scholarly journals Massage Therapy for Pulmonary Function in Patients Recovering From Covid-19: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelin Zhou ◽  
Shuo Dong ◽  
Guobing Fu ◽  
Shusheng Cui ◽  
Sheng Guo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Massage Therapy ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Tuina Therapy

Abstract Background:Starting in December 2019 in Wuhan (Hubei province, China), a novel coronavirus, designated SARS-CoV-2, has caused an international outbreak of a respiratory illness and rapidly evolved into a pandemic.Given the rapidly growing pandemic and the overwhelmedmedical system, the number of self‐quarantined and recovering patients is increasing.There is an urgentneed of alternative medicine to help patients relieve symptoms duringself‐quarantine, and possibly to help increase their chances of survivaland recovery from COVID-19.Massage (tuina) therapy is one of the widely employed complementary and alternative medicine interventions in the world.Long-term clinicalpractices and experiences have shown that massage therapy could significantly contribute to the healing of most respiratory conditions and lung disease.This systematic review and meta-analysis will summarize the current evidence of tuina (massage) used as an intervention for pulmonary function in COVID-19 recovering patients.Methods:We will search the following electronic databases for randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy inimproving pulmonary function ofCOVID-19 recovering patients: Wanfang and Pubmed Database, CNKI, CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE. Each database will be searched from inception to June 2020. The entire process will include study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and meta-analyses.Discussion:This proposed systematic review will evaluate the existing evidence and explore the potential roleof massage therapyon the effectiveness and safety in pulmonary function of COVID-19 recovering patients.The outcomes will include the improvement of pulmonary function and adverse effect.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42020192107

scholarly journals Effectiveness of the progestin-only pill for migraine treatment in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cephalalgia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 754-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Warhurst ◽  
Christopher J Rofe ◽  
Bruce J Brew ◽  
Deborah Bateson ◽  
Kevin McGeechan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hormonal Contraception ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Migraine Treatment ◽  
Vascular Events ◽  
Related Quality

Background Migraine is highly prevalent in women (18%). Peak morbidity affects their most productive years, coinciding with peak fertility. Hormonal contraception is often tailored for migraine prevention. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may be contraindicated in women experiencing migraine with aura due to the risk of vascular events. While improvements in migraine with a progestin-only pill (POP), which inhibits ovulation are documented, the strength and quality of evidence has not been formally evaluated. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of progestin-only contraceptives for migraine treatment by systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources and selection MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Libraries were searched (1980 to September 2016) for studies on progestin-only treatments for migraine. Studies in English on >4 non-menopausal women aged 18–50 with migraine diagnosed by formal criteria were included. Data extraction and analysis Data were quality-assessed using the GRADE system. A random effects model was used for pooled analyses. Results Pooled analyses of four studies demonstrated that desogestrel 75 mcg/day, POP significantly but modestly reduced the number of migraine attacks and migraine days. Reduced intensity and duration, reduced analgesic and triptan use were observed, along with improved headache-related quality of life. GRADE analysis indicated evidence was low to very low for each outcome measure. Adverse effects resulted in treatment cessation for <10% of participants. Two studies compared desogestrel POP to a combined oral contraceptive, demonstrating similar migraine outcomes for both treatments. Conclusions The desogestrel POP shows promise in improving migraine in women. Current evidence is observational and based on small samples of women using only one oral progestin-only formulation. Further randomized trials on additional progestin-only contraceptives are required to confirm their role in migraine management.

scholarly journals Restorative Thresholds for Carious Lesions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 501-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.P.T. Innes ◽  
F. Schwendicke
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Permanent Teeth ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Carious Lesions ◽  
High Caries Risk ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Meta Analyses

Current evidence supports noninvasive/nonrestorative treatment of “early” carious lesions: those confined to enamel or reaching the enamel-dentin junction. The extent that dentists’ thresholds for intervening restoratively have changed with this evidence is unknown. This systematic review aimed to determine dentists’ and therapists’ current lesion threshold for carrying our restorative interventions in adults/children and primary/permanent teeth. Embase, Medline via PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for observational studies, without language, time, or quality restrictions. Screening and data extraction were independent and in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analyses with subgroup and meta-regression analysis were performed. Thirty studies, mainly involving dentists, met the inclusion criteria. There was heterogeneity in sampling frames, methods, and scales used to investigate thresholds. The studies spanned 30 y (1983–2014), and sample representativeness and response bias issues were likely to have affected the results. Studies measured what dentists said they would do rather than actually did. Studies represented 17 countries, focusing mainly on adults ( n = 17) and permanent teeth ( n = 24). For proximal carious lesions confined to enamel (not reaching the enamel-dentin junction), 21% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15%–28%) of dentists/therapists would intervene invasively. The likelihood of a restorative intervention almost doubled (risk ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.68–2.33) in high caries risk patients. For proximal lesions extending up to the enamel-dentin junction, 48% (95% CI, 40%–56%) of dentists/therapists would intervene restoratively. For occlusal lesions with enamel discoloration/cavitation but no clinical/radiographic dentin involvement, 12% (95% CI, 6%–22%) of dentists/therapists stated they would intervene, increasing to 74% (95% CI, 56%–86%) with dentin involvement. There was variance between countries but no significant temporal trend. A significant proportion of dentists/therapists said they would intervene invasively (restoratively) on carious lesions where evidence and clinical recommendations indicate less invasive therapies should be used. There is great need to understand decisions to intervene restoratively and to find implementation interventions that translate research evidence into clinical practice.

scholarly journals Curricula and methods for physician compassion training: protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e024320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sundip Patel ◽  
Alexis Pelletier-Bui ◽  
Stephanie Smith ◽  
Michael B Roberts ◽  
Hope J Kilgannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Individual Patient Level ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Ethical Approval

IntroductionCompassionate patient care has been associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients. However, current evidence suggests that healthcare is experiencing a compassion crisis, with physicians frequently overlooking opportunities to treat patients with compassion. Although there is evidence that compassionate care can be enhanced through training interventions, it is currently unclear what specific skills and behaviours ought to be taught and how best to transfer this information to the learner. The objectives of this systematic review are to collate the world’s literature on compassion training to determine (1) the specific skills and behaviours that should be taught (curriculum), and (2) the methods of training that are most effective at improving compassionate patient care.Methods and analysisWe will perform a qualitative systematic review of studies aimed at improving compassionate patient care among physicians and physicians in training. We will comprehensively search CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Additional recommended techniques for systematic reviews of complex evidence will be performed including pursuing selected ‘references of references’, electronic citation tracking and consulting experts in the field. Two investigators will independently review all search results. After identification and inclusion of papers, we will use a standardised form for data extraction. We will use tables to describe the study populations, interventions tested (including specific skill/behaviours taught and training methods used), outcome measures and effects of interventions on outcome measures compared with control groups. Where appropriate, meta-analysis will be used for quantitative analysis of the data.Ethics and disseminationThe proposed systematic review does not require ethical approval since no individual patient-level data will be collected. Results of this study will contribute to the understanding of compassion training and help inform the development of compassion training curricula.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018095040.

scholarly journals Probiotics for dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenifer F Krüger ◽  
Elaine Hillesheim ◽  
Amanda C S N Pereira ◽  
Carolina Q Camargo ◽  
Estela I Rabito
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Probiotic Supplementation ◽  
Synbiotic Supplementation

Abstract Context Dementia is the fifth leading cause of death in the world. Animal studies indicate that in addition to the aging process, intestinal microbiota may play an important role in the neurodegeneration process through the modulation of the gut-brain axis. Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on the cognitive function of individuals with dementia. Data Sources MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO, CENTRAL, Embase, and grey literature were searched from their inception to January 2019. Study Selection We included data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that addressed dementias and assessed the following outcomes: cognitive function; inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic markers; nutritional status; and intestinal microbiota composition. Data Extraction Data searches, article selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Cochrane guidelines. Data were pooled by inverse-variance random-effects meta-analyses. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) was used to assess the quality of evidence. Results Data from 3 RCTs involving 161 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease receiving Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains showed no beneficial effect of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function (standardized mean difference, 0.56; 95%CI: −0.06 to 1.18), with very low certainty of evidence. However, probiotic supplementation improved plasma triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin resistance, and plasma malondialdehyde. No RCTs included synbiotic supplementation or assessed microbiota composition. Conclusion Current evidence regarding the use of probiotics and synbiotics for individuals with dementia is insufficient to support their clinical application. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no: CRD42018116148.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal footbaths for the treatment of dysmenorrhea: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0250685
Author(s):  
Min Xiao ◽  
Lizhou Liu ◽  
Steve Tumilty ◽  
Dan Liu ◽  
Yanyan You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Biomedical Literature ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Chinese Herbal

Background Chinese herbal footbaths are an external therapy of traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used to treat dysmenorrhea. This review aims to systematically evaluate its efficacy and safety for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Methods Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CIHAHL, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database(CBM), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) will be searched from the inception to September 30, 2020. The eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be identified and included. The primary outcomes include pain intensity measured by validated scales of visual analog scale, numeric rating scale, and response rate of symptom reduction. The secondary outcomes are scores on validated pain questionnaires, quality of life measured by SF-36 or other validated scales, and adverse events. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of bias risk will be conducted by two reviewers independently. RevMan software (V.5.3.5) will be utilized to perform data synthesis. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will be performed when necessary. The strength of the evidence will be evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation System. Results A high-quality synthesis of current evidence of Chinese herbal footbaths for patients with dysmenorrhea will be provided in this study. Conclusion This systematic review will provide evidence of whether Chinese herbal footbaths are an effective and safe intervention for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020188256.

scholarly journals Misuse of medication in adult substance misuse services: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e047283
Author(s):  
Rosalind Gittins ◽  
Louise Missen ◽  
Ian Maidment
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Opioid Analgesics ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionThere is a growing concern about the misuse of over the counter (OTC) and prescription only medication (POM) because of the impact on physical and mental health, drug interactions, overdoses and drug-related deaths. These medicines include opioid analgesics, anxiolytics such as pregabalin and diazepam and antidepressants. This protocol outlines how a systematic review will be undertaken (during June 2021), which aims to examine the literature on the pattern of OTC and POM misuse among adults who are accessing substance misuse treatment services. It will include the types of medication being taken, prevalence and demographic characteristics of people who access treatment services.Methods and analysisAn electronic search will be conducted on the Cochrane, OVID Medline, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases as well as grey literature. Two independent reviewers will conduct the initial title and abstract screenings, using predetermined criteria for inclusion and exclusion. If selected for inclusion, full-text data extraction will be conducted using a pilot-tested data extraction form. A third reviewer will resolve disagreements if consensus cannot be reached. Quality and risk of bias assessment will be conducted for all included studies. A qualitative synthesis and summary of the data will be provided. If possible, a meta-analysis with heterogeneity calculation will be conducted; otherwise, Synthesis Without Meta-analysis will be undertaken for quantitative data. The reporting of this protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. Findings will be peer reviewed, published and shared verbally, electronically and in print, with interested clinicians and policymakers.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020135216.

scholarly journals Laparoscopic appendectomy versus antibiotic treatment for acute appendicitis—a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Köhler ◽  
Anne Hendricks ◽  
Carolin Kastner ◽  
Sophie Müller ◽  
Kevin Boerner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Laparoscopic Appendectomy ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Open Appendectomy ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Uncomplicated Appendicitis ◽  
Absence From Work

Abstract Background Over the last years, laparoscopic appendectomy has progressively replaced open appendectomy and become the current gold standard treatment for suspected, uncomplicated appendicitis. At the same time, though, it is an ongoing discussion that antibiotic therapy can be an equivalent treatment for patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the safety and efficacy of antibiotic therapy and compare it to the laparoscopic appendectomy for acute, uncomplicated appendicitis. Methods The PubMed database, Embase database, and Cochrane library were scanned for studies comparing laparoscopic appendectomy with antibiotic treatment. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection and data extraction. The primary endpoint was defined as successful treatment of appendicitis. Secondary endpoints were pain intensity, duration of hospitalization, absence from work, and incidence of complications. Results No studies were found that exclusively compared laparoscopic appendectomy with antibiotic treatment for acute, uncomplicated appendicitis. Conclusions To date, there are no studies comparing antibiotic treatment to laparoscopic appendectomy for patients with acute uncomplicated appendicitis, thus emphasizing the lack of evidence and need for further investigation.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Lumbar Degenerative Spine Disease—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 773
Author(s):  
Wei-Ting Wu ◽  
Tsung-Min Lee ◽  
Der-Sheng Han ◽  
Ke-Vin Chang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Degenerative Spine ◽  
Degenerative Spine Disease ◽  
Spine Disease

The association of sarcopenia with poor clinical outcomes has been identified in various medical conditions, although there is a lack of quantitative analysis to validate the influence of sarcopenia on patients with lumbar degenerative spine disease (LDSD) from the available literature. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with LDSD and examine its impact on clinical outcomes. The electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) were systematically searched from inception through December 2020 for clinical studies investigating the association of sarcopenia with clinical outcomes in patients with LDSD. A random-effects model meta-analysis was carried out for data synthesis. This meta-analysis included 14 studies, comprising 1953 participants. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with LDSD was 24.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3%–34.3%). The relative risk of sarcopenia was not significantly increased in patients with LDSD compared with controls (risk ratio, 1.605; 95% CI, 0.321–8.022). The patients with sarcopenia did not experience an increase in low back and leg pain. However, lower quality of life (SMD, −0.627; 95% CI, −0.844–−0.410) were identified postoperatively. Sarcopenia did not lead to an elevated rate of complications after lumbar surgeries. Sarcopenia accounts for approximately one-quarter of the population with LDSD. The clinical manifestations are less influenced by sarcopenia, whereas sarcopenia is associated with poorer quality of life after lumbar surgeries. The current evidence is still insufficient to support sarcopenia as a predictor of postoperative complications.

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