scholarly journals Is mindfulness research methodology improving over time? A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Goldberg ◽  
Raymond P. Tucker ◽  
Preston A. Greene ◽  
Tracy L. Simpson ◽  
David Kearney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Treatment Fidelity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Clinical Disorder ◽  
Fidelity Assessment ◽  
Methodological Improvement

Background: Despite an exponential growth in research on mindfulness-based interventions, the body of scientific evidence supporting these treatments has been criticized for being of poor methodological quality. Objectives: The current systematic review examined the extent to which mindfulness research demonstrated increased rigor over the past 16 years regarding six methodological features that have been highlighted as areas for improvement. These feature included using active control conditions, larger sample sizes, longer follow-up assessment, treatment fidelity assessment, and reporting of instructor training and intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses. Data sources: We searched PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science in addition to a publically available repository of mindfulness studies. Study eligibility criteria: Randomized clinical trials of mindfulness-based interventions for samples with a clinical disorder or elevated symptoms of a clinical disorder listed on the American Psychological Association’s list of disorders with recognized evidence-based treatment. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Independent raters screened 9,067 titles and abstracts, with 303 full text reviews. Of these, 171 were included, representing 142 non-overlapping samples. Results: Across the 142 studies published between 2000 and 2016, there was no evidence for increases in any study quality indicator, although changes were generally in the direction of improved quality. When restricting the sample to those conducted in Europe and North America (continents with the longest history of scientific research in this area), an increase in reporting of ITT analyses was found. When excluding an early, high-quality study, improvements were seen in sample size, treatment fidelity assessment, and reporting of ITT analyses. Conclusions and implications of key findings: Taken together, the findings suggest modest adoption of the recommendations for methodological improvement voiced repeatedly in the literature. Possible explanations for this and implications for interpreting this body of research and conducting future studies are discussed.

scholarly journals The effect of bracket slot size on the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment: A systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elma P. Vieira ◽  
Bruna S. D. Watanabe ◽  
Luana F. Pontes ◽  
José N. F. Mattos ◽  
Lucianne C. Maia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Root Resorption ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Slot Size

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess, by means of a systematic review, the scientific evidence of the influence of 0.018-inch or 0.022-inch bracket slots on treatment time, efficiency of space closure, efficiency of alignment, quality of orthodontic finishing, level of discomfort, and level of root resorption. Materials and Methods: The PubMed, Bireme, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Open Grey, and Google Scholar databases were searched, with no date and language restrictions, for randomized clinical trials and controlled clinical trials, using controlled terms related to bracket slots. After the selection and removal of duplicate articles, the risk of bias was assessed, and the data from the included studies were extracted by two independent researchers. Results: The search yielded 2640 studies. After applying the eligibility criteria, eight articles were fully read and four studies were selected for the qualitative systematic review. No randomized clinical trials assessed the duration of treatment in patients treated with 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch bracket slots. Due to heterogeneity of the data available, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Conclusions: While most studies indicated a shorter duration of treatment in patients with 0.018-inch bracket slots, no available data confirmed the higher efficiency of one system over the other. The biases in the studies did not allow for a reliable conclusion; therefore, new studies with a better methodologic design are needed.

scholarly journals Can Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhance Functionality in Older Adults? A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2981
Author(s):  
Andrés Pino-Esteban ◽  
Álvaro Megía-García ◽  
David Martín-Caro Álvarez ◽  
Hector Beltran-Alacreu ◽  
Juan Avendaño-Coy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Sham Stimulation ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Potential Benefits

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, easy to administer, well-tolerated, and safe technique capable of affecting brain excitability, both at the cortical and cerebellum levels. However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently assessed in all population segments or clinical applications. This systematic review aimed at compiling and summarizing the currently available scientific evidence about the effect of tDCS on functionality in older adults over 60 years of age. A search of databases was conducted to find randomized clinical trials that applied tDCS versus sham stimulation in the above-mentioned population. No limits were established in terms of date of publication. A total of 237 trials were found, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, nine studies were analyzed, including 260 healthy subjects with average age between 61.0 and 85.8 years. Seven of the nine included studies reported superior improvements in functionality variables following the application of tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Anodal tDCS applied over the motor cortex may be an effective technique for improving balance and posture control in healthy older adults. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the most effective protocols and to clarify potential benefits for older adults.

scholarly journals Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders—A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3894
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Janda ◽  
Karolina Wojtkowska ◽  
Karolina Jakubczyk ◽  
Justyna Antoniewicz ◽  
Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
The Body ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Perennial Plant ◽  
Passiflora Incarnata ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Stress is a natural response of the body, induced by factors of a physical (hunger, thirst, and infection) and/or psychological (perceived threat, anxiety, or concern) nature. Chronic, long-term stress may cause problems with sleep, concentration, and memory, as well as affective disorders. The passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial plant with documented therapeutic properties. The literature data suggest that the passionflower itself, as well as its preparations, helps reduce stress and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate Passiflora incarnata in terms of its neuropsychiatric effects. Methods: The scientific databases PubMed, ClinTrials.gov, and Embase were searched up to 22 October 2019. The search identified randomized clinical trials describing the effects of Passiflora incarnata in neuropsychiatric disorders. Results: The systematic review included nine clinical trials. The duration of the studies included in the analysis varied widely, from one day up to 30 days. Study participants were no less than 18 years old. In each of the papers, the effects of passionflower were measured by using a number of different tests and scales. The majority of studies reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of Passiflora incarnata preparations, with the effect less evident in people with mild anxiety symptoms. No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed. Conclusion: Passiflora incarnata may be helpful in treating some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.

scholarly journals The microbiology of pleural infection in adults: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 1900542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maged Hassan ◽  
Tamsin Cargill ◽  
Elinor Harriss ◽  
Rachelle Asciak ◽  
Rachel M. Mercer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Paediatric Population ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatment ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Viridans Streptococci ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Pleural Infection ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Background and objectivesPleural infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among adults. Identification of the offending organism is key to appropriate antimicrobial therapy. It is not known whether the microbiological pattern of pleural infection is variable temporally or geographically. This systematic review aimed to investigate available literature to understand the worldwide pattern of microbiology and the factors that might affect such pattern.Data sources and eligibility criteriaOvid MEDLINE and Embase were searched between 2000 and 2018 for publications that reported on the microbiology of pleural infection in adults. Both observational and interventional studies were included. Studies were excluded if the main focus of the report was paediatric population, tuberculous empyema or post-operative empyema.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsStudies of ≥20 patients with clear reporting of microbial isolates were included. The numbers of isolates of each specific organism/group were collated from the included studies. Besides the overall presentation of data, subgroup analyses by geographical distribution, infection setting (community versus hospital) and time of the report were performed.ResultsFrom 20 980 reports returned by the initial search, 75 articles reporting on 10 241 patients were included in the data synthesis. The most common organism reported worldwide was Staphylococcus aureus. Geographically, pneumococci and viridans streptococci were the most commonly reported isolates from tropical and temperate regions, respectively. The microbiological pattern was considerably different between community- and hospital-acquired infections, where more Gram-negative and drug-resistant isolates were reported in the hospital-acquired infections. The main limitations of this systematic review were the heterogeneity in the method of reporting of certain bacteria and the predominance of reports from Europe and South East Asia.ConclusionsIn pleural infection, the geographical location and the setting of infection have considerable bearing on the expected causative organisms. This should be reflected in the choice of empirical antimicrobial treatment.

scholarly journals Landscapes of becoming social: A systematic review of evidence for associations and pathways between interactions with nature and socioemotional development in children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lærke Mygind ◽  
Mette Kurtzhals ◽  
Clare Nowell ◽  
Paulina S. Melby ◽  
Matt P. Stevenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Socioemotional Outcomes

Background. Existing research indicates that spending time in nature is associated with diverse aspects of children’s health and wellbeing. Although fundamental to later life chances and health, no systematic reviews, to our knowledge, have focused specifically on the effects of interaction with nature on socioemotional functioning in childhood. Objectives. Amongst children, what is the consistency of associations between the availability of or spending time in nature on socioemotional function and development? Furthermore, which child behaviours and states independently associate with socioemotional function and availability of or spending time in nature, and what is the consistency of associations between these behaviours and states and contact with nature?Data sources. Embase, Environment Complete, MEDLINE, and APA PsycINFO. Eligible studies were backward and forward snowball-searched. Study eligibility criteria. Studies investigating effects of, or associations between, availability of or interaction with nature on socioemotional or proximal outcomes in children under the age of 12 years were included in this review. Study appraisal and synthesis methods. The internal validity of studies investigating socioemotional outcomes were based on assessments of elements of study design, conduct, and reporting to identify potential issues related to confounding or other biases. The number of analyses indicating positive, negative, and non-significant associations between availability or interaction with green space and the outcomes were summed.Results. A total of 223 eligible full-texts, of which 43 pertained to socioemotional outcomes and 180 to proximal outcomes, met eligibility criteria. Positive associations between availability of and spending time in green space were found with children’s intra- and interpersonal socioemotional function and development. Proportions of positive findings ranged from 13.9% to 55% across experimental and observational research, exposures, populations, and contexts. Modifying and mediating factors were identified. We found consistent evidence for improved aspects of cognition and, for children over six years, reduced risk of obesity and overweight in association with green space; consistent links between movement behaviours in the experimental, but not observational research; tentative trends suggesting associations with play, motor skills, language, screen time, and communication skills; little evidence for positive associations between green space and mood, physical wellbeing, and stress; some evidence for associations with healthy birth outcomes, and little evidence for direct associations between availability of green space and asthma and allergy prevalence, however, mediation via, for example, air pollution was likely.Limitations. We identified few studies without either probable or severe risk of bias in at least one item. Improved study quality may therefore result in different results. Restricting analyses to include only studies considered at low risk of bias indicated similar or slightly lower proportions of positive findings. Risk of bias in proximal outcomes was not assessed.Conclusions. The empirical evidence for benefits of availability of and interaction green space for child socioemotional function and development must currently be considered limited. A number of proximal indicators were identified. Systematic review registration number. PROSPERO ID: CRD42019135016.

scholarly journals PIWI proteins as prognostic markers in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexios-Fotios A. Mentis ◽  
Efthimios Dardiotis ◽  
Athanassios G. Papavassiliou
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cancer Site ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Low Expression

ABSTRACTBackgroundPIWI proteins, which interact with piRNAs, are implicated in stem cell and germ cell regulation, but have been detected in various cancers, as well.ObjectivesIn this systematic review, we explored, for the first time in the literature (to our knowledge), the association between prognosis in patients with cancer and intratumoral expression of PIWI proteins.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for the relevant cohort studies.Study eligibility criteriaProspective or retrospective cohort studies investigating the association of intratumoral mRNA or protein expression of different types of PIWI proteins with survival, metastasis or recurrence of various types of cancers in the systematic review. Exclusion of cross-sectional studies, of studies on the prognostic value of genetic polymorphism of PIWI genes, of studies re-analyzed previously published databases, and of conference abstracts and non-English articles.ParticipantsTwenty-six studies with 4,299 participants were included in the systematic review.InterventionsPooled Hazard Ratios (HRs) and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated for different PIWI proteins separately, by pooling of log of the calculated HRs using the random-effects model.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsData extraction was performed using a pre-designed form and quality of the studies was assessed using REMARK criteria. Heterogeneity assessed using the I2 index and the Cochran Q test. Publication bias assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression.ResultsThe pooled HR of mortality in high compared to low expression of HIWI, HILI and PIWIL4 was 1.87 (CI95%: 1.31-2.66, p < 0.05), 1.09 (CI95%: 0.58-2.07, p = 0.79) and 0.44 (CI95%: 0.25-0.76, p < 0.05), respectively. The pooled HR of recurrence in in high compared to low expression of HIWI and HILI was 1.72 (CI95%: 1.20-2.49, p < 0.05) and 1.98 (CI95%: 0.65-5.98, p = 0.23), respectively.LimitationsExclusion of studies not in English; Discrepancy between mRNA and protein levels, and the respective analytical methods; Only one cancer site – PIWI protein pair investigated in three or more studies.Conclusions and Implications of Key FindingsThe prognosis of cancer patients is worse with higher HIWI and lower PIWIL4 expression, although the results are highly variable for different cancers. The expression of these proteins can be used for personalized prognostication and treatment of individual patients.Systematic review registration numberNot registered.

scholarly journals Communicating with patients and families about difficult matters: A rapid review in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Ekberg ◽  
Ruth Parry ◽  
Victoria Land ◽  
Katie Ekberg ◽  
Marco Pino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Previous Systematic Review ◽  
The Future ◽  
Communication Practices ◽  
Illness Progression

BackgroundPandemics pose significant challenges for healthcare systems, including an increase in difficult discussions about future illness progression and end of life.ObjectivesTo synthesise existing evidence about communication practices used to discuss difficult matters, including prognosis and end of life, and to use this evidence to make recommendations for clinical practice. The aim of this study was to use rapid review methods to update findings from a previous systematic review published in 2014.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, Scopus, ASSIA and Amed.Study eligibility criteriaStudies using conversation analysis or discourse analysis to examine recordings of actual conversations about difficult matters relating to future illness progression and end of life.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsData appraisal and extraction procedures used in the 2014 review were modified for this rapid review.ResultsFollowing screening, 18 sources were deemed to meet eligibility criteria, which were added to the 19 sources included in the 2014 systematic review. Synthesis of study findings identified 11 communication practices: providing opportunities for patient or family members to propose matters to discuss (7 out of 37 included sources); seeking a patient or family member’s perspective (6/37); discussing the future indirectly (11/37); discussing the future explicitly (7/37) linking to something previously said or done (11/37); using hypothetical scenarios (13/37); framing a difficult matter as universal (5/37); acknowledging uncertainty (3/37); exploring options (2/37); displaying sensitivity (7/37); emphasising the positive (7/37).LimitationsDividing work amongst the study authors to enable rapid review may have created inconsistencies.Conclusions and implications of key findingsThis synthesis of high-quality evidence from actual clinical practice supports a series of recommendations for communicating about difficult matters during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The therapeutic use of essential oils in the care of cancer patients in chemotherapy: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45
Author(s):  
Bruno B. Monteiro-Oliveira ◽  
Ana Carolina Coelho-Oliveira ◽  
Tatiane S. A. David ◽  
Adriana T. Brito ◽  
Ana Carla A. Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Database Search ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
Effective Technique ◽  
Eligibility Criteria

Introducton: Chemotherapy is an important therapy in the treatment of cancer. Nausea, vomiting and worsening quality are some adverse effects of chemotherapy. Aromatherapy is an ancient technique that uses essential oils for physical and psychological/emotional improvement and is able to reduce the symptoms of chemotherapy and can be an excellent complementary technique.Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effects of aromatherapy on the adverse effects of chemotherapy in patients diagnosed with cancer. Methods: A search in three database PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Five studies that analyzed the use of aromatherapy to evaluate the reduction of the adverse effects of chemotherapy in a cancer patient, published only in English were included. Two reviewers, which independently examined titles and abstracts, identified records through database search and reference screening and irrelevant studies were excluded based in eligibility criteria. Relevant full texts were analyzed for eligibility, and all selected studies were included in this systematic review.  Results: Five studies were included in this systematic review. This review suggests that aromatherapy reduces nausea, frequency of vomiting and improves quality of sleep. Conclusion: Aromatherapy is an effective technique to reduce nausea, the frequency of vomiting and improves the quality of sleep of patients diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. However, more randomized clinical trials with a good methodological quality are necessary to confirm the preliminary findings of this systematic review. 

scholarly journals Efficacy of Dental Bleaching with Whitening Dentifrices: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno G. S. Casado ◽  
Sandra L. D. Moraes ◽  
Gleicy F. M. Souza ◽  
Catia M. F. Guerra ◽  
Juliana R. Souto-Maior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Color Change ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Tooth Whitening ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Tooth Color ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Meta Analyses

A systematic review was performed to evaluate whether whitening toothpastes promote tooth whitening when compared to the use of conventional (nonbleaching) dentifrices. This review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42017065132) and is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Electronic systematic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were conducted for published articles. Only randomized clinical trials in adults that compared the use of so-called whitening dentifrices to the use of nonwhitening dentifrices were selected. The outcome was tooth color change. Twenty-two articles from 703 data sources met the eligibility criteria. After title and abstract screening, 16 studies remained, after which a further five studies were excluded. In total, nine studies were qualitatively analyzed. Significant differences in tooth color change were found between the groups using whitening dentifrices and those using nonwhitening dentifrices. Within the limitations of this study, the evidence from this systematic review suggests that bleaching dentifrices have potential in tooth whitening. However, although many whitening dentifrices have been introduced into the dental market for bleaching treatments, it is important to analyze tooth surface and color changes when performing home bleaching.

Neurodevelopmental Treatment (Bobath) for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 679-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia Andréa Zanon ◽  
Rafael Leite Pacheco ◽  
Carolina de Oliveira Cruz Latorraca ◽  
Ana Luiza Cabrera Martimbianco ◽  
Daniela Vianna Pachito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
The Body ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Protocol Registration

Aim: To assess the effects of neurodevelopmental treatment for children with cerebral palsy. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and reported in accordance to PRISMA Statement. Through a comprehensive literature search we considered all randomized clinical trials that compared neurodevelopmental treatment with conventional physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Table to assess the risk of bias of the included randomized clinical trial, and the GRADE approach to evaluate the certainty of the body of the evidence. Results: We found 3 randomized clinical trials (2 published and 1 ongoing) comprising 66 children. Published randomized clinical trials presented methodological and reporting limitations and only 1 provided data for outcomes of interest. No difference between neurodevelopmental treatment and conventional physical therapy was found for gross motor function (mean difference 1.40; 95% confidence interval –5.47 to 8.27, low certainty evidence). Conclusion: This review found that the effects of neurodevelopmental treatment for children with cerebral palsy are still uncertain. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy and safety of neurodevelopmental treatment for this purpose and until there, current evidence do not support its routinely use in practice. Number of protocol registration in PROSPERO database: CRD42017082817 (available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=82817 ).

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