An integrative systematic review of creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers of people with neurological conditions

Objective We aimed to assess and synthesise the current state of quantitative and qualitative research concerning creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers of people with neurological conditions. Methods A systematic search was employed to identify studies that examined creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers, which were synthesised in this integrative review. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We also backwards searched references of all relevant studies and inspected trials registers. Results Of the 516 studies identified, 17 were included: one was quantitative, nine were qualitative and seven used mixed methods. All included quantitative studies were pilot or feasibility studies employing pre- and post-test design with small sample sizes. Studies varied in relation to the type of creative intervention and evaluation methods, which precluded meta-analysis. Large effect sizes were detected in wellbeing measures following singing and art interventions. The qualitative synthesis highlighted that interventions created space for caregivers to make sense of, accept and adapt to their identity as a caregiver. Personal developments, such as learning new skills, were viewed positively by caregivers as well as welcoming the opportunity to gain cognitive and behavioural skills, and having opportunities to unload emotions in a safe space were important to caregivers. Group creative interventions were particularly helpful in creating social connections with their care-recipients and other caregivers. Conclusions The current review revealed all creative interventions focused on caregivers of people living with dementia; subsequently, this identified gaps in the evidence of creative interventions for informal caregivers of other neurological conditions. There are encouraging preliminary data on music and art interventions, however, little data exists on other art forms, e.g., drama, dance. Creative interventions may appeal to many caregivers, offering a range of psycho-social benefits. The findings of the current review open the way for future research to develop appropriate and creative arts programmes and to test their efficacy with robust tools.

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Vaccine Research in COVID-19: A Living Scoping Review Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-112777/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jieyun Li ◽

Lufang Feng ◽

Haitong Zhao ◽

Kehu Yang ◽

Cuncun Lu

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effective Means ◽

Reporting Quality ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Future Research ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Research Activities ◽

Review Protocol ◽

Research Questions

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global public problem and a pandemic event. Since the epidemic outbreak, deaths and cumulative confirmed positive cases have continued rising rapidly worldwide. Vaccines are regarded as one of the most effective means of preventing and controlling an epidemic. With the spread of COVID-19, a large number amount of literature on vaccines has been published recently. There is a pressing need to map the research activities of COVID-19 vaccines.Methods: Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological guidance, a scoping review is proposed to summarize the extent/breadth, range, and nature of evidence in research related to COVID-19 vaccines. Based on the research questions we have developed by ours, a comprehensive search will be performed in Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and WanFang databases by two independent reviewers. According to our predefined inclusion criteria, pairs of reviewers will independently assess the eligibility of identified studies from the databases. Following literature selection, pairs of reviewers will extract relevant information related to our research questions. The methodological quality and reporting quality of key evidence types (i.e., randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses) will be evaluated using commonly used tools, if possible. Qualitative synthesis and descriptive statistics will be used to summarize and present the results. In addition, new or updated meta-analysis will be conducted to pool the data available in included primary studies where possible. To track the trends in COVID-19 vaccines research, we plan to update our results every 2~3 months. Preparation of this scoping review protocol referred to PRISMA-P checklist, and the reporting of the following full-text will be using PRISMA-ScR guidelines.Discussion: We believe the results of this scoping review on COVID-19 vaccine will contribute to provide foundational knowledge, and have significant value for the research and practice of COVID-19 vaccines. The findings will also allow us to identify research gaps on this topic and help to guide the future research of COVID-19 vaccines well.

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The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rheumatology International ◽

10.1007/s00296-021-04876-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Peter Cox ◽

Sonal Gupta ◽

Sizheng Steven Zhao ◽

David M. Hughes

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Small Sample ◽

Future Research ◽

Increased Risk

AbstractThe aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to describe prevalence of cardiovascular disease in gout, compare these results with non-gout controls and consider whether there were differences according to geography. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies reporting prevalence of any cardiovascular disease in a gout population. Studies with non-representative sampling, where a cohort had been used in another study, small sample size (< 100) and where gout could not be distinguished from other rheumatic conditions were excluded, as were reviews, editorials and comments. Where possible meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models. Twenty-six studies comprising 949,773 gout patients were included in the review. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for five cardiovascular diseases: myocardial infarction (2.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI)s 1.6, 5.0), heart failure (8.7%; 95% CI 2.9, 23.8), venous thromboembolism (2.1%; 95% CI 1.2, 3.4), cerebrovascular accident (4.3%; 95% CI 1.8, 9.7) and hypertension (63.9%; 95% CI 24.5, 90.6). Sixteen studies reported comparisons with non-gout controls, illustrating an increased risk in the gout group across all cardiovascular diseases. There were no identifiable reliable patterns when analysing the results by country. Cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent in patients with gout and should prompt vigilance from clinicians to the need to assess and stratify cardiovascular risk. Future research is needed to investigate the link between gout, hyperuricaemia and increased cardiovascular risk and also to establish a more thorough picture of prevalence for less common cardiovascular diseases.

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Endoscopic versus Surgical Intervention for Painful Obstructive Chronic Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10122636 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 2636

Author(s):

Ka Wing Ma ◽

Hoonsub So ◽

Euisoo Shin ◽

Janice Hoi Man Mok ◽

Kim Ho Kam Yuen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pancreatitis ◽

Pain Relief ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Small Sample ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Endoscopic Drainage ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Surgical Drainage ◽

Endocrine Insufficiency ◽

Significant Difference

There is limited evidence on the standard care for painful obstructive chronic pancreatitis (CP), while comparisons of endoscopic and surgical modes for pain relief have yielded conflicting results from small sample sizes. We aimed to obtain a clear picture of the matter by a meta-analysis of these results. We searched the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies comparing endoscopic and surgical treatments for painful obstructive CP. Pooled effects were calculated by the random effect model. Primary outcomes were overall pain relief (complete and partial), and secondary outcomes were complete and partial pain relief, complication rate, hospitalization duration, and endocrine insufficiency. Seven studies with 570 patients were included in the final analysis. Surgical drainage was associated with superior overall pain relief [OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.23–0.47, p < 0.001, I2 = 4%] and lesser incidence of endocrine insufficiency [OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.20–3.67, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%], but no significant difference in the subgroup of complete [OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.32–1.01, p = 0.054, I2 = 0%] or partial [OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.37–1.22, p = 0.19, I2 = 0%] pain relief, complication rates [OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.41–2.46, p = 0.99, I2 = 49%], and hospital stay [OR −0.54, 95% CI −1.23–0.15, p = 0.13, I2 = 87%] was found. Surgery is associated with significantly better overall pain relief and lesser endocrine insufficiency in patients with painful obstructive CP. However, considering the invasiveness of surgery, no significant differences in complete or partial pain relief, and heterogeneity of a few parameters between two groups, endoscopic drainage may be firstly performed and surgical drainage may be considered when endoscopic drainage fails.

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The effectiveness of psychological interventions for anxiety in the perinatal period: A systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2022.01.14.22269296 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Natalie Clinkscales ◽

Katherine Berlouis ◽

Lisa Golds ◽

Angus MacBeth

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Perinatal Period ◽

Small Sample ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Psychological Interventions ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Perinatal Anxiety

Background: Anxiety disorders are a relatively common occurring mental health issue during pregnancy and the perinatal period. There is evidence that untreated perinatal anxiety is a risk factor for adverse outcomes for mother and infant. Despite their potential acceptability to users, psychological interventions research for this population is still in its infancy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the evidence of the effectiveness of psychological interventions for reducing perinatal anxiety. Method: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases searched included EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, MIDIRS, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. Search terms included: Psychological Therapy, Perinatal Period, Antenatal, Postnatal, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Phobia. Results: The search strategy identified 2025 studies. A total of 21 studies published between 2004 and 2021 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Of those, 17 were included in the meta-analysis. Overall results indicated that psychological interventions were more effective than control conditions in reducing symptoms of perinatal anxiety with a medium post treatment effect size. Significant effect sizes were also identified for online, face-to-face, group and guided self-help treatment modalities. Limitations: A small sample of studies are represented and limited to articles published in English. The review was unable to draw specific conclusions about what works (i.e. therapeutic modality/delivery) for whom (i.e. specific diagnoses) due to purposefully broad inclusion criteria. The longer-term effects of psychological interventions for perinatal anxiety and infant outcomes could not be established. Conclusions: This review demonstrates that psychological interventions are effective in reducing symptoms of both anxiety and comorbid anxiety and depression in the antenatal and postnatal periods. The results also demonstrate the efficacy of delivering such interventions in multiple settings, including online, and in group format. Further research is required to optimise treatment delivery to individual needs.

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Effectiveness of Physiotherapy to Promote Motor Recovery in Individuals with Stroke: A Systematic Review Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1169559/v1 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Shehong Zhang ◽

Hongyu Xie ◽

Chuanjie Wang ◽

Fengfeng Wu ◽

Xin Wang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Motor Function ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Evaluation System ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Primary Data ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Systematic Review Protocol ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Review Protocol

Abstract Introduction: Motor function is essential in our daily lives, one of the most common impairments caused by stroke is loss of functional movement. Over 70% of stroke survivors have motor or other neurological functional disabilities. However, rehabilitation of motor function suffered from a stroke can be rather difficult due to the complexity of organs and systems related to motor function, as well as the neural system that supported motor function. In particularly, previous evidence for the effectiveness of physiotherapy, a commonly prescribed intervention method for people with stroke, that recover motor function in people following a stroke is varied and limited in the chronic rehabilitation phase and therefore has never been reviewed systematically. With the progress of study in neurology and the development of novel tools for rehabilitation, results from more and more clinical trials are now available, thus here justifying conducting a systematic review. Methods and analysis: This systematic review protocol is developed in accordance with the methodology recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, as well as the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Relevant studies will be identified by searching the databases. We will perform searches for relevant studies in databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cochrane Library databases. The reference lists of included articles and reviews will be searched manually. The date range parameters used in searching all databases will be restricted between January 2001 and January 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published will be included. The language used in the articles included was restricted to English. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions) approach will be used to systematically appraise the quality of methodology. We will assess the risk of bias of the RCTs included using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and provide a qualitative synthesis. After that, we will consider conducting a meta-analysis if the final data across outcomes shows sufficient homogeneity. Ethics and dissemination: No ethical approval is needed as the proposed study does not involve the collection of primary data, and the results of this review will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Trial registration number: CRD42021267069.

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Improvement of Acupuncture Therapy on Relapse of P atients with G outy A rthritis: A Pairwise and Bayesian Network Meta analysis

Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research ◽

10.3727/036012921x16298112109457 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zhihui Li ◽

Min Chen ◽

Chunzhi Tang

Keyword(s):

Acupuncture Therapy ◽

Bayesian Network ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Gouty Arthritis ◽

Serum Urate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Future Research ◽

Fire Needle ◽

The Impact

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of acupuncturetherapy on relapse of patients with gouty arthritis (GA). Methods: “gout ORgouty arthritis” AND “a cupuncture therapy OR acupuncture OR moxibustionOR electroacupuncture OR fire needle OR acupotomology OR blood lettingpuncture OR plum blossom needle” were used as search strategies forsearching related studies. Twenty two studies involving 2394 patient s wereenrolled in this research through the analysis of databases of CNKI, Wanfang,VIP, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Results: The results of pairwise metaanalysis and network meta analysis (NMA) indicated that patients withacupuncture therapy had a significantly lower relapse rate (RR) compared withthose without acupuncture therapy (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.16 0.26, P <0.00001); the follow up time (TFU) and serum urate concentration (SUA)before treatment had no significant effect on the reductio n of RR caused byacupuncture therapy (P > 0.05); and patients treated with acupuncture plusWestern medicine (WM) had the lowest RR (surface under the cumulativeranking [SUCRA] = 85.0%), followed by acupuncture plus traditional Chinesemedicine (TCM, SUC RA = 73.5%), acupuncture only (SUCRA = 72.8%),fourthly acupuncture plus TCM and WM (SUCRA = 33.0%), then TCM(SUCRA = 28.7%), finally WM (SUCRA = 7.0%). Conclusion: Our findingmay facilitate the application of acupuncture therapy in patients with GA. Ourresearch also offered some information for the future research.

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Experiences of informal caregivers after cardiac surgery: a systematic integrated review of qualitative and quantitative studies

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032751 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e032751 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ann Kristin Bjørnnes ◽

Philip Moons ◽

Monica Parry ◽

Sigrun Halvorsen ◽

Theis Tønnessen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Surgery ◽

Information Needs ◽

Intervention Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Recovery Period ◽

Informal Caregivers ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative

ObjectivesTo provide a comprehensive synthesis of informal caregivers’ experiences of caring for a significant other following discharge from cardiac surgery.DesignSystematic integrated review without meta-analysis.Data sourcesA bibliographic search for publications indexed in six databases (Cochrane Library, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and PsycINFO), including a scan of grey literature sources (GreyNet International, Google Scholar, Web of Science, WorldCat and the Clinical Trials Registry) was conducted in October 2018.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies were included if they described views and perspectives of informal caregivers of cardiac surgery patients (non-intervention studies (qualitative and quantitative)), and the effectiveness of interventions to evaluate support programme for informal caregivers of cardiac surgery patients (intervention studies).ResultsOf the 4912 articles identified in searches, 42 primary research studies were included in a narrative synthesis with 5292 participants, including 3231 (62%) caregivers of whom 2557 (79%) were women. The median sample size across studies was 96 (range 6–734). Three major themes emerged from the qualitative study data: (1) caregiver information needs; (2) caregiver work challenges and (3) caregivers adaption to recovery. Across the observational studies (n=22), similar themes were found. The trend across seven intervention studies focused on caregiver information needs related to patient disease management and symptom monitoring, and support for caregivers to reduce symptoms of emotional distress.ConclusionInformal caregivers want to assist in the care of their significant others after hospital discharge postcardiac surgery. However, caregivers feel insecure and overwhelmed and they lack clear/concise discharge information and follow-up support during the early at-home recovery period. The burden of caregiving has been recognised and reported since the early 1990s, but there remains a limited number of studies that assesses the effectiveness of caregiver interventions.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018096590.

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Asthma in Competitive Cross-Country Skiers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Sports Medicine ◽

10.1007/s40279-020-01334-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 50 (11) ◽

pp. 1963-1981

Author(s):

Rikhard Mäki-Heikkilä ◽

Jussi Karjalainen ◽

Jari Parkkari ◽

Maarit Valtonen ◽

Lauri Lehtimäki

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Medication Use ◽

Asthma Medication ◽

Future Research ◽

Bronchial Biopsy ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Eosinophilic Asthma ◽

Airway Infections ◽

Cross Country

Abstract Introduction In cross-country skiing, the repetitive ventilation of large amounts of cold and dry air strains the airways. The aim of this systematic review was to establish an overview of the current literature on asthma in cross-country skiers, biathletes and ski-orienteers. Methods Six databases were searched on August 29, 2019. The search yielded 2161 articles. Thirty articles fulfilled the search criteria and were pooled together for a qualitative synthesis. Eight articles were included in the meta-analysis on the prevalence of asthma and the use of asthma medication. Results According to the meta-analysis, the prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma in skiers was 21% (95% CI 14–28%). The onset age of asthma was higher in skiers than in non-skiers with asthma. The prevalence of asthma medication use was on average 23% (CI 95% 19–26%). Several studies reported that asthma was underdiagnosed in skiers, as previously healthy skiers without a prior asthma diagnosis or medication use were frequently found to fulfill diagnostic criteria for asthma according to lung function tests. Studies using bronchial biopsy demonstrated that eosinophilic asthma is not detected in skiers with asthma as often as it is in non-skiers with asthma and that there are signs of airway inflammation even in non-asthmatic skiers. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the accuracy and coverage of diagnosing asthma in skiers has improved over the recent decades. However, the optimal treatment and natural course of asthma in this population remain unclear. Future research should investigate how the intensity of training, airway infections and their treatment affect the development of asthma among skiers. PRD registration number CRD42017070940.

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Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome and Hypothyroidism in Ischemic Heart Disease Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgaa310 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 105 (8) ◽

pp. 2830-2845

Author(s):

Chun-Yu Chang ◽

Yung-Jiun Chien ◽

Po-Chen Lin ◽

Chien-Sheng Chen ◽

Meng-Yu Wu

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Ischemic Heart Disease ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Ischemic Heart ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Future Research ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Cardiac Events ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Context The association of non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) and hypothyroidism with the prognosis in ischemic heart disease (IHD) population is inconclusive. Objective We aimed to evaluate the influence of NTIS and hypothyroidism on all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in IHD population. Data Sources We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception through February 17, 2020. Study Selection Original articles enrolling IHD patients, comparing all-cause mortality and MACE of NTIS and hypothyroidism with those of euthyroidism, and providing sufficient information for meta-analysis were considered eligible. Data Extraction Relevant information and numerical data were extracted for methodological assessment and meta-analysis. Data Synthesis Twenty-three studies were included. The IHD population with NTIS was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.89-3.59) and MACE (HR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.71-2.89) than that without. In addition, the IHD population with hypothyroidism was also associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.10-1.97) and MACE (HR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.19-1.97) than that without. In the subgroup analysis, the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) subpopulation with NTIS was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 3.30; 95% CI = 2.43-4.48) and MACE (HR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.45-3.30). The ACS subpopulation with hypothyroidism was also associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.17-2.39). Conclusions The IHD population with concomitant NTIS or hypothyroidism was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality and MACE. Future research is required to provide evidence of the causal relationship and to elucidate whether normalizing thyroid function parameters can improve prognosis.

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The efficacy of n-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA (fish oil) for perinatal depression

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114510004125 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 1577-1585 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Linda A. W. Jans ◽

Erik J. Giltay ◽

A. J. Willem Van der Does

Keyword(s):

Effect Size ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Perinatal Depression ◽

Post Partum ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Placebo Treatment ◽

Small Sample ◽

Future Research ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Beneficial Effects

Depressive symptoms are common during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Although essential n-3 PUFA may have beneficial effects on depression, it remains unclear whether they are also effective for perinatal depression. The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of n-3 supplementation for perinatal depression, by performing a meta-analysis on currently available data. After a thorough literature search, we included seven randomised controlled trials in the meta-analysis, all with EPA and/or DHA supplementation. Most studies were judged to be of low-to-moderate quality, mainly due to small sample sizes and failure to adhere to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. Some studies were not primarily designed to address perinatal depression. A total of 309 women on n-3 fatty acid supplementation were compared with 303 women on placebo treatment. n-3 Supplementation was not found to be significantly more effective than placebo at post-treatment with a pooled effect size (Hedges's g) of − 0·03 (95 % CI − 0·18, 0·13; P = 0·76) using a fixed-effects model. Heterogeneity was low-to-moderate (I2 = 30 %). In a subgroup analysis of three small studies of pregnant women with major depression, there was some indication of effectiveness (effect size 0·17; 95 % CI − 0·21, 0·55). In conclusion, the question of whether EPA and DHA administration is effective in the prevention or treatment of perinatal depression cannot be answered yet. Future research should focus on women who are clinically depressed (or at risk). The quality of research in this area needs to improve.

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