Critical Evaluation of the Methodologic Quality of the Top 50 Cited Articles Relating to Knee Dislocation and Multiligamentous Knee Injury

Background: Many studies have evaluated the management of knee dislocations (KDs) and multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs). However, no study to date has analyzed the quality of the most cited articles in this literature. Hypothesis: There is a positive correlation between the number of article citations in the KD and MLKI literature and their methodologic quality. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: The Web of Science online database was searched to identify the top 50 cited articles in KD and MLKI care. Demographic data were recorded for each study. The Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) were used to analyze the methodological quality of each article. Spearman correlation coefficients ( r s) were then calculated. Results: The articles identified were published between 1958 and 2015 in a wide variety of peer-reviewed journals (n = 16). The majority of study level of evidence (LOE) was of low quality (level 5, 16%; level 4, 54%; level 3, 16%; level 2, 14%). There were no studies of level 1 evidence. The mean MCMS and MINORS scores were 29.0 (SD, 19.1; range, 3-72) and 6.1 (SD, 3.7; range, 0-14), respectively. No significant correlation was identified between the number of citations and the publication year, LOE, MCMS, or MINORS ( r s = 0.123 [ P = .396]; r s = 0.125 [ P = .389]; r s = 0.182 [ P = .204]; and r s = 0.175 [ P = .224], respectively). Positive correlations were observed between improved MCMS and MINORS scores and more recent year of publication ( r s = 0.43 [ P = .002]; r s = 0.32 [ P = .022]) as well as improved study LOE ( r s = 0.65 [ P < .001]; r s = 0.67 [ P < .001]). Conclusion: The top 50 cited articles on KD and MLKI care consisted of low LOE and methodological quality, with no existing level 1 articles. There was no significant correlation between the number of citations and publication year, LOE, or study methodological quality. Positive correlations were observed between later publication date and improved methodological quality.

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Correlation Between Quality of Evidence and Number of Citations in Top 50 Cited Articles on Elbow Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118768216 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 232596711876821 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Robert A. Jack ◽

Kyle R. Sochacki ◽

Hannah A. Morehouse ◽

Patrick C. McCulloch ◽

David M. Lintner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Methodological Quality ◽

Ulnar Collateral Ligament ◽

The United States ◽

Publication Date ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

The Mean ◽

Level 1 ◽

Number Of Citations

Background: Several studies have analyzed the most cited articles in shoulder, elbow, pediatrics, and foot and ankle surgery. However, no study has analyzed the quality of the most cited articles in elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery. Purpose: To (1) identify the top 50 most cited articles related to UCL surgery, (2) determine whether there was a correlation between the top cited articles and level of evidence, and (3) determine whether there was a correlation between study methodological quality and the top cited articles. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: Web of Science and Scopus online databases were searched to identify the top 50 cited articles in UCL surgery. Level of evidence, number of times cited, year of publication, name of journal, country of origin, and study type were recorded for each study. Study methodological quality was analyzed for each article with the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS). Correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: The 50 most cited articles were published between 1981 and 2015. The number of citations per article ranged from 20 to 301 (mean ± SD, 71 ± 62 citations). Most articles (92%) were from the United States and were level 3 (16%), level 4 (58%), or unclassified (16%) evidence. There were no articles of level 1 evidence quality. The mean MCMS and MINORS scores were 28.1 ± 13.4 (range, 3-52) and 9.2 ± 3.6 (range, 2-19), respectively. There was no significant correlation between the mean number of citations and level of evidence or quality ( rs = –0.01, P = .917), MCMS ( rs = 0.09, P = .571), or MINORS ( rs = –0.26, P = .089). Conclusion: The top 50 cited articles in UCL surgery constitute a low level of evidence and low methodological quality, including no level 1 articles. There was no significant correlation between the mean number of citations and level of evidence or study methodological quality. However, weak correlations were observed for later publication date and improved level of evidence and methodological quality.

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Quality and Risk of Bias in Panax ginseng Randomized Controlled Trials: A Review

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine ◽

10.1142/s0192415x13500171 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 41 (02) ◽

pp. 231-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Johannah L. Shergis ◽

Anthony L. Zhang ◽

Wenyu Zhou ◽

Charlie C. Xue

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Panax Ginseng ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Publication Date ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Clinical Benefits

Panax ginseng is one of the most frequently used herbs in the world. Numerous trials have evaluated its clinical benefits. However, the quality of these studies has not been comprehensively and systematically assessed. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Panax ginseng to evaluate their quality and risk of bias. We searched four English databases, without publication date restriction. Two reviewers extracted details about the studies' methodological quality, guided by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist and its extension for herbal interventions. Risk of bias was determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Of 475 potentially relevant studies, 58 met our inclusion criteria. In these 58 studies, 48.3% of the suggested CONSORT checklist items and 35.9% of the extended herbal items were reported. The quality of RCTs published after the CONSORT checklist improved. Until 1995 (before CONSORT) (n = 4), 32.8% of the items were reported in studies. From 1996–2006 (CONSORT published and revised) (n = 30), 46.1% were reported, and from 2007 (n = 24), 53.5% were reported (p = 0.005). After the CONSORT extension for herbal interventions was published in 2006, RCT quality also improved, although not significantly. Until 2005 (n = 34), 35.2% of the extended herbal items were reported in studies; and from 2006 onwards (n = 24), 37.3% were reported (p = 0.64). Most studies classified risk of bias as "unclear". Overall, the quality of Panax ginseng RCT methodology has improved since the CONSORT checklist was introduced. However, more can be done to improve the methodological quality of, and reporting in, RCTs.

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Measuring Instruments In Cardiology Adapted Into Portuguese Language Of Brazil: A Systematic Review

Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP ◽

10.1590/s0080-6234201400002000023 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 368-376 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marilia Estevam Cornélio ◽

Neusa Maria Costa Alexandre ◽

Thaís Moreira São-João

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cultural Adaptation ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Scientific Community ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Critical Evaluation ◽

Measurement Properties ◽

Measuring Instruments ◽

Adaptation Process

This was a systematic review aimed at identifying and characterizing measuring instruments, developed in the context of cardiology, which were adapted into Portuguese language of Brazil. Systematic searches were performed in six databases. Information extracted included cultural adaptation process and measurement properties. To assess the methodological quality of studies, criteria based on international guidelines for cultural adaptation of instruments were used. Among the 114 articles found, 14 were eligible for review. Of these, most evaluated quality of life (35.7%) and health knowledge/learning (28.6%). Most studies followed all stages of the adaptation process recommended in the literature. With respect to measurement properties, internal consistency, verified by Cronbach’s alpha, was the property reported in the majority of the studies, as well as construct and criterion validity. This study is expected to provide to the scientific community a critical evaluation of adapted questionnaires available in the context of cardiology. 

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Visceral Origin: An Underestimated Source of Neck Pain. A Systematic Scoping Review

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics9040186 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 186 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ángel Oliva-Pascual-Vaca ◽

Carlos González-González ◽

Jesús Oliva-Pascual-Vaca ◽

Fernando Piña-Pozo ◽

Alejandro Ferragut-Garcías ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Journal Citation Reports ◽

Number Of Citations ◽

Number Of Authors

The diagnosis of neck pain is challenging. Many visceral disorders are known to cause it, and clinical practice guidelines recommend to rule them out during neck pain diagnosis. However, the absence of suspicion of any cause impedes one from establishing that specific aetiology as the final diagnosis. To investigate the degree of consideration given to visceral aetiology, a systematic search of trials about neck pain was carried out to evaluate their selection criteria. The search yielded 309 eligible articles, which were screened by two independent reviewers. The PEDro scale score was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. The following information was retrieved: number of authors affiliated to a clinical or non-clinical institution, number of citations in the Web of Science, study aims, characteristics of participants, and eligibility criteria. The top 15 most cited trials, and the 15 most recent studies about treatment efficacy in neck pain, published in first quartile journals of the Journal Citation Reports, were selected. Females represented 67.5% of participants. A single study was of poor methodological quality (4/10). Based on the eligibility criteria of the articles that were systematically reviewed, it would appear that visceral aetiology was not considered in eighty percent of the trials on neck pain, showing a low level of suspicion both in research and clinical settings.

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Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews using the AMSTAR tool

Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology ◽

10.5554/22562087.e913 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Beatriz Pizarro ◽

Sebastián Carvajal ◽

Adriana Buitrago-López

Keyword(s):

Systematic Reviews ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Critical Appraisal ◽

Internal Validity ◽

Critical Assessment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Publication Date ◽

Review Of Literature

Introduction: Making decisions based on evidence has been a challenge for health professionals, given the need to have the tools and skills to carry out a critical appraisal of the evidence and assess the validity of the results. Systematic reviews of the literature (SRL) have been used widely to answer questions in the clinical field. Tools have been developed that support the appraisal of the quality of the studies. AMSTAR is one of these, validated and supported by reproducible evidence, which guides the methodological quality of the SRL. Objectives: To show a historical, theoretical and practical guide for critical assessment of systematic reviews using AMSTAR to guide the argumental bases for their use according to the components of this methodological structure in health research, and to provide practical examples of how to apply this checklist. Methods: We conducted a non-exhaustive review of literature in Pubmed and Cochrane Library using “AMSTAR” and “Systematic Reviews” as free terms without language or publication date limit; we also collected information from experts in the evaluation of the quality of the evidence. Conclusions: AMSTAR is an instrument used, validated and supported by reproducible evidence for the evaluation of the internal validity of systematic reviews of the literature. It consists of 16 items that assess the overall methodological quality of an SRL. It is currently used indiscriminately and favorably, but it is not exempt from limitations and future updates based on new reproducibility and validation studies.

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Relations between subjective well-being and Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review

Dementia & Neuropsychologia ◽

10.1590/1980-57642020dn14-020008 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 153-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fernanda Panage Moura ◽

Amer Cavalheiro Hamdan

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Positive Emotions ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Quality Level ◽

Subjective Well Being

ABSTRACT. Subjective Well-Being (SWB) is determined by the degree of satisfaction with one's own life and the intensity/frequency with which we experience negative and positive emotions. Current studies indicate that SWB is beneficial for health. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the methodological quality of published articles on SWB in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: The keywords “Well-Being” and “Alzheimer” were used. Inclusion criteria were a) articles with a sample of the elderly population; b) empirical articles; c) articles published between 2014 and 2019. Analysis of the selected articles was performed using the Downs and Black Checklist. Results: 13 articles were selected for further analysis. The results showed that only one of the articles reached a high methodological quality level. The other articles had an average level, ranging from 46% to 67%, of total protocol compliance. Conclusion: The studies analyzed had a medium level of methodological quality. It is important to improve the methodological quality of studies on SWB in people with AD.

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Development of an Interventional Pain Management Specific Instrument for Methodologic Quality Assessment of Nonrandomized Studies of Interventional Techniques

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2014/17/e291 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3;17 (3;5) ◽

pp. E291-E317 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laxmaiah Manchikanti

Keyword(s):

Pain Management ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Cochrane Review ◽

Bias Assessment ◽

Interventional Techniques ◽

Specific Instrument ◽

Methodologic Quality ◽

Interventional Pain Management

Background: The major component of a systematic review is assessment of the methodologic quality and bias of randomized and nonrandomized trials. While there are multiple instruments available to assess the methodologic quality and bias for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there is a lack of extensively utilized instruments for observational studies, specifically for interventional pain management (IPM) techniques. Even Cochrane review criteria for randomized trials is considered not to be a “gold standard,” but merely an indication of the current state of the art review methodology. Recently a specific instrument to assess the methodologic quality of randomized trials has been developed for interventional techniques. Objectives: Our objective was to develop an IPM specific instrument to assess the methodological quality of nonrandomized trials or observational studies of interventional techniques. Methods: The item generation for the instrument was based on a definition of quality, to the extent to which the design and conduct of the trial were congruent with the objectives of the study. Applicability was defined as the extent to which procedures produced by the study could be applied using contemporary IPM techniques. Multiple items based on Cochrane review criteria and Interventional Pain Management Techniques – Quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment for Nonrandomized Studies (IPM-QRBNR) were utilized. Results: A total of 16 items were developed which formed the IPM-QRBNR tool. The assessment was performed in multiple stages. The final assessment was 4 nonrandomized studies. The inter-rater agreement was moderate to good for IPM-QRBNR criteria. Limitations: Limited validity or accuracy assessment of the instrument and the large number of items to be scored were limitations. Conclusion: We have developed a new comprehensive instrument to assess the methodological quality of nonrandomized studies of interventional techniques. This instrument provides extensive information specific to interventional techniques is useful in assessing the methodological quality and bias of observational studies of interventional techniques. Key words: Methodological quality assessment, evidence-based medicine, comparative effectiveness research, Cochrane Reviews, interventional techniques, risk of bias assessment, nonrandomized trials, observational studies

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Prevalence of hypertension among adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s1518-8787.2016050006236 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Vivian Siqueira Santos Gonçalves ◽

Taís Freire Galvão ◽

Keitty Regina Cordeiro de Andrade ◽

Eliane Said Dutra ◽

Maria Natacha Toral Bertolin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Publication Date ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

School Population ◽

School Based ◽

Brazilian Students

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among adolescent Brazilian students. METHODS A systematic review of school-based cross-sectional studies was conducted. The articles were searched in the databases MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, Web of Science, CAPES thesis database and Trip Database. In addition, we examined the lists of references of relevant studies to identify potentially eligible articles. No restrictions regarding publication date, language, or status applied. The studies were selected by two independent evaluators, who also extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality following eight criteria related to sampling, measuring blood pressure, and presenting results. The meta-analysis was calculated using a random effects model and analyses were performed to investigate heterogeneity. RESULTS We retrieved 1,577 articles from the search and included 22 in the review. The included articles corresponded to 14,115 adolescents, 51.2% (n = 7,230) female. We observed a variety of techniques, equipment, and references used. The prevalence of hypertension was 8.0% (95%CI 5.0–11.0; I2 = 97.6%), 9.3% (95%CI 5.6–13.6; I2 = 96.4%) in males and 6.5% (95%CI 4.2–9.1; I2 = 94.2%) in females. The meta-regression failed to identify the causes of the heterogeneity among studies. CONCLUSIONS Despite the differences found in the methodologies of the included studies, the results of this systematic review indicate that hypertension is prevalent in the Brazilian adolescent school population. For future investigations, we suggest the standardization of techniques, equipment, and references, aiming at improving the methodological quality of the studies.

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Cosmetic effects of anti-epileptic drugs among adult Sudanese epileptic patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-646631/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amira Siddig ◽

Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed ◽

Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed ◽

Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla Omer

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Life Score ◽

Related Data ◽

Adherence Score ◽

Adherence Scale ◽

Cosmetic Effect ◽

Positive Correlations

Abstract Background and aims:Adverse effects are leading causes of treatment failure with antiepileptic drugs(AEDs).We studied the cosmetic effects of AEDs and their association with medications adherence and quality of life .MethodsThe study was performed on Sudanese epilepsy patients attending Daoud charity (June-September2014). Five main variables were used(1)Cosmetic effects profile;(2) Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8);(3)WHO Quality of Life Brief-26;(4)Socio-demographic data ,and (5)Epilepsy related data. A senior neurologist assessed the cosmetic effects through clinical examination of the patients. Consents have been obtained from all patients.ResultOut of 420 patients male were (54.15%) and female were (45.85%),mean age 34.1+-10.4 years. Hair loss was the most commonly reported cosmetic effect by female patients (75%) who were taking sodium valproate.(26.2%)of patients had weight gain and none of them thought weight gain is an adverse effect. Neither of life score, nor adherence score were correlated with any of the cosmetic effects of AEDs (P > 0.05).A significant positive correlations was found between the duration from the last attack and the quality of life score (P = 0.03). The Gum overgrowth was correlated with hirsutism and Acne(P > 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that our patients prioritize medications intake in spite of the presence of cosmetic effects, and this-together with absence of association between quality of life and the cosmetic effect-may be attributed to different Sudanese patients perception to these cosmetic effects from other populations in addition to the unique Sudanese culture.

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Evaluating the Quality of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses About Breast Augmentation Using AMSTAR

Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum ◽

10.1093/asjof/ojab020 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Morgan Yuan ◽

Jeremy Wu ◽

Ryan E Austin ◽

Frank Lista ◽

Jamil Ahmad

Keyword(s):

Impact Factor ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Breast Augmentation ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Measurement Tool ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Number Of Citations

Abstract Background Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries worldwide. Therefore, it is imperative to have evidence with high methodological quality to guide clinical decision making. Objectives To evaluate the methodological quality of the systematic reviews (SRs) focused on breast augmentation. Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews was performed. SRs that have a particular focus on breast augmentation and were published in the top 15 plastic and reconstructive surgery journals were included. Quality assessment was performed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Study characteristics were extracted including journal and impact factor, year of publication, country affiliation of corresponding author, reporting adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, number of citations, and number of studies included. Results Among the 22 studies included for analysis, the mean AMSTAR score was moderate (5.55), with no SR achieving good quality (AMSTAR score ≥9). There were no significant associations between AMSTAR score and journal impact factor, number of citations, year of publication, or number of included studies. Studies that reported adherence to PRISMA guidelines on average scored higher on the AMSTAR tool (p=0.03). Conclusions The methodological quality of reviews about breast augmentation was found to be moderate, with no significant increase in studies or quality over time. Adherence to PRISMA guidelines and increased appraisal of SRs about breast augmentation using methodological assessment tools would further strengthen methodological quality and confidence in study findings.

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