Influence of reminder therapy for controlling bacterial plaque in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the scientific evidence regarding the influence of reminder therapy on plaque index, gingival index, and white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Randomized clinical trials were searched in the electronic databases LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LIVIVO, and Cochrane Library. The databases OpenThesis and OpenGrey were used to capture the “gray literature,” preventing selection and publication biases. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials tool. The software Review Manager was used for the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among studies was assessed through the I2 statistic. A summary of the overall strength of evidence available was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Results: A total of 332 records were found, from which only 7 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to analysis. Reminder therapy showed improved scores for the plaque index (standardized mean difference = −1.22; 95% confidence interval = −2.03 to −0.42; P = .003) and the gingival index (standardized mean difference = 1.49; 95% confidence interval = −2.61 to 0.37; P = .009). Moreover, there was lower occurrence of white spots (relative risk = 0.53; 95% confidence interval = 0.38 to 0.74; P < .001) when reminder therapy was implemented. Conclusions: According to the existing high-quality evidence, reminder therapy is a valuable strategy and may contribute to the reduction of plaque and gingival indices as well as to the lower occurrence of white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment.

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Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications ◽

10.15212/cvia.2019.0594 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 81-88

Author(s):

Bin Liu ◽

Yingrui Li ◽

Jianlin Du ◽

Qiang She ◽

Songbai Deng

Keyword(s):

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Adipose Tissue ◽

Sleep Apnea ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Standardized Mean Difference

Objective: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a potential risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We performed a meta-analysis to assess the association of EAT with OSA.Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Wanfang databases were searched by two independent investigators for all observational studies assessing the association of EAT with OSA. Then we assessed the association of EAT thickness (EAT-t) and EAT volume (EAT-v) with OSA by a meta-analysis.Results: Ten studies were included in the final analysis. Compared with that in controls, EAT-t in OSA patients was significantly increased (standardized mean difference 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.72‐1.05, P=0.000). Furthermore, EAT-t was greater in OSA patients than in controls with similar BMIs. However, we did not find significant differences in EAT-v between OSA patients and controls (standardized mean difference 2.46, 95% confidence interval −0.36 to 5.29, P=0.088). EAT-t in the mild, moderate, and severe OSA subgroups was greater than in the controls. In addition, there were significant differences in EAT-t among the mild, moderate, and severe OSA subgroups.Conclusions: EAT-t was greater in patients with OSA than in controls, and EAT-t was also associated with the severity of OSA. These findings may provide a new clue for the pathogenesis and treatment of OSA.

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The efficacy and safety of intravaginal oxytocin on vaginal atrophy: A systematic review

Post Reproductive Health ◽

10.1177/2053369120946645 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 205336912094664

Author(s):

Zahra Ghorbani ◽

Mojgan Mirghafourvand

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Vaginal Atrophy ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Statistical Heterogeneity ◽

Standardized Mean Difference

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a major issue in menopausal health. Because unlike vasomotor symptoms, it has a progressive trend. In this regard we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal oxytocin on postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. A search was performed for published studies in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar and Persian databases without time and language limitations. Only randomized controlled trials that compared intravaginal oxytocin with placebos were included. The outcome measures were objective and subjective assessed symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2. The standardized mean differences were pooled the fixed effects model. Of the five included studies, four studies meta-analysed. The meta-analysis in terms of the cytological analysis (standardized mean difference: 35.13, 95% confidence interval: 32.59–37.67, n = 218, I2 = 96%) was statistically significant. In terms of histological assessments (standardized mean difference: −0.38, 95% confidence interval: −0.94 to 0.17, n = 38, I2 = 0%) and endometrial thickness (standardized mean difference: 0.05, 95% confidence interval: −0.20 to −0.31, n = 95, I2 = 0%), there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Three studies reported a statistically significant improvement in the subjective symptoms; however, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Four of the included studies assessed side effects, but only two studies reported them. Oxytocin as a nonestrogenic compound can be a suitable alternative for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, especially in women with contraindications for using estrogenic compounds. Further good quality clinical trials with long-term follow-ups are recommended to demonstrate the effects of intravaginal gel in the treatment of vaginal atrophy.

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Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Treatment on Salivary Nickel and Chromium Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Dentistry Journal ◽

10.3390/dj7010021 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 21 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mohammad Imani ◽

Hamid Mozaffari ◽

Mazaher Ramezani ◽

Masoud Sadeghi

Keyword(s):

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Orthodontic Appliances ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

Nickel and chromium ions released from fixed orthodontic appliances may act as allergens. This study aimed to systematically review the effect of fixed orthodontic treatment on salivary levels of these ions by doing a meta-analysis on cross-sectional and cohort studies. The Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases were searched for articles on salivary profile of nickel or chromium in patients under fixed orthodontic treatment published from January 1983 to October 2017. A random-effect meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3 to calculate mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and the quality of questionnaire was evaluated by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Fourteen studies were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis. Salivary nickel level was higher in periods of 10 min or less (MD = −11.5 µg/L, 95% CI = −16.92 to −6.07; P < 0.0001) and one day (MD = −1.38 µg/L, 95% CI = −1.97 to −0.80; P < 0.00001) after initiation of treatment compared to baseline (before the insertion of appliance). Salivary chromium level was higher in periods of one day (MD = −6.25 µg/L, 95% CI = −12.00 to −0.49; P = 0.03) and one week (MD = −2.07 µg/L, 95% CI = −3.88 to −0.26; P = 0.03) after the initiation of treatment compared to baseline. Corrosion of fixed orthodontic appliances leads to elevated salivary nickel and chromium concentrations early after initiation of orthodontic treatment. Randomized clinical trials controlling for factors affecting the saliva composition are recommended on a higher number of patients and among different ethnicities.

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Minimally Invasive versus Open Simultaneous Resections of Colorectal Cancer and Synchronous Liver Metastases: A Meta-Analysis

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481808400224 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 84 (2) ◽

pp. 192-200 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yulin Guo ◽

Yunhe Gao ◽

Guijin Chen ◽

Chen Li ◽

Guanglong Dong

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Blood Loss ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Liver Metastases ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Postoperative Stay ◽

Surgical Blood Loss

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of simultaneous resections between the minimally invasive approach (MIA) and the open approach (OA) for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCRLM). A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid databases (until May 5, 2016). Studies comparing the perioperative results and long-term outcomes for patients undergoing simultaneous CRC and SCRLM resections between the two approaches were evaluated. Six studies were identified, which included 164 minimally invasive and 213 open simultaneous resections of CRC and SCRLM. MIA was associated with lesser surgical blood loss (mean difference = -155.85 mL; 95% confidence interval: -305.64 to -6.06, P = 0.04) and shorter length of postoperative stay (mean difference = -3.16 days; 95% confidence interval: -4.00 to -2.31, P < 0.00001.). The other perioperative results, including operating time, operative blood transfusion, intestinal function recovery time, and postoperative complications, did not differ significantly. No significant difference in the disease-free survival and overall survival rates between the two approaches was observed. In conclusion, compared with the OA, the MIA for simultaneous CRC and SCRLM resections is safe and effective for the treatment of SCRLM with lesser surgical blood loss and shorter length of postoperative stay. The MIA may be an alternative to the OA for simultaneous CRC and SCRLM resections for appropriately selected patients with resectable SCRLM.

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The Efficacy of Retention Appliances after Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10093107 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 3107 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Antonino Lo Giudice ◽

Gaetano Isola ◽

Lorenzo Rustico ◽

Vincenzo Ronsivalle ◽

Marco Portelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Anterior Crowding ◽

Study Selection ◽

Statistical Heterogeneity ◽

Fixed Retainers

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the amount of the relapse of anterior crowding and the efficacy of retention appliances by reviewing the best available scientific evidence. A survey of articles published up to November 2019 about the stability of dental alignment and retention after fixed orthodontic treatment was performed using seven electronic databases. Study Selection: Only randomized clinical trials investigating patients previously treated with multi-bracket appliances with a follow-up period longer than 6 months were included. Data Extraction: Two authors independently performed the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. All pooled data analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated. In total, eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included, grouping data from 987 patients. The ages of the patients varied across the studies, ranging between 13 and 17 years. The observation period ranged between 6 and 24 months. The data showed no significant intercanine width modifications during the retention period with both fixed and removable retainers. A significant modification of Little’s Index was found for the mandibular removable retainers with a mean difference of 0.72 mm (95% Cl, 0.47 to 0.98) and for the maxillary removable retainers with a mean difference of 0.48 mm (95% Cl, 0.27 to 0.68). No significant changes were found by evaluating Little’s Index modification for the mandibular fixed retainers. The results of this meta-analysis showed that all the considered retainers were effective in maintaining dental alignment after fixed orthodontic treatment. However, fixed retainers showed greater efficacy compared to removable retainers.

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Glutathione Peroxidase Level in Patients with Vitiligo: A Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/3029810 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Bi-huan Xiao ◽

Meihui Shi ◽

Hongqiang Chen ◽

Shaoshan Cui ◽

Yan Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Glutathione Peroxidase ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Asian Patients ◽

Standardized Mean Difference

Abnormality of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the results were controversial.Aim. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the levels of GPx between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.Methods.Relevant published articles were searched according to eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool estimates of the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results.Twenty-three studies with a total of 1076 vitiligo patients and 770 healthy controls were included. The pooled meta-analysis showed that patients with vitiligo had equivalent levels of GPx with the healthy controls (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −1.03 to 0.08, andp=0.095). Further subgroup analysis showed that the GPx levels of Asian patients or segmental vitiligo patients were, respectively, lower than those of healthy controls (Asian: SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −1.08 to 0.14, andp=0.001; segmental: SMD = −3.59, 95% CI: −6.38 to −0.80, andp=0.012). Furthermore, the GPx levels in serum/plasma were significantly decreased in either stable or active vitiligo patients, comparing to healthy controls (stable: SMD = −2.01, 95% CI: −3.52 to −0.49, andp=0.009; active: SMD = −2.34, 95% CI: −4.07 to −0.61, andp=0.008).Conclusion. This meta-analysis showed a significant association between low GPx level and vitiligo.

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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Health Workers

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9101104 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1104

Author(s):

Tingting Li ◽

Xiaoling Qi ◽

Qin Li ◽

Wenge Tang ◽

Kun Su ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Health Workers ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Standardized Mean Difference ◽

Influenza Vaccinations

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect of influenza vaccinations for health workers (HWs). Nine databases were screened to identify randomized clinical trials and comparative observational studies that reported the effect of influenza vaccination among HWs. The risk ratio (RR), standardized mean difference, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to study the effect size using fixed/random-effect models. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted accordingly. Publication bias was examined. Sixteen studies (involving 7971 HWs from nine countries) were included after a comprehensive literature search. The combined RR regarding the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.54), the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.45 to 1.06), the absenteeism rate was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.46 to 0.86), and the integrated standardized mean difference of workdays lost was −0.18 (95% CI: −0.28 to −0.07) days/person. The subgroup analysis indicated that vaccination significantly decreases the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza in different countries, study populations, and average-age vaccinated groups. Influenza vaccinations could effectively reduce the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza, absenteeism rates, and workdays lost among HWs. It is advisable, therefore, to improve the coverage and increase the influenza vaccination count among HWs, which may benefit both workers and medical institutions.

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Effect of micro-osteoperforation on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement—a systematic review and a meta-analysis

European Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1093/ejo/cjz049 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 42 (2) ◽

pp. 211-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mostafa Shahabee ◽

Hooman Shafaee ◽

Mostafa Abtahi ◽

Abdolrasoul Rangrazi ◽

Erfan Bardideh

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Tooth Movement ◽

Root Resorption ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Orthodontic Tooth Movement ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Canine Retraction

Abstract Background The micro-osteoperforation can be used to increase the rate of tooth movement, simplify complex orthodontic movements, and also help adjust the anchorage but there are conflicting reports on the effectiveness and adverse effects of this intervention. Objectives The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of micro-osteoperforation on the rate of tooth movement in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Search methods A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, ISI web of science, EMBASE, Scopus, and CENTRAL online databases for studies measuring the effects of micro-osteoperforation on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement from inception to February 2019 was performed. Selection criteria Based on the PICO model, human studies which evaluated the effects of MOP on the rate of tooth movement in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were selected for this review. Data collection and analysis The relevant data from the eligible studies were extracted using piloted custom extraction forms. The data were combined and analysed using inverse-variance random-effect meta-analysis and the mean difference was used for comparing the outcome measures. Results Six randomized clinical trials were finally included in this meta-analysis. The rate of canine retraction per month was significantly higher in the MOP group [mean difference (MD) = 0.45 mm, 95% CI = 0.17–0.74]. These results were similar with regard to different malocclusions, the jaw on which it was performed, and MOP methods. The patients did not report any significant differences in terms of pain severity levels after MOP. With regard to the adverse effects, one study reported higher amounts of root resorption among patients undergoing MOP. Conclusions The rate of tooth movement was increased after performing MOP but in at least one study higher root resorption was observed. Therefore, the use of MOP can be recommended after weighing the benefits and disadvantages this intervention can bring for each patient. Registration The protocol for this review was registered via crd.york.ac.uk/prospero with the ID CRD42019115499.

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Effects of telehealth interventions for adolescent sexual health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x211047762 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1357633X2110477

Author(s):

Ita Daryanti Saragih ◽

Santo Imanuel Tonapa ◽

Carolyn M. Porta ◽

Bih-O Lee

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Condom Use ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Adolescent Sexual Health ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Standardized Mean Difference

Introduction Telehealth interventions to advance adolescent sexual health have evolved and are being used to promote adolescent sexual health knowledge and healthy sexual behaviors. However, as this area of intervention modality expands, there is a need to pause and examine the effects of telehealth interventions on adolescent sexual health outcomes. Addressing this knowledge gap will inform researchers and practitioners on the current state of evidence of telehealth interventions and inform further intervention development and testing. This study aimed to explore the meta-effects of telehealth interventions on self-efficacy of using condoms, condom use practices, and sexually transmitted infection testing behaviors among adolescents. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. Seven databases (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, OVID (UpToDate), and Web of Science) were searched for relevant full-text articles from the inception to May 2021. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate the pooled effects of telehealth interventions for adolescents. Stata 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 15 studies ( N = 5499) that used telehealth interventions with adolescents were included in the analysis. Telehealth interventions were found to increase self-efficacy for condom use (standardized mean difference: 0.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.08–0.36), practice for condom use (standardized mean difference: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.47), and being screened/tested for sexual transmitted infections (standardized mean difference: 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.92). Discussion Telehealth interventions show promise as effective intervention delivery solutions for improving self-efficacy and certain sexual health behaviors among adolescents. These telehealth strategies could be important alternatives to in-person visits to accessing sexual health information or services near where they live. Future research should consider testing telehealth strategies where there is evidence of impact to move the field forward.

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Vitamin C supplementation in the critically ill: A systematic review and meta-analysis

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312118807615 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 205031211880761 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Michael Zhang ◽

David F Jativa

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Critical Illness ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Urine Output ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Standardized Mean Difference ◽

Intravenous Vitamin

Background: Low plasma levels of vitamin C are associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality, in critically ill patients. Several trials have suggested that the administration of intravenous vitamin C in this setting may have beneficial effects, such as reducing the incidence of organ failure and improving survival. However, these studies have generally involved combination therapies consisting of vitamin C along with other antioxidants, confounding the effects of vitamin C alone. The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of isolated intravenous supplementation of vitamin C in adults with critical illness. Methods: A database search was conducted for studies on the use of intravenous vitamin C in adult patients with critical illness. The primary outcome assessed was mortality at the longest follow-up time available. Secondary outcomes were the duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of vasopressor support, fluid requirements, and urine output in the first 24 h of intensive care unit admission. Results: Five studies (four randomized controlled trials and one retrospective review) enrolling a total of 142 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with controls, the administration of intravenous vitamin C was associated with a decreased need for vasopressor support (standardized mean difference −0.71; 95% confidence interval (−1.16 to −0.26); p = 0.002) and decreased duration of mechanical ventilation (standardized mean difference −0.5; 95% confidence interval (−0.93 to −0.06); p = 0.03), but no difference was found in mortality (odds ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval (0.27 to 2.16); p = 0.6). Trends were also noted toward decreased fluid requirements and increased urine output. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The administration of intravenous vitamin C may lead to vasopressor sparing effects and a reduced need for mechanical ventilation in the critically ill, without affecting overall mortality. However, these results should be interpreted in light of the limitations of the primary literature and should serve as a preview of upcoming trials in this area.

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