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Appetite Apr 2017Many dietary interventions assume a positive influence of home cooking on diet, health and social outcomes, but evidence remains inconsistent. We aimed to systematically... (Review)
Review
Many dietary interventions assume a positive influence of home cooking on diet, health and social outcomes, but evidence remains inconsistent. We aimed to systematically review health and social determinants and outcomes of home cooking. Given the absence of a widely accepted, established definition, we defined home cooking as the actions required for preparing hot or cold foods at home, including combining, mixing and often heating ingredients. Nineteen electronic databases were searched for relevant literature. Peer-reviewed studies in English were included if they focussed mainly on home cooking, and presented post 19 century observational or qualitative data on participants from high/very high human development index countries. Interventional study designs, which have previously been reviewed, were excluded. Themes were summarised using narrative synthesis. From 13,341 unique records, 38 studies - primarily cross-sectional in design - met the inclusion criteria. A conceptual model was developed, mapping determinants of home cooking to layers of influence including non-modifiable, individual, community and cultural factors. Key determinants included female gender, greater time availability and employment, close personal relationships, and culture and ethnic background. Putative outcomes were mostly at an individual level and focused on potential dietary benefits. Findings show that determinants of home cooking are more complex than simply possessing cooking skills, and that potential positive associations between cooking, diet and health require further confirmation. Current evidence is limited by reliance on cross-sectional studies and authors' conceptualisation of determinants and outcomes.
Topics: Cooking; Cross-Sectional Studies; Culture; Employment; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Sex Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 28024883
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.12.022 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Feb 2022The treatment of herpes zoster (HZ) by the traditional Chinese medicine of acupuncture is attracting attention. However, there is still a controversy about the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The treatment of herpes zoster (HZ) by the traditional Chinese medicine of acupuncture is attracting attention. However, there is still a controversy about the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment of HZ.
METHODS
Articles on randomized controlled trials examining acupuncture and Western medicine treatments of HZ published since the establishment of the PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) databases to March 2021 were electronically retrieved. The Cochrane System Evaluation Manual was used for the data analysis with Review Manager 5.3 software, and the Cochrane Handbook version 5.3 systematic review writing manual was adopted to evaluate the risk of bias.
RESULTS
In total, 11 articles, comprising 1,156 patients (585 in the experimental group and 571 in the control group) were included in the meta-analysis, and the results showed that the treatments used in the experimental and control groups were significant differences of total treatment efficiency [odds ratio (OR) =6.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.46 to 13.21; P<0.05] in terms of the incidence of posterior neuralgia (OR =0.07; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.21; P<0.05), pain-relief time [mean difference (MD) =-2.17; 95% CI: -2.90 to -1.44; P<0.05], shingles time (MD =-1.61; 95% CI: -2.84 to -0.38; P<0.05), and scabbing time (MD =-1.62; 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.61; P<0.05), and patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores improved [standard MD (SMD) =0.87; 95% CI: 0.01 to 1.73; P=0.05] was no significant difference.
DISCUSSIONS
Compared to Western medicine treatments, acupuncture had a better effect on HZ, reduced the posterior neuralgia rate of patients, and shortened the course of treatment, but had no obvious effect on the relief of pain.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Neuralgia; Pain Management
PubMed: 35249352
DOI: 10.21037/apm-22-109 -
BMJ Open Sep 2017Patients with advanced disease sometimes express a wish to hasten death (WTHD). In 2012, we published a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Patients with advanced disease sometimes express a wish to hasten death (WTHD). In 2012, we published a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies examining the experience and meaning of this phenomenon. Since then, new studies eligible for inclusion have been reported, including in Europe, a region not previously featured, and specifically in countries with different legal frameworks for euthanasia and assisted suicide. The aim of the present study was to update our previous review by including new research and to conduct a new analysis of available data on this topic.
SETTING
Eligible studies originated from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand and USA.
PARTICIPANTS
Studies of patients with life-threatening conditions that had expressed the WTHD.
DESIGN
The search strategy combined subject terms with free-text searching of PubMed MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycInfo. The qualitative synthesis followed the methodology described by Noblit and Hare, using the 'adding to and revising the original' model for updating a meta-ethnography, proposed by France . Quality assessment was done using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.
RESULTS
14 studies involving 255 participants with life-threatening illnesses were identified. Five themes emerged from the analysis: suffering (overarching theme), reasons for and meanings and functions of the WTHD and the experience of a timeline towards dying and death. In the context of advanced disease, the WTHD emerges as a reaction to physical, psychological, social and existential suffering, all of which impacts on the patient's sense of self, of dignity and meaning in life.
CONCLUSIONS
The WTHD can hold different meanings for each individual-serving functions other than to communicate a genuine wish to die. Understanding the reasons for, and meanings and functions of, the WTHD is crucial for drawing up and implementing care plans to meet the needs of individual patients.
Topics: Anthropology, Cultural; Attitude to Death; Fear; Humans; Models, Psychological; Stress, Psychological; Terminally Ill
PubMed: 28965095
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016659 -
Cadernos de Saude Publica Feb 2015Immigrants may be more vulnerable to obesity as a result of the immigration process. The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge about the impact of... (Review)
Review
Immigrants may be more vulnerable to obesity as a result of the immigration process. The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge about the impact of immigration on body mass index (BMI). A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines through a database search of scientific articles (last updated in August 2014). Thirty-nine articles were included and assessed. Results varied according to ethnic background, country of origin and host country. A consistent positive association between BMI and time since immigration was found among Hispanic, European and African immigrants. Less than half of the studies observed a positive association among Asian immigrants. The quality of the majority of the studies assessed was poor, reflecting a need to improve methodology and concept definition. Immigration appears to have a deteriorative effect on BMI. Underlying causes may include changes in nutrition and physical activity, psychological and social factors, and genetic susceptibility and these aspects should be included as moderator variables in future studies.
Topics: Acculturation; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Emigrants and Immigrants; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Male; Obesity; Sex Factors
PubMed: 25760158
DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00211913 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2024Tanzania has rich medicinal plant (MP) resources, and most rural inhabitants rely on traditional healing practices for their primary healthcare needs. However, available... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Tanzania has rich medicinal plant (MP) resources, and most rural inhabitants rely on traditional healing practices for their primary healthcare needs. However, available research evidence on antimalarial MPs is highly fragmented in the country.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review compiles ethnomedicinal research evidence on MPs used by Tanzanians as antimalarials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic web search was conducted using various electronic databases and grey materials to gather relevant information on antimalarial MPs utilized by Tanzanians. The review was per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The data were collected from 25 articles, and MS Excel software was used to analyse relevant ethnobotanical information using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
A total of 227 MPs belonging to 67 botanical families and 180 genera were identified. Fabaceae (15.9%) is the most frequently utilized family. The ethnobotanical recipes analysis indicated leaves (40%) and trees (44%) are the preferred MPs part and life form, respectively. Decoctions (67%) are the dominant preparation method of remedies. Of the recorded MPs, 25.9% have been scientifically investigated for antimalarial activities with positive results. However, 74.1% of MPs have no scientific records on antimalarial activities, but they could be potential sources of remedies.
CONCLUSIONS
The study discloses a wealth of antimalarial MPs possessed by Tanzanians and suggests a need for research to authenticate the healing potential of antimalarial compounds from the unstudied MPs. Additionally, it indicates that some of the presented MPs are potential sources for developing safe, effective and affordable antimalarial drugs.
Topics: Humans; Plants, Medicinal; Antimalarials; Ethnobotany; Medicine, Traditional; East African People
PubMed: 38270178
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2305453 -
Tropical Medicine & International... May 2022Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) is an act of gender-based violence (GBV) and a global public health issue with well-documented adverse outcomes. With the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) is an act of gender-based violence (GBV) and a global public health issue with well-documented adverse outcomes. With the rise in global migration, there is an increasing prevalence of FGM/C among Arab diaspora living in the West and Global South. What remains unclear is how to reduce the practice. This study was designed to identify interventions exerting an effect on reducing the practice of FGM/C.
METHODS
A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted on interventions targeting individuals and/or the broader community to prevent FGM/C within the Arab League and its diaspora, up to December 2021. Databases searched included PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, BIOSIS, ASSIA and Scopus. Quality assessment used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) 2018.
RESULTS
Twelve of 896 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight interventions relied entirely on education with short-term gains but unchanged practices. Three interventions used social marketing and mixed media. Only one study took a multi-sectoral approach.
CONCLUSIONS
At a macro level, opportunities to reduce or to end the practice of FGM/C exist through legislation, policy, a public health approach grounded in gender equality and human rights. Using multi-sectoral actions that consider the social context and challenge social norms at macro, meso and micro levels appears more effective than individual-level interventions. Promoting advocacy and developing supportive environments to reduce GBV, enhance gender equality and empower communities is crucial for interventions to succeed and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of FGM/C abandonment by 2030.
Topics: Arabs; Circumcision, Female; Female; Human Migration; Humans; Prevalence
PubMed: 35348264
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13749 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2024Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a common sexually transmitted disease. Previous studies using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed that Paiteling (PTL), a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a common sexually transmitted disease. Previous studies using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed that Paiteling (PTL), a Chinese patent medicine formula, can effectively relieve CA symptoms. However, the evidence needs to be more cohesive and there is a need for a clear summary of the existing RCTs to assess the overall efficacy and safety profile of PTL.
AIMS OF THE STUDY
This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of RCTs, to examine the efficacy of PTL and physical therapies in CA.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A literature search was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, etc. up to December 1, 2022. Revman 5.4 and Stata 15.0 was used for data statistics and sensitivity analyses.
RESULTS
31 trials with a total of 2868 patients were included in this review. The results showed that PTL plus physical therapies were significantly more effective than physical therapies used alone (RR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.38, 1.86]; P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed that the type of physical therapies, gender, and wart location might be the primary sources of heterogeneity. Additionally, PTL can reduce recurrence rates (RR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.19, 0.39]; P < 0.00001), improve the negative conversion rate of HPV (RR = 1.15, 95% CI [1.02, 1.30]; P = 0.02), and improve immune function. No severe adverse reactions or physical injuries were observed, making it a better choice for women planning to become pregnant.
CONCLUSION
Compared with physical therapies, PTL can effectively eliminate CA symptoms and reduce the recurrence rates with safety ensured. However, due to the heterogeneity and methodological shortcomings, large sample sizes and high-quality rigorous RTCs are still needed to strengthen this clinical evidence.
Topics: Female; Humans; Nonprescription Drugs; Medicine, East Asian Traditional
PubMed: 37517567
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116894 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a class of natural drugs with multiple components and significant therapeutic effects through multiple targets. It also originates... (Review)
Review
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a class of natural drugs with multiple components and significant therapeutic effects through multiple targets. It also originates from a wide range of sources containing plants, animals and minerals, and among them, plant-based Chinese medicine also includes fungi. Fungal traditional Chinese medicine is a medicinal resource with a long history and widespread application in China. Accumulating evidence confirms that polysaccharide is the main pharmacodynamic material on which fungal TCM is based. The purpose of the current systematic review is to summarize the extraction, isolation, structural identification, biological functions, quality control and medicinal and edible applications of polysaccharides from fungal TCM in the past three years. This paper will supplement and deepen the understanding and application of polysaccharides from fungal TCM, and propose some valuable insights for further research and development of drugs and functional foods.
Topics: Animals; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Polysaccharides; Quality Control; China
PubMed: 37836659
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196816 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Aug 2023Hip joint-preserving treatment options for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) have been a research hotspot in recent years. The combination of Chinese and Western... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hip joint-preserving treatment options for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) have been a research hotspot in recent years. The combination of Chinese and Western medicine has been used in clinical practice to treat early- and mid-stage ONFH. However, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence to verify the effectiveness and safety of this approach.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western medicine in the treatment of early- and mid-stage ONFH.
METHODS
Multiple electronic databases were searched to identify the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the use of TCM in the treatment of ONFH. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible studies were selected, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using the risk of bias assessment tool recommended by the Cochrane system Evaluator manual 5.1.0. The meta-analysis of the included data was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 software and Stata 17.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 47 RCTs involving 3266 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The results are observed: (1) Harris score: TCM + Western medicine versus Western medicine (SMD = 1.25, 95% Cl: 1.02 to 1.48, P < 0.00001), TCM + physiotherapy versus physiotherapy (SMD = 2.26, 95% Cl: 1.42 to 3.10, P < 0.00001), and TCM + hip preservation surgery versus hip preservation surgery (SMD = 1.28, 95% Cl: 1.03 to 1.53, P < 0.00001); (2) Visual analogue scale score: TCM + Western medicine versus Western medicine (SMD = -3.99, 95% Cl: -7.41 to -0.57, P = 0.02), TCM + physiotherapy versus physiotherapy (SMD = -0.99, 95% Cl: -1.44 to -0.54, P < 0.0001), and TCM + hip preservation surgery versus hip preservation surgery (SMD = -1.08, 95% Cl: -1.75 to -0.40, P = 0.002); (3) Imaging improvement: TCM + physiotherapy versus physiotherapy (RR = 1.42, 95% Cl: 1.15 to 1.76, P = 0.001) and TCM + hip preservation surgery versus hip preservation surgery (RR = 1.21, 95% Cl: 1.11 to 1.31, P < 0.0001); and (4) Occurrence of adverse reaction: TCM + Western medicine versus Western medicine (RR = 0.73, 95% Cl: 0.28 to 1.92, P = 0.53), TCM + physiotherapy versus physiotherapy (RR = 0.46, 95% Cl: 0.03 to 7.33, P = 0.58), and TCM + hip preservation surgery versus hip preservation surgery (RR = 1.11, 95% Cl: 0.36 to 3.45, P = 0.86).
CONCLUSION
TCM combined with Western medicine is an effective and safe approach for the treatment of ONFH. However, due to the low quality and quantity of the included studies, additional large-scale, high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails , CRD42023392030.
Topics: Humans; Femur Head; Femur Head Necrosis; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37580744
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04086-9 -
BMC Medical Education Aug 2014Accreditation of education is very important for maintaining and improving education quality. With the development of modern dental education, more and more attention is... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Accreditation of education is very important for maintaining and improving education quality. With the development of modern dental education, more and more attention is being paid to accreditation of dental education in China. Current accreditation of dental education in China is called "dental education evaluation". By using a systematic review, this paper aims to provide the general profile of the standards and process of dental education evaluation in China (DEEC).
METHODS
A systematic review on DEEC was performed, CAJD and VIP databases were employed to identify all literatures which were relevant to DEEC. Profile and features of DEEC were compared with those of the Accreditation Standards for Dental Education Programs of the USA (ASDEPU).
RESULTS
The current standards for the evaluation are composed of six modules and twenty-four items, the evaluation process consists of three stages There was some difference between DEEC and its American counterparts.
CONCLUSIONS
Accreditation on dental education is very important for the maintenance and improvement of education quality. As the primary form of dental education accreditation, DEEC is basically suitable for current dental education conditions in China, however, in order to keep pace with the changing conditions, both the standards and actions of DEEC should often be revised.
Topics: Accreditation; China; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Education, Dental; Humans; United States
PubMed: 25158698
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-178