Criteria For Systematic Review Research Articles

Evidence of Age Estimation Procedures in Forensic Dentistry: Results from an Umbrella Review.

Background and objective: Age estimation is an important tool when dealing with human remains or undocumented minors. Although the skull, the skeleton or the hand-wrist are used in age estimation as maturity indicators, they often present a lack of good conditions for a correct identification or estimation. Few systematic reviews (SRs) have been recently published; therefore, this umbrella review critically assesses their level of evidence and provides a general, comprehensive view. Materials and methods: Considering the review question "What is the current evidence on age determination approaches in Forensic Dentistry?" an electronic database search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Cochrane, WoS, LILACS) up to December 2022, focusing on SRs of age estimation through forensic dentistry procedures. The methodological quality was analyzed using the measurement tool to assess SRs criteria (AMSTAR2). Results: Eighteen SRs were included: five of critically low quality, six of low quality, three of moderate quality and four of high quality. The SRs posited that Willems' method is more accurate and less prone to overestimation; most methods seem to be geographically sensitive; and 3D-imaging and artificial intelligence tools demonstrate high potential. Conclusions: The quality of evidence on age estimation using dental approaches was rated as low to moderate. Well-designed clinical trials and high-standard systematic reviews are essential to corroborate the accuracy of the different procedures for age estimation in forensic dentistry.

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): An Umbrella Review.

In postpubertal patients, maxillary transverse discrepancy is a common condition often requiring surgical approaches. To overcome the excess morbidity and discomfort, maxillary expansion through miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) was proposed and studied in the last few years. This umbrella review aims to critically appraise the quality of evidence and the main clinical outcomes of available systematic reviews (SRs) on MARPE. An extensive search was carried out in five electronic databases (PubMed-Medline, Cochrane Database of SRs, Scielo, Web of Science, and LILACS) until December 2021. The methodological quality was appraised using the A Measurement Tool to Assess SRs criteria 2 (AMSTAR2). The primary outcome was the methodological quality of SRs. Overall, four SRs were included and analyzed, one of high methodological quality, one of low and two of critically low. Despite the verified methodological constraints, MARPE seems to present significant clinical changes when compared to conventional RPE, SARPE or controls and less adverse clinical outcomes. The quality of evidence produced by the available SRs was not favorable. Future high standard SRs and well-designed clinical trials are warranted to better clarify the clinical protocols and outcomes success of MARPE.

Vital and Nonvital Pulp Therapy in Primary Dentition: An Umbrella Review.

Dental caries is the most common non-communicable disease in children with significant aesthetic, functional, and quality of life deterioration. Depending on the depth, two approaches may be considered in primary dentition: vital pulp therapy (VPT) or non-vital therapy (NPT). This umbrella review aimed to critically assess the available systematic reviews (SRs) on VPT and NPT. An electronic database search was conducted (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and LILACS) until June 2021. The Risk of Bias (RoB) of SRs was analyzed using the Measurement Tool to Assess SRs criteria 2 (AMSTAR2). From 272 entries, 33 SRs were included. Regarding the methodological quality, three studies were critically low, nine low, seventeen moderate, and six were rated as high quality. The quality of evidence produced by the available SRs was moderate. Future high standard SRs and well-designed clinical trials are warranted to better elucidate the clinical protocols and outcomes of VPT and NPT.

When Is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Reliable in Pregnancies with Vanishing Twin? - A Review of Case Reports

Background: Fetal demise can complicate aneuploidy screening in a multi fetal pregnancy. The cell-free DNA (CF-DNA) from a non-viable conception may lead to be discordant with the viable fetuses. The Aim of study was to review the waiting period, follow-on single fetal demise in a twin gestation before performing NIPT. Materials and Methods: In this review articlewe searched through online database with keywords: ((NIPT) (non-invasive prenatal screening testing) (cell-free DNA) (vanishing twin) (co-twin demise)), including: CINAHL, Cochrane, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), PubMed, and Medical Library. For English literature between 2011 and 2020 which included duration between vanishing twin or reduction and NIPT false results. Results: 201 studies across the eight scientific web sites were detected. 178 excluded for duplication or being irrelevant. 29 studies were fully read. 4 case series, met the criteria for systematic review. The finding suggested the NIPT screening test can be falsely-positive several weeks after vanishing twins although live fetus is normal. Therefore, duration in which placenta can release CF-DNA of vanished twin is unknown. In addition, several weeks after reduction the fetal CF-DNA increases and then decreases, thus CF-DNA analyzing in multi-fetal pregnancies with reduction can be challenging as well. Conclusion: In pregnancies with vanishing twin or reduction, evaluating NIPT results is more complex than single fetal pregnancy. According to studies, after a fetal demise, the cytotrophoblast continues to release to the CF-DNA in the maternal circulation for a variable time, which may cause a false-positive result if the demised twin is aneuploidy.

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures: An Umbrella Review.

The Regenerative Endodontic Procedure (REP) is a biologically based method in which a damaged pulp–dentin complex is replaced by a new vital tissue. This umbrella review aimed to critically assess the available systematic reviews (SRs) on REP. An electronic database search was conducted (PubMed-Medline, CENTRAL, Scielo, Web of Science, and LILACS) until December 2020. Studies were included if they were an SR on REP. The Risk of Bias (RoB) of SRs was analyzed using the Measurement Tool to Assess SRs criteria 2 (AMSTAR2). The primary outcome was the methodological quality in each specific section of REP protocols and outcomes. From 403 entries, 29 SRs were included. Regarding the methodological quality, ten studies were of critically low, three of low, fourteen of moderate, and two were rated as high quality. The quality of evidence produced by the available SRs was not favorable. Future high standard SRs and well-designed clinical trials are warranted to better elucidate the clinical protocols and outcomes of REP.

Adverse Reactions to Radiopharmaceuticals: A Survey Based on Clinical Cases Using Criteria of Systematic Review.

Adverse reactions to radiopharmaceuticals are still not reported worldwide. However, the type of reaction may be severe and cause death. A review of the literature was performed using some criteria of a systematic review established by the Cochrane Collaboration. The results showed that there are a large number of adverse reactions to radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear medicine staff must be aware of the possibility of adverse reaction with radiopharmaceuticals and find time to share this information with the radiopharmacist and the national pharmacovigilance system.

Systematic Reviews in Craniofacial Trauma-Strengths and Weaknesses.

Despite substantial advances in the management of craniofacial trauma, numerous clinical questions remain. These are increasingly being answered using systematic reviews (SRs). However, caution is warranted as their validity and role in influencing clinical practice has been called into question. A PubMed search was performed in October 2014 to identify SRs published up to and including September 2014 in 35 scientific journals. Two authors independently reviewed the literature and extracted data from included studies. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR) was used to determine the quality of SRs. The initial search retrieved 3080 articles of which 3051 articles were excluded after screening title and abstract. After full-text review of the remaining 29 articles, 3 additional articles were excluded, thus, leaving 26 SRs for final analysis. Regression analysis demonstrated that the overall number of published SRs increased significantly throughout the period analyzed (P = 0.022). The median AMSTAR score of all SRs was 4.5, consistent with a "poor-to-fair" quality. The interobserver agreement was high, as evidenced by a mean κ of 0.91. Although there appeared to be a trend toward an increase in AMSTAR score by year over the period analyzed, this failed to reach statistical significance in terms of median (P = 0.36) or absolute (P = 0.26) counts. A tremendous opportunity exists for improvements in the quality of SRs focusing on craniofacial trauma. In addition to familiarizing authors with quality criteria for SRs, adoption of strict reporting criteria by scientific journals may result in long-term improvements in the quality of reporting.

The Urgent Need for Evidence in Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Evidence for Operative Management of Meniscal Tears

Background: Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures. One-third of these procedures are performed for meniscal injuries. It is essential that this commonly performed surgery be supported by robust evidence. Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery for meniscal injuries in all populations. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: An online search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) that compared treatment options for meniscal injury. The following databases (inception to April 2015) were included in the search: CENTRAL; MEDLINE; EMBASE; NHS Evidence; National Guideline Clearing House, Database of s of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment; ISRCTN; Clinicaltrials.gov; WHO trials platform. Only studies whose participants were selected on the basis of meniscal injury were included; no restrictions were placed on patient demographics. Two independent reviewers applied AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) criteria for SRs and the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. Results: Nine RCTs and 8 SRs were included in the review. No difference was found between arthroscopic meniscal debridement compared with nonoperative management as a first-line treatment strategy for patients with knee pain and a degenerative meniscal tear (mean difference: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 1.6 [95% CI, −2.2 to 5.2], pain visual analog scale, −0.06 [95% CI, −0.28 to 0.15]). Some evidence was found to indicate that patients with resistant mechanical symptoms who initially fail nonoperative management may benefit from meniscal debridement No studies compared meniscal repair with meniscectomy or nonoperative management. Initial evidence suggested that meniscal transplant might be favorable in certain patient groups. Conclusion: Further evidence is required to determine which patient groups have good outcomes from each intervention. Given the current widespread use of arthroscopic meniscal surgeries, more research is urgently needed to support evidence-based practice in meniscal surgery in order to reduce the numbers of ineffective interventions and support potentially beneficial surgery.

Intrauterine Contraception Continuation in Adolescents and Young Women: A Systematic Review

Study ObjectiveAdolescents are at high risk for unintended pregnancies. Although intrauterine devices (IUDs), long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), are known to be highly effective in preventing pregnancy, little is known about IUD adherence in adolescents. In this systematic review (SR) we examined IUD continuation rates compared with other forms of contraception in young women aged 25 years and younger. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome MeasuresA systematic search of Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase was conducted for the years 1946-2015. Included studies examined IUD use in women 25 years of age and younger, compared IUD use with another form of contraception, and measured continuation rates at 12 months. The quality of each study was appraised using the Downs and Black criteria, and 12-month continuation rates among studies were pooled and analyzed according to contraceptive type. ResultsOf 3597 articles retrieved, 9 studies met criteria for SR. Synthesized across studies, 12-month continuation was significantly higher for IUD users (86.5%, 12,761/14,747) compared with oral contraceptives (39.6%, 1931/4873), Depo-Provera (Pfizer Inc, New York, NY) hormonal injection (39.8%, 510/1282), vaginal ring (48.9%, 196/401), and transdermal patch (39.8%, 37/93; all P values < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in 12-month continuation between the IUD and another LARC method, the subdermal etonogestrel implant (85.3%, 4671/5474). ConclusionFindings of this SR suggest that continuation rates for IUDs are generally higher compared with other contraceptive methods for women aged 25 years and younger. In a population with high rates of unintended pregnancies, generally low adherence, and imperfect use with other non-LARCs, IUD use should be encouraged.

Response to the critique of “Keratocystic odontogenic tumor: systematic review with analysis of 72 additional cases from Mumbai, India”

Response to the critique of “Keratocystic odontogenic tumor: systematic review with analysis of 72 additional cases from Mumbai, India”

It is time to abandon “Expected bladder capacity.” Systematic review and new models for children's normal maximum voided volumes

There is an agreement to use simple formulae (expected bladder capacity and other age based linear formulae) as bladder capacity benchmark. But real normal child's bladder capacity is unknown. To offer a systematic review of children's normal bladder capacity, to measure children's normal maximum voided volumes (MVVs), to construct models of MVVs and to compare them with the usual formulae. Computerized, manual and grey literature were reviewed until February 2013. Epidemiological, observational, transversal, multicenter study. A consecutive sample of healthy children aged 5-14 years, attending Primary Care centres with no urologic abnormality were selected. Participants filled-in a 3-day frequency-volume chart. Variables were MVVs: maximum of 24 hr, nocturnal, and daytime maximum voided volumes. diuresis and its daytime and nighttime fractions; body-measure data; and gender. The consecutive steps method was used in a multivariate regression model. Twelve articles accomplished systematic review's criteria. Five hundred and fourteen cases were analysed. Three models, one for each of the MVVs, were built. All of them were better adjusted to exponential equations. Diuresis (not age) was the most significant factor. There was poor agreement between MVVs and usual formulae. Nocturnal and daytime maximum voided volumes depend on several factors and are different. Nocturnal and daytime maximum voided volumes should be used with different meanings in clinical setting. Diuresis is the main factor for bladder capacity. This is the first model for benchmarking normal MVVs with diuresis as its main factor. Current formulae are not suitable for clinical use.

Impact of Physical Activity Intervention Programs on Self-Efficacy in Youths: A Systematic Review

Lack of physical activity has contributed to the nation's childhood obesity crisis, but the impact of physical activity on self-efficacy as a mediator of behavior change has not been examined. This systematic review (SR) describes the published evidence related to the impact of physical activity intervention programs on self-efficacy among youths. From January 2000 to June 2011, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were used to identify publications from PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochran Database of Systematic Reviews. The Cochrane Population, Intervention, Control, Outcome, Study Design (PICOS) approach guided this SR articles selection and evaluation process. Of the 102 publications screened, 10 original studies matched the SR inclusion criteria. The types of physical activity interventions and self-efficacy assessments for these 10 studies were diverse. Of the 10 included articles, 6 articles identified an improvement in post-self-efficacy assessments compared to baseline and 4 showed no effect. In conclusion, physical activity intervention programs may improve self-efficacy in youths. A standardized approach to classify and measure self-efficacy is required. Further research is needed to quantify the association of self-efficacy ratings after completing physical activity interventions with objective health improvements, such as weight loss.