Meta-Analysis Using NGS Data: The Veillonella Species in Dental Caries

Objectives: In light of recent technological advances in Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the accumulation of large, publicly available oral microbiome datasets, the need for meta-analysing data on caries microbiome is becoming feasible and essential. A consensus on the identification of enriched organisms in cariogenic dysbiotic biofilms would be reached. For example, members of the Veillonella genus have been detected in caries biofilms, and may have an underestimated contribution to the dysbiotic process. Hence, we aimed to determine the abundance of Veillonella species in dental caries in studies using NGS data.Materials and Methods: Analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (registered at PROSPERO: CRD42020204150). Studies investigating microbial composition in saliva, dental biofilm, or carious dentin were included. Six databases and grey literature were searched. Two independent reviewers selected the papers and assessed the methodological quality.Results: Searches retrieved 1,323 titles, from which 38 studies were included in a qualitative synthesis, comprising a total of 1,374 caries and 745 caries-free individuals. Most studies analysed 16S rRNA amplicons, and only 5 studies used shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. A geographical bias was observed. The methodological quality was downrated in 81.5% of the studies due to the lack of criteria for defining cases and standard criteria used for measurement of the condition in a reliable way. Six studies on early childhood caries (ECC) were meta-analysed, confirming a significant enrichment of Veillonella spp. in caries-associated biofilms (but not saliva) when compared to caries-free controls [mean difference: 2.22 (0.54–3.90); p = 0.01].Conclusions:Veillonella spp. is more abundant in individuals suffering with ECC when compared to caries-free controls (very low evidence certainty), and should be considered for further studies to observe their metabolism in dental caries. There is an urgent need for a consensus in methodologies used to allow for more rigorous comparison between NGS studies, particularly including clinical data and details of caries diagnosis, as they are currently scarce. Inconsistent reporting on the NGS data affected the cross-study comparison and the biological connexions of the relative abundances on caries microbiome.

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

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047283 ◽

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.

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CHA2DS2-VASc score on admission to predict mortality in COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis

10.1101/2021.06.07.21258402 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Prattay Guha Sarkar ◽

Amit Kumar ◽

Debdutta Bandyopadhyay

Keyword(s):

Predictive Value ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Predictive Power ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Effective Management ◽

Trial Registry ◽

Thromboembolic Risk ◽

Overall Mortality

Background: CHA2DS2-VASc score is used in non-valvular AF patients to predict thromboembolic risk. Recent studies have tried to evaluate CHA2DS2-VASc score on admission in COVID-19 patients to predict mortality. Methods: We conducted a literature search on 14 April 2021 to retrieve all published studies, pre-prints and grey literature related to the predictive power of CHA2DS2-VASc score in COVID-19 patients of admission and mortality. Screening of studies and data extraction was done by two authors independently. We used the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool for the methodological quality assessment of the included studies. Results: Five studies involving 5,941 patients reported the predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc score for mortality in COVID-19 patients. The pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE) and area under curve were 0.72 (95% CI 0.63-0.79), 0.74 (95% CI 0.67-0.81) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.76-0.83). Conclusions: CHA2DS2-VASc score at admission has good predictive value for mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection and can help clinicians identify potentially severe cases early. Early initiation of effective management in these cases may help in reducing overall mortality due to COVID-19. Trial registry: We prospectively registered this meta-analysis on PROSPERO database (Reg number: CRD42021248398).

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Efficacy of Oral Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2016/6295737 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Chen X. Chen ◽

Bruce Barrett ◽

Kristine L. Kwekkeboom

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Zingiber Officinale ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Meta Analyses

This systematic review examines the efficacy of oral ginger for dysmenorrhea. Key biomedical databases and grey literature were searched. We included randomized controlled trials comparing oral ginger against placebo or active treatment in women with dysmenorrhea. Six trials were identified. Two authors independently reviewed the articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus with a third reviewer. We completed a narrative synthesis of all six studies and exploratory meta-analyses of three studies comparing ginger with placebo and two studies comparing ginger with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ginger appeared more effective for reducing pain severity than placebo. The weighted mean difference on a 10 cm visual analogue scale was 1.55 cm (favoring ginger) (95% CI 0.68 to 2.43). No significant difference was found between ginger and mefenamic acid (an NSAID). The standardized mean difference was 0 (95% CI −0.40 to 0.41). Available data suggest that oral ginger could be an effective treatment for menstrual pain in dysmenorrhea. Findings, however, need to be interpreted with caution because of the small number of studies, poor methodological quality of the studies, and high heterogeneity across trials. The review highlights the need for future trials with high methodological quality.

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Dental caries among the elderly in Iran: a meta-analysis

10.1101/2020.07.24.20161299 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shervan Shoaee ◽

Farshad Sharifi ◽

Pooneh Ghavidel Parsa ◽

Ahmad Sofi-Mahmudi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Oral Health ◽

Dental Caries ◽

Health Surveys ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Age Groups ◽

The Elderly ◽

Missing Teeth ◽

Cross Sectional

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on dental caries among the elderly in Iran. Background: The prevalence of dental caries among elderly is high worldwide, and the major burden of oral diseases is caused by dental caries. Methods: Systematic review of the published and grey literature performed. Six international and local databases used to provide the most comprehensive population-based studies. National oral health surveys, as well as national disease and health surveys considered as other primary sources of data. Quality of remained studies was assessed by a modified tool designed based on STROBE statement checklist to evaluate the cross-sectional studies. The target population was 65+-year-olds Iranian population. Results: Overall, 917 English articles who those reported dental caries among all age groups were found in international databases and 2138 Persian articles were found in Iranian databases. After quality assessment, and excluding other age groups, 46 points of data with 10411 aged people ≥ 65 years, were included in the meta-analysis. Mean pooled decayed, missing, and filled teeth among the elderly was 26.84 (26.41-27.28). This index was 26.78 (26.12-27.43) in women and 26.91 (26.32-27.50) in men. Mean number of decayed teeth was 1.48 (1.32-1.65). Mean pooled missing teeth was 24.83 (24.20-25.46), and mean pooled filled teeth was 0.14 (0.12-0.17). The majority (92%) of DMFT was related to missing teeth. Conclusion: Dental caries has a very high burden on the oral health of the elderly in Iran, mainly responded by tooth extraction.

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Associations between anger and chronic primary pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Scandinavian Journal of Pain ◽

10.1515/sjpain-2021-0154 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Tomonori Adachi ◽

Keiko Yamada ◽

Haruo Fujino ◽

Kiyoka Enomoto ◽

Masahiko Shibata

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Negative Emotion ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Perceived Injustice ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Action Tendency ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Objectives Anger is a negative emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something, is rooted in an appraisal or attribution of wrongdoing, and is accompanied by an action tendency to undo the wrongdoing. Anger is prevalent in individuals with chronic pain, especially those with chronic primary pain. The associations between anger and pain-related outcomes (e.g., pain intensity, disability) have been examined in previous studies. However, to our knowledge, no systematic review or meta-analysis has summarized the findings of anger-pain associations through a focus on chronic primary pain. Hence, we sought to summarize the findings on the associations of anger-related variables with pain and disability in individuals with chronic primary pain. Methods All studies reporting at least one association between anger-related variables and the two pain-related outcomes in individuals with chronic primary pain were eligible. We searched electronic databases using keywords relevant to anger and chronic primary pain. Multiple reviewers independently screened for study eligibility, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. Results Thirty-eight studies were included in this systematic review, of which 20 provided data for meta-analyses (2,682 participants with chronic primary pain). Of the included studies, 68.4% had a medium methodological quality. Evidence showed mixed results in the qualitative synthesis. Most anger-related variables had significant positive pooled correlations with small to moderate effect sizes for pain and disability. Conclusions Through a comprehensive search, we identified several key anger-related variables associated with pain-related outcomes. In particular, associations with perceived injustice were substantial.

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Family Planning Interventions and Infertility in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-632212/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kamil Fuseini ◽

Helen H Habib ◽

Agumasie Semahegn ◽

Akua Obeng-Dwamena ◽

Leonie Afi Allorsey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Full Text ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Cultural Construction ◽

Policy Framework ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Middle Income ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Mesh Terms

Abstract Background: Infertility as a global reproductive health issue is often overlooked, despite accounts of its individual and systemic burden in populations. In LMICs, in particular, the personal and systemic factors that combine to present infertility as a significant health challenge are underinvestigated. Knowledge on the availability and access to infertility mitigating interventions is also inadequate. Furthermore, the challenges that constrain infertility-targeted interventions are often disjointly perceived as an individual problem, with scarce systemic outlook and intervention. This study seeks to explore the availability and accessibility of infertility interventions, their outcomes and challenges, as well as the regulatory and policy framework within which they operate. Method: This review will follow the PRISMA guidelines for reporting on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We will conduct searches of relevant MeSH terms in major electronic journal databases and grey literature of relevant organizational websites. Duplicate independent title and abstract reviews will be conducted to firstly eliminate irrelevant studies. This will be followed by full-text screening to select studies that satisfy our inclusion criteria. All selected full-text studies will be assessed for their quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist suitable for each methodological design. A thematic analysis of the included studies will be conducted to characterize the socio-cultural construction of infertility from individual and systemic viewpoints, as well as the outcomes and challenges of infertility interventions. Suitable quantitative studies will undergo meta-analysis using a random-effects model in the relevant software. Studies without a quantitative component will undergo only a qualitative synthesis.Discussion: The qualitative findings will be presented as a framework demonstrating the linkages between the socio-political constructs of infertility, interventions in place to mitigate infertility and the individual and systemic challenges posed to these interventions. We anticipate the use of this framework in guiding future family planning studies targeted at addressing infertility. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated among research communities, especially in LMICs. Trial Registration: This review protocol is registered in PROSPERO with code CRD42019130784.

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Diagnostic acuuracy of cerebrospinal fluid and serum-isolated exosomes for glioblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.2.22976/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Davod Jafari ◽

Amir Tiyuri ◽

Elmnaz Rezaei ◽

Yousef Moradi ◽

Rasool Jafari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Early Detection ◽

Likelihood Ratio ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽

Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽

High Morbidity ◽

Qualitative Synthesis

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant glioma cancer with a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, a routine method is not available for screening or preoperative early detection of GBM. However, early detection in a none-invasive or minimally invasive method could be beneficial and increase the survival rate. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of exosomal RNAs that were extracted from patients’ CSF or serum for GBM diagnosis. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed (including Medline), Embase and ProQuest (as databases for grey literature) up to December 2019; we also performed backward and forward reference checking of included and relevant studies. Finally, included studies were assessed with QUADAS-2 checklist and their data extracted. We carried out a meta-analysis of included study, regarding to the diagnostic meta-analysis guidelines for obtaining pooled accuracy estimates. In addition, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were also conducted. We retrived 1730 records from databases, nine of them included in systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Six studies were considered to statistical analysis and performed diagnostic meta-analysis. Our results suggested that the pooled sensitivity and specificity of exosomal biomarkers for GBM were 0.76 and 0.80, respectively. In addition, the pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 3.7, 0.30 and 12, respectively. The overall area under the curve (AUC) of exosomal biomarkers for GBM diagnosis was found to be 0.85. According to our results, the value of 0.85 for AUC, suggesting that exosomal biomarkers might serve as a high potential and non-invasive diagnostic tool for GBM.

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Effectiveness and optimal dosage of resistance training for chronic non-specific neck pain: a protocol for a systematic review with a qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025158 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. e025158 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jonathan Price ◽

Alison Rushton ◽

Isaak Tyros ◽

Nicola R Heneghan

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Optimal Dosage ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Training Exercise ◽

Resistance Training Exercise

IntroductionThe prevalence of neck pain is increasing rapidly with a high percentage of patients going on to experience recurrent or chronic symptoms. The resulting pain and disability are commonly managed using a variety of treatments including exercise. Resistance training exercise aimed at the neck and shoulders is advocated to treat chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP), however the dosage of prescribed exercise varies considerably between studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of resistance training in CNSNP and to determine an optimal dosage that should be prescribed in clinical practice.Methods and analysisA systematic review with qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica Database, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, PEDro, Zetoc, Index to Chiropractic Literature ChiroAcces, PubMed, grey literature sources and key journals will be searched. Randomised clinical trials investigating resistance training exercise in adults with CNSNP using outcome measures of pain and/or disability will be eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently screen for eligibility, extract data and assess risk of bias (Cochrane risk of bias tool) with a third reviewer mediating in cases of disagreement. Data will be synthesised qualitatively to investigate intervention effectiveness and to determine the effect of exercise dosage on pain and disability. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model will be conducted where sufficient clinical homogeneity exists. The strength of the overall body of evidence will be assessed and reported using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.Ethics and disseminationThis study raises no ethical issues. Results will inform exercise prescription to improve management of CNSNP. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018096187.

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Challenging the Concept that OptiBond FL and Clearfil SE Bond in NCCLs Are Gold Standard Adhesives: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Operative Dentistry ◽

10.2341/20-059-lit ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

FDS Dreweck ◽

A Burey ◽

M de Oliveira Dreweck ◽

E Fernandez ◽

AD Loguercio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gold Standard ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Retention Rates ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cervical Lesions ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Significant Difference

SUMMARY Purpose: The following PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes) question was proposed: “Are retention rates of composite resin restorations in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) when using adhesives considered “gold standard” (OptiBond FL and Clearfil SE Bond) higher than those obtained with other adhesives brands”? Methods: A search was performed in February 2019 (updated in November 2019) in the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, BBO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Grey Literature, and IADR abstracts (1990–2018); unpublished and ongoing trial registries, dissertations, and theses were also searched. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) conducted in NCCLs that compared either OptiBond FL or Clearfil SE Bond adhesive with other commercially available adhesives were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was applied by using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. A meta-analysis was performed for retention rates at different follow-up times using a random effects model for both the adhesives. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. Grading of Recommendations: Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) assessed the quality of evidence. Results: After removal of duplicates and noneligible articles, 25 studies remained for qualitative synthesis, as one study was common to the two adhesives, of which 9 studies were used for the OptiBond FL meta-analysis and 14 for the Clearfil SE Bond meta-analysis. No significant differences were observed for retention rates in follow-up periods of 12-24 months (p=0.97), 36–48 months (p=0.72), or 108–156 months (p=0.73) for OptiBond FL; and for 12–24 months (p=0.10) and 36-48 months (p=0.17) for Clearfil SE Bond. A significant difference was only found for OptiBond FL at 60–96 months (p=0.02), but only three studies were included in this meta-analysis. Conclusions: The evidence from available RCTs conducted in NCCLs that compared OptiBond FL or Clearfil SE Bond does not support the widespread concept that these adhesives are better than any other competitive brands available in the dental market.

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International Overview of Somatic Dysfunction Assessment and Treatment in Osteopathic Research: A Scoping Review

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare10010028 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 28

Author(s):

Marco Tramontano ◽

Federica Tamburella ◽

Fulvio Dal Farra ◽

Andrea Bergna ◽

Christian Lunghi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Self Regulation ◽

The Body ◽

Whole Body ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Clinical Value ◽

Body Regions ◽

Scoping Reviews

Background: Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a patient-centred, whole-body intervention aimed at enhance the person’s self-regulation. OMT interventions are focused on somatic dysfunctions (SD) that can be defined as an altered regulative function associated with inflammatory signs palpable in the body framework in different body regions. The conceptual model that sustains SD, as well as its usefulness for the osteopathic profession, is still being discussed by the osteopathic community. Understanding the role and the application of SD is the aim of this scoping review. Methods: A literature search was carried out through the main biomedical databases: Pubmed (Medline), Cochrane, Central (Cochrane), Embase, PEDro and Scopus. Grey literature was considered via Google Scholar and the Osteopathic Research Web. The review was prepared by referring to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews” (PRISMA-ScR). Results: A total of 37,279 records were identified through database searching and other sources. After the duplicates were removed, 27,023 titles and abstracts were screened. A total of 1495 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. The qualitative synthesis included 280 studies. Conclusions: Treating SD is an important part of osteopathic practice that varies from country to country. SD should be considered as a clinical value that assists in the clinical assessment and guides the decision-making process of osteopathic practitioners. Further studies should be designed to better understand why and how to choose the different assessment and intervention modalities to approach SD and to evaluate new osteopathic models.

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