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Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal Jul 2020Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) emerged early in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a possible drug with potential therapeutic and prophylactic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) emerged early in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a possible drug with potential therapeutic and prophylactic benefits. It was quickly adopted in China, Europe, and the USA. We systematically reviewed the existing clinical evidence of HCQ use for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
METHODS
We screened for clinical studies describing HCQ administration to treat or prevent COVID-19 in PubMed. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized comparative cohorts, and case series studies that had all undergone peer review.
RESULTS
A total of 623 studies were screened; 17 studies evaluating HCQ treatment were included. A total of 13 were observational studies, and 4 were RCTs. In terms of effect on mortality rates, observational studies provided conflicting results. As a whole, RCTs, including one large British RCT that has not yet been published, showed no significant effect of HCQ on mortality rates, clinical cure, and virologic response. The use of HCQ as a post-exposure prophylactic agent was found to be ineffective in one RCT.
CONCLUSION
There is no evidence supporting HCQ for prophylaxis or treatment of COVID-19. Many observational trials were methodologically flawed. Scientific efforts have been disappointingly fragmented, and well-conducted trials have only recently been completed, more than 7 months and 600,000 deaths into the pandemic.
PubMed: 32792041
DOI: 10.5041/RMMJ.10416 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Sep 2023Core components of peer-to-peer (PTP) support for cancer survivors include informational, emotional, and psychosocial aspects. Previous literature on peer support in... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Core components of peer-to-peer (PTP) support for cancer survivors include informational, emotional, and psychosocial aspects. Previous literature on peer support in cancer includes both professionally and peer-led support. Our objective was to summarize studies on the effects of non-professionally led PTP support in cancer.
METHODS
We performed a systematic research on studies in PTP support of adult cancer survivors with an interventional design, comparing outcomes of PTP support against any control. We included all studies with a precise definition of a PTP support, published from January 2000 up to March 2023 in peer-reviewed journals in English or German.
RESULTS
Out of N = 609 identified publications, we were are able to include n = 18 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) fulfilling our inclusion criteria. Main settings were dyadic support via telephone, face-to-face (FTF), and web-based online support. Most common outcomes were distress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL). Overall, we found only small effects of PTP support on depression/anxiety, coping, or sexual functioning. Beneficial effects associated with the PTP intervention were apparent in particular in BRCA, in FTF settings, and in assessments of cancer-specific QoL outcomes.
CONCLUSION
This review shows that there are a few RCT investigating the effect of PTP support with short-term effects. Overall, there is a need for more RCTs with high methodological standards to evaluate the effectiveness of PTP support.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Depression; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Anxiety; Survivors
PubMed: 37120782
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04753-8 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021Emotional peer support systems have benefits for student-student relationships and allow for children and adolescents' participation in schools. For students with...
Emotional peer support systems have benefits for student-student relationships and allow for children and adolescents' participation in schools. For students with specific educational needs and disabilities (SEND), positive relationships seem to be more difficult to attain and these students are more vulnerable to suffer negative peer experiences such as bullying and social exclusion. Systems in which peers can show helpful behavior are beneficial for schools in order to create a positive, supportive climate. Emotional peer support entails social interaction through emotional or practical help based on what these peers have in common and many times with benefits for both. This systematic review identified interventions of emotional peer support in schools for students with SEND. Twenty-three studies were identified that involved four types of befriending: circle of friends, peer buddying, peer networks, and social lunch clubs. Studies reported mainly positive outcomes for both focus students and peer supporters in terms of increased social interaction and social acceptance, as well as enhanced self-esteem and empathy on the individual level. Further bonding of the students by friendship was also perceived, but more precise data is required to draw further conclusions. Support by the school as an institution, the specific role of the teacher, and family participation are important factors related to the impact of peer support systems. Information on these aspects was scarce, and it is recommended to include variables of this nature in future research. Intervention descriptions revealed students' active participation through suggestions for activities, however their involvement in organizing the systems was limited. More research is needed to learn about the opportunities of emotional peer support to improve student-student relationships including the active involvement of the peers themselves in this support.
PubMed: 35027905
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.797913 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Healthy eating habits are the basis for good health status, especially for children and adolescents, when growth and development are still ongoing. Nutrition educational...
UNLABELLED
Healthy eating habits are the basis for good health status, especially for children and adolescents, when growth and development are still ongoing. Nutrition educational programs are essential to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Nutritional counseling (NC), as a collaborative process between the counselor and the client process, could help to achieve better outcomes. This review aims to collect information about the utilization of NC during childhood and adolescence and to highlight its possible impact on adherence/compliance rates, nutrition knowledge, status and dietary intake. The methods applied in this systematic review followed the instruction of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and Science Direct included observational or randomized studies. RoB 2.0 and Robins-I tools was used for the risk of bias assessment in randomized and non-randomized studies, respectively. The quality of evidence was checked by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool system. A total of 21 articles were selected, computing 4,345 individuals. 11 achieved at least 4 stars quality level. The highest risk of bias for randomized studies was related to the randomization process. 42.9% of non-randomized studies had some concerns of bias, mainly because of a lack of control of all confounding factors. Different strategies of NC were used in children and adolescents with positive results for health or diseases. NC strategies can be effectively used in children and adolescents. In general, NC showed benefits in pediatrics age for anthropometric or body composition parameters, dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and physical activity improvement. Performing NC in pediatrics is challenging due to the counseling strategies that must be adapted in their contents to the cognitive ability of each age. More structured research must be done focused on this population. Investments in healthy eating behaviors in pediatrics can lead to better health outcomes in the future population with substantial benefits to society.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails], identifier [CRD42022374177].
PubMed: 38362101
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1270048 -
RoFo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der... Feb 2021To estimate the human resources required for a retrospective quality review of different percentages of all routine diagnostic procedures in the Department of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the human resources required for a retrospective quality review of different percentages of all routine diagnostic procedures in the Department of Radiology at Bern University Hospital, Switzerland.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three board-certified radiologists retrospectively evaluated the quality of the radiological reports of a total of 150 examinations (5 different examination types: abdominal CT, chest CT, mammography, conventional X-ray images and abdominal MRI). Each report was assigned a RADPEER score of 1 to 3 (score 1: concur with previous interpretation; score 2: discrepancy in interpretation/not ordinarily expected to be made; score 3: discrepancy in interpretation/should be made most of the time). The time (in seconds, s) required for each review was documented and compared. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to calculate the total workload for reviewing different percentages of the total annual reporting volume of the clinic.
RESULTS
Among the total of 450 reviews analyzed, 91.1 % (410/450) were assigned a score of 1 and 8.9 % (40/450) were assigned scores of 2 or 3. The average time (in seconds) required for a peer review was 60.4 s (min. 5 s, max. 245 s). The reviewer with the greatest clinical experience needed significantly less time for reviewing the reports than the two reviewers with less clinical expertise (p < 0.05). Average review times were longer for discrepant ratings with a score of 2 or 3 (p < 0.05). The total time requirement calculated for reviewing all 5 types of examination for one year would be more than 1200 working hours.
CONCLUSION
A retrospective peer review of reports of radiological examinations using the RADPEER system requires considerable human resources. However, to improve quality, it seems feasible to peer review at least a portion of the total yearly reporting volume.
KEY POINTS
· A systematic retrospective assessment of the content of radiological reports using the RADPEER system involves high personnel costs.. · The retrospective assessment of all reports of a clinic or practice seems unrealistic due to the lack of highly specialized personnel.. · At least part of all reports should be reviewed with the aim of improving the quality of reports..
CITATION FORMAT
· Maurer MH, Brönnimann M, Schroeder C et al. Time Requirement and Feasibility of a Systematic Quality Peer Review of Reporting in Radiology. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 160 - 167.
Topics: Abdominal Cavity; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mammography; Peer Review; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Radiography; Radiologists; Radiology; Research Report; Retrospective Studies; Specialty Boards; Switzerland; Thorax; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Workload
PubMed: 32698235
DOI: 10.1055/a-1178-1113 -
PloS One 2022Diabetes mellitus is a growing worldwide health challenge especially in sub-Saharan Africa. While the use and effectiveness of diabetes self-management interventions is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus is a growing worldwide health challenge especially in sub-Saharan Africa. While the use and effectiveness of diabetes self-management interventions is well documented in high-income countries, little information exists in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study attempted to synthesize information in the literature on the use and efficacy of peer support and social networking in diabetes self-management in Kenya and Uganda.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize research on the extent of use and efficacy of peer support and social networking interventions in diabetes self-management in Kenya and Uganda.
DESIGN
We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library databases for articles reporting peer support and social networking interventions in Kenya and Uganda published in English between 2000 and September 2021. Key words encapsulated three major themes: peer support, social networking and self-management. Hand searches were also conducted to select eligible papers. Data was extracted using a form prepared and piloted in line with PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
RESULTS
Thirteen peer reviewed articles were selected for analysis. Eleven studies reported peer support interventions while two focused on social networks in diabetes self-management. Peer support and social networking interventions incorporated microfinance and group medical visits, diabetes self-management education, telephone support and Medication Adherence Clubs. Most interventions were delivered by multidisciplinary teams comprising nurses and other professionals, peer educators, peer leaders and community health workers. Most interventions were effective and led to improvements in HbA1c and blood pressure, eating behaviors and physical activity and social support.
CONCLUSIONS
The limited studies available show that peer support and social networking interventions have mixed results on health and other outcomes. Importantly, most studies reported significant improvements in clinical outcomes. Further research is needed on the nature and mechanisms through which peer support and social network characteristics affect health outcomes.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Kenya; Peer Group; Self-Management; Social Networking; Social Support; Uganda
PubMed: 36155494
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273722 -
Medicine Jul 2020Oral ulcers (OU) is a common oral mucosal disease manifested with obvious pain; in some studies, the efficacy of acupuncture in OU has been confirmed, but the systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Oral ulcers (OU) is a common oral mucosal disease manifested with obvious pain; in some studies, the efficacy of acupuncture in OU has been confirmed, but the systematic reviews and meta-analyses for them are lacking. Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of OU.
METHODS
Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi RCTs and non-RCTs will be identified by systematic searching from the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal database, and Wanfang Data (since inception of the databases to present). In addition, ongoing trials will be retrieved from the Chinese Clinical Trial Register, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Clinical Trials, and The Clinical Trials Register. Grey literature will be also taken into consideration, including academic dissertation, minutes of the meeting from Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal database, and Wanfang Data. There are no language restrictions.
RESULTS
Ethical approval is not required because this study is based on published papers. After peer-review, the study will be disseminated in scientific journals and conferences.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review will provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for Oral ulcers.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020144911.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Oral Ulcer; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32702927
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021314 -
Nature Communications Feb 2021The COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 with major health consequences. While a need to disseminate information to the medical community and general public was...
The COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 with major health consequences. While a need to disseminate information to the medical community and general public was paramount, concerns have been raised regarding the scientific rigor in published reports. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the methodological quality of currently available COVID-19 studies compared to historical controls. A total of 9895 titles and abstracts were screened and 686 COVID-19 articles were included in the final analysis. Comparative analysis of COVID-19 to historical articles reveals a shorter time to acceptance (13.0[IQR, 5.0-25.0] days vs. 110.0[IQR, 71.0-156.0] days in COVID-19 and control articles, respectively; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, methodological quality scores are lower in COVID-19 articles across all study designs. COVID-19 clinical studies have a shorter time to publication and have lower methodological quality scores than control studies in the same journal. These studies should be revisited with the emergence of stronger evidence.
Topics: Animals; COVID-19; Clinical Studies as Topic; Data Accuracy; Humans; Pandemics; Peer Review, Research; Periodicals as Topic; Research Design; Time Factors
PubMed: 33574258
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21220-5 -
JCPP Advances Jun 2022Peer adversity and aggression are common experiences in childhood and adolescence which lead to poor mental health outcomes. To date, there has been no review conducted...
BACKGROUND
Peer adversity and aggression are common experiences in childhood and adolescence which lead to poor mental health outcomes. To date, there has been no review conducted on the neurobiological changes associated with relational peer-victimisation, bullying and cyberbullying.
METHODS
This systematic review assessed structural and functional brain changes associated with peer-victimisation, bullying, and cyberbullying from 1 January 2000 to April 2021. A systematic search of Psychoinfo, Pubmed, and Scopus was performed independently by two reviewers using predefined criteria. Twenty-six studies met the selection criteria and were considered for review.
RESULTS
The data collected shows altered brain activation of regions implicated in processing reward, social pain, and affect; and heightened sensitivity and more widespread activation of brain regions during acute social exclusion, most notably in the amygdala, left parahippocampal gyrus, and fusiform gyrus, associated with victimisation exposure. In addition, victimised youths also demonstrated greater risk-taking behaviours following acute social exclusion showing greater ventral striatum-inferior frontal gyrus coupling, activation in the bilateral amygdala, orbital frontal cortex (OFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), temporoparietal junction (TPJ), medial posterior parietal cortex (MPPC) and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), suggesting greater social monitoring, seeking of inclusion, and more effortful cognitive control. The studies included participants from a very broad developmental age range, mostly using cross-sectional measure of peer-victimisation exposure, at varying developmental stages.
CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights the need for more neuroimaging studies in cyberbullying, as well as longitudinal studies across more diverse samples for investigating gender, age, and developmental interactions with peer-victimising. This also brings to attention the importance of addressing bullying victimisation particularly in adolescence, given the evidence for social stress in heightening developmentally sensitive processes which are associated with depression, anxiety, and externalising symptoms.
PubMed: 37431463
DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12081 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2023Vaccination efforts are a vital part of controlling the spread of diseases, however, lack of vaccine acceptance undermines the efficacy of this public health effort....
BACKGROUND
Vaccination efforts are a vital part of controlling the spread of diseases, however, lack of vaccine acceptance undermines the efficacy of this public health effort. Current evidence suggests that the most effective interventions to support vaccination uptake and positive vaccination beliefs are multicomponent, and dialogue based. Peer-based education interventions are such a strategy that involves an individual within the same group to act as the vaccine educator.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to consolidate the quantitative evidence surrounding the effectiveness and experience of peer-based education initiatives to improve vaccination beliefs and behaviors.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and a hand reference search. The search was conducted between April and June 2022. The inclusion criteria encompassed using peers, being education based, and being an intervention that addresses vaccination beliefs and behaviors (e.g. vaccination uptake).
RESULTS
Systematic screening revealed 16 articles in the final review. Half of the studies focused on students as their study population. The human papillomavirus vaccine was the most common vaccine assessed in the studies, followed by COVID and influenza vaccines. 11 out of 16 of the articles reported a positive impact of the peer intervention and two studies had mixed results. Six studies suggest a mixed peer- healthcare expert approach.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite reported positive effects of using peer-education based initiatives to improve vaccine uptake and beliefs, this systematic review reveals that there is limited existing research in support of this strategy. The strategies that initially appear the most effect are those with a combined peer and health-expert approach, and those that have more group specific and long-term peer interventions. More research is needed to confirm these results and to assess the effectiveness of a peer-based education intervention in a wider variety of settings and for other vaccine types.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Vaccination; Influenza Vaccines; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Population Groups
PubMed: 37452295
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16294-3