scholarly journals Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening Agents: A Review of Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arti. S. Naidu ◽  
Vincent Bennani ◽  
John M. Aarts Paul Brunton ◽  
Paul Brunton
Keyword(s):  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Tooth Whitening ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Ranking Criteria ◽  
Central Register ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Abstract There is an increased accessibility of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening agents with very little data in the literature regarding their effectiveness. This review was done to determine their effectiveness of the predominant OTC whitening agents from 2006 until 2018 where a comparison of each agent was made with a placebo, no treatment or with other OTC whitening agents. The major categories of OTC whitening agents such as dentifrices, whitening strips and paint on gels. Dentist prescribed bleaching applied at home and in-office bleaching studies and studies that demonstrated whitening products to participants were excluded. Articles were searched for in the databases of Medline (Ovid), PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review and the quality of studies was determined by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) ranking criteria. Compared to other OTC, strips are reported to be effective. Two studies determined whitening strips to be effective. Whitening strips have been shown to be effective when compared with placebos and other OTC whitening agents. Dentifrices are effective in changing the shade of the tooth “by removing extrinsic stains” when compared to a placebo and non-whitening dentifrices, but they are not as effective in comparison to whitening strips. There is a lack of evidence with regards to the effectiveness of paint-on gels. While there is some evidence that OTC can alter shade in the short term, there is a need for better-designed studies.

scholarly journals Serum bilirubin and ischaemic stroke: a review of literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-204
Author(s):  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Danhong Wu ◽  
Ping Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Serum Bilirubin ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Bilirubin, a product of heme metabolism, is the most potent endogenous antioxidant which increases in many oxidative stress conditions such as stroke. It has been widely known to exert neuroprotective effect on stroke through mechanisms involved in development, therefore, it can influence the occurrence and prognosis of ischaemic stroke (IS). In this review, studies were identified by a comprehensive search of Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Methodology Register) and Web of Science to examine the correlation between serum bilirubin levels and risks of developing IS as well as IS outcomes. Additional studies were identified by reviewing references and contacting authors.

Cochrane corner: ergonomic positioning or equipment for treating carpal tunnel syndrome

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 580-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Buchan ◽  
R. Amirfeyz
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: Non-surgical treatments, including ergonomic positioning or equipment, are sometimes offered to people experiencing mild to moderate symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome. The effectiveness and duration from ergonomic positioning or equipment interventions for treating carpal tunnel syndrome are unknown. Objectives: To assess the effects of ergonomic positioning compared with no treatment, a placebo or another non-surgical intervention in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (14 June 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2011, Issue 2, in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2011), EMBASE (1980 to June 2011), CINAHL Plus (1937 to June 2011), and AMED (1985 to June 2011). We also reviewed the reference lists of randomized or quasi-randomized trials identified from the electronic search. Selection criteria: Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing ergonomic positioning or equipment with no treatment, placebo or another non-surgical intervention in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. They calculated risk ratios and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results of clinically and statistically homogeneous trials were pooled, where possible, to provide estimates of the effect of ergonomic positioning or equipment.

scholarly journals Medical Cannabinoids for Cancer Cachexia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Wang ◽  
Yanling Wang ◽  
Mengting Tong ◽  
Hongming Pan ◽  
Da Li
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Cachexia ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Central Register

Objectives. Cancer cachexia (CCA) is an intractable and ineffective metabolic syndrome that attacks 50–80% of cancer patients. It reduces patient’s life quality, affects the efficacy of treatment, and then increases their mortality; however, there are no established therapeutic strategies for CCA in the world. In this study, we assess the positive and negative effects of cannabinoid in the treatment of CCA. Methods. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed up to December 2017. Results. Of the 256 screened studies, three studies with a total of 592 participants were included. Compared with placebo, cannabinoid increased the appetite (MD 0.27, 95% CI -0.51 to 1.04; n= 3) but failed to improve the overall quality of life (QOL; MD -12.39, 95% CI [-24.21 to -0.57; n = 2), and a total of 441 patients had 607 adverse events (AEs; 496 in the cannabinoid group and 111 in the placebo group). Conclusions. Our analysis showed cannabinoid is effective in increasing appetite in cancer patients. However, it declines the quality of life, which may be due to the side effects of cannabinoid.

scholarly journals Diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic evidence in obstetrics for the implementation of patient blood management: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e021322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iosief Abraha ◽  
Alessandro Montedori ◽  
Gian Carlo Di Renzo ◽  
Patrizio Angelozzi ◽  
Marta Micheli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
The Cochrane Library

IntroductionPatientblood management (PBM) is defined as the application of evidence-based diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches designed to maintain haemoglobin concentration, optimise haemostasis and minimise blood loss in an effort to improve patient outcome. We propose a protocol for the assessment of the evidence of diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches for the management of relevant outcomes in obstetrics with the aim to create a framework for PBM implementation.Methods and analysisDiagnostic, preventive and therapeutic tools will be considered in the gynaecological conditions and obstetrics setting (antenatal care, peripartum care and maternity care). For each condition, (1) clinical questions based on prioritised outcomes will be developed; (2) evidence will be retrieved systematically from electronic medical literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL); (3) quality of the reviews will be assessed using the AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) checklist; quality of primary intervention studies will be assessed using the risk of bias tool (Cochrane method); quality of diagnostic primary studies will be assessed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies); (4) the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method will be applied to rate the quality of the evidence and to develop recommendations.Ethics and disseminationFor each diagnostic, preventive or therapeutic intervention evaluated, a manuscript comprising the evidence retrieved and the recommendation produced will be provided and published in peer-reviewed journals. Ethical approval is not required.

Cochrane corner: water for wound cleansing

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Henton ◽  
A. Jain
Keyword(s):  
Tap Water ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Central Register ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: Although various solutions have been recommended for cleansing wounds, normal saline is favoured as it is an isotonic solution and does not interfere with the normal healing process. Tap water is commonly used in the community for cleansing wounds because it is easily accessible, efficient and cost effective; however, there is an unresolved debate about its use. Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of water compared with other solutions for wound cleansing. Search strategy: For this update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (Searched 22 February 2010); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) ( The Cochrane Library, 2010 Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE – 2007 to February Week 2 2010; Ovid MEDLINE – In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (Searched19 February 2010); Ovid EMBASE – 2007 to 2010 Week 06; EBSCO CINAHL – 2007 to 22 February 2010. Selection criteria: Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that compared the use of water with other solutions for wound cleansing were eligible for inclusion. Additional criteria were outcomes that included objective or subjective measures of wound infection or healing. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently carried out trial selection, data extraction and quality assessment. We settled differences in opinion by discussion. We pooled some data using a random-effects model.

scholarly journals Does Acupuncture Improve Quality of Life for Patients with Pain Associated with the Spine? A Systematic Review

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao-chen Lu ◽  
Zhen Zheng ◽  
Charlie Changli Xue
Keyword(s):  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Mental Functioning ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Point Selection ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Better Than

This paper aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for qualities of life (QoL) in patients suffering from pain associated with the spine (PAWS). Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain severity, but its effect on QoL is unknown. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials as well as EMBASE were searched. Published randomized controlled trials on PAWS comparing acupuncture with waiting-list or sham interventions were considered. Eight out of 186 trials were included. For physical functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting-list at immediate and short-term followups; and was better than sham interventions at immediate assessment (SMD = 0.40. 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74). For mental functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting-list at short-term followup and sham interventions at intermediate-term followup (SMD = 0.27. 95% CI 0.03 to 0.51). A similar effect was observed on pain reduction. Discrepancies in point selection for relieving anxiety and insufficient training of trial acupuncturists were also identified. Acupuncture has a moderate effect on the improvement of physical functioning and pain for PAWS patients in the short term; but the effect for mental functioning is small and delayed. Future trials should address point selection and consistency in the qualifications of trial acupuncturists.

Immediate Effect of Fan Therapy in Terminal Cancer With Dyspnea at Rest: A Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Kako ◽  
Masamitsu Kobayashi ◽  
Yasufumi Oosono ◽  
Kohei Kajiwara ◽  
Mika Miyashita
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Terminal Cancer ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Nonmalignant Disease ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: Dyspnea is a common distressing symptom in patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Fan therapy, which uses a fan to blow air toward the patient’s face, can alleviate dyspnea; however, its efficacy remains unclear. Aim: To examine the immediate efficacy of fan therapy for alleviation of dyspnea at rest. Design: Meta-analysis. Data sources: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE EBSCO, CINAHL EBSCO, and Scopus from January 1, 1987, to August 21, 2018 (PROSPERO-CRD42018108610). In addition, we hand-searched studies and used the similar articles feature on PubMed to search for articles. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of fan therapy with placebo or other interventions to alleviate dyspnea at rest, in which patients were aged ≥18 years, were eligible for inclusion in the review. We excluded articles on long-term intervention involving fan therapy and complex intervention (including fan therapy). The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane tool, and the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.3. Results: We identified a total of 218 studies; 2 met our criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Fan therapy significantly improved dyspnea at rest in terminally ill patients with cancer compared to control groups (mean difference: −1.31, 95% confidence interval: −1.79 to −0.83, P < .001). There were no studies that met the inclusion criteria regarding fan therapy for patients with nonmalignant disease. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that fan therapy may be an effective intervention for dyspnea at rest in patients with terminal cancer.

scholarly journals PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR CLINICAL COURSE OF PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: PROTOCOL FOR A RAPID LIVING SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Ramos Rocha-Filho ◽  
Ana Carolina Pereira Nunes Pinto ◽  
Aline Pereira da Rocha ◽  
Keilla Martins Milby ◽  
Felipe Sebastião de Assis Reis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Systematic Review Methodology ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Central Portal

ABSTRACTCONTEXT AND OBJECTIVEDetermining prognostic factors in a context of health crises such as the COVID-19 scenario may provide the best possible care for patients and optimize the management and the resource utilization of the health system. Thus, we aim to systematically review the prognostic factors for different outcomes of patients with COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING: Protocol for a rapid living systematic review methodology following the recommendations proposed by the Cochrane Handbook. METHODS: We will include cohorts and case-control studies. We will search Medline via PubMed, Embase via Elsevier, Cochrane Library - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Portal Regional BVS-LILACS, Scopus and WebofScience to identify studies. No language restrictions will be applied. We will perform the critical appraisal of included studies with the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool and the certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

scholarly journals Lumbar Roll Usage While Sitting Reduces the Forward Head Posture in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5171
Author(s):  
Yusuke Handa ◽  
Kenya Okada ◽  
Hiroshi Takasaki
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grade System ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Forward Head Posture ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Head Posture ◽  
Head Extension ◽  
The Cochrane Library

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms.

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