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BMC Medical Research Methodology Nov 2012The syntheses of multiple qualitative studies can pull together data across different contexts, generate new theoretical or conceptual models, identify research gaps,...
BACKGROUND
The syntheses of multiple qualitative studies can pull together data across different contexts, generate new theoretical or conceptual models, identify research gaps, and provide evidence for the development, implementation and evaluation of health interventions. This study aims to develop a framework for reporting the synthesis of qualitative health research.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search for guidance and reviews relevant to the synthesis of qualitative research, methodology papers, and published syntheses of qualitative health research in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and relevant organisational websites to May 2011. Initial items were generated inductively from guides to synthesizing qualitative health research. The preliminary checklist was piloted against forty published syntheses of qualitative research, purposively selected to capture a range of year of publication, methods and methodologies, and health topics. We removed items that were duplicated, impractical to assess, and rephrased items for clarity.
RESULTS
The Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) statement consists of 21 items grouped into five main domains: introduction, methods and methodology, literature search and selection, appraisal, and synthesis of findings.
CONCLUSIONS
The ENTREQ statement can help researchers to report the stages most commonly associated with the synthesis of qualitative health research: searching and selecting qualitative research, quality appraisal, and methods for synthesising qualitative findings. The synthesis of qualitative research is an expanding and evolving methodological area and we would value feedback from all stakeholders for the continued development and extension of the ENTREQ statement.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Humans; Qualitative Research; Research Design
PubMed: 23185978
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-12-181 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... 2017The effectiveness of ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Retreatment rotary instruments was compared to the Hedström files in the removal of filling material from root...
INTRODUCTION
The effectiveness of ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Retreatment rotary instruments was compared to the Hedström files in the removal of filling material from root canals.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-six extracted human mandibular premolars with a single straight root canal were shaped and filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus. The specimens were stored for 6 months at 37°C and at 100% relative humidity, and then randomly divided into three groups: PTU - removal of filling material performed with ProTaper Universal instruments; PTR - removal of filling material performed with ProTaper Retreatment instruments; HF - removal of filling material performed with Gates-Glidden burs, Hedström files and solvent. After the filling material removal and diaphanization, the specimens were longitudinally sectioned and images of the canal surfaces were scanned. The remaining areas of filling material were measured (Image Tool 3.0), and data was analyzed statistically (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests). The time required for filling removal in each group was also recorded (one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test).
RESULTS
All groups presented remnants of filling material; PTU had the smallest amount and HF group presented the highest mean value (P< 0.05) in all the thirds. The cervical third had the smallest amount of material when compared with the other thirds (P< 0.05). HF group required a longer mean time, presenting significant difference (P< 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Considering the time required and the amount of the filling removal, ProTaper Retreatment were not superior to ProTaper Universal, but both rotary instruments were more effective and less time-consuming than Hedström manual files.
Topics: Bicuspid; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Random Allocation; Retreatment; Root Canal Filling Materials; Root Canal Preparation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28836531
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_89_16 -
European Archives of Paediatric... Oct 2022This umbrella review systematically appraised published systematic reviews on Minimal Intervention Dentistry interventions carried out to manage dentine carious primary...
PURPOSE
This umbrella review systematically appraised published systematic reviews on Minimal Intervention Dentistry interventions carried out to manage dentine carious primary teeth to determine how best to translate the available evidence into practice, and to provide recommendations for what requires further research.
METHOD
An experienced information specialist searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos, Joanna Briggs Institute Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, and the NIHR Journals Library. In addition, the PROSPERO database was searched to identify forthcoming systematic reviews. Searches were built around the following four concepts: primary teeth AND caries/carious lesion AND Minimal Intervention Dentistry AND systematic review/meta-analysis. Searches were restricted to English language, systematic reviews with/without meta-analyses published between January 2000 and August 2020. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts. Interventions included involved no dentine carious tissue removal (fissure sealants, resin infiltration, topical application of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride, and Hall Technique), non-restorative caries control, and selective removal of carious tissue involving both stepwise excavation and atraumatic restorative treatment. Systematic reviews were selected, data extracted, and risk of bias assessed using ROBIS by two independent reviewers. Studies overlap was calculated using corrected covered area.
RESULTS
Eighteen systematic reviews were included in total; 8 assessed the caries arresting effects of 38% Silver Demine Fluoride (SDF), 1 on the Hall Technique (HT), 1 on selective removal of carious tissue, and eight investigated interventions using atraumatic restorative treatment (ART). Included systematic reviews were published between 2006 and 2020, covering a defined time frame of included randomised controlled trials ranging from 1969 to 2018. Systematic reviews assessed the sealing efficacy of fissure sealants and resin infiltration in carious primary teeth were excluded due to pooled data reporting on caries arrest in both enamel and outer third of dentine with the majority of these carious lesions being limited to enamel. Therefore, fissure sealants and resin infiltration are not recommended for the management of dentinal caries lesions in primary teeth. Topical application of 38% SDF showed a significant caries arrest effect in primary teeth (p < 0.05), and its success rate in arresting dental caries increased when it was applied twice (range between 53 and 91%) rather than once a year (range between 31 and 79%). Data on HT were limited and revealed that preformed metal crowns placed using the HT were likely to reduce discomfort at time of treatment, the risk of major failure (pulp treatment or extraction needed) and pain compared to conventional restorations. Selective removal of carious tissue particularly in deep carious lesions has significantly reduced the risk of pulp exposure (77% and 69% risk reduction with one-step selective caries removal and stepwise excavation, respectively). ART showed higher success rate when placed in single surface compared to multi-surface cavities (86% and 48.7-88%, respectively, over 3 years follow-up).
CONCLUSION
Minimal Intervention Dentistry techniques, namely 38% SDF, HT, selective removal of carious tissue, and ART for single surface cavity, appear to be effective in arresting the progress of dentinal caries in primary teeth when compared to no treatment, or conventional restorations. There is clear need to increase the emphasis on considering these techniques for managing carious primary teeth as a mainstream option rather than a compromise option in circumstances where the conventional approach is not possible due to cooperation or cost.
Topics: Humans; Dental Atraumatic Restorative Treatment; Dental Caries; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Tooth, Deciduous; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 34784027
DOI: 10.1007/s40368-021-00675-6 -
Statistics in Medicine Jan 2021Meta-analyses of a treatment's effect compared with a control frequently calculate the meta-effect from standardized mean differences (SMDs). SMDs are usually estimated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Meta-analyses of a treatment's effect compared with a control frequently calculate the meta-effect from standardized mean differences (SMDs). SMDs are usually estimated by Cohen's d or Hedges' g. Cohen's d divides the difference between sample means of a continuous response by the pooled standard deviation, but is subject to nonnegligible bias for small sample sizes. Hedges' g removes this bias with a correction factor. The current literature (including meta-analysis books and software packages) is confusingly inconsistent about methods for synthesizing SMDs, potentially making reproducibility a problem. Using conventional methods, the variance estimate of SMD is associated with the point estimate of SMD, so Hedges' g is not guaranteed to be unbiased in meta-analyses. This article comprehensively reviews and evaluates available methods for synthesizing SMDs. Their performance is compared using extensive simulation studies and analyses of actual datasets. We find that because of the intrinsic association between point estimates and standard errors, the usual version of Hedges' g can result in more biased meta-estimation than Cohen's d. We recommend using average-adjusted variance estimators to obtain an unbiased meta-estimate, and the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for accurate estimation of its confidence interval.
Topics: Computer Simulation; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Sample Size
PubMed: 33180373
DOI: 10.1002/sim.8781 -
BMC Ophthalmology Feb 2022A simple technique to facilitate removal of subincisional cortex in cataract surgery is presented.
BACKGROUND
A simple technique to facilitate removal of subincisional cortex in cataract surgery is presented.
METHODS
A disposable 27-gauge blunt needle attached to a 5.0-ml syringe containing balanced salt solution (BSS) is introduced through the side port incision into the anterior chamber. The tip of the needle is directed toward the capsule fornix beneath the incision site, and BSS is flushed to disperse the remaining cortex. Thereafter, the coaxial irrigation/aspiration device is used to remove the loosened cortex.
RESULTS
This technique was used in 60 eyes of 60 patients with difficulty of removing cortical remnant in the subincisional space. Subincisional cortical material was successfully removed in 93.3% (56/60 eyes). There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications related to this procedure.
CONCLUSIONS
The hydro-dispersion technique is a simple and safe approach to remove the subincisional cortical material that is difficult to manage with the standard coaxial irrigation/aspiration device.
Topics: Anterior Chamber; Cataract Extraction; Humans; Lens, Crystalline; Phacoemulsification; Postoperative Complications; Therapeutic Irrigation
PubMed: 35177028
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02314-0 -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Jul 1981The technique and results of a trabeculectomy are presented where the desired final intraocular pressure (IOP) is obtained by means of adjusting the thickness of...
The technique and results of a trabeculectomy are presented where the desired final intraocular pressure (IOP) is obtained by means of adjusting the thickness of sclerocorneal tissue removed to the initial pressure. The procedure was used in 35 eyes with all types of glaucoma and pre-operative pressures of up to 50 mmHg. In 78.3% of cases one operation was sufficient to control the IOP without additional medication. Two eyes had to be reoperated on, and 7 more needed additional pressure-lowering medication. The overall success rate, therefore, rose to 97.3%. The only failure occurred in an eye with irreducible acute angle-closure glaucoma where malignant glaucoma complicated the trabeculectomy. Complications included hyphaema (3), shallow anterior chamber (7)--with or without choroidal detachment--and transient rise in the IOP. All complications subsided with conservative therapy.
Topics: Glaucoma; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Methods; Postoperative Complications; Sclera; Trabecular Meshwork
PubMed: 7260019
DOI: 10.1136/bjo.65.7.457 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2020Elective sterilization of pet dogs is a common surgical procedure performed in veterinary practice. The main benefit of sterilization is population control and the... (Review)
Review
Elective sterilization of pet dogs is a common surgical procedure performed in veterinary practice. The main benefit of sterilization is population control and the reduction in euthanasia of unwanted dogs. The most common methods for sterilizing female and male dogs are ovariohysterectomy (spay; which removes both the ovaries and the uterus) and castration (neutering; which involves removing the testicles), respectively. However, any surgery that removes the gonads changes the animal in both positive and negative ways. There is mounting evidence supporting the long-term health complications associated with surgical sterilization with gonad removal. Gonads are not merely gamete-producing or ancillary sex/reproductive organs but rather they are necessary endocrine glands for normal metabolic, behavioral, musculoskeletal, and anti-neoplastic health. The purpose of this mini review is to describe two gonad sparing surgeries that this author has used to sterilize dogs. These surgeries can be performed on pediatric patients without interfering with pubertal maturation. Dog owners can make the decision when the dog is completely mature whether or not the gonads should be removed.
PubMed: 32596276
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00342 -
British Medical Journal (Clinical... Dec 1981A new method of removing calculi from the renal collecting system, in which the large and traumatic incision in the loin currently used is unnecessary, was attempted in...
A new method of removing calculi from the renal collecting system, in which the large and traumatic incision in the loin currently used is unnecessary, was attempted in 31 patients. Small dilators were introduced over a guide wire through a nephrostomy tube into the renal pelvis and a catheter inserted. The track was dilated in stages and two days later the nephrostomy tube was removed and a cystoscope introduced into the interior of the kidney. A stone basket was introduced down the operating channel of the cystoscope and maneuvered to secure the stone; the cystoscope, stone basket, and stone were then removed. The procedure failed in 11 of the 31 patients, in five because the needle could not be placed accurately initially and in six because the stone could not be removed despite the establishment of a nephrostomy track. In the remaining 20 patients the procedure was successful. This procedure is far less traumatic than the conventional operation. With the development of a flexible nephroscope and an ultrasonic stone disintegrator it will be possible also to remove larger stones and stones in the peripheral calices using this method.
Topics: Cystoscopy; Humans; Kidney Calculi; Kidney Pelvis; Kidney Tubules; Kidney Tubules, Collecting; Methods
PubMed: 6796170
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.283.6306.1571 -
Toxins Jun 2021Combining coagulants with ballast (natural soil or modified clay) to remove cyanobacteria from the water column is a promising tool to mitigate nuisance blooms....
Combining coagulants with ballast (natural soil or modified clay) to remove cyanobacteria from the water column is a promising tool to mitigate nuisance blooms. Nevertheless, the possible effects of this technique on different toxin-producing cyanobacteria species have not been thoroughly investigated. This laboratory study evaluated the potential effects of the "Floc and Sink" technique on releasing microcystins (MC) from the precipitated biomass. A combined treatment of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) with lanthanum modified bentonite (LMB) and/or local red soil (LRS) was applied to the bloom material (mainly and ) of a tropical reservoir. Intra and extracellular MC and biomass removal were evaluated. PAC alone was not efficient to remove the biomass, while PAC + LMB + LRS was the most efficient and removed 4.3-7.5 times more biomass than other treatments. Intracellular MC concentrations ranged between 12 and 2.180 µg L independent from the biomass. PAC treatment increased extracellular MC concentrations from 3.5 to 6 times. However, when combined with ballast, extracellular MC was up to 4.2 times lower in the top of the test tubes. Nevertheless, PAC + LRS and PAC + LMB + LRS treatments showed extracellular MC concentration eight times higher than controls in the bottom. Our results showed that Floc and Sink appears to be more promising in removing cyanobacteria and extracellular MC from the water column than a sole coagulant (PAC).
Topics: Aluminum Hydroxide; Bentonite; Chlorophyll A; Cyanobacteria; Flocculation; Lanthanum; Microcystins; Soil; Water Pollutants; Water Purification; Water Supply
PubMed: 34200982
DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060405 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2021As social media are increasingly used worldwide, more and more scientists are relying on them for their health-related projects. However, social media features,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
As social media are increasingly used worldwide, more and more scientists are relying on them for their health-related projects. However, social media features, methodologies, and ethical issues are unclear so far because, to our knowledge, there has been no overview of this relatively young field of research.
OBJECTIVE
This scoping review aimed to provide an evidence map of the different uses of social media for health research purposes, their fields of application, and their analysis methods.
METHODS
We followed the scoping review methodologies developed by Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute. After developing search strategies based on keywords (eg, social media, health research), comprehensive searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. We limited the search strategies to documents written in English and published between January 1, 2005, and April 9, 2020. After removing duplicates, articles were screened at the title and abstract level and at the full text level by two independent reviewers. One reviewer extracted data, which were descriptively analyzed to map the available evidence.
RESULTS
After screening 1237 titles and abstracts and 407 full texts, 268 unique papers were included, dating from 2009 to 2020 with an average annual growth rate of 32.71% for the 2009-2019 period. Studies mainly came from the Americas (173/268, 64.6%, including 151 from the United States). Articles used machine learning or data mining techniques (60/268) to analyze the data, discussed opportunities and limitations of the use of social media for research (59/268), assessed the feasibility of recruitment strategies (45/268), or discussed ethical issues (16/268). Communicable (eg, influenza, 40/268) and then chronic (eg, cancer, 24/268) diseases were the two main areas of interest.
CONCLUSIONS
Since their early days, social media have been recognized as resources with high potential for health research purposes, yet the field is still suffering from strong heterogeneity in the methodologies used, which prevents the research from being compared and generalized. For the field to be fully recognized as a valid, complementary approach to more traditional health research study designs, there is now a need for more guidance by types of applications of social media for health research, both from a methodological and an ethical perspective.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040671.
Topics: Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Research Design; Social Media
PubMed: 34042593
DOI: 10.2196/25736