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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2024Myopia or nearsightedness is a type of refractive error. It causes people to see near objects clearly but distant objects as blurred. Good vision can be obtained if the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Myopia or nearsightedness is a type of refractive error. It causes people to see near objects clearly but distant objects as blurred. Good vision can be obtained if the refractive error is corrected properly but, where this is not possible, impaired vision will remain. The remaining myopia imposes a considerable personal and societal burden. In addition, the progression of myopia is more likely to be accompanied by other ocular diseases such as cataract, glaucoma and retinal detachment. Myopia has emerged as a significant global public health problem in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported uncorrected or undercorrected myopia to be a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. From both an individual and social perspective, it is important to prevent the onset of myopia and slow down its progression. Observational studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower incidence of myopia. Several other non-Cochrane systematic reviews have focused on the association between increasing children's outdoor activity time and the prevention of myopia. However, none of these systematic reviews were limited to randomised controlled trials (RCTs), as they included all types of study designs, including observational studies and non-RCTs, in addition to RCTs.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of interventions to increase outdoor time on the incidence and progression of myopia in children.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP with no language restrictions. The databases were last searched on 24 June 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included RCTs and cluster-RCTs in which interventions were performed to increase the outdoor time for children with the aim of preventing the incidence and progression of myopia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We employed the standard methods recommended by Cochrane and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. We considered the following outcome measures: mean change in refractive error from baseline, incidence of myopia, mean change in the axial length from baseline, mean change in unaided distance visual acuity from baseline, quality of life and adverse event.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five RCTs in this review, four of which were cluster-RCTs. The total number of participants was 10,733. The included participants were primary school children, most of whom were in first or second grade (aged six to nine years). Four cluster-RCTs involved school-based interventions to encourage children to spend more time outdoors. The interventions included classroom time outdoors, routine for spending recess outdoors, motivational tools for spending time outdoors, and encouragement through electronic information tools. The intervention groups had less change in refractive errors in the direction of myopia; however, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) included no benefit or both benefit and harm at years one and three, and differences at year two included both clinically important and unimportant benefits (at 1 year: mean difference (MD) 0.08 dioptres (D), 95% CI -0.01 to 0.17; 4 studies, 1656 participants; low-certainty evidence; at 2 years: MD 0.13 D, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.19; 4 studies, 2454 participants; moderate-certainty evidence; at 3 years: MD 0.17 D, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.51; 1 study, 729 participants; low-certainty evidence). Our protocol defined a difference of 0.1 D in the change in refractive error as clinically important. At one year, the difference was less than 0.1 D, but at two and three years it was more than 0.1 D. The incidence of myopia was lower in the intervention groups compared to the control groups, but 95% CIs included no change or clinically unimportant benefits (at 1 year: 7.1% with intervention versus 9.5% with control; risk ratio (RR), 0.82, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.19; 3 studies, 1265 participants; low-certainty evidence; at 2 years: 22.5% with intervention versus 26.7% with control; RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98; 3 studies, 2104 participants; moderate-certainty evidence; at 3 years: 30.5% with intervention versus 39.8% with control; RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.01; 1 study, 394 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Our protocol defined a difference of 3% in the incidence of myopia as clinically important. At one year, the difference was 2.4%, but there were clinically important differences between the two groups at two (4.2%) and three years (9.3%). The intervention groups had smaller changes in axial lengths in the direction of myopia than the control groups; however, 95% CIs included no benefit or both benefit and harm at years one and three (at 1 year: MD -0.04 mm, 95% CI -0.09 to 0; 3 studies, 1666 participants; low-certainty evidence; at 2 years: MD -0.04 mm, 95% CI -0.07 to -0.01; 3 studies, 2479 participants; moderate-certainty evidence; at 3 years: MD -0.03 mm, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.07; 1 study, 763 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). No included studies reported changes in unaided distance visual acuity and quality of life. No adverse events were reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The intervention methods varied from adopting outdoor activities as part of school lessons to providing information and motivation for encouraging outdoor activities. The results of this review suggest that long-term interventions to increase the time spent outdoors may potentially reduce the development of myopia in children. However, although the interventions may also suppress the progression of myopia, the low certainty of evidence makes it difficult to draw conclusions. Further research needs to be accumulated and reviewed.
Topics: Humans; Myopia; Child; Disease Progression; Incidence; Time Factors; Leisure Activities; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38864362
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013549.pub2 -
Cureus May 2024Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a significant clinical challenge, prompting a focused investigation into the role of KRAS mutations in prognosis and... (Review)
Review
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a significant clinical challenge, prompting a focused investigation into the role of KRAS mutations in prognosis and treatment response. Targeted therapies offer promising avenues for intervention, motivating a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence. Conducted in June 2023, our review delved into MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the selection of 12 articles, comprising two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 observational studies. Multiple investigators independently executed data extraction, evaluating prognostic factors (overall and progression-free survival) and predictive outcomes (treatment and objective response). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and modified Jadad scores were used for study quality assessment of observational studies and RCTs, respectively. From an initial pool of 120 articles, the 12 selected studies, spanning 2013 to 2022, encompassed 2,845 metastatic NSCLC patients. KRAS mutations, particularly the G12C variant, emerged as a pivotal factor influencing treatment response. Notably, KRAS wild type patients displayed enhanced responses to platinum-based chemotherapy, while those with KRAS mutations exhibited favourable outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The role of KRAS mutations as prognostic indicators in metastatic NSCLC is underscored by this systematic review, with implications for both survival and treatment response. The discernment between KRAS wild type and mutant patients offers insights into tailored therapeutic strategies, with platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors emerging as context-dependent options. Nevertheless, more research is required to solidify the predictive role of KRAS and explore the efficacy of KRAS inhibitors and other targeted therapies, paving the way for refined and personalized interventions in the management of metastatic NSCLC.
PubMed: 38860089
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60061 -
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy 2024Effective training of mental health professionals is crucial for bridging the gap between research and practice when delivering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effective training of mental health professionals is crucial for bridging the gap between research and practice when delivering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) within community settings. However, previous research has provided inconclusive evidence regarding the impact of training efforts. The current study aimed to systematically search, review and synthesize the literature on CBT and MI training to assess its effect on practitioner behavioural outcomes. Following prospective registration, a literature search was conducted for studies where mental health practitioners were exposed to training in face-to-face CBT or MI, reporting on at least one quantitative practitioner behavioural outcome. A total of 116 studies were eligible for the systematic review, and 20 studies were included in four meta-analyses. The systematic review highlights the need to establish psychometrically valid outcome measures for practitioner behaviour. Results of the meta-analyses suggest that training has a greater effect on practitioner behaviour change compared to receiving no training or reading a treatment manual. Training combined with consultation/supervision was found to be more effective than training alone, and no differences were found between face-to-face and online training. Results should be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations in the primary studies, large heterogeneity, and small samples in the meta-analyses. Future directions are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Motivational Interviewing; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Health Personnel; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 38855846
DOI: 10.1002/cpp.3003 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Jun 2024Cancer pain is multidimensional and management should be individualized to patient goals. The current standard for pain goal assessment is the personal pain goal (PPG),... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Cancer pain is multidimensional and management should be individualized to patient goals. The current standard for pain goal assessment is the personal pain goal (PPG), a numeric rating for tolerable pain intensity. However, the PPG may not accurately capture a personally meaningful goal for tailoring pain management.
OBJECTIVES
Identify how pain goals are used in cancer pain management and types of goals researched.
METHODS
CINAHL, PsychInfo, and PubMed databases and manual searching were used to locate research or scholarship about cancer pain goals. Authors reviewed titles, abstracts and full text to agree on the final sample.
RESULTS
Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria. Study designs included: quality improvement project (1), concept analysis (1), qualitative methods (5), quantitative methods (8), and mixed methods (1). Findings included: goal setting as a key attribute of pain management; achieving personal goals as the outcome of pain management work; qualitative themes discussed personal goals related to pain management; developing a patient pain management resource including a SMART goal; using motivational interviewing to set functional pain goals; PPG assessment was feasible; and achieving PPG equated to having controlled pain when compared to the clinically important difference measure used in research (≥30%). Quantitative studies reported on PPGs only.
CONCLUSION
Currently, assessments for cancer pain goals do not include function, activities, moods, medication effects, or safety that patients wish to achieve as a pain management outcome. Development and testing of multidimensional patient pain goals assessments is warranted so that goals can be consistently assessed, documented, and personally meaningful.
PubMed: 38851545
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.05.026 -
Cirugia Espanola Jun 2024Final del formulario Anastomotic dehiscence, a feared complication in colorectal surgery, motivates the search for effective strategies to mitigate its risk. This... (Review)
Review
Final del formulario Anastomotic dehiscence, a feared complication in colorectal surgery, motivates the search for effective strategies to mitigate its risk. This meta-analysis encompasses all published randomized trials investigating and comparing the impact of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography on this complication. With four studies and 1,109 patients, the intraoperative ICG angiography group demonstrated a significant reduction in the overall rate of anastomotic dehiscence compared to the non-angiography group (7.3% vs. 11.5%; OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9; p = 0.03). These differences were maintained in rectal surgery subgroup, with no prolongation of surgical time or increase in morbidity and mortality. There were no differences in the left colon surgery group. The evidence provided by this meta-analysis would support the effectiveness of ICG angiography in reducing the incidence of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery, advocating for its integration into routine surgical practice.
PubMed: 38851316
DOI: 10.1016/j.cireng.2024.06.002 -
Applied Neuropsychology. Child Jun 2024Intelligence tests predict academic achievement in typically developed children, however if this is the case also in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity... (Review)
Review
Intelligence tests predict academic achievement in typically developed children, however if this is the case also in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not clear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined if Wechsler intelligence scales predict academic achievement and/or grades in children, ages 6-16 years, with ADHD and/or ASD. We searched the databases PubMed, PsycINFO and Education Research Complete for studies published between 2000 and 2023. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess risk of bias. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were performed. Twelve studies (ADHD n = 1,834, ASD n = 176) were included in the review, and six samples (ADHD n = 1,112) of those were included in the meta-analyses. The results of the meta-analyses showed moderate overall weighted correlations between IQ and word reading, written language, and mathematics respectively. Similarly, the overall weighted correlations between processing speed and the aforementioned domains of academic achievement were moderate. Meta-analysis with additional Wechsler scales composite scores could not be conducted. In the narrative synthesis, Full Scale IQ was associated with academic achievement in both ADHD and ASD, and grades in ADHD. The limited number of ASD participants and the heterogeneity of the samples need to be considered when interpreting results. Generally, the results indicate that Wechsler scales are valuable in predicting academic achievement in children with ADHD or ASD. Motivation and other factors related with academic achievement need to be further explored in these groups.
PubMed: 38850546
DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2024.2361022 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... Jun 2024Body weight support (BWS) training devices are frequently used to improve gait in individuals with neurological impairments, but guidance in selecting an appropriate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Body weight support (BWS) training devices are frequently used to improve gait in individuals with neurological impairments, but guidance in selecting an appropriate level of BWS is limited. Here, we aim to describe the initial BWS levels used during gait training, the rationale for this selection and the clinical goals aligned with BWS training for different diagnoses.
METHOD
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, including terms related to the population (individuals with neurological disorders), intervention (BWS training) and outcome (gait). Information on patient characteristics, type of BWS device, BWS level and training goals was extracted from the included articles.
RESULTS
Thirty-three articles were included, which described outcomes using frame-based (stationary or mobile) and unidirectional ceiling-mounted devices on four diagnoses (multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI)). The BWS levels were highest for individuals with MS (median: 75%, IQR: 6%), followed by SCI (median: 40%, IQR: 35%), stroke (median: 30%, IQR: 4.75%) and TBI (median: 15%, IQR: 0%). The included studies reported eleven different training goals. Reported BWS levels ranged between 30 and 75% for most of the training goals, without a clear relationship between BWS level, diagnosis, training goal and rationale for BWS selection. Training goals were achieved in all included studies.
CONCLUSION
Initial BWS levels differ considerably between studies included in this review. The underlying rationale for these differences was not clearly motivated in the included studies. Variation in study designs and populations does not allow to draw a conclusion on the effectiveness of BWS levels. Hence, it remains difficult to formulate guidelines on optimal BWS settings for different diagnoses, BWS devices and training goals. Further efforts are required to establish clinical guidelines and to experimentally investigate which initial BWS levels are optimal for specific diagnoses and training goals.
Topics: Humans; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Body Weight; Gait
PubMed: 38849899
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01389-8 -
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Jun 2024The aim of this systematic review is to identify vocational rehabilitation (VR) interventions that are effective to enhance return-to-work (RTW) for people on long-term...
PURPOSE
The aim of this systematic review is to identify vocational rehabilitation (VR) interventions that are effective to enhance return-to-work (RTW) for people on long-term sick leave (> 90 days) and to identify main elements of these interventions.
METHODS
Six electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies published up to February 2022. Each article was screened independently by two different reviewers. Thereafter, one author performed the data-extraction which was checked by another author. The EPHPP quality assessment tool was used to appraise the methodological quality of the studies.
RESULTS
11.837 articles were identified. 21 articles were included in the review, which described 25 interventions. Results showed that ten interventions were more effective than usual care on RTW. Two interventions had mixed results. The effective interventions varied widely in content, but were often more extensive than usual care. Common elements of the effective interventions were: coaching, counseling and motivational interviewing, planning return to work, placing the worker in work or teaching practical skills and advising at the workplace. However, these elements were also common in interventions that were not effective on RTW compared to usual care and can therefore not explain why certain interventions are effective and others are not.
CONCLUSION
The effective interventions included in this study were often quite extensive and aimed at multiple phases of the RTW-process of the worker. In the future, researchers need to describe the population and the content of the investigated interventions more elaborate to be able to better compare VR interventions and determine what elements make interventions effective.
PubMed: 38849612
DOI: 10.1007/s10926-024-10203-0 -
Physical Therapy in Sport : Official... Jun 2024The aim of this review is to synthesise qualitative studies examining adolescents' experience with pain and injury arising from sports participation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to synthesise qualitative studies examining adolescents' experience with pain and injury arising from sports participation.
METHODS
This review was registered on Open Science Framework prior to data extraction. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and SPORTDiscus was conducted. Studies were appraised using the CASP (critical appraisal skills programme) checklist. Data was synthesised using a meta aggregation.
STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA
Inclusion criteria included studies related to adolescents aged 14-19yrs with sports related pain/injury, employed a qualitative design, full text publications in English.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies of 216 participants were included. Studies investigated severe knee injuries, concussion, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Synthesised findings show that, regardless of injury type, adolescents experience a mix of positive (motivation to rehab and return to sport, optimism) and negative emotions (fear of re-injury, isolation, depressive responses) throughout recovery. Common coping strategies were to ignore symptoms, modify activity levels, or seek support.
CONCLUSION
Sports-related pain and injury has a multifaceted effect on the adolescent athlete. There is a pervasive fear of re-injury and social isolation, but the desire to return to sports is facilitated through motivation and support. Peer motivation effects the willingness of the adolescent to persist with rehabilitation.
PubMed: 38843686
DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.05.003 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat. With the growing emphasis on patient-centred care/ shared decision making, it is important for healthcare...
INTRODUCTION
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat. With the growing emphasis on patient-centred care/ shared decision making, it is important for healthcare professionals' (HCPs) who prescribe, dispense, administer and/or monitor antimicrobials to be adequately equipped to facilitate appropriate antimicrobial use. We systematically identified existing interventions which aim to improve HCPs interaction with patients and examined barriers and facilitators of appropriate the use of such interventions and appropriate antimicrobial use among both HCPs and patientsantimicrobial use while using these interventions.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and internet (via Google search engine). We included primary studies, published in English from 2010 to 2023 [PROSPERO (CRD42023395642)]. The protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42023395642). We performed quality assessment using mixed methods appraisal tool. We applied narrative synthesis and used the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation -Behaviour) as a theoretical framework for barriers and facilitators at HCP and patient levels.
RESULTS
Of 9,172 citations retrieved from database searches, From 4,979 citations remained after removal of duplicates. We included 59 studies spanning over 13 countries. Interventions often involved multiple components beyond HCPs' interaction with patients. From 24 studies reporting barriers and facilitators, we identified issues relating to capability (such as, knowledge/understanding about AMR, diagnostic uncertainties, awareness of interventions and forgetfulness); opportunity (such as, time constraint and intervention accessibility) and motivation (such as, patient's desire for antibiotics and fear of litigation).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this review should be considered by intervention designers/adopters and policy makers to improve utilisation and effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Professional-Patient Relations; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 38841670
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1359790