A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effect of Oral Exercises on Masticatory Function

The aim of the current systematic review was to summarize and to evaluate the available information on the effectiveness of oral exercise in improving the masticatory function of people ≥18 y. Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and gray literatures were searched (up to December 2020) for relevant randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessments. Meta-analysis was conducted for the comparison of bite force and masticatory performance using mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD), respectively. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessment was adopted for collective grading of the overall body of evidence. Of the 1,576 records identified, 18 studies (21 articles) were included in the analysis. Results of meta-analysis indicated that oral exercise could significantly improve the mean bite force of the participants (parallel comparison: MD, 41.2; 95% CI, 11.6–70.7, P = 0.006; longitudinal comparison: MD, 126.5; 95% CI, 105.2–144.9, P < 0.001). However, the improvement in masticatory performance was not significant (parallel comparison: SMD, 0.11; 95% CI, –0.20 to 0.42, P = 0.48; longitudinal comparison: SMD, 0.4; 95% CI, –0.11 to 0.91, P = 0.13). Results of meta-regression showed that greater improvements in bite force can be achieved among younger adults and with more intensive exercise. Chewing exercise is the most effective oral exercise, followed by clenching exercise, while simple oral exercise may not have a significant effect. Based on the results of the meta-analysis and GRADE assessment, a weak recommendation for people with declined masticatory function to practice oral exercise is made.

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Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02749-5 ◽

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.

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Aromatherapy for Symptom Relief in Patients with Burn: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Hye Won Lee ◽

Lin Ang ◽

Jung Tae Kim ◽

Myeong Soo Lee

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Symptom Relief ◽

Routine Care ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Review Author ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Study Selection ◽

Meta Analyses

Background and Objectives: This review aimed to provide an updated review of evidence regarding the effects of aromatherapy in relieving symptoms of burn injuries, focusing on pain and physiological distress. Materials and Methods: Fifteen databases (including five English databases, four Korean medical databases, and four Iranian databases) and trial registries were searched for studies published between their dates of inception and July 2021. Two review authors individually performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, and any discrepancies were solved by a third review author. Results: Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this updated systematic review. Our meta-analyses revealed that inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care showed beneficial effects in relieving pain after dressing, as compared to placebo plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and routine care alone (p = 0.02). Additionally, inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and aromatherapy massage plus routine care (p < 0.0001) also showed superior effects in calming anxiety, as compared to routine care alone. None of the included studies reported on AEs. Overall, the risk of bias across the studies was concerning. Conclusions: This updated review and synthesis of the studies had brought a more detailed understanding of the potential application of aromatherapy for easing the pain and anxiety of burn patients.

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Timely Revisit of Proprioceptive Deficits in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Global Spine Journal ◽

10.1177/21925682211066824 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 219256822110668

Author(s):

Kenney K. L. Lau ◽

Karlen K. P. Law ◽

Kenny Y. H. Kwan ◽

Jason P. Y. Cheung ◽

Kenneth M. C. Cheung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽

Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽

Case Reports ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Detection Threshold ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Meta Analyses

Study Design Systematic review and meta-analysis Objectives The present review aimed to summarize the evidence regarding differences in proprioception between children with and without adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception to April 10, 2021. Articles were included if they involved: (1) AIS patients aged between 10 and 18 years, (2) measurements of proprioceptive abilities, and (3) comparisons with non-AIS controls. Animal studies, case reports, commentaries, conference proceedings, research protocols, and reviews were excluded. Two reviewers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, risks of bias assessments, and quality of evidence evaluations. Relevant information was pooled for meta-analyses. Results From 432 identified citations, 11 case-control studies comprising 1121 participants were included. The meta-analyses showed that AIS participants displayed proprioceptive deficits as compared to non-AIS controls. Moderate evidence supported that AIS participants showed significantly larger repositioning errors than healthy controls (pooled mean difference = 1.27 degrees, P < .01). Low evidence substantiated that AIS participants had significantly greater motion detection threshold (pooled mean difference = 1.60 degrees, P < .01) and abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials (pooled mean difference = .36 milliseconds, P = .01) than non-AIS counterparts. Conclusions Consistent findings revealed that proprioceptive deficits occurred in AIS patients. Further investigations on the causal relationship between AIS and proprioception, and the identification of the subgroup of AIS patients with proprioceptive deficit are needed.

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Association between abnormal maternal serum levels of vitamin B12 and preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nutrition Reviews ◽

10.1093/nutrit/nuaa096 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Farzaneh Mardali ◽

Somaye Fatahi ◽

Maryam Alinaghizadeh ◽

Hamed Kord Varkaneh ◽

Mohammad Hassan Sohouli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vitamin B12 ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Study Selection

Abstract Context Some evidence has shown an association between maternal vitamin B12 levels and the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women, but the relationship between preeclampsia and vitamin B12 is not clear. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to compare serum vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia with those in normotensive pregnant women. Data Sources The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to August 2019, along with the reference lists of included articles. Study Selection The literature was searched for observational studies that investigated vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia. Data Extraction Data were extracted independently by 2 authors. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia were significantly lower than those in healthy women (mean, −15.24 pg/mL; 95%CI, −27.52 to −2.954; P < 0.015), but heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 = 97.8%; P = 0.0103). Subgroup analyses based on folic acid supplementation, homocysteine concentrations, and gestational age at the time of sampling for vitamin B12 assessment did not identify the sources of heterogeneity. Conclusions Women with preeclampsia had significantly lower vitamin B12 concentrations than normotensive pregnant women.

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Interventions to Reduce Aerosolized Microbes in Dental Practice: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/0022034520943574 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 99 (11) ◽

pp. 1228-1238 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

D. Koletsi ◽

G.N. Belibasakis ◽

T. Eliades

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Bacterial Load ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Dental Practice ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

State Of Research

The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to identify and rank the effectiveness of different interventions used in dental practice to reduce microbial load in aerosolized compounds. Seven electronic databases were searched to April 6, 2020, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or nonrandomized prospective studies in the field. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were performed for all included studies, while the outcome of interest pertained to differences in bacterial load quantification through the use of different interventions prior to aerosol-generating procedures in dental practices. Random effects frequentist network meta-analysis was performed, with mean difference (MD) and 95% CI as the effect measure. Confidence in the documented evidence was assessed through the newly fueled CINeMA framework (Confidence in Network Meta-analysis) based on the GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Twenty-nine clinical trials were deemed eligible, 21 RCTs and 8 nonrandomized studies, while 11 RCTs contributed to the network meta-analysis, comprising 10 competing interventions. Tempered chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.2% as compared with nonactive control mouth rinse, prior to routine ultrasonic scaling, was most effective toward reduced postprocedural bacterial load with an MD of −0.92 (95% CI, −1.54 to −0.29) in log10 bacterial CFUs (colony-forming units). For CHX 0.2%, an MD of −0.74 (95% CI, −1.07 to −0.40) was observed as compared with control. Tempered CHX 0.2% presented the highest probabilities of being ranked the most effective treatment (31.2%). Level of confidence varied from very low to moderate across all formulated comparisons. These findings summarize the current state of research evidence in the field of aerosolized bacteria in dentistry. Instigated by the era of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the stipulation of a broader evaluation of the aerosolized microbes, including viruses, potentially coupled with disinfectant-based prevention schemes should be prioritized.

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The Efficacy of Retention Appliances after Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10093107 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 3107 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Antonino Lo Giudice ◽

Gaetano Isola ◽

Lorenzo Rustico ◽

Vincenzo Ronsivalle ◽

Marco Portelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Anterior Crowding ◽

Study Selection ◽

Statistical Heterogeneity ◽

Fixed Retainers

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the amount of the relapse of anterior crowding and the efficacy of retention appliances by reviewing the best available scientific evidence. A survey of articles published up to November 2019 about the stability of dental alignment and retention after fixed orthodontic treatment was performed using seven electronic databases. Study Selection: Only randomized clinical trials investigating patients previously treated with multi-bracket appliances with a follow-up period longer than 6 months were included. Data Extraction: Two authors independently performed the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. All pooled data analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated. In total, eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included, grouping data from 987 patients. The ages of the patients varied across the studies, ranging between 13 and 17 years. The observation period ranged between 6 and 24 months. The data showed no significant intercanine width modifications during the retention period with both fixed and removable retainers. A significant modification of Little’s Index was found for the mandibular removable retainers with a mean difference of 0.72 mm (95% Cl, 0.47 to 0.98) and for the maxillary removable retainers with a mean difference of 0.48 mm (95% Cl, 0.27 to 0.68). No significant changes were found by evaluating Little’s Index modification for the mandibular fixed retainers. The results of this meta-analysis showed that all the considered retainers were effective in maintaining dental alignment after fixed orthodontic treatment. However, fixed retainers showed greater efficacy compared to removable retainers.

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Local anaesthetics combined with vasoconstrictors in patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing dental procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014611 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. e014611 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Caio Chaves Guimaraes ◽

Rogério Heládio Lopes Motta ◽

Cristiane de Cássia Bergamaschi ◽

Jimmy de Oliveira Araújo ◽

Natalia Karol de Andrade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Local Anaesthetics ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Dental Procedures ◽

Central Register ◽

Registration Number

IntroductionThe use of vasoconstrictors combined with local anaesthetics (LAs) in dentistry for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still controversial in the scientific literature. It raises concerns regarding the possibility of transient episodes, triggering negative cardiovascular outcomes.Method/designTrials eligible for our systematic review will enrol patients with CVD who have undergone dental treatments carried out with the use of LAs by comparing two arms: LAs with vasoconstrictors and LAs without vasoconstrictors. The research will be conducted in the electronic databases, namely Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Healthstar (via Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science, from their inception to December 2017, without any restrictions in terms of language and status of publication. A team of reviewers will independently assess titles, abstracts and complete text to determine eligibility. For eligible studies, the same reviewers will perform data extraction and evaluate the risk of bias in the selected articles. The selected outcomes comprise death, mortality by a specific cause, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, hospitalisation, pain, bleeding, arrhythmias, ischaemic episodes, anxiety, adverse effects, changes in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, anxiety and results obtained via oximetry. Whenever possible, we will conduct a meta-analysis to establish the effects of LAs with and without vasoconstrictors in the patients with CVD, and the overall quality of evidence for each outcome will be determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation classification system.Ethics and disseminationEthics committee approval was not necessary because this is a protocol of systematic review. This systematic review will be submitted for presentation at conferences and for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Our review will assess the risks of cardiovascular events when using LAs with and without vasoconstrictors in patients with CVD, focusing on important clinical outcomes.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016045421.

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Use of convalescent plasma in patients with coronavirus disease (Covid-19): Systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2021.02.14.20246454 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fernando Tortosa ◽

Gabriela Carrasco ◽

Martin Ragusa ◽

Pedro Haluska ◽

Ariel Izcovich

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Treatment Standard ◽

Study Selection

AbstractObjetivesTo assess the effects of convalescent plasma treatment in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Study designSystematic review and Meta-analysisData sourcesA systematic search was carried out on the L · OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19 until October 31, 2020Study selectionRandomized clinical trials in which people with probable or confirmed COVID-19 were randomized to drug treatment, standard care, or placebo. Pairs of reviewers independently screened potentially eligible articles.MethodsThe PRISMA guidelines were followed for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0, and the certainty of the evidence using the recommendation assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. For each outcome, the interventions were classified into groups, from most to least beneficial or harmful.ResultsWe identified 10 RCTs (randomized controlled trials) involving 11854 patients in which convalescent plasma was compared with standard of care or other treatments. The results of five RCTs that evaluated the use of convalescent plasma in patients with COVID-19 did not show significant differences in the effect on mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation.ConclusionsCurrent evidence is insufficient to recommend the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of moderate or severe COVID-19.Contribution of the authors

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Effectiveness of multicomponent treatment in patients with fibromyalgia: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-127742/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Felipe Araya-Quintanilla ◽

Hector Gutierrez-Espinoza ◽

Jorge Fuentes ◽

Fernanda Prieto-Lafrentz ◽

Leonardo Pavez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Pain Catastrophizing ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Grade Scale ◽

Registration Number ◽

The Cochrane Collaboration

Abstract Background The purpose of this protocol is to provide new and clear data on the systematic review with meta-analysis with the current Cochrane methodology to compare the effectiveness of multicomponent treatment versus other interventions for patients with fibromyalgia. Methods This protocol conforms to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. An electronic search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, CINAHL, and PEDro, from the inception until January 2021. There will be no language restrictions. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias (RoB2) will be used. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale will be used to evaluate the strength of the evidence. The DerSimonian and Laird random effects of Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects methods will be used, depending on the heterogeneity. To compute a pooled estimate of mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD), and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pain intensity, physical function, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, quality of life, sleep quality, and level of depression. Discussion This systematic review will synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of multicomponent treatment in patients with fibromyalgia. This systematic review could add important evidence in the treatment of FM that could improve the clinical practice and the making of decisions and actions in this field. The novel statistical analysis will try to show the effects of multicomponent treatment by type and dose of exercise in patients with FM. The results will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Ethics approval will not be needed because the data used for this systematic review will be obtained from individual trials and there will be no concerns about privacy. PROSPERO systematic review registration number: CRD42020142082

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Ketamine for suicidal ideation in adults with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment trials

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0004867419883341 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (1) ◽

pp. 29-45 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Katrina Witt ◽

Jennifer Potts ◽

Anna Hubers ◽

Michael F Grunebaum ◽

James W Murrough ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Single Trial ◽

Evaluation Tool ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Post Infusion ◽

Randomised Controlled

Objective: Ketamine may reduce suicidal ideation in treatment-resistant depression. But it is not known how quickly this occurs and how long it persists. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the short- and long-term effectiveness of ketamine for suicidality. Method: CENTRAL, EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO were searched until 12 December 2018. Randomised controlled trials of ketamine or esketamine reporting data on suicidal ideation, self-harm, attempted or completed suicide in adults diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Standardised mean difference was used for continuous outcomes. Results: Twenty-five reports from 15 independent trials, with a total of 572 participants diagnosed with predominately affective disorders, were included. The evidence was rated moderate to low. In most trials, ketamine was administered at 0.5 mg/kg via a single intravenous infusion over a 30- to 45-minute period. Only a single trial of intranasal esketamine was identified. At 4 hours post-infusion, treatment with ketamine was associated with a significant reduction in suicidal ideation scores (standardised mean difference = −0.51, 95% confidence interval = [−1.00, −0.03]), which persisted until 72 hours post-infusion (time points between 12 and 24 hours: standardised mean difference = −0.63, 95% confidence interval = [−0.99, −0.26]; between 24 and 72 hours: standardised mean difference = −0.57, 95% confidence interval = [−0.99, −0.14]), but not thereafter. However, there was marked heterogeneity of results. In a single trial of esketamine, marginal effects on suicidal ideation were observed. In terms of actual suicidal behaviour, there were virtually no data on effects of ketamine or esketamine. Conclusion: A single infusion of ketamine may have a short-term (up to 72 hours) beneficial impact on suicidal thoughts. While confirmation of these results in further trials is needed, they suggest possible use of ketamine to treat acute suicidality. Means of sustaining any anti-suicidal effect need to be found.

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