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International Dental Journal Oct 2017A spatially unequal distribution of dentists or dental care professionals (D/DCPs), such as therapists or hygienists, could reduce the quality of health services and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A spatially unequal distribution of dentists or dental care professionals (D/DCPs), such as therapists or hygienists, could reduce the quality of health services and increase health inequities. This review describes the interventions available to enhance this spatial distribution and systematically assesses their effectiveness.
METHODS
Electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline, Embase, CINAHL) were searched and cross-referencing was performed using a standardised searching algorithm. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies and interrupted time series were included. Studies investigating a minimum of one of four interventions (educational, financial, regulatory and supportive) were included. The primary outcome was the spatial distribution of D/DCPs. Secondary outcomes were access, quality of services and equity or adverse effects. This review was registered (CRD42015026265).
RESULTS
Of 4,885 articles identified, the full text of 201 was assessed and three (all investigating national policy interventions originally not aiming to change the distribution of D/DCPs) were included. In one Japanese study spanning 1980 to 2000, the unequal spatial distribution of dentists decreased alongside a general increase in the number of dentists. It remained unclear if these findings were associated. In a second Japanese study, an increase in the number of dentists was found in combination with a postgraduate training programme implemented in 2006, and this occurred alongside an increasingly unequal distribution of dentists, again without proof of cause and consequence. A third study from Taiwan found the introduction of a national universal-coverage health insurance to equalise the distribution of dentists, with statistical association between this equalisation and the introduction of the insurance.
CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of interventions to enhance the spatial distribution of D/DCPs remains unclear.
Topics: Dental Assistants; Dental Care; Dental Hygienists; Dentists; Health Policy; Humans; Workforce
PubMed: 28643435
DOI: 10.1111/idj.12316 -
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford,... Dec 2015It has been suggested that chronic hyperinsulinemia from insulin resistance is involved in the etiology of endometrial cancer (EC). We performed a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
It has been suggested that chronic hyperinsulinemia from insulin resistance is involved in the etiology of endometrial cancer (EC). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether insulin resistance is associated with the risk of EC.
METHODS
We searched PubMed-Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published from database inception through 30th September 2014. We included all observational studies evaluating components defining insulin resistance in women with and without EC. Quality of the included studies was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effects models and inverse variance method were used to meta-analyze the association between insulin resistance components and EC.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies satisfied our inclusion criteria. Fasting insulin levels (13 studies, n = 4088) were higher in women with EC (mean difference [MD] 33.94 pmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.04-52.85, p = 0.0004). No differences were seen in postmenopausal versus pre- and postmenopausal subgroup analysis. Similarly, non-fasting/fasting C-peptide levels (five studies, n = 1938) were also higher in women with EC (MD 0.14 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.08-0.21, p < 0.00001). Homeostatic model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values (six studies, n = 1859) in EC patients were significantly higher than in women without EC (MD 1.13, 95% CI 0.20-2.06, p = 0.02). There was moderate-to-high heterogeneity among the included studies.
CONCLUSION
Currently available epidemiologic evidence is suggestive of significantly higher risk of EC in women with high fasting insulin, non-fasting/fasting C-peptide and HOMA-IR values.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; C-Peptide; Chi-Square Distribution; Endometrial Neoplasms; Fasting; Female; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Life Style; Middle Aged; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior
PubMed: 26597445
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.08.031 -
European Urology Mar 2015Although open radical cystectomy (ORC) is still the standard approach, laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) are... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Although open radical cystectomy (ORC) is still the standard approach, laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) are increasingly performed.
OBJECTIVE
To report on a systematic literature review and cumulative analysis of pathologic, oncologic, and functional outcomes of RARC in comparison with ORC and LRC.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using a free-text protocol including the terms robot-assisted radical cystectomy or da Vinci radical cystectomy or robot* radical cystectomy. RARC case series and studies comparing RARC with either ORC or LRC were collected. A cumulative analysis was conducted.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The searches retrieved 105 papers, 87 of which reported on pathologic, oncologic, or functional outcomes. Most series were retrospective and had small case numbers, short follow-up, and potential patient selection bias. The lymph node yield during lymph node dissection was 19 (range: 3-55), with half of the series following an extended template (yield range: 11-55). The lymph node-positive rate was 22%. The performance of lymphadenectomy was correlated with surgeon and institutional volume. Cumulative analyses showed no significant difference in lymph node yield between RARC and ORC. Positive surgical margin (PSM) rates were 5.6% (1-1.5% in pT2 disease and 0-25% in pT3 and higher disease). PSM rates did not appear to decrease with sequential case numbers. Cumulative analyses showed no significant difference in rates of surgical margins between RARC and ORC or RARC and LRC. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy use ranged from 0% to 31%, with adjuvant chemotherapy used in 4-29% of patients. Only six series reported a mean follow-up of >36 mo. Three-year disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 67-76%, 68-83%, and 61-80%, respectively. The 5-yr DFS, CSS, and OS rates were 53-74%, 66-80%, and 39-66%, respectively. Similar to ORC, disease of higher pathologic stage or evidence of lymph node involvement was associated with worse survival. Very limited data were available with respect to functional outcomes. The 12-mo continence rates with continent diversion were 83-100% in men for daytime continence and 66-76% for nighttime continence. In one series, potency was recovered in 63% of patients who were evaluable at 12 mo.
CONCLUSIONS
Oncologic and functional data from RARC remain immature, and longer-term prospective studies are needed. Cumulative analyses demonstrated that lymph node yields and PSM rates were similar between RARC and ORC. Conclusive long-term survival outcomes for RARC were limited, although oncologic outcomes up to 5 yr were similar to those reported for ORC.
PATIENT SUMMARY
Although open radical cystectomy (RC) is still regarded as the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, laparoscopic and robot-assisted RCs are becoming more popular. Templates of lymph node dissection, lymph node yields, and positive surgical margin rates are acceptable with robot-assisted RC. Although definitive comparisons with open RC with respect to oncologic or functional outcomes are lacking, early results appear comparable.
Topics: Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Chi-Square Distribution; Cystectomy; Disease Progression; Disease-Free Survival; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm, Residual; Odds Ratio; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 25560797
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2014.12.008 -
European Urology Mar 2016Preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) is often prescribed to reduce the severity of postprostatectomy incontinence. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) is often prescribed to reduce the severity of postprostatectomy incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
Systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence regarding the effect of preoperative PFME on postoperative urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic search was performed of the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and all potential articles from references in relevant articles on 4 October 2014. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Identified reports were critically appraised for quality and relevance. Only studies of preoperative PFME compared with no preoperative PFME were included.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Eleven studies were included based on the selection criteria. The total number of patients included in the final analysis was 739. In seven studies, sufficient quantitative data on postoperative incontinence were available for meta-analysis. At 1 mo, there was no difference in continence rates between the groups (odds ratio [OR]: 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-1.03). At 3 mo, there was 36% improvement in the preoperative PFME group (OR: 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47-0.88). At 6 mo, there was no difference between groups (OR: 0.60; 95% CI, 0.32-1.15). When examining quality of life measures, four of seven studies demonstrated significant improvement in the preoperative PFME group at 3 mo, and two of these studies demonstrated significant differences at 6 mo.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative PFME improves postoperative urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy at 3 mo but not at 6 mo, suggesting it improves early continence but not long-term continence rates.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We reviewed all evidence for preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) in treating urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy. We found evidence to suggest that preoperative PFME improves early continence rates but not long-term continence rates.
Topics: Chi-Square Distribution; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Male; Odds Ratio; Pelvic Floor; Preoperative Care; Prostatectomy; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 26610857
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2015.11.004 -
Annals of HepatologyBackground. Hepatitis B virus infection and chronic kidney disease are prevalent and remain a major public health problem worldwide. It remains unclear how infection... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
Background. Hepatitis B virus infection and chronic kidney disease are prevalent and remain a major public health problem worldwide. It remains unclear how infection with hepatitis B virus impacts on the development and progression of chronic kidney disease.
AIM
To evaluate the effect of infection with HBV on the risk of chronic kidney disease in the general population.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the published medical literature to determine if hepatitis B infection is associated with increased likelihood of chronic kidney disease. We used the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to generate a summary estimate of the relative risk for chronic kidney disease (defined by reduced glomerular filtration rate and/or detectable proteinuria) with hepatitis B virus across the published studies. Meta-regression and stratified analysis were also conducted.
RESULTS
We identified 16 studies (n = 394,664 patients) and separate meta-analyses were performed according to the outcome. The subset of longitudinal studies addressing ESRD (n = 2; n = 91,656) gave a pooled aHR 3.87 (95% CI, 1.48; 6.25, P < 0.0001) among HBV-infected patients and no heterogeneity was recorded. In meta-regression, we noted the impact of male (P = 0.006) and duration of follow- up (P = 0.007) upon the adjusted hazard ratio of incidence of chronic kidney disease (including end-stage renal disease). No relationship occurred between HBV positive status and prevalent chronic disease (n = 7, n = 109,889 unique patients); adjusted odds ratio, were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.89; 1.25) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.76; 1.10), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
HBV infection is possibly associated with a risk of developing reduced glomerular filtration rate in the general population; no link between HBV sero-positive status and frequency of chronic kidney disease or proteinuria was noted in cross-sectional surveys.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Hepatitis B; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Male; Middle Aged; Observational Studies as Topic; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Proteinuria; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 28051791
DOI: 10.5604/16652681.1226813 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Dec 2014True splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are a rare but potentially fatal pathology. For many years, open repair (OPEN) and conservative management (CONS) were the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
True splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are a rare but potentially fatal pathology. For many years, open repair (OPEN) and conservative management (CONS) were the treatments of choice, but throughout the last decade endovascular repair (EV) has become increasingly used. The purpose of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the outcomes of the three major treatment modalities (OPEN, EV, and CONS) for the management of SAAs.
METHODS
A systematic review of all studies describing the outcomes of SAAs treated with OPEN, EV, or CONS was performed using seven large medical databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to ensure a high-quality review. All articles were subject to critical appraisal for relevance, validity, and availability of data regarding characteristics and outcomes. All data were systematically pooled, and meta-analyses were performed on several outcomes, including early and late mortality, complications, and number of reinterventions.
RESULTS
Original data of 1321 patients with true SAAs were identified in 47 articles. OPEN contained 511 patients (38.7%) in 31 articles, followed by 425 patients (32.2%) in CONS in 16 articles and 385 patients (29.1%) in EV in 33 articles. The CONS group had fewer symptomatic patients (9.5% vs 28.7% in OPEN and 28.8% in EV; P < .001) and fewer ruptured aneurysms (0.2% vs 18.4% in OPEN and 8.8% in EV; P < .001), but no significant differences were found in existing comorbidities. CONS patients were usually older and had smaller-sized aneurysms than patients in the OPEN and EV groups. The only identified difference in baseline characteristics between OPEN and EV was the number of ruptured aneurysms (18.4% vs 8.8%; P < .001). OPEN had a higher 30-day mortality than EV (5.1% vs 0.6%; P < .001), whereas minor complications occurred in a larger number of the EV patients. EV required more reinterventions per year (3.2%) compared with OPEN (0.5%) and CONS (1.2%; P < .001). The late mortality rate was higher in patients treated with CONS (4.9% vs 2.1% in OPEN and 1.4% in EV; P = .04).
CONCLUSIONS
EV of SAA has better short-term results compared with OPEN, including significantly lower perioperative mortality. OPEN is associated with fewer late complications and fewer reinterventions during follow-up. Patients treated with CONS showed a higher late mortality rate. Ruptured SAAs are predictors of a significantly higher perioperative mortality compared with nonruptured SAAs in the OPEN and EV groups.
Topics: Aneurysm; Aneurysm, Ruptured; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Chi-Square Distribution; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Reoperation; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Splenic Artery; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25264364
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.08.067 -
Oncotarget Dec 2016A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the risk of wound-healing complications in patients who treated with neoadjuvant-adjuvant bevacizumab in various oncological... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the risk of wound-healing complications in patients who treated with neoadjuvant-adjuvant bevacizumab in various oncological indications. We searched PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library through June 2016 to identify randomized controlled trials of bevacizumab and wound-healing complications. Seven RCTs studies involving 5,147 participants were included in the analysis. Compared with routine therapy, bevacizumab increased the incidence of wound-healing complications for various cancers. The pooled estimate of odds ratio (OR) was 2.32, and the 95 % confidence intervals (CI) was 1.43 to 3.75. (P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed the similar result in colon carcinoma patients. In conclusion, bevacizumab increases the incidence of wound-healing complications for cancers especially for colon neoplasms patients. However, the adverse effect is not appeared in breast cancer, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Due to the findings relying chiefly on data from single or two studies, hence, further research is required to assess the wound-healing complications risk of bevacizumab in each oncological indication.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Bevacizumab; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Chi-Square Distribution; Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasms; Odds Ratio; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Wound Healing
PubMed: 27756883
DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12666 -
Allergy Dec 2015The association between seasonality and diagnosis and/or recrudescence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) remains unclear, with some studies demonstrating a higher... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The association between seasonality and diagnosis and/or recrudescence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) remains unclear, with some studies demonstrating a higher diagnostic rate in those months with a higher aeroallergen load while others rule out this association.
METHODS
We performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases for studies on the seasonality of the initial diagnosis or recrudescence (i.e., food bolus impaction) of EoE. Summary estimates, including 95% confidence intervals, were calculated for seasonal variation in diagnosis or incidence of food bolus impaction. A random-effects meta-regression model was made using aggregate-level data to compare seasonality in EoE diagnosis and recrudescence. Publication bias risks were assessed by means of funnel plot analysis.
RESULTS
Of 1078 references found, data were finally collected from 18 studies which included a total of 16,846 EoE patients. Of all new cases of EoE diagnosed per year, 27.1% were diagnosed in spring and 21.5% in winter. No overall statistical differences in the annual seasonal distribution of newly diagnosed EoE cases were observed in the random-effects meta-regression model (P = 0.132). Similarly, a homogenous distribution of episodes of EoE recrudescence throughout the year was noted, with no significant differences between seasons (P = 0.699). No significant publication bias was found.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review found no significant variations in the seasonal distribution of either the diagnosis or clinical recrudescence of EoE throughout the year.
Topics: Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Prevalence; Recurrence; Seasons
PubMed: 26392117
DOI: 10.1111/all.12767 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Nov 2015Interruption of the hypogastric artery by ligation, embolization, or coverage frequently results in ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to compare the rate... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Interruption of the hypogastric artery by ligation, embolization, or coverage frequently results in ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to compare the rate and risk factors for the development of ischemic complications after interruption of the hypogastric artery in obstetrics and gynecology (OBG), vascular surgery, oncology, and trauma patients.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Ovid, and Scopus were searched for articles containing data of patients who underwent interruption of the hypogastric artery. Based on the indication, details of the procedure, and complications developed, data were categorized and a systematic review was done to evaluate any significant differences.
RESULTS
A total of 394 patients (median age, 48.5 years) from 124 papers were included in the study; 31% of the study population was male and 69% was female. Indication for interruption was OBG related in 53.3%, vascular surgery related in 25.1%, oncology related in 17.5%, and trauma related in 4.1% of patients. Overall ischemic complication rate was 22.6%, comprising buttock claudication in 12.2%, buttock necrosis in 4.8%, erectile dysfunction in 2.7%, spinal cord ischemia in 4.0%, colonic ischemia in 2.5%, and bladder necrosis in 0.8%. Complications were fewer in patients younger than the median age of 48.5 years (12.8%) compared with those older than the median age (36.3%; P < .01), women compared with men (13.1% vs 41.7%; P < .01), OBG patients compared with vascular surgery patients (9.5% vs 37.4%; P < .01), patients after ligation compared with embolization (9.4% vs 31.0%; P < .01), and proximal interruption compared with distal interruption (19.6% vs 51.4%; P < .01). No significant difference in complications was seen after bilateral interruption compared with unilateral interruption (20.6% vs 27.1%; P > .05). Similarly, no significant difference in complication rate was seen with the type of embolization material used. Among OBG patients, ligations resulted in fewer complications compared with embolization (4.1% vs 16.7%; P < .01). Among vascular surgery patients, bilateral embolization resulted in a higher rate of complications compared with bilateral ligation (83.3% vs 30.5%; P < .01). Among oncology patients, fewer complications were seen after proximal interruption compared with distal interruption (25.5% vs 75%; P = .01). No significant differences in outcome were seen with regard to gender, laterality, and material used for embolization when patients were compared within each specialty.
CONCLUSIONS
Interruption of the hypogastric artery is relatively safe in young and OBG patients compared with vascular surgery and oncology patients. Ligation of the hypogastric arteries is preferred to embolization, and proximal embolization should be preferred to distal embolization to decrease the risk of ischemic complications. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample size are needed to definitively elucidate clear risk factors for development of complications after hypogastric artery interruption.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Chi-Square Distribution; Embolization, Therapeutic; Female; Humans; Iliac Artery; Ischemia; Ligation; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Pelvis; Regional Blood Flow; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 26386508
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2015.08.053