Comparative Effectiveness Of Different Types Research Articles

Direct and Indirect Effects of Youth Sports Participation on Emotional Intelligence, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction.

The present study investigated the mediating effects of emotional intelligence and self-esteem between youth sports participation and life satisfaction, as well as the comparative effects of different types of sports involvement (team, individual, and non-participation) on these selected variables. A sample of 1053 Portuguese adolescents (612 girls and 441 boys), aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.40; SD = 1.55), completed the following self-report measures: the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The structural equation modeling results indicated a complete mediating role of two emotional intelligence dimensions (use of emotion and self-emotional appraisal) and self-esteem in the relationship between sports participation and adolescents' life satisfaction. Team sport participants reported higher emotional intelligence and self-esteem scores than their non-sport participant counterparts who revealed lower levels of emotion use than their individual sport participant peers. These findings provide novel insights into the potential emotional and psychological mechanisms underlying the association between youth sports participation and life satisfaction.

Comparative effects of different types of physical activity on health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review, network meta-analysis, and meta-regression

BackgroundPhysical activity is associated with improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer survivors (BCS); however, no studies have assessed optimal physical activity. ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the optimal types of physical activity for improving HRQoL in patients with BCS during and after cancer treatment. MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to November 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effects of different physical activities on HRQoL in BCS. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (version 2.0). A network meta-analysis approach based on a frequentist framework was used to rank the effectiveness of different physical activities. ResultsA total of 66 RCTs with 6464 participants were included. For all BCS, aerobic combined with resistance exercise (CE) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.71; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.40 to 1.10; P-score = 0.75; Grade: moderate) was the most effective physical activity to improve HRQoL. For participants in treatment, resistance exercise (RE) (SMD = 0.68; 95 % CI: 0.35 to 1.10; P-score = 0.84; Grade: moderate) was the most effective. However, after treatment, CE (SMD = 0.77; 95 % CI: 0.28 to 1.26; P-score = 0.74; Grade: very low) remained the most effective way to improve HRQoL in BCS. In addition, the regression analysis did not find any sources of heterogeneity. ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that all physical activities improved HRQoL in BCS compared to the control group. CE may have the best effect on all survivors and post-treatment survivors, whereas RE has the best effect during treatment. In addition, the quality of the included studies was low, and there was some risk of bias, which may affect the interpretation of the findings.

A comparison of short form Marlowe–Crowne and “best friends” social desirability bias measures

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare two different types of measures of social desirability bias (SDB), a short form of the Marlowe–Crowne measure, a popular direct measure, and an example of a projective technique where half of the respondents record the views of their “best friends”.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected using an online survey of members of a consumer panel. The context chosen to test the SDB measures was that of attitudes toward counterfeit products and xenocentrism in Colombia. Counterfeit proneness, attitude toward counterfeit products and consumer xenocentrism were selected as variables likely to be affected by SDB. Vertical and horizontal collectivism were included as variables likely to influence the first group of variables while not being themselves subject to SDB.FindingsThe projective technique consistently identified higher levels of SDB effects, as hypothesized. Marked differences emerged in the apparent strength of the relationships between the operational constructs depending upon which measure of SDB was used. At times, whether any such relationship might exist depended on the SDB measure used. Contrary to some prior work, no systematic gender effects were identified using either approach.Originality/valueThe first study to provide evidence of the comparative effects of different types of measures of SDB in research into ethical issues. One of the few to demonstrate how apparent relationships between variables can be created by SDB.

Comparative effectiveness of different types of exercise in reducing arterial stiffness in children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

ObjectiveArterial stiffness is an early and detectable marker of vascular changes leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of different types of exercise in...

The effects of the addition of mechanical traction to physical therapy on low back pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the comparative effects of different types or parameters of lumbar traction in low back pain (LBP). CENTRAL, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, PEDro, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched from their inception to March 31, 2021. We considered all RCTs comparing different types or parameters of lumbar traction on adults who complained of LBP with or without lumbar radiculopathy (LR). Any restriction regarding publication time or language was applied. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, performed the quality assessment, and extracted the results. Meta-analysis employed a random-effects model. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis, and five were pooled. Meta-analyses of results from five studies on LBP with LR showed no significant difference between diverse tractions modalities at short-term follow-up. Very low to low-quality evidence supports these results. High-force and low-force traction demonstrated clinically significant improvements in pain. The literature suggests the short-term effectiveness of traction on pain in LBP with LR, regardless of the type or the dosage employed. Different effects of traction other the mechanical ones can be hypothesized. This systematic review may be relevant for clinical practice due to the similar effects of different traction types or dosages. Level I, Therapeutic Study.

A systematic scoping review on contextual factors associated with communicative participation among children with developmental language disorder.

Variations in communicative participation of children with developmental language disorder (DLD) cannot be wholly explained by their language difficulties alone and may be influenced by contextual factors. Contextual factors may support or hinder communicative participation in children, which makes their identification clinically relevant. To investigate which contextual (environmental and personal) factors in early childhood are protective, risk or neutral factors for communicative participation among school-aged children with DLD, and to identify possible gaps in knowledge about this subject. A scoping review was conducted based on a systematic search of studies published from January 2007 to March 2022 in Pubmed, Embase (without MEDLINE), CINAHL and PsycINFO. In total, 8802 studies were reviewed using predefined eligibility criteria, of which 32 studies were included for data extraction and critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2021) tools. The methodological quality of included studies was adequate to strong. Personal protective factors identified are being a preschool girl, reaching school age and being prosocial, while personal risk factors are becoming a teenager or adolescent, having low socio-cognitive skills and experiencing comorbid mobility impairment or behavioural problems. Gender after the preschool years and non-verbal abilities were not found to be of influence, and the role of socio-emotional skills is inconclusive. Receiving therapy is an environmental protective factor, while the association between socio-economical family characteristics with communicative participation is inconclusive. Limited research has been conducted on which risk and protective factors present in early childhood are associated with later communicative participation of children with DLD. The influence of co-occurring health conditions, social background variables, individual psychological assets, interpersonal relationships and attitudes of other people represent knowledge gaps. In addition, knowledge about the comparative effectiveness of different types of interventions and service delivery models, and the impact of administrative control, organizational mechanisms and standards established by governments on children's communicative participation is lacking. More longitudinal research is needed focusing on the identification of relevant personal and environmental factors and the interactions between them in relation to communicative participation outcomes. What is already known on this subject Children with DLD experience varying degrees of communicative participation restrictions. Insight into contextual factors that influence communicative participation can help to identify children at risk and inform family and child-centred therapy. Systematic research on contextual factors that facilitate or hinder communicative participation in children with DLD is currently lacking. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Knowledge of protective factors can guide the development of interventions for children and young people with DLD that boost resilience and facilitate communicative participation, while insight into the risk factors can help professionals identify the most vulnerable children and develop interventions that can lift or neutralize barriers present in the life of these children. Specific groups potentially at risk are young boys, children with co-morbid mobility impairment, children with conduct problems, and children reaching adolescence. In contrast, potentially protective factors are reaching school age and being prosocial. In addition, the development of socio-cognitive skills may be beneficial for the communicative participation of children with DLD. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? To support communicative participation, it is important that professionals who work with children with DLD understand which groups are at risk for communicative participation restrictions, and which factors can foster resilience. In the absence of evidence-based instruments for the systematic assessment of personal and environmental factors, consulting parents and children on the contextual factors that they perceive as important remains critical.

The Comparative Effects of Different Types of Oral Vitamin Supplements on Arterial Stiffness: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Arterial stiffness, a significant prognostic factor of cardiovascular disease, may be affected by dietary factors. Research on the effects of oral vitamin supplements on arterial stiffness and/or endothelial function has produced controversial results. Therefore, the aim of this network meta-analysis was to comparatively assess the effect of different types of oral vitamin supplements on arterial stiffness in the adult population. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials from their inception to 30 September 2021. A network meta-analysis using a frequentist perspective was conducted to assess the effects of different types of oral vitamin supplements on arterial stiffness, as determined by pulse wave velocity. In total, 22 studies were included, with a total of 1318 participants in the intervention group and 1115 participants in the placebo group. The included studies were listed in an ad hoc table describing direct and indirect comparisons of the different types of vitamins. Our findings showed that, in both pairwise comparison and frequentist network meta-analysis, the different types of oral vitamin supplements did not show statistically significant effects on arterial stiffness. However, when oral vitamin supplementation was longer than 12 weeks, vitamin D3 showed a significant reduction in arterial stiffness, compared with the placebo (ES: −0.15; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.00; −60.0% m/s) and vitamin D2 (ES: −0.25; 95% CI: −0.48, −0.02, −52.0% m/s). In summary, our study confirms that oral vitamin D3 supplementation for more than 12 weeks could be an effective approach to reduce arterial stiffness and could be considered a useful approach to improve vascular health in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Comparative effects of left bundle branch area pacing, His bundle pacing, biventricular pacing in patients requiring cardiac resynchronization therapy: A network meta‐analysis

BackgroundThe comparative effects of different types of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) delivered by biventricular pacing (BVP), His bundle pacing (HBP), and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) remain inconclusive.HypothesisHBP and LBBAP may be advantageous over BVP for CRT.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies that reported the effects after BVP, HBP, and LBBAP for CRT. The effects between groups were compared by a frequentist random‐effects network meta‐analysis (NMA), by which the mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsSix articles involving 389 patients remained for the final meta‐analysis. The mean follow‐up of these studies was 8.03 ± 3.15 months. LBBAP resulted in a greater improvement in LVEF% (MD = 7.17, 95% CI = 4.31 to 10.04), followed by HBP (MD = 4.06, 95% CI = 1.09 to 7.03) compared with BVP. HBP resulted in a narrower QRS duration (MD = 31.58 ms, 95% CI = 12.75 to 50.40), followed by LBBAP (MD = 27.40 ms, 95% CI = 10.81 to 43.99) compared with BVP. No significant differences of changes in LVEF improvement and QRS narrowing were observed between LBBAP and HBP. The pacing threshold of LBBAP was significantly lower than those of BVP and HBP.ConclusionThe NMA first found that LBBAP and HBP resulted in a greater LVEF improvement and a narrower QRS duration compared with BVP. Additionally, LBBAP resulted in similar clinical outcomes but with lower pacing thresholds, and may therefore offer advantages than does HBP for CRT.

Effectiveness of two types of palliative home care in cancer and non-cancer patients: A retrospective population-based study using claims data

Background: Comparative effectiveness of different types of palliative homecare is sparsely researched internationally—despite its potential to inform necessary decisions in palliative care infrastructure development. In Germany, specialized palliative homecare delivered by multi-professional teams has increased in recent years and factors beyond medical need seem to drive its involvement and affect the application of primary palliative care, delivered by general practitioners who are supported by nursing services. Aim: To compare effectiveness of primary palliative care and specialized palliative homecare in reducing potentially aggressive interventions at the end-of-life in cancer and non-cancer. Design: Retrospective population-based study with claims data from 95,962 deceased adults in Germany in 2016 using multivariable regression analyses. Settings/participants: Patients having received primary palliative care or specialized palliative homecare (alone or in addition to primary palliative care), for at least 14 days before death, differentiating between cancer and non-cancer patients. Results: Rates of potentially aggressive interventions in most indicators were higher in primary palliative care than in specialized palliative homecare (p < 0.01), in both cancer and non-cancer patients: death in hospital (odds ratio (OR) 4.541), hospital care (OR 2.720), intensive care treatment (OR 6.749), chemotherapy (OR 2.173), and application of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (OR 4.476), but not for parenteral nutrition (OR 0.477). Conclusion: Specialized palliative homecare is more strongly associated with reduction of potentially aggressive interventions than primary palliative care in the last days of life. Future research should identify elements of specialized palliative homecare applicable for more effective primary palliative care, too. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00014730).

Comparative Effectiveness of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs. One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass on Kidney Function.

Obesity and its associated medical problems increase risk of kidney function decline while prior studies suggest that bariatric surgery may improve kidney outcomes. However, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of different types of bariatric surgery on kidney function. In this study, we compare the effects of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on kidney function one year after surgery. The patients' demographic, medical, and surgical data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, body mass index (BMI), and kidney function tests were obtained before and one year after surgery. Kidney function was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and spot urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR). Changes in eGFR and ACR were compared between LRYGB vs. LOAGB after adjustment for confounders (age, sex, remission of associated medical problems, preoperative BMI, and percentage of excess BMI loss) using ANCOVA model. Both surgical techniques significantly decreased the post-surgery presence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (p < 0.001 for all paired comparisons). The eGFR level significantly increased and the ACR level significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.001 for all paired comparisons before and after adjustment). However, eGFR and ACR mean differences between LRYGB and LOAGB were not significantly different after adjustment for confounding variables (p = 0.9 and 0.4, respectively). Both LOAGB and LRYGB improved 1-year eGFR and ACR equally independently from weight loss and other confounders.

Comparative Effects of Different Types of Biochar on Physical Properties of Soil And Growth of Maize

The current pot trial was conducted to estimate the impacts of different types of biochar on the growth and nutrients availability of maize (Zea mays) and their effects on the properties of soil. Treatments including four different feedstock based biochar i.e wheat straw, rice husk, corn cob and wood bark were applied to the soil in 10 kg pots @ 1.5% w/w. The experiment was carried out using complete randomized design (CRD). The crop was harvested after the plants have completed their vegetative growth. Physiological parameters of the crop (plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content) were measured before harvesting while shoot mass (fresh and dry) and root mass (fresh and dry) were calculated after harvesting of the crop. The data showed a significant difference when compared with the control. Plant height was significantly increased from 140cm (control) to 159.9cm in T4 (wood bark biochar). Experimental soil was analyzed in the laboratory for NPK, water aggregate stability, organic matter and active carbon. Wet aggregate stability value of the soil was improved from 17.82% to 19.5%. Similarly soil active carbon was significantly improved from 259.33 ppm to 321.25 ppm. The data showed more significant results of wood bark biochar. Nutrient availability in the soil and plant nutrients uptake N (21.6%), P (31.25%) and K (45%) was increased as a results of biochar incorporation in the soil.

Comparative effects of telemedicine and face-to-face warfarin management: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the comparative effects of different types of telemedicine on anticoagulation control and adverse outcomes in patients taking warfarin. Data sourcesA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane library, EMBASE, CINAHL, OpenGrey, and DART-Europe from inception to September 2019. Study selectionRandomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental and cohort studies were included if they evaluated the effect of telemedicine in patients using warfarin for 3 months or more. MethodsTwo reviewers extracted and assessed the quality of studies by means of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Group. Network meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) methods were used to rank different telemedicine types. ResultsOf the 14,673 articles retrieved, 12 studies involving 11,478 patients met the inclusion criteria. The 5 types of telemedicine categorized were 1) laboratory draw with individual telephonic follow-up by health care (HC) providers (Lab/Tel/HC); 2) laboratory draw with individual telephonic follow-up with periodic, routine routine face-to-face (F2F) visit (Lab/Tel+F2F/HC); 3) laboratory draw with individual and group follow-up via online access (Lab/Online/HC); 4) patient self-test (PST) with telephonic or Web-based follow-up by automated management system (PST/Tel-Online/Auto); and 5) PST with telephonic follow-up by HC provider (PST/Tel/HC). PST/Tel-Online/Auto appears to be superior to F2F for TTR (mean difference 8.78%; 95% CI 0.06%–17.50%) and Lab/Online/HC for in-range INR (odds ratio 2.59; 95% CI 1.04–6.46). The SUCRAs suggested that PST/Tel-Online/Auto was preferred for both TTR and INR, at 84.2% and 93.9%, respectively, whereas Lab/Tel/HC was preferred to prevent major bleeding (74.1%) or thromboembolic event (70.7%). ConclusionAccording to the current evidence of uncertain quality, the best effects on anticoagulation control and adverse outcomes were achieved from different types of telemedicine. Variations in the effects of telemedicine on diverse outcomes should be considered before implementing telemedicine interventions in patients taking warfarin.

The Effectiveness of Exercise Therapy on Reducing Pain in Osteoarthritis Patients: Literature Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder with damage to the joint cartilage, this causes a decrease in the functional ability and perform daily activities. So intervention is needed in reducing these problems to increase and maintain independence in carrying out training activities. The research will aim to detect the influences of exercises that can be applied to OA patients to reduce pain. This research used a systematic literature study approach obtained from PubMed database and Science Direct. In total, the literature review systematic review concluded that exercise therapy can affect pain in osteoarthritis. The results of this systematic review revealed that yoga improves OA symptoms and can be done safely without supervision at home. In conclusion, the result of this study showed that there were Moderate physical activity at least three times per week can reduce the risk of arthritis-related disability. However, there is increasing evidence in the literature for the beneficial effects of exercise for managing OA. Evidence on the comparative effectiveness of different types of exercise, including exercise adherence and satisfaction in older adults with knee OA, is limited.

Comparative effects of different types of tree nut consumption on blood lipids: a network meta-analysis of clinical trials

Recent evidence has confirmed that nuts are one of the best food groups at reducing LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol (TC). However, the comparative effects of different types of nuts on blood lipids are unclear. This network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials aimed to assess the comparative effects of walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews, and almonds on typical lipid profiles. We conducted literature searches to identify studies comparing ≥2 of the following diets-walnut-enriched, pistachio-enriched, hazelnut-enriched, cashew-enriched, almond-enriched, and control diets-for the management of triglycerides (TGs), LDL cholesterol, TC, and HDL cholesterol. Random-effects network meta-analyses, ranking analyses based on the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves, and sensitivity analyses according to the potential sources of heterogeneity across the included studies were performed for each outcome. Thirty-four trials enrolling 1677 participants were included in this study. The pistachio-enriched diet was ranked best for TG (SUCRA: 85%), LDL cholesterol (SUCRA: 87%), and TC (SUCRA: 96%) reductions. For TG and TC reductions, the walnut-enriched diet was ranked as the second-best diet. Regarding LDL cholesterol reduction, the almond-enriched diet was ranked second best. The pistachio-enriched and walnut-enriched diets were more effective at lowering TG, LDL cholesterol, and TC compared with the control diet. Regarding TG and TC reductions, the pistachio-enriched diet was also more effective than the hazelnut-enriched diet. For TG reduction, the walnut-enriched diet was better than the hazelnut-enriched diet. However, these findings are limited by the low quality of evidence ratings. In addition, the quality of this network meta-analysis was limited by the small number and generally poor reporting of available studies. The pistachio-enriched and walnut-enriched diet could be better alternatives for lowering TGs, LDL cholesterol, and TC compared with other nut-enriched diets included in this study. The findings warrant further evaluation by more high-quality studies.This network meta-analysis was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42019131128.

A multivariate analysis of comparative effects of heavy metals on cellular biomarkers of phytoremediation using Brassica oleracea

The biochemical/physiological variations in plant responses to heavy metals stress govern plant’s ability to phytoremediate/tolerate metals. So, the comparative effects of different types of heavy metals on various plant responses can better elucidate the mechanisms of metal toxicity and detoxification. This study compared the physiological modifications, photosynthetic performance and detoxification potential of Brassica oleracea under different levels of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and selenium (Se). All the heavy metals induced a severe phytotoxicity to B. oleracea in terms of chlorophyll contents, Ni being the most toxic (76% decrease). Brassica oleracea showed high lipid oxidation: 87% and 273%, respectively in leaves and roots. Furthermore, all the metals increased the activities of catalase and peroxidase, while decreased superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase. Interestingly, heavy metals decreased hydrogen peroxide contents perhaps due to their possible transformation to another form of reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radical. Among the three metals, Ni was more phytotoxic than Cr and Se. Moreover, the phytoremediation/tolerance potential of B. oleracea to Ni, Cr and Se stress varied with the type of metal, their applied levels, response variables and plant organ type (root/shoot). The multivariate analysis separated different plant response variables and heavy metal treatments into different groups based on their correlations.

Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Education: A Comparison of On-Screen With Compression Feedback, Classroom, and Video Education

We compare 3 methods of hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education, using performance scores. A paucity of research exists on the comparative effectiveness of different types of hands-only CPR education. This study also includes a novel kiosk approach that has not previously been studied, to our knowledge. A randomized, controlled study compared participant scores on 4 hands-only CPR outcome measures after education with a 25- to 45-minute practice-while-watching classroom session (classroom), 4-minute on-screen feedback and practice session (kiosk), and 1-minute video viewing (video only). Participants took a 30-second compression test after initial training and again after 3 months. After the initial education session, the video-only group had a lower total score (compressions correct on hand placement, rate, and depth) (-9.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] -16.5 to -3.0) than the classroom group. There were no significant differences on total score between classroom and kiosk participants. Additional outcome scores help explain which components negatively affect total score for each education method. The video-only group had lower compression depth scores (-9.9; 95% CI -14.0 to -5.7) than the classroom group. The kiosk group outperformed the classroom group on hand position score (4.9; 95% CI 1.3 to 8.6) but scored lower on compression depth score (-5.6; 95% CI -9.5 to -1.8). The change in 4 outcome variables was not significantly different across education type at 3-month follow-up. Participants exposed to the kiosk session and those exposed to classroom education performed hands-only CPR similarly, and both groups showed skill performance superior to that of participants watching only a video. With regular retraining to prevent skills decay, the efficient and free hands-only CPR training kiosk has the potential to increase bystander intervention and improve survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

TCT-626 Comparative Effectiveness of Different Types of Contemporary Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients with De Novo Long Coronary Artery Lesions

Outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for long lesions remain relatively unfavorable. Previous clinical trials investigated the relative efficacy and safety profiles of different types of drug-eluting stents (DES) in long diseased segments. However, limited data are available on

Group-based parent training programmes for improving parental psychosocial health.

Parental psychosocial health can have a significant effect on the parent-child relationship, with consequences for the later psychological health of the child. Parenting programmes have been shown to have an impact on the emotional and behavioural adjustment of children, but there have been no reviews to date of their impact on parental psychosocial wellbeing. To address whether group-based parenting programmes are effective in improving parental psychosocial wellbeing (for example, anxiety, depression, guilt, confidence). We searched the following databases on 5 December 2011: CENTRAL (2011, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1950 to November 2011), EMBASE (1980 to week 48, 2011), BIOSIS (1970 to 2 December 2011), CINAHL (1982 to November 2011), PsycINFO (1970 to November week 5, 2011), ERIC (1966 to November 2011), Sociological Abstracts (1952 to November 2011), Social Science Citation Index (1970 to 2 December 2011), metaRegister of Controlled Trials (5 December 2011), NSPCC Library (5 December 2011). We searched ASSIA (1980 to current) on 10 November 2012 and the National Research Register was last searched in 2005. We included randomised controlled trials that compared a group-based parenting programme with a control condition and used at least one standardised measure of parental psychosocial health. Control conditions could be waiting-list, no treatment, treatment as usual or a placebo. At least two review authors extracted data independently and assessed the risk of bias in each study. We examined the studies for any information on adverse effects. We contacted authors where information was missing from trial reports. We standardised the treatment effect for each outcome in each study by dividing the mean difference in post-intervention scores between the intervention and control groups by the pooled standard deviation. We included 48 studies that involved 4937 participants and covered three types of programme: behavioural, cognitive-behavioural and multimodal. Overall, we found that group-based parenting programmes led to statistically significant short-term improvements in depression (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.28 to -0.07), anxiety (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.01), stress (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.15), anger (SMD -0.60, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.20), guilt (SMD -0.79, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.41), confidence (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.17) and satisfaction with the partner relationship (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.09). However, only stress and confidence continued to be statistically significant at six month follow-up, and none were significant at one year. There was no evidence of any effect on self-esteem (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.42). None of the trials reported on aggression or adverse effects.The limited data that explicitly focused on outcomes for fathers showed a statistically significant short-term improvement in paternal stress (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.06). We were unable to combine data for other outcomes and individual study results were inconclusive in terms of any effect on depressive symptoms, confidence or partner satisfaction. The findings of this review support the use of parenting programmes to improve the short-term psychosocial wellbeing of parents. Further input may be required to ensure that these results are maintained. More research is needed that explicitly addresses the benefits for fathers, and that examines the comparative effectiveness of different types of programme along with the mechanisms by which such programmes bring about improvements in parental psychosocial functioning.

Comparative Effectiveness of Different Types of Cervical Laminoplasty

Study Design Systematic review. Study Rationale Numerous cervical laminoplasty techniques have been described but there are few studies that have compared these to determine the superiority of one over another. Clinical Questions The clinical questions include key question (KQ)1: In adults with cervical myelopathy from ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) or spondylosis, what is the comparative effectiveness of open door cervical laminoplasty versus French door cervical laminoplasty? KQ2: In adults with cervical myelopathy from OPLL or spondylosis, are postoperative complications, including pain and infection, different for the use of miniplates versus the use of no plates following laminoplasty? KQ3: Do these results vary based on early active postoperative cervical motion? Materials and Methods A systematic review of the English-language literature was undertaken for articles published between 1970 and March 11, 2013. Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched to identify studies evaluating (1) open door cervical laminoplasty and French door cervical laminoplasty and (2) the use of miniplates or no plates in cervical laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy or OPLL in adults. Studies involving traumatic onset, cervical fracture, infection, deformity, or neoplasms were excluded, as were noncomparative studies. Two independent reviewers (A.L.R., J.R.D.) assessed the level of evidence quality using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results We identified three studies (one of class of evidence [CoE] II and two of CoE III) meeting our inclusion criteria comparing open door cervical laminoplasty with French door laminoplasty and two studies (one CoE II and one CoE III) comparing the use of miniplates with no plates. Data from one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and two retrospective cohort studies suggest no difference between treatment groups regarding improvement in myelopathy. One RCT reported significant improvement in axial pain and significantly higher short-form 36 scores in the French door laminoplasty treatment group. Overall, complications appear to be higher in the open door group than the French door group, although complete reporting of complications was poor in all studies. Overall, data from one RCT and one retrospective cohort study suggest that the incidence of complications (including reoperation, radiculopathy, and infection) is higher in the no plate treatment group compared with the miniplate group. One RCT reported greater pain as measured by the visual analog scale score in the no plate treatment group. There was no evidence available to assess the effect of early cervical motion for open door cervical laminoplasty compared with French door laminoplasty. Both studies comparing the use of miniplates and no plates reported early postoperative motion. Evidence from one RCT suggests that earlier postoperative cervical motion might reduce pain. Conclusion Data from three comparative studies are not sufficient to support the superiority of open door cervical laminoplasty or French door cervical laminoplasty. Data from two comparative studies are not sufficient to support the superiority of the use of miniplates or no plates following cervical laminoplasty. The overall strength of evidence to support any conclusions is low or insufficient. Thus, the debate continues while opportunity exists for the spine surgery community to resolve these issues with appropriately designed clinical studies.

Comparative effects of empathic verbal responses: Reflection versus validation.

The comparative effects of different types of empathic verbal responses were identified through a quantitative, experimental study. In particular, the study explored how reflection and validation interacted with negative emotions among 80 university student participants (29 men, 51 women). Participants were manipulated to experience social exclusion through a game and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (control/reflection/validation). Findings indicated varied levels of affects among groups. Both reflection and validation as an empathic verbal response increased sense of belonging, whereas validation increased self-esteem more than reflection did. Moreover, validation was more effective than reflection in lowering both negative mood and aggression toward the people who excluded the participant. Implications and future directions for research and training are discussed.