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Prado MC, Dotto L, Agostini B, Sarkis-Onofre R. Assessing transparency practices in dental randomized controlled trials. BMC Med Res Methodol 2024; 24:185. [PMID: 39182028 PMCID: PMC11344353 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02316-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate transparency practices in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in dentistry. METHODS This meta-research study included RCTs in dentistry regardless of topic, methods, or level of detail reported. Only studies in English were considered. We searched PubMed for RCTs in dentistry published in English from December 31, 2016, to December 31, 2021. The screening was performed in duplicate, and data extracted included journal and author details, dental specialty, protocol registration, data and code sharing, conflict of interest declaration, and funding information. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. We generated maps illustrating the reporting of transparency items by country of the corresponding author and a heat table reflecting reporting levels by dental specialty. RESULTS A total of 844 RCTs were included. Only 12.86% of studies reported any information about data and code sharing. Protocol registration was reported for 50.36% of RCTs. Conflict of interest (83.41%) and funding (71.68%) declarations were present in most studies. Conflicts of interest and funding were consistently reported regardless of country or specialty, while data and code sharing had a low level of reporting across specialties, as well as low dissemination across the world. Protocol registration exhibited considerable variability. CONCLUSIONS Considering the importance of RCTs for evidence-based dentistry, it is crucial that everyone who participates in the scientific production and dissemination process actively and consistently promotes adherence to transparent scientific standards, particularly registration of protocols, and sharing of data and code.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Dotto
- School of Dentistry, Regional Integrated University of High Uruguay and Missions, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Agostini
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, ATITUS Educação, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
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Romantsik O, Bank M, Menon JML, Malhotra A, Bruschettini M. Value of preclinical systematic reviews and meta-analyses in pediatric research. Pediatr Res 2024; 96:643-653. [PMID: 38615075 PMCID: PMC11499280 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03197-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Similar to systematic reviews (SRs) in clinical fields, preclinical SRs address a specific research area, furnishing information on current knowledge, possible gaps, and potential methodological flaws of study design, conduct, and report. One of the main goals of preclinical SRs is to identify aspiring treatment strategies and evaluate if currently available data is solid enough to translate to clinical trials or highlight the gaps, thus justifying the need for new studies. It is imperative to rigorously follow the methodological standards that are widely available. These include registration of the protocol and adherence to guidelines for assessing the risk of bias, study quality, and certainty of evidence. A special consideration should be made for pediatric SRs, clinical and preclinical, due to the unique characteristics of this age group. These include rationale for intervention and comparison of primary and secondary outcomes. Outcomes measured should acknowledge age-related physiological changes and maturational processes of different organ systems. It is crucial to choose the age of the animals appropriately and its possible correspondence for specific pediatric age groups. The findings of well-conducted SRs of preclinical studies have the potential to provide a reliable evidence synthesis to guide the design of future preclinical and clinical studies. IMPACT: This narrative review highlights the importance of rigorous design, conduct and reporting of preclinical primary studies and systematic reviews. A special consideration should be made for pediatric systematic reviews of preclinical studies, due to the unique characteristics of this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Romantsik
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, 21185, Sweden.
| | - Matthias Bank
- Library and ICT, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Julia M L Menon
- Preclinicaltrials.eu, Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matteo Bruschettini
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, 21185, Sweden
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Santos WVDO, Dotto L, Ferreira TDGM, Sarkis-Onofre R. Endorsement of open science practices by dental journals: A meta-research study. J Dent 2024; 144:104869. [PMID: 38301766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the endorsement of open science practices by dental journals. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a meta-research study that included journals listed in the 2021 Journal Citation Reports under Dentistry. A comprehensive evaluation was performed by accessing journal websites to ascertain the availability of publicly accessible instructions to authors in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. A researcher extracted information from the "Instructions for Authors" section, encompassing the journal's impact factor, mention of any reporting guidelines, details on data sharing, acceptance of articles in preprint format, and information regarding study protocol registration. Descriptive data analysis was conducted using the Stata 14.0 program, and an Open Science Score (OSS) (ranging from 0 to 100 %) was calculated for each journal by considering five open science practices. Pearson's correlation test was conducted to determine the relationship between the OSS score and journal impact factor. RESULTS Ninety journals were included in the study. Most journals (70 %) indicated the mandatory use of reporting guidelines, while 60 % recommended data sharing. Conversely, 46.7 % did not provide information on study protocol registration, and 44.4 % stipulated them as mandatory for authors. Regarding preprints, 50 % of the journals did not provide any information, but 46.7 % confirmed their acceptance. The mean OSS was 52.9 % (standard deviation 26.2). There was a weak correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.221) between the journal impact factor and OSS (P-value=0.036). CONCLUSION This study found varying degrees of endorsement of open science practices among dental journals. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Dental practitioners rely on high-quality, evidence-based research for informed decision-making. By assessing the endorsement of open science practices, our study contributes to improving the quality and reliability of dental research, ultimately enhancing the evidence base for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Dotto
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; School of Dentistry, Regional Integrated University of Upper Uruguai and Missions (URI), Erechim, RS, Brazil
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Zhong X, Liu J, Liu H, Zhang H. Time points of outcome are often neglected in acupuncture meta-analyses: a methodological survey. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 169:111273. [PMID: 38311189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically understand the transparency of outcome measurement time point reporting in meta-analyses of acupuncture. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We searched for meta-analyses of acupuncture published between 2013 and 2022 in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. A team of method-trained investigators screened studies for eligibility and collected data using pilot-tested standardized questionnaires. We documented in detail the reporting of outcome measurement time points in acupuncture meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of 224 acupuncture meta-analyses were included. Of these, 98 (43.8%) studies did not specify the time points of primary outcome. Among 126 (56.3%) meta-analyses which reported the time points of primary outcome, only 22 (17.5%) meta-analyses specified time points in corresponding protocol. Among 48 (38.1%) meta-analyses that estimated treatment effects of multiple time points, 11 (22.9%) meta-analyses used inappropriate meta-analysis method (subgroup analysis) to pool effect size, and none of the meta-analyses used advanced methods for pooling effect sizes at different time points. CONCLUSION Transparency in reporting outcome time points for acupuncture meta-analyses and appropriate methods to pool the effect size of multiple time points were lacking. For future systematic reviews, the transparency of outcome measurement time points should be emphasized in the protocols and final reports. Furthermore, advanced methods should be considered for pooling effect sizes at multiple time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome/School of Medical Information Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; Intelligent Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Huanwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome/School of Medical Information Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; Intelligent Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Honglai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome/School of Medical Information Engineering, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China; Intelligent Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Laux CM, Elagami RA, Santos AD, Santos APPD, Tedesco TK, Gimenez T, Raggio DP. Risk of Bias and Methodological Critical Appraisal in Systematic Reviews of Non- and Micro-Invasive Caries Management for Primary and Permanent Teeth. Caries Res 2024; 58:469-477. [PMID: 38574474 DOI: 10.1159/000537749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric dentistry should rely on evidence-based clinical decisions supported by high-quality, unbiased systematic reviews (SRs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias of SRs focused on non- and micro-invasive treatment for caries lesions in primary and permanent teeth. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, and ProQuest, up to March 2023 to identify relevant systematic reviews (SRs) focused on non- and micro-invasive caries treatment. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included SRs and assessed the methodological quality and risk of bias using the AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS tools, respectively. RESULTS A total of 39 SRs were included in the analysis. Among these, 27 SRs (69.2%) were assessed as having critically low methodological quality, 11 SRs (28.2%) were considered to have low methodological quality, and only one SR was rated as high-quality. The primary concern identified was the absence of protocol registration before commencing of the study, observed in 33 SR when using the AMSTAR 2 tool. According to the ROBIS tool, 21 studies (53.8%) were categorized as low risk of bias, 10 (25.6%) as high risk, and eight (20.5%) as unclear risk of bias. CONCLUSION Our analysis revealed that SRs focused on non- and micro-invasive treatment for caries in children and adolescents had critically low methodological quality according to the AMSTAR 2 tool but demonstrated a low risk of bias based on the ROBIS tool. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing prospective protocol registration, transparent reporting of statistical analyses, and addressing potential bias implications within this topic. By addressing these issues, we can enhance the quality of SRs and ensure that clinical decisions rely on unbiased and trustworthy evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Mariano Laux
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rokaia Ahmed Elagami
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Dos Santos
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Pires Dos Santos
- Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tamara Kerber Tedesco
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais Gimenez
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Prócida Raggio
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Bethel K, Faciszewski H, Ballis S, Sullivan M, Wieland LS. Determining the Completeness of Registration and Reporting in Systematic Reviews of Yoga for Health. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024; 30:336-344. [PMID: 37967461 PMCID: PMC11001950 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Yoga is a mind-body practice often used to improve health. Systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials on yoga for health are foundational to evidence-based yoga interventions and require rigorous and transparent methods, including preparation of a protocol (e.g., PROSPERO) and following SR reporting guidelines (e.g., Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses [PRISMA]). Objective: To evaluate the availability of protocols and the completeness of reporting for SRs on yoga for health. Methods: We used a previously assembled database of SRs focused on the use of yoga for health. The authors independently extracted data on protocol availability, PROSPERO registration, and reporting for each PRISMA 2009 checklist item. Discrepancies were discussed or referred to a third author. We used Stata 10 software to produce descriptive statistics and tests for relationships between registration, reporting, and publication year, country, and journal type. Results: We included 147 reviews published between 2005 and 2019. The most common first author country was the United States or Germany (total 67/147; 46%), and the most common journal type was specialty journals (71/147; 48%). Most reviews (116/147; 79%) made no mention of a protocol or registration, and only 15/147 (10%) reviews were linked to an accessible protocol or registration. Most SRs published in 2010 or later mentioned or cited PRISMA (97/139; 70%), and individual PRISMA items were addressed between 10% and 100% of the time. PRISMA reporting improved; over time, but there was no relationship with country or journal type. Discussion: This study identifies a need for increased SR registration for yoga research. The assessment of PRISMA reporting did not evaluate the comprehensiveness with which each item was reported, and while trends are encouraging, there is likely room for improvement. We recommend registering all yoga SRs and following updated PRISMA and recent yoga-specific guidelines for reporting. This may increase transparency, minimize bias, and produce high-quality data to inform evidence-based yoga practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli Bethel
- Department of Yoga Therapy, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Hallie Faciszewski
- Division of Physical Therapy, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie Ballis
- Division of Physical Therapy, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marlysa Sullivan
- Department of Yoga Therapy, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - L. Susan Wieland
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nyadanu SD, Dunne J, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Kumi-Boateng B, Bell ML, Duko B, Pereira G. Maternal exposure to ambient air temperature and adverse birth outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170236. [PMID: 38272077 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple systematic reviews on prenatal ambient temperature and adverse birth outcomes exist, but the overall epidemiological evidence and the appropriate metric for thermal stress remain unclear. An umbrella review was performed to summarise and appraise the evidence with recommendations. METHODS Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the associations between ambient temperature and adverse birth outcomes (preterm birth, stillbirth, birth weight, low birth weight, and small for gestational age) up to December 20, 2023, were synthesised according to a published protocol. Databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, MEDLINE/Ovid, EMBASE/Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, systematic reviews repositories, electronic grey literature, and references were searched. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool. RESULTS Eleven systematic reviews, including two meta-analyses, were included. This comprised 90 distinct observational studies that employed multiple temperature assessment metrics with a very high overlap of primary studies. Primary studies were mostly from the United States while both Africa and South Asia contributed only three studies. A majority (7 out of 11) of the systematic reviews were rated as moderate risk of bias. All systematic reviews indicated that maternal exposures to both extremely high and low temperatures, particularly during late gestation are associated with increased risks of preterm birth, stillbirth, and reduced fetal growth. However, due to great differences in the exposure assessments, high heterogeneity, imprecision, and methodological limitations of the included systematic reviews, the overall epidemiological evidence was classified as probable evidence of causation. No study assessed biothermal metrics for thermal stress. CONCLUSIONS Despite the notable methodological differences, prenatal exposure to extreme ambient temperatures, particularly during late pregnancy, was associated with adverse birth outcomes. Adhering to the appropriate systematic review guidelines for environmental health research, incorporating biothermal metrics into exposure assessment, evidence from broader geodemographic settings, and interventions are recommended in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Education, Culture, and Health Opportunities (ECHO) Ghana, ECHO Research Group International, P. O. Box 424, Aflao, Ghana.
| | - Jennifer Dunne
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Gizachew A Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Ben Mullins
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Bernard Kumi-Boateng
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, P. O. Box 237, Tarkwa, Ghana
| | - Michelle L Bell
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Bereket Duko
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Climate Change and Health Impact Assessment, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, WA, Australia
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Wang Z, Wang Y, Shang W, Liu W, Lu C, Huang J, Lei C, Chen Z, Wang Z, Yang K, Li X, Lu C. Reporting quality and risk of bias of systematic reviews of ultra-processed foods: a methodological study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024; 78:171-179. [PMID: 38093096 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-023-01383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
A dramatic shift in the global food system is occurring with the rapid growth of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption, which poses potentially serious health risks. Systematic review (SR) method has been used to summarise the association between UPF consumption and multiple health outcomes; however, a suboptimal-quality SR may mislead the decision-making in clinical practices and health policies. Therefore, a methodological review was conducted to identify the areas that can be improved regarding the risk of bias and reporting quality of relevant SRs. Systematic searches to collect SRs with meta-analyses of UPFs were performed using four databases from their inception to April 14, 2023. The risk of bias and reporting quality were evaluated using ROBIS and PRISMA 2020, respectively. The key characteristics of the included SRs were summarised descriptively. Excel 2019 and R 4.2.3 were used to analyse the data and draw graphs. Finally, 16 relevant SRs written in English and published between 2020 and 2023 in 12 academic journals were included. Only one SR was rated as low risk of bias, and the others were rated as higher risk of bias mainly because the risk of bias in the original studies was not explicitly addressed when synthesising the evidence. The reporting was required to be advanced significantly, involving amendments of registration and protocol, data and analytic code statement, and lists of excluded studies with justifications. The reviews' results could improve the quality, strengthen future relevant SRs' robustness, and further underpin the evidence base for supporting clinical decisions and health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Wang
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Shangluo Central Hospital of Shaanxi Provincial, Shangluo, 726000, China
| | - Wenru Shang
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wendi Liu
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Cui Lu
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jiayi Huang
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Chao Lei
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China
| | - Zijia Chen
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiuxia Li
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Cuncun Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China.
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King A, Fegan K, Morgan K, Hill JE, Harrison J. Commentary on packing vs non-packing of pilonidal sinus cavities after incision and drainage. Br J Community Nurs 2024; 29:S26-S30. [PMID: 38478417 DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2024.29.sup3.s26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) manifests as an inflammatory skin condition typically emerging within the anal cleft. The prevalence of this disease varies in high income countries. This disease is associated with significant physical and psychosocial distress. Surgery is an option for managing PSD; yet, surgical methods vary, and a universally accepted gold standard approach is lacking, leading to current practices that are diverse and subject to ongoing debate. One such point of contention revolves around the decision to use packing or opt for a non-packing approach following surgery. Mohamedahmed et al (2021) conducted a systematic review to evaluate the comparative outcomes of packing versus non-packing of an abscess cavity following incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess on any part of the body. This commentary aims to critically appraise the methods used within the review by Mohamedahmed et al (2021) and expand upon the findings in the context of treatment and management of PSD.
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Pawliuk C, Cheng S, Zheng A, Siden HH. Librarian involvement in systematic reviews was associated with higher quality of reported search methods: a cross-sectional survey. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 166:111237. [PMID: 38072177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.111237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systematic reviews (SRs) are considered the gold standard of evidence, but many published SRs are of poor quality. This study identifies how librarian involvement in SRs is associated with quality-reported methods and examines the lack of motivation for involving a librarian in SRs. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We searched databases for SRs that were published by a first or last author affiliated to a Vancouver hospital or biomedical research site and published between 2015 and 2019. Corresponding authors of included SRs were contacted through an e-mail survey to determine if a librarian was involved in the SR. If a librarian was involved in the SR, the survey asked at what level the librarian was involved and if a librarian was not involved, the survey asked why. Quality of reported search methods was scored independently by two reviewers. A linear regression model was used to determine the association between quality of reported search methods scores and the level at which a librarian was involved in the study. RESULTS One hundred ninety one SRs were included in this study and 118 (62%) of the SRs authors indicated whether a librarian was involved in the SR. SRs that included a librarian as a co-author had a 15.4% higher quality assessment score than SRs that did not include a librarian. Most authors (27; 75%) who did not include a librarian in their SR did not do so because they did not believe it was necessary. CONCLUSION Higher level of librarian involvement in SRs is correlated with higher scores in reported search methods. Greater advocacy or changes at the policy level is necessary to increase librarian involvement in SRs and as a result the quality of their search methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Pawliuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Shannon Cheng
- Library Services, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Harold Hal Siden
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Canuck Place Children's Hospice, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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van der Braak K, Heus P, Orelio C, Netterström-Wedin F, Robinson KA, Lund H, Hooft L. Perspectives on systematic review protocol registration: a survey amongst stakeholders in the clinical research publication process. Syst Rev 2023; 12:234. [PMID: 38098085 PMCID: PMC10720136 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02405-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As systematic reviews (SRs) inform healthcare decisions, it is key that they address relevant questions and use rigorous methodology. Registration of SR protocols helps researchers identify relevant topics for future reviews and aims to prevent bias and duplication of effort. However, most SRs protocols are currently not registered, despite its significance. To guide future recommendations to enhance preregistration of SRs, it is important to gain a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives within the research community. Therefore, this study aims to examine the experiences with and factors of influence (barriers and facilitators) on prospective SR registration amongst researchers, peer reviewers and journal editors. METHODS Two different surveys were distributed to two groups: researchers and journal editors both identified from an existing sample of SRs. Researchers who indicated to have peer reviewed a SR were surveyed on their perspectives as peer reviewers as well. Survey design and analysis were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Shared and unique subthemes from the perspectives of researchers, peer reviewers and journal editors were identified and linked to the SR registration process (Innovation), to team, organisation (Inner setting) and (inter)national research community (Outer setting), and to characteristics of researchers, peer reviewers or journal editors (Individuals). RESULTS The survey's response rates were 65/727 (9%) for researchers, of which 37 were peer reviewers, and 22/308 (7%) for journal editors. Most respondents (n = 76, 94%) were familiar with SR protocol registration and 81% of researchers had registered minimally one SR protocol. Shared SR registration process subthemes were the importance and advantages of SR protocol registration, as well as barriers such as a high administrative burden. Shared subthemes regarding the inner and outer setting centred on journal processes, external standards and time. Shared individual factors were knowledge, skills and awareness. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the respondents were familiar with SR protocol registration and had a positive attitude towards it. This study identified suboptimal registration process, administrative burden and lack of mandatory SR protocol registration as barriers. By overcoming these barriers, SR protocol registration could contribute more effectively to the goals of open science. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION osf.io/gmv6z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van der Braak
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pauline Heus
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Orelio
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Research Support, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, Bosboomstraat 1, Utrecht, 3582 KE, The Netherlands
| | - Fredh Netterström-Wedin
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karen A Robinson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Section for Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hans Lund
- Section for Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lotty Hooft
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Sehmbi H, Retter S, Shah UJ, Nguyen D, Martin J, Uppal V. Methodological and reporting quality assessment of network meta-analyses in anesthesiology: a systematic review and meta-epidemiological study. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:1461-1473. [PMID: 37420161 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02510-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The scientific rigour of the conduct and reporting of anesthesiology network meta-analyses (NMAs) is unknown. This systematic review and meta-epidemiological study assessed the methodological and reporting quality of NMAs in anesthesiology. METHODS We searched four databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Systematic Reviews Database, for anesthesiology NMAs published from inception to October 2020. We assessed the compliance of NMAs against A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement for Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA), and PRISMA checklists. We measured the compliance across various items in AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA checklists and provided recommendations to improve quality. RESULTS Using the AMSTAR-2 rating method, 84% (52/62) of NMAs were rated "critically low." Quantitatively, the median [interquartile range] AMSTAR-2 score was 55 [44-69]%, while the PRISMA score was 70 [61-81]%. Methodological and reporting scores showed a strong correlation (R = 0.78). Anesthesiology NMAs had a higher AMSTAR-2 score and PRISMA score if they were published in higher impact factor journals (P = 0.006 and P = 0.01, respectively) or followed PRISMA-NMA reporting guidelines (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Network meta-analyses from China had lower scores (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Neither score improved over time (P = 0.69 and P = 0.67, respectively). CONCLUSION The current study highlights numerous methodological and reporting deficiencies in anesthesiology NMAs. Although the AMSTAR tool has been used to assess the methodological quality of NMAs, dedicated tools for conducting and assessing the methodological quality of NMAs are urgently required. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021227997); first submitted 23 January 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Sehmbi
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Susanne Retter
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, 10W Victoria Building, 1276 South Park St, Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y9, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ushma J Shah
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Derek Nguyen
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Martin
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vishal Uppal
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, 10W Victoria Building, 1276 South Park St, Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y9, Canada.
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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13
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Canellas JVDS, Ritto FG, Rodolico A, Aguglia E, Fernandes GVDO, Figueredo CMDS, Vettore MV. The international platform of registered systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (INPLASY) at 3 years: an analysis of 4,658 registered protocols on inplasy.com, platform features, and website statistics. Front Res Metr Anal 2023; 8:1135853. [PMID: 37588882 PMCID: PMC10426905 DOI: 10.3389/frma.2023.1135853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background INPLASY® is an international platform for registering systematic reviews and meta-analysis protocols that was launched in March 2020. INPLASY® provides an online database in which the protocols are maintained as permanent public records and can be accessed on its website (www.inplasy.com). Methods We described the database features and registered information of all records published since the launch of the registry on March 31, 2023. Additionally, we analyzed the website statistics dataset to explore user experience and promote data transparency. Results Four thousand six hundred fifty-eight records were registered in INPLASY®, and more than 94% of the protocols were published within 24 h. Most of the submissions were from China, followed by Portugal, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brazil. The INPLASY® website received 386,395 page views from 64,568 visitors during the first three years. The accesses were obtained from 170 countries. Most of the accesses were from China, followed by the US, the UK, and Portugal. The review status "completed and published" was observed in 898 protocols, and these studies were published in 372 different scientific peer-reviewed journals. The features of INPLASY® include the following: (i) INPLASY® identifier, a unique protocol number; (ii) the digital object identifier (DOI) number, the URL of the protocol linked to a specific DOI; (iii) ORCID update, INPLASY® automatically updates authors' ORCID page, including their protocol; and (iv) search tools, the protocols are freely accessible on www.inplasy.com. Conclusions INPLASY® has several practical and useful features that should be considered when planning the registration of a systematic review protocol. Furthermore, the sharp increase in the number of protocols registered in INPLASY® in the first three years and the database statistics demonstrate that INPLASY® has become an important source of systematic review protocols. Therefore, authors should access INPLASY® before planning a future review study to avoid unintended duplication of efforts and to obtain timely registration.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Vitor dos Santos Canellas
- Department of Research, INPLASY, Inc.—International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, Middletown, DE, United States
| | - Fabio Gamboa Ritto
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Vianna Vettore
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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14
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Montagner AF, Angst PDM, Raggio DP, VAN DE Sande FH, Tedesco TK. Methodological quality of network meta-analysis in dentistry: a meta-research. Braz Oral Res 2023; 37:e062. [PMID: 37436290 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2023.vol37.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This meta-research aimed to provide an overview of the methodological quality and risk of bias of network meta-analyses (NMA) in dentistry. Searches for NMA of randomized clinical trials with clinical outcomes in dentistry were performed in databases up to January 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, selected full texts, and extracted the data. The adherence to PRISMA-NMA reporting guideline, the AMSTAR-2 methodological quality tool, and the ROBIS risk of bias tool were assessed in the studies. Correlation between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results was also investigated. Sixty-two NMA studies were included and presented varied methodological quality. According to AMSTAR-2, half of the NMA presented moderate quality (n = 32; 51.6%). The adherence to PRISMA-NMA also varied. Only 36 studies (58.1%) prospectively registered the protocol. Other issues lacking of reporting were data related were data related to the NMA geometry and the assessment of results consistency, and the evaluation of risk of bias across the studies. ROBIS assessment showed a high risk of bias mainly for domains 1 (study eligibility criteria) and 2 (identification and selection of studies). Correlation coefficients between the PRISMA-NMA adherence and the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS results showed moderate correlation (rho < 0.6). Overall, NMA studies in dentistry were of moderate quality and at high risk of bias in several domains, especially study selection. Future reviews should be better planned and conducted and have higher compliance with reporting and quality assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tamara Kerber Tedesco
- Univesidade Cruzeiro do Sul - Unicsul, Graduate Program in Dentistry, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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15
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Sehmbi H, Retter S, Shah UJ, Nguyen D, Martin J, Uppal V. Epidemiological, methodological, and statistical characteristics of network meta-analysis in anaesthesia: a systematic review. Br J Anaesth 2023; 130:272-286. [PMID: 36404140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Network meta-analyses (NMAs) combine direct and indirect estimates to provide mixed (or network) estimates of effect sizes. The scientific rigour of the conduct and reporting of anaesthesia NMAs is unknown. This review assessed the epidemiological, methodological, and statistical characteristics of anaesthesia NMAs. METHODS We searched four databases for anaesthesia NMAs and developed a 64-item checklist to evaluate NMAs. For 29 binary items, we defined compliance as 'the ratio of NMAs that was awarded a 'yes' for that item, divided by the total number of NMAs. The compliance of such binary items was reclassified as very low (≤25%), low (26-50%), fair (51-75%), and high (>75%). We amalgamated findings from 29 key items to provide specific recommendations (post hoc). We compared the compliance of NMAs in anaesthesia across 26 items, with that of cancer NMAs and Cochrane NMAs, and analysed improvement over time (post hoc). RESULTS Among 62 included NMAs, compliance was low (26-50%) for protocol registration, use of PRISMA-NMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for NMA), publication bias assessment, evidence appraisal, reporting of Bayesian methodology and consistency evaluation. Compliance was very low (≤25%) for bias assessment, biostatistician involvement, search specialist, and use of predefined important differences. CONCLUSIONS Anaesthesia NMAs need improvement in their conduct and reporting. Anaesthesia journals should mandate the registration of protocols and reporting of NMAs using PRISMA-NMA. Authors should carefully assess publication bias, and use updated bias assessment tools, and evidence appraisal methods designed for NMAs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL PROSPERO CRD42021227608.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Sehmbi
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Susanne Retter
- Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ushma J Shah
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Derek Nguyen
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Martin
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vishal Uppal
- Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
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16
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Dotto L, Dos Santos MBF, Sarkis-Onofre R. Reporting quality of scoping reviews in dental public health. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:53. [PMID: 36849932 PMCID: PMC9972695 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01863-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to explore reporting characteristics of scoping reviews in dental public health and the impact of some factors on the reporting quality. METHODS This study searched for dental public health scoping reviews in PubMed and Scopus without year restrictions and restricted to English-language publications. Study selection was undertaken by two reviewers independently. One reviewer, after training, extracted data from included studies considering general study characteristics and reporting characteristics. The impact of PRISMA-ScR publication, journal endorsement, and use of study protocol on the reporting was explored. RESULTS Eighty-one scoping reviews were included. Five items presented rates of appropriate reporting higher than 80% considering the overall percentage. Related to the impact of PRISMA-ScR publication, six items were found more often in scoping reviews published after the publication of PRISMA-ScR than in scoping reviews published before the publication of PRISMA-ScR. With regards to journals endorsement, only two reporting characteristics were found more often in scoping reviews published in journals that endorse the PRISMA-ScR statement than in scoping reviews published in non-endorsers journals. Last, regarding the use of the pre-specified protocol, five reporting characteristics presented differences in studies reporting the use of pre-specified protocol than in studies that did not mention the use of a protocol. All differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Important information is missing in the included scoping reviews demonstrating crucial reporting problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dotto
- School of Dentistry, Regional Integrated University of Upper Uruguai and Missions (URI), Erechim, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Sarkis-Onofre
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Atitus Educação, 304, Senador Pinheiro St, Passo Fundo, RS, 99070-220, Brazil.
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17
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Su Z, Cheshmehzangi A, Bentley BL, McDonnell D, Šegalo S, Ahmad J, Chen H, Terjesen LA, Lopez E, Wagers S, Shi F, Abbas J, Wang C, Cai Y, Xiang YT, da Veiga CP. Technology-based interventions for health challenges older women face amid COVID-19: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2022; 11:271. [PMID: 36514147 PMCID: PMC9746565 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-02150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemics, such as COVID-19, are dangerous and socially disruptive. Though no one is immune to COVID-19, older persons often bear the brunt of its consequences. This is particularly true for older women, as they often face more pronounced health challenges relative to other segments in society, including complex care needs, insufficient care provisions, mental illness, neglect, and increased domestic abuse. To further compound the situation, because protective measures like lockdowns can result in unintended consequences, many health services older women depend on can become disrupted or discontinued amid pandemics. While technology-based interventions have the potential to provide near-time, location-free, and virtually accessible care, there is a dearth of systematic insights into this mode of care in the literature. To bridge the research gaps, this investigation aims to examine the characteristics and effectiveness of technology-based interventions that could address health challenges older women face amid COVID-19. METHODS A systematic review of randomized trials reporting on technology-based interventions for older women (≥65 years) during COVID-19 will be conducted. The databases of Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus will be searched. Retrieved citations will be screened independently by at least two reviewers against the eligibility criteria. Included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane ROB-2 tool. Data will be extracted independently by the reviewers. Where possible, meta-analyses will be performed on relevant study outcomes and analysed via odds ratios on the dichotomized outcomes. Where applicable, heterogeneity will be measured using the Cochrane Q test, and publication bias will be assessed via funnel plots and Egger's regression test. DISCUSSION Technology has the potential to transform healthcare for the better. To help society better safeguard vulnerable populations' health and quality of life, this investigation sets out to gauge the state-of-the-art development of technology-based interventions tailored to the health challenges older women face amid COVID-19. In light of the growing prevalence of population ageing and the inevitability of infectious disease outbreaks, greater research efforts are needed to ensure the timely inception and effective implementation of technology-based health solutions for vulnerable populations like older women, amid public health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020194003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Institute for Human Rights, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Ali Cheshmehzangi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315100, China.,Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 739-8530, Japan
| | - Barry L Bentley
- Cardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK.,Collaboration for the Advancement of Sustainable Medical Innovation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, South East Technological University, Carlow, R93 V960, Ireland
| | - Sabina Šegalo
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Hengcai Chen
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | | | | | - Shelly Wagers
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, USA
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Research and Development, Shanghai United Imaging Intelligence, Shanghai, China
| | - Jaffar Abbas
- Antai College of Economics and Management, and School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Caifeng Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yuyang Cai
- School of Public Health, China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
| | - Claudimar Pereira da Veiga
- Fundação Dom Cabral - FDC, Av. Princesa Diana, 760 Alphaville, Lagoa dos Ingleses, Nova Lima, MG, 34018-006, Brazil.
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18
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van der Braak K, Ghannad M, Orelio C, Heus P, Damen JAA, Spijker R, Robinson K, Lund H, Hooft L. The score after 10 years of registration of systematic review protocols. Syst Rev 2022; 11:191. [PMID: 36064610 PMCID: PMC9444273 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-02053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the exponential growth of published systematic reviews (SR), there is a high potential for overlapping and redundant duplication of work. Prospective protocol registration gives the opportunity to assess the added value of a new study or review, thereby potentially reducing research waste and simultaneously increasing transparency and research quality. The PROSPERO database for SR protocol registration was launched 10 years ago. This study aims to assess the proportion SRs of intervention studies with a protocol registration (or publication) and explore associations of SR characteristics with protocol registration status. METHODS PubMed was searched for SRs of human intervention studies published in January 2020 and January 2021. After random-stratified sampling and eligibility screening, data extraction on publication and journal characteristics, and protocol registration status, was performed. Both descriptive and multivariable comparative statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 357 SRs (2020: n = 163; 2021: n = 194) were included from a random sample of 1267 publications. Of the published SRs, 38% had a protocol. SRs that reported using PRISMA as a reporting guideline had higher odds of having a protocol than publications that did not report PRISMA (OR 2.71; 95% CI: 1.21 to 6.09). SRs with a higher journal impact factor had higher odds of having a protocol (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25). Publications from Asia had a lower odds of having a protocol (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.80, reference category = Europe). Of the 33 SRs published in journals that endorse PROSPERO, 45% did not have a protocol. Most SR protocols were registered in PROSPERO (n = 129; 96%). CONCLUSIONS We found that 38% of recently published SRs of interventions reported a registered or published protocol. Protocol registration was significantly associated with a higher impact factor of the journal publishing the SR and a more frequent self-reported use of the PRISMA guidelines. In some parts of the world, SR protocols are more often registered or published than others. To guide strategies to increase the uptake of SR protocol registration, further research is needed to gain understanding of the benefits and informativeness of SRs protocols among different stakeholders. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION osf.io/9kj7r/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van der Braak
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Mona Ghannad
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Orelio
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Research Support, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, Bosboomstraat 1, 3582 KE, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline Heus
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna A A Damen
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René Spijker
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Medical Library, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Robinson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hans Lund
- Section for Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lotty Hooft
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mei F, Chen F, Hu K, Gao Q, Zhao L, Shang Y, Zhao B, Ma B. Registration and Reporting Quality of Systematic Reviews on Surgical Intervention: A Meta-Epidemiological Study. J Surg Res 2022; 277:200-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Roqué M, Urrútia G, von Elm E. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in surgery. Cir Esp 2022; 100:514-516. [PMID: 35597420 DOI: 10.1016/j.cireng.2021.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Roqué
- Centro Cochrane Iberoamericano-Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau); CIBERESP.
| | - Gerard Urrútia
- Centro Cochrane Iberoamericano-Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau); CIBERESP
| | - Erik von Elm
- Cochrane Switzerland, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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There is room for improvement in the use of scoping reviews in dentistry. J Dent 2022; 122:104161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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22
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Nagendrababu V, Faggion CM, Pulikkotil SJ, Alatta A, Dummer PMH. Methodological assessment and overall confidence in the results of systematic reviews with network meta-analyses in Endodontics. Int Endod J 2022; 55:393-404. [PMID: 35080025 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aims of the study were to assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews with network meta-analyses (NMAs) in Endodontics using the "A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews" (AMSTAR 2) tool, and to evaluate the overall confidence in the results of the individual reviews included in the analysis. METHODOLOGY Systematic reviews with NMAs within the specialty of Endodontics published in English were identified from the PubMed, EbBSCOhost and SCOPUS databases from inception to July 2021. Two reviewers were involved independently in the selection of the reviews, data extraction, methodological quality assessment and overall confidence rating. Disagreements were resolved by discussion between the reviewers to achieve consensus; if disagreements persisted, a third reviewer made the final decision. The methodological quality of the included NMAs was appraised using the AMSTAR 2 checklist, which contains 16 items. The reviewers scored each item - 'Yes' - when the item was fully addressed, 'Partial Yes' - when the item was not fully addressed, or 'No' - when the item was not addressed. The overall confidence in the results of each review was classified as 'High', 'Moderate', 'Low' or 'Critically low' based on the criteria reported by the AMSTAR 2 developers. RESULTS Twelve systematic reviews with NMAs were included. All the NMAs adequately reported Item 1 ("Did the research questions and inclusion criteria for the review include the components of PICO?"), Item 8 ("Did the review authors describe the included studies in adequate detail?"), Item 9 ("Did the review authors use a satisfactory technique for assessing the risk of bias (RoB) in individual studies that were included in the review?") and Item 16 ("Did the review authors report any potential sources of conflict of interest, including any funding they received for conducting the review?") , whereas only one NMA reported Item 10 adequately ("Did the review authors report on the sources of funding for the studies included in the review?"). The overall confidence in the results of eight reviews was categorised as "Critically low", one review was "Low", two reviews were "Moderate" and one review was "High". CONCLUSION The overall confidence in the results for the majority of systematic reviews with NMAs in Endodontics was judged to be 'Critically low' as their methodological quality was below the necessary standard. AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA for NMA guidelines are available to guide authors to produce high quality systematic reviews with NMAs and for Editors and peer-reviewers when assessing submissions to journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkateshbabu Nagendrababu
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Clovis M Faggion
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Alaa Alatta
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Paul M H Dummer
- School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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23
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Eisele-Metzger A, Bollig C, Meerpohl JJ. Systematic reviews should be at the heart of continuing medical education. J Eur CME 2021; 10:2014096. [PMID: 34925964 PMCID: PMC8676680 DOI: 10.1080/21614083.2021.2014096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, keeping up with the fast evolving evidence is more challenging than ever for practising physicians. A huge number of studies are published every day, and it is no longer possible to read all the relevant individual studies. Many physicians prefer attending continuing medical education (CME) to reading international scientific publications. Consequently, it is critical that CME is based on the best available evidence and presented in an unbiased manner free of conflicts of interest. Systematic reviews and Cochrane reviews in particular can thus provide a valuable resource of up-to-date and high-quality information on health care questions for CME providers. Of note, systematic reviews might become outdated quickly. Furthermore, some systematic reviews are fraught with limitations such as poor methodology and conduct or incomplete and misleading reporting. This article provides a brief overview of systematic reviews and Cochrane reviews, outlines how systematic reviews can be “kept alive” using today’s digital opportunities and points to several common problems of systematic reviews with suggestions for solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Eisele-Metzger
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Bollig
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joerg J Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
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24
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Wong SH, Tan ZYA, Cheng LJ, Lau ST. Wearable technology-delivered lifestyle intervention amongst adults with overweight and obese: A systematic review and meta-regression. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 127:104163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.104163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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25
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Roqué M, Urrútia G, von Elm E. La revisión sistemática y el metaanálisis en cirugía. Cir Esp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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26
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Su Z, Meyer K, Li Y, McDonnell D, Joseph NM, Li X, Du Y, Advani S, Cheshmehzangi A, Ahmad J, da Veiga CP, Chung RYN, Wang J, Hao X. Technology-based interventions for nursing home residents: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e056142. [PMID: 34853115 PMCID: PMC8638465 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A growing number of technology-based interventions are used to support the health and quality of life of nursing home residents. The onset of COVID-19 and recommended social distancing policies that followed led to an increased interest in technology-based solutions to provide healthcare and promote health. Yet, there are no comprehensive resources on technology-based healthcare solutions that describe their efficacy for nursing home residents. This systematic review will identify technology-based interventions designed for nursing home residents and describe the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning the distinctive traits of nursing home residents and nursing facilities. Additionally, this paper will present practical insights into the varying intervention approaches that can assist in the delivery of broad digital health solutions for nursing home residents amid and beyond the impact of COVID-19. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Databases including the PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus will be used to identify articles related to technology-based interventions for nursing home residents published between 1 January 2010 to 30 September 2021. Titles, abstracts and full-text papers will be reviewed against the eligibility criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration evaluation framework will be adopted to examine the risk of bias of the included study. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process and implications for existing interventions and research evaluated by a multidisciplinary research team. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION As the study is a protocol for a systematic review, ethical approval is not required. The study findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD 42020191880.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- School of Nursing, Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kylie Meyer
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Yue Li
- Health Services Research & Policy (HSRP) PhD & MS Programs; Director of Research, Division of Health Policy and Outcomes Research (HPOR); Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, Ireland
| | - Nitha Mathew Joseph
- Department of Under Graduate Studies, Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoshan Li
- Program of Public Relations and Advertising, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Du
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Shailesh Advani
- Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ali Cheshmehzangi
- Architecture and Urban Design, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junaid Ahmad
- Department of Public Health, Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | | | - Roger Yat-Nork Chung
- School of Public Health & Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine (RY-NC) and Institute of Health Equity (RY-NC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Xiaoning Hao
- Director of Division, Division of Health Security Research, China National Health Development Research Center, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
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27
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Sarkis-Onofre R, Dotto L, Pereira-Cenci T, Agostini BA. Editorial endorsement of good research practices. Int Endod J 2021; 54:2332-2333. [PMID: 34792810 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Dotto
- School of Dentistry Dentistry, Regional Integrated University of Upper Uruguai and Missions/URI, Erechim, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul/PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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28
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Su Z, Liang B, Shi F, Gelfond J, Šegalo S, Wang J, Jia P, Hao X. Deep learning-based facial image analysis in medical research: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047549. [PMID: 34764164 PMCID: PMC8587597 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deep learning techniques are gaining momentum in medical research. Evidence shows that deep learning has advantages over humans in image identification and classification, such as facial image analysis in detecting people's medical conditions. While positive findings are available, little is known about the state-of-the-art of deep learning-based facial image analysis in the medical context. For the consideration of patients' welfare and the development of the practice, a timely understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by research on deep-learning-based facial image analysis is needed. To address this gap, we aim to conduct a systematic review to identify the characteristics and effects of deep learning-based facial image analysis in medical research. Insights gained from this systematic review will provide a much-needed understanding of the characteristics, challenges, as well as opportunities in deep learning-based facial image analysis applied in the contexts of disease detection, diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS Databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, IEEEXplore and Scopus will be searched for relevant studies published in English in September, 2021. Titles, abstracts and full-text articles will be screened to identify eligible articles. A manual search of the reference lists of the included articles will also be conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework was adopted to guide the systematic review process. Two reviewers will independently examine the citations and select studies for inclusion. Discrepancies will be resolved by group discussions till a consensus is reached. Data will be extracted based on the research objective and selection criteria adopted in this study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION As the study is a protocol for a systematic review, ethical approval is not required. The study findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020196473.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Bin Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Research and Development, Shanghai United Imaging Intelligence Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - J Gelfond
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, UK
| | - Sabina Šegalo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Peng Jia
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- International Initiative on Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE), Enschede, UK
| | - Xiaoning Hao
- Division of Health Security Research, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, Beijing, China
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29
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Nagendrababu V, Duncan HF, Dummer PMH. International Endodontic Journal policy on mandatory prospective (a priori) protocol registration for clinical trials and systematic reviews. Int Endod J 2021; 54:1685-1686. [PMID: 34499758 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Venkateshbabu Nagendrababu
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Henry F Duncan
- Division of Restorative Dentistry, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul M H Dummer
- School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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30
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Zheng Q, Lai F, Li B, Xu J, Long J, Peng S, Li Y, Liu Y, Xiao H. Association Between Prospective Registration and Quality of Systematic Reviews in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-epidemiological Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:639652. [PMID: 34262914 PMCID: PMC8273164 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.639652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We sought to investigate the methodological and reporting quality of published systematic reviews describing randomized controlled trials in type 2 diabetes mellitus and analyze their association with status of protocol registration. Methods: We searched the PubMed database and identified non-Cochrane systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, reporting on type 2 diabetes mellitus and published between 2005 and 2018. We then randomly selected 20% of these reviews in each year, and performed methodological and reporting quality assessment using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Review 2 (AMSTAR-2) checklist and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. We also conducted regression analyses to explore the association between characteristics of systematic reviews and AMSTAR-2 or PRISMA scores. Results: A total of 238 systematic reviews, including 33 registered and 205 non-registered articles, met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently reviewed. Analysis indicated an increase in both registered rates and quality of systematic reviews in type 2 diabetes mellitus over the recent years. With regards to methodological and reporting quality, we found higher scores in registered, relative to non-registered reviews (AMSTAR-2 mean score: 18.0 vs. 14.5, P = 0.000; PRISMA mean score: 20.4 vs. 17.6, P = 0.000). AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA scores were associated with registration status, country of the first author, and statistical results, whereas the proportion of discussing publication bias and reporting funding sources were <40% for both registered and non-registered systematic reviews. Conclusions: Methodological and reporting quality of systematic reviews in type 2 diabetes mellitus indicates an improvement in the recent years. However, the overall quality remains low, necessitating further improvement. Future studies are expected to pay more attention to prospective registration, description of publication bias and reporting of funding sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyi Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fenghua Lai
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Li
- Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyan Long
- Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sui Peng
- Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanbing Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Clinical Trials Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haipeng Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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31
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Su Z, McDonnell D, Liang B, Kue J, Li X, Šegalo S, Advani S, Flores BE, Wang J. Technology-based Health Solutions for Cancer Caregivers to Better Shoulder the Impact of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021:rs.3.rs-66218. [PMID: 32908975 PMCID: PMC7480034 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-66218/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers' distinctive challenges amid COVID-19. Methods A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March, 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process. Conclusions COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. Study Protocol Registration PROSPERO CRD42020196301.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | | | - Bin Liang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College
| | | | - Xiaoshan Li
- Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College
| | | | | | | | - Jing Wang
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
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32
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Su Z, Meyer K, Li Y, McDonnell D, Joseph NM, Li X, Du Y, Advani S, Cheshmehzangi A, Ahmad J, da Veiga CP, Chung RYN, Wang J. Technology-Based Interventions for Nursing Home Residents: Implications for Nursing Home Practice Amid and Beyond the Influence of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol. RESEARCH SQUARE 2020:rs.3.rs-56102. [PMID: 36597539 PMCID: PMC7444297 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-56102/v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background A growing number of technology-based interventions are used to support the health and quality of life of nursing home residents. The onset of COVID-19 and recommended social distancing policies that followed led to an increased interest in technology-based solutions to provide healthcare and promote health. Yet, there are no comprehensive resources on technology-based healthcare solutions that describe their efficacy for nursing home residents. This systematic review will identify technology-based interventions designed for nursing home residents and describe the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning the distinctive traits of nursing home residents and nursing facilities. Additionally, this paper will present practical insights into the varying intervention approaches that can assist in the delivery of broad digital health solutions for nursing home residents amid and beyond the impact of COVID-19. Methods Databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus will be used to identify articles related to technology-based interventions for nursing home residents published between January 1st, 2010 to December 4th, 2020. Titles, abstracts, and full-texts papers will be reviewed against the eligibility criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process, and implications for existing interventions and research evaluated by a multidisciplinary research team. Results NA-protocol study. Conclusions Our study will fill critical gaps in the literature by providing a review of technology-based interventions tested in the nursing home setting. As the older adult population grows, there is an urgent need to identify effective technology-based interventions that can address the distinctive characteristics and preferences of nursing home residents. Clear and comprehensive understanding of how available technology-based health solutions facilitate healthcare for nursing home residents will shed light on the approaches open to residents to fend off the negative health consequences amid and beyond the influence of COVID-19. Systematic Review Registrations PROSPERO CRD 42020191880.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Kylie Meyer
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Yue Li
- University of Rochester Medical Center
| | | | | | - Xiaoshan Li
- Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College
| | - Yan Du
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Wang
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
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33
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Sarkis-Onofre R, Agostini BA. Knowledge synthesis: How to improve the use of evidence from clinical trials? Int J Paediatr Dent 2020; 31 Suppl 1:66-74. [PMID: 33147369 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.12744] [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] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The value of systematic reviews (SRs) is determined by methodology and reporting quality of primary studies and how the SR is conducted and reported. AIM This study discusses key aspects of clinical trials (CTs) that might affect the value of SRs. DESIGN Narrative review. RESULTS We highlighted the following CT factors that could affect SR value: Defining the purpose of CTs is important because it could directly impact whether an SR question is appropriately answered and formulated; choose the most appropriate intervention to answer a proposed SR question is critical because we can exclude or include different studies, directly influencing selection bias; when conducting SRs, the study's search must be restricted to equal or highly similar comparison groups, allowing suitable comparisons of the outcomes' estimates; in SRs, it may be interesting to explore the effect of the most common definition of the disease used in clinical practice, being useful in evidence-based dentistry and easily translated to daily practitioners; and deficiencies in CT reporting can lead to unusable reports, biased results, and conclusions. CONCLUSION All aspects discussed were found to be important for improving the use of evidence from CTs.
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34
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Su Z, Meyer K, Li Y, McDonnell D, Joseph NM, Li X, Du Y, Advani S, Cheshmehzangi A, Ahmad J, da Veiga CP, Chung RYN, Wang J. Technology-Based Interventions for Nursing Home Residents: Implications for Nursing Home Practice Amid and Beyond the Influence of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol. RESEARCH SQUARE 2020:rs.3.rs-56102. [PMID: 32839768 PMCID: PMC7444297 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-56102/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: A growing number of technology-based interventions are used to support the health and quality of life of nursing home residents. The onset of COVID-19 and recommended social distancing policies that followed led to an increased interest in technology-based solutions to provide healthcare and promote health. Yet, there are no comprehensive resources on technology-based healthcare solutions that describe their efficacy for nursing home residents. This systematic review will identify technology-based interventions designed for nursing home residents and describe the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning the distinctive traits of nursing home residents and nursing facilities. Additionally, this paper will present practical insights into the varying intervention approaches that can assist in the delivery of broad digital health solutions for nursing home residents amid and beyond the impact of COVID-19. Methods: Databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus will be used to identify articles related to technology-based interventions for nursing home residents published between January 1 st , 2020 to July 7 th , 2020. Titles, abstracts, and full-texts papers will be reviewed against the eligibility criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process, and implications for existing interventions and research evaluated by a multidisciplinary research team. Results: NAâ€"protocol study Conclusions: Our study will fill critical gaps in the literature by providing a review of technology-based interventions tested in the nursing home setting. As the older adult population grows, there is an urgent need to identify effective technology-based interventions that can address the distinctive characteristics and preferences of nursing home residents. Clear and comprehensive understanding of how available technology-based health solutions facilitate healthcare for nursing home residents will shed light on the approaches open to residents to fend off the negative health consequences amid and beyond the influence of COVID-19. Systematic Review Registrations: PROSPERO CRD 42020191880.
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