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ANZ Journal of Surgery Jul 2021This study systematically reviewed the literature regarding perioperative mortality in human adults undergoing elective surgical abdominal wall hernia repair, including... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study systematically reviewed the literature regarding perioperative mortality in human adults undergoing elective surgical abdominal wall hernia repair, including an audit of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM) database.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of observational studies. Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase database searches and data extraction were conducted from June 1979 to October 2019. Statistical analysis was undertaken utilising denominator values for elective hernia procedures derived from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data. Risk-adjusted perioperative mortality rates for the relevant procedures were also produced, using a binary logistic regression for the risk adjustment.
RESULTS
Through systematic review of the literature, it was established that the overall reported perioperative mortality in human adults undergoing elective surgical abdominal wall hernia repair was low (0.1%-0.5%). Using ANZASM and AIHW data, the calculated risk-adjusted mortality rate for Australian patients was found to be significantly lower (0.04%-0.06%, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The risk-adjusted mortality rate for elective abdominal wall hernia surgery in Australia is very low and compares favourably to international cohorts. Despite low absolute numbers, the factors which were most significantly associated with increased perioperative mortality in patients undergoing elective surgical abdominal wall hernia repair were increased age, cardiorespiratory co-morbidity and incisional hernia repair.
Topics: Abdominal Wall; Adult; Australia; Elective Surgical Procedures; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Peer Review
PubMed: 34125461
DOI: 10.1111/ans.16977 -
Revista Paulista de Pediatria : Orgao... 2023The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the pharmacological treatment on the sleep patterns of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the pharmacological treatment on the sleep patterns of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
DATA SOURCE
A high-sensitivity electronic search was performed in the following databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PubMed, LILACS via the Regional Health Portal (BVS), Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science, as recommended by the Cochrane Handbook, and which has undergone peer review according to the PRESS Guide.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The studies contemplated the use of the drugs atomoxetine, guanfacine, methylphenidate, dasotraline, L-theanine, and lisdexamfetamine. They showed efficiency in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, although all, except atomoxetine, affected sleep quality, such as by reducing total rapid eye movement (REM), non-REM phase, slow-wave sleep time, and longer sleep-onset latency.
CONCLUSIONS
The drugs used in the treatment of ADHD seem to have negative repercussions on the sleep quality of children, with the drug atomoxetine showing lesser effects on this variable.
Topics: Child; Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Methylphenidate; Sleep
PubMed: 37255110
DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2023/41/2022065 -
Vaccines Apr 2021The global drive to vaccinate against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in December 2020 with countries in Europe, Middle East, and... (Review)
Review
The global drive to vaccinate against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in December 2020 with countries in Europe, Middle East, and North America leading the roll out of a mass-vaccination program. This systematic review synthesised all available English-language guidelines and research regarding mass-vaccination for COVID-19 until 1 March 2021-the first three months of the global mass-vaccination effort. Data were extracted from national websites, PubMed, Embase, Medline and medRxiv, including peer and non-peer review research findings. A total of 15 national policy documents were included. Policies were summarised according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) framework for mass vaccination. All included policies prioritised front-line health care workers and the elderly. Limited information was available regarding staffing, cold chain, communication strategies and infrastructure requirements for effective vaccine delivery. A total of 26 research studies were identified, reporting roll-out strategies, vaccine uptake and reasons for refusal, adverse effects, and real-life estimates of efficacy. Early data showed a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 cases, hospitalisation and deaths in settings with good coverage. Very low rates of vaccine-related serious adverse events were observed. These findings provide an overview of current practice and early outcomes of COVID-19 mass-vaccination, guiding countries where roll-out is yet to commence.
PubMed: 33915829
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040326 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Nov 2015Athletic groin pain (AGP) is an encompassing term for the multitude of chronic conditions presenting as pain in the inguinal region. The purpose of this review was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Athletic groin pain (AGP) is an encompassing term for the multitude of chronic conditions presenting as pain in the inguinal region. The purpose of this review was to compare the return to play rates (RTPrate) and return to play times (RTPtime) between surgical and rehabilitation interventions in the treatment of AGP.
METHODS
A systematic review of English language peer review journals was carried out between 1980 to June 2013 using PubMed, Embase, CINHAL and Google Scholar searching for all papers relating to AGP (and its various pseudonyms) and all surgical and rehabilitative interventions which reported RTPrate and/or RTPtime. AGP literature has been subdivided by many eponymous diagnoses but anatomical diagnostic groupings of (1) abdominal wall, (2) adductor and (3) pubic related pain were used in this review. Meta-analysis was then carried out on the data to compare results between the surgical and rehabilitation groups.
RESULTS
Fifty-six papers out of the 561 discovered in the initial search were included in the review with 3332 athletes included. Evidence was mostly level IV. Using the Black and Downs checklist we found poor study quality overall with a high risk of bias especially among surgical studies. The results showed comparable RTPrate between surgical and rehabilitative interventions within the three diagnostic groups. Rehabilitation had significantly quicker RTPtime for pubic related groin pain compared to surgery (10.5 weeks and 23.1 weeks respectively). The abdominal group had the fastest return of the three groups for the rehabilitation and surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The review suggested better outcomes with rehabilitation for pubic-related groin pain with no difference between the adductor and abdominal groups. The review highlighted the poor quality and risk of bias in the literature making accurate comparison difficult.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Athletic Injuries; Diagnosis, Differential; Evidence-Based Medicine; Groin; Humans; Physical Therapy Modalities; Return to Sport; Sports
PubMed: 26130700
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093715 -
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine Feb 2022Coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) may reciprocally influence each other. Patients with CAD and CKD have an increased risk of both ischemic...
BACKGROUND
Coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) may reciprocally influence each other. Patients with CAD and CKD have an increased risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic events.
METHODS
In the present review, we summarize the existing literature focusing on the relationship between kidney dysfunction and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in terms of risk factors, complications, and prognosis. We discuss also about the best evidence-based strategies to prevent deterioration of renal function in patients with CAD.
RESULTS
Patients with CKD less frequently receive an invasive management (percutaneous or surgical revascularization) and potent antithrombotic drugs. Nevertheless, recent evidence suggests they would benefit from a selective invasive management, especially in case of ACS.
CONCLUSION
Patients with CKD and CAD represent a challenging population, more randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses are needed to better define the best therapeutic strategy during an ACS episode.
Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Coronary Artery Disease; Hemorrhage; Humans; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35229540
DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2302049 -
Research Involvement and Engagement 2020There are increasing calls for patient involvement in sharing health research results, but no evidence-based recommendations to guide such involvement. Our objectives...
BACKGROUND
There are increasing calls for patient involvement in sharing health research results, but no evidence-based recommendations to guide such involvement. Our objectives were to: (1) conduct a systematic review of the evidence on patient involvement in results sharing, (2) propose evidence-based recommendations to help maximize benefits and minimize risks of such involvement and (3) conduct this project with patient authors.
METHODS
To avoid research waste, we verified that no systematic reviews were registered or published on this topic. We co-created, with patients, a PRISMA-P-compliant protocol. We included peer-reviewed publications reporting the effects of patient involvement in preparing peer-reviewed publications or results summaries from health research studies. We searched (9/10/2017) MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and secondary information sources (until 11/06/2018). We assessed the risk of bias in eligible publications and extracted data using standardized processes. To evaluate patient involvement in this project, we co-created a Patient Authorship Experience Tool.
RESULTS
All nine eligible publications reported on patient involvement in preparing publications; none on preparing results summaries. Evidence quality was moderate. A qualitative synthesis of evidence indicated the benefits of patient involvement may outweigh the risks. We have proposed 21 evidence-based recommendations to help maximize the benefits and minimize the risks when involving patients as authors of peer-reviewed publications. The recommendations focus on practical actions patient and non-patient authors can take before (10 recommendations), during (7 recommendations) and after (4 recommendations) manuscript development. Using the Patient Authorship Experience Tool, both patient and non-patient authors rated their experience highly.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on a systematic review, we have proposed 21 evidence-based recommendations to help maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of involving patients as authors of peer-reviewed publications.
PubMed: 32587753
DOI: 10.1186/s40900-020-00190-w -
Current Medical Research and Opinion 2016The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, enacted in 2010, is intended to increase the transparency of relationships between US physicians and teaching hospitals and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, enacted in 2010, is intended to increase the transparency of relationships between US physicians and teaching hospitals and manufacturers of drugs, biologics, and medical devices. We examined current opinion regarding the impact of the Sunshine Act on peer-reviewed medical publications.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We searched indexed databases (NLM/PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus) and nonindexed sources (lay and medical press, medical websites, congress abstracts) for articles published between January 2010 and June 2015 that contained terms indicative of content related to the Sunshine Act (e.g., 'Sunshine Act', 'open payment program'). Nine publication professionals then systematically reviewed identified articles for publications-related content.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Quantification and characterization of publications that focused on the Sunshine Act and its implications for medical publishing.
RESULTS
Among 1200 indexed publications, 113 had content on the Sunshine Act. Thirty-one discussed its implications for publications; nine distinguished between financial and nonfinancial transfers of value. Of the 117 nonindexed publications with content on the Sunshine Act, 16 discussed implications for publications, and seven distinguished between financial and nonfinancial transfers of value. Reporting of such transfers of value was viewed as a potential barrier to participation in publications with industry support.
CONCLUSIONS
There is limited literature on the impact of the Sunshine Act on peer-reviewed publications and limited physician awareness that publication support may be reported as a transfer of value.
Topics: Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Peer Review, Research; Physicians
PubMed: 26652290
DOI: 10.1185/03007995.2015.1131151 -
BMJ Open Jul 2023To systematically review 1-year recovery rates for young people experiencing depression and/or anxiety who are not receiving any specific mental health treatment. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review 1-year recovery rates for young people experiencing depression and/or anxiety who are not receiving any specific mental health treatment.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Global Health were searched for articles published from 1980 through to August 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Articles were peer-reviewed, published in English and had baseline and 1-year follow-up depression and/or anxiety outcomes for young people aged 10-24 years without specific treatment.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Three reviewers extracted relevant data. Meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the proportion of individuals classified as recovered after 1 year. The quality of evidence was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Of the 17 250 references screened for inclusion, five articles with 1011 participants in total were included. Studies reported a 1-year recovery rate of between 47% and 64%. In the meta-analysis, the overall pooled proportion of recovered young people is 0.54 (0.45 to 0.63).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that after 1 year about 54% of young people with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression recover without any specific mental health treatment. Future research should identify individual characteristics predicting recovery and explore resources and activities which may help young people recover from depression and/or anxiety.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021251556.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Depression; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; MEDLINE; Peer Review
PubMed: 37479525
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072093 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2021The primary aim of this systematic review was to examine the relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and...
The primary aim of this systematic review was to examine the relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and elaborate the current knowledge and recent advances in the area of PAH and its effects on CVDs and discuss the growing epidemiological evidence linking PAH to CVDs on the health of human populations. In this systematic review, the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and their relationship with PAHs were discussed in detail. On 05th April 2021, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Web of Science search engines in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The search was limited to articles that were written in English and dealt with human issues. All original peer-review publications were considered for inclusion. Comments, case reports, reviews, duplicated papers, and conference reports were excluded. Data was collected from included papers by two independent reviewers. Conclusively, 20 research articles published between 2005 and 2021 were chosen for the final analysis. The systemic review included 20 studies with a variety of geographical studies. The most common research category among the nominated studies were time-series studies followed by retrospective cohort, cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, panel, and case-control studies. Most of the studies were conducted in the United States, whereas others were showed in various geographical countries around the world, such as Denmark, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, France, China, Norway, Korea, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and Belgium. Eight studies assessed the association between PAH exposure and CVDs, four articles observed this relationship with blood pressure (BP), two observed association between atherosclerotic CVD and PAH, one congenital heart disease, cardiovascular events, and two with obesity. Furthermore, in some investigations, a favorable association between PAH exposure and hypertension as well as PAH exposure and obesity was found. In conclusion, this systematic review examined the relationship of PAH exposure with CVDs and CVD-related risk factors by searching several digital databases. After a comprehensive literature searches and summarizing findings from 20 articles, the authors concluded that a positive relationship was observed between PAH exposure and CVD risks.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Obesity; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34950626
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.763706 -
JAMA Jun 2002Editorial peer review is widely used to select submissions to journals for publication and is presumed to improve their usefulness. Sufficient research on peer review... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Editorial peer review is widely used to select submissions to journals for publication and is presumed to improve their usefulness. Sufficient research on peer review has been published to consider a synthesis of its effects.
METHODS
To examine the evidence of the effects of editorial peer-review processes in biomedical journals, we conducted electronic and full-text searches of private and public databases to June 2000 and corresponded with the World Association of Medical Editors, European Association of Science Editors, Council of Science Editors, and researchers in the field to locate comparative studies assessing the effects of any stage of the peer-review process that made some attempt to control for confounding. Nineteen of 135 identified studies fulfilled our criteria. Because of the diversity of study questions, methods, and outcomes, we did not pool results.
RESULTS
Nine studies considered the effects of concealing reviewer/author identity. Four studies suggested that concealing reviewer or author identity affected review quality (mostly positively); however, methodological limitations make their findings ambiguous, and other studies' results were either negative or inconclusive. One study suggested that a statistical checklist can improve report quality, but another failed to find an effect of publishing another checklist. One study found no evidence that training referees improves performance and another showed increased interrater reliability; both used open designs, making interpretation difficult. Two studies of how journals communicate with reviewers did not demonstrate any effect on review quality. One study failed to show reviewer bias, but the findings may not be generalizable. One nonrandomized study compared the quality of articles published in peer-reviewed vs other journals. Two studies showed that editorial processes make articles more readable and improve the quality of reporting, but the findings may have limited generalizability to other journals.
CONCLUSIONS
Editorial peer review, although widely used, is largely untested and its effects are uncertain.
Topics: Peer Review, Research; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 12038911
DOI: 10.1001/jama.287.21.2784