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Meulen LWT, Bogie RMM, Siersema PD, Winkens B, Vlug MS, Wolfhagen FHJ, Baven-Pronk M, van der Voorn M, Schwartz MP, Vogelaar L, de Vos Tot Nederveen Cappel WH, Seerden TCJ, Hazen WL, Schrauwen RWM, Alvarez Herrero L, Schreuder RMM, van Nunen AB, Stoop E, de Bruin GJ, Bos P, Marsman WA, Kuiper E, de Bièvre M, Alderlieste YA, Roomer R, Groen J, Bargeman M, van Leerdam ME, Roberts-Bos L, Boersma F, Thurnau K, de Vries RS, Ramaker JM, Vleggaar FP, de Ridder RJ, Pellisé M, Bourke MJ, Masclee AAM, Moons LMG. Standardised training for endoscopic mucosal resection of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps to reduce recurrence (*STAR-LNPCP study): a multicentre cluster randomised trial. Gut 2024; 73:741-750. [PMID: 38216328 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the preferred treatment for non-invasive large (≥20 mm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) but is associated with an early recurrence rate of up to 30%. We evaluated whether standardised EMR training could reduce recurrence rates in Dutch community hospitals. DESIGN In this multicentre cluster randomised trial, 59 endoscopists from 30 hospitals were randomly assigned to the intervention group (e-learning and 2-day training including hands-on session) or control group. From April 2019 to August 2021, all consecutive EMR-treated LNPCPs were included. Primary endpoint was recurrence rate after 6 months. RESULTS A total of 1412 LNPCPs were included; 699 in the intervention group and 713 in the control group (median size 30 mm vs 30 mm, 45% vs 52% size, morphology, site and access (SMSA) score IV, 64% vs 64% proximal location). Recurrence rates were lower in the intervention group compared with controls (13% vs 25%, OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.78; p=0.005) with similar complication rates (8% vs 9%, OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.36; p=0.720). Recurrences were more often unifocal in the intervention group (92% vs 76%; p=0.006). In sensitivity analysis, the benefit of the intervention on recurrence rate was only observed in the 20-40 mm LNPCPs (5% vs 20% in 20-29 mm, p=0.001; 10% vs 21% in 30-39 mm, p=0.013) but less evident in ≥40 mm LNPCPs (24% vs 31%; p=0.151). In a post hoc analysis, the training effect was maintained in the study group, while in the control group the recurrence rate remained high. CONCLUSION A compact standardised EMR training for LNPCPs significantly reduced recurrences in community hospitals. This strongly argues for a national dedicated training programme for endoscopists performing EMR of ≥20 mm LNPCPs. Interestingly, in sensitivity analysis, this benefit was limited for LNPCPs ≥40 mm. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTR7477.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonne W T Meulen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel M M Bogie
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter D Siersema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Winkens
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marije S Vlug
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dijklander Hospital, Hoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Frank H J Wolfhagen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martine Baven-Pronk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - Michael van der Voorn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Haga Hospital, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs P Schwartz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Lauran Vogelaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tom C J Seerden
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter L Hazen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud W M Schrauwen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenza Alvarez Herrero
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sint Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | | | - Annick B van Nunen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Stoop
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Haaglanden Medical Centre, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J de Bruin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tergooi Hospital, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Bos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Marsman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Edith Kuiper
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc de Bièvre
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Yasser A Alderlieste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rivas Zorggroep, Gorinchem, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Roomer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Franciscus Gasthuis en Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John Groen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sint Jansdal Hospital, Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes Bargeman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Monique E van Leerdam
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Roberts-Bos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Laurentius Hospital, Roermond, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Boersma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gelre Hospitals, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Karsten Thurnau
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital group Twente, Almelo, The Netherlands
| | - Roland S de Vries
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Jos M Ramaker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elkerliek Hospital, Helmond, The Netherlands
| | - Frank P Vleggaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier J de Ridder
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - María Pellisé
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael J Bourke
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ad A M Masclee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leon M G Moons
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bitar H, Zachrisson AK, Byström M, Strömberg J. Day-by-day symptom relief after corticosteroid injection for trigger digit: a randomized controlled study of two techniques. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2023; 48:849-856. [PMID: 37218106 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231177422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This prospective randomized controlled study compared two injection techniques for trigger digit: either dorsal to the tendons in the proximal phalanx (PP group) or anterior to the tendons at the A1 pulley level (A1 group) in 106 patients. The primary outcome was the number of days to total relief of pain, stiffness and triggering, as recorded by the patients on visual analogue scales day-by-day for 6 weeks. The median number of days to complete symptom relief was 9 days in the PP group and 11 days in the A1 group for pain, 11 days and 15 days for stiffness and 21 and 20 days for triggering, respectively. Ninety-one per cent of all patients did not require any additional treatment, but 11 patients in both groups reported some remaining symptoms at 6 weeks. This study did not detect any significant difference between the two injection techniques, but provides detailed data of the rate and order of symptomatic relief after corticosteroid injection for this common condition.Level of evidence: I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Bitar
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Hand Surgery, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery and Orthopaedics, Alingsås lasarett, Alingsås, Sweden
| | - Anna K Zachrisson
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Hand Surgery, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery and Orthopaedics, Kungälvs sjukhus, Kungälv, Sweden
| | - Martin Byström
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Hand Surgery, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Joakim Strömberg
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Hand Surgery, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery and Orthopaedics, Alingsås lasarett, Alingsås, Sweden
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Murphy RP, O'Donnell MJ, Nolan A, McGrath E, O'Conghaile A, Ferguson J, Alvarez-Iglesias A, Costello M, Loughlin E, Reddin C, Ruttledge S, Gorey S, Hughes D, Smyth A, Canavan M, Judge C. Effect of a Run-In Period on Estimated Treatment Effects in Cardiovascular Randomized Clinical Trials: A Meta-Analytic Review. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e023061. [PMID: 36250666 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.023061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background A run-in period may increase adherence to intervention and reduce loss to follow-up. Whether use of a run-in period affects the magnitude of treatment effects is unknown. Methods and Results We conducted a meta-analysis comparing treatment effects from 11 systematic reviews of cardiovascular prevention trials using a run-in period with matched trials not using a run-in period. We matched run-in with non-run-in trials by population, intervention, control, and outcome. We calculated a ratio of relative risks (RRRs) using a random-effects meta-analysis. Our primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events, and the primary analysis was a matched comparison of clinical trials using a run-in period versus without a run-in period. We identified 66 run-in trials and 111 non-run-in trials (n=668 901). On meta-analysis there was no statistically significant difference in the magnitude of treatment effect between run-in trials (relative risk [RR], 0.83 [95% CI, 0.80-0.87]) compared with non-run-in trials (RR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.84-0.91]; RRR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.90-1.01]). There was no significant difference in the RRR for secondary outcomes of all-cause mortality (RRR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.91-1.03]) or medication discontinuation because of adverse events (RRR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.85-1.21]). Post hoc exploratory univariate meta-regression showed that on average a run-in period is associated with a statistically significant difference in treatment effect (RRR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.90-0.99]) for cardiovascular composite outcome, but this was not statistically significant on multivariable meta-regression analysis (RRR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.90-1.0]). Conclusions The use of a run-in period was not associated with a difference in the magnitude of treatment effect among cardiovascular prevention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Murphy
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Martin J O'Donnell
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Aoife Nolan
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Emer McGrath
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland.,Department of Neurology Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - Aengus O'Conghaile
- Department of Psychiatry National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - John Ferguson
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Alberto Alvarez-Iglesias
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Maria Costello
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Elaine Loughlin
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Catriona Reddin
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Sarah Ruttledge
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Sarah Gorey
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Diarmaid Hughes
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Andrew Smyth
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Michelle Canavan
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland
| | - Conor Judge
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Galway National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland.,Translational Medical Device Lab National University of Ireland Galway Galway Ireland.,Wellcome Trust - Health Research Board Irish Clinical Academic Training Galway Ireland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND An association has been hypothesized between periodontitis and hypertension. Periodontal therapy is believed to reduce systemic inflammatory mediators and increase endothelial function, thus having the potential to prevent and treat hypertension. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect and safety of different periodontal treatment modalities on blood pressure (BP) in people with chronic periodontitis. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to November 2020 in the Cochrane Hypertension Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, seven other databases, and two clinical trials registries. We contacted the authors of relevant papers regarding further published and unpublished work. SELECTION CRITERIA RCTs and quasi-RCTs aiming to detect the effect of periodontal treatment on BP were eligible. Participants should have been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis and hypertension (or no hypertension if the study explored the preventive effect of periodontal treatment). Participants in the intervention group should have undergone subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) and any other type of periodontal treatments, compared with either no periodontal treatment or alternative periodontal treatment in the control group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane for study identification, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. We used a formal pilot-tested data extraction form for data extraction, and the Cochrane risk of bias tool for risk of bias assessment. We planned the meta-analysis, test for heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analysis. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. The primary outcome was change in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). MAIN RESULTS We included eight RCTs. Five had low risk of bias, one had unclear risk of bias, and two had high risk of bias. Four trials compared periodontal treatment with no treatment. We found no evidence of a difference in the short-term change of SBP and DBP for people diagnosed with periodontitis and other cardiovascular diseases except hypertension (very low-certainty evidence). We found no evidence of a difference in long-term changes in SBP (mean difference [MD] -2.25 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] -9.41 to 4.92; P = 0.54; studies = 2, participants = 108; low-certainty evidence) and DBP (MD -2.55 mmHg, 95% CI -6.90 to 1.80; P = 0.25; studies = 2, participants = 103; low-certainty evidence). Concerning people diagnosed with periodontitis, in the short term, two studies of low certainty reported no changes in SBP (MD -0.14 mmHg, 95% CI -4.05 to 3.77; P = 0.94; participants = 294) and DBP (MD -0.15 mmHg, 95% CI -2.47 to 2.17; P = 0.90; participants = 294), and we found no evidence of a difference in SBP and DBP over a long period based on low certainty of evidence. Three studies compared intensive periodontal treatment with supra-gingival scaling. We found no evidence of a difference in changes in SBP and DBP for any length of time in people diagnosed with periodontitis (very low-certainty evidence). In people diagnosed with periodontitis and hypertension, we found one study reporting a significant reduction in the short term in SBP (MD -11.20 mmHg, 95% CI -15.40 to -7.00; P < 0.001; participants = 101; moderate-certainty evidence) and DBP (MD -8.40 mmHg, 95% CI -12.19 to -4.61; P < 0.0001; participants = 101; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence of a difference of an impact of periodontal treatments on BP in most comparisons assessed in this review, and given the low certainty of evidence and the lack of relevant studies we could not draw conclusions about the effect of periodontal treatment on BP in people with chronic periodontitis. We found only one study suggesting that periodontal treatment may reduce SBP and DBP over a short period in people with hypertension and chronic periodontitis, but the certainty of evidence was moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huilin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zongkai Lv
- Department of Stomatology, Nan Chong Central Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Chuan Bei Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Department of Prosthodontics & Implantology, Guizhou Medical University School of Stomatology, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Dept of Growth, Development and Structure, Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine, Alton, Illinois, USA
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Iftikhar M, Abariga SA, Hawkins BS, Zafar S, Mir TA, Jampel H, Woreta FA. Pharmacologic interventions for mydriasis in cataract surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 5:CD012830. [PMID: 34043237 PMCID: PMC8158329 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012830.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. Achieving appropriate intraoperative mydriasis is one of the critical factors associated with the safety and performance of the surgery. Inadequate pupillary dilation or constriction of the pupil during cataract surgery can impair the surgeon's field of view and make it difficult to maneuver instruments. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relative effectiveness of achieving pupillary dilation during phacoemulsification for cataract extraction using three methods of pupillary dilation: topical mydriatics, intracameral mydriatics, or depot delivery systems. We also planned to document and compare the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications following phacoemulsification for cataract extraction, as well as the cost-effectiveness of these methods for pupillary dilation. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2021, Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov; and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 22 January 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only randomized controlled trial (RCTs) in which participants underwent phacoemulsification for cataract extraction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS We included a total of 14 RCTs (1670 eyes of 1652 participants) in this review. Of the 14 trials, 7 compared topical versus intracameral mydriatics, 6 compared topical mydriatics versus depot delivery systems, and 1 compared all three methods. We were unable to calculate overall estimates of comparative effectiveness for most outcomes due to statistical heterogeneity among the estimates from individual studies or because outcome data were available from only a single study. Furthermore, the certainty of evidence for most outcomes was low or very low, due primarily to imprecision and risk of bias. Comparison 1: topical mydriatics versus intracameral mydriatics Four RCTs (739 participants, 757 eyes) of the 8 RCTs that had compared these two methods reported mean pupillary diameters at the time surgeons had performed capsulorhexis; all favored topical mydriatics, but heterogeneity was high (I2 = 95%). After omitting 1 RCT that used a paired-eyes design, evidence from three RCTs (721 participants and eyes) suggests that mean pupil diameter at the time of capsulorhexis may be greater with topical mydriatics than with intracameral mydriatics, but the evidence is of low certainty (mean difference 1.06 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 mm to 1.31 mm; I2 = 49%). Four RCTs (224 participants, 242 eyes) reported mean pupillary diameter at the beginning of cataract surgery; the effect estimates from all trials favored topical mydriatics, with very low-certainty evidence. Five RCTs (799 participants, 817 eyes) reported mean pupillary diameter at the end of cataract surgery. Data for this outcome from the largest RCT (549 participants and eyes) provided evidence of a small difference in favor of intracameral mydriasis. On the other hand, 2 small RCTs (78 participants, 96 eyes) favored topical mydriatics, and the remaining 2 RCTs (172 participants) found no meaningful difference between the two methods, with very low-certainty evidence. Five RCTs (799 participants, 817 eyes) reported total intraoperative surgical time. The largest RCT (549 participants and eyes) reported decreased total intraoperative time with intracameral mydriatics, whereas 1 RCT (18 participants, 36 eyes) favored topical mydriatics, and the remaining 3 RCTs (232 participants) found no difference between the two methods, with very low-certainty evidence. Comparison 2: topical mydriatics versus depot delivery systems Of the 7 RCTs that compared these two methods, none reported mean pupillary diameter at the time surgeons performed capsulorhexis. Six RCTs (434 participants) reported mean pupillary diameter at the beginning of cataract surgery. After omitting 1 RCT suspected to be responsible for high heterogeneity (I2 = 80%), meta-analysis of the other 5 RCTs (324 participants and eyes) found no evidence of a meaningful difference between the two methods, with very low-certainty evidence. Three RCTs (210 participants) reported mean pupillary diameter at the end of cataract surgery, with high heterogeneity among effect estimates for this outcome. Estimates of mean differences and confidence intervals from these three RCTs were consistent with no difference between the two methods. A fourth RCT reported only means for this outcome, with low-certainty evidence. Two small RCTs (118 participants) reported total intraoperative time. Surgical times were lower when depot delivery was used, but the confidence interval estimated from one trial was consistent with no difference, and only mean times were reported from the other trial, with very low-certainty evidence. Comparison 3: Intracameral mydriatics versus depot delivery systems Only one RCT (60 participants) compared intracameral mydriatics versus depot delivery system. Mean pupillary diameter at the time the surgeon performed capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification time, and cost outcomes were not reported. Mean pupil diameter at the beginning and end of cataract surgery favored the depot delivery system, with very low-certainty evidence. Adverse events Evidence from one RCT (555 participants and eyes) comparing topical mydriatics versus intracameral mydriatics suggests that ocular discomfort may be greater with topical mydriatics than with intracameral mydriatics at one week (risk ratio (RR) 10.57, 95% CI 1.37 to 81.34) and one month (RR 2.51, 95% CI 1.36 to 4.65) after cataract surgery, with moderate-certainty evidence at both time points. Another RCT (30 participants) reported iris-related complications in 11 participants in the intracameral mydriatics group versus no complications in the depot delivery system group, with very low-certainty evidence. Cardiovascular related adverse events were rarely mentioned. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Data from 14 completed RCTs were inadequate to establish the superiority of any of three methods to achieve mydriasis for cataract surgery, based on pupillary dilation at different times during the surgery or on time required for surgery. Only one trial had a sample size adequate to yield a robust effect estimate. Larger, well-designed trials are needed to provide robust estimates for the comparison of mydriasis approaches for beneficial and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Iftikhar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samuel A Abariga
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Barbara S Hawkins
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sidra Zafar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tahreem A Mir
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Henry Jampel
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fasika A Woreta
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Impact of two different pulmonary rehabilitation methods in children with down syndrome. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2021; 27:512-521. [PMID: 34391280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate and compare the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles with that of inspiratory muscle training as a preventive measure on respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, spirometry, and functional capacity in children with Down syndrome. METHODS Forty-five Down syndrome participants with an age ranged from 10 to 13 years were enrolled. There were distributed into three groups. The study group A (n = 15) underwent proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles while study group B (n = 15) underwent inspiratory muscle training. Third group C (n = 15) was a control group. The three groups received aerobic exercises using the bicycle ergometer for 20 min, 5 times/week for 12 successive weeks. The treatment program for both study groups was conducted for 20-30 min, 5 times/week for 12 successive weeks. Measurements of respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), chest expansion, spirometry test (VC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV) and 6 min walk test were measured pre and post treatment. RESULTS The post treatment mean values of all investigated variables were significantly increased in both study groups with higher effect to group underwent proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles. CONCLUSION Both proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles and inspiratory muscle training are effective in children with Down syndrome on improving respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, spirometry and functional capacity with superior effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
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Santini A, Petruzzo A, Giannetta N, Ruggiero A, Di Muzio M, Latina R. Management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in veterans: a systematic review. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2021; 92:e2021011. [PMID: 33855991 PMCID: PMC8138808 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92is2.11352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK Veterans are military with health problems due to military conditions. The improved body armor and operational conditions has reduced the number of deaths, but increased the number of veterans with severe injuries, affected by musculoskeletal pain and associated syndromes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Multimodal approaches are considered in USA the gold standard for the treatment of these problems, while in Europe and Italy the data are unknown. The aim of this review was to describe and summarize multimodal therapeutic approaches that apply to the veteran population for chronic musculoskeletal pain and relate syndromes management. METHODS A comprehensive systematic review of the literature on Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL e PsycINFO databases was conducted, from 2001 to 2020. RESULTS 228 papers have been found, 134 were selected after the first screening. 24 quantitative studies were included in the review, all from USA. Different multimodal interventions with different kind of treatment types emerged. The analyzed studies' sample size was 11 million (mean age = 57.67 years; SD=±11.94). The multimodal approaches showed a significant improvement in all outcomes (pain reduction and control, opioid therapy reduction, psychosocial outcomes) compared to traditional therapy. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal therapeutic approaches seem to guarantee a good management chronic musculoskeletal pain and related mental disorders, and the reduction and control to opioid use. Military nurses emerged as professionals who have a central role in this approach. European and Italian authorities should consider veterans, in order to assess their expected increase in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Petruzzo
- School of Nursing Science and Midwifery, Sapienza University of Rome, A.O. S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Noemi Giannetta
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- School of Nursing Science and Midwifery, Sapienza University of Rome, A.O. S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Di Muzio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Latina
- School of Nursing Science and Midwifery, Sapienza University of Rome, A.O. S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Ambrosini E, Gasperini G, Zajc J, Immick N, Augsten A, Rossini M, Ballarati R, Russold M, Ferrante S, Ferrigno G, Bulgheroni M, Baccinelli W, Schauer T, Wiesener C, Gfoehler M, Puchinger M, Weber M, Weber S, Pedrocchi A, Molteni F, Krakow K. A Robotic System with EMG-Triggered Functional Eletrical Stimulation for Restoring Arm Functions in Stroke Survivors. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2021; 35:334-345. [PMID: 33655789 DOI: 10.1177/1545968321997769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Robotic systems combined with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) showed promising results on upper-limb motor recovery after stroke, but adequately-sized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are still missing. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether arm training supported by RETRAINER, a passive exoskeleton integrated with electromyograph-triggered functional electrical stimulation, is superior to advanced conventional therapy (ACT) of equal intensity in the recovery of arm functions, dexterity, strength, activities of daily living, and quality of life after stroke. METHODS A single-blind RCT recruiting 72 patients was conducted. Patients, randomly allocated to 2 groups, were trained for 9 weeks, 3 times per week: the experimental group performed task-oriented exercises assisted by RETRAINER for 30 minutes plus ACT (60 minutes), whereas the control group performed only ACT (90 minutes). Patients were assessed before, soon after, and 1 month after the end of the intervention. Outcome measures were as follows: Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Motricity Index, Motor Activity Log, Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQoL), and Muscle Research Council. RESULTS All outcomes but SSQoL significantly improved over time in both groups (P < .001); a significant interaction effect in favor of the experimental group was found for ARAT and BBT. ARAT showed a between-group change of 11.5 points (P = .010) at the end of the intervention, which increased to 13.6 points 1 month after. Patients considered RETRAINER moderately usable (System Usability Score of 61.5 ± 22.8). CONCLUSIONS Hybrid robotic systems, allowing to perform personalized, intensive, and task-oriented training, with an enriched sensory feedback, was superior to ACT in improving arm functions and dexterity after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nancy Immick
- Asklepios Neurologische Klinik Falkenstein, Königstein, Germany
| | - Andreas Augsten
- Asklepios Neurologische Klinik Falkenstein, Königstein, Germany
| | - Mauro Rossini
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Costamasnaga, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Franco Molteni
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Costamasnaga, Italy
| | - Karsten Krakow
- Asklepios Neurologische Klinik Falkenstein, Königstein, Germany
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9
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Rescue and concomitant analgesics in placebo-controlled trials of pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain and low back pain. Pain 2021; 161:3-10. [PMID: 31479067 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rescue medication is commonly offered to participants in placebo-controlled trials of analgesic drugs. The use of pain medication in addition to the placebo or experimental drug may complicate the interpretation of effects and tolerability, but this issue has received little methodological attention. This study examined the handling and reporting of rescue and concomitant analgesic use in trials of pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain and low back pain. We based our review on 265 trials included in 2 recent systematic reviews: 83 trials of low back pain and 182 of neuropathic pain. In total, 117 (44%) trials permitted rescue medication and 126 (48%) allowed participants to continue all or some of their usual analgesics. The utilization of rescue medication increased over time, occurring in 18% of trials before 2000 compared with 55% after 2000. Forty-one trials (16%) permitted both rescue analgesics and continued use of prestudy analgesics. More than one-third of the trials permitting rescue medication did not report the actual rescue drug consumption, and over half of the trials allowing concomitant analgesics did not report whether intake changed during the trial. Only 22 (19%) of the trials permitting rescue medication included complete information about whether rescue medication was used as an outcome, specified the drugs used, specified how consumption was assessed and measured, and reported and analyzed the use of rescue medication in each trial arm. Our findings suggest that poorly described procedures and incomplete reporting are likely to hinder the interpretation, critical appraisal, and replication of trial results.
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10
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Zhao T, Wu X, Zhang Q, Li C, Worthington HV, Hua F. Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 12:CD008367. [PMID: 33368159 PMCID: PMC8111488 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008367.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia developing in people who have received mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. VAP is a potentially serious complication in these patients who are already critically ill. Oral hygiene care (OHC), using either a mouthrinse, gel, swab, toothbrush, or combination, together with suction of secretions, may reduce the risk of VAP in these patients. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of oral hygiene care (OHC) on incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in hospital intensive care units (ICUs). SEARCH METHODS Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 25 February 2020), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2020, Issue 1), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 25 February 2020), Embase Ovid (1980 to 25 February 2020), LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (1982 to 25 February 2020) and CINAHL EBSCO (1937 to 25 February 2020). We also searched the VIP Database (January 2012 to 8 March 2020). The US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of OHC (mouthrinse, gel, swab, toothbrush or combination) in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors independently assessed search results, extracted data and assessed risk of bias in included studies. We contacted study authors for additional information. We reported risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, using the random-effects model of meta-analysis when data from four or more trials were combined. MAIN RESULTS We included 40 RCTs (5675 participants), which were conducted in various countries including China, USA, Brazil and Iran. We categorised these RCTs into five main comparisons: chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse or gel versus placebo/usual care; CHX mouthrinse versus other oral care agents; toothbrushing (± antiseptics) versus no toothbrushing (± antiseptics); powered versus manual toothbrushing; and comparisons of other oral care agents used in OHC (other oral care agents versus placebo/usual care, or head-to-head comparisons between other oral care agents). We assessed the overall risk of bias as high in 31 trials and low in two, with the rest being unclear. Moderate-certainty evidence from 13 RCTs (1206 participants, 92% adults) shows that CHX mouthrinse or gel, as part of OHC, probably reduces the incidence of VAP compared to placebo or usual care from 26% to about 18% (RR 0.67, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.47 to 0.97; P = 0.03; I2 = 66%). This is equivalent to a number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) of 12 (95% CI 7 to 128), i.e. providing OHC including CHX for 12 ventilated patients in intensive care would prevent one patient developing VAP. There was no evidence of a difference between interventions for the outcomes of mortality (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.33; P = 0.86, I2 = 0%; 9 RCTs, 944 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), duration of mechanical ventilation (MD -1.10 days, 95% CI -3.20 to 1.00 days; P = 0.30, I2 = 74%; 4 RCTs, 594 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD -0.89 days, 95% CI -3.59 to 1.82 days; P = 0.52, I2 = 69%; 5 RCTs, 627 participants; low-certainty evidence). Most studies did not mention adverse effects. One study reported adverse effects, which were mild, with similar frequency in CHX and control groups and one study reported there were no adverse effects. Toothbrushing (± antiseptics) may reduce the incidence of VAP (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.91; P = 0.01, I2 = 40%; 5 RCTs, 910 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to OHC without toothbrushing (± antiseptics). There is also some evidence that toothbrushing may reduce the duration of ICU stay (MD -1.89 days, 95% CI -3.52 to -0.27 days; P = 0.02, I2 = 0%; 3 RCTs, 749 participants), but this is very low certainty. Low-certainty evidence did not show a reduction in mortality (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.05; P = 0.12, I2 = 0%; 5 RCTs, 910 participants) or duration of mechanical ventilation (MD -0.43, 95% CI -1.17 to 0.30; P = 0.25, I2 = 46%; 4 RCTs, 810 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Chlorhexidine mouthwash or gel, as part of OHC, probably reduces the incidence of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients from 26% to about 18%, when compared to placebo or usual care. We did not find a difference in mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation or duration of stay in the intensive care unit, although the evidence was low certainty. OHC including both antiseptics and toothbrushing may be more effective than OHC with antiseptics alone to reduce the incidence of VAP and the length of ICU stay, but, again, the evidence is low certainty. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether any of the interventions evaluated in the studies are associated with adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhao
- Hubei-MOST KLOS & KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Hubei-MOST KLOS & KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Helen V Worthington
- Cochrane Oral Health, Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Fang Hua
- Hubei-MOST KLOS & KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Evidence-Based Stomatology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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11
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Li SM, Kang MT, Wang NL, Abariga SA. Wavefront excimer laser refractive surgery for adults with refractive errors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 12:CD012687. [PMID: 33336797 PMCID: PMC8094180 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012687.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refractive errors (conditions in which the eye fails to focus objects accurately on the retina due to defects in the refractive system), are the most common cause of visual impairment. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are low-order aberrations, usually corrected with spectacles, contact lenses, or conventional refractive surgery. Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) can be quantified with wavefront aberration instruments and corrected using wavefront-guided or wavefront-optimized laser surgery. Wavefront-guided ablations are based on preoperative measurements of HOAs; wavefront-optimized ablations are designed to minimize induction of new HOAs while preserving naturally occurring aberrations. Two wavefront procedures are expected to produce better visual acuity than conventional procedures. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to compare effectiveness and safety of wavefront procedures, laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) versus corresponding conventional procedures, for correcting refractive errors in adults for postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, residual refractive errors, and residual HOAs. The secondary objective was to compare two wavefront procedures. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2019, Issue 8); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS); the ISRCTN registry; ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP. The date of the search was 6 August 2019. We imposed no restrictions by language or year of publication. We used the Science Citation Index (September 2013) and searched the reference lists of included trials to identify additional relevant trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing either wavefront modified with conventional refractive surgery or wavefront-optimized with wavefront-guided refractive surgery in participants aged ⪰ 18 years with refractive errors. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS We identified 33 RCTs conducted in Asia, Europe and United States, totaling 1499 participants (2797 eyes). Participants had refractive errors ranging from high myopia to low hyperopia. Studies reported at least one of the following review-specific outcomes based on proportions of eyes: with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better, without loss of one or more lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), within ± 0.50 diopters (D) of target refraction, with HOAs and adverse events. Study characteristics and risk of bias Participants were mostly women, mean age 29 and 53 years, and without previous refractive surgery, ocular pathology or systemic comorbidity. We could not judge risks of bias for most domains of most studies. Most studies in which both eyes of a participant were analyzed failed to account for correlations between two eyes in the analysis and reporting of outcomes. Findings For the primary comparison between wavefront (PRK or LASIK or LASEK) and corresponding conventional procedures, 12-month outcome data were available from only one study of PRK with 70 participants. No evidence of more favorable outcomes of wavefront PRK on proportion of eyes: with UCVA of 20/20 or better (risk ratio [RR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.24); without loss of one or more lines of BSCVA (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.09); within ± 0.5 D of target refraction (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.24); and mean spherical equivalent (mean difference [MD] 0.04, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.18). The evidence for each effect estimate was of low certainty. No study reported HOAs at 12 months. At six months, the findings of two to eight studies showed that overall effect estimates and estimates by subgroup of PRK or LASIK or LASEK were consistent with those for PRK at 12 month, and suggest no difference in all outcomes. The certainty of evidence for each outcome was low. For the comparison between wavefront-optimized and wavefront-guided procedures at 12 months, the overall effect estimates for proportion of eyes: with UCVA of 20/20 or better (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.02; 5 studies, 618 participants); without loss of one or more lines of BSCVA (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.02; I2 = 0%; 5 studies, 622 participants); within ± 0.5 diopters of target refraction (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09; I2 = 33%; 4 studies, 480 participants) and mean HOAs (MD 0.03, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.07; I2 = 41%; 5 studies, 622 participants) showed no evidence of a difference between the two groups. Owing to substantial heterogeneity, we did not calculate an overall effect estimate for mean spherical equivalent at 12 months, but point estimates consistently suggested no difference between wavefront-optimized PRK versus wavefront-guided PRK. However, wavefront-optimized LASIK compared with wavefront-guided LASIK may improve mean spherical equivalent (MD -0.14 D, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.09; 4 studies, 472 participants). All effect estimates were of low certainty of evidence. At six months, the results were consistent with those at 12 months based on two to six studies. The findings suggest no difference between two wavefront procedures for any of the outcomes assessed, except for the subgroup of wavefront-optimized LASIK which showed probable improvement in mean spherical equivalent (MD -0.12 D, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.05; I2 = 0%; 3 studies, 280 participants; low certainty of evidence) relative to wavefront-guided LASIK. We found a single study comparing wavefront-guided LASIK versus wavefront-guided PRK at six and 12 months. At both time points, effect estimates consistently supported no difference between two procedures. The certain of evidence was very low for all estimates. Adverse events Significant visual loss or optical side effects that were reported were similar between groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that at 12 months and six months postoperatively, there was no important difference between wavefront versus conventional refractive surgery or between wavefront-optimized versus wavefront-guided surgery in the clinical outcomes analyzed. The low certainty of the cumulative evidence reported to date suggests that further randomized comparisons of these surgical approaches would provide more precise estimates of effects but are unlikely to modify our conclusions. Future trials may elect to focus on participant-reported outcomes such as satisfaction with vision before and after surgery and effects of remaining visual aberrations, in addition to contrast sensitivity and clinical outcomes analyzed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ming Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Tian Kang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning-Li Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Samuel A Abariga
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado, USA
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12
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Canheta ABDS, Santos ASEADC, de Souza JD, Silveira EA. Adequate statistical analyses and inferences of Randomized Clinical Trial. Clin Nutr 2020; 40:334-335. [PMID: 33257013 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Batista de Sousa Canheta
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Goias (UFG), Brazil; Faculty of Education, Federal University of Goias (UFG), Brazil
| | | | | | - Erika Aparecida Silveira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Goias (UFG), Brazil.
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13
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Cognitive behavior therapy for internalizing disorders in children and adolescents in routine clinical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 83:101918. [PMID: 33186776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has received considerable empirical support for internalizing disorders including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents. However, there is less knowledge regarding how CBT performs when delivered in routine clinical care. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of CBT for internalizing disorders in children and adolescents in routine clinical care. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase OVID, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for articles published until October 2019. The effectiveness of CBT, methodological quality, and moderators of treatment outcome were examined. The effects of CBT in routine clinical care were benchmarked by comparing with efficacy studies for the same disorders. Fifty-eight studies were included, comprising 4618 participants. Large effect sizes for outcome were detected at post-treatment (g = 1.28-2.54), and follow-up (g = 1.72-3.36). Remission rates across diagnoses ranged from 50.7% - 77.4% post-treatment, to 53.5% -83.3% at follow-up. Attrition rate across the disorders was 12.2%. Quality of the included studies was fair, and heterogeneity was high. Similarities between the effectiveness and efficacy studies were greater than the differences in outcome. CBT delivered in routine clinical care is efficacious in reducing internalizing disorders and symptoms. The outcomes are comparable with results obtained in efficacy studies. PROSPERO registration: ID CRD42019128709.
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14
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Papathanasiou JV, Petrov I, Tokmakova MP, Dimitrova DD, Spasov L, Dzhafer NS, Tsekoura D, Dionyssiotis Y, Ferreira AS, Lopes AJ, Rosulescu E, Foti C. Group-based cardiac rehabilitation interventions. A challenge for physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2020; 56:479-488. [PMID: 31976639 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.20.06013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jannis V Papathanasiou
- Department of Medical Imaging, Allergology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria -
- Department of Kinesitherapy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria -
| | - Ivo Petrov
- Clinic of Cardiology and Angiology, Acibadem City Clinic Cardiovascular Center University Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria P Tokmakova
- Department of Cardiology at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Donka D Dimitrova
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Liubomir Spasov
- Cardiac Surgery Clinic Lozenets, University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, St. Kliment Ohridski University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nigyar S Dzhafer
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Yannis Dionyssiotis
- First Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, National Rehabilitation Center, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Eugenia Rosulescu
- Department of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Calogero Foti
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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15
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Eleftheriadi I, Ioannou T, Pandis N. Extent and prevalence of spin in randomized controlled trials in dentistry. J Dent 2020; 100:103433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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16
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Taso M, Sommernes JH, Kolstad F, Sundseth J, Bjorland S, Pripp AH, Zwart JA, Brox JI. A randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:171. [PMID: 32178655 PMCID: PMC7076994 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-3188-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical radiculopathy is usually caused by disc herniation or spondylosis. The prognosis is expected to be good in most patients, but there is limited scientific evidence on the indications for nonsurgical and surgical treatments. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical treatment in two trials – including disc herniation and spondylosis, respectively, and to evaluate factors that contribute to better decision making. Methods/design Patients with disabling radicular arm pain and MRI-proven cervical disc herniation or spondylosis will be randomised to receive nonsurgical or surgical treatment. The follow-up period is one year and the sample size is estimated to be 50 for each arm in the two trials, giving a total of 200 patients. The primary outcomes are the Neck Disability Index and arm pain. Secondary outcomes include neck pain; EQ-5D and costs to evaluate cost-effectiveness; prognostic factors; CT and MRI scans, to estimate intervertebral foraminal area and nerve root compression; and the expected minimal improvement for willingness to undergo treatment. Discussion The outcomes of this study will contribute to better decision making in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. Trial registration This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03674619, on September 17, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirad Taso
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Ullevål, Postboks 4956, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jon Håvard Sommernes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Frode Kolstad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Sundseth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Bjorland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Ullevål, Postboks 4956, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Are Hugo Pripp
- Oslo Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Research Support Services, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - John Anker Zwart
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Ivar Brox
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Ullevål, Postboks 4956, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Aher SM, Ohlsson A. Late erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to prevent red blood cell transfusion in preterm or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 1:CD004868. [PMID: 31990982 PMCID: PMC6986694 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004868.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm infants have low plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO), providing a rationale for the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to prevent or treat anaemia. Darbepoetin (Darbe) and EPO are currently available ESAs. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of late initiation of ESAs, between eight and 28 days after birth, in reducing the use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in preterm or low birth weight infants. SEARCH METHODS We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 5), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 5 June 2018), Embase (1980 to 5 June 2018), and CINAHL (1982 to 5 June 2018). We searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of late initiation of EPO treatment (started at ≥ eight days of age) versus placebo or no intervention in preterm (< 37 weeks) or low birth weight (< 2500 grams) neonates. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed data collection and analyses in accordance with the methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We include 31 studies (32 comparisons) randomising 1651 preterm infants. Literature searches in 2018 identified one new study for inclusion. No new on-going trials were identified and no studies used darbepoetin. Most included trials were of small sample size. The meta-analysis showed a significant effect on the use of one or more RBC transfusions (21 studies (n = 1202); typical risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 0.79; typical risk difference (RD) -0.17, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.12; typical number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 6, 95% CI 5 to 8). There was moderate heterogeneity for this outcome (RR I² = 66%; RD I² = 58%). The quality of the evidence was very low. We obtained similar results in secondary analyses based on different combinations of high/low doses of EPO and iron supplementation. There was no significant reduction in the total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant (typical mean difference (MD) -1.6 mL/kg, 95% CI -5.8 to 2.6); 5 studies, 197 infants). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome (I² = 92%). There was a significant reduction in the number of transfusions per infant (11 studies enrolling 817 infants; typical MD -0.22, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.06). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome (I² = 94%). Three studies including 404 infants reported on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (all stages or stage not reported), with a typical RR 1.27 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.64) and a typical RD of 0.09 (95% CI -0.00 to 0.18). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome for both RR (I² = 83%) and RD (I² = 82%). The quality of the evidence was very low.Three trials enrolling 442 infants reported on ROP (stage ≥ 3). The typical RR was 1.73 (95% CI 0.92 to 3.24) and the typical RD was 0.05 (95% CI -0.01 to 0.10). There was no heterogeneity for this outcome for RR (I² = 18%) but high heterogeneity for RD (I² = 79%). The quality of the evidence was very low.There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes including mortality and necrotising enterocolitis. For the outcomes of mortality and necrotising enterocolitis, the quality of the evidence was moderate. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Late administration of EPO reduces the use of one or more RBC transfusions, the number of RBC transfusions per infant (< 1 transfusion per infant) but not the total volume (mL/kg) of RBCs transfused per infant. Any donor exposure is likely not avoided as most studies included infants who had received RBC transfusions prior to trial entry. Late EPO does not significantly reduce or increase any clinically important adverse outcomes except for a trend in increased risk for ROP. Further research of the use of late EPO treatment, to prevent donor exposure, is not indicated. Research efforts should focus on limiting donor exposure during the first few days of life in sick neonates, when RBC requirements are most likely to be required and cannot be prevented by late EPO treatment. The use of satellite packs (dividing one unit of donor blood into many smaller aliquots) may reduce donor exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay M Aher
- Neocare HospitalNeonatal Intensive Care UnitMumbai NakaNashikMaharashtraIndia422002
| | - Arne Ohlsson
- University of TorontoDepartments of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Institute of Health Policy, Management and EvaluationTorontoCanada
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Ambrosini E, Peri E, Nava C, Longoni L, Monticone M, Pedrocchi A, Ferriero G, Ferrante S. A multimodal training with visual biofeedback in subacute stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2019; 56:24-33. [PMID: 31556542 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.19.05847-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early interventions maximizing patient's involvement are essential to promote gait restoration and motor recovery after stroke. AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a multimodal biofeedback training involving cycling augmented by functional electrical stimulation (FES) and balance exercises on walking ability and motor recovery. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial (NCT02439515). SETTING Inpatient rehabilitation facility. POPULATION Subacute stroke survivors (less than 6 months from the first event) aged up to 90 years old. METHODS Sixty-eight participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group, performing 15 sessions of biofeedback FES-cycling training followed by 15 sessions of biofeedback balance training (20 minutes each) in addition to usual care (70 minutes), and a control group performing 30 sessions (90 minutes) of usual care. Participants were evaluated before training, after 15 sessions, after 30 sessions, and at 6-month follow-up through: gait speed (primary outcome), spatiotemporal gait parameters, Six-Minute Walking Test, Functional Independence Measure, Motricity Index, Trunk Control Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Fall Efficacy Scale. RESULTS Both groups significantly improved over time, but no group and interaction effects were found for any outcomes. The 73% of the experimental group achieved a clinically meaningful change in gait speed compared to the 38% of the control group (P=0.048). These percentages were even more unbalanced for patients with a moderate to severe gait impairment at baseline (91% versus 36%; P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS The multimodal biofeedback training was not statistically superior to usual care, showing only a positive trend in favor of the experimental group on locomotion recovery. Patients initially not able to walk might be the best candidates for such a training. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT The multimodal biofeedback training is a task-specific, repetitive and intensive training requiring a minimal supervision, which might result in a lower staff to patient ratio if organized in group sessions. Therefore, it can represent a good alternative for early stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Ambrosini
- Neuroengineering and Medical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy -
| | - Elisabetta Peri
- Rehabilitation Unit of Lissone Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Lissone, Monza e Brianza, Italy
| | - Claudia Nava
- Rehabilitation Unit of Lissone Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Lissone, Monza e Brianza, Italy
| | - Luca Longoni
- Rehabilitation Unit of Lissone Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Lissone, Monza e Brianza, Italy
| | - Marco Monticone
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, G. Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pedrocchi
- Neuroengineering and Medical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ferriero
- Rehabilitation Unit of Lissone Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Lissone, Monza e Brianza, Italy
| | - Simona Ferrante
- Neuroengineering and Medical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Discepoli N, Mirra R, Ferrari M. Efficacy of Enamel Derivatives to Improve Keratinized Tissue as Adjunct to Coverage of Gingival Recessions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12172790. [PMID: 31480232 PMCID: PMC6747963 DOI: 10.3390/ma12172790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: The systematic review was designed to answer the following focused question: Are enamel matrix derivatives able to improve the quantity of keratinized tissue (KT) around natural dentition in patients with recessions defects after their treatment with periodontal plastic procedures? Methods: Only Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) in English language evaluating root coverage procedures in combination with enamel matrix derivatives (commercially known as Emdogain®—EMD), with at least 10 subjects and a minimum duration of six months, were included. The search was applied to PUBMED and SCOPUS and it consists of a combination of MeSH terms and free text words (from January 2000 to June 2019). Risk of bias in individual studies and across studies was also evaluated. Results: After the full text analysis and the exclusion of further 18 articles, 12 articles were finally included. In total 639 recessions were treated (334 tests and 305 control). The recessions defects were classified according to the classification of Miller (Class I, II, III, IV). Only one trial included Miller Class III recessions (7 in total). Enamel matrix derivatives were applied in conjunction with Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF), Coronally Advanced Flap + Sub Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft (CAF + CTG), Semilunar Flap (SF). For the group CAF vs CAF + EMD the mean difference between the keratinized tissue gain in the two procedures was 0.40 mm (95% Confindence Interval Lower/Upper: 0.014–0.81) (p < 0.058); for the comparison CAF + CTG + EMD vs. CAF + CTG the mean difference between the two groups resulted in −0.06 mm (95% Confindence Interval Lower Upper −0.45 to 0.33) (p = 0.7603). Discussion: Randomized clinical trials included medium-low quality evidence. The application of Enamel Matrix Derivatives to surgical procedures aimed to cover gingival recessions does not add robust clinical benefit to conventional plastic procedure alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Discepoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Unit of Periodontics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Mirra
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Unit of Periodontics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Unit of Prosthodontic and Fixed Material, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Grech V. Write a Scientific Paper (WASP): Guidelines for reporting medical research. Early Hum Dev 2019; 134:55-57. [PMID: 31138470 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Several guidelines have been created in an attempt to raise the quality of different kinds of studies. These also attempt to ensure that research is reported accurately and transparently. Six such guidelines (CONSORT, MOOSE, PRISMA, SPIRIT, STARD, and STROBE) will be briefly discussed in this paper. The purpose of these guidelines is "to create a manual for the authors to follow, which should lead to total transparency, accurate reporting, and easier assessment of the validity of reported research findings." This goal has not been completely reached and it remains uncertain how it can as mandatory and full implementation at the journal end would entail significant and costly man-hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Grech
- University of Malta and Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
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21
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Team V, Chandler PG, Weller CD. Adjuvant therapies in venous leg ulcer management: A scoping review. Wound Repair Regen 2019; 27:562-590. [PMID: 31025794 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Compression therapy is the current evidence-based approach to manage venous leg ulcers (VLU); however, adherence is a major barrier to successful treatment. Combination approaches may relieve the burden of treatment by shortening the time to ulcer healing. This scoping review conducted by Australian researchers aimed to establish the evidence of effectiveness of various adjuvant methods on wound healing and recurrence. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), and Systematic Reviews (SR) and Meta-Analyses (MA) on VLU management approaches published from January 2015 to December 2018 were included in this review. The articles included in the scoping review were grouped according to the management approaches, including (1) pharmaceutical interventions, (2) surgical interventions, (3) topical agents, (4) the use of devices, and (5) other, such as physiotherapy and psychological interventions. Results of this scoping review indicate that there is a limited high-quality evidence of effectiveness in most adjuvant therapies on wound healing and recurrence. Given the low-quality evidence observed in this scoping review for adjuvant treatments, the implication for practice is that current management guidelines be followed. Further rigorous studies have the potential to produce better quality evidence. Quality of evidence can be improved by ensuring large sample sizes of a single etiology wounds, standardizing reporting outcomes, and maintaining detailed and evidence-based protocols in physiological or psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Team
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Level 3, 35 Rainforest Walk, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Chandler
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Level 3, 35 Rainforest Walk, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carolina D Weller
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Level 3, 35 Rainforest Walk, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
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Ghayomzadeh M, SeyedAlinaghi S, Shamsi MM, Rezaei S, Earnest CP, Akbarnejad S, Taj L, Mohraz M, Navalta JW, Ghasemi P, Voltarelli FA. Effect of 8 Weeks of Hospital-Based Resistance Training Program on TCD4+ Cell Count and Anthropometric Characteristic of Patients With HIV in Tehran, Iran: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 33:1146-1155. [PMID: 29219895 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ghayomzadeh, M, SeyedAlinaghi, S, Shamsi, MM, Rezaei, S, Earnest, CP, Akbarnejad, S, Taj, L, Mohraz, M, Navalta, JW, Ghasemi, P, and Voltarelli, FA. Effect of 8 weeks of hospital-based resistance raining program on TCD4+ cell count and anthropometric characteristic of patients with HIV in Tehran, Iran: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1146-1155, 2019-We examined the effects of an 8-W circuit resistance training (RES) program using elastic bands and body weight on TCD4+ cell counts and anthropometry in patients with HIV. Patients (N = 21) receiving antiretroviral therapy were randomly assigned to resistance training (RES; n = 14) or control (CON; n = 7) groups. RES (3/W) consisted of training with elastic bands and bodyweight training focusing on major muscle groups. CON received standard care. Statistical analyses were performed using general linear models adjusted for age, sex, length of infection, and respective baseline measures. The primary outcome was TCD4+, and secondary outcomes were anthropometry indices. Tertiary assessments explored Pearson correlations surrounding the relationship between changes in anthropometry and TCD4+. We observed significant increases in TCD4+ count accompanying RES training (105.50 cells·mm, 95% confidence interval [CI], 47.42-163.59), whereas CON significantly decreased (-41.01 cells·mm, 95% CI, -126.78 to 44.76). Significant between-group differences were noted (p < 0.02; n = 0.42). We also observed significant reductions in fat mass for RES (1.18 kg, 95% CI = 1.80 to -0.56) vs. increased fat mass for CON (1.21 kg, 95% CI, 0.31 to 2.11). Significant between-group differences were noted (p = 0.001, n = 0.64). Similar effects were noted for lean body mass. No significant changes were observed for body mass. Significant correlations were observed for fat mass (r = -0.699, p = 0.001) and lean mass (r = 0.553, p = 0.017), but not body mass (r = -0.390, p = 0.109) vs. changes in TCD4+. Our results suggest that the RES program used in this study is effective for improving TCD4+ status and body composition in patients with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghayomzadeh
- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh M Shamsi
- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Rezaei
- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Conrad P Earnest
- Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Sima Akbarnejad
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Taj
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Minoo Mohraz
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - James W Navalta
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
| | - Peyman Ghasemi
- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fabrício A Voltarelli
- Graduation Program of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
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Gluud LL, Jeyaraj R, Morgan MY. Outcomes in Clinical Trials Evaluating Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 9:354-361. [PMID: 31360028 PMCID: PMC6637116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomised clinical trials and systematic reviews of research findings can provide high-quality evidence for decision-making in the management of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. A large number of clinical trials have been undertaken, over the last 50 years, relative to the prevention and treatment of this condition. However, changes have been made, during this time, in the classification of hepatic encephalopathy, diagnostic criteria and assessment measures. These temporally based changes and the consequent lack of standardisation make it difficult to compare interventions and to evaluate their comparative efficacy and safety. While some consensus has been reached in relation to the diagnostic evaluation, classification and monitoring of patients in clinical trials, there is less surety about the choice of clinical endpoints. These outcome measures should be universally applicable, easily measured and clinically relevant. This article reviews the current recommendations regarding outcome selection and outlines some of the potential problems and pitfalls inherent in clinical trial evaluating interventions for the management of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise L. Gluud
- Gastrounit, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaard Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre Denmark
| | - Rebecca Jeyaraj
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Marsha Y. Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2PF, UK
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Bertizzolo L, Bossuyt P, Atal I, Ravaud P, Dechartres A. Disagreements in risk of bias assessment for randomised controlled trials included in more than one Cochrane systematic reviews: a research on research study using cross-sectional design. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028382. [PMID: 30940766 PMCID: PMC6500379 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assess the frequency and reasons for disagreements in risk of bias assessments for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) included in more than one Cochrane review. DESIGN Research on research study, using cross-sectional design. DATA SOURCES 2796 Cochrane reviews published between March 2011 and September 2014. DATA SELECTION RCTs included in more than one review. DATA EXTRACTION Risk of bias assessment and support for judgement for five key risk of bias items. DATA SYNTHESIS For each item, we compared risk of bias assessment made in each review and calculated proportion of agreement. Two reviewers independently analysed 50% of all disagreements by comparing support for each judgement with information from study report to evaluate whether disagreements were related to a difference in information (eg, contact the study author) or a difference in interpretation (same support for judgement but different interpretation). They also identified main reasons for different interpretation. RESULTS 1604 RCTs were included in more than one review. Proportion of agreement ranged from 57% (770/1348 trials) for incomplete outcome data to 81% for random sequence generation (1193/1466). Most common source of disagreement was difference in interpretation of the same information, ranging from 65% (88/136) for random sequence generation to 90% (56/62) for blinding of participants and personnel. Access to different information explained 32/136 (24%) disagreements for random sequence generation and 38/205 (19%) for allocation concealment. Disagreements related to difference in interpretation were frequently related to incomplete or unclear reporting in the study report (83% of disagreements related to different interpretation for random sequence generation). CONCLUSIONS Risk of bias judgements of RCTs included in more than one Cochrane review differed substantially. Most disagreements were related to a difference in interpretation of an incomplete or unclear description in the study report. A clearer guidance on common causes of incomplete information may improve agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bertizzolo
- U1153, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cite Research Center (CRESS), Methods of therapeutic evaluation of chronic diseases team (METHODS), INSERM, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- Departmentof Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Bossuyt
- Departmentof Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ignacio Atal
- U1153, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cite Research Center (CRESS), Methods of therapeutic evaluation of chronic diseases team (METHODS), INSERM, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Ravaud
- U1153, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cite Research Center (CRESS), Methods of therapeutic evaluation of chronic diseases team (METHODS), INSERM, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre d'Épidémiologie Clinique, INSERM U738 Hôpital Hôtel Dieu AP-HP (Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris), Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Agnes Dechartres
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, Département Biostatistique Santé Publique et Information Médicale, F75013, Paris, France
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Aher SM, Ohlsson A. Late erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to prevent red blood cell transfusion in preterm or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 2:CD004868. [PMID: 30776084 PMCID: PMC6378929 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004868.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm infants have low plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO), providing a rationale for the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to prevent or treat anaemia. Darbepoetin (Darbe) and EPO are currently available ESAs. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of late initiation of ESAs, between eight and 28 days after birth, in reducing the use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in preterm or low birth weight infants. SEARCH METHODS We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 5), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 5 June 2018), Embase (1980 to 5 June 2018), and CINAHL (1982 to 5 June 2018). We searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of late initiation of EPO treatment (started at ≥ eight days of age) versus placebo or no intervention in preterm (< 37 weeks) or low birth weight (< 2500 grams) neonates. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed data collection and analyses in accordance with the methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We include 31 studies (32 comparisons) randomising 1651 preterm infants. Literature searches in 2018 identified one new study for inclusion. No new on-going trials were identified and no studies used darbepoetin.Most included trials were of small sample size. The meta-analysis showed a significant effect on the use of one or more RBC transfusions (21 studies (n = 1202); typical risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 0.79; typical risk difference (RD) -0.17, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.12; typical number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 6, 95% CI 5 to 8). There was moderate heterogeneity for this outcome (RR I² = 66%; RD I² = 58%). The quality of the evidence was very low. We obtained similar results in secondary analyses based on different combinations of high/low doses of EPO and iron supplementation. There was no significant reduction in the total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant (typical mean difference (MD) -1.6 mL/kg, 95% CI -5.8 to 2.6); 5 studies, 197 infants). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome (I² = 92%). There was a significant reduction in the number of transfusions per infant (11 studies enrolling 817 infants; typical MD -0.22, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.06). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome (I² = 94%).Three studies including 404 infants reported on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (all stages or stage not reported), with a typical RR 1.27 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.64) and a typical RD of 0.09 (95% CI -0.00 to 0.18). There was high heterogeneity for this outcome for both RR (I² = 83%) and RD (I² = 82%). The quality of the evidence was very low.Three trials enrolling 442 infants reported on ROP (stage ≥ 3). The typical RR was 1.73 (95% CI 0.92 to 3.24) and the typical RD was 0.05 (95% CI -0.01 to 0.10). There was no heterogeneity for this outcome for RR (I² = 18%) but high heterogeneity for RD (I² = 79%). The quality of the evidence was very low.There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes including mortality and necrotising enterocolitis. For the outcomes of mortality and necrotising enterocolitis, the quality of the evidence was moderate. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Late administration of EPO reduces the use of one or more RBC transfusions, the number of RBC transfusions per infant (< 1 transfusion per infant) but not the total volume (mL/kg) of RBCs transfused per infant. Any donor exposure is likely not avoided as most studies included infants who had received RBC transfusions prior to trial entry. Late EPO does not significantly reduce or increase any clinically important adverse outcomes except for a trend in increased risk for ROP. Further research of the use of late EPO treatment, to prevent donor exposure, is not indicated. Research efforts should focus on limiting donor exposure during the first few days of life in sick neonates, when RBC requirements are most likely to be required and cannot be prevented by late EPO treatment. The use of satellite packs (dividing one unit of donor blood into many smaller aliquots) may reduce donor exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay M Aher
- Neocare HospitalNeonatal Intensive Care UnitMumbai NakaNashikIndia422002
| | - Arne Ohlsson
- University of TorontoDepartments of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation600 University AvenueTorontoCanadaM5G 1X5
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Laursen DRT, Paludan-Müller AS, Hróbjartsson A. Randomized clinical trials with run-in periods: frequency, characteristics and reporting. Clin Epidemiol 2019; 11:169-184. [PMID: 30809104 PMCID: PMC6377048 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s188752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Run-in periods are occasionally used in randomized clinical trials to exclude patients after inclusion, but before randomization. In theory, run-in periods increase the probability of detecting a potential treatment effect, at the cost of possibly affecting external and internal validity. Adequate reporting of exclusions during the run-in period is a prerequisite for judging the risk of compromised validity. Our study aims were to assess the proportion of randomized clinical trials with run-in periods, to characterize such trials and the types of run-in periods and to assess their reporting. Materials and methods This was an observational study of 470 PubMed-indexed randomized controlled trial publications from 2014. We compared trials with and without run-in periods, described the types of run-in periods and evaluated the completeness of their reporting by noting whether publications stated the number of excluded patients, reasons for exclusion and baseline characteristics of the excluded patients. Results Twenty-five trials reported a run-in period (5%). These were larger than other trials (median number of randomized patients 217 vs 90, P=0.01) and more commonly industry trials (11% vs 3%, P<0.01). The run-in procedures varied in design and purpose. In 23 out of 25 trials (88%), the run-in period was incompletely reported, mostly due to missing baseline characteristics. Conclusion Approximately 1 in 20 trials used run-in periods, though much more frequently in industry trials. Reporting of the run-in period was often incomplete, precluding a meaningful assessment of the impact of the run-in period on the validity of trial results. We suggest that current trials with run-in periods are interpreted with caution and that updates of reporting guidelines for randomized trials address the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ruben Teindl Laursen
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, .,Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, .,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, .,Odense Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark,
| | | | - Asbjørn Hróbjartsson
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, .,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, .,Odense Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark,
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Kinney AY, Howell R, Ruckman R, McDougall JA, Boyce TW, Vicuña B, Lee JH, Guest DD, Rycroft R, Valverde PA, Gallegos KM, Meisner A, Wiggins CL, Stroup A, Paddock LE, Walters ST. Promoting guideline-based cancer genetic risk assessment for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in ethnically and geographically diverse cancer survivors: Rationale and design of a 3-arm randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2018; 73:123-135. [PMID: 30236776 PMCID: PMC6214814 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although national guidelines for cancer genetic risk assessment (CGRA) for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) have been available for over two decades, less than half of high-risk women have accessed these services, especially underserved minority and rural populations. Identification of high-risk individuals is crucial for cancer survivors and their families to benefit from biomedical advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. METHODS This paper describes community-engaged formative research and the protocol of the ongoing randomized 3-arm controlled Genetic Risk Assessment for Cancer Education and Empowerment (GRACE) trial. Ethnically and geographically diverse breast and ovarian cancer survivors at increased risk for hereditary cancer predisposition who have not had a CGRA are recruited through the three statewide cancer registries. The specific aims are to: 1) compare the effectiveness of a targeted intervention (TP) vs. a tailored counseling and navigation(TCN) intervention vs. usual care (UC) on CGRA utilization at 6 months post-diagnosis (primary outcome); compare the effectiveness of the interventions on genetic counseling uptake at 12 months after removal of cost barriers (secondary outcome); 2) examine potential underlying theoretical mediating and moderating mechanisms; and 3) conduct a cost evaluation to guide dissemination strategies. DISCUSSION The ongoing GRACE trial addresses an important translational gap by developing and implementing evidence-based strategies to promote guideline-based care and reduce disparities in CGRA utilization among ethnically and geographically diverse women. If effective, these interventions have the potential to reach a large number of high-risk families and reduce disparities through broad dissemination. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03326713; clinicaltrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Y Kinney
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Jersey; Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Jersey.
| | - Rachel Howell
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Rachel Ruckman
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Jean A McDougall
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Tawny W Boyce
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Belinda Vicuña
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico; Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Dolores D Guest
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Randi Rycroft
- Colorado Central Cancer Registry, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Patricia A Valverde
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Angela Meisner
- New Mexico Tumor Registry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Charles L Wiggins
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico; New Mexico Tumor Registry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Mexico
| | - Antoinette Stroup
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Jersey; Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Jersey
| | - Lisa E Paddock
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Jersey; Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Jersey
| | - Scott T Walters
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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Hecksteden A, Faude O, Meyer T, Donath L. How to Construct, Conduct and Analyze an Exercise Training Study? Front Physiol 2018; 9:1007. [PMID: 30140237 PMCID: PMC6094975 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be regarded as gold standard in investigating dose-response and causal relationships in exercise science. Recommendations for exercise training routines and efficacy analyses of certain training regimen require valid data derived from robust RCTs. Moreover, meta-analyses rely on RCTs and both RCTs and meta-analyses are considered the highest level of scientific evidence. Beyond general study design a variety of methodological aspects and notable pitfalls has to be considered. Therefore, exercise training studies should be carefully constructed focusing on the consistency of the whole design "package" from an explicit hypothesis or research question over study design and methodology to data analysis and interpretation. The present scoping review covers all main aspects of planning, conducting, and analyzing exercise based RCTs. We aim to focus on relevant aspects regarding study design, statistical power, training planning and documentation as well as traditional and recent statistical approaches. We intend to provide a comprehensive hands-on paper for conceptualizing future exercise training studies and hope to stimulate and encourage researchers to conduct sound and valid RCTs in the field of exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hecksteden
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Oliver Faude
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Lars Donath
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Strömberg J, Ibsen Sörensen A, Fridén J. Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy Versus Collagenase Treatment for Dupuytren Contracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial with a Two-Year Follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018; 100:1079-1086. [PMID: 29975270 PMCID: PMC6075875 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.17.01128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local disruption of the cord that causes contracture of the finger in Dupuytren disease can be achieved either through mechanical division by percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) or through enzymatic digestion by injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH). This study was designed to compare clinical and patient-reported outcomes between patients who had been treated with each method. METHODS A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial was designed and included 156 patients with a contracture of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of ≥20°. The patients were allocated to treatment with either PNF or CCH. The primary outcome was a reduction of the MCP contracture to <5°. Secondary outcomes included the reduction of any concomitant contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, the presence of Dupuytren cords, and changes in patient-reported outcomes as measured with the URAM (Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de Main) and QuickDASH (an abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) questionnaires and visual analog scales for patient satisfaction. All treatments were performed by a single surgeon and all blinded follow-up measurements were made by a single physiotherapist. The participants were assessed at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years after the interventions. RESULTS A total of 152 patients (97%) were examined at 2 years, at which time 58 patients (76%) treated with CCH and 60 (79%) treated with PNF retained a straight MCP joint. No cords were detectable in >50% of the patients at 2 years. There were no significant differences in the reduction of PIP contracture, range of motion, or patient-reported outcomes between the 2 treatments. CONCLUSIONS This trial demonstrated no advantage of CCH treatment compared with PNF in terms of clinical outcome at any time during the 2-year follow-up. The significant decrease in the number of pathological cords (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test) after disruption regardless of the method used may indicate that resorption of pathological collagen occurs when the tension in the Dupuytren cord is diminished. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Strömberg
- Department of Hand Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Centre for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden,E-mail address for J. Strömberg:
| | | | - Jan Fridén
- Department of Hand Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Centre for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
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Turk T, Elhady MT, Rashed S, Abdelkhalek M, Nasef SA, Khallaf AM, Mohammed AT, Attia AW, Adhikari P, Amin MA, Hirayama K, Huy NT. Quality of reporting web-based and non-web-based survey studies: What authors, reviewers and consumers should consider. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194239. [PMID: 29912881 PMCID: PMC6005542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several influential aspects of survey research have been under-investigated and there is a lack of guidance on reporting survey studies, especially web-based projects. In this review, we aim to investigate the reporting practices and quality of both web- and non-web-based survey studies to enhance the quality of reporting medical evidence that is derived from survey studies and to maximize the efficiency of its consumption. METHODS Reporting practices and quality of 100 random web- and 100 random non-web-based articles published from 2004 to 2016 were assessed using the SUrvey Reporting GuidelinE (SURGE). The CHERRIES guideline was also used to assess the reporting quality of Web-based studies. RESULTS Our results revealed a potential gap in the reporting of many necessary checklist items in both web-based and non-web-based survey studies including development, description and testing of the questionnaire, the advertisement and administration of the questionnaire, sample representativeness and response rates, incentives, informed consent, and methods of statistical analysis. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm the presence of major discrepancies in reporting results of survey-based studies. This can be attributed to the lack of availability of updated universal checklists for quality of reporting standards. We have summarized our findings in a table that may serve as a roadmap for future guidelines and checklists, which will hopefully include all types and all aspects of survey research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Turk
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Sherwet Rashed
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States of America
| | - Mariam Abdelkhalek
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- Evidence Based Medicine Research Group & Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Clinical Product Development, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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31
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O'Kane SM, Pourshahidi LK, Mulhern MS, Strain JJ, Mackle EM, Koca D, Schomburg L, Hill S, O'Reilly J, Kmiotek D, Deitrich C, Bath SC, Yeates AJ. Cow Milk Consumption Increases Iodine Status in Women of Childbearing Age in a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2018; 148:401-408. [PMID: 29546298 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxx043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent evidence has highlighted the prevalence of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency in women of childbearing age and pregnant women, with important public health ramifications due to the role of iodine, which is required for thyroid hormone production, in neurodevelopment. Cow milk contributes the greatest amount to iodine intakes in several countries. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increased cow milk consumption on iodine status, thyroid hormone concentrations, and selenium status. Methods A 12-wk randomized controlled trial was conducted in 78 low-moderate milk-consuming (<250 mL/d) healthy women (aged 18-45 y). The intervention group was asked to consume 3 L semiskimmed milk/wk, whereas the control group continued their usual milk consumption (baseline median: 140 mL/d; IQR: 40-240 mL/d). At baseline and weeks 6 and 12, participants provided a spot urine sample [urinary iodine concentration (UIC), creatinine] and a fasting blood sample (thyroid hormone concentrations, serum total selenium, selenoprotein P). Results At baseline, the median (IQR) UIC of all participants was 78.5 µg/L (39.1-126.1 µg/L). Changes in the median UIC from baseline to week 6 (35.4 compared with 0.6 µg/L; P = 0.014) and week 12 (51.6 compared with -3.8 µg/L; P = 0.045) were significantly greater in the intervention group compared with the control group. However, despite being higher within the intervention group at weeks 6 and 12, the change in the iodine:creatinine ratio from baseline was not significantly different between groups at either week 6 (P = 0.637) or week 12 (P = 0.178). There were no significant differences in thyroid hormone concentrations or selenium status between groups at any time point. Conclusions The present study shows that the consumption of additional cow milk can significantly increase UIC in women of childbearing age. These results suggest that cow milk is a potentially important dietary source of iodine in this population group. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02767167.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Maria O'Kane
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - L Kirsty Pourshahidi
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Emer M Mackle
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Duygu Koca
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hill
- LGC, Teddington, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Sarah C Bath
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J Yeates
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, United Kingdom
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Cumberland PM, Bountziouka V, Rahi JS. Impact of varying the definition of myopia on estimates of prevalence and associations with risk factors: time for an approach that serves research, practice and policy. Br J Ophthalmol 2018; 102:1407-1412. [PMID: 29437571 PMCID: PMC6173820 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refractive error is an increasing global public health concern that requires robust and reliable research to identify modifiable risk factors and provide accurate estimates of population burden. We investigated the impact of reclassification of individuals when using different threshold values of spherical equivalent (SE) to define myopia, on estimates of frequency, distribution and associations with risk factors, to inform current international initiatives to standardise definitions. METHODS A random sample of 1985 individuals from the 1958 British birth cohort, at age 44, had autorefraction and self-reported on educational attainment and social class.Refraction status assigned in three different models using SE: (A) moderate to high myopia -3 diopters (D) or more extreme (≤-3.00D), (B) hypermetropia +1.00D or more extreme (≥+1.00D) and (C) mild myopia using three different thresholds: -1.00D, -0.75D or -0.50D, hence reciprocal changes in definition of emmetropia. RESULTS Frequency estimates and associations with risk factors altered significantly as the threshold value for myopia moved towards SE 0.0D: prevalence of mild myopia increased from 28% to 47%, the association with highest educational attainment attenuated and with higher social class strengthened, with changes in risk ratios of approximately 20%. CONCLUSION Even small changes in the threshold definition of myopia (±0.25D) can significantly affect the conclusions of epidemiological studies, creating both false-positive and false-negative associations for specific risk factors. An international classification for refractive error, empirically evidenced and cognisant of the question(s) being addressed and the population(s) being studied, is needed to serve better translational research, practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillippa M Cumberland
- Life Course Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK
| | - Vasiliki Bountziouka
- Life Course Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jugnoo S Rahi
- Life Course Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital / UCL GOS Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust / NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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Lawrie TA, Green JT, Beresford M, Wedlake L, Burden S, Davidson SE, Lal S, Henson CC, Andreyev HJN. Interventions to reduce acute and late adverse gastrointestinal effects of pelvic radiotherapy for primary pelvic cancers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 1:CD012529. [PMID: 29360138 PMCID: PMC6491191 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012529.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of people survive cancer but a significant proportion have gastrointestinal side effects as a result of radiotherapy (RT), which impairs their quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVES To determine which prophylactic interventions reduce the incidence, severity or both of adverse gastrointestinal effects among adults receiving radiotherapy to treat primary pelvic cancers. SEARCH METHODS We conducted searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase in September 2016 and updated them on 2 November 2017. We also searched clinical trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to prevent adverse gastrointestinal effects of pelvic radiotherapy among adults receiving radiotherapy to treat primary pelvic cancers, including radiotherapy techniques, other aspects of radiotherapy delivery, pharmacological interventions and non-pharmacological interventions. Studies needed a sample size of 20 or more participants and needed to evaluate gastrointestinal toxicity outcomes. We excluded studies that evaluated dosimetric parameters only. We also excluded trials of interventions to treat acute gastrointestinal symptoms, trials of altered fractionation and dose escalation schedules, and trials of pre- versus postoperative radiotherapy regimens, to restrict the vast scope of the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodology. We used the random-effects statistical model for all meta-analyses, and the GRADE system to rate the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 92 RCTs involving more than 10,000 men and women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. Trials involved 44 different interventions, including radiotherapy techniques (11 trials, 4 interventions/comparisons), other aspects of radiotherapy delivery (14 trials, 10 interventions), pharmacological interventions (38 trials, 16 interventions), and non-pharmacological interventions (29 trials, 13 interventions). Most studies (79/92) had design limitations. Thirteen studies had a low risk of bias, 50 studies had an unclear risk of bias and 29 studies had a high risk of bias. Main findings include the following:Radiotherapy techniques: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus 3D conformal RT (3DCRT) may reduce acute (risk ratio (RR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26 to 0.88; participants = 444; studies = 4; I2 = 77%; low-certainty evidence) and late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity grade 2+ (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.65; participants = 332; studies = 2; I2 = 0%; low-certainty evidence). Conformal RT (3DCRT or IMRT) versus conventional RT reduces acute GI toxicity grade 2+ (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.82; participants = 307; studies = 2; I2 = 0%; high-certainty evidence) and probably leads to less late GI toxicity grade 2+ (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.09; participants = 517; studies = 3; I2 = 44%; moderate-certainty evidence). When brachytherapy (BT) is used instead of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in early endometrial cancer, evidence indicates that it reduces acute GI toxicity (grade 2+) (RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.18; participants = 423; studies = 1; high-certainty evidence).Other aspects of radiotherapy delivery: There is probably little or no difference in acute GI toxicity grade 2+ with reduced radiation dose volume (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.81; participants = 211; studies = 1; moderate-certainty evidence) and maybe no difference in late GI toxicity grade 2+ (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.97; participants = 107; studies = 1; low-certainty evidence). Evening delivery of RT may reduce acute GI toxicity (diarrhoea) grade 2+ during RT compared with morning delivery of RT (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.76; participants = 294; studies = 2; I2 = 0%; low-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in acute (RR 2.22, 95% CI 0.62 to 7.93, participants = 110; studies = 1) and late GI toxicity grade 2+ (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.65; participants = 81; studies = 1) between a bladder volume preparation of 1080 mls and that of 540 mls (low-certainty evidence). Low-certainty evidence on balloon and hydrogel spacers suggests that these interventions for prostate cancer RT may make little or no difference to GI outcomes.Pharmacological interventions: Evidence for any beneficial effects of aminosalicylates, sucralfate, amifostine, corticosteroid enemas, bile acid sequestrants, famotidine and selenium is of a low or very low certainty. However, evidence on certain aminosalicylates (mesalazine, olsalazine), misoprostol suppositories, oral magnesium oxide and octreotide injections suggests that these agents may worsen GI symptoms, such as diarrhoea or rectal bleeding.Non-pharmacological interventions: Low-certainty evidence suggests that protein supplements (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.74; participants = 74; studies = 1), dietary counselling (RR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.60; participants = 74; studies = 1) and probiotics (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.82; participants = 923; studies = 5; I2 = 91%) may reduce acute RT-related diarrhoea (grade 2+). Dietary counselling may also reduce diarrhoeal symptoms in the long term (at five years, RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.78; participants = 61; studies = 1). Low-certainty evidence from one study (108 participants) suggests that a high-fibre diet may have a beneficial effect on GI symptoms (mean difference (MD) 6.10, 95% CI 1.71 to 10.49) and quality of life (MD 20.50, 95% CI 9.97 to 31.03) at one year. High-certainty evidence indicates that glutamine supplements do not prevent RT-induced diarrhoea. Evidence on various other non-pharmacological interventions, such as green tea tablets, is lacking.Quality of life was rarely and inconsistently reported across included studies, and the available data were seldom adequate for meta-analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Conformal radiotherapy techniques are an improvement on older radiotherapy techniques. IMRT may be better than 3DCRT in terms of GI toxicity, but the evidence to support this is uncertain. There is no high-quality evidence to support the use of any other prophylactic intervention evaluated. However, evidence on some potential interventions shows that they probably have no role to play in reducing RT-related GI toxicity. More RCTs are needed for interventions with limited evidence suggesting potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Lawrie
- Cochrane Gynaecological, Neuro-oncology and Orphan Cancer Group, 1st Floor Education Centre, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, UK, BA1 3NG
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Jones G, Brennan V, Jacques R, Wood H, Dixon S, Radley S. Evaluating the impact of a 'virtual clinic' on patient experience, personal and provider costs of care in urinary incontinence: A randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0189174. [PMID: 29346378 PMCID: PMC5773012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of using a 'virtual clinic' on patient experience and cost in the care of women with urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Women, aged > 18 years referred to a urogynaecology unit were randomised to either (1) A Standard Clinic or (2) A Virtual Clinic. Both groups completed a validated, web-based interactive, patient-reported outome measure (ePAQ-Pelvic Floor), in advance of their appointment followed by either a telephone consultation (Virtual Clinic) or face-to-face consultation (Standard Care). The primary outcome was the mean 'short-term outcome scale' score on the Patient Experience Questionnaire (PEQ). Secondary Outcome Measures included the other domains of the PEQ (Communications, Emotions and Barriers), Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), Short-Form 12 (SF-12), personal, societal and NHS costs. RESULTS 195 women were randomised: 98 received the intervention and 97 received standard care. The primary outcome showed a non-significant difference between the two study arms. No significant differences were also observed on the CSQ and SF-12. However, the intervention group showed significantly higher PEQ domain scores for Communications, Emotions and Barriers (including following adjustment for age and parity). Whilst standard care was overall more cost-effective, this was minimal (£38.04). The virtual clinic also significantly reduced consultation time (10.94 minutes, compared with a mean duration of 25.9 minutes respectively) and consultation costs compared to usual care (£31.75 versus £72.17 respectively), thus presenting potential cost-savings in out-patient management. CONCLUSIONS The virtual clinical had no impact on the short-term dimension of the PEQ and overall was not as cost-effective as standard care, due to greater clinic re-attendances in this group. In the virtual clinic group, consultation times were briefer, communication experience was enhanced and personal costs lower. For medical conditions of a sensitive or intimate nature, a virtual clinic has potential to support patients to communicate with health professionals about their condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Jones
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Victoria Brennan
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health & Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Jacques
- Design, Trials and Statistics, School of Health & Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary Wood
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health & Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Dixon
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health & Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Radley
- Urogynaecology Unit, Jessop Wing, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Adams YJ, Kamp K, Liu CC, Stommel M, Thana K, Broome ME, Smith B. Revisiting the Quality of Reporting Randomized Controlled Trials in Nursing Literature. J Nurs Scholarsh 2017; 50:200-209. [PMID: 29266760 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine and update the literature on the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as reported in top nursing journals, based on manuscripts' adherence to the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. DESIGN Descriptive review of adherence of RCT manuscript to CONSORT guidelines. METHODS Top 40 International Scientific Indexing (ISI) ranked nursing journals that published 20 or more RCTs between 2010 and 2014, were included in the study. Selected articles were randomly assigned to four reviewers who assessed the quality of the articles using the CONSORT checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. FINDINGS A total of 119 articles were included in the review. The mean CONSORT score significantly differed by journal but did not differ based on year of publication. The least consistently reported items included random allocation, who randomly assigned participants and whether those administering the interventions were blinded to group assignment. CONCLUSIONS Although progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in the quality of RCT reporting in nursing journals. Special attention must be paid to how adequately studies adhere to the CONSORT prior to publication in nursing journals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Evidence from (RCTs) are thought to provide the best evidence for evaluating the impact of treatments and interventions by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Since the evidence may be used for the development of clinical practice guidelines, it is critical that RCTs be designed, conducted, and reported appropriately and precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenupini Joyce Adams
- Alpha Psi, Registered Nurse, Wellstar Health System, Cobb Hospital, Austell, GA, USA.,Alpha Psi, Doctoral Candidate, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kendra Kamp
- Alpha Psi, Doctoral Candidate, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cheng Ching Liu
- Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Manfred Stommel
- Professor, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kanjana Thana
- Doctoral Student, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Marion E Broome
- Beta Epsilon, Dean and Vice Chancellor for Nursing Affairs, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Smith
- Alpha Psi, Professor, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Williamson PR, Altman DG, Bagley H, Barnes KL, Blazeby JM, Brookes ST, Clarke M, Gargon E, Gorst S, Harman N, Kirkham JJ, McNair A, Prinsen CAC, Schmitt J, Terwee CB, Young B. The COMET Handbook: version 1.0. Trials 2017; 18:280. [PMID: 28681707 PMCID: PMC5499094 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-1978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1066] [Impact Index Per Article: 152.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of appropriate outcomes is crucial when designing clinical trials in order to compare the effects of different interventions directly. For the findings to influence policy and practice, the outcomes need to be relevant and important to key stakeholders including patients and the public, health care professionals and others making decisions about health care. It is now widely acknowledged that insufficient attention has been paid to the choice of outcomes measured in clinical trials. Researchers are increasingly addressing this issue through the development and use of a core outcome set, an agreed standardised collection of outcomes which should be measured and reported, as a minimum, in all trials for a specific clinical area.Accumulating work in this area has identified the need for guidance on the development, implementation, evaluation and updating of core outcome sets. This Handbook, developed by the COMET Initiative, brings together current thinking and methodological research regarding those issues. We recommend a four-step process to develop a core outcome set. The aim is to update the contents of the Handbook as further research is identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R. Williamson
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Douglas G. Altman
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heather Bagley
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Karen L. Barnes
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Jane M. Blazeby
- MRC ConDuCT II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sara T. Brookes
- MRC ConDuCT II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mike Clarke
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- National University of Ireland Galway and HRB Trials Methodology Research Network, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Gargon
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Sarah Gorst
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Nicola Harman
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Jamie J. Kirkham
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
| | - Angus McNair
- MRC ConDuCT II Hub for Trials Methodology Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Cecilia A. C. Prinsen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Univesität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Caroline B. Terwee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bridget Young
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Block F Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL UK
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Bunketorp-Käll L, Lundgren-Nilsson Å, Samuelsson H, Pekny T, Blomvé K, Pekna M, Pekny M, Blomstrand C, Nilsson M. Long-Term Improvements After Multimodal Rehabilitation in Late Phase After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Stroke 2017; 48:1916-1924. [PMID: 28619985 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.116.016433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Treatments that improve function in late phase after stroke are urgently needed. We assessed whether multimodal interventions based on rhythm-and-music therapy or horse-riding therapy could lead to increased perceived recovery and functional improvement in a mixed population of individuals in late phase after stroke. METHODS Participants were assigned to rhythm-and-music therapy, horse-riding therapy, or control using concealed randomization, stratified with respect to sex and stroke laterality. Therapy was given twice a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in participants' perception of stroke recovery as assessed by the Stroke Impact Scale with an intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary objective outcome measures were changes in balance, gait, grip strength, and cognition. Blinded assessments were performed at baseline, postintervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS One hundred twenty-three participants were assigned to rhythm-and-music therapy (n=41), horse-riding therapy (n=41), or control (n=41). Post-intervention, the perception of stroke recovery (mean change from baseline on a scale ranging from 1 to 100) was higher among rhythm-and-music therapy (5.2 [95% confidence interval, 0.79-9.61]) and horse-riding therapy participants (9.8 [95% confidence interval, 6.00-13.66]), compared with controls (-0.5 [-3.20 to 2.28]); P=0.001 (1-way ANOVA). The improvements were sustained in both intervention groups 6 months later, and corresponding gains were observed for the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal interventions can improve long-term perception of recovery, as well as balance, gait, grip strength, and working memory in a mixed population of individuals in late phase after stroke. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http//www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01372059.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Bunketorp-Käll
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Åsa Lundgren-Nilsson
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Hans Samuelsson
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Tulen Pekny
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Karin Blomvé
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Marcela Pekna
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Milos Pekny
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Christian Blomstrand
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.)
| | - Michael Nilsson
- From the Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (L.B.-K., A.L.-N., H.S., T.P., M. Pekna, M. Pekny, C.B., M.N.); Center for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden (L.B.-K.); Stroke Center West, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (A.L.-N., C.B.); Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (H.S.); Occupational Health Care Unit (Hälsan och Arbetslivet), Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden (K.B.); Florey Institute of Neuroscience and and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.); and Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Australia (M. Pekna, M. Pekny, M.N.).
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Enticott JC, Shawyer F, Vasi S, Buck K, Cheng IH, Russell G, Kakuma R, Minas H, Meadows G. A systematic review of studies with a representative sample of refugees and asylum seekers living in the community for participation in mental health research. BMC Med Res Methodol 2017; 17:37. [PMID: 28253851 PMCID: PMC5335792 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-017-0312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to review the literature to identify the most effective methods for creating a representative sample of refugee and asylum seeker groups living in the community to participate in health and mental health survey research. METHODS A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted for relevant literature with 'hidden' groups published between January 1995 and January 2016. The main search used Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL and SCOPUS electronic databases. Hidden groups were defined as refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons or hard/difficult to reach populations. A supplementary grey literature search was conducted. Identified articles were rated according to a created graded system of 'level of evidence for a community representative sample' based on key study factors that indicated possible sources of selection bias. Articles were included if they were assessed as having medium or higher evidence for a representative sample. All full-text papers that met the eligibility criteria were examined in detail and relevant data extracted. RESULTS The searches identified a total of 20 publications for inclusion: 16 peer-reviewed publications and four highly relevant reports. Seventeen studies had sampled refugee and asylum seekers and three other hidden groups. The main search identified 12 (60.0%) and the grey search identified another eight (40.0%) articles. All 20 described sampling techniques for accessing hidden groups for participation in health-related research. Key design considerations were: an a priori aim to recruit a representative sample; a reliable sampling frame; recording of response rates; implementation of long recruitment periods; using multiple non-probability sampling methods; and, if possible, including a probability sampling component. Online social networking sites were used by one study. Engagement with the refugee and asylum seeker group was universally endorsed in the literature as necessary and a variety of additional efforts to do this were reported. CONCLUSIONS The strategies for increasing the likelihood of a representative sample of this hidden group were identified and will assist researchers when doing future research with refugee groups. These findings encourage more rigorous reporting of future studies so that the representativeness of samples of these groups in research can be more readily assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne C. Enticott
- Department of Psychiatry, Southern Synergy, Monash University, 126-128 Cleeland St, Dandenong, VIC 3175 Australia
- RDNS Institute, 31 Alma Rd, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia
| | - Frances Shawyer
- Department of Psychiatry, Southern Synergy, Monash University, 126-128 Cleeland St, Dandenong, VIC 3175 Australia
| | - Shiva Vasi
- Southern Academic Primary Care Research Unit, School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Kimberly Buck
- Department of Psychiatry, Southern Synergy, Monash University, 126-128 Cleeland St, Dandenong, VIC 3175 Australia
| | - I-Hao Cheng
- Southern Academic Primary Care Research Unit, School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Grant Russell
- Southern Academic Primary Care Research Unit, School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Ritsuko Kakuma
- Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Harry Minas
- Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Graham Meadows
- Department of Psychiatry, Southern Synergy, Monash University, 126-128 Cleeland St, Dandenong, VIC 3175 Australia
- Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- Mental Health Program, Monash Health, Dandenong, Victoria 3075 Australia
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Riley SP, Swanson BT, Sawyer SF, Brismée JM. Is research quality in orthopedic manual therapy trials stagnating? Reflections and pathways for improving research quality and advance our profession. J Man Manip Ther 2016; 24:239-240. [PMID: 27956816 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2016.1253561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Riley
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Sacred Heart University, CT, USA
| | - Brian T Swanson
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of New England, ME, USA
| | - Steven F Sawyer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Center for Rehabilitation Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, TX, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Brismée
- Editor-in-Chief - Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Heyneman A, Hoeksema H, Vandekerckhove D, Pirayesh A, Monstrey S. The role of silver sulphadiazine in the conservative treatment of partial thickness burn wounds: A systematic review. Burns 2016; 42:1377-1386. [DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2016.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Hua F, Xie H, Worthington HV, Furness S, Zhang Q, Li C. Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 10:CD008367. [PMID: 27778318 PMCID: PMC6460950 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008367.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia developing in people who have received mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. VAP is a potentially serious complication in these patients who are already critically ill. Oral hygiene care (OHC), using either a mouthrinse, gel, toothbrush, or combination, together with aspiration of secretions, may reduce the risk of VAP in these patients. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of oral hygiene care on incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in hospital intensive care units (ICUs). SEARCH METHODS We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 17 December 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2015, Issue 11), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 17 December 2015), Embase Ovid (1980 to 17 December 2015), LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (1982 to 17 December 2015), CINAHL EBSCO (1937 to 17 December 2016), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (1978 to 14 January 2013), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1994 to 14 January 2013), Wan Fang Database (January 1984 to 14 January 2013) and VIP Database (January 2012 to 4 May 2016). We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials to 17 December 2015. We placed no restrictions on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of OHC (mouthrinse, swab, toothbrush or combination) in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors independently assessed search results, extracted data and assessed risk of bias in included studies. We contacted study authors for additional information. We pooled data from trials with similar interventions and outcomes. We reported risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, using random-effects models unless there were fewer than four studies. MAIN RESULTS We included 38 RCTs (6016 participants). There were four main comparisons: chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse or gel versus placebo/usual care; toothbrushing versus no toothbrushing; powered versus manual toothbrushing; and comparisons of oral care solutions. We assessed the overall risk of bias as low in five trials (13%), high in 26 trials (68%), and unclear in seven trials (18%). We did not consider the risk of bias to be serious when assessing the quality of evidence (GRADE) for VAP incidence, but we downgraded other outcomes for risk of bias.High quality evidence from 18 RCTs (2451 participants, 86% adults) shows that CHX mouthrinse or gel, as part of OHC, reduces the risk of VAP compared to placebo or usual care from 25% to about 19% (RR 0.74, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.61 to 0.89, P = 0.002, I2 = 31%). This is equivalent to a number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) of 17 (95% CI 10 to 33), which indicates that for every 17 ventilated patients in intensive care receiving OHC including chlorhexidine, one outcome of VAP would be prevented. There is no evidence of a difference between CHX and placebo/usual care for the outcomes of mortality (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.23, P = 0.18, I2 = 0%, 15 RCTs, 2163 participants, moderate quality evidence), duration of mechanical ventilation (MD -0.09 days, 95% CI -1.73 to 1.55 days, P = 0.91, I2 = 36%, five RCTs, 800 participants, low quality evidence), or duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD 0.21 days, 95% CI -1.48 to 1.89 days, P = 0.81, I2 = 9%, six RCTs, 833 participants, moderate quality evidence). There is insufficient evidence to determine the effect of CHX on duration of systemic antibiotics, oral health indices, caregivers' preferences or cost. Only two studies reported any adverse effects, and these were mild with similar frequency in CHX and control groups.We are uncertain as to the effects of toothbrushing (± antiseptics) on the outcomes of VAP (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.09, P = 0.11, I2 = 64%, five RCTs, 889 participants, very low quality evidence) and mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.09, P = 0.24, I2 = 0%, five RCTs, 889 participants, low quality evidence) compared to OHC without toothbrushing (± antiseptics). There is insufficient evidence to determine whether toothbrushing affects duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU stay, use of systemic antibiotics, oral health indices, adverse effects, caregivers' preferences or cost.Only one trial (78 participants) compared use of a powered toothbrush with a manual toothbrush, providing insufficient evidence to determine the effect on any of the outcomes of this review.Fifteen trials compared various other oral care solutions. There is very weak evidence that povidone iodine mouthrinse is more effective than saline/placebo (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.95, P = 0.02, I2 = 74%, three studies, 356 participants, high risk of bias), and that saline rinse is more effective than saline swab (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.62, P < 0.001, I2 = 84%, four studies, 488 participants, high risk of bias) in reducing VAP. Due to variation in comparisons and outcomes among trials, there is insufficient evidence concerning the effects of other oral care solutions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS OHC including chlorhexidine mouthwash or gel reduces the risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients from 25% to about 19%. However, there is no evidence of a difference in the outcomes of mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation or duration of ICU stay. There is no evidence that OHC including both antiseptics and toothbrushing is different from OHC with antiseptics alone, and some weak evidence to suggest that povidone iodine mouthrinse is more effective than saline/placebo, and saline rinse is more effective than saline swab in reducing VAP. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether powered toothbrushing or other oral care solutions are effective in reducing VAP. There is also insufficient evidence to determine whether any of the interventions evaluated in the studies are associated with adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Hua
- Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of ManchesterCochrane Oral HealthOxford RoadManchesterUKM13 9PL
| | - Huixu Xie
- West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNo. 14, Section Three, Ren Min Nan RoadChengduSichuanChina610041
| | - Helen V Worthington
- Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of ManchesterCochrane Oral HealthOxford RoadManchesterUKM13 9PL
| | - Susan Furness
- Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of ManchesterCochrane Oral HealthOxford RoadManchesterUKM13 9PL
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of Oral ImplantologyNo. 14, Section Three, Ren Min Nan RoadChengduSichuanChina610041
| | - Chunjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan UniversityDepartment of Head and Neck OncologyNo. 14, Section Three, Ren Min Nan RoadChengduSichuanChina610041
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Kelly LE, Davies EH, Saint-Raymond A, Tomasi P, Offringa M. Important issues in the justification of a control treatment in paediatric drug trials. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101:962-7. [PMID: 27052950 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-310644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The value of comparative effectiveness trials in informing clinical and policy decisions depends heavily on the choice of control arm (comparator). Our objective is to identify challenges in comparator reasoning and to determine justification criteria for selecting a control arm in paediatric clinical trials. DESIGN A literature search was completed to identify existing sources of guidance on comparator selection. Subsequently, we reviewed a randomly selected sample of comparators selected for paediatric investigation plans (PIPs) adopted by the Paediatric Committee of the European Medicines Agency in 2013. We gathered descriptive information and evaluated their review process to identify challenges and compromises between regulators and sponsors with regard to the selection of the comparator. A tool to help investigators justify the selection of active controls and placebo arms was developed using the existing literature and empirical data. RESULTS Justifying comparator selection was a challenge in 28% of PIPs. The following challenging paediatric issues in the decision-making process were identified: use of off-label medications as comparators, ethical and safe use of placebo, duration of placebo use, an undefined optimal dosing strategy, lack of age-appropriate safety and efficacy data, and drug dosing not supported by extrapolation of safety/efficacy evidence from other populations. CONCLUSIONS In order to generate trials that will inform clinical decision-making and support marketing authorisations, researchers must systemically and transparently justify their selection of the comparator arm for their study. This report highlights key areas for justification in the choice of comparator in paediatric clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Kelly
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Martin Offringa
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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Sng BL, Siddiqui FJ, Leong WL, Assam PN, Chan ESY, Tan KH, Sia AT. Hyperbaric versus isobaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 9:CD005143. [PMID: 27629425 PMCID: PMC6457713 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005143.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bupivacaine is an amide local anaesthetic used in hyperbaric and isobaric forms. These are administered intrathecally into the spine to provide regional anaesthesia for caesarean section. Several trials have compared hyperbaric and isobaric bupivacaine but none have conclusively shown the benefit of either. This review was first published in 2013 and updated in 2016. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to:1. Determine the effectiveness of hyperbaric bupivacaine compared to isobaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in women undergoing caesarean section;2. Determine the safety of hyperbaric bupivacaine compared to isobaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in women undergoing caesarean section. SEARCH METHODS We originally searched the following databases to January 2011: CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase.For this update, we reran our search in the above databases from January 2011 to March 2016; two studies are awaiting a response from authors for assessment and will be dealt with when we next update the review.We imposed no language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving parturients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section that compared the use of hyperbaric with isobaric bupivacaine. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted the data. The data that were extracted included the number of events and the sample sizes in both the intervention and control groups. For continuous outcomes, we extracted mean and standard deviation.We reported odds ratios (ORs) and risk ratios (RRs) for binary outcomes, and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included three new RCTs in this update, which now comprises 10 studies with a total of 614 participants. We judged most trials as having uncertain risk of bias regarding randomization. Other than this, the overall risk of bias was low. Most included trials had small sample sizes. All of the trials assessed the primary outcome of conversion to general anaesthesia. Ten trials comparing anaesthesia performed with hyperbaric and isobaric bupivacaine failed to show any difference in need for conversion to general anaesthesia (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.17, 614 participants, very low quality of evidence). Nine trials also failed to show a difference in the need for supplemental analgesics (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.41, 554 participants, very low quality of evidence). Four trials comparing requirement for ephedrine did not show any difference (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.38, 256 participants, very low quality of evidence). Seven trials did not provide convincing evidence of difference in nausea and vomiting (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.72, 433 participants, low quality of evidence). Three trials failed to show a difference in headache (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.47 to 6.99, 234 participants, low quality of evidence). Two trials showed that the time until sensory block to the thoracic 4th (T4) spinal level was shorter with hyperbaric bupivacaine (MD -1.06 minutes, 95% CI -1.80 to -0.31, 128 participants, moderate quality of evidence). Six trials showed no difference in the amount of ephedrine used (RR 0.23, 95% CI -1.65 to 2.12, 386 participants, moderate quality of evidence). Three trials failed to show any difference in high block (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.16 to 4.90, 205 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Data are limited for some of the outcomes. Reporting of the included trials is less than optimal. For these reasons the overall quality of evidence is low or very low for most of the outcomes, based on the GRADE method of assessment. This review found that intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine had a more rapid onset of sensory blockade at the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4) level than isobaric bupivacaine. Hower, despite incorporating more data in the analysis, we found little evidence that the need for conversion to general anaesthesia and supplemental analgesia differed between the hyperbaric or isobaric bupivacaine groups. This is mainly due to the rarity of these outcomes, variability in the dose, use of adjuvant drugs and differences in the technique used for regional anaesthesia. There were no differences in the adverse effects studied. Any possible advantage of hyperbaric bupivacaine needs to be confirmed in larger randomized trials. In future research, criteria for conversion to general anaesthesia need to be defined objectively and applied uniformly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ban Leong Sng
- KK Women's and Children's HospitalDepartment of Women's Anaesthesia100 Bukit Timah RoadSingaporeSingapore229899
| | - Fahad Javaid Siddiqui
- Duke‐NUS Graduate Medical SchoolCentre for Quantitative Medicine, Office of Clinical SciencesAcademia, #06‐69,20, College RoadSingaporeSingapore169856
| | - Wan Ling Leong
- KK Women's and Children's HospitalDepartment of Women's Anaesthesia100 Bukit Timah RoadSingaporeSingapore229899
| | - Pryseley N Assam
- Duke‐NUS Graduate Medical SchoolCentre for Quantitative Medicine, Office of Clinical SciencesAcademia, #06‐69,20, College RoadSingaporeSingapore169856
| | - Edwin SY Chan
- Singapore Clinical Research InstituteEpidemiologyNanos Building #02‐0131 Biopolis WaySingaporeSingapore138669
| | - Kelvin H Tan
- KK Women's and Children's HospitalDepartment of Maternal Fetal Medicine100 Bukit Timah RoadSingaporeSingapore229899
| | - Alex T Sia
- KK Women's and Children's HospitalDepartment of Women's Anaesthesia100 Bukit Timah RoadSingaporeSingapore229899
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Quality of reporting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in diabetes in Iran; a systematic review. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2016; 15:36. [PMID: 27610356 PMCID: PMC5015251 DOI: 10.1186/s40200-016-0258-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the quality of randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) reports in diabetes research in Iran. Design Systematized review. Methods We included RCTs conducted on diabetes mellitus in Iran. Animal studies, educational interventions, and non-randomized trials were excluded. We excluded duplicated publications reporting the same groups of participants and intervention. Two independent reviewers identify all eligible articles specifically designed data extraction form. We searched through international databases; Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, Science Direct, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed; and national databases (In Persian language) such as Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID) and IranMedex from January 1995 to January of 2013 Two investigators assessed the quality of reporting by CONSORT 2010 (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) checklist statemen.t,. Discrepancies were resolved by third reviewer consulting. Results One hundred and eight five (185) studies were included and appraised. Half of them (55.7 %) were published in Iranian journals. Most (89.7 %) were parallel RCTs, and being performed on type2 diabetic patients (77.8 %). Less than half of the CONSORT items (43.2 %) were reported in studies, totally. The reporting of randomization and blinding were poor. A few studies 15.1 % mentioned the method of random sequence generation and strategy of allocation concealment. And only 34.8 % of trials report how blinding was applied. Conclusions The findings of this study show that the quality of RCTs conducted in Iran in diabetes research seems suboptimal and the reporting is also incomplete however an increasing trend of improvement can be seen over time. Therefore, it is suggested Iranian researchers pay much more attention to design and methodological quality in conducting and reporting of diabetes RCTs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40200-016-0258-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Bellach J, Schwarz V, Ahrens B, Trendelenburg V, Aksünger Ö, Kalb B, Niggemann B, Keil T, Beyer K. Randomized placebo-controlled trial of hen's egg consumption for primary prevention in infants. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:1591-1599.e2. [PMID: 27523961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hen's egg is the most common cause of food allergy in early childhood. OBJECTIVE We investigated the efficacy and safety of early hen's egg introduction at age 4 to 6 months to prevent hen's egg allergy in the general population. METHODS This randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 4- to 6-month-old infants who were not sensitized against hen's egg, as determined based on specific serum antibodies (IgE). These infants were randomized to receive either verum (egg white powder) or placebo (rice powder) added to the first weaning food 3 times a week under a concurrent egg-free diet from age 4 to 6 until 12 months. The primary outcome was sensitization to hen's egg (increased specific serum IgE levels) by age 12 months. Hen's egg allergy (secondary outcome) was confirmed by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges. RESULTS Among 406 screened infants, 23 (5.7%) had hen's egg-specific IgE before randomization. Seventeen of 23 underwent subsequent double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges, and 16 were confirmed as allergic, including 11 with anaphylactic reactions. Of the 383 nonsensitized infants (56.7% male), 184 were randomized to verum and 199 to placebo. At 12 months of age, 5.6% of the children in the verum group were hen's egg sensitized versus 2.6% in the placebo group (primary outcome; relative risk, 2.20; 95% CI, 0.68-7.14; P = .24), and 2.1% were confirmed to have hen's egg allergy versus 0.6% in the placebo group (relative risk, 3.30; 95% CI, 0.35-31.32; P = .35). CONCLUSION We found no evidence that consumption of hen's egg starting at 4 to 6 months of age prevents hen's egg sensitization or allergy. In contrast, it might result in frequent allergic reactions in the community considering that many 4- to 6-month-old infants were already allergic to hen's egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Bellach
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veronika Schwarz
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Ahrens
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valérie Trendelenburg
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Özlem Aksünger
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Kalb
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bodo Niggemann
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Keil
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin-Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Beyer
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
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O'Connell NE, Wand BM, Gibson W, Carr DB, Birklein F, Stanton TR. Local anaesthetic sympathetic blockade for complex regional pain syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 7:CD004598. [PMID: 27467116 PMCID: PMC7202132 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004598.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review is an update of a previously published review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005, Issue 4 (and last updated in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013 issue 8), on local anaesthetic blockade (LASB) of the sympathetic chain to treat people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of LASB for the treatment of pain in CRPS and to evaluate the incidence of adverse effects of the procedure. SEARCH METHODS For this update we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2015, Issue 9), MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), LILACS (Birme), conference abstracts of the World Congresses of the International Association for the Study of Pain, and various clinical trial registers up to September 2015. We also searched bibliographies from retrieved articles for additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of sympathetic blockade with local anaesthetics in children or adults with CRPS compared to placebo, no treatment, or alternative treatments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The outcomes of interest were reduction in pain intensity, the proportion who achieved moderate or substantial pain relief, the duration of pain relief, and the presence of adverse effects in each treatment arm. We assessed the evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) and created a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS We included an additional four studies (N = 154) in this update. For this update, we excluded studies that did not follow up patients for more than 48 hours. As a result, we excluded four studies from the previous review in this update. Overall we included 12 studies (N = 461), all of which we judged to be at high or unclear risk of bias. Overall, the quality of evidence was low to very low, downgraded due to limitations, inconsistency, imprecision, indirectness, or a combination of these.Two small studies compared LASB to placebo/sham (N = 32). They did not demonstrate significant short-term benefit for LASB for pain intensity (moderate quality evidence).One small study (N = 36) at high risk of bias compared thoracic sympathetic block with corticosteroid and local anaesthetic versus injection of the same agents into the subcutaneous space, reporting statistically significant and clinically important differences in pain intensity at one-year follow-up but not at short term follow-up (very low quality evidence).Of two studies that investigated LASB as an addition to rehabilitation treatment, the only study that reported pain outcomes demonstrated no additional benefit from LASB (very low quality evidence).Eight small randomised studies compared sympathetic blockade to various other active interventions. Most studies found no difference in pain outcomes between sympathetic block versus other active treatments (low to very low quality evidence).One small study compared ultrasound-guided LASB with non-guided LASB and found no clinically important difference in pain outcomes (very low quality evidence).Six studies reported adverse events, all with minor effects reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This update's results are similar to the previous versions of this systematic review, and the main conclusions are unchanged. There remains a scarcity of published evidence and a lack of high quality evidence to support or refute the use of local anaesthetic sympathetic blockade for CRPS. From the existing evidence, it is not possible to draw firm conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of this intervention, but the limited data available do not suggest that LASB is effective for reducing pain in CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil E O'Connell
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Health Economics Research Group, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK, UB8 3PH
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Dimova RB, Allison DB. Inappropriate statistical method in a parallel-group randomized controlled trial results in unsubstantiated conclusions. Nutr J 2016; 15:58. [PMID: 27265269 PMCID: PMC4893839 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-016-0163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The conclusions of Cassani et al. in the January 2015 issue of Nutrition Journal (doi:10.1186/1475-2891-14-5) cannot be substantiated by the analysis reported nor by the data themselves. The authors ascribed the observed decrease in inflammatory markers to the components of flaxseed and based their conclusions on within-group comparisons made between the final and the baseline measurements separately in each arm of the randomized controlled trial. However, this is an improper approach and the conclusions of the paper are invalid. A correct analysis of the data shows no such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David B Allison
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Nutrition, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900 Bairro Monte Alegre, CEP: 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Guidelines for Reporting Medical Research: A Critical Appraisal. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY RESEARCH NOTICES 2016; 2016:1346026. [PMID: 27382637 PMCID: PMC4897386 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1346026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
As a response to a low quality of reporting of medical research, guidelines for several different types of study design have been developed to secure accurate reporting and transparency for reviewers and readers from the scientific community. Herein, we review and discuss the six most widely accepted and used guidelines: PRISMA, CONSORT, STROBE, MOOSE, STARD, and SPIRIT. It is concluded that the implementation of these guidelines has led to only a moderate improvement in the quality of the reporting of medical research. There is still much work to be done to achieve accurate and transparent reporting of medical research findings.
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Dyakova M, Shantikumar S, Colquitt JL, Drew CM, Sime M, MacIver J, Wright N, Clarke A, Rees K. Systematic versus opportunistic risk assessment for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 2016:CD010411. [PMID: 26824223 PMCID: PMC6494380 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010411.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening programmes can potentially identify people at high cardiovascular risk and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. However, there is currently not enough evidence showing clear clinical or economic benefits of systematic screening-like programmes over the widely practised opportunistic risk assessment of CVD in primary care settings. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness, costs and adverse effects of systematic risk assessment compared to opportunistic risk assessment for the primary prevention of CVD. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE on 30 January 2015, and Web of Science Core Collection and additional databases on the Cochrane Library on 4 December 2014. We also searched two clinical trial registers and checked reference lists of relevant articles. We applied no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of systematic risk assessment, defined as a screening-like programme involving a predetermined selection process of people, compared with opportunistic risk assessment which ranged from no risk assessment at all to incentivised case finding of CVD and related risk factors. Participants included healthy adults from the general population, including those who are at risk of CVD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected studies. One review author extracted data and assessed them for risk of bias and a second checked them. We assessed evidence quality using the GRADE approach and present this in a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS Nine completed RCTs met the inclusion criteria, of which four were cluster-randomised. We also identified five ongoing trials. The included studies had a high or unclear risk of bias, and the GRADE ratings of overall quality were low or very low. The length of follow-up varied from one year in four studies, three years in one study, five or six years in two studies, and ten years in two studies. Eight studies recruited participants from the general population, although there were differences in the age ranges targeted. One study recruited family members of cardiac patients (high risk assessment). There were considerable differences between the studies in the interventions received by the intervention and control groups. There was insufficient evidence to stratify by the types of risk assessment approaches.Limited data were available on all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.02; 3 studies,103,571 participants, I² = 0%; low-quality evidence) and cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.11; 2 studies, 43,955 participants, I² = 0%), and suggest that screening has no effect on these outcomes. Data were also limited for combined non-fatal endpoints; overall, evidence indicates no difference in total coronary heart disease (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.07; 4 studies, 5 comparisons, 110,168 participants, I² = 0%; low-quality evidence), non-fatal coronary heart disease (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.09; 2 studies, 43,955 participants, I² = 39%), total stroke (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.10; 2 studies, 79,631 participants, I² = 0%, low-quality evidence), and non-fatal stroke (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.47; 1 study, 20,015 participants).Overall, systematic risk assessment appears to result in lower total cholesterol levels (mean difference (MD) -0.11 mmol/l, 95% CI -0.17 to -0.04, 6 studies, 7 comparisons, 12,591 participants, I² = 57%; very low-quality evidence), lower systolic blood pressure (MD -3.05 mmHg, 95% CI -4.84 to -1.25, 6 studies, 7 comparisons, 12,591 participants, I² = 82%; very low-quality evidence) and lower diastolic blood pressure (MD -1.34 mmHg, 95% CI -1.76 to -0.93, 6 studies, 7 comparisons, 12,591 participants, I² = 0%; low-quality evidence). One study assessed adverse effects and found no difference in psychological distress at five years (1126 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The results are limited by the heterogeneity between trials in terms of participants recruited, interventions and duration of follow-up. Limited data suggest that systematic risk assessment for CVD has no statistically significant effects on clinical endpoints. There is limited evidence to suggest that CVD systematic risk assessment may have some favourable effects on cardiovascular risk factors. The completion of the five ongoing trials will add to the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Dyakova
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickDivision of Health SciencesGibbet Hill CampusCoventryWarwickshireUKCV4 7AL
| | - Saran Shantikumar
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickDivision of Health SciencesGibbet Hill CampusCoventryWarwickshireUKCV4 7AL
| | - Jill L Colquitt
- Effective Evidence LLP26 The CurveWaterloovilleHampshireUKPO8 9SE
| | - Christian M Drew
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickDivision of Health SciencesGibbet Hill CampusCoventryWarwickshireUKCV4 7AL
| | - Morag Sime
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickDivision of Health SciencesGibbet Hill CampusCoventryWarwickshireUKCV4 7AL
| | - Joanna MacIver
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickDivision of Health SciencesGibbet Hill CampusCoventryWarwickshireUKCV4 7AL
| | | | - Aileen Clarke
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickDivision of Health SciencesGibbet Hill CampusCoventryWarwickshireUKCV4 7AL
| | - Karen Rees
- Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickDivision of Health SciencesGibbet Hill CampusCoventryWarwickshireUKCV4 7AL
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Li J, Gao W, Punja S, Ma B, Vohra S, Duan N, Gabler N, Yang K, Kravitz RL. Reporting quality of N-of-1 trials published between 1985 and 2013: a systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2016; 76:57-64. [PMID: 26769257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the quality of reporting of single-patient (N-of-1) trials published in the medical literature based on the CONSORT Extension for N-of-1 Trials (CENT) statement and to examine factors that influence reporting quality in these trials. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Through a search of 10 electronic databases, we identified N-of-1 trials in clinical medicine published between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2013. Two reviewers screened articles for eligibility and independently extracted data. Quality assessment was performed using the CENT statement. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. RESULTS We identified 112 eligible N-of-1 trials published in 87 journals and involving a total of 2,278 patients. Overall, kappa agreement between the two evaluators for compliance with CENT criteria was 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.79, 0.82). Trials assessed pharmacology and therapeutics (87%), behavior (11%), or diagnosis (2%). Although 87% of articles described the trial design (including the planned number of subjects and length of treatment period), the median percentage of specific CENT elements reported in the Methods was 41% (range, 16-87%), and the median percentage in the Results was 38% (range, 32-93%). First authors were predominantly from North America (46%), Europe (29%), and Australia (17%). Quality of reporting was higher in articles published in journals with relatively high-impact factors (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION The quality of reporting of published N-of-1 trials is variable and in need of improvement. Because the CENT guidelines were not published until near the end of the period of this review, these results represent a baseline from which improvement may be expected in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Li
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Office for Cancer Screening Program in Urban China, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Center of China, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Salima Punja
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bin Ma
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Sunita Vohra
- Complementary and Alternative Research and Education (CARE) Program, Department of Pediatrics and School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Naihua Duan
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Nicole Gabler
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Richard L Kravitz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, 4150 V Street, Suite 2400 PSSB, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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