scholarly journals Does cannabis complement or substitute alcohol consumption? A systematic review of human and animal studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 938-954
Author(s):  
Constanza Risso ◽  
Sadie Boniface ◽  
Meenakshi Sabina Subbaraman ◽  
Amir Englund
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Previous Systematic Review ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Cannabis Policy ◽  
Study Designs

Background: Whether alcohol and cannabis complement or substitute each other has been studied for over two decades. In the changing cannabis policy landscape, debates are moving rapidly and spill-over effects on other substances are of interest. Aims: update and extend a previous systematic review, by: (a) identifying new human behavioural studies reporting on substitution and/or complementarity of alcohol and cannabis, and (b) additionally including animal studies. Methods: We replicated the search strategy of an earlier systematic review, supplemented with a new search for animal studies. Search results were crossed checked against the earlier review and reference lists were hand searched. Findings were synthesised using a narrative synthesis. Results: Sixty-five articles were included (64 in humans, one in animals). We synthesised findings into categories: patterns of use, substitution practices, economic relationship, substance use disorders, policy evaluation, others and animal studies. Overall, 30 studies found evidence for substitution, 17 for complementarity, 14 did not find evidence for either, and four found evidence for both. Conclusions: Overall, the evidence regarding complementarity and substitution of cannabis and alcohol is mixed. We identified stronger support for substitution than complementarity, though evidence indicates different effects in different populations and to some extent across different study designs. The quality of studies varied and few were designed specifically to address this question. Dedicated high-quality research is warranted.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Oberndorfer ◽  
I Grabovac ◽  
S Haider ◽  
T E Dorner
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Reports of the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation vary across different studies making implementation recommendations hard to attain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation. Methods PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing nicotine ECs with non-nicotine ECs or with established smoking cessation interventions (nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and or counselling) published between 01/01/2014 and 01/05/2019. Data from eligible studies were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses. Results Our literature review yielded 13190 publications with 10 studies being identified as eligible for systematic review, covering 8362 participants, and 8 for meta-analyses (n = 30 - 6006). Using the last follow-up of eligible studies, the proportion of smokers achieving abstinence was 1.67 [95CI:0.99 - 2.81] times higher in nicotine EC users compared to non-nicotine EC users. The proportion of abstinent smokers was 1.69 [95CI:1.25 - 2.27] times higher in EC users compared to participants receiving NRT. EC users showed a 2.70 [95CI:1.15 - 6.30] times higher proportion of abstinent smokers in comparison to participants solely receiving counselling. Conclusions Our analysis showed modest effects of nicotine-ECs compared to non-nicotine ECs. When compared to NRT or counselling, results suggest that nicotine EC may be more effective for smoking cessation. As ECs also help maintaining routinized behaviour and social aspects of smoking, we hypothesise that this may explain their advantage as a tool for smoking cessation. However, given the small number of included studies, different populations, heterogeneous designs, and the overall moderate to low quality of evidence, it is not possible to offer clear recommendations. More comparable data is needed to strengthen confidence in the quality of evidence. Key messages The number of previous studies assessing the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is limited. Further, comparability of these studies is restricted, weakening the quality of evidence. Although current evidence on the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is inconclusive, our meta-analyses suggest that ECs could be a promising alternative tool in attempts to achieve abstinence.

Psychosocial interventions to improve HIV treatment adherence: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanella Costa-Cordella ◽  
Alejandra Rossi ◽  
Aitana Grasso-Cladera ◽  
Javiera Duarte ◽  
Claudia P. Cortes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Individual Counselling ◽  
Suboptimal Adherence ◽  
Study Designs

Introduction: The problem of suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) can be overcome through multidisciplinary management that includes evidence-based psychosocial interventions. Existing reviews focus only on randomized controlled trials, overlooking valuable interventions whose evidence comes from different study designs. This review aimed to synthesize the current state of the art in psychological interventions for ART adherence, integrating studies with a variety of research designs.Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched five databases for articles reporting a psychosocial intervention to improve treatment adherence for people living with HIV. The quality of each study was analyzed, and the data summarized using a narrative synthesis method.Results and discussion: Twenty-six articles were identified for inclusion. Individual counselling was the most common intervention, followed by peer-support based interventions delivered virtually or in person. Most interventions mixed different strategies, combining technology with individual counselling and peer support. It is important to note that the quality of evidence was not dependent on the study design.Conclusion: While the evidence requires further advancement, the review provides insight into which psychosocial interventions are helpful in improving ART treatment adherence.

A Systematic Review of the Relationships Between Physical Activity and Sleep in Early Childhood

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Christine W. St. Laurent ◽  
Katrina Rodheim ◽  
Rebecca M.C. Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Outcome Studies ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
Study Designs

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the associations between physical activity and sleep in children aged less than 6 years. Articles were included if participants were primarily aged less than 6 years and study designs were observational or experimental. Study characteristics were extracted, and the Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework was used to assess study quality. Thirty-six studies (16 sleep, 16 physical activity, and three fitness outcomes) from 18 countries reported in 29 articles were included. The majority of sleep and physical activity outcome studies reported mixed effects with very low to low quality of evidence. Fitness outcome studies were limited, and therefore, evidence was insufficient. The high prevalence of mixed and null results could be related to study limitations. Importantly, this review points to the critical need for higher quality studies of sleep and physical activity in young children, which would support health recommendations and intervention strategies for healthier child development.

Can Exergaming Promote Physical Fitness and Physical Activity?

Gamification ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 2022-2039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomas Kari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Significant Health

This systematic review of systematic reviews evaluates the effectiveness of exergaming on physical fitness and physical activity. A systematic literature search was conducted on 10 databases, and 1040 articles were identified. Sixty-eight articles were found potentially relevant and were selected for closer screening. Cross-referencing was conducted to find other potentially relevant articles. The quality of all relevant articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool. After all the duplicates were removed and inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria were implemented, six articles remained for review. The results indicate that exergaming is generally enjoyed and can evoke some benefits for physical fitness and physical activity, but the current evidence does not support the ability of exergaming to increase physical fitness or physical activity levels sufficiently for significant health benefits. This systematic review also revealed several gaps in previous research. Additional high-quality research and systematic reviews concerning exergaming are needed.

Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness with Exergames

2016 ◽  
pp. 225-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomas Kari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Significant Health

This updated systematic review of systematic reviews evaluates the effectiveness of exergaming on physical fitness and physical activity. A systematic literature search was conducted on 10 databases, first in 2014 and then repeated in 2016. In total, 1040 and 287 articles were identified. 68 and 31 articles were found potentially relevant and selected for closer screening. The quality of all relevant articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool. After the duplicates were removed and inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria were implemented, six and three articles remained for review. The results indicate that exergaming is generally enjoyed and can evoke some benefits for physical fitness and physical activity, but the current evidence does not support the ability of exergaming to increase physical fitness or physical activity levels sufficiently for significant health benefits. This systematic review also revealed gaps in previous research. Additional high-quality research and systematic reviews concerning exergaming are needed.

scholarly journals Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Stroke: A Systematic Review of Literature in Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1723-1730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiqing Zheng ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Pratik Y. Chhatbar ◽  
Yi Dong ◽  
Ali Alawieh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Stem Cell Therapy ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Human Trials

Exogenous stem cell therapy (SCT) has been recognized recently as a promising neuroregenerative strategy to augment recovery in stroke survivors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the primary source of stem cells used in the majority of both pre-clinical and clinical studies in stroke. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines on the use of SCT in stroke patients, understanding the progress of MSC research across published studies will assist researchers and clinicians in better achieving success in translating research. We conducted a systematic review on published literature using MSCs in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials between 2008 and 2017 using the public databases PubMed and Ovid Medline, and the clinical trial registry ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ). A total of 78 pre-clinical studies and eight clinical studies were identified. While majority of the pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrated statistically significant effects, the clinical significance of these findings was still unclear. Effect sizes could not be measured mainly due to reporting issues in pre-clinical studies, thus limiting our ability to compare results across studies quantitatively. The overall quality of both pre-clinical and clinical studies was sub-optimal. By conducting a systematic review of both pre-clinical and clinical studies on MSCs therapy in stroke, we assessed the quality of current evidence and identified several issues and gaps in translating animal studies to human trials. Addressing these issues and incorporating changes into future animal studies and human trials may lead to better success of stem cells-based therapeutics in the near future.

scholarly journals Variables Associated With the Subjective Experience of Coercive Measures in Psychiatric Inpatients: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Aguilera-Serrano ◽  
Jose Guzman-Parra ◽  
Juan A Garcia-Sanchez ◽  
Berta Moreno-Küstner ◽  
Fermin Mayoral-Cleries
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Coercive Measures ◽  
Mechanical Restraint ◽  
Study Designs

Objective: This systematic review presents evidence regarding factors that may influence the patient’s subjective experience of an episode of mechanical restraint, seclusion, or forced administration of medication. Method: Two authors searched CINAHL, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Psych-Info, considering published studies between 1 January 1992 and 1 February 2016. Based on the inclusion criteria and methodological quality, 34 studies were selected, reporting a total sample of 1,869 participants. Results: The results showed that the provision of information, contact and interaction with staff, and adequate communication with professionals are factors that influence the subjective experience of these measures. Humane treatment, respect, and staff support are also associated with a better experience, and debriefing is an important procedure/technique to reduce the emotional impact of these measures. Likewise, the quality of the working and physical environment and some individual and treatment variables were related to the experience of these measures. There are different results in relation to the most frequently associated experiences and, despite some data that indicate positive experiences, the evidence shows such experiences to be predominantly negative and frequently with adverse consequences. It seems that patients find forced medication and seclusion to be more tolerable than mechanical restraint and combined measures. Conclusions: It appears that the role of the staff and the environmental conditions, which are potentially modifiable, affect the subjective experience of these measures. There was considerable heterogeneity among studies in terms of coercive measures experienced by participants and study designs.

User experience of transtibial prosthetic liners: A systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Richardson ◽  
Michael P Dillon
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Sampling Bias ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Amputation Level ◽  
Inferential Analysis ◽  
Person Experience

Background:The liner is an integral part of a transtibial prosthesis designed to protect the residual limb, enhance comfort and provide suspension. Literature is difficult to interpret and use given the variety of interventions, outcome measures and method designs. Critical appraisal and synthesis of the evidence is needed to help inform decisions about liner prescription based on the user experience.Objectives:To critically appraise and synthesise research describing the user experience of transtibial prosthetic liners.Study design:Systematic review.Methods:A comprehensive suite of databases were searched using terms related to amputation level, liner type and user experience. Included studies were in English and measured the first-person experience of using a transtibial liner. Studies were appraised using the McMaster University Critical Review Forms.Results:A total of 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. While the quality of the evidence has improved over time, a number of common issues (e.g. sampling bias, validity of outcome measures, incorrect inferential analysis) reduce our ability to differentiate between the user experience of different transtibial liners.Conclusion:There is insufficient research to differentiate between the user experience of different transtibial liners. High-quality research is needed to inform decisions about liner prescription based on the user experience.Clinical relevanceThe available evidence suggests that the user experience of commonly reported problems (e.g. sweating) may be very similar between different liners. Aspects of the user experience that differ most between liners (e.g. unwanted noises, rotation within the socket) can help focus attention on what matters most when discussing prescription.

scholarly journals Vitamin C can reduce mortality in sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human evidence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong-Cong Zhao ◽  
Li-Nan Han ◽  
Gui-Jun Zhu ◽  
Zhi-Qiang Li ◽  
Zhen-Jie Hu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mean Arterial Pressure ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Capillary Density ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Intravenous Vitamin

Abstract Background: The effect of vitamin C on outcomes in sepsis is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis included animal and human studies to evaluate the value of intravenous vitamin C as a monotherapy in sepsis. Methods: We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CBM for animal studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-RCTs dated up to August 10, 2020. The included studies compared the effect of intravenous vitamin C and control on outcomes in sepsis. No language restrictions were applied. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility and quality of the trials and extracted data. Results: A total of 7 animal studies and 5 RCTs were included. Four animal studies (n=176) and all 5 RCTs (n=472) reported mortality, the primary outcome of this meta-analysis. The mortality of the vitamin C group was lower than that of the control group (odds ratio (OR) 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.81, P = 0.02; I2 =60% in animal studies, and OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.71, P < 0.001; I2 =0% in human studies). The GRADE assessment showed that the outcome was downgraded from high- to moderate-quality evidence due to imprecision. With regard to the secondary outcomes, the pooled data from animal studies showed that vitamin C had a beneficial effect on mean arterial pressure (std. mean difference (SMD) 1.36, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.41, P = 0.01; I2 =78%) and capillary density (SMD 1.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 3.04, P=0.69; I2 =0%) but had no effect on the level of lactate. The pooled data from human studies showed that vitamin C was associated with a reduction in vasopressor duration (MD -18.85, 95% CI -24.61 to -11.55, P < 0.001; I2 =0%) but could not shorten the length of ICU stay or duration of mechanical ventilation. No adverse effects were reported.Conclusions: Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that intravenous vitamin C monotherapy can reduce mortality in sepsis, with a moderate quality of evidence. We also found that vitamin C had a beneficial effect on mean arterial pressure, capillary density, and reduction of vasopressor duration in sepsis.

scholarly journals Evidence of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Neurological Diseases in Adults: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 12882
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Rodríguez-Martínez ◽  
Alba De la Plana Maestre ◽  
Juan Antonio Armenta-Peinado ◽  
Miguel Ángel Barbancho ◽  
Natalia García-Casares
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Animal Assisted Therapy ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Behavioural Health ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Selection Of

Background: In recent years, the possibility of intervening humans with animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been growing due to numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits provided to humanity, enabling them to maintain or improve their quality of life. There exist different animals through which this therapy can be performed. The purpose of this systematic review will focus on the effects of AAT in several neurological diseases. Methods: The search of clinical trials was carried out in the PubMed, Scielo, Embase and PEDro databases. The selection of articles was made according to the different inclusion and exclusion criteria, incorporating those that approached neurological diseases to be reviewed. Results: Twenty-five clinical trials were identified, seventeen of which were finally included in the review. The results indicate that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in different neurological diseases has many benefits in several areas, for example, in motor and physical ability as well as in mental and behavioural health. Conclusions: This systematic review provides occupational therapy practitioners with evidence on the use of activity based on animal-assisted therapy as a novel field of intervention that can complement other therapies and obtain benefits in different populations.

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