Is ultrasound accurate for radiation-free quantitative assessment of spinal curvatures in patients with idiopathic scoliosis – a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
TP Lam ◽  
H Pang ◽  
YS Wong ◽  
BHK Yip ◽  
ALH Hung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Ultrasound Measurement ◽  
Spinal Curvatures ◽  
Radiographic Measurements ◽  
Subgroup Analyses

Despite application of ultrasound for quantitative measurement of spinal curvatures has been reported with various studies, a systematic review for such is lacking. This systematic review aimed to evaluate (1) reliability of ultrasound; (2) validity of ultrasound using radiographic measurement as gold standard in idiopathic scoliosis patients; and (3) the use of various anatomical landmarks for measurement of spinal curvatures. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases were searched. QUADAS-2 quality assessment tool was adopted. Reliability of ultrasound in terms of intra-class correlation coefficient was recorded. Pearson correlation coefficients between ultrasound and radiographic measurements were extracted for meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses based on ultrasound measurement protocols of spinous process (SP), transverse processes (TP) and center of lamina (COL) were conducted. Eleven articles reporting 18 correlation analyses on 766 subjects were eligible for meta-analysis. The mean inter-rater reliability of ultrasound measurement was 0.87±0.07. Pooled correlation for all studies was 0.918 (95% CI: 0.868–0.949), exhibiting substantial heterogeneity (I2=90.50%, p<0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that pooled correlations were 0.887 for COL method (comprising 356 subjects); 0.924 for SP method (255 subjects); and 0.941 for TP method (117 subjects); all with notable heterogeneity (I2>90%, p<0.001). The overall risk of bias was rated moderate; yet publication bias was noted. Evidences showed that ultrasound was a promising non-invasive method with satisfactory validity and reliability for measuring coronal curvatures utilizing the SP, TP or COL methods. Further development of three-dimensional ultrasound towards scoliosis assessment will facilitate its translational application for managing scoliosis.

The association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of central obesity in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 535-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi ◽  
Mahdi Vajdi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Obesity Indices

Abstract. Backgrounds: Central obesity, as a pivotal component of metabolic syndrome is associated with numerous co-morbidities. Dietary factors influence central obesity by increased inflammatory status. However, recent studies didn’t evaluate the association between central obesity and dietary inflammation index (DII®) that give score to dietary factors according to their inflammatory potential. In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarized the studies that investigated the association between DII® with central obesity indices in the general populations. Methods: In a systematic search from PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences and Cochrane electronic databases, we collected relevant studies written in English and published until 30 October 2019. The population of included studies were apparently healthy subjects or individuals with obesity or obesity-related diseases. Observational studies that evaluated the association between DII® and indices of central obesity including WC or WHR were included. Results: Totally thirty-two studies were included; thirty studies were cross-sectional and two were cohort studies with 103071 participants. Meta-analysis of observational studies showed that higher DII® scores were associated with 1.81 cm increase in WC (Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.813; CI: 0.785–2.841; p = 0.001). Also, a non-significant increase in the odds of having higher WC (OR = 1.162; CI: 0.95–1.43; p = 0.154) in the highest DII category was also observed. In subgroup analysis, the continent, dietary assessment tool and gender were the heterogeneity sources. Conclusion: The findings proposed that adherence to diets with high DII® scores was associated with increased WC. Further studies with interventional designs are necessary to elucidate the causality inference between DII® and central obesity indices.

scholarly journals Sarcopenia Is Associated with Mortality in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Jane Xu ◽  
Ching S. Wan ◽  
Kiriakos Ktoris ◽  
Esmee M. Reijnierse ◽  
Andrea B. Maier
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
European Working ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Meta Analyses

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Sarcopenia can predispose individuals to falls, fractures, hospitalization, and mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia depends on the population studied and the definition used for the diagnosis. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and mortality and if it is dependent on the population and sarcopenia definition. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane from 1 January 2010 to 6 April 2020 for articles relating to sarcopenia and mortality. Articles were included if they met the following criteria – cohorts with a mean or median age ≥18 years and either of the following sarcopenia definitions: Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS and AWGS2019), European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP and EWGSOP2), Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), International Working Group for Sarcopenia (IWGS), or Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC). Hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were pooled separately in meta-analyses using a random-effects model, stratified by population (community-dwelling adults, outpatients, inpatients, and nursing home residents). Subgroup analyses were performed for sarcopenia definition and follow-up period. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Out of 3,025 articles, 57 articles were included in the systematic review and 56 in the meta-analysis (42,108 participants, mean age of 49.4 ± 11.7 to 86.6 ± 1.0 years, 40.3% females). Overall, sarcopenia was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality (HR: 2.00 [95% CI: 1.71, 2.34]; OR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.64, 3.37]), which was independent of population, sarcopenia definition, and follow-up period in subgroup analyses. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Sarcopenia is associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality, independent of population and sarcopenia definition, which highlights the need for screening and early diagnosis in all populations.

scholarly journals Mass drug administration campaigns for scabies and impetigo: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e001132
Author(s):  
Pousali Ghosh ◽  
Wubshet Tesfaye ◽  
Avilasha Manandhar ◽  
Thomas Calma ◽  
Mary Bushell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Clear Understanding

IntroductionScabies is recognised as a neglected tropical disease, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations around the world. Impetigo often occurs secondarily to scabies. Several studies have explored mass drug administration (MDA) programmes, with some showing positive outcomes—but a systematic evaluation of such studies is yet to be reported. The main aim of this systematic review is to generate comprehensive evidence on the effect and feasibility of MDA programmes in reducing the burden of scabies and impetigo.Methods and analysisA systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. Electronic databases to be searched will include CINAHL EBSCOhost, Medline Ovid, ProQuest, Science Direct, PubMed and SCOPUS. In addition, grey literature will be explored via the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Informit, OaIster database and WHO. No language restrictions will be applied. All treatment studies following an MDA protocol, including randomised/quasi-controlled trials, and prospective before–after interventional studies, will be considered. The main outcome is the change in prevalence of scabies and impetigo The Cochrane collaboration risk of bias assessment tool will be used for assessing the methodological quality of studies. A random-effect restricted maximum likelihood meta-analysis will be performed to generate pooled effect (OR) using STATA V.16. Appropriate statistical tests will be carried out to quantify heterogeneity between studies and publication bias.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required since data will be extracted from published works. The findings will be communicated to the scientific community through a peer-reviewed journal publication. This systematic review will present an evidence on the effect of MDA interventions on scabies and impetigo, which is instrumental to obtain a clear understanding of the treatments widely used in these programmes.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020169544,

scholarly journals Diagnostic accuracy of the Geriatric Depression Scale-30, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Geriatric Depression Scale-5 and Geriatric Depression Scale-4 for detecting major depression: protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e026598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Benedetti ◽  
Yin Wu ◽  
Brooke Levis ◽  
Machelle Wilchesky ◽  
Jill Boruff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Individual Participant Data ◽  
Geriatric Depression ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Individual Participant

IntroductionThe 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) and the shorter GDS-15, GDS-5 and GDS-4 are recommended as depression screening tools for elderly individuals. Existing meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of the GDS have not been able to conduct subgroup analyses, have included patients already identified as depressed who would not be screened in practice and have not accounted for possible bias due to selective reporting of results from only better-performing cut-offs in primary studies. Individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA), which involves a standard systematic review, then a synthesis of individual participant data, rather than summary results, could address these limitations. The objective of our IPDMA is to generate accuracy estimates to detect major depression for all possible cut-offs of each version of the GDS among studies using different reference standards, separately and among participant subgroups based on age, sex, dementia diagnosis and care settings. In addition, we will use a modelling approach to generate individual participant probabilities for major depression based on GDS scores (rather than a dichotomous cut-off) and participant characteristics (eg, sex, age, dementia status, care setting).Methods and analysisIndividual participant data comparing GDS scores to a major depression diagnosis based on a validated structured or semistructured diagnostic interview will be sought via a systematic review. Data sources will include Medline, Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Bivariate random-effects models will be used to estimate diagnostic accuracy parameters for each cut-off of the different versions of the GDS. Prespecified subgroup analyses will be conducted. Risk of bias will be assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.Ethics and disseminationThe findings of this study will be of interest to stakeholders involved in research, clinical practice and policy.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018104329.

scholarly journals Association Between Glucocorticoids Treatment and Viral Clearance Delay in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianbo Li ◽  
Xuelian Liao ◽  
Yue Zhou ◽  
Luping Wang ◽  
Hang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Viral Clearance ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Critical Ill

Abstract BackgroundEvidence of glucocorticoids on viral clearance delay of COVID-19 patients is not clear. MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched studies on Medline, Embase, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2002 to December 2, 2020. We mainly pooled the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), mean difference (MD) or risk ratios (RRs) of viral clearance delay and did subgroup analyses by doses and the severity of illness.ResultsOne trial and 38 observational studies, with a total of 7119 patients, were identified. Glucocorticoids treatment was associated with delayed viral clearance in COVID-19 (Adjusted HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.51 to 1.94, I2=22%, PI 1.45 to 2.01), based on moderate-quality evidence. In subgroup analyses, risk of viral clearance delay was significantly higher among COVID-19 patients being mild or moderate ill (adjusted HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.70, I2=52%; MD 2.59, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.97, I2=24%), but not in those of being severe or critical ill (adjusted HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.26; MD 0.22, 95% CI -1.85 to 2.29, I2=56%); taking high doses (adjusted HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.15; unadjusted RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.94) rather taking low doses (adjusted HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.08; unadjusted RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.77) or pulse (unadjusted RR 1.85, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.19).ConclusionsGlucocorticoids treatment delayed viral clearance in COVID-19 patients of being mild or moderate ill or taking a high dose, rather in those of being severe or critical ill or taking low dose or pulse.

scholarly journals Comparison of problem-based learning and traditional teaching methods in medical psychology education in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243897
Author(s):  
Junwei Gao ◽  
Ling Yang ◽  
Jinghui Zhao ◽  
Lian Wang ◽  
Jiao Zou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Medical Psychology ◽  
Psychology Education ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Psychology Curriculum ◽  
Education In China

Background PBL approach has been widely used in many Chinese universities over the past decade. However, the effects of PBL approach on medical psychology education in China are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the PBL approach was superior to the lecture-based teaching method in the context of the medical psychology curriculum in China. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to confirm the effectiveness of PBL in Chinese medical psychology. Corresponding databases were searched for available studies, where data were extracted to calculated Hedges’ g and its 95% confidence interval in total and subgroup analyses. Subgroup analyses were also carried out. Results Nine studies with 551 cases and 496 controls were identified. The total examination scores of students in the PBL approach group were significantly higher compared with students in the traditional lecture-based teaching group under the random effect model (Hedges’ g = 1.510, 95%CI 0.792–2.227, p<0.001). Subgroup analyses based on major and school system exhibited similar results. Conclusions Our study supported the notion that the PBL approach may be applicable to Chinese medical psychology education.

scholarly journals Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Association with Serostatus Disclosure among People Living with HIV in Ethiopia:  A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abere Woretaw Azagew ◽  
Chilot Kassa Mekonnen ◽  
Abebaw Jember Ferede ◽  
Kassahun Gebeyehu Yazew ◽  
Zewdu Baye Tezera
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Serostatus Disclosure ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a public health challenge worldwide. Non-adherence to HAART leads to treatment, immunologic, and virological failure. Despite different interventions made, adherence to HAART among adult people living with HIV (PLWHIV) is still inconsistent across studies, and the effect of serostatus disclosure on adherence to HAART was not studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study is aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART and its relationship with serostatus disclosure among adult PLWHIV in Ethiopia.Methods: We searched 3247 original articles, both published and unpublished on Ethiopia dated from January 2016 to November 2019 by using different search engines. Data were extracted using Microsoft excel. New Castle Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool was used. STATA software version 11 was used for analysis. A random-effects model for meta-analysis was computed. Cochran Q statistics and I2 were used to estimate heterogeneity. Egger’s and Begg’s test was used to assess the publication bias.Results: A total of fifteen articles for systematic review and four articles for meta-analysis were used. The pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART is found to be 81.19% (80.1, 82.3). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART was 79.82% (73.19, 86.45) in the Oromia region, 82.51 %( 73.14, 91.87) in the Amhara region, and 72.7% (63.78, 81.61) in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). The serostatus disclosure improves adherence to HAART by nearly three times compared to non-serostatus disclosed PLWHIV (AOR=2.99, 95 %CI: 1.88, 4.77).Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of adherence to HAART among adult PLWHIV in Ethiopia was found to be low compared to WHO antiretroviral treatment recommendations. Having serostatus disclosure improved adherence to HAART.

scholarly journals Association Between Glucocorticoids Treatment and Viral Clearance Delay in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianbo Li ◽  
Xuelian Liao ◽  
Yue Zhou ◽  
Luping Wang ◽  
Hang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Viral Clearance ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Critical Ill

Abstract Background Evidence of glucocorticoids on viral clearance delay of COVID-19 patients is not clear. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched studies on Medline, Embase, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2002 to December 2, 2020. We mainly pooled the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), mean difference (MD) or risk ratios (RRs) of viral clearance delay and did subgroup analyses by doses and the severity of illness.Results One trial and 38 observational studies, with a total of 7119 patients, were identified. Glucocorticoids treatment was associated with delayed viral clearance in COVID-19 (Adjusted HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.51 to 1.94, I2=22%, PI 1.45 to 2.01), based on moderate-quality evidence. In subgroup analyses, risk of viral clearance delay was significantly higher among COVID-19 patients being mild or moderate ill (adjusted HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.70, I2=52%; MD 2.59, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.97, I2=24%), but not in those of being severe or critical ill (adjusted HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.26; MD 0.22, 95% CI -1.85 to 2.29, I2=56%); taking high doses (adjusted HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.15; unadjusted RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.94) rather taking low doses (adjusted HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.08; unadjusted RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.77) or pulse (unadjusted RR 1.85, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.19).Conclusions Glucocorticoids treatment delayed viral clearance in COVID-19 patients of being mild or moderate ill or taking a high dose, rather in those of being severe or critical ill or taking low dose or pulse.

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