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Journal of Medical Internet Research Feb 2024A chatbot is a computer program that is designed to simulate conversation with humans. Chatbots may offer rapid, responsive, and private contraceptive information;... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A chatbot is a computer program that is designed to simulate conversation with humans. Chatbots may offer rapid, responsive, and private contraceptive information; counseling; and linkages to products and services, which could improve contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to systematically collate and interpret evidence to determine whether and how chatbots improve contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors include access to contraceptive information, understanding of contraceptive information, access to contraceptive services, contraceptive uptake, contraceptive continuation, and contraceptive communication or negotiation skills. A secondary aim of the review is to identify and summarize best practice recommendations for chatbot development to improve contraceptive outcomes, including the cost-effectiveness of chatbots where evidence is available.
METHODS
We systematically searched peer-reviewed and gray literature (2010-2022) for papers that evaluated chatbots offering contraceptive information and services. Sources were included if they featured a chatbot and addressed an element of contraception, for example, uptake of hormonal contraceptives. Literature was assessed for methodological quality using appropriate quality assessment tools. Data were extracted from the included sources using a data extraction framework. A narrative synthesis approach was used to collate qualitative evidence as quantitative evidence was too sparse for a quantitative synthesis to be carried out.
RESULTS
We identified 15 sources, including 8 original research papers and 7 gray literature papers. These sources included 16 unique chatbots. This review found the following evidence on the impact and efficacy of chatbots: a large, robust randomized controlled trial suggests that chatbots have no effect on intention to use contraception; a small, uncontrolled cohort study suggests increased uptake of contraception among adolescent girls; and a development report, using poor-quality methods, suggests no impact on improved access to services. There is also poor-quality evidence to suggest increased contraceptive knowledge from interacting with chatbot content. User engagement was mixed, with some chatbots reaching wide audiences and others reaching very small audiences. User feedback suggests that chatbots may be experienced as acceptable, convenient, anonymous, and private, but also as incompetent, inconvenient, and unsympathetic. The best practice guidance on the development of chatbots to improve contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is consistent with that in the literature on chatbots in other health care fields.
CONCLUSIONS
We found limited and conflicting evidence on chatbots to improve contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Further research that examines the impact of chatbot interventions in comparison with alternative technologies, acknowledges the varied and changing nature of chatbot interventions, and seeks to identify key features associated with improved contraceptive outcomes is needed. The limitations of this review include the limited evidence available on this topic, the lack of formal evaluation of chatbots in this field, and the lack of standardized definition of what a chatbot is.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Contraceptive Agents; Cohort Studies; Contraceptive Devices; Contraception; Communication; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38412028
DOI: 10.2196/46758 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Apr 2024Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization (CVC) has become the standard of care. However, providers use a variety of approaches, encompassing the internal jugular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization (CVC) has become the standard of care. However, providers use a variety of approaches, encompassing the internal jugular vein (IJV), supraclavicular subclavian vein (SupraSCV), infraclavicular subclavian vein (InfraSCV), proximal axillary vein (ProxiAV), distal axillary vein (DistalAV), and femoral vein.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to compare the first-pass success rate and arterial puncture rate for different approaches to ultrasound-guided CVC above the diaphragm.
METHODS
In May 2023, Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the 5 CVC approaches. The Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis tool was used to assess confidence. Thirteen RCTs (4418 participants and 13 comparisons) were included in this review.
RESULTS
The SupraSCV approach likely increased the proportion of first-attempt successes compared to the other 4 approaches. The SupraSCV first-attempt success demonstrated risk ratios (RRs) > 1.21 with a lower 95% confidence interval (CI) exceeding 1. Compared to the IJV, the SupraSCV approach likely increased the first-attempt success proportion (RR 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.40, moderate confidence), whereas the DistalAV approach reduced it (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.59-0.87, high confidence). Artery puncture had little to no difference across all approaches (low to high confidence).
CONCLUSION
Considering first-attempt success and mechanical complications, the SupraSCV may emerge as the preferred approach, while DistalAV might be the least preferable approach. Nevertheless, head-to-head studies comparing the approaches with the greatest first attempt success should be undertaken.
Topics: Humans; Catheterization, Central Venous; Network Meta-Analysis; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Subclavian Vein; Brachiocephalic Veins; Jugular Veins
PubMed: 38330835
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.01.043 -
Journal of the National Cancer Institute May 2024We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine outcomes of patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia treated with oral progestins or a... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device therapy vs oral progestin treatment for reproductive-aged patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine outcomes of patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia treated with oral progestins or a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (IUD).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review across 5 databases to examine outcomes of progestational treatment (oral progestins or levonorgestrel-releasing IUD) for patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. The primary outcome was the best complete response rate within 12 months of primary progestational treatment. Sensitivity analyses were performed by removing studies with extreme effect sizes. Secondary outcomes included the pooled pregnancy rate.
RESULTS
We identified 21 eligible studies, including 824 premenopausal patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, for our meta-analysis. Among these, 459 patients received oral progestin, and 365 patients received levonorgestrel-releasing IUD as a primary progestational treatment. The pooled best complete response proportion within 12 months was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 69% to 91%) following oral progestin treatment and 95% (95% CI = 81% to 99%) following levonorgestrel-releasing IUD treatment. After removing outlier studies, the pooled proportion was 86% (95% CI = 75% to 92%) for the oral progestin group and 96% (95% CI = 91% to 99%) for the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD group, with reduced heterogeneity. The pooled pregnancy rate was 50% (95% CI = 35% to 65%) after oral progestin and 35% (95% CI = 23% to 49%) after levonorgestrel-releasing IUD treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis provides data on the effectiveness of oral progestins and levonorgestrel-releasing IUD treatment within 12 months of treatment among premenopausal patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. Although based on small numbers, the rate of pregnancy after treatment is modest. These data may be beneficial for selecting progestational therapies that allow fertility preservation for patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Administration, Oral; Carcinoma in Situ; Endometrial Neoplasms; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Levonorgestrel; Pregnancy Rate; Progestins; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38305500
DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae023 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Stroke disrupts the functions carried out by the brain such as the control of movement, sensation, and cognition. Disruption of movement control results in hemiparesis...
BACKGROUND
Stroke disrupts the functions carried out by the brain such as the control of movement, sensation, and cognition. Disruption of movement control results in hemiparesis that affects the function of the diaphragm. Impaired function of the diaphragm can in turn affect many outcomes such as respiratory, cognitive, and motor function. The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of diaphragmatic breathing exercise on respiratory, cognitive, and motor outcomes after stroke.
METHOD
The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023422293). PubMED, Embase, Web of Science (WoS), PEDro, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched until September 2023. Only randomized controlled trials comparing diaphragmatic breathing exercise with a control were included. Information on the study authors, time since stroke, mean age, height, weight, sex, and the protocols of the experimental and control interventions including intensity, mean scores on the outcomes such as respiratory, cognitive, and motor functions were extracted. Cochrane risks of bias assessment tool and PEDro scale were used to assess the risks of bias and methodological quality of the studies. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were used to summarize the results, which were then presented in tables, risk-of-bias graph, and forest plots. The meta-analysis was carried out on respiratory function [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF)] and motor function (trunk impairment, and internal and external oblique muscles activity).
RESULTS
Six studies consisting of 151 participants were included. The results of the meta-analyses showed that diaphragmatic breathing exercise is only superior to the control at improving respiratory function, FVC (MD = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.76 to 1.04, < 0.00001), FEV1 (MD = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.52, = 0.002), and PEF (MD = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.81, < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
There is limited evidence suggesting that diaphragmatic breathing exercise may help enhance respiratory function, which may help enhance recovery of function post stroke.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023422293.
PubMed: 38283673
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1233408 -
Journal of Health, Population, and... Jan 2024Although Bangladesh's economy has shown significant improvement over the past two decades, the high population growth rate has hindered development efforts. This study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although Bangladesh's economy has shown significant improvement over the past two decades, the high population growth rate has hindered development efforts. This study aimed to review the prevalence of different contraceptive methods used among women of reproductive age in Bangladesh, which could help control the population growth rate.
METHODS
We conducted an extensive literature review and meta-analysis of 82 articles, identifying 20 articles for analysis. The analyses included heterogeneity and publication bias in published papers.
RESULTS
The pooled prevalence of various contraceptive methods was as follows: condom use, 7.13%; Female Sterilization, 8.09%; injectables, 12.76%; intrauterine devices (IUDs), 3.76%; male sterilization, 2.34%; periodic abstinence, 6.71%; pills, 33.21%; and withdrawal, 3.27%. Modern contraceptive methods accounted for 62.91% of usage, while traditional methods constituted 8.79%. On average, only 1.95% of women opted for the implant method. The overall prevalence of contraceptive method usage was 59.48%, with 60.59% in urban areas and 54.54% in rural areas. We found statistically significant heterogeneity for all contraceptive methods used by women in Bangladesh. The funnel plot and Egger's test showed no publication bias for any of the contraceptive methods, except condoms (Z = 2.34, P = 0.0194). The contraceptive methods used by women in rural areas also showed publication bias (Z = -3.04, P = 0.0024).
CONCLUSION
A renewed commitment from government bodies and independent organizations is needed to implement and monitor family planning strategies to ensure adherence to and provision of the most appropriate contraceptive method for couples.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Contraceptive Agents; Bangladesh; Contraception; Family Planning Services; Data Collection; Contraception Behavior
PubMed: 38233954
DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00502-w -
European Journal of Physical and... Dec 2023Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a lifesaving procedure for critically ill patients. Diaphragm activation and stimulation may counteract side effects, such as...
INTRODUCTION
Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a lifesaving procedure for critically ill patients. Diaphragm activation and stimulation may counteract side effects, such as ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD). The effects of stimulation on diaphragm atrophy and patient outcomes are reported in this systematic review.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Studies investigating diaphragmatic stimulation versus standard of care in critically ill patients and evaluating clinical outcomes were extracted from a Medline database last on January 23, 2023, after registration in Prospero (CRD42021259353). Selected studies included the investigation of diaphragmatic stimulation versus standard of care in critically ill patients, an evaluation of the clinical outcomes. These included muscle atrophy, VIDD, weaning failure, mortality, quality of life, ventilation time, diaphragmatic function, length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and length of hospital stay. All articles were independently evaluated by two reviewers according to their abstract and title and, secondly, a full texts evaluation by two independent reviewers was performed. To resolve diverging evaluations, a third reviewer was consulted to reach a final decision. Data were extracted by the reviewers following the Oxford 2011 levels of evidence guidelines and summarized accordingly.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Seven studies were extracted and descriptively synthesized, since a metanalysis was not feasible. Patients undergoing diaphragm stimulation had moderate evidence of higher maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), less atrophy, less mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction, less oxidative stress, less molecular atrophy, shorter MV time, shorter ICU length of stay, longer survival, and better SF-36 scores than control.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence of the molecular and histological benefits of diaphragmatic stimulation is limited. The results indicate positive clinical effects of diaphragm activation with a moderate level of evidence for MIP and a low level of evidence for other outcomes. Diaphragm activation could be a therapeutic solution to avoid diaphragm atrophy, accelerate weaning, shorten MV time, and counteract VIDD; however, better-powered studies are needed to increase the level of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Diaphragm; Critical Illness; Quality of Life; Ventilators, Mechanical; Respiration, Artificial; Muscular Atrophy
PubMed: 38214045
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.08031-0 -
Rehabilitacion 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early pelvic muscle training in reducing urinary incontinence symptoms, improving quality of life, sexual function, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
[Effectiveness of early pelvic muscle training on pelvic floor strength, urinary incontinence symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life in post-radical prostatectomy patients: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials].
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early pelvic muscle training in reducing urinary incontinence symptoms, improving quality of life, sexual function, and increasing pelvic floor strength in post-radical prostatectomy patients. A search was carried out in 8 databases until October 26, 2022, the methodological quality and the risk of bias of 14 included studies (n=1236) were evaluated, moreover, the evidence and the meta-analysis were calculated. The intervention significantly reduced urinary incontinence symptoms compared to a control group (SMD=-2.80, 95% CI=-5.21 to -0.39, P=.02), with significant heterogeneity (I=83%; P=<.0001) and moderate evidence. In addition, it presented moderate evidence to improve quality of life, and very low evidence to improve sexual function and pelvic floor strength. These results should be viewed with caution due to the significant heterogeneity of the studies analysed.
Topics: Male; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Urinary Incontinence; Prostatectomy
PubMed: 38141425
DOI: 10.1016/j.rh.2023.100828 -
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory... 2023Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported the benefits of external diaphragm pacing combined with conventional rehabilitation therapies (EDP-CRTs) on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effects of external diaphragm pacing combined with conventional rehabilitation therapies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported the benefits of external diaphragm pacing combined with conventional rehabilitation therapies (EDP-CRTs) on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, evidence-based regarding its effects remains unclear.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of EDP-CRTs CRTs on patients with COPD.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, China Biology Medicine Disc, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database from inception to 10 September 2023. RCTs investigating the effects of EDP-CRTs CRTs on COPD patients were included. The primary outcome was pulmonary function, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the percentage of predicted values of FEV1 (FEV1%pred), and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC)%. Secondary outcomes included arterial blood gas analysis [the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO) and the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO)]; dyspnea [modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC)]; exercise capacity [6-min walking distance (6MWD)]; and quality of life [COPD assessment test (CAT)]. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). The certainty of the evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system.
RESULTS
In total, 13 studies/981 participants were included. The pooled results revealed significant benefits of EDP-CRTs CRTs on the FEV1 [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.58-1.56], FEV1%pred [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 6.67, 95% CI = 5.69-7.64], the FEV1/FVC% (SMD = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.48-2.00), PaO (SMD = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.74-1.84), PaCO (SMD = -1.88, 95% CI = -2.71 to -1.04), mMRC (WMD = -0.55, 95% CI = -0.65 to -0.45), 6MWD (SMD = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.85-2.42), and CAT (WMD = -1.75, 95% CI = -3.16 to -0.35), respectively. Planned subgroup analysis suggested that EDP-CRTs had a better effect on FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, 6MWD, and CAT in the duration of 2-4 weeks.
CONCLUSION
EDP-CRTs have better effects on pulmonary function, PaCO, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and quality of life in COPD patients than CRTs, and the duration to achieve the most effective treatment is 2-4 weeks.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42022355964).
Topics: Humans; Diaphragm; Dyspnea; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 38140896
DOI: 10.1177/17534666231218086 -
BMC Oral Health Dec 2023To summarize the reliability and validity of ultrasonography in evaluating the stiffness, excursion, stiffness, or strain rate of diaphragm, intercostals and abdominal...
Reliability and validity of ultrasonography in evaluating the thickness, excursion, stiffness, and strain rate of respiratory muscles in non-hospitalized individuals: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the reliability and validity of ultrasonography in evaluating the stiffness, excursion, stiffness, or strain rate of diaphragm, intercostals and abdominal muscles in healthy or non-hospitalized individuals.
LITERATURE SEARCH
PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to May 30, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA
Case-control, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies were included if they investigated the reliability or validity of various ultrasonography technologies (e.g., brightness-mode, motion-mode, shear wave elastography) in measuring the thickness, excursion, stiffness, or strain rate of any respiratory muscles.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Relevant data were summarized based on healthy and different patient populations. The methodological quality by different checklist depending on study design. The quality of evidence of each psychometric property was graded by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations, respectively.
RESULTS
This review included 24 studies with 787 healthy or non-hospitalized individuals (e.g., lower back pain (LBP), adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). Both inspiratory (diaphragm and intercostal muscles) and expiratory muscles (abdominal muscles) were investigated. Moderate-quality evidence supported sufficient (intra-class correlation coefficient > 0.7) within-day intra-rater reliability of B-mode ultrasonography in measuring right diaphragmatic thickness among people with LBP, sufficient between-day intra-rater reliability of M-mode ultrasonography in measuring right diaphragmatic excursion in non-hospitalized individuals. The quality of evidence for all other measurement properties in various populations was low or very low. High-quality evidence supported sufficient positive correlations between diaphragm excursion and forced expiratory volume in the first second or forced vital capacity (r > = 0.3) in healthy individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the reported sufficient reliability and validity of using ultrasonography to assess the thickness, excursion, stiffness, and strain rate of respiratory muscles in non-hospitalized individuals, further large-scale studies are warranted to improve the quality of evidence regarding using ultrasonography for these measurements in clinical practice. Researchers should establish their own reliability before using various types of ultrasonography to evaluate respiratory muscle functions.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO NO. CRD42022322945.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Intercostal Muscles; Reproducibility of Results; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ultrasonography; Respiratory Muscles
PubMed: 38042780
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03558-y -
Australian Critical Care : Official... Jan 2024Diaphragm and lung ultrasound (DLUS) is emerging as an important point-of-care respiratory assessment tool and is being used in clinical care by trained respiratory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Diaphragm and lung ultrasound (DLUS) is emerging as an important point-of-care respiratory assessment tool and is being used in clinical care by trained respiratory physiotherapists, both in Australia and internationally. However, the impact of DLUS on physiotherapists' clinical decision-making remains largely unknown. This systematic review aims to review the evidence for implementing DLUS in acute respiratory physiotherapy management.
REVIEW METHOD USED
We conducted a systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Scopus from inception to 18th April 2023 for all original clinical studies reporting on the physiotherapy clinical decision-making, following a DLUS examination and/or where DLUS was used to evaluate the effect of respiratory physiotherapy, in adults over 18 years of age.
REVIEW METHODS
Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction. Individual study risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and certainty in outcomes was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework.
RESULTS
A total of seven observational studies (n = 299) were included, all of which were in the intensive care setting. DLUS changed physiotherapy diagnosis, management, and treatment in 63.9% (50-64%), 16.8% (15-50%), and 48.4% (25-50%) of patients, respectively. There was a significant improvement in the lung ultrasound score post respiratory physiotherapy treatment (mean difference -2.31, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) -4.42 to -0.21; very low certainty) compared to before respiratory physiotherapy treatment. Moderate risk of bias was present in six studies, and there was variance in the DLUS methodology across included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this review suggest DLUS influences physiotherapy clinical decision-making and can be used to evaluate the effects of acute respiratory physiotherapy treatment. However, the available data is limited, and further high-quality studies are needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; CRD42023418312.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Diaphragm; Lung; Physical Therapy Modalities; Clinical Decision-Making; Australia
PubMed: 38036384
DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2023.10.001