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PloS One 2023The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) is a graph representing causal pathways for informing the conduct of an observational study. The use of DAGs allows transparent...
The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) is a graph representing causal pathways for informing the conduct of an observational study. The use of DAGs allows transparent communication of a causal model between researchers and can prevent over-adjustment biases when conducting causal inference, permitting greater confidence and transparency in reported causal estimates. In the era of 'big data' and increasing number of observational studies, the role of the DAG is becoming more important. Recent best-practice guidance for constructing a DAG with reference to the literature has been published in the 'Evidence synthesis for constructing DAGs' (ESC-DAG) protocol. We aimed to assess adherence to these principles for DAGs constructed within perioperative literature. Following registration on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and with adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting framework for systematic reviews, we searched the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (Embase), the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Cochrane databases for perioperative observational research incorporating a DAG. Nineteen studies were included in the final synthesis. No studies demonstrated any evidence of following the mapping stage of the protocol. Fifteen (79%) fulfilled over half of the translation and integration one stages of the protocol. Adherence with one stage did not guarantee fulfilment of the other. Two studies (11%) undertook the integration two stage. Unmeasured variables were handled inconsistently between studies. Only three (16%) studies included unmeasured variables within their DAG and acknowledged their implication within the main text. Overall, DAGs that were constructed for use in perioperative observational literature did not consistently adhere to best practice, potentially limiting the benefits of subsequent causal inference. Further work should focus on exploring reasons for this deviation and increasing methodological transparency around DAG construction.
Topics: Bias; Causality; Models, Theoretical; Communication; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36758007
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281259 -
Indian Journal of Psychiatry Feb 2024We systematically reviewed empirical studies of psychotherapy with Indian clients. We defined psychotherapy as an intervention aimed at treating mental disorders using... (Review)
Review
We systematically reviewed empirical studies of psychotherapy with Indian clients. We defined psychotherapy as an intervention aimed at treating mental disorders using "talk," which, in a professional medical setting, along with the therapeutic relationship, acquires medicinal value. Besides manual searches in three leading Indian psychiatry journals, we conducted digital searches in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. We found that the commonly practiced evidence-based psychotherapy in India follows the cognitive-behavioral model. Our findings suggest several replication studies which claimed to have used the well-established western models of cognitive behavioural paradigm but have mostly focused on basic behavioural techniques in their protocol. A few innovations were observed, and several essential errors were noted. Innovations include contextual modifications to address the difficulties and challenges faced in service delivery, while errors include deviations from protocol without adequate rationale.
PubMed: 38523761
DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_682_23 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Apr 2023Some parents of children with DMD find their role challenging, affecting quality of life. To inform support methods, we aimed to understand the lived experiences of...
PURPOSE
Some parents of children with DMD find their role challenging, affecting quality of life. To inform support methods, we aimed to understand the lived experiences of parents and how these interact with disease progression.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PRISMA informed protocol development. Qualitative and mixed methods studies were included. Four databases were searched and study quality was assessed using a standardised measure. Extracted data were analysed using thematic synthesis.
RESULTS
26 studies were included, comprising 362 parents. Seven descriptive themes were apparent: "Diagnostic Experiences", "Coping with the Caregiver Role", "Illness Trajectory and Associated Interventions", "Family Communication", "Network of Support", "Navigating Systems" and "Transition Experiences". Four analytical themes were then derived: "The Cyclical Nature of Grief", "Lifelong Expert in the Needs and Experiences of an Individual with DMD", "Navigating Deviation from Typical Life Course" and "Uncertainty as Ever Present".
CONCLUSION
The extant evidence suggests that the experience of parenting a child with DMD is often characterised by: a cycle of grief that begins at diagnosis, which runs parallel to the development of expertise in caregiving; within this parents notice deviations from their child's and their own expected life course and adjust to the emotions and uncertainty that this can bring.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONProfessionals should be cognisant to the complex grief process associated with DMD, which occurs from diagnosis onwards.There should be continued support for parents following bereavement.Peer support groups may also offer parents ways to maintain well-being.The necessity for parents to function effectively within an uncertain context that induces challenging emotions suggests a role for psychological therapies.
Topics: Child; Humans; Quality of Life; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Parents; Parenting; Adaptation, Psychological
PubMed: 35435109
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2060336 -
Pain and Therapy Sep 2022This systematic review aimed to investigate variations of reference scores for the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) between language versions and between countries in... (Review)
Review
A Systematic Review of the Variation in Pain Catastrophizing Scale Reference Scores Based on Language Version and Country in Patients with Chronic Primary (Non-specific) Pain.
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review aimed to investigate variations of reference scores for the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) between language versions and between countries in patients with chronic primary pain (CPP) or chronic primary pain, not otherwise specified (CPP-NOS).
METHODS
Electronic searches of the Ovid/Embase, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Ovid/PsycINFO databases were conducted to retrieve studies assessing PCS scores in adults with CPP or CPP-NOS proposed by the International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision for any country where the translated PCS was available. The protocol for this systematic review was prospectively registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews 2018 (registration number: CRD 42018086719).
RESULTS
A total of 3634 articles were screened after removal of duplicates. From these, 241 articles reporting on 32,282 patients with chronic pain were included in the review. The mean (± standard deviation) weighted PCS score across all articles was 25.04 ± 12.87. Of the 12 language versions and 21 countries included in the review, the weighted mean PCS score in Asian languages or Asian countries was significantly higher than that in English, European, and other languages or Western and other countries. The highest mean score of the weighted PCS based on language was in Japanese (mean 33.55), and the lowest was in Russian (mean 20.32). The highest mean score of the weighted PCS based on country was from Japan (mean 33.55), and the lowest was from Australia (mean 19.80).
CONCLUSION
The weighted PCS scores for people with CPP or CPP-NOS were significantly higher in Asian language versions/Asian countries than in English, European and other language versions or Western and other countries.
PubMed: 35567720
DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00390-0 -
The Lancet. Digital Health May 2022Containing the COVID-19 pandemic requires rapidly identifying infected individuals. Subtle changes in physiological parameters (such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and... (Review)
Review
Containing the COVID-19 pandemic requires rapidly identifying infected individuals. Subtle changes in physiological parameters (such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature), discernible by wearable devices, could act as early digital biomarkers of infections. Our primary objective was to assess the performance of statistical and algorithmic models using data from wearable devices to detect deviations compatible with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (known as CENTRAL), International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov on July 27, 2021 for publications, preprints, and study protocols describing the use of wearable devices to identify a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of 3196 records identified and screened, 12 articles and 12 study protocols were analysed. Most included articles had a moderate risk of bias, as per the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational and Cross-Sectional Studies. The accuracy of algorithmic models to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection varied greatly (area under the curve 0·52-0·92). An algorithm's ability to detect presymptomatic infection varied greatly (from 20% to 88% of cases), from 14 days to 1 day before symptom onset. Increased heart rate was most frequently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with increased skin temperature and respiratory rate. All 12 protocols described prospective studies that had yet to be completed or to publish their results, including two randomised controlled trials. The evidence surrounding wearable devices in the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection is still in an early stage, with a limited overall number of studies identified. However, these studies show promise for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Large prospective, and preferably controlled, studies recruiting and retaining larger and more diverse populations are needed to provide further evidence.
Topics: COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Pandemics; Prospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 35461692
DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(22)00019-X -
BioMed Research International 2015Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and devastating problem in cancer patients even after successful treatment. This study aimed to determine the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and devastating problem in cancer patients even after successful treatment. This study aimed to determine the effects of supervised multimodal exercise interventions on cancer-related fatigue through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
DESIGN
A systematic review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of multimodal exercise interventions on CRF. Databases of PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and OVID were searched between January and March 2014 to retrieve randomized controlled trials. Risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
Nine studies (n = 772) were included in both systematic review and meta-analysis. Multimodal interventions including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching improved CRF symptoms (SMD = -0.23; 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.09; P = 0.001). These effects were also significant in patients undergoing chemotherapy (P < 0.0001). Nonsignificant differences were found for resistance training interventions (P = 0.30). Slight evidence of publication bias was observed (P = 0.04). The studies had a low risk of bias (PEDro scale mean score of 6.4 (standard deviation (SD) ± 1.0)).
CONCLUSION
Supervised multimodal exercise interventions including aerobic, resistance, and stretching exercises are effective in controlling CRF. These findings suggest that these exercise protocols should be included as a crucial part of the rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors and patients during anticancer treatments.
Topics: Adult; Exercise Therapy; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26167483
DOI: 10.1155/2015/328636 -
World Journal of Urology Jul 2023False penile fractures (FPF) represent a rare sexual emergency characterized by blunt trauma of penis in the absence of albuginea's injury, with or without lesion of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
False penile fractures (FPF) represent a rare sexual emergency characterized by blunt trauma of penis in the absence of albuginea's injury, with or without lesion of dorsal penile vein. Their presentation is often indistinguishable from true penile fractures (TPF). This overlapping of clinical presentation, and lack of knowledge about FPF, can lead surgeons often to proceed directly to surgical exploration without further examinations. The aim of this study was to define a typical presentation of false penile fractures (FPF) emergency, identifying in absence of "snap" sound, slow detumescence, penile shaft ecchymosis, and penile deviation main clinical signs.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis based on Medline, Scopus and Cochrane following a protocol designed a priori, to define sensitivity of "snap" sound absence, slow detumescence and penile deviation.
RESULTS
Based on the literature search of 93 articles, 15 were included (73 patients). All patients referred pain, most of them during coitus (n = 57; 78%). Detumescence occurred in 37/73 (51%), and all patients described detumescence occurrence as "slow". The results show that single anamnestic item have a high-moderate sensibility in the diagnosis of FPF, and the highest sensitive item was penile deviation (sensibility = 0.86). However, when more than one item is present, overall sensitivity increases greatly, closing to 100% (95% Confidence Interval 92-100).
CONCLUSION
Surgeons can consciously decide between additional exams, a conservative approach, and rapid intervention using these indicators to detect FPF. Our findings identified symptoms with excellent specificity for FPF diagnosis, giving clinicians more useful tools for making decisions.
Topics: Male; Humans; Rupture; Penile Diseases; Penis; Coitus; Pelvis
PubMed: 37326652
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04456-2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2017There is an association between chronic periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is not known whether periodontal therapy could prevent or manage CVD... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is an association between chronic periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is not known whether periodontal therapy could prevent or manage CVD in patients with chronic periodontitis.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of periodontal therapy in preventing the occurrence of, and management or recurrence of, CVD in patients with chronic periodontitis.
SEARCH METHODS
Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 31 August 2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2017, Issue 7), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 31 August 2017), Embase Ovid (1980 to 31 August 2017) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL EBSCO) (1937 to 31 August 2017) . The US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov), the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Open Grey were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.We also searched the Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (1978 to 27 August 2017), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1994 to 27 August 2017), the VIP database (1989 to 27 August 2017) and Sciencepaper Online (2003 to 27 August 2017).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs were considered eligible. Studies were selected if they included patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis and previous CVD (secondary prevention studies) or no CVD (primary prevention studies); patients in the intervention group received active periodontal therapy compared to maintenance therapy, no periodontal treatment or another kind of periodontal treatment in the control group.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors carried out the study identification, data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently and in duplicate. Any discrepancies between the two authors were resolved by discussion or with a third review author. A formal pilot-tested data extraction form was adopted for the data extraction, and the Cochrane tool for risk of bias assessment was used for the critical appraisal of the literature.
MAIN RESULTS
No studies were identified that assessed primary prevention of CVD in people with periodontitis. One study involving 303 participants with ≥ 50% blockage of one coronary artery or a coronary event within three years, but not the three months prior, was included. The study was at high risk of bias due to deviation from the protocol treatment allocation and lack of follow-up data. The trial compared scaling and root planing (SRP) with community care for a follow-up period of six to 25 months. No data on deaths (all-cause or CVD-related) were reported. There was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of SRP and community care in reducing the risk of CVD recurrence in patients with chronic periodontitis (risk ratio (RR) 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23 to 2.22; very low quality evidence). The effects of SRP compared with community care on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (mean difference (MD) 0.62; -1.45 to 2.69), the number of patients with high hs-CRP (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.85) and adverse events (RR 9.06; 95% CI 0.49 to 166.82) were also not statistically significant. The study did not assess modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, other blood test results, heart function parameters or revascularisation procedures.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found very low quality evidence that was insufficient to support or refute whether periodontal therapy can prevent the recurrence of CVD in the long term in patients with chronic periodontitis. No evidence on primary prevention was found.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Chronic Periodontitis; Coronary Disease; Dental Scaling; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Root Planing; Secondary Prevention
PubMed: 29112241
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009197.pub3 -
Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology... Mar 2015Regular exercise promotes functional and structural changes in the central and peripheral mechanisms of the cardiovascular system. Heart rate variability (HRV)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Regular exercise promotes functional and structural changes in the central and peripheral mechanisms of the cardiovascular system. Heart rate variability (HRV) measurement provides a sensitive indicator of the autonomic balance. However, because of the diversity of methods and variables used, the results are difficult to compare in the sports sciences. Since the protocol (supine, sitting, or standing position) and measure (time or frequency domain) are not well defined, the aim of this study is to investigate the HRV measures that better indicates the chronic adaptations of physical exercise in athletes.
METHOD
PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library), and Scopus databases were consulted. Original complete articles in English with short-term signals evaluating young and adult athletes, between 17 and 40 years old, with a control group, published up to 2013 were included.
RESULTS
Selected 19 of 1369 studies, for a total sample pool of 333 male and female athletes who practice different sports. The main protocols observed were the supine or standing positions in free or controlled breathing conditions. The main statistical results found in this study were the higher mean RR, standard deviation of RR intervals, and high frequency in athletes group. In addition, the analyses of Cohen's effect size showed that factors as modality of sport, protocol used and unit of measure selected could influence this expected results.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that time domain measures are more consistent than frequency domain to describe the chronic cardiovascular autonomic adaptations in athletes.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adult; Athletes; Electrocardiography; Exercise; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Posture; Resistance Training; Young Adult
PubMed: 25424360
DOI: 10.1111/anec.12237 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2017Balance is commonly affected by multiple factors, especially among the elderly population. Visual biofeedback (VBF) is an intervention tool that can be used in balance... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Balance is commonly affected by multiple factors, especially among the elderly population. Visual biofeedback (VBF) is an intervention tool that can be used in balance rehabilitation.
AIM
This study aimed to systematically review randomized controlled trials that examine whether VBF training is effective in improving balance in an elderly population.
DATA SOURCES
Three databases were searched: CIAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. The searches were limited to the period from 2010 to 2016.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Healthy adults, aged ≥65 years, with no specific disorders were included. Interventions were any VBF intervention with the aim of improving balance and were compared to no intervention, traditional exercises, placebo, or standard care. The outcome measures were balance as measured by any validated outcome measure.
STUDIES APPRAISAL METHOD
The Physiotherapy Evidence Database quality assessment tool and The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias were used by two independent authors (HA and FM) in order to appraise the included studies.
RESULTS
The database search resulted in 879 articles, of which five papers were included. VBF was compared to no intervention, a placebo, and traditional exercise. The total number of participants in all the five included studies was 181, with a mean age of 74.3 years (standard deviation 6.7). Two studies were rated as high-quality studies, and three were rated as fair quality.
CONCLUSION
Engaging elderly people living in the community in VBF training was found to be effective and could improve their balance ability. However, the variation between studies in methodology, intervention protocol, and outcomes utilized made it difficult to inform a definitive statement regarding the potential application of VBF for balance training with the elderly. Furthermore, high-quality randomized control trials are required. The systematic review level of evidence is moderate, and the strength of recommendation is that VBF is likely to be beneficial.
Topics: Aged; Biofeedback, Psychology; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Postural Balance; Visual Perception
PubMed: 28293105
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S127023