Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Acceptability of Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses (DEFO) for Managing Pain, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life during Prenatal and Postnatal Care: A Systematic Review

Conservative interventions for addressing prenatal and postnatal ailments have been described in the research literature. Research results indicated that maternity support belts assist with reducing pain and other symptoms in these phases; however, compliance in wearing maternity support belts is poor. To combat poor compliance, commercial manufacturers designed dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFO)/compression garments that target prenatal and postnatal ailments. This systematic review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize key findings on the effectiveness, the feasibility, and the acceptability of using DEFO to manage ailments during pre-natal and postnatal phases of care. Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies, resulting in 17 studies that met the eligibility criteria. There were variations in DEFO descriptors, including hosiery, support belts, abdominal binders and more, making it difficult to compare findings from the research articles regarding value of DEFO during prenatal and/or postnatal phases. A meta-synthesis of empirical research findings suggests wearing DEFOs during pregnancy has a significant desirable effect for managing pain and improving functional capacity. Further research is required to investigate the use of DEFOs for managing pain in the postnatal period and improving quality life during prenatal and postnatal care.

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Qualitative generalising in accounting research: concepts and strategies

Accounting Auditing & Accountability Journal ◽

10.1108/aaaj-04-2015-2026 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 1100-1131 ◽

Cited By ~ 69

Author(s):

Lee D. Parker ◽

Deryl Northcott

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Research Literature ◽

Key Factors ◽

General Applicability ◽

Information Systems Management ◽

Content Type ◽

Accounting Research ◽

Research Findings ◽

Quality Of Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and articulate concepts and approaches to qualitative generalisation that will offer qualitative accounting researchers avenues for enhancing and justifying the general applicability of their research findings and conclusions. Design/methodology/approach – The study and arguments draw from multidisciplinary approaches to this issue. The analysis and theorising is based on published qualitative research literatures from the fields of education, health sciences, sociology, information systems, management and marketing, as well as accounting. Findings – The paper develops two overarching generalisation concepts for application by qualitative accounting researchers. These are built upon a number of qualitative generalisation concepts that have emerged in the multidisciplinary literatures. It also articulates strategies for enhancing the generalisability of qualitative accounting research findings. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides qualitative accounting researchers with understandings, arguments and justifications for the generalisability of their research and the related potential for wider accounting and societal contributions. It also articulates the key factors that impact on the quality of research generalisation that qualitative researchers can offer. Originality/value – This paper presents the most comprehensively sourced and developed approach to the concepts, strategies and unique deliverables of qualitative generalising hitherto available in the accounting research literature.

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Intermittent Claudication: Functional Capacity and Quality of Life after Exercise Training or Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty—Systematic Review

Radiology ◽

10.1148/radiol.2353040457 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 235 (3) ◽

pp. 833-842 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Sandra Spronk ◽

Johanna L. Bosch ◽

Hermanus F. Veen ◽

Pieter T. den Hoed ◽

M. G. Myriam Hunink

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Exercise Training ◽

Intermittent Claudication ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty ◽

Transluminal Angioplasty ◽

Percutaneous Transluminal

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A protocol for a systematic review investigating the factors influencing the statistical planning, design, conduct, analysis and reporting of trials

HRB Open Research ◽

10.12688/hrbopenres.13068.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 36

Author(s):

Marina Zaki ◽

Marie Galligan ◽

Lydia O'Sullivan ◽

Declan Devane ◽

Eilish McAuliffe

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Medical Devices ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Clinical Use ◽

Key Factors ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

Statistical Planning

Trials can be defined as prospective human research studies to test the effectiveness and safety of interventions, such as medications, surgeries, medical devices and other interventions for the management of patient care. Statistics is an important and powerful tool in trials. Inappropriately designed trials and/or inappropriate statistical analysis produce unreliable results, with limited clinical use. The aim of this systematic literature review is to identify, describe and synthesise factors contributing to or influencing the statistical planning, design, conduct, analysis and reporting of trials. This protocol will describe the methodological approach taken for the following: conducting a systematic and comprehensive search for relevant articles, applying eligibility criteria for the inclusion of such articles, extracting data and information, appraising the quality of the articles, and thematically synthesizing the data to illuminate the key factors influencing statistical aspects of trials.

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Evaluation of Preeclampsia Results after Use of Metformin in Gestation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1675214 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (11) ◽

pp. 713-721 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Iramar Nascimento ◽

Guilherme Dienstmann ◽

Matheus de Souza ◽

Raquel Fleig ◽

Carla Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Time Segment ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Lower Correlation

Objective Does the use of metformin have an influence on the outcomes of preeclampsia (PE)? Sources of Data The descriptors pregnancy, metformin, treatment, and preeclampsia associated with the Boolean operators AND and OR were found in the MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase and Cochrane databases. A flowchart with exclusion criteria and inclusion strategy using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, and eligibility criteria was used. Data were extracted regarding the type of study, the applied dosage, treatment time, segment, bias risks, and the Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) strategy to identify the quality of the study. Selection of Studies Total number of journals in the initial search (n = 824); exclusions from repeated articles on different search engines (n = 253); exclusions after reading the titles, when the title had no correlations with the proposed theme (n = 164); exclusions due to incompatibility with the criteria established in the methodological analysis (n = 185), exclusion of articles with lower correlation with the objective of the present study (n = 187); and final bibliographic selection (n = 35). Data Collection At first, a systematic review of the literature was performed. Subsequently, from the main selection, randomized and non-randomized trials with metformin that presented their results in absolute and relative numbers of PE outcomes were selected. The variables were treated statistically in the meta-analysis with the Review Manager software (RevMan), version 5.3. Copenhagen: Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration. Denmark in the Hovedistaden region. Synthesis of Data The study showed that metmorfin presented greater preventive effects for pregnancy-induced hypertension and was less effective for PE. Conclusion Metformin may gain place in preventive treatments for PE, once the dosages, the gestational age, and treatment time are particularly evaluated. A methodological strategy with an improved perspective of innovative and/or carefully progressive dosages during pregnancy to avoid side effects and the possibility of maternal-fetal risks is suggested.

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Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

SN Applied Sciences ◽

10.1007/s42452-020-03749-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (12) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Evangelos Danopoulos ◽

Lauren Jenner ◽

Maureen Twiddy ◽

Jeanette M. Rotchell

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Future Research ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Research Findings ◽

Human Health Effects ◽

Potential Human Health

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant ubiquitous in the environment. There is growing concern regarding potential human health effects, a major human exposure route being dietary uptake. We have undertaken a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to identify all relevant research on MP contamination of salt intended for human consumption. Three thousand nine hundred and nineteen papers were identified, with ten fitting the inclusion criteria. A search of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, from launch date to September 2020, was conducted. MP contamination of salt varied significantly between four origins, sea salt 0–1674 MPs/kg, lake salt 8–462 MPs/kg, rock and well salt 0–204 MPs/kg. The majority of samples were found to be contaminated by MPs. Corresponding potential human exposures are estimated to be 0–6110 MPs per year (for all origins), confirming salt as a carrier of MPs. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used to appraise the quality of the studies, with studies demonstrating moderate to low RoB. These results suggest that a series of recurring issues need to be addressed in future research regarding sampling, analysis and reporting to improve confidence in research findings.

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Wearable Solutions for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Neurocognitive Disorder: A Systematic Review

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20092713 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (9) ◽

pp. 2713 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Asma Channa ◽

Nirvana Popescu ◽

Vlad Ciobanu

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Wearable Devices ◽

Neurocognitive Disorder ◽

Research Findings ◽

Early Diagnose

Prevalence of neurocognitive diseases in adult patients demands the use of wearable devices to transform the future of mental health. Recent development in wearable technology proclaimed its use in diagnosis, rehabilitation, assessment, and monitoring. This systematic review presents the state of the art of wearables used by Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients or the patients who are going through a neurocognitive disorder. This article is based on PRISMA guidelines, and the literature is searched between January 2009 to January 2020 analyzing four databases: PubMed, IEEE Xplorer, Elsevier, and ISI Web of Science. For further validity of articles, a new PEDro-inspired technique is implemented. In PEDro, five statistical indicators were set to classify relevant articles and later the citations were also considered to make strong assessment of relevant articles. This led to 46 articles that met inclusion criteria. Based on them, this systematic review examines different types of wearable devices, essential in improving early diagnose and monitoring, emphasizing their role in improving the quality of life, differentiating the various fitness and gait wearable-based exercises and their impact on the regression of disease and on the motor diagnosis tests and finally addressing the available wearable insoles and their role in rehabilitation. The research findings proved that sensor based wearable devices, and specially instrumented insoles, help not only in monitoring and diagnosis but also in tracking numerous exercises and their positive impact towards the improvement of quality of life among different Parkinson and neurocognitive patients.

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Effect of complementary therapies on functional capacity and quality of life among prefrail and frail older adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics ◽

10.1016/j.archger.2020.104236 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 91 ◽

pp. 104236

Author(s):

Marcele Stephanie de Souza Buto ◽

Marcos Paulo Braz de Oliveira ◽

Cristiano Carvalho ◽

Verena Vassimon-Barroso ◽

Anielle Cristhine de Medeiros Takahashi

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Complementary Therapies ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Frail Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled

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Inspiratory muscle training improves respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review

Journal of Physiotherapy ◽

10.1016/j.jphys.2017.02.016 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 63 (2) ◽

pp. 76-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Ana Irene Carlos de Medeiros ◽

Helen Kerlen Bastos Fuzari ◽

Catarina Rattesa ◽

Daniella Cunha Brandão ◽

Patrícia Érika de Melo Marinho

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Respiratory Muscle ◽

Respiratory Muscle Strength ◽

Muscle Training

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Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis in Spine Surgery—How Good Are They in Methodological Quality? A Systematic Review

Global Spine Journal ◽

10.1177/2192568220906810 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 219256822090681 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Muthu Sathish ◽

Ramakrishnan Eswar

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Spine Surgery ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cochrane Database ◽

Critical Flaw ◽

Meta Analyses

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: To assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in spine surgery over the past 2 decades. Materials and Methods: We conducted independent and in duplicate systematic review of the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses between 2000 and 2019 from PubMed Central and Cochrane Database pertaining to spine surgery involving surgical intervention. We searched bibliographies to identify additional relevant studies. Methodological quality was evaluated with AMSTAR score and graded with AMSTAR 2 criteria. Results: A total of 96 reviews met the eligibility criteria, with mean AMSTAR score of 7.51 (SD = 1.98). Based on AMSTAR 2 criteria, 13.5% (n = 13) and 18.7% (n = 18) of the studies had high and moderate level of confidence of results, respectively, without any critical flaws. A total of 29.1% (n = 28) of the studies had at least 1 critical flaw and 38.5% (n = 37) of the studies had more than 1 critical flaw, so that their results have low and critically low confidence, respectively. Failure to analyze the conflict of interest of authors of primary studies included in review and lack of list of excluded studies with justification were the most common critical flaw. Regression analysis demonstrated that studies with funding and studies published in recent years were significantly associated with higher methodological quality. Conclusion: Despite improvement in methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in spine surgery in current decade, a substantial proportion continue to show critical flaws. With increasing number of review articles in spine surgery, stringent measures must be taken to adhere to methodological quality by following PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines to attain higher standards of evidence in published literature.

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