scholarly journals The effect of different COVID-19 public health restrictions on mobility: A systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260919
Author(s):  
Mark A. Tully ◽  
Laura McMaw ◽  
Deepti Adlakha ◽  
Neale Blair ◽  
Jonny McAneney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Evidence Database ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Individual Strategies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have introduced non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as stay-at-home orders, to reduce person-to-person contact and break trains of transmission. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of different public health restrictions on mobility across different countries and cultures. The University of Bern COVID-19 Living Evidence database of COVID-19 and SARS-COV-2 publications was searched for retrospective or prospective studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19 public health restrictions on Google Mobility. Titles and abstracts were independently screened by two authors. Information from included studies was extracted by one researcher and double checked by another. Risk of bias of included articles was assessed using the Newcastle Ottowa Scale. Given the heterogeneous nature of the designs used, a narrative synthesis was undertaken. From the search, 1672 references were identified, of which 14 were included in the narrative synthesis. All studies reported data from the first wave of the pandemic, with Google Mobility Scores included from January to August 2020, with most studies analysing data during the first two months of the pandemic. Seven studies were assessed as having a moderate risk of bias and seven as a low risk of bias. Countries that introduced more stringent public health restrictions experienced greater reductions in mobility, through increased time at home and reductions in visits to shops, workplaces and use of public transport. Stay-at-home orders were the most effective of the individual strategies, whereas mask mandates had little effect of mobility. Conclusions Public health restrictions, particularly stay-at-home orders have significantly impacted on transmission prevention behaviours. Further research is required to understand how to effectively address pandemic fatigue and to support the safe return back to normal day-to-day behaviours.

scholarly journals Home monitoring of HbA1c in diabetes mellitus: A protocol for systematic review and narrative synthesis on reliability, accuracy, and patient acceptability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Colley ◽  
Hajira Dambha-Miller ◽  
Beth Stuart ◽  
Jazz Bartholomew ◽  
Hermione Price
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Capillary Blood ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Haemoglobin A1c ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Patient Acceptability ◽  
The Uk ◽  
At Home

Introduction Worldwide there are an estimated 463 million people with diabetes. [1] In the UK people with diabetes are offered an annual review including monitoring of Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). [2] [3] This can identify people with diabetes who are not meeting their glycaemic targets, enabling early intervention. Those who do not attend these reviews often have higher HbA1c levels and poorer health outcomes. [4] During the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a 77% reduction in monitoring of HbA1c in the UK. [5] We hypothesise that people with diabetes could take finger-prick samples at home for the measurement of HbA1c. Method and Analysis We will perform a systematic review of current evidence for capillary blood collected at home for the measurement of HbA1c. We will examine the validity, reliability, safety, and patient acceptability of the use of capillary blood compared with the usual standard of care of venous blood. We will explore variables which affect validity of results. Using core terms of 'Diabetes', 'HbA1c' and 'Capillary sampling' we will search MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar, Open Grey and other grey literature from database inception until 2021. Risk of bias will be assessed using the 'COSMIN risk of bias tool to assess the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error'. Database searches and data extraction for primary outcomes will be conducted in duplicate. We will produce a narrative synthesis exploring how variables of capillary blood collection impact on validity, as well as exploring the safety and acceptability of patient self-collection. Ethics and Dissemination This review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed open-access journal. We will present our results at both national and international conferences. As a systematic review with no primary participant data or involvement, ethical approval is not applicable. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021225606

scholarly journals Viscoelastometric Testing to Assess Hemostasis of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1740
Author(s):  
Marion Bareille ◽  
Michaël Hardy ◽  
Jonathan Douxfils ◽  
Stéphanie Roullet ◽  
Dominique Lasne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mechanical Strength ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Common ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Prophylactic Anticoagulation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Heparin Neutralization

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a high risk of thrombosis. The laboratory documentation of hypercoagulability and impaired fibrinolysis remains a challenge. Our aim was to assess the potential usefulness of viscoelastometric testing (VET) to predict thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients according to the literature. We also (i) analyzed the impact of anticoagulation and the methods used to neutralize heparin, (ii) analyzed whether maximal clot mechanical strength brings more information than Clauss fibrinogen, and (iii) critically scrutinized the diagnosis of hypofibrinolysis. We performed a systematic search in PubMed and Scopus databases until December 31st, 2020. VET methods and parameters, and patients’ features and outcomes were extracted. VET was performed for 1063 patients (893 intensive care unit (ICU) and 170 non-ICU, 44 studies). There was extensive heterogeneity concerning study design, VET device used (ROTEM, TEG, Quantra and ClotPro) and reagents (with non-systematic use of heparin neutralization), timing of assay, and definition of hypercoagulable state. Notably, only 4 out of 25 studies using ROTEM reported data with heparinase (HEPTEM). The common findings were increased clot mechanical strength mainly due to excessive fibrinogen component and impaired to absent fibrinolysis, more conspicuous in the presence of an added plasminogen activator. Only 4 studies out of the 16 that addressed the point found an association of VETs with thrombotic events. So-called functional fibrinogen assessed by VETs showed a variable correlation with Clauss fibrinogen. Abnormal VET pattern, often evidenced despite standard prophylactic anticoagulation, tended to normalize after increased dosing. VET studies reported heterogeneity, and small sample sizes do not support an association between the poorly defined prothrombotic phenotype of COVID-19 and thrombotic events.

scholarly journals Harnessing testing strategies and public health measures to avert COVID-19 outbreaks during ocean cruises

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Chowell ◽  
Sushma Dahal ◽  
Raquel Bono ◽  
Kenji Mizumoto
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

AbstractTo ensure the safe operation of schools, workplaces, nursing homes, and other businesses during COVID-19 pandemic there is an urgent need to develop cost-effective public health strategies. Here we focus on the cruise industry which was hit early by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 40 cruise ships reporting COVID-19 infections. We apply mathematical modeling to assess the impact of testing strategies together with social distancing protocols on the spread of the novel coronavirus during ocean cruises using an individual-level stochastic model of the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. We model the contact network, the potential importation of cases arising during shore excursions, the temporal course of infectivity at the individual level, the effects of social distancing strategies, different testing scenarios characterized by the test’s sensitivity profile, and testing frequency. Our findings indicate that PCR testing at embarkation and daily testing of all individuals aboard, together with increased social distancing and other public health measures, should allow for rapid detection and isolation of COVID-19 infections and dramatically reducing the probability of onboard COVID-19 community spread. In contrast, relying only on PCR testing at embarkation would not be sufficient to avert outbreaks, even when implementing substantial levels of social distancing measures.

Social health and nutrition impacts of community kitchens: a systematic review

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 535-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Iacovou ◽  
Deanna C Pattieson ◽  
Helen Truby ◽  
Claire Palermo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Nutritional Intake ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
Nutritional Health ◽  
Community Kitchens ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveCommunity kitchens have been implemented by communities as a public health strategy to prevent food insecurity through reducing social isolation, improving food and cooking skills and empowering participants. The aim of the present paper was to investigate whether community kitchens can improve the social and nutritional health of participants and their families.DesignA systematic review of the literature was conducted including searches of seven databases with no date limitations.SettingCommunity kitchens internationally.SubjectsParticipants of community kitchens across the world.ResultsTen studies (eight qualitative studies, one mixed-method study and one cross-sectional study) were selected for inclusion. Evidence synthesis suggested that community kitchens may be an effective strategy to improve participants’ cooking skills, social interactions and nutritional intake. Community kitchens may also play a role in improving participants’ budgeting skills and address some concerns around food insecurity. Long-term solutions are required to address income-related food insecurity.ConclusionsCommunity kitchens may improve social interactions and nutritional intake of participants and their families. More rigorous research methods, for both qualitative and quantitative studies, are required to effectively assess the impact of community kitchens on social and nutritional health in order to confidently recommend them as a strategy in evidence-based public health practice.

scholarly journals The impact of online group counselling programs on substance use, mental health, and physical health among adults: A systematic review protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl L Currie ◽  
Richard Larouche ◽  
M. L. Voss ◽  
Erin K. Higa ◽  
Rae Spiwak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Group Counselling ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Online Group

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has resulted in an increased demand for online mental health services globally. There is emerging evidence for the efficacy for group online interventions that support population-based mental health, but a systematic review is lacking. The primary objective of this rapid systematic review is to summarize the evidence for online group counselling programs for adults. A second objective is to assess, within studies selected for our primary objective, the impact of online group counselling programs that encourage PA on outcomes compared to those that do not.Methods and Design: Randomized controlled trials that assess the impact of online group counselling programs on substance use, mental health, or physical health among community dwelling adults will be searched in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINHAL, and the Central Register of Controlled Trials. The review will be structured using PRISMA guidelines. Studies will be synthesized using the Cochrane Handbook and Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline. Quality will be evaluated using GRADE. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool; with higher quality studies prioritized when drawing conclusions. The role of sex and gender will be considered as well as possible gender biases at all stages of the review.Discussion: This review will examine the effectiveness of online counselling programs that can be delivered to populations in a group format, and thus in a potentially cost-effective way. Findings will inform the decisions of governments, communities, and health care organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Systematic review registration: The protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020187551).

scholarly journals The Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Marcella Vaselli ◽  
Daniel Hungerford ◽  
Ben Shenton ◽  
Arwa Khashkhusha ◽  
Nigel A. Cunliffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Community Studies ◽  
Past Infection ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundA year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, new infections and deaths continue to increase in Europe. Serological studies, through providing evidence of past infection, can aid understanding of the population dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection.ObjectivesThis systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies in Europe was undertaken to inform public health strategies including vaccination, that aim to accelerate population immunity.MethodsWe searched the databases Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and grey literature sources for studies reporting seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Europe published between 01/12/2019 - 30/09/20. We provide a narrative synthesis of included studies. Studies were categorized into subgroups including healthcare workers (HCWs), community, outbreaks, pregnancy and children/school. Due to heterogeneity in other subgroups, we only performed a random effects meta-analysis of the seroprevalence amongst HCWs stratified by their country.Results109 studies were included spanning 17 European countries, that estimated the seroprevalence of SAR-CoV2 from samples obtained between November 2019 – August 2020. A total of 53/109 studies included HCWs with a reported seroprevalence among HCWs ranging from 0.7% to 45.3%, which did not differ significantly by country. In community studies significant heterogeneity was reported in the seroprevalence among different age groups and the majority of studies reported there was no significant difference by gender.ConclusionThis review demonstrates a wide heterogeneity in reported seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between populations. Continued evaluation of seroprevalence is required to understand the impact of public health measures and inform interventions including vaccination programmes.

scholarly journals Intensity of Task-Specific Training for Functional Ability Post-stroke: Protocol for a Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabiu Ibrahim ◽  
Isa Usman Lawal ◽  
Conran Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
Pubmed Search ◽  
Evidence Database

Abstract Background This study aimed to describe and present detailed protocol of a systematic review aimed at determining available research evidence regarding the intensity, and frequency of task-specific training ( TST ) that can best result in improved motor function and mobility outcomes in both upper and lower extremities in acute, sub-acute and chronic stroke survivors. Methods Literature search strategies were developed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and text key words related to stroke rehabilitation and the use of TST to search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (PubMed search engine), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Google Scholar were searched for eligible articles published from inception to date. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, selected appropriate abstract/studies and extracted relevant data as yielded by the search based on the study inclusion criteria. Assessment of the study risk of bias and quality of included studies were appraised using the Cochrane’s tool for assessing risk of bias or other appropriate tools. Discussion This paper presented the description of the systematic review methods, and it is expected to guide researchers in conducting systematic review in similar fields of research. Sources of literature search terms and reviewers have been determined. Systematic review registration The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (130991)

scholarly journals Systematic review of acute physically active learning and classroom movement breaks on children’s physical activity, cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour: understanding critical design features

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy J Daly-Smith ◽  
Stephen Zwolinsky ◽  
Jim McKenna ◽  
Phillip D Tomporowski ◽  
Margaret Anne Defeyter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Classroom Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of acute classroom movement break (CMB) and physically active learning (PAL) interventions on physical activity (PA), cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesPubMed, EBSCO, Academic Search Complete, Education Resources Information Center, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS and Web of Science.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies investigating school-based acute bouts of CMB or PAL on (PA), cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour. The Downs and Black checklist assessed risk of bias.ResultsTen PAL and eight CMB studies were identified from 2929 potentially relevant articles. Risk of bias scores ranged from 33% to 64.3%. Variation in study designs drove specific, but differing, outcomes. Three studies assessed PA using objective measures. Interventions replaced sedentary time with either light PA or moderate-to-vigorous PA dependent on design characteristics (mode, duration and intensity). Only one study factored individual PA outcomes into analyses. Classroom behaviour improved after longer moderate-to-vigorous (>10 min), or shorter more intense (5 min), CMB/PAL bouts (9 out of 11 interventions). There was no support for enhanced cognition or academic performance due to limited repeated studies.ConclusionLow-to-medium quality designs predominate in investigations of the acute impacts of CMB and PAL on PA, cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour. Variable quality in experimental designs, outcome measures and intervention characteristics impact outcomes making conclusions problematic. CMB and PAL increased PA and enhanced time on task. To improve confidence in study outcomes, future investigations should combine examples of good practice observed in current studies.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017070981.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN THE TREATMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION USING ULTRASOUND GUIDED ARTHROCENTESIS AND CONVENTIONAL THERAPY

2021 ◽  
pp. 19-22
Author(s):  
Chirag Bhatia ◽  
Hirkani Attarde
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Temporomandibular Joint ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Mouth Opening ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Review Protocol ◽  
Reported Data

Objective: This systematic review aimed to compare outcomes between ultrasound (US)-guided arthrocentesis and conventional arthrocentesis for the management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and th EBSCOhost databases were searched up to 30 September 2020 for randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing US-guided and conventional arthrocentesis. The review protocol followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020211942). The risk of bias of the studies was independently evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: Four RCTs were included. It did not demonstrate any statistically signicant difference in pain or maximal mouth opening (MMO) scores after 1 week and 1 month of follow-up between US-guided and conventional arthrocentesis. Studies also reported data on intra-operative needle relocations and operating time but with conicting results. Conclusion: This study indicates that the use of US during arthrocentesis may not improve postoperative pain and MMO in the short term. Further high-quality adequately powered RCTs are required to strengthen current evidence.

The Effect of Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews

2021 ◽  
pp. e1-e12
Author(s):  
Amir Razaghizad ◽  
Sarah B. Windle ◽  
Kristian B. Filion ◽  
Genevieve Gore ◽  
Irina Kudrina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Optimal Strategies ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Umbrella Review ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Reported Data

Background. Opioids contribute tomore than 60 000 deaths annually in North America. While the expansion of overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs has been recommended in response to the opioid crisis, their effectiveness remains unclear. Objectives. To conduct an umbrella review of systematic reviews to provide a broad-based conceptual scheme of the effect and feasibility of OEND and to identify areas for possible optimization. Search Methods. We conducted the umbrella review of systematic reviews by searching PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Epistemonikos, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the reference lists of relevant articles. Briefly, an academic librarian used a 2-concept search, which included opioid subject headings and relevant keywords with a modified PubMed systematic review filter. Selection Criteria. Eligible systematic reviews described comprehensive search strategies and inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality or risk of bias of included studies, were published in English or French, and reported data relevant to either the safety or effectiveness of OEND programs, or optimal strategies for the management of opioid overdose with naloxone in out-of-hospital settings. Data Collection and Analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics and the quality of included reviews was assessed in duplicate with AMSTAR-2, a critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews. Review quality was rated critically low, low, moderate, or high based on 7 domains: protocol registration, literature search adequacy, exclusion criteria, risk of bias assessment, meta-analytical methods, result interpretation, and presence of publication bias. Summary tables were constructed, and confidence ratings were provided for each outcome by using a previously modified version of the Royal College of General Practitioners’ clinical guidelines. Main Results. Six systematic reviews containing 87 unique studies were included.We found that OEND programs produce long-term knowledge improvement regarding opioid overdose, improve participants’ attitudes toward naloxone, provide sufficient training for participants to safely and effectivelymanage overdoses, and effectively reduce opioid-relatedmortality. High-concentration intranasal naloxone (.2mg/mL) was as effective as intramuscular naloxone at the same dose, whereas lower-concentration intranasal naloxone was less effective. Evidence was limited for other naloxone formulations, as well as the need for hospital transport after overdose reversal. The preponderance of evidence pertained persons who use heroin. Author's Conclusions. Evidence suggests that OEND programs are effective for reducing opioid-related mortality; however, additional high-quality research is required to optimize program delivery. Public Health Implications. Community-based OEND programs should be implemented widely in high-risk populations. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print July 2, 2021: e1–e12. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306306 )

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