ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To re-evaluate the systematic review/Meta-analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion for childhood autism (CA), aiming to provide decision-making basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.@*METHODS@#The systematic review and/or Meta-analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion for CA were searched in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI and Wanfang databases. The retrieval time was from the database establishment to May 5th, 2022. PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) was used to evaluate the report quality, and AMSTAR 2 (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews 2) was used to evaluate the methodological quality, bubble map was used to construct the evidence map and GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.@*RESULTS@#A total of 9 systematic reviews were included. The PRISMA scores ranged from 13 to 26. The report quality was low, and there was a serious lack in the aspects of program and registration, search, other analysis and funding. The main problems in methodology included not making prespecified protocol, incomplete retrieval strategy, not providing a list of excluded literatures, and incomplete explanation on heterogeneity analysis and bias risk. The evidence map showed that 6 conclusions were valid, 2 conclusions were possible valid and 1 conclusion was uncertain valid. The overall quality of evidence was low, and the main factors leading to the downgrade were limitations, followed by inconsistency, imprecision and publication bias.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture and moxibustion has a certain effect for CA, but the quality of reporting, methodology and evidence in included literature need to be improved. It is suggested to perform high-quality and standardized research in the future to provide evidence-based basis.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Acupuncture Therapy/methods , Autistic Disorder , Moxibustion/methods , Publication Bias , Research Design , Systematic Reviews as Topic , Meta-Analysis as TopicABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate if statistically significant results are more likely to be reported in title/abstracts compared to non-significant outcomes. Methods: In this methodological survey, we reanalyzed 59 observational studies from a previous systematic review. The PECO question was: Patient (P): children with primary teeth; Exposure (E): low birth weight and/or preterm; Comparison (C): normal birth weight and/or full-term; Outcome (O): dental caries. We analyzed the presence of key terms in the titles and abstracts, such as gestational age, preterm, full-term, birth weight, low/normal birth weight. Full texts were analyzed for "positive outcomes" (statistically significant association, p < 0.05 or 95% CI not crossing the null effect line) related to the association between the outcome and the exposure; and "negative outcomes" (when the outcome had statistically similar occurrence between the exposure and the comparison group). The odds ratio (OR) was calculated between the presence of key terms in titles/abstracts and the type of outcome (positive or negative). Results: Of 59 studies, 66% cited the key terms in titles/abstracts, and 75% reported negative outcomes. Studies with positive outcomes were more likely to report key terms in the titles/abstracts compared to studies with negative outcomes (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 0.9-22.4; Chi-square test: p = 0.06). Studies with statistically significant outcomes, favoring the exposure or the comparison, were more likely to report these data in the titles/abstracts. Conclusion: When conducting a systematic review, the final decision related to the inclusion of a study must be based on a full-text level.
Objetivo: Avaliar se os resultados estatisticamente significativos são mais prováveis de serem relatados nos títulos/resumos dos artigos do que os resultados não significativos. Métodos: Neste levantamento metodológico, foram reanalisados 59 estudos observacionais de uma revisão sistemática anterior. A questão PECO foi: Paciente (P): crianças com dentes decíduos; Exposição (E): baixo peso ao nascer e/ou pré-termo; Comparação (C): peso normal ao nascer e/ou a termo; Resultado (O): cárie dentária. Foi analisada a presença de termos-chave nos títulos/resumos, como idade gestacional, pré-termo, a termo, peso ao nascer, baixo/peso normal ao nascer. Textos completos foram analisados para "desfechos positivos" (associação estatisticamente significativa, p < 0,05 ou IC 95% não cruzando a linha de efeito nulo) relacionados à associação entre o desfecho e a exposição; e "desfechos negativos" (quando o desfecho teve ocorrência estatisticamente semelhante entre a exposição e o grupo de comparação). Foi calculada a odds ratio (OR) entre a presença de termos-chave nos títulos/resumos e o tipo de resultado (positivo ou negativo). Resultados: Dos 59 estudos, 66% citaram os termos-chave nos títulos/resumos e 75% relataram resultados negativos. Estudos com resultados positivos foram mais propensos a relatar os termos-chave nos títulos/resumos em comparação com estudos com resultados negativos (OR: 4,5; IC 95%: 0,9-22,4; teste do qui-quadrado: p = 0,06). Estudos com significância estatística os desfechos, favorecendo a exposição ou a comparação, foram mais propensos a relatar esses dados nos títulos/resumos. Conclusão: Ao realizar uma revisão sistemática, a decisão final quanto à inclusão de um estudo deve ser baseada por meio da análise do texto completo.
Subject(s)
Review , Publication Bias , Dental Caries , Observational Studies as TopicABSTRACT
A saúde baseada em evidências se refere ao uso criterioso do conhecimento científico existente, oriundo de pesquisas clínicas, utilizando metodologias específicas que garantam solidez e clareza nas informações a serem aplicadas na tomada de decisão clínica. Dessa forma, reduzem-se as incertezas no julgamento clínico. O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever a metodologia PICO e a qualidade dos estudos com base no sistema GRADE. (AU)
Evidence-based health refers to the judicious use of existing scientific knowledge from clinical research, using specific methodologies that ensure solidity and clarity to the information to be applied in clinical decision-making, thus reducing uncertainties in clinical judgment. The objective of this article is to describe PICO methodology and the quality of studies in the GRADE system. (AU)
Subject(s)
Health Research Evaluation , Evidence-Based Practice/standards , GRADE Approach/standards , Publication Bias , Methodology as a Subject , Data Accuracy , Systematic Reviews as TopicABSTRACT
Las revisiones de la literatura son cada día más frecuentes en el ámbito biomédico, ya sea de tipo narrativo, revisiones sistemáticas o meta-análisis. En este artículo se revisan y describen las características de cada una de ellas, con sus ventajas y desventajas. Además, se presentan los principales elementos a tener en consideración en el análisis de los meta-análisis, incluyendo análisis de sensibilidad, búsqueda de heterogeneidad y sesgos de publicación.
Reviews are becoming more common in the biomedical field, whether it be a narrative type, systematic review, or meta-analysis. In this article, I review and describe the characteristics of each of them, with their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, I discuss main elements to considerer when you read meta-analyzes, including sensitivity analysis, search for heterogeneity and, publication biases.
Subject(s)
Research Design , Review Literature as Topic , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Biomedical Research , Publication Bias , Evidence-Based Medicine , Systematic Reviews as TopicABSTRACT
OBJETIVO: evaluar la experiencia en la utilización del método GIRADS para clasificar masas anexiales a diez años de su primera publicación. MÉTODO: Se realizó búsqueda de estudios que utilizan el sistema GIRADS: Medline (Pubmed), Google Scholar y Web of Science, desde enero de 2009 hasta diciembre de 2019. Se calculó la sensibilidad y especificidad agrupada, Likelihood ratio (LR) (+) y LR (-) y Odds ratio de diagnóstico (DOR). La calidad de los estudios se evaluó con QUADAS-2. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 15 estudios y se incluyeron 13 de ellos con 4473 masas, 878 de ellas malignas. La prevalencia media de malignidad ovárica fue del 23 % y la agrupada de 19.6%. El riesgo de sesgo fue alto en cuatro estudios para el dominio "selección de pacientes" y fue bajo en todos en todos los estudios para los dominios "prueba índice" y "prueba de referencia". La sensibilidad, especificidad, LR (+) y LR (-) agrupadas y el DOR del sistema GIRADS para clasificar las masas anexiales fueron: 96.8% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% = 94% - 98%), 91.2 % (IC 95 % = 85% - 94%), 11.0 (IC 95% = 6.9 -13.4) y 0.035 (IC 95% = 0.02- 0.09), y 209 (IC 95% = 99-444), respectivamente. La heterogeneidad fue alta para la sensibilidad y especificidad. De acuerdo a la metaregresión, la heterogeneidad entre los estudios se explica por la prevalencia de malignidad, múltiples observadores y la ausencia de diagnóstico histopatológico para todos los casos incluidos en un determinado estudio. CONCLUSIÓN: el sistema GIRADS tiene un buen rendimiento diagnóstico para clasificar masas anexiales.
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the experience of using GIRADS method to classify adnexal masses ten years after its publication. METHOD: A search was carried out for studies reporting on the use of the GIRADS system in the Medline (Pubmed), Google Scholar and Web of Science databases, from January 2009 to December 2019. Pooled sensitivity and specificity, Likelihood ratio (LR) (+) and LR (-) and Diagnostic Odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. The quality of the studies was assessed by QUADAS-2. RESULTS: 15 studies were identified, and 13 of them were included with 4473 masses, of which 878 were malignant. The mean prevalence of ovarian malignancy was 23% and the prevalence pooled. of 19.6%. The risk of bias was high in four studies for the domain 'patient selection' and low for all studies for the domains 'index test' and 'reference test'. The sensitivity, specificity, pooled LR (+) and LR (-) and the DOR of the GIRADS system to classify adnexal masses were 96.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 94% -98%), 91.2 % (95% CI = 85% -94%), 11.0 (95% CI = 6.9-13.4) and 0.035 (95% CI = 0.02-0.09), and 209 (95% CI = 99-444), respectively. Heterogeneity was high for both sensitivity and specificity. According to meta-regression, this heterogeneity was explained by the prevalence of malignancy, the use of multiple observers, and the absence of histopathological diagnosis for all cases included in a given study. CONCLUSION: the GIRADS system has a good diagnostic performance to classify adnexal masses.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adnexal Diseases/pathology , Adnexal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Radiology Information Systems , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity , Publication Bias , Risk AssessmentABSTRACT
Abstract The evidence is inconclusive regarding the effect of periodontal treatment on glycemic control and systemic inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and periodontitis Objective: To evaluate the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the metabolic control and systemic inflammation of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methodology: A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database via PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from their oldest records up to July 2018. Only randomized clinical trials (RCT) were considered eligible for evaluating the effect of periodontal treatment on markers of metabolic control [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C)] and systemic inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP)] in patients with T2D. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed for HbA1c and CRP using random effects models. The size of the overall intervention effect was estimated by calculating the weighted average of the differences in means (DM) between the groups in each study. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q-statistic method (x2 and I²). The level of significance was established at p<0.05. Results: Nine RCT were included. SRP was effective in reducing HbA1c [DM=0.56 (0.36-0.75); p<0.01] and CRP [DM=1.89 (1.70-2.08); p<0.01]. No heterogeneity was detected (I2=0%, p>0.05). Conclusions: SRP has an impact on metabolic control and reduction of systemic inflammation of patients with T2D.
Subject(s)
Humans , Periodontitis/physiopathology , Periodontitis/therapy , Dental Scaling/methods , Root Planing/methods , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/prevention & control , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis , Treatment Outcome , Publication BiasABSTRACT
0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was detected in retinal arteriolar tortuosity (Z=0.91) and venular tortuosity (Z=1.31) (both p>0.05). However, the retinal arteriolar FD (mean difference: −0.03, 95% CI: −0.05, −0.01) and venular FD (mean difference: −0.03, 95% CI: −0.05, −0.02) were associated with cognitive impairment.CONCLUSIONS: A smaller retinal microvascular FD might be associated with cognitive impairment. Further large-sample and well-controlled original studies are required to confirm the present findings.
Subject(s)
Cognition Disorders , Fractals , Publication Bias , Retina , Retinal Artery , Retinal Vessels , RetinaldehydeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND The five BRICS (Brazil, Russian, Indian, China, and South Africa) countries bear 49% of the world's tuberculosis (TB) burden and they are committed to ending tuberculosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to map the scientific landscape related to TB research in BRICS countries. METHODS Were combined bibliometrics and social network analysis techniques to map the scientific publications related to TB produced by the BRICS. Was made a descriptive statistical data covering the full period of analysis (1993-2016) and the research networks were made for 2007-2016 (8,366 records). The bubble charts were generated by VantagePoint and the networks by the Gephi 0.9.1 software (Gephi Consortium 2010) from co-occurrence matrices produced in VantagePoint. The Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm provided the networks' layout. FINDINGS During the period 1993-2016, there were 38,315 peer-reviewed, among them, there were 11,018 (28.7%) articles related by one or more authors in a BRICS: India 38.7%; China 23.8%; South Africa 21.1%; Brazil 13.0%; and Russia 4.5% (The total was greater than 100% because our criterion was all papers with at least one author in a BRICS). Among the BRICS, there was greater interaction between India and South Africa and organisations in India and China had the highest productivity; however, South African organisations had more interaction with countries outside the BRICS. Publications by and about BRICS generally covered all research areas, especially those in India and China covered all research areas, although Brazil and South Africa prioritised infectious diseases, microbiology, and the respiratory system. MAIN CONCLUSIONS An overview of BRICS scientific publications and interactions highlighted the necessity to develop a BRICS TB research plan to increase efforts and funding to ensure that basic science research successfully translates into products and policies to help end the TB epidemic.
Subject(s)
Humans , Periodicals as Topic/statistics & numerical data , Tuberculosis , Bibliometrics , Publication Bias , Biomedical Research/statistics & numerical data , South Africa , Brazil , China , Russia , IndiaABSTRACT
RESUMEN La revisión por pares garantiza que los materiales publicados sean válidos y confiables, tanto como sea posible. El objetivo fue reconocer la importancia del trabajo de los revisores en las publicaciones científicas médicas y de la observación de los aspectos éticos durante su desempeño. Las revisiones por pares pueden ser a ciegas, a doble ciegas o abiertas, cada una de ellas con ventajas y desventajas. Durante las publicaciones de resultados de investigaciones científicas pueden producirse sesgos por parte de los revisores. Entre los sesgos de los revisores relacionados con faltas éticas se encuentran: los incumplimientos en plazos de revisión, la superficialidad de las revisiones, el lenguaje ofensivo contra editores o autores, el "amiguismo cognitivo" y el "sesgo de ego" por propia voluntad, entre otros. No obstante, es posible implementar acciones para minimizar los sesgos relacionados con esas faltas éticas. El trabajo de los revisores es digno de reconocer, teniendo en cuenta que casi siempre es realizado durante el tiempo libre, de forma voluntaria y por personas de alto prestigio como investigadores. En el mundo actual esta labor ha sido amenazada con la proliferación de revistas predadoras, pero también destacan los intentos para su reivindicación y promoción, como el del sitio web Publons. En el trabajo de los revisores intervienen múltiples factores, a veces contradictorios: intereses, deberes, derechos; pero todos ellos deben ponderarse sobre la base de una sólida formación y desempeño éticos (AU).
ABSTRACT Peer reviews guarantee published materials be as valid and reliable as it be possible. Recognize reviewers' work importance on scientific medical publication as well as the ethics issues to be accomplished during their performance. Development: Peer reviews could be single blind, double blind or open, each one with its advantages and disadvantages. During scientific research results publications, peer reviewer biases could be occurred. Some peer reviewer biases are related to ethical mistakes: no fulfillment of time limits, superficial evaluations, offense languages against editors or authors, at will cognitive cronyism and "ego bias", among others. Nevertheless, measures' implementation to minimize biases related to ethical mistakes is possible. The reviewers' work is suitable to be recognized, taking into account it is done almost all the times on free time, without financial compensation and by researchers with recognized prestige. In the present word, even when this work has been threat by predatory journals spreads, some intent to do it justice and promotion are highlight, as do the website Publons. Multiple factors, contradictory sometime, are involved in the reviewers' work: interests, duties, rights; but all of them should be pondering over the base of a solid ethic education and behavior (AU).
Subject(s)
Publication Bias , Peer Review, Research/ethics , Principle-Based Ethics , Ethics, Research , Communication , Confidentiality , Scientific and Technical Publications , Ethics, Professional , Data Anonymization/ethics , Data Management/ethicsABSTRACT
Metanálise é o método estatístico utilizado na revisão sistemática para integrar os resultados dos estudos incluídos e aumentar o poder estatístico da pesquisa primária.Estudos de metanálise, decorrentes de uma revisão sistemática, envolvem a combinação e a análise de evidências, que são utilizadas para produzir resultados baseados em conjunto de pesquisas prévias. Métodos tradicionais de metanálise sintetizam os dados agregados obtidos de publicações de estudo, como estimativa de efeito de tratamento (odds ratio, risco relativo) e sua incerteza associada (erro padrão ou intervalo de confiança). Uma abordagem alternativa é a metanálise individual de dados de participantes ou de pacientes, nos quais os dados de nível individual bruto para cada estudo são obtidos e utilizados para síntese. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar, de forma metodológica, como realizar e interpretar uma revisão sistemática e uma metanálise individual de dados de participantes. (AU)
A meta-analysisis the statistical method used in the systematic review to integrate the result sof includeds tudies, and to increase the statistical power of primary research. Meta-analysis studies, stemming from a systematic review, involve the combination and analysis of evidence that are used to produce results based on a set of previous research. Traditional meta-analysis methods synthesize aggreg ate data obtained from study publications, such as anestimate of treatment effect (odds ratio, relative risk) and the ir associated uncertainty (standard error or confidence interval). An alternative approach isthe individual meta-analysis of participants' or patients' data, in whichgross individual-level data for eachstudy are obtained and used for synthesis. The objective of this articleis to present a method o logical way of performing and in ter preting a systematic review and individual meta-analysisof the participants' data. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Methodology as a Subject , Patient Generated Health Data/methods , Systematic Reviews as Topic , Biostatistics/methods , Statistics as Topic , Publication Bias , Data Aggregation , Data AnalysisABSTRACT
Abstract The immediate loading of implant-assisted fixed prostheses in edentulous maxillae may achieve favorable success rates with reduced treatment time. An evidence summary of clinical trials is key to recommend loading protocols in these cases. Objectives To compare immediately loaded, fully implant-supported complete dentures to early and conventional/delayed loading in the edentulous maxillae of adult patients by a systematic review of controlled clinical trials (CCT). Methodology CCTs reports were identified up to January 17, 2019 from Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trial register, Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (Ovid), BIOSIS, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and DARE. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and confirmed inclusion using full texts. Data were extracted and quality assessed (Cochrane Risk of Bias tool) independently and in duplicate. Study heterogeneity prevented pooling by meta-analysis. Results Out of 1,052 candidate studies, four CCTs were included. Two trials had patient satisfaction as an outcome: (1) A randomized trial compared immediately and early loaded fixed dentures and found more satisfaction with the first after 12 months; (2) A non-randomized study found better satisfaction with immediate fixed dentures compared to conventional loading after 3 months (no more at 12 months). Regarding implant success and prosthetic complications, three trials did not report significant differences comparing immediate loading to other protocols. Conclusions This review found weak evidence of differences between immediate load and other loading regimens, regarding patient satisfaction and maintenance events/adversities. The potential of immediate loading for favorable results in edentulous maxillae reinforces the need for well-designed RCTs, for solid clinical guidelines. Registration number CRD42018071316 (PROSPERO database).
Subject(s)
Humans , Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported/methods , Denture, Complete , Immediate Dental Implant Loading/methods , Risk Factors , Treatment Outcome , Publication Bias , Controlled Clinical Trials as TopicABSTRACT
The very large economic and social burdens of fracture-related complications make rapid fracture healing a major public health goal. The role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in treating osteoporosis is generally accepted, but the effect of PTH on fracture healing is controversial. This meta-analysis was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of PTH in fracture healing. The EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to April 26, 2018. The primary randomized clinical trials comparing PTH treatment for fracture healing with placebo or no treatment were identified. We did not gain additional information by contacting the authors of the primary studies. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and evaluated study quality. This meta-analysis was executed to determine the odds ratio, mean difference, standardized mean difference, and 95% confidence intervals with random-effects models. In total, 8 randomized trials including 524 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were significant differences in fracture healing time, pain relief and function improvement. There were no significant differences in the fracture healing rate or adverse events, including light-headedness, hypercalcemia, nausea, sweating and headache, except for slight bruising at the injection site. We determined that the effectiveness and safety of PTH in fracture healing is reasonably well established and credible.
Subject(s)
Humans , Parathyroid Hormone/therapeutic use , Fracture Healing/drug effects , Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Agents/therapeutic use , Placebos , Time Factors , Pain Measurement , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Reproducibility of Results , Treatment Outcome , Publication BiasABSTRACT
Abstract Objective: To evaluate the association of publication bias with obtaining positive or negative results in the Doctoral thesis of Iranian dental schools. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study firstly we collected all the abstracts of Doctoral and post-doctoral thesis belonging to electronic archives of five Iranian dental schools there after the analytic abstracts were included and in the second phase, we try to search resulting articles with searching in Google Scholar. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Chi-squared test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Fisher's exact test, and Logistic Regression Results: Out of 483 reviewed thesis abstracts 269 cases were included (55.7%) 153 of which were accessible as papers (56.9%). In 67.7% of the reviewed thesis, positive results were obtained. There were significant relationships between publishing and publishing in international journals with two variables: Study type and field (p<0.05). In vitro studies, clinical trials and studies in the field of oral diseases and periodontics had a higher rate of publication in the form of articles. Retrospective studies and those in the fields of endodontics and oral pathology had a higher rate of publication in journals with international indexes. Using regression logistic model showed that the probability of publishing positive data was greater (18-31%) than negative data. It was shown that the specialty field affected the relationship between the chance of publication of the article and the positive/negative results (p=0.008), increasing the chance of publication to 31% Conclusion: There was publication bias in reviewed dental articles.
Subject(s)
Schools, Dental , Publication Bias , Academic Dissertations as Topic , Electronic Publications , Iran , Logistic Models , Cross-Sectional Studies , Retrospective Studies , Statistics, NonparametricABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To identify the effectiveness of auricular acupressure (AA) in patients with acute postoperative pain after surgery by systematic review.@*METHODS@#A search of randomized controlled trials was conducted in 5 English medical electronic databases and 4 Chinese databases. Two reviewers independently retrieved related studies, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted data with a standardized data form. Meta-analyses were performed using all time-points meta-analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 26 studies with 1,682 participants were included. Results showed that compared with conventional therapy, AA significantly improved the total effective rate [risk ratio=1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13 to 1.37, Plt;0.0001; heterogeneity: Plt;0.0001, I=85%]. In the subgroup analysis, the results changed in different follow-up time and surgery categories. The pain relief in the AA group might be the most significant at 72 h after surgery (mean difference=-0.85, 95% CI,-1.20 to-0.50, Plt;0.0001) and in abdominal surgery (mean difference=-1.15, 95% CI,-1.41 to-0.90, Plt;0.0001). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results of this meta-analysis were stable. No serious adverse effects were recorded.@*CONCLUSION@#It was recommended to provide AA to patients with acute postoperative pain. However, a more accurate estimate of the effect requires further rigorously designed large-scale and high-quality RCTs for improving acute postoperative pain after surgery.
Subject(s)
Humans , Acupressure , Methods , Acute Disease , Ear , Pain, Postoperative , Therapeutics , Publication BiasABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tafamidis functions to delay the loss of function in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP), which is a rare inherited amyloidosis with progressive sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of tafamidis in TTR-FAP patients, with the aim of improving the evidence-based medical evidence of this treatment option for TTP-FAP. METHODS: A systematic search of the English-language literature in five databases was performed through to May 31, 2018 by two reviewers who independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We extracted efficacy and safety outcomes and performed a meta-analysis. Statistical tests were performed to check for heterogeneity and publication bias. RESULTS: The meta-analysis identified six relevant studies. The tafamidis group showed smaller changes from baseline in the Neuropathy Impairment Score–Lower Limbs [mean difference (MD)=−3.01, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−3.26 to −2.75, p < 0.001] and the Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy total quality of life score (MD=−6.67, 95% CI=−9.70 to −3.64, p < 0.001), and a higher modified body mass index (MD=72.45, 95% CI=69.41 to 75.49, p < 0.001), with no significant difference in total adverse events [odds ratio (OR)=0.69, 95% CI=0.35 to 1.35, p=0.27]. The incidence of adverse events did not differ between tafamidis and placebo treatment except for fatigue (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.72, p=0.02) and hypesthesia (OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.03 to 0.92, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis has demonstrated that tafamidis delays neurologic progression and preserves a better nutritional status and the quality of life. The rates of adverse events did not differ between the patients in the tafamidis and placebo groups. Tafamidis might be a safer noninvasive option for patients with TTR-FAP.
Subject(s)
Humans , Amyloid Neuropathies , Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial , Amyloidosis , Bias , Body Mass Index , Extremities , Fatigue , Hypesthesia , Incidence , Nutritional Status , Polyneuropathies , Population Characteristics , Prealbumin , Publication Bias , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between pre-treatment thrombocytosis and prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer (OC). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles regarding the prognosis of OC patients with pre-treatment thrombocytosis by the end of March 2018. Pooled estimates for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) events were calculated as hazard ratios (HRs) either on a fixed or random effect model by Stata 13.0 software. Funnel plot and Egger's test were applied to evaluate publication bias and sensitivity analyses were undertaken to estimate the strength of outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven studies that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, including a total of 4,953 patients. Pooled results showed that pre-treatment thrombocytosis was significantly associated with OS (HR=1.722; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.437–2.064) and PFS (HR=1.452; 95% CI=1.323–1.593) in the cohort. Significant correlation was found in OS and PFS between pre-treatment thrombocytosis and both epithelial OC (all stages and differentiation degrees of OC) and advanced epithelial OC (III or IV) by subgroup analyses, which were performed according to publication year, country, case numbers, OC category, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and cut-off value. However, subgroup analyses indicated no significant correlation between pre-treatment thrombocytosis and OS for patients with high-grade serous (poorly differentiated or undifferentiated) OC (HR=1.220; 95% CI=0.946–1.573; p=0.125). Egger's test demonstrated no obvious publication bias in the articles enrolled in this study (OS: p=0.226; PFS: p=0.071). CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment thrombocytosis might be taken as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with OC.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cohort Studies , Disease-Free Survival , Gynecology , Obstetrics , Ovarian Neoplasms , Prognosis , Publication Bias , Publications , ThrombocytosisABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to describe general approaches for intervention meta-analysis available for quantitative data synthesis using the R software. We conducted an intervention meta-analysis using two types of data, continuous and binary, characterized by mean difference and odds ratio, respectively. The package commands for the R software were “metacont”, “metabin”, and “metagen” for the overall effect size, “forest” for forest plot, “metareg” for meta-regression analysis, and “funnel” and “metabias” for the publication bias. The estimated overall effect sizes, test for heterogeneity and moderator effect, and the publication bias were reported using the R software. In particular, the authors indicated methods for calculating the effect sizes of the target studies in intervention meta-analysis. This study focused on the practical methods of intervention meta-analysis, rather than the theoretical concepts, for researchers with no major in statistics. Through this study, the authors hope that many researchers will use the R software to more readily perform the intervention meta-analysis and that this will in turn generate further related research.
Subject(s)
Forests , Hope , Odds Ratio , Population Characteristics , Publication BiasABSTRACT
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is most common form of leishmaniasis and is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that compared the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime for the treatment of CL. We searched the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform search portal of World Health Organization, Sid, Irandoc, Magiran, and clinicaltrials.gov. We used keywords including “miltefosine,” “glucantime,” and “Leishmania.” The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random-effects model was employed for the analysis. We assessed heterogeneity by the chi-square test and the I² index statistic. When heterogeneity was present, meta-regression analyses were performed. The Egger method was used to assess publication bias; when it was significant, the trim-and-fill method was used to test and adjust for publication bias. A total of 1,570 reports were identified, of which 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, there was no significant difference between the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime; however, subgroup analysis showed that, regarding parasite species other than Leishmania braziliensis, miltefosine was significantly superior to glucantime (intention to treat; relative risk, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.32). In the meta-regression, only the glucantime injection type was significant at the p=0.1 level. The Egger test found statistically significant publication bias; however, including the 3 missing studies in the trim-and-fill analysis did not change the results. This meta-analysis found that miltefosine seems to be more effective than glucantime, at least in species other than L. braziliensis, for treating CL.
Subject(s)
Bias , Leishmania braziliensis , Leishmaniasis , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous , Methods , Parasites , Population Characteristics , Publication Bias , Skin , Sudden Infant Death , Ulcer , World Health OrganizationABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to describe the general approaches to network meta-analysis that are available for quantitative data synthesis using R software. We conducted a network meta-analysis using two approaches: Bayesian and frequentist methods. The corresponding R packages were “gemtc” for the Bayesian approach and “netmeta” for the frequentist approach. In estimating a network meta-analysis model using a Bayesian framework, the “rjags” package is a common tool. “rjags” implements Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation with a graphical output. The estimated overall effect sizes, test for heterogeneity, moderator effects, and publication bias were reported using R software. The authors focus on two flexible models, Bayesian and frequentist, to determine overall effect sizes in network meta-analysis. This study focused on the practical methods of network meta-analysis rather than theoretical concepts, making the material easy to understand for Korean researchers who did not major in statistics. The authors hope that this study will help many Korean researchers to perform network meta-analyses and conduct related research more easily with R software.
Subject(s)
Bayes Theorem , Hope , Markov Chains , Population Characteristics , Publication BiasABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To address and elucidate the impact of pharmacist-led home medicines review (HMR) services on identifying drug-related problems (DRPs) among the elderly population in home care settings.METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was performed using electronic scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018, pertaining to HMR services by pharmacists for identifying DRPs.RESULTS: In total, 4,292 studies were retrieved from the searches, of which 24 were excluded as duplicates. Titles and abstracts were screened for the remaining 4,268 studies, of which 4,239 were excluded due to the extraneous nature of the titles and/or abstracts. Subsequently, 29 full-text articles were assessed, and 19 were removed for lacking the outcome of interest and/or not satisfying the study's inclusion criteria. Finally, 10 studies were included in the review; however, publication bias was not assessed, which is a limitation of this study. In all studies, pharmacists identified a highly significant amount of DRPs through HMR services. The most common types of DRPs were potential drug-drug interactions, serious adverse drug reactions, need for an additional drug, inappropriate medication use, non-adherence, untreated indications, excessive doses, and usage of expired medications.CONCLUSIONS: HMR is a novel extended role played by pharmacists. The efficiency of such programs in identifying and resolving DRPs could minimize patients' health-related costs and burden, thereby enhancing the quality of life and well-being among the elderly.