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Vaccine Apr 2017The vaccine vial monitor (VVM) registers cumulative heat exposure on vaccines over time. As low- and lower-middle-income countries transition beyond support from the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The vaccine vial monitor (VVM) registers cumulative heat exposure on vaccines over time. As low- and lower-middle-income countries transition beyond support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), they will assume full responsibility for vaccine financing and procurement. It is unclear to what extent countries transitioning out of Gavi support will continue to include VVMs on their vaccines. This paper aims to systematically review evidence on VVM availability and use in low- and middle-income countries to document factors behind global access to and country demand for VVMs. Such results could help identify actions needed to ensure continued use of VVMs in countries that transition out of Gavi support.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of electronic databases, reference lists, and grey literature in English and French languages with publication dates from 2005 onwards. The studies included were analyzed for the following outcomes: (1) availability and deployment of VVM-labeled vaccines; (2) VVM practices and perceptions in the immunization system; (3) vaccine introduction and decision-making processes; (4) Gavi graduation and vaccine program sustainability.
RESULTS
The study found that VVM availability and use was affected by multiple sourcing of vaccines and the extent to which VVM was included in the vaccine specification in the tendering documents when procuring vaccines. Knowledge about VVM and its impact on the EPI program was found to be high among health workers as well as decision-makers. However, the study also found that weak capacity in key national institutions such as NRA and NPA might impact on demand for VVM. As countries take decisions regarding the adoption of new vaccines, factors such as disease burden and vaccine price may assume greater importance than vaccine characteristics and presentation. Finally, the study found that countries rely largely on the advice and recommendations from technical partners such as WHO and PAHO.
CONCLUSION
The study concludes that global access to and country demand for VVM are dependent on policy statements and recommendations about VVM by key policy institutions such as WHO and UNICEF. The study also concludes that despite Gavi-eligible countries having access to VVM-labeled vaccines, inclusion is often below 100%. Weak institutional capacity in key national agencies such as NRA and NPA seems to be a contributing factor, while other factors include the procurement of clear national policies on the inclusion of VVM on vaccines, along with the capacity to enforce the policy. Finally, the study concludes that knowledge about VVM and its impact on vaccine program efficiency, safety, and cost is critical for transitioning countries' continuous demand for VVM.
Topics: Developing Countries; Drug Storage; Humans; Immunization Programs; Refrigeration; Vaccines
PubMed: 28364924
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.11.102 -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Dec 2016Survival into adulthood is now a reality for many adolescents facing cancer. Fertility preservation (FP) is rapidly advancing, but oncology providers and health systems... (Review)
Review
STUDY OBJECTIVE
Survival into adulthood is now a reality for many adolescents facing cancer. Fertility preservation (FP) is rapidly advancing, but oncology providers and health systems struggle to incorporate the newest FP technologies into the clinical care of adolescents. Our objective was to systematically review and synthesize the available data regarding the perspectives, experiences, and preferences of adolescents, parents, and oncology providers about FP to inform clinical implementation of FP technologies. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychInfo) were systematically searched for studies published between January 1999 and May 2014. Adolescents were defined as 12-18 years at the time of diagnosis or designated as pubertal/postpubertal and younger than 18 years of age. Studies were assessed for methodological quality, data were extracted using a standardized form, and results were synthesized using guidelines for a narrative syntheses of quantitative and qualitative data.
RESULTS
In total, 1237 records were identified, with 22 articles, representing 17 unique studies that met the inclusion criteria. The following topics were consistently observed across studies and populations: (1) fertility in trust; (2) decision-making challenges; (3) provider knowledge and practices; and (4) discrepancies between desired and actual experiences.
CONCLUSION
Despite the challenges associated with a new cancer diagnosis, adolescents and parents value the opportunity to discuss fertility concerns and preservation options. Providers play an important role in addressing these topics for families and efforts should be made to incorporate FP discussions into routine cancer care for all adolescents, with attention paid to the unique needs of adolescents and their parents.
Topics: Adolescent; Decision Making; Fertility Preservation; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Infertility; Neoplasms; Parents
PubMed: 27108230
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2016.04.005 -
PloS One 2023Decision Avoidance (DA) strategies allow people to forego or abandon effortful deliberation by postponing, bypassing, or delegating a decision. DA is thought to reduce... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Decision Avoidance (DA) strategies allow people to forego or abandon effortful deliberation by postponing, bypassing, or delegating a decision. DA is thought to reduce regret, primarily by allowing decision makers to evade personal responsibility for potential negative outcomes. We tested this relation between DA and post-decision regret in a multilevel meta-analysis of 59 effect estimates coming from 13 papers. Five DA strategies were considered: status quo preservation, action omission, inaction inertia, choice delegation and choice deferral. Across all effects and DA strategies, there was a non-significant trend toward DA reducing regret (Hedges' g = -0.23, p = 0.063). When assessing individual strategies, we found that only status quo preservation reduced regret reliably (Hedges' g = -0.45, p = 0.006). The relationship between DA and regret was unclear for the other DA strategies. We tested a number of moderators for the effect. Only 'previous experience' (i.e., the outcome of a previous decision) influenced the relation between DA and regret reliably. That is, if participants choose the DA option when the same choice previously led to a negative outcome, regret is actually enhanced. Overall, there is clear evidence that status quo preservation can reduce regret, but it is currently unclear whether the same holds for other DA strategies.
Topics: Humans; Decision Making; Emotions; Social Behavior; Apathy; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37831709
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292857 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Apr 2018To compare the effects of the four most commonly used preservation solutions on the outcome of liver transplantations. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To compare the effects of the four most commonly used preservation solutions on the outcome of liver transplantations.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases up to January 31, 2017. The inclusion criteria were comparative, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for deceased donor liver (DDL) allografts with adult and pediatric donors using the gold standard University of Wisconsin (UW) solution or histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK), Celsior (CS) and Institut Georges Lopez (IGL-1) solutions. Fifteen RCTs (1830 livers) were included; the primary outcomes were primary non-function (PNF) and one-year post-transplant graft survival (OGS-1).
RESULTS
All trials were homogenous with respect to donor and recipient characteristics. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of PNF with the use of UW, HTK, CS and IGL-1 (RR = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01-0.03, = 0.356). Comparing OGS-1 also failed to reveal any difference between UW, HTK, CS and IGL-1 (RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.80-0.80, = 0.369). Two trials demonstrated higher PNF levels for UW in comparison with the HTK group, and individual studies described higher rates of biliary complications where HTK and CS were used compared to the UW and IGL-1 solutions. However, the meta-analysis of the data did not prove a statistically significant difference: the UW, CS, HTK and IGL-1 solutions were associated with nearly equivalent outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Alternative solutions for UW yield the same degree of safety and effectiveness for the preservation of DDLs, but further well-designed clinical trials are warranted.
Topics: Adenosine; Allopurinol; Disaccharides; Electrolytes; Glucose; Glutamates; Glutathione; Graft Survival; Histidine; Humans; Insulin; Liver Transplantation; Mannitol; Odds Ratio; Organ Preservation; Organ Preservation Solutions; Potassium Chloride; Primary Graft Dysfunction; Procaine; Raffinose; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29713134
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i16.1812 -
Progress in Orthodontics Jan 2018This review aims to compare the effectiveness of en masse and two-step retraction methods during orthodontic space closure regarding anchorage preservation and anterior... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This review aims to compare the effectiveness of en masse and two-step retraction methods during orthodontic space closure regarding anchorage preservation and anterior segment retraction and to assess their effect on the duration of treatment and root resorption.
METHODS
An electronic search for potentially eligible randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials was performed in five electronic databases up to July 2017. The process of study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment was performed by two reviewers independently. A narrative review is presented in addition to a quantitative synthesis of the pooled results where possible. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for the methodological quality assessment of the included studies.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis in this review. Four studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. En masse/miniscrew combination showed a statistically significant standard mean difference regarding anchorage preservation - 2.55 mm (95% CI - 2.99 to - 2.11) and the amount of upper incisor retraction - 0.38 mm (95% CI - 0.70 to - 0.06) when compared to a two-step/conventional anchorage combination. Qualitative synthesis suggested that en masse retraction requires less time than two-step retraction with no difference in the amount of root resorption.
CONCLUSIONS
Both en masse and two-step retraction methods are effective during the space closure phase. The en masse/miniscrew combination is superior to the two-step/conventional anchorage combination with regard to anchorage preservation and amount of retraction. Limited evidence suggests that anchorage reinforcement with a headgear produces similar results with both retraction methods. Limited evidence also suggests that en masse retraction may require less time and that no significant differences exist in the amount of root resorption between the two methods.
Topics: Humans; Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures; Orthodontic Space Closure; Root Resorption; Tooth Extraction
PubMed: 29302879
DOI: 10.1186/s40510-017-0196-7 -
The Oncologist Mar 2022Gynecologic cancers standard treatment often requires the removal of some reproductive organs, making fertility preservation a complex challenge. Despite heightened...
BACKGROUND
Gynecologic cancers standard treatment often requires the removal of some reproductive organs, making fertility preservation a complex challenge. Despite heightened oncofertility awareness, knowledge about fertility attitudes and decisions of young patients with gynecologic cancer is scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to highlight what is currently known about knowledge, attitudes, and decisions about fertility, fertility preservation, and parenthood among these patients.
METHODS
Peer-reviewed journals published in English were searched in PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE from January 1, 2000 to July 1, 2020. Childbearing, fertility, fertility preservation, pregnancy, and parenthood attitudes/decisions after gynecologic cancer from women's perspective were evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies comprised the review. Most of the women valued fertility preservation procedures that could be regarded as a means to restore fertility. A unique feature identified was that fertility preservation was seen also as a way to restore gender identity perceived to be lost or threatened during diagnosis and treatment. Fertility counseling was suboptimal, with wide variability among studies reviewed. Comparisons between gynecologic cancers and other cancer types about fertility counseling rates were inconclusive. The potential negative impact of impaired fertility on patients' mental health and quality of life was also documented.
CONCLUSIONS
Fertility and parenthood were important matters in patients' lives, with the majority of patients expressing positive attitudes toward future childbearing. Results confirm that the inclusion of patients with gynecologic cancer in research studies focusing on this topic still remains low. Additionally, the provision of fertility counseling and referral by health professionals is still suboptimal.
Topics: Female; Fertility; Fertility Preservation; Gender Identity; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35274725
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyab051 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Aug 2019To match the current organ demand with organ availability from the donor pool, there has been a shift towards acceptance of extended criteria donors (ECD), often... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
To match the current organ demand with organ availability from the donor pool, there has been a shift towards acceptance of extended criteria donors (ECD), often associated with longer ischemic times. Novel dynamic preservation techniques as hypothermic or normothermic machine perfusion (MP) are increasingly adopted, particularly for organs from ECDs. In this study, we compared the viability and incidence of reperfusion injury in kidneys and livers preserved with MP versus Static Cold Storage (SCS).
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis with a search performed between February and March 2019. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Transplant Library were searched via OvidSP. The Cochrane Library and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were also searched. English language filter was applied.
RESULTS
the systematic search generated 10,585 studies, finally leading to a total of 30 papers for meta-analysis of kidneys and livers. Hypothermic MP (HMP) statistically significantly lowered the incidence of primary nonfunction (PMN, = 0.003) and delayed graft function (DGF, < 0.00001) in kidneys compared to SCS, but not its duration. No difference was also noted for serum creatinine or eGFR post-transplantation, but overall kidneys preserved with HMP had a significantly longer one-year graft survival (OR: 1.61 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.53, = 0.04). Differently from kidneys where the graft survival was affected, there was no significant difference in primary non function (PNF) for livers stored using SCS for those preserved by HMP and NMP. Machine perfusion demonstrated superior outcomes in early allograft dysfunction and post transplantation AST levels compared to SCS, but however, only HMP was able to significantly decrease serum bilirubin and biliary stricture incidence compared to SCS.
CONCLUSIONS
MP improves DGF and one-year graft survival in kidney transplantation; it appears to mitigate early allograft dysfunction in livers, but more studies are needed to prove its potential superiority in relation to PNF in livers.
PubMed: 31443179
DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081221 -
European Review For Medical and... Feb 2021Paget disease of the breast (PDB) is a rare form of cutaneous breast cancer. Up to date, no randomized studies evaluated the different management strategies. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Paget disease of the breast (PDB) is a rare form of cutaneous breast cancer. Up to date, no randomized studies evaluated the different management strategies. This systematic review investigates the role of radiotherapy and its best technical profile in the treatment of this disease, with great attention to doses and fractionation regimens.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase and Scopus in order to detect case reports, case series and prospective as well as retrospective clinical studies describing histologically proven PDB and providing information about pertinent radiation treatments. Searching strategy followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines.
RESULTS
Inclusion criteria were met by six papers, dealing with radiation treatments performed postoperatively and in exclusive settings. No evaluations were performed on preoperative radiotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Actually, the standard treatment of PDB reflects oncological principles of breast carcinoma therapy, including the role of breast-preserving surgery. The traditional radiotherapic dose is 50 Gy, with daily fractionation of 2 Gy. Adjuvant radiotherapy following breast preserving surgery represents the current standard of care; prospective studies could be of help in defining the role of exclusive radiotherapy, hypofractionated schemes and smaller target volumes.
Topics: Female; Humans; Paget's Disease, Mammary; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
PubMed: 33660791
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202102_25076 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2021Preclinical studies have shown that postconditioning with hydrogen sulfide (HS) exerts cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Preclinical studies have shown that postconditioning with hydrogen sulfide (HS) exerts cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The aim of this study was to appraise the current evidence of the cardioprotective effects of HS against IRI in order to explore the future implementation of HS in clinical cardiac transplantation. The current literature on HS postconditioning in the setting of global myocardial ischemia was systematically reviewed and analyzed, performing meta-analyses. A literature search of the electronic databases Medline, Embase and Cinahl identified 1835 studies that were subjected to our pre-defined inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies were considered eligible for inclusion. Postconditioning with HS showed significant robust effects with regard to limiting infarct size (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -4.12, 95% CI [-5.53--2.71], < 0.00001). Furthermore, HS postconditioning consistently resulted in a significantly lower release of cardiac injury markers, lower levels of oxidative stress and improved cardiac function. Postconditioning with slow-releasing HS donors offers a valuable opportunity for novel therapies within cardiac preservation for transplantation. Before clinical implication, studies evaluating the long-term effects of HS treatment and effects of HS treatment in large animal studies are warranted.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Cryopreservation; Heart; Heart Function Tests; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Hydrogen Sulfide; Ischemic Postconditioning; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Organ Preservation; Organ Preservation Solutions; Oxidative Stress; Risk Factors; Tissue Donors
PubMed: 34072153
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115737 -
Healthcare Analytics (New York, N.Y.) Nov 2023The unexpected and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the acceptance of remote healthcare systems such as telemedicine. Telemedicine effectively... (Review)
Review
The unexpected and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the acceptance of remote healthcare systems such as telemedicine. Telemedicine effectively provides remote communication, better treatment recommendation, and personalized treatment on demand. It has emerged as the possible future of medicine. From a privacy perspective, secure storage, preservation, and controlled access to health data with consent are the main challenges to the effective deployment of telemedicine. It is paramount to fully overcome these challenges to integrate the telemedicine system into healthcare. In this regard, emerging technologies such as blockchain and federated learning have enormous potential to strengthen the telemedicine system. These technologies help enhance the overall healthcare standard when applied in an integrated way. The primary aim of this study is to perform a systematic literature review of previous research on privacy-preserving methods deployed with blockchain and federated learning for telemedicine. This study provides an in-depth qualitative analysis of relevant studies based on the architecture, privacy mechanisms, and machine learning methods used for data storage, access, and analytics. The survey allows the integration of blockchain and federated learning technologies with suitable privacy techniques to design a secure, trustworthy, and accurate telemedicine model with a privacy guarantee.
PubMed: 37223223
DOI: 10.1016/j.health.2023.100192