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PloS One 2021Morbidity and mortality amongst extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) in developing nations has not been well studied. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Morbidity and mortality amongst extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) in developing nations has not been well studied.
OBJECTIVES
Evaluate survival until discharge, short- and long-term morbidities of ELBW and ELGANs in LMICs.
DATA SOURCES
CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science.
STUDY SELECTION
Prospective and retrospective observational studies were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Four authors extracted data independently. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used to synthesize data, modified QUIPS scale to evaluate quality of studies and GRADE approach to ascertain the certainty of evidence (CoE).
RESULTS
192 studies enrolling 22,278 ELBW and 18,338 ELGANs were included. Survival was 34% (95% CI: 31% - 37%) (CoE-low) for ELBW and 39% (34% - 44%) (CoE-moderate) for ELGANs. For ELBW neonates, the survival for low-income (LI), lower middle-income (LMI) and upper middle income (UMI) countries was 18% (11% - 28%), 28% (21% - 35%) and 39% (36% - 42%), respectively. For ELGANs, it was 13% (8% - 20%) for LI, 28% (21% - 36%) for LMI and 48% (42% - 53%) for UMI countries. There was no difference in survival between two epochs: 2000-2009 and 2010-2020. Except for necrotising enterocolitis [ELBW and ELGANs-8% (7% - 10%)] and periventricular leukomalacia [ELBW-7% (4% - 11%); ELGANs-6% (5%-7%)], rates of all other morbidities were higher compared to developed nations. Rates of neurodevelopmental impairment was 17% (7% - 34%) in ELBW neonates and 29% (23% - 37%) in ELGANs.
LIMITATIONS
CoE was very low to low for all secondary outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Mortality and morbidity amongst ELBW and ELGANs is still a significant burden in LMICs. CoE was very low to low for all the secondary outcomes, emphasizing the need for high quality prospective cohort studies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42020222873).
Topics: Developing Countries; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 34352883
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255352 -
Andrology Jan 2018Semen quality and male fertility are declining worldwide. As it was observed that physiologic and pathologic processes of spermatogenesis can be influenced by diet, the... (Review)
Review
Semen quality and male fertility are declining worldwide. As it was observed that physiologic and pathologic processes of spermatogenesis can be influenced by diet, the relation between dietary habits and semen parameters has been the focus of much interest. To review the human observational studies on this issue, we performed a systematic literature search, up to November 2016 (MEDLINE and EMBASE). We included all observational full-text papers reporting the relation between dietary habits and semen parameters. Article selection was carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Twenty-three observational studies were included. Overall, 8477 healthy men and 1204 men presenting at Fertility Clinics were included in the selected studies. Even if some inconsistencies are present, possibly due to the different effect of nutrients in fertile and infertile men, results support the hypothesis that diets including fruit and vegetables, for their contents in vitamins, and fish or low-fat dairy products as the main source of proteins, are associated with better semen quality. Recommendations may be confidently provided because of the many beneficial effects of a healthy diet, although further studies are needed to clarify the currently inconsistent findings and to shed light on the underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Diet; Humans; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Semen Analysis
PubMed: 29266782
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12452 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Jun 2021Understanding salient environmental determinants of pediatric sleep is essential for informing interventions and public health initiatives. Emerging evidence suggests... (Review)
Review
Understanding salient environmental determinants of pediatric sleep is essential for informing interventions and public health initiatives. Emerging evidence suggests that the neighborhood environment can impact pediatric sleep, but this evidence has not yet been systematically reviewed. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature on associations between neighborhood environments and sleep in young children (0-5 y), school-aged children (6-12 y) and adolescents (13-18 y). We reviewed 85 articles published between 2003 and 2020. The most commonly examined neighborhood exposure was low socioeconomic status (40 studies), which was associated with sleep outcomes in 58% of studies (primarily shorter sleep duration, later sleep timing, or obstructive sleep apnea). Evidence was stronger for neighborhood safety/crime/violence (21 studies), with 86% of studies reporting associations with sleep outcomes (primarily self- or caregiver-reported sleep problems). Fewer studies examined associations of neighborhood physical environment exposures, including noise (15 studies), the built environment (seven studies), and air pollution (six studies). Limitations of the current body of evidence include 1) limited examination of neighborhood exposures other than socioeconomic status or safety, 2) use of primarily cross-sectional observational study designs, 3) lack of objective sleep outcome assessment, and 4) limits of current exposure assessment methods.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Residence Characteristics; Sleep; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Social Class
PubMed: 33827031
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101465 -
Journal of General Internal Medicine Apr 2016Over the last decade, various pay-for-performance (P4P) programs have been implemented to improve quality in health systems, including the VHA. P4P programs are complex,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Over the last decade, various pay-for-performance (P4P) programs have been implemented to improve quality in health systems, including the VHA. P4P programs are complex, and their effects may vary by design, context, and other implementation processes. We conducted a systematic review and key informant (KI) interviews to better understand the implementation factors that modify the effectiveness of P4P.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL through April 2014, and reviewed reference lists. We included trials and observational studies of P4P implementation. Two investigators abstracted data and assessed study quality. We interviewed P4P researchers to gain further insight.
RESULTS
Among 1363 titles and abstracts, we selected 509 for full-text review, and included 41 primary studies. Of these 41 studies, 33 examined P4P programs in ambulatory settings, 7 targeted hospitals, and 1 study applied to nursing homes. Related to implementation, 13 studies examined program design, 8 examined implementation processes, 6 the outer setting, 18 the inner setting, and 5 provider characteristics. Results suggest the importance of considering underlying payment models and using statistically stringent methods of composite measure development, and ensuring that high-quality care will be maintained after incentive removal. We found no conclusive evidence that provider or practice characteristics relate to P4P effectiveness. Interviews with 14 KIs supported limited evidence that effective P4P program measures should be aligned with organizational goals, that incentive structures should be carefully considered, and that factors such as a strong infrastructure and public reporting may have a large influence.
DISCUSSION
There is limited evidence from which to draw firm conclusions related to P4P implementation. Findings from studies and KI interviews suggest that P4P programs should undergo regular evaluation and should target areas of poor performance. Additionally, measures and incentives should align with organizational priorities, and programs should allow for changes over time in response to data and provider input.
Topics: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Clinical Trials as Topic; Delivery of Health Care; Hospitals; Humans; Nursing Homes; Observational Studies as Topic; Program Evaluation; Quality of Health Care; Reimbursement, Incentive
PubMed: 26951276
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-015-3567-0 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Nov 2017Suitable analgesic drugs and techniques are needed for the acute care of the approximately 18 200-18 400 seriously injured patients in Germany each year. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Suitable analgesic drugs and techniques are needed for the acute care of the approximately 18 200-18 400 seriously injured patients in Germany each year.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis of analgesia in trauma patients was carried out on the basis of randomized, controlled trials and observational studies. A systematic search of the literature over the 10-year period ending in February 2016 was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Springer Link Library databases. Some of the considered trials and studies were included in a meta-analysis. Mean differences (MD) of pain reduction or pain outcome as measured on the Numeric Rating Scale were taken as a summarizing measure of treatment efficacy.
RESULTS
Out of 685 studies, 41 studies were considered and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among the drugs and drug combinations studied, none was clearly superior to another with respect to pain relief. Neither fentanyl versus morphine (MD -0.10 with a 95% confidence interval of [-0.58; 0.39], p = 0.70) nor ketamine versus morphine (MD -1.27 [-3.71; 1.16], p = 0.31), or the combination of ketamine and morphine versus morphine alone (MD -1.23 [-2.29; -0.18], p = 0.02) showed clear superiority regarding analgesia.
CONCLUSION
Ketamine, fentanyl, and morphine are suitable for analgesia in spontaneously breathing trauma patients. Fentanyl and ketamine have a rapid onset of action and a strong analgesic effect. Our quantitative meta-analysis revealed no evidence for the superiority of any of the three substances over the others. Suitable monitoring equipment, and expertise in emergency procedures are prerequisites for safe and effective analgesia by healthcare professionals..
Topics: Analgesia; Analgesics, Opioid; Emergency Medicine; Germany; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Pain Management; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 29229039
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0785 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2023The menopausal transition involves multiple biological and psychosocial challenges that may render middle-aged women vulnerable to body image concerns. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The menopausal transition involves multiple biological and psychosocial challenges that may render middle-aged women vulnerable to body image concerns.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to summarize evidence on the associations between menopause and body image perception in healthy middle-aged women.
DESIGN
This study is a systematic review of observational studies.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
Menopause-related exposure measures included menopausal stages, menopausal symptoms, and reproductive hormone levels during the menopausal transition. Studies investigating body image as an outcome, including through a positive (e.g. body self-esteem) or negative (e.g. body dissatisfaction) lens, were considered eligible. Articles published before March 2023 were identified through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase and underwent double screening, extraction, and quality assessment by two independent investigators. Characteristics and results were summarized using narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
A total of 820 non-duplicate records were identified, with 18 observational studies deemed eligible for inclusion after full-text screening. All studies investigating menopausal symptoms and body image ( = 6) found some significant association between them, with a higher frequency, intensity, or number of symptoms being associated with greater body image concern. Differences in body image perception between menopausal stages were inconsistent across studies ( = 12), while evidence of potential associations between reproductive hormones and body image was minimal ( = 2). Findings should be interpreted with caution as 17 of the included studies used a cross-sectional design, and not all studies adjusted their analyses for relevant confounders.
CONCLUSION
Overall, menopausal symptoms showed relatively consistent associations with a more negative body image perception. Additional research is required to understand the potential role of menopausal stages and reproductive hormone levels in the body image perception of middle-aged women and to confirm the direction of reported associations.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO-CRD42021241637.
Topics: Middle Aged; Female; Humans; Body Image; Cross-Sectional Studies; Menopause; Health Status; Hormones; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37994043
DOI: 10.1177/17455057231209536 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2021Walnuts contain nutrients that are associated with improved cognitive health. To our knowledge, no review has systematically examined the effects of walnuts on cognitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Walnuts contain nutrients that are associated with improved cognitive health. To our knowledge, no review has systematically examined the effects of walnuts on cognitive function and risk for cognitive decline.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of walnut intake on cognition-related outcomes and risk-factors for cognitive decline in adults.
METHODS
Medline, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published until April 2020 on walnut intake, cognition (e.g. cognitive function, stroke, and mood), and selected risk factors for cognitive decline (e.g. glucose homeostasis and inflammation). Risk-of-bias and strength-of-evidence assessments were conducted using standard validated tools. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted when ≥3 studies reported quantitative data for each outcome.
RESULTS
32 RCT and 7 observational study publications were included. Meta-analysis of cognition-related outcomes could not be conducted due to heterogeneity of tests. None of the 5 cognition RCTs found significant effects of walnuts on overall cognition, although 3 studies found improvements on subdomains and/or subgroups. All 7 observational studies found significant associations and a dose-response relationship between walnut intake and cognition-related outcomes. Meta-analyses of 27 RCTs reporting glucose homeostasis and inflammation outcomes, selected risk factors for cognitive decline, did not show significant effects of walnut intake.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the non-uniformity of tests for cognition-related outcomes, definitive conclusions regarding the effect of walnut consumption on cognition could not be reached. Additionally, evidence does not show associations between walnut intake and glucose homeostasis or inflammation, cognitive decline risk-factors. High-quality studies with standardized measures are needed to clarify the role of walnuts in cognitive health.KEY MESSAGESThis is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 randomized clinical trials and 7 observational study articles of the impact of walnut intake on cognition decline and 27 randomized clinical trials of the effect of walnut intake on risk factors for cognitive decline including glucose homeostasis and inflammation.The non-uniformity of tests performed to measure cognitive function in the various studies did not allow for a meta-analysis of these studies. A definitive conclusion could therefore not be reached regarding the effect of walnut intake on cognitive decline.The evidence available does not show an association between walnut intake and glucose homeostasis or inflammation.
Topics: Adult; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Diet; Glucose; Humans; Inflammation; Juglans; Nuts; Observational Studies as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34132152
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1925955 -
Journal of the American Geriatrics... Dec 2017To examine associations between falls and subsequent motor vehicle crashes (MVCs), crash-related injuries, driving performance, and driving behavior. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To examine associations between falls and subsequent motor vehicle crashes (MVCs), crash-related injuries, driving performance, and driving behavior.
DESIGN
Systematic review and metaanalysis.
PARTICIPANTS
Observational studies including drivers aged 55 and older or with a mean age of 65 and older.
MEASUREMENTS
Two authors independently extracted study and participant characteristics, exposures, and outcomes and assessed risk of bias. Pooled risk estimates for MVCs and MVC-related injuries were calculated using random-effects models. Other results were synthesized narratively.
RESULTS
From 3,286 potentially eligible records, 15 studies (N = 27-17,349 subjects) met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was low to moderate, except for cross-sectional studies (n = 3), which all had a high potential for bias. A fall history was associated with a significantly greater risk of subsequent MVC (summary risk estimate = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-1.63; I = 28%, N = 5 studies). One study found a significantly greater risk of MVC-related hospitalizations and deaths after a fall (hazard ratio = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.71-5.69). Evidence was inconclusive regarding an association between falls and driving cessation and showed no association between falls and driving performance or behavior.
CONCLUSION
Falls in older adults appear to be a risk marker for subsequent MVCs and MVC-related injury. Given the nature of the evidence, which is limited to observational studies, the identified associations may also result at least partly from confounding or bias. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms linking falls to crash risk and to develop effective interventions to ensure driving safety in older adults with a history of falls.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Accidents, Traffic; Aged; Automobile Driving; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 28873218
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15047 -
International Angiology : a Journal of... Dec 2023Chronic venous disease (CVD) can lead to considerable morbidity and impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this review was twofold: (i) to provide a...
INTRODUCTION
Chronic venous disease (CVD) can lead to considerable morbidity and impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this review was twofold: (i) to provide a deeper understanding of how CVD affects HRQoL (physical, psychological and social functioning), and (ii) to review the impact of evidence-based veno-active drugs (VADs) on HRQoL.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
For the effect of CVD on HRQoL, information was gathered during an Expert Consensus Meeting, during which data were presented from both the patient and physician perspective assessed with validated quality-of-life measures. For the impact of VADs on HRQoL, a systematic literature review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for real world evidence or randomized-controlled trials (RCT) vs. placebo, reporting data on the influence of VADs on HRQoL in patients with CVD.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
CVD can negatively affect daily life in a number of areas related to pain, physical function and social activities. The impact of CVD on HRQoL begins early in the disease and for patients the emotional burden of the disease is as high as the physical burden. In contrast, physicians tend to overestimate the physical impact. The database search yielded 184 unique records, of which 19 studies reporting on VADs and HRQoL in patients with CVD met the inclusion criteria (13 observational and 6 RCTs). Micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) was the most represented agent, associated with 12/19 studies (2 RCTs and 10 observational). Of the 6 RCTs, only MPFF, aminaphthone and low-dose diosmin provided statistically significant evidence for improvement on HRQoL compared with placebo; for the other VADs improvements in HRQoL were not statistically different from placebo. MPFF was also associated with improvements in HRQoL in the observational studies, across all CEAP clinical classes, as monotherapy or in combination with other conservative therapy, and for all aspects of HRQoL: physical, psychological, and social. Real-world data for the other VADs were scarce. Ruscus extract, sulodexide and a semi-synthetic diosmin were each represented by a single observational study and these limited data were associated with statistically significant improvements compared with baseline in overall and subdomain scores across the range of CEAP clinical classes.
CONCLUSIONS
CVD can impair patients' HRQoL significantly at all stages of the disease. MPFF has the greatest evidence base of clinical use in both RCT and real-world observational studies for effectiveness on HRQoL and is recognized by international guidelines. The complete video presentation of the work is available online at www.minervamedica.it (Supplementary Digital Material 1: Supplementary Video 1, 5 min, 194 MB).
Topics: Humans; Diosmin; Vascular Diseases; Veins; Pain; Flavonoids; Quality of Life; Chronic Disease; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38015554
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.23.05108-8 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is an accessible and reliable surrogate indicator of insulin resistance and is strongly associated with diabetes. However, its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
UNLABELLED
The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is an accessible and reliable surrogate indicator of insulin resistance and is strongly associated with diabetes. However, its relationship with diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between the TyG index and the prevalence of DR. Initial studies were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) electronic databases. The retrieval time range was from the establishment of the database to June 2023. Pooled estimates were derived using a random-effects model and reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Two researchers independently assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale (NOS) was utilized to assess cohort studies or case-control studies. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodology checklist was applied to assess cross-sectional studies. Ten observational studies encompassing 13716 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that a higher TyG index increased the risk of DR compared with a low TyG index (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.31-4.19, P < 0.05). When the index was analyzed as a continuous variable, consistent results were observed (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12-1.97, P < 0.005). There was no significant effect on the results of the sensitivity analyses excluding one study at a time (P all < 0.05). A higher TyG index may be associated with an increased prevalence of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, high-quality cohort or case-control studies are needed to further substantiate this evidence.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023432747.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Retinopathy; Glucose; Triglycerides; United States; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38130393
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1302127