Face Masks Use to Avoid Airborne Contamination during COVID-19 Pandemic and Related Conditions: A Systematic Review

Background: The facemasks use has been discussed to prevent respiratory disease due airborne contamination. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review about the face masks use to avoid airborne contamination during COVID-19 pandemic and related conditions, registered (PROSPERO-CRD42020198347) and performed according PRISMA. Methods: PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were used to collect data. Observational studies, published in 2020, and English language, were included. Two reviewers independently identified records through database search and reference screening and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Six studies were included. Results: The works investigated about the use of masks (different types) to prevent droplets dissemination with virus or bacterial suspension and decrease COVID-19 transmission routes, comfort, or temperature. The studies have moderate to critical risk of bias and the level of evidence is III-2. Conclusion: It is recommended facemask use to prevent droplets from escaping airborne and infecting other people, although there are different percentages of protection and can be possible a discomfort related the use. Further clinical trials to the effectiveness of face mask to avoid airborne contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors interfering with their effectiveness should be conducted.

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Efficacy of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1093/ejo/cjab005 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aldin Kapetanović ◽

Christina I Theodorou ◽

Stefaan J Bergé ◽

Jan G J H Schols ◽

Tong Xi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Success Rate ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Late Adolescents ◽

Maxillary Expansion ◽

Palatal Expansion ◽

Rapid Palatal Expansion ◽

Adolescents And Adults ◽

Maxillary Deficiency

Summary Background Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is a non-surgical treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency. However, there is limited evidence concerning its efficacy. Objectives This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of MARPE in late adolescents and adults by assessing success rate and skeletal and dental transverse maxillary expansion, as well as treatment duration, dental and periodontal side effects and soft tissue effects. Search methods Seven electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and ClinicalTrials.gov) without limitations in November 2020. Selection criteria Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and observational studies on patients from the age of 16 onwards with transverse maxillary deficiency who were treated with MARPE and which included any of the predefined outcomes. Data collection and analysis Inclusion eligibility screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently in duplicate. When possible, exploratory meta-analyses of mean differences (MDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were conducted, followed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis of the evidence quality. Results Eight articles were included: two prospective and six retrospective observational studies. One study had a moderate risk of bias, whereas seven studies had a serious risk of bias. GRADE quality of evidence was very low. MARPE showed a high success rate (mean: 92.5%; 95%CI: 88.7%–96.3%), resulting in a significant skeletal width increase (MD: 2.33 mm; 95%CI: 1.63 mm–3.03 mm) and dental intermolar width increase (MD: 6.55 mm; 95%CI: 5.50 mm–7.59 mm). A significant increase in dental tipping, a decrease in mean buccal bone thickness and buccal alveolar height, as well as nasal soft tissue change was present (P < 0.05). The mean duration of expansion ranged from 20 to 126 days. Limitations One of the main drawbacks was the lack of high-quality prospective studies in the literature. Conclusions and implications MARPE is a treatment modality that is associated with a high success rate in skeletal and dental maxillary expansion. MARPE can induce dental and periodontal side effects and affect peri-oral soft tissues. Given the serious risk of bias of the included studies, careful data interpretation is necessary and future research of higher quality is strongly recommended. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42020176618). Funding No grants or any other support funding were received.

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Current status of wet lab and cadaveric simulation in urological training: A systematic review

Canadian Urological Association Journal ◽

10.5489/cuaj.6520 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (11) ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed Al-Jabir ◽

Abdullatif Aydin ◽

Hussain Al-Jabir ◽

M. Shamim Khan ◽

Prokar Dasgupta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

English Language ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Current Status ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Cadaveric Simulation ◽

Randomized Controlled Studies ◽

Wet Lab ◽

Urological Training

Introduction: We undertook a systematic review of the use of wet lab (animal and cadaveric) simulation models in urological training, with an aim to establishing a level of evidence (LoE) for studies and level of recommendation (LoR) for models, as well as evaluating types of validation. Methods: Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for English-language studies using search terms including a combination of surgery, surgical training, and medical education. These results were combined with wet lab, animal model, cadaveric, and in-vivo. Studies were then assigned a LoE and LoR if appropriate as per the education-modified Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification. Results: A total of 43 articles met the inclusion criteria. There was a mean of 23.1 (±19.2) participants per study with a median of 20. Overall, the studies were largely of low quality, with 90.7% of studies being lower than 2a LoE (n=26 for LoE 2b and n=13 for LoE 3). The majority (72.1%, n=31) of studies were in animal models and 27.9% (n=12) were in cadaveric models. Conclusions: Simulation in urological education is becoming more prevalent in the literature, however, there is a focus on animal rather than cadaveric simulation, possibly due to cost and ethical considerations. Studies are also predominately of a low LoE; more higher LoEs, especially randomized controlled studies, are needed.

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Infrared Thermography for the Evaluation of Inflammatory and Degenerative Joint Diseases: A Systematic Review

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/19476035211063862 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. 1790S-1801S

Author(s):

Guglielmo Schiavon ◽

Gianluigi Capone ◽

Monique Frize ◽

Stefano Zaffagnini ◽

Christian Candrian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Infrared Thermography ◽

Rheumatic Diseases ◽

English Language ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Joint Diseases ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Post Evaluation

Objective Inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases as well as in osteoarthritis. Temperature, which can be quantified using infrared thermography, provides information about the inflammatory component of joint diseases. This systematic review aims at assessing infrared thermography potential and limitations in these pathologies. Design A systematic review was performed on 3 major databases: PubMed, Cochrane library, and Web of Science, on clinical reports of any level of evidence in English language, published from 1990 to May 2021, with infrared thermography used for diagnosis of osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases, monitoring disease progression, or response to treatment. Relevant data were extracted, collected in a database, and analyzed for the purpose of this systematic review. Results Of 718 screened articles 32 were found to be eligible for inclusion, for a total of 2094 patients. Nine studies reported the application to osteoarthritis, 21 to rheumatic diseases, 2 on both. The publication trend showed an increasing interest in the last decade. Seven studies investigated the correlation of temperature changes with osteoarthritis, 16 with rheumatic diseases, and 2 with both, whereas 2 focused on the pre-post evaluation to investigate treatment results in patients with osteoarthritis and 5 in patients with rheumatic diseases. A correlation was shown between thermal findings and disease presence and stage, as well as the clinical assessment of disease activity and response to treatment, supporting infrared thermography role in the study and management of rheumatic diseases and osteoarthritis. Conclusions The systematic literature review showed an increasing interest in this technology, with several applications in different joints affected by inflammatory and degenerative pathologies. Infrared thermography proved to be a simple, accurate, noninvasive, and radiation-free method, which could be used in addition to the currently available tools for screening, diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, and response to medical treatment.

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The effect of hemodilution on free flap survival: A systematic review of clinical and experimental studies

Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation ◽

10.3233/ch-200832 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 75 (4) ◽

pp. 457-466

Author(s):

Matteo Amoroso ◽

Peter Apelgren ◽

Anna Elander ◽

Karin Säljö ◽

Lars Kölby

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Literature Search ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Free Flaps ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Grade Scale ◽

Reconstructive Microsurgery ◽

The Cochrane Library

BACKGROUND: Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) has been proposed as a microsurgical technique to improve blood flow in free flaps. OBJECTIVE: Here, we present the first systematic review of clinical and experimental studies on the effect of ANH. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov using search strategies and a review process in agreement with the PRISMA statement and the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. PICO criteria were defined before bibliometric processing of the retrieved articles, which were analyzed with the SYRCLE RoB tool for risk of bias and the GRADE scale for level of evidence. RESULTS: We retrieved 74 articles from the literature search, and after processing according to PICO criteria, only four articles remained, all of which were experimental. The rating for risk of bias was uncertain according to SYRCLE RoB results, and the level of evidence was low according to GRADE evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clinical evidence for the effect of ANH on microcirculation in free flaps, and experimental studies provide weak evidence supporting the use of hemodilution in reconstructive microsurgery.

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Effect of revascularization on cognitive outcomes in intracranial steno-occlusive disease: a systematic review

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2018.11.focus18517 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. E14 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bradley Kolb ◽

Hassan Fadel ◽

Gary Rajah ◽

Hamidreza Saber ◽

Ali Luqman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Observational Studies ◽

English Language ◽

Randomized Trials ◽

Occlusive Disease ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Thomson Reuters ◽

Before And After

OBJECTIVESteno-occlusive diseases of the cerebral vasculature have been associated with cognitive decline. The authors performed a systematic review of the existing literature on intracranial steno-occlusive disease, including intracranial atherosclerosis and moyamoya disease (MMD), to determine the extent and quality of evidence for the effect of revascularization on cognitive performance.METHODSA systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, the Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection, and the KCI Korean Journal Database was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the English-language literature and observational studies that compared cognitive outcomes before and after revascularization in patients with steno-occlusive disease of the intracranial vasculature, from which data were extracted and analyzed.RESULTSNine papers were included, consisting of 2 RCTs and 7 observational cohort studies. Results from 2 randomized trials including 142 patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic steno-occlusion found no additional benefit to revascularization when added to maximal medical therapy. The certainty in the results of these trials was limited by concerns for bias and indirectness. Results from 7 observational trials including 282 patients found some cognitive benefit for revascularization for symptomatic atherosclerotic steno-occlusion and for steno-occlusion related to MMD in children. The certainty of these conclusions was low to very low, due to both inherent limitations in observational studies for inferring causality and concerns for added risk of bias and indirectness in some studies.CONCLUSIONSThe effects of revascularization on cognitive performance in intracranial steno-occlusive disease remain uncertain due to limitations in existing studies. More well-designed randomized trials and observational studies are needed to determine if revascularization can arrest or reverse cognitive decline in these patients.

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Sleep Duration in Relation to Cognitive Function among Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Neuroepidemiology ◽

10.1159/000442418 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 57-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Elizabeth E. Devore ◽

Francine Grodstein ◽

Eva S. Schernhammer

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Observational Studies ◽

English Language ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Short Sleep ◽

Sleep Parameters

Context: Increasing evidence suggests that circadian and sleep parameters influence cognitive function with aging. Objective: To evaluate observational studies of sleep duration and cognition in older adults. Data Sources: A systematic review of OVID Medline and PsycINFO through September 2015, and review of bibliographies from studies identified. Study Selection: English-language articles reporting observational studies of sleep duration and cognitive function in older populations. Data Extraction: Data extraction by 2 authors using predefined categories of desired information. Results: Thirty-two studies met our inclusion criteria, with nearly two-thirds published in the past 4 years. One-third of studies indicated that extreme sleep durations were associated with worse cognition in older adults. More studies favored an association with long vs. short sleep durations (35 vs. 26% of studies, respectively). Four studies found that greater changes in sleep duration over time were related to lower cognition. Study design and analytic methods were very heterogeneous across studies; therefore, meta-analysis was not undertaken. Limitations: We reviewed English-language manuscripts only, with a qualitative summary of studies identified. Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings: Observational studies of sleep duration and cognitive function in older adults have produced mixed results, with more studies suggesting that long (rather than short) sleep durations are related to worse cognition. Studies more consistently indicate that greater changes in sleep duration are associated with poor cognition. Future studies should be prospectively designed, with objective sleep assessment and longer follow-up periods; intervention studies are also needed to identify strategies for promoting cognitive health with aging.

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Dengue virus infection in people residing in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-50135-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Fredy Brice N. Simo ◽

Jean Joel Bigna ◽

Sebastien Kenmoe ◽

Marie S. Ndangang ◽

Elvis Temfack ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dengue Virus ◽

Dengue Fever ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Denv Infection ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Prevalence Studies ◽

Language Restriction ◽

The Face ◽

Apparently Healthy

Abstract Better knowledge of the face of the current dengue virus (DENV) epidemiology in Africa can help to implement efficient strategies to curb the burden of dengue fever. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of DENV infection in Africa. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to June 10th, 2019 without any language restriction. We used a random-effects model to pool studies. A total of 76 studies (80,977 participants; 24 countries) were included. No study had high risk of bias. Twenty-two (29%) had moderate and 54 (71%) had low risk of bias. In apparently healthy individuals, the pooled prevalence of DENV was 15.6% (95% confidence interval 9.9–22.2), 3.5% (0.8–7.8), and 0.0% (0.0–0.5) respectively for immunoglobulins (Ig) G, IgM, and for ribonucleic acid (RNA) in apparently healthy populations. In populations presenting with fever, the prevalence was 24.8% (13.8–37.8), 10.8% (3.8–20.6k) and 8.4% (3.7–14.4) for IgG, IgM, and for RNA respectively. There was heterogeneity in the distribution between different regions of Africa. The prevalence of DENV infection is high in the African continent. Dengue fever therefore deserves more attention from healthcare workers, researchers, and health policy makers.

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Workplace neighbourhood built environment and workers’ physically-active and sedentary behaviour: a systematic review of observational studies

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-020-01055-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chien-Yu Lin ◽

Mohammad Javad Koohsari ◽

Yung Liao ◽

Kaori Ishii ◽

Ai Shibata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Built Environment ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Observational Studies ◽

English Language ◽

Research Priorities ◽

Working Hours ◽

Recreational Physical Activity ◽

Domain Specific

Abstract Background Many desk-based workers can spend more than half of their working hours sitting, with low levels of physical activity. Workplace neighbourhood built environment may influence workers’ physical activities and sedentary behaviours on workdays. We reviewed and synthesised evidence from observational studies on associations of workplace neighbourhood attributes with domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour and suggested research priorities for improving the quality of future relevant studies. Methods Published studies were obtained from nine databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Transport Research International Documentation, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and CINAHL) and crosschecked by Google Scholar. Observational studies with quantitative analyses estimating associations between workplace neighbourhood built environment attributes and workers’ physical activity or sedentary behaviour were included. Studies were restricted to those published in English language peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2019. Results A total of 55 studies and 455 instances of estimated associations were included. Most instances of potential associations of workplace neighbourhood built environment attributes with total or domain-specific (occupational, transport, and recreational) physical activity were non-significant. However, destination-related attributes (i.e., longer distances from workplace to home and access to car parking) were positively associated with transport-related sedentary behaviour (i.e., car driving). Conclusions The findings reinforce the case for urban design policies on designing mixed-use neighbourhoods where there are opportunities to live closer to workplaces and have access to a higher density of shops, services, and recreational facilities. Studies strengthening correspondence between the neighbourhood built environment attributes and behaviours are needed to identify and clarify potential relationships. Protocol registration The protocol of this systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 2 December 2019 (registration number: CRD42019137341).

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Ultrasound assessment of the myofascial trigger point. A systematic review

Revista Fisioterapia Invasiva ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3401889 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 02 (02) ◽

pp. 068-068

Author(s):

López San Miguel G. ◽

Barbe Mendibil I. ◽

Torres Chica B. ◽

Ríos Diaz J.

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Quality Analysis ◽

Lumbar Region ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Black Scale

Abstract Introduction Myofascial pain syndrome is an important and prevalent public health problem. The lack of consensus on the diagnostic criteria, together with the scarce reliability of the manual detection of the manual detection of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) point to the need to develop objective methods to enable confirmation of the presence of MTrPs. Ultrasound is an accessible method which enables the assessment of tissue properties in real time, helping to characterize the MTrP, understand its physiopathology and define its diagnosis. Aims To identify observational studies researching the use of ultrasound in the assessment of MTrPs. Also, to learn about and compile the advances in the study of the characteristics of MTrPs and their sonographic diagnosis. Material and Methods A systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers, searching biomedical databases using terms related with “ultrasound” and “trigger points”. Observational studies were selected evaluating the characteristics of MTrPs. Subsequently, an analysis of the diagnostic quality of studies was performed using the QAREL scale and a study of the methodological quality took place based on the Downs and Black scale. Furthermore, an assessment of the reproducibility of the acquirement of images was performed, via the analysis of the description of the ultrasound method. The risk of bias was evaluated according to the Cochrane guidelines. Results 18 studies based on B Mode methods, elastography and Doppler, were included in the review. The anatomic regions which were most explored were the cervical area and the upper limb, evaluated in 14 of the 18 papers. The most common muscle was the upper trapezius (61%). Two articles were located corresponding to the lumbar region and one article concerned the lower limb. The analysis of the sonographic method showed a low level, 5 of the 9 items did not overcome 17% of fulfillment, in 3 papers the frequency was below 6%. The QAREL scale also displayed low levels, only 3 items out of 11. Inter-evaluator blinding, correct testing and statistical methods were fulfilled in over 50%. The mean score obtained by the studies in the Downs and Black scale was 5.4 points out of 10, ranging between 2 and 7 points. The risk of bias according to the Cochrane guidelines was mid- to high. Conclusion Important steps have been taken in the study of the sonograhic characteristics of the MTrP, however, we are still far from standardizing the use of the same as a diagnostic method. The poor results in the quality analysis of the present study suggest caution in the interpretation of the present findings. Future research is necessary, including different anatomic regions, analytic methods, better defined exploration protocols and more robust reliability studies for the different methods available.

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Impact of integrating pharmacists into primary care teams on health systems indicators: a systematic review

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp19x705461 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 69 (687) ◽

pp. e665-e674 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Benedict Hayhoe ◽

Jose Acuyo Cespedes ◽

Kimberley Foley ◽

Azeem Majeed ◽

Judith Ruzangi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Primary Care ◽

Health System ◽

Quality Assessment ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Quality Assessment Tool

BackgroundEvidence suggests that pharmacists integrated into primary care can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, but their impact on healthcare systems is unclear.AimTo identify the key impacts of pharmacists’ integration into primary care on health system indicators, such as healthcare utilisation and costs.Design and settingA systematic review of literature.MethodEmbase, MEDLINE, Scopus, the Health Management Information Consortium, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were examined, along with reference lists of relevant studies. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published up until June 2018, which considered health system outcomes of the integration of pharmacists into primary care, were included. The Cochrane risk of bias quality assessment tool was used to assess risk of bias for RCTs; the National Institute of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool was used for observational studies. Data were extracted from published reports and findings synthesised.ResultsSearches identified 3058 studies, of which 28 met the inclusion criteria. Most included studies were of fair quality. Pharmacists in primary care resulted in reduced use of GP appointments and reduced emergency department (ED) attendance, but increased overall primary care use. There was no impact on hospitalisations, but some evidence of savings in overall health system and medication costs.ConclusionIntegrating pharmacists into primary care may reduce GP workload and ED attendance. However, further higher quality studies are needed, including research to clarify the cost-effectiveness of the intervention and the long-term impact on health system outcomes.

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