ABSTRACT
Objective: Setting priorities in health research is a challenge at the global and national levels.Use of evidence-based approach is uncommon and needs to be promoted in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). We describe profile of Cochrane systematic reviews focussing onparticipation from LMIC. Methods:We searched six Cochrane review groups producingreviews relevant to child health in low- and middle-income countries for published Cochranesystematic reviews from 1 March, 2009 till 18 March, 2015 in the Cochrane Library. Results:A total of 669 Cochrane systematic reviews from six review groups were found. Lowproportion of lead authors from low- and middle-income countries was found in 4 out of 6review groups. About 50% of the reviews showed inconclusive evidence. 101/669 (15%)empty reviews were found needing more primary studies. Conclusions:The proportion ofCochrane authors from low- and middle-income countries is low. Capacity-building insystematic reviews and good quality primary research in these countries is warranted.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Insulin resistance (IR) is common in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We compared the performance of insulin tolerance test and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) for measuring IR in such patients. METHODS: In a prospective study, IR was determined using both insulin tolerance test and HOMA in 22 patients with NAFLD. Rate constant for insulin tolerance test (KITT) was calculated using the formula KITT (%/min) = 0.693/t(1/2), where t(1/2) was calculated from the slope of plasma glucose concentration during 3-15 minutes after administration of intravenous insulin. IR was assessed using HOMA as the product of fasting insulin (microU/L) and fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L) levels divided by 22.5. RESULTS: All the 22 patients had IR. Results of KITT and HOMA-IR for determining IR showed a fair correlation (r = 0.55; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Insulin tolerance test may be a useful method for assessing IR in patients with NAFLD.