scholarly journals Slam Practice: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Benoit Schreck ◽  
Caroline Victorri-Vigneau ◽  
Marylène Guerlais ◽  
Edouard Laforgue ◽  
Marie Grall-Bronnec

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Slamming has been developing since 2011 as a new international phenomenon, mostly among men who have sex with men (MSM). It consists of intravenous drug injection before or during planned sexual activity to sustain, enhance, disinhibit, or facilitate the experience. We aimed to synthesize the available published evidence through a systematic literature review in order to precisely describe this phenomenon and to better characterize the population engaging in this practice and its specific motives. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A systematic review of the available literature was conducted to identify all relevant publications using PubMed, Psyc­INFO, the Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect. To complete the review, we followed the recommendations of the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” method. We limited the search to studies published between January 2008 and May 2020. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our search identified 530 publications, of which 27 were included in the final data synthesis. One study focused on heterosexual and homosexual subpopulations, and all other studies focused on MSM-specific samples. Among MSM, slam prevalence was extremely variable, ranging from 2 to 91%; regarding other sexually active subjects, prevalence ranged from 7 to 14%. The prevalence of HIV-positive subjects varied widely across studies, ranging from 0.6 to 100%. We found less data about hepatitis C virus serostatus, ranging from 3 to 100%. Methamphetamine and mephedrone were the 2 most used drugs. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> The data we found in international literature were very heterogeneous and from poorly reproducible studies. The definition of slamming in the international literature is not always clear, which limits the completeness of the collected data. This topic has been open to studies only recently; however, health professionals must be trained in the management of this practice, considering its risks in the short and medium terms and its addictive potential. We provided and discussed recommendations and potential future directions.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e042354
Author(s):  
David McEvoy ◽  
Conor McAloon ◽  
Aine Collins ◽  
Kevin Hunt ◽  
Francis Butler ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the relative infectiousness of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected persons compared with symptomatic individuals based on a scoping review of available literature.DesignRapid scoping review of peer-reviewed literature from 1 January to 5 December 2020 using the LitCovid database and the Cochrane library.SettingInternational studies on the infectiousness of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2.ParticipantsStudies were selected for inclusion if they defined asymptomatics as a separate cohort distinct from presymptomatics and if they provided a quantitative measure of the infectiousness of asymptomatics relative to symptomatics.Primary outcome measuresPCR result (PCR studies), the rate of infection (mathematical modelling studies) and secondary attack rate (contact tracing studies) - in each case from asymptomatic in comparison with symptomatic individuals.ResultsThere are only a limited number of published studies that report estimates of relative infectiousness of asymptomatic compared with symptomatic individuals. 12 studies were included after the screening process. Significant differences exist in the definition of infectiousness. PCR studies in general show no difference in shedding levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals; however, the number of study subjects is generally limited. Two modelling studies estimate relative infectiousness to be 0.43 and 0.57, but both of these were more reflective of the infectiousness of undocumented rather than asymptomatic cases. The results from contact tracing studies include estimates of relative infectiousness of 0, but with insufficient evidence to conclude that it is significantly different from 1.ConclusionsThere is considerable heterogeneity in estimates of relative infectiousness highlighting the need for further investigation of this important parameter. It is not possible to provide any conclusive estimate of relative infectiousness, as the estimates from the reviewed studies varied between 0 and 1.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3280
Author(s):  
Raphaël Richert ◽  
Jean-Christophe Farges ◽  
Faleh Tamimi ◽  
Naim Naouar ◽  
Philippe Boisse ◽  
...  

Finite element (FE) models are widely used to investigate the biomechanics of reconstructed premolars. However, parameter identification is a complex step because experimental validation cannot always be conducted. The aim of this study was to collect the experimentally validated FE models of premolars, extract their parameters, and discuss trends. A systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Records were identified in three electronic databases (MEDLINE [PubMed], Scopus, The Cochrane Library) by two independent reviewers. Twenty-seven parameters dealing with failure criteria, model construction, material laws, boundary conditions, and model validation were extracted from the included articles. From 1306 records, 214 were selected for eligibility and entirely read. Among them, 19 studies were included. A heterogeneity was observed for several parameters associated with failure criteria and model construction. Elasticity, linearity, and isotropy were more often chosen for dental and periodontal tissues with a Young’s modulus mostly set at 18–18.6 GPa for dentine. Loading was mainly simulated by an axial force, and FE models were mostly validated by in vitro tests evaluating tooth strains, but different conditions about experiment type, sample size, and tooth status (intact or restored) were reported. In conclusion, material laws identified herein could be applied to future premolar FE models. However, further investigations such as sensitivity analysis are required for several parameters to clarify their indication.


2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 1380-1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigid M. Gillespie ◽  
Wendy Chaboyer ◽  
Lukman Thalib ◽  
Melinda John ◽  
Nicole Fairweather ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Previous before-and-after studies indicate that the use of safety checklists in surgery reduces complication rates in patients. Methods: A systematic review of studies was undertaken using MEDLINE, CINAHL, Proquest, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies that evaluated the effects of checklist use in surgery on complication rates. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies. The pooled risk ratio (RR) was estimated using both fixed and random effects models. For each outcome, the number needed to treat (NNT) and the absolute risk reduction (ARR) were also computed. Results: Of the 207 intervention studies identified, 7 representing 37,339 patients were included in meta-analyses, and all were cohort studies. Results indicated that the use of checklists in surgery compared with standard practice led to a reduction in any complication (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.72; P &lt; 0.0001; ARR, 3.7%; NNT, 27) and wound infection (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.72; P = 0.0001; ARR, 2.9%; NNT, 34) and also reduction in blood loss (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.70; P = 0.0001; ARR, 3.8%; NNT, 33). There were no significant reductions in mortality (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.11; P = 0.191; ARR, 0.44%; NNT, 229), pneumonia (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.4; P = 0.857; ARR, 0.04%; NNT, 2,512), or unplanned return to operating room (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.02; P = 0.068; ARR, 0.52%; NNT, 192). Conclusion: Notwithstanding the lack of randomized controlled trials, synthesis of the existing body of evidence suggests a relationship between checklist use in surgery and fewer postoperative complications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi243-vi243
Author(s):  
Christina Jackson ◽  
John Choi ◽  
Carrie Price ◽  
Chetan Bettegowda ◽  
Michael Lim ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3369
Author(s):  
Won-Seok Kim ◽  
Sungmin Cho ◽  
Jeonghun Ku ◽  
Yuhee Kim ◽  
Kiwon Lee ◽  
...  

Neurorehabilitation for stroke is important for upper limb motor recovery. Conventional rehabilitation such as occupational therapy has been used, but novel technologies are expected to open new opportunities for better recovery. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology with a set of informatics that provides interactive environments to patients. VR can enhance neuroplasticity and recovery after a stroke by providing more intensive, repetitive, and engaging training due to several advantages, including: (1) tasks with various difficulty levels for rehabilitation, (2) augmented real-time feedback, (3) more immersive and engaging experiences, (4) more standardized rehabilitation, and (5) safe simulation of real-world activities of daily living. In this comprehensive narrative review of the application of VR in motor rehabilitation after stroke, mainly for the upper limbs, we cover: (1) the technologies used in VR rehabilitation, including sensors; (2) the clinical application of and evidence for VR in stroke rehabilitation; and (3) considerations for VR application in stroke rehabilitation. Meta-analyses for upper limb VR rehabilitation after stroke were identified by an online search of Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed. We expect that this review will provide insights into successful clinical applications or trials of VR for motor rehabilitation after stroke.


Dermatology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 234 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 79-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zarqa Ali ◽  
Charlotte Suppli Ulrik ◽  
Tove Agner ◽  
Simon Francis Thomsen

Atopic dermatitis (AD) may be associated with the metabolic syndrome and by that carry an increased risk of cardio­vascular disease. Our objective was to provide an update on current knowledge of the association between AD and metabolic syndrome, including each component of the metabolic syndrome. A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies investigating the association between metabolic syndrome and AD from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 14 studies, investigating the association between AD and the metabolic syndrome or AD and components of metabolic syndrome fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. It seems unlikely that the association between AD and metabolic syndrome is causal. However, women with AD tended to have components of metabolic syndrome more often than women without AD. There was a positive association between AD and central obesity measured as waist circumference, and this association was stronger for women than men. Despite conflicting results regarding hypertension, the association between hypertension and AD also appeared stronger for women. On the other hand, the association between AD and hyperglycemia appears unlikely, and the association between AD and cholesterol levels was inconsistent. In conclusion, it remains unclear whether AD is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and its components. However, data indicate that central obesity is associated with AD and that the association is stronger for women than men.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingxiang Wen ◽  
Yaqi Li ◽  
Xiang Qu ◽  
Yanyan Zhu ◽  
Lingfang Tian ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of prasugrel and ticagrelor on high (HTPR) and low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. HTPR and LTPR were evaluated on the basis of the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein platelet reactivity index (VASP-PRI) and P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs). HTPR and LTPR were analyzed using risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI were used to calculate the pooled effect size of platelet reactivity (PR). Results Fourteen eligible studies were obtained, which included 2629 patients treated with ticagrelor (n = 1340) and prasugrel (n = 1289). The pooled results showed that the prasugrel-treated patients had higher platelet reactivity than the ticagrelor-treated patients (PRU: WMD = − 32.26; 95% CI: − 56.48 to − 8.76; P < 0.01; VASP-PRI: WMD = − 9.61; 95% CI: − 14.63 to − 4.60; P = 0.002). No significant difference in HTPR based on PRU was identified between the ticagrelor and prasugrel groups (P = 0.71), whereas a lower HTPR based on VASP-PRI was found in the ticagrelor-treated patients than in the prasugrel-treated patients (RR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12–0.75; P = 0.010). In addition, the results showed a lower LTPR was observed in the prasugrel group than in the ticagrelor group (RR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.08–1.81; P = 0.01). Conclusions Prasugrel might enable higher platelet reactivity than ticagrelor. Ticagrelor could lead to a decrease in HTPR and increase in LTPR. However, this result was only obtained in pooled observational studies. Several uncertainties such as the nondeterminancy of the effectiveness of ticagrelor estimated using VASP-PRI or the definition of HTPR (a high or modifiable risk factor) might have affected our results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Wei Liu ◽  
Chang Rao ◽  
Yuzheng Du ◽  
Lili Zhang ◽  
Jipeng Yang

Background. Poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common cause of disability among patients with stroke. Meanwhile, acupuncture has increasingly been used to improve motor and cognitive function for stroke patients. The aim of the present study was to summarize and evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating PSCI. Methods. Eight databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, Medline, Embase databases) were searched from January 2010 to January 2020. Meta-analyses were conducted for the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Assessments were performed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), or modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results. A total of 657 relevant RCTs were identified, and 22 RCTs with 1856 patients were eventually included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture appeared to be effective for improving cognitive function as assessed by MMSE ( mean   difference   MD = 1.73 , 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.39, 2.06), P < 0.00001 ) and MoCA ( MD = 2.32 , 95% CI (1.92, 2.73), P < 0.00001 ). Furthermore, it also suggested that acupuncture could improve the activities of daily life (ADL) for PSCI patients as assessed by BI or MBI ( SMD = 0.97 , 95% CI (0.57, 1.38), P < 0.00001 ). Conclusions. Compared with nonacupuncture group, acupuncture group showed better effects in improving the scores of MMSE, MoCA, BI, and MBI. This meta-analysis provided positive evidence that acupuncture may be effective in improving cognitive function and activities of daily life for PSCI patients. Meanwhile, long retention time of acupuncture may improve cognitive function and activities of daily life, and twist technique may be an important factor that could influence cognitive function. However, further studies using large samples and a rigorous study design are needed to confirm the role of acupuncture in the treatment of PSCI.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1266-1266
Author(s):  
L. Morgan ◽  
G. Gartlehner

IntroductionSecond-generation antidepressants dominate the medical management of major depressive disorder (MDD). Two published comparative effectiveness reviews (CER) provide conflicting evidence about the comparative efficacy and safety of second-generation antidepressants for treating MDD.ObjectivesTo compare the benefits and harms of bupropion, citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and venlafaxine for the treatment of MDD in adults.MethodsWe updated a CER published in 2007 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality searching MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts up to May 2010. Two persons independently reviewed the literature, abstracted data, and rated the risk of bias. If data were sufficient, we conducted meta-analyses of head-to-head trials of the relative benefit of response to treatment. In addition, we conducted mixed treatment comparisons to derive indirect estimates of the comparative efficacy among all second-generation antidepressants.ResultsOverall, no substantial differences in efficacy could be detected among second-generation antidepressants. Statistically significant differences in response rates between some compared drugs are small and likely not clinically relevant. Differences exist in the incidence of specific adverse events and the onset of action. Venlafaxine leads to higher rates of nausea and vomiting, sertraline to higher rates of diarrhea, and mirtazapine to higher rates of weight gain than comparator drugs. Bupropion caused lower rates of sexual dysfunction than other antidepressants.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the existing evidence does not warrant the choice of one second-generation antidepressant over another based on greater efficacy and effectiveness.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Li ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Hong-Mei Zhang ◽  
Yin-Peng Huang ◽  
Tian-Yi Wang ◽  
...  

Our meta-analysis aggregated existing results from relevant studies to comprehensively investigate the correlations between genetic polymorphisms in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) gene and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicities in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The MEDLINE (1966∼2013), the Cochrane Library Database (Issue 12, 2013), EMBASE (1980∼2013), CINAHL (1982∼2013), Web of Science (1945∼2013), and the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) (1982∼2013) were searched without language restrictions. Meta-analyses were conducted with the use of STATA software (Version 12.0, Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). Seven clinical cohort studies with a total of 946 CRC patients met our inclusion criteria, and NOS scores of each of the included studies were ≥5. Our findings showed thatDPYDgenetic polymorphisms were significantly correlated with high incidences of 5-FU-related toxicity in CRC patients. SNP-stratified analysis indicated that there were remarkable connections of IVS14+1G>A, 464T>A, and 2194G>A polymorphisms with the incidence of marrow suppression in CRC patients receiving 5-FU chemotherapy. Furthermore, we found that IVS14+1G>A, 496A>G, and 2194G>A polymorphisms were correlated with the incidence of gastrointestinal reaction. Ethnicity-stratified analysis also revealed thatDPYDgenetic polymorphisms might contribute to the development of marrow suppression and gastrointestinal reaction among Asians, but not among Caucasians. The present meta-analysis suggests thatDPYDgenetic polymorphisms may be correlated with the incidence of 5-FU-related toxicity in CRC patients.


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