 0.001) in the vaccine and control groups, respectively. Headache and myalgia were more frequent in the newly licensed vaccines (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.28–3.06, p = 0.02 and OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.05–5.35, p < 0.001) and younger adults (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.12–1.75, p = 0.003 and OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.20–1.96, p < 0.001). In four open-label trials, the incidences of headache, myalgia, and unsolicited NMAEs were 38.7%, 27.4%, and 1.5%. Following vaccination in phase 3 trials, headache and myalgia were still common with a rate of 29.5% and 19.2%, although the unsolicited NMAEs with incidence rates of ≤ 0.7% were not different from the control group in each study. Conclusions: Following the vaccination, NMAEs are common of which headache and myalgia comprised a considerable measure, although life-threatening unsolicited events are rare. NMAEs should be continuously monitored during the ongoing global COVID-19 vaccination program.

scholarly journals Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Primary Headache: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Life ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Andréa Oliver Gomes ◽  
Ana Luiza Cabrera Martimbianco ◽  
Aldo Brugnera Junior ◽  
Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini Horliana ◽  
Tamiris da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Adjuvant Treatment ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Sham Treatment ◽  
Methodological Assessment ◽  
Grade Approach

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of photobiomodulation as an adjuvant treatment for primary headache. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was performed. For such, electronic searches were performed in the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, LILACS, PEDro, PsycInfo, Clinicaltrials.gov., and WHO/ICTRP databases, with no restrictions imposed regarding language or year of publication. We included studies that assessed any photobiomodulation therapy as an adjuvant treatment for primary headache compared to sham treatment, no treatment, or another intervention. The methodological assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The certainty of the evidence was classified using the GRADE approach. Four randomized clinical trials were included. Most of the included studies had an overall high risk of bias. Compared to sham treatment, photobiomodulation had a clinically important effect on pain in individuals with primary headache. Despite the benefits reported for other outcomes, the estimates were imprecise, and the certainty of the evidence was graded as low. These findings are considered insufficient to support the use of photobiomodulation in the treatment of primary headache. Randomized clinical trials, with higher methodological quality, are needed to enhance the reliability of the estimated effects.

scholarly journals How do community advisory boards fulfil their ethical role in HIV clinical trials? A protocol for a systematic review of qualitative evidence

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e035368
Author(s):  
Godwin Pancras ◽  
Maryam Amour ◽  
Tosi Mwakyandile ◽  
Baraka Morris ◽  
Bruno F Sunguya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Global Health Research ◽  
Advisory Boards ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Ethical Role ◽  
Hiv Clinical Trials ◽  
Community Advisory Boards

IntroductionCommunity advisory boards (CABs) continue to gain wide use and acceptance in global health research including in HIV clinical trials. They provide means through which community concerns regarding the trial can be considered by the research team, and provide an important platform of communication between the researchers and the community about study goals. Therefore, this systematic review protocol will guide the review of qualitative evidence on the ethical roles of CABs in HIV clinical trials based on the three fundamental ethical principles: respect for the person, beneficence and justice.Methods and analysisThis systematic review of qualitative evidence will involve searching four medical databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. Additionally, other relevant evidence will be obtained through hand searching and grey literature. Searches will be limited to studies published in the English language from 1989 (the year that CABs were first established in HIV clinical trials) to 2019. Articles searched will be screened by two independent authors based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included articles will be appraised for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and followed by qualitative data extraction. Findings will be analysed based on the meta-aggregative approach with the aid of EPPI-Reviewer 4 web-based software.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval does not apply to this review. Data will be disseminated through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals to inform policies and stake-holders about the ethical role of CABs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019133787.

scholarly journals SURG-16. SUPRATOTAL VERSUS GROSS TOTAL RESECTION OF GLIOBLASTOMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi243-vi243
Author(s):  
Christina Jackson ◽  
John Choi ◽  
Carrie Price ◽  
Chetan Bettegowda ◽  
Michael Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Supratotal Resection ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Abstract INTRODUCTION Due to the infiltrative nature of glioblastoma(GBM) outside of the contrast enhancing region in the peritumoral zone, there is increasing movement to perform supratotal resections (SpTR) by extending the edge of resection beyond the contrast enhancing portion of the tumor. However, there is currently no consensus on the potential survival benefit of SpTR in GBM as compared to gross total resection (GTR). METHODS Therefore, we performed a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines and performed a comprehensive literature search on Pubmed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from inception to August 16, 2018, to identify articles comparing overall survival (OS) after SpTR versus GTR. Furthermore, we assessed study quality using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. RESULTS We identified 8902 unique citations, of which 11 articles and 2 abstracts met study inclusion criteria. 925 patients underwent SpTR out of a total of 2137 patients. 9 of the 13 studies demonstrated improved survival with SpTR compared to GTR (median improvement in OS of 10.5 months), with no significant difference in post-operative complication rate. Conversely, one abstract found worsened outcomes with SpTR compared to GTR (median decrease in OS of 4 months). However, overall study quality was poor, with 12 of the 13 studies of level IV evidence and one study of level IIIb evidence. We were unable to perform a meta-analysis due to significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity amongst the studies (e.g. differences in adjuvant therapy and lack of standardization of definition of supratotal resection). CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review indicates that SpTR may be associated with improved OS compared to GTR for GBM. However, this is limited by poor study quality and significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity amongst the studies. There is need for prospective clinical trials to further establish standardized guidelines for SpTR in GBM.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Patient’s Acceptance of Alternative Methods for Caries Removal—A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3407
Author(s):  
Miguel Cardoso ◽  
Ana Coelho ◽  
Rui Lima ◽  
Inês Amaro ◽  
Anabela Paula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Yttrium Aluminium Garnet ◽  
Dental Hard Tissues ◽  
Caries Removal ◽  
Conventional Methods

Dental caries is a disease of dental hard tissues, considered the most common non-communicable disease worldwide. Conventional treatments for caries removal are often associated with pain and fear, so different therapeutic approaches have been developed towards more conservative and pleasant treatments. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and patient’s acceptance of alternative methods for caries removal compared to conventional methods. The Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases were searched. Clinical trials of primary dental caries treated with alternative methods were included. The last search was performed on 5 August 2020. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) strategy was followed. Thirty-seven clinical trials were included, reporting caries removal using alternative (chemomechanical—Brix 3000, Carie-care, Carisolv and Papacarie, laser—Er:YAG (Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet) and Er,Cr:YSGG (Erbium, Chromium-doped Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium and Garnet), and a system combining air and sono-abrasion—Vector® System) and conventional methods. Alternative methods tended to prolong treatment time and lessen anesthesia need. All treatments were effective in reducing cariogenic flora, and the restoration’s performance did not differ significantly. Chemomechanical solutions seemed to be the best option towards minimally invasive treatments, with good control during application and action and good treatment experiences for patients. Papacarie was demonstrated to be an effective method for caries removal with less pain, and superior acceptance by patients when compared to conventional treatments.

scholarly journals The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Dropping Pills on Hemorheology and Blood Lipid: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Hong Chen ◽  
Cihang Zhou ◽  
Mingwei Yu ◽  
Shuo Feng ◽  
Yunfei Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Ginkgo Biloba ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Randomized Trials ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Blood Lipid ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group

Objective. A systematic review of randomized trials was performed to assess the effect of Ginkgo Biloba Dropping Pills (GBDP) on clinical hemorheology and blood lipid indicators. Methods. The data of the Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Clinical Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang database, the VIP database, and the Sinomed were retrieved by computers from the establishment of the database to March 27, 2018, and screened and extracted by two researchers according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane 5.0 recommended bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature, and Revman 5.3 software were used for meta-analysis. Results. 10 literatures were finally selected in accordance with the standard. There were a total of 1201 cases, 608 cases in ginkgo biloba dropping pill group and 593 in routine treatment group. Compared with control group, GBDP significantly improved plasma viscosity [N=383, RR= - 0.45, 95%CI=(-0.86,-0.04), P=0.03], whole blood high shear [N=232, RR= - 0.92,95%CI=(-1.69, -0.16), P =0.02], whole blood low shear [N = 232, RR = - 2.22, 95% CI = (- 3.74, -0.7), P = 0.004], red blood cell specific volume [N =132, RR = - 4.55, 95% CI = (- 6.36, 2.73), P < 0.000 01], fibrinogen [N=243, RR=-0.60,95%CI=(-0.82,-0.39), P<0.00001], triglyceride [N=912, RR=-0.60,95%CI=(-1.12, -0.07), P =0.03], cholesterol [N=912, RR=-0.97,95%CI=(-1.41, -0.52), P <0.0001], low-density cholesterol [N=1100, RR=-0.72,95%CI=(-1.19, -0.25), P =0.003], and sensitivity analysis before and after of high-density cholesterol [N=1020, RR=0.08,95%CI=(-0.17,0.34), P =0.52] and [N=683, RR=0.27,95%CI=(0.13,0.42), P =0.0003]. And seven adverse reactions were reported. Conclusion. GBDP can improve hemorheology indexes, which is to reduce the blood viscosity, to improve blood lipid status, and to prevent and treat cardiocerebral and renal vascular diseases to a certain extent, with slight clinical adverse reactions. But our results were based on small amount of clinical studies with poor quality and insufficient evidence, which may lead to low credibility of conclusions. Therefore, more large-sample, multiple-center, randomized controlled clinical trials and related mechanisms researches are needed to obtain better clinical trial evidence in order to verify the further effectiveness and safety of GBDP on hemorheology.

scholarly journals Opioids in Post-stroke Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damiana Scuteri ◽  
Elisa Mantovani ◽  
Stefano Tamburin ◽  
Giorgio Sandrini ◽  
Maria Tiziana Corasaniti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Analgesic Effect ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Pain Syndromes

Background: Post-stroke pain is one of the most common sequelae of stroke, which stands among the leading causes of death and adult-acquired disability worldwide. The role and clinical efficacy of opioids in post-stroke pain syndromes is still debated.Objectives: Due to the important gap in knowledge on the management of post-stroke pain, this systematic review aimed at assessing the efficacy of opioids in post-stroke pain syndromes.Methods: A literature search was conducted on databases relevant for medical scientific literature, i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases from databases inception until August 31st, 2020 for clinical trials assessing the effects of opioids and opioid antagonists on pain reduction and pain related symptoms in patients with post-stroke pain syndromes. Studies assessing the effects of other medications (e.g., tricyclic antidepressant, pregabalin) or non - pharmacological management strategies (e.g., neurostimulation techniques) were excluded. The selected studies have been subjected to examination of the risk of bias.Results: The literature search retrieved 83,435 results. After duplicates removal, 34,285 articles were title and abstract screened. 25 full texts were assessed and 8 articles were identified to be eligible for inclusion in the qualitative summary and narrative analysis, of which three were placebo-controlled and two were dose-response. Among placebo-controlled studies, two evaluated the analgesic effect of morphine and one assessed the effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone on patients with central post-stroke pain. With regard to dose-response studies, both were on patients with central post-stroke pain, one assessing the efficacy of levorphanol, and the other on naloxone. Seven out of eight included studies showed an overall slight analgesic effect of opioids, with less consistent effects on other pain-related symptoms (e.g., mood, quality of life). The randomized controlled trials were subjected to meta-analysis and rating of the quality of evidence for the two outcomes considered according to GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) system. The overall results are inconclusive because of the small number of studies and of patients.Conclusions: The limited number of the included studies and their heterogeneity in terms of study design do not support the efficacy of opioids in post-stroke pain and in pain-related outcomes. Large double-blind randomized clinical trials with objective assessment of pain and related symptoms are needed to further investigate this topic.

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