Evaluated Study Quality Research Articles

Local anaesthesia for pain control in surgical abortion before 14 weeks of pregnancy: a systematic review

BackgroundAbortions are common and associated with procedural pain. We aimed to evaluate benefits and harms of local anaesthesia given for pain control during surgical abortion at less than 14 weeks'...

Ceftazidime-avibactam versus other antimicrobial agents for treatment of Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) is a life-threatening infection with limited treatment options. This is the first meta-analysis of recently published data to compare the clinical outcomes of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) with other antimicrobial agents in treating MDR-PA infections. Systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library have been systematically reviewed, for publications in the English language, from database inception to July 2023. Studies comparing CAZ-AVI outcomes with other antimicrobial agents were included. In-hospital mortality & 30-day mortality were assessed as the main outcomes. Literature screening, data extraction, and the quality evaluation of studies were conducted by two researchers independently, with disagreements resolved by another researcher. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the bias risk for the included studies. Review Manager V.5.4 was employed for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included four retrospective studies, enrolling 1934 patients. The CAZ-AVI group demonstrated significantly lower in-hospital mortality (risk ratio (RR) = 0.60, 95% CI:0.37-0.97, I2 = 74%, p = 0.04) in three studies with 1444 patients and lower 30-day mortality, in 438 patients from three studies (RR = 0.54, 95% CI:0.28-1.05, I2 = 67%, p = 0.07). No significant difference in clinical success, microbiological success, length of hospital, and ICU stay was observed. This meta-analysis demonstrated that CAZ-AVI treatment significantly lowered in-hospital mortality compared with other antimicrobial agents in MDR-PA infections. However, the analysis only included a few observational studies and high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate further the scope of CAZ-AVI in MDR-PA infections.

Effects of home-based telemedicine and mHealth interventions on blood pressure in stroke patients: a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundStroke is a common cerebrovascular disease. Elevated blood pressure is the most significant manageable factor for both initial and recurrent strokes. Despite the potential benefits of telemedicine and mobile health technology (mHealth) in managing blood pressure among stroke patients, there remains skepticism. ObjectivesThis systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine and mHealth interventions in managing blood pressure in stroke patients. MethodsWe identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating telemedicine and mHealth technology interventions for blood pressure in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) from the inception date of each database up to January 2, 2024 by systematic searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 2.0) was used to evaluate study quality. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through Meta-regression, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.2 statistical software. ResultsA total of 13 randomized controlled trials with 3803 participants were included. The meta-analysis found that telemedicine and mHealth improved control of both systolic [MD = -4.37, 95 % CI (-5.50, -3.24), I2 = 43 %, P<0.00001] and diastolic blood pressures [MD = -1.72, 95 % CI (-2.45, -0.98), I2 = 0 %, P<0.00001] in stroke patients compared to the conventional care group. Stroke patients who received telemedicine and mHealth interventions showed improved medication adherence than usual care [SMD=0.52, 95 % CI (0.03, 1.00), I2 = 90 %, P<0.00001]. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses identified several key factors influencing systolic and diastolic blood pressure control in stroke patients, including whether stroke patients have hypertension, the specific forms of telemedicine and mHealth interventions employed, the duration of these interventions, and the frequency of intervention intervals. ConclusionsOverall, telemedicine and mHealth reduced stroke patients' systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.37 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 1.72 mm Hg and improved medication adherence compared with usual care. As an emerging medical model, telemedicine and mHealth intervention create a good prospect for the management of blood pressure in stroke patients in the future.

The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the risk of immune-related pneumonitis in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundLung cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality, poses significant treatment challenges. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized therapy, but it is associated with immune-related pneumonitis (IRP). This study systematically reviews and analyzes the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on the risk of IRP in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.MethodsAdhering to PRISMA guidelines and using the PICO framework, a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies involving lung cancer patients treated with ICIs, comparing those with and without COPD. The primary outcome was the incidence and risk of IRP. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale evaluated study quality. The effect size was calculated using random or fixed-effects models based on the observed heterogeneity. We assessed the heterogeneity between studies and conducted a sensitivity analysis.ResultsThe search identified 1026 articles, with six meeting the criteria for inclusion. Studies varied in design and geography, predominantly retrospective cohort studies. Patients with COPD had an increased risk of IRP (OR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.24, 1.92, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis based on radiation therapy exposure (< 40% and ≥ 40%) also indicated a heightened IRP risk in COPD patients. Sensitivity analysis affirmed the robustness of the results, and publication bias was not significant.ConclusionsLung cancer patients with COPD undergoing immunotherapy have a significantly increased risk of developing IRP. This highlights the necessity for vigilant monitoring and individualized treatment strategies to improve the safety and effectiveness of immunotherapy in this group.

Diagnostic efficacy of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA SPECT/CT for prostate cancer: a meta-analysis

BackgroundPrompt and accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is of paramount importance for effective treatment planning. While Gallium-68 labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has proven efficacy in detecting PCa, limited availability poses challenges. As a potential alternative, [99mTc]Tc-PSMA single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) holds promise. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA SPECT/CT for prostate cancer.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, and Web of Science databases was conducted until July 2024. Sensitivity and specificity data were extracted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA SPECT/CT, while the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool was used to evaluate study quality. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 18, with MetaDisc 1.4 employed to detect threshold effects. Diagnostic accuracy indicators, including sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and positive likelihood ratio (LR+), were pooled. The area under the curve (AUC) of the combined model was calculated using summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curves.ResultsSeven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified from an initial pool of 1467 articles, with no publication bias observed. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA SPECT/CT were found to be 0.89 (95% CI, 0.84–0.93), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.67–0.99), and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.90–0.95), respectively. Additionally, the comprehensive diagnostic odds ratio, diagnostic score, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated as 95.24 (95% CI, 17.30-524.41), 4.56 (95% CI, 2.85–6.26), 11.35 (95% CI, 2.31–55.71), and 0.12 (95% CI, 0.08–0.18), respectively.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our findings demonstrate that [99mTc]Tc-PSMA SPECT/CT exhibits favorable diagnostic performance for prostate cancer and can provide valuable supplementary information, particularly in regions and settings where [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT availability is limited, such as remote areas. These results highlight the potential of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA SPECT/CT as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer, warranting further investigation and validation in larger patient cohorts.

Reporting Eye‐Tracking Research in Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism: A Synthesis and Field‐Specific Guidelines

AbstractEye tracking has taken hold in second language acquisition (SLA) and bilingualism as a valuable technique for researching cognitive processes, yet a comprehensive picture of reporting practices is still lacking. Our systematic review addressed this gap. We synthesized 145 empirical eye‐tracking studies, coding for 58 reporting features and applying a gap analysis to the codings. Although certain aspects of reporting, such as descriptions of auxiliary assumptions, equipment, and setup, were consistently implemented, we found significant variation and sometimes complete omission of crucial details surrounding aspects of data quality and of data preprocessing and cleaning. This lack of information hinders the evaluation of methodological rigor and overall study quality of eye‐tracking research. We propose a set of field‐specific reporting guidelines in the form of a checklist to improve the quality of data collected and contribute to the larger goal of advancing the replication and reproducibility of eye‐tracking research in SLA and bilingualism.

Drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy - Results of a quantitative meta-analysis.

Animal-assisted psychotherapy is an emerging field with great potential and growing popularity. However, empirical research on its effectiveness is insufficient, and consistent evidence about patients' commitment is missing. The present meta-analysis addresses this gap by systematically comparing drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy and by relating the resulting across study drop-out rate to across study drop-out rates reported in meta-analyses on conventional psychotherapy. Fifty-seven studies published until August 2022 were identified as eligible for meta-analytic comparison, that is, they conducted animal-assisted psychotherapy on at least one group of psychiatric patients and reported drop-out rates. Potential moderating influences of the type of animal and patients' disorder were considered, as well as multiple other demographic and study design variables. The across study drop-out rate in animal-assisted psychotherapy was 11.2%. This was significantly lower than the across meta-analyses drop-out rate of conventional psychotherapy (d = -.45, p = .0005). Although effects of moderator variables could not be evaluated statistically due to too small and heterogeneous data sets, descriptive results suggest influences of the type of animal and patient disorder. However, study quality ratings identified serious shortcomings regarding proper research design, most critically concerning the report of effect size measures, the use of standardized intervention plans and Open Science practices. Drop-out constitutes a major problem of psychotherapeutic research and practice. By proposing that the inclusion of an animal in the psychotherapeutic setting can enhance patients' commitment and by outlining challenges and opportunity of animal-assisted psychotherapy, this meta-analysis offers a starting point for future research in this evolving field.

Software symptomcheckR: an R package for analyzing and visualizing symptom checker triage performance

BackgroundA major stream of research on symptom checkers aims at evaluating the technology’s predictive accuracy, but apart from general trends, the results are marked by high variability. Several authors suggest that this variability might in part be due to different assessment methods and a lack of standardization. To improve the reliability of symptom checker evaluation studies, several approaches have been suggested, including standardizing input procedures, the generation of test vignettes, and the assignment of gold standard solutions for these vignettes. Recently, we suggested a third approach––test-theoretic metrics for standardized performance reporting–– to allow systematic and comprehensive comparisons of symptom checker performance. However, calculating these metrics is time-consuming and error prone, which could hamper the use and effectiveness of these metrics.ResultsWe developed the R package symptomcheckR as an open-source software to assist researchers in calculating standard metrics to evaluate symptom checker performance individually and comparatively and produce publication-ready figures. These metrics include accuracy (by triage level), safety of advice (i.e., rate of correctly or overtriaged cases), comprehensiveness (i.e., how many cases could be entered or were assessed), inclination to overtriage (i.e., how risk-averse a symptom checker is) and a capability comparison score (i.e., a score correcting for case difficulty and comprehensiveness that enables a fair and reliable comparison of different symptom checkers). Each metric can be obtained using a single command and visualized with another command. For the analysis of individual or the comparison of multiple symptom checkers, single commands can be used to produce a comprehensive performance profile that complements the standard focus on accuracy with additional metrics that reveal strengths and weaknesses of symptom checkers.ConclusionsOur package supports ongoing efforts to improve the quality of vignette-based symptom checker evaluation studies by means of standardized methods. Specifically, with our package, adhering to reporting standards and metrics becomes easier, simple, and time efficient. Ultimately, this may help users gain a more systematic understanding of the strengths and limitations of symptom checkers for different use cases (e.g., all-purpose symptom checkers for general medicine versus symptom checkers that aim at improving triage in emergency departments), which can improve patient safety and resource allocation.

Impact of pole dancing on mental wellbeing and sexual self-concept: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite the recognized psychological benefits of traditional dance forms, the impact of newer forms, such as pole dancing, on mental well-being and sexual self-concept remains underexplored. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at elucidating the effects of pole dancing, a burgeoning non-pharmacological intervention, on these dimensions of mental health. This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocol to accomplish the systematic review protocol. This review will systematically search electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, and CNKI, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of pole dancing on mental well-being and sexual self-concept. Two independent evaluators will screen the literature, extract data, and evaluate study quality and bias. Data synthesis will utilize Stata 14.0 and Revman 5.4, employing random-effects models. The Grading of Recommendations, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system will appraise evidence reliability, with subgroup analysis exploring heterogeneity sources. Publication bias will be assessed through funnel plots and Egger's regression tests. This review aims to fill the gap in the current literature by providing a comprehensive evaluation of pole dancing's psychological effects. It is anticipated that this systematic review and meta-analysis will offer valuable insights for health policy and practice, advocating for the inclusion of pole dancing in mental health and sexual well-being interventions. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42024529369.

Cognition, physical function, and life purpose in the rural elderly population: A systematic review protocol.

Aging in rural settings worldwide, from the perspective of cognition, physical function, and life purpose essential constructs for a prosperous old age, still needs comprehensive discussion. This systematic review protocol aims to highlight the prevalence of cognitive decline, physical functioning, and life purpose in older adults aging in rural community settings. We will include cross-sectional studies published until April 2023 found in 8 databases: Embase, MEDLINE, LILACS, PsycINFO, Scopus, SciELO, and Web of Science. Ryyan software will be used for the first selection, and the Observational Study Quality Evaluation (OSQE) will assess methodological quality and risk of bias. Primary analysis will involve titles and abstracts using MeSH descriptors such as "Physical functioning," "Cognition," "Cognitive function," "Life purpose," "Elderly," "Older," "Rural aging," "Rural population," "Communities, rural," "Distribution, rural spatial," "Medium communities," "Rural settlement," "Small community." If necessary, secondary analysis will include a complete reading of selected articles by two blinded reviewers, confirmed by a third person. Publication bias will be assessed using cross-sectional analytical study quality. Sensitivity analyses will identify manuscripts significantly influencing combined prevalence of endpoints.

The impact of alcohol on affiliative verbal behavior: Asystematic review and meta-analysis.

Language is a fundamental aspect of human social behavior that is linked to many rewarding social experiences, such as social bonding. Potential effects of alcohol on affiliative language may therefore be an essential feature of alcohol reward and may elucidate pathways through which alcohol is linked to social facilitation. Examinations of alcohol's impact on language content, however, are sparse. Accordingly, this investigation represents the first systematic review and meta-analysis of alcohol's effects on affiliative language. We test the hypothesis that alcohol increases affiliative verbal approach behaviors and discuss future research directions. PsycInfo and Web of Science were systematically searched in March 2023 according to our preregistered plan. Eligible studies included social alcohol administration experiments in which affiliative verbal language was assessed. We present a random-effects meta-analysis that examines the effect of alcohol compared to control on measures of affiliative verbal behavior. Our search identified 16 distinct investigations (comprising 961 participants) that examined the effect of alcohol on affiliative verbal behavior. Studies varied greatly in methods and measures. Meta-analytic results demonstrated that alcohol is modestly associated with increases in affiliative verbal behavior (Hedges' g = 0.164, 95% CI [0.027, 0.301], p = 0.019). Study quality was rated using an adapted version of the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and did not significantly moderate alcohol's effects. This study provides preliminary evidence that alcohol can increase affiliative verbal behaviors. This effect may be an important feature of alcohol reward. Given heterogeneity in study features, low study quality ratings, and limited reporting of effect size data, results simultaneously highlight the promise of this research area and the need for more work. Advances in language processing methodologies that could allow future work to systematically expand upon this finding are discussed.

The relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and posttraumatic growth: a meta-analysis.

Theoretically, stress is positively correlated with posttraumatic growth (PTG). However, evidence for a correlation between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a cancer-specific stressor, and PTG is mixed. The present study aimed to systematically investigate the overall effect size between the two and to explore moderators that may influence this relationship. From the earliest available date to October 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted in seven databases. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated using Stata software. Publication type, continent, trauma role, gender, FCR measurements, PTG measurements, sample size, age, and time since diagnosis were used to examine moderating effects. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) assessment tool was used to evaluate study quality. A total of 14 studies, involving 17 samples and 3,701 participants, were included. The studies found a small association between FCR and PTG (r = 0.161, 95% CI: 0.070-0.249, p < 0.01) and large heterogeneity (I2 = 85.5%). The strength of the association varied according to the publication type and FCR measurement. The current review suggests a small but significant positive correlation between FCR and PTG. Future studies would benefit from exploring additional moderators and the use of standardized, validated FCR measurement tools. PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023460407.

Association of Phubbing Behavior and Fear of Missing Out: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Phubbing, a pervasive social behavior linked to smartphone usage, involves users neglecting their conversation partners to engage with their phones. Despite consistent exploration of its association with the concept of fear of missing out (FOMO), findings in the existing literature exhibit notable inconsistency. To address this gap, this study employs a systematic review and meta-analysis to scrutinize the intricate relationship between phubbing behavior and FOMO. A comprehensive systematic review, spanning up to December 10, 2023, encompassed databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The resulting dataset comprised 27 eligible studies, incorporating insights from 20,415 participants across 15 countries. Rigorous evaluation of study quality was executed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, while statistical analyses were meticulously conducted using R Studio. Revealing a robust positive association, phubbing behavior was significantly linked to FOMO (effect size[ES] = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.49, I2: 97.5%, τ2: 0.05). Correcting for detected publication bias using the Trim and Fill method, an additional 16 studies were included, fortifying the robustness of the findings. Moderation analysis uncovered significant influences of location (p < 0.01), income level (p < 0.01), sampling method (p < 0.01), phubbing scale (p < 0.01), and FOMO scale and type (p < 0.01) on the estimated relationship. Univariate meta-regression highlighted the substantial impact of sample size (R2 = 11.81%, p < 0.01), while multivariate meta-regression illuminated the combined effects of publication year, study quality score, sample size, mean age, and female proportion on the estimated relationship (k = 19, R2 = 52.85%, I2 = 93.78%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, post hoc influential analysis, conducted through the leave-one-out method, offered additional depth to the examination.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of parmacotherapy for hand osteoarthritis.

Hand osteoarthritis poses a significant health challenge globally due to its increasing prevalence and the substantial burden on individuals and the society. In current clinical practice, treatment options for hand osteoarthritis encompass a range of approaches, including biological agents, antimetabolic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone medications, pain relievers, new synergistic drugs, and other medications. Despite the diverse array of treatments, determining the optimal regimen remains elusive. This study seeks to conduct a network meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of various drug intervention measures in the treatment of hand osteoarthritis. The findings aim to provide evidence-based support for the clinical management of hand osteoarthritis. We performed a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted until September 15th, 2022, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. After meticulous screening and data extraction, the Cochrane Handbook's risk of bias assessment tool was applied to evaluate study quality. Data synthesis was carried out using Stata 15.1 software. 21 studies with data for 3965 patients were meta-analyzed, involving 20 distinct Western medicine agents. GCSB-5, a specific herbal complex that mainly regulate pain in hand osteoarthritis, showed the greatest reduction in pain [WMD = -13.00, 95% CI (-26.69, 0.69)]. CRx-102, s specific medication characterized by its significant effect for relieving joint stiffness symptoms, remarkably mitigated stiffness [WMD = -7.50, 95% CI (-8.90, -6.10)]. Chondroitin sulfate displayed the highest incidence of adverse events [RR = 0.26, 95% CI (0.06, 1.22)]. No substantial variation in functional index for hand osteoarthritis score improvement was identified between distinct agents and placebo. In summary, GCSB-5 and CRx-102 exhibit efficacy in alleviating pain and stiffness in HOA, respectively. However, cautious interpretation of the results is advised. Tailored treatment decisions based on individual contexts are imperative.

Genetic variations in immune mediators and prostate cancer risk: A field synopsis with Bayesian calculations

ObjectiveOur study aimed to revaluate the significant data from meta-analyses on genetic variations in immune mediators and the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) by Bayesian approaches. MethodsWe performed a search on the literature before September 5th, 2023, for meta-analytic studies on polymorphisms in immune mediator genes and the risk of PCa. Two Bayesian approaches were used to assess the level of noteworthiness in the meta-analytic data: the False-Positive Rate Probability (FPRP) and the Bayesian False Discovery Probability (BFDP) with a statistical power of 1.2 and 1.5 of Odds Ratio at a prior probability of 10−3 and 10−6. The quality evaluation of studies was performed with the Venice criteria. Gene-gene and protein–protein networks were designed for the genes and products enrolled in the results. ResultsAs results, 18 meta-analyses on 17 polymorphisms in several immune mediator genes were included (IL1B rs16944/rs1143627, IL4 rs2243250/rs2227284/rs2070874, IL6 1800795/rs1800796/rs1800797, IL8 rs4073, IL10 rs1800896/rs1800871/rs1800872, IL18 rs1946518, COX2 rs2745557, TNFA rs361525 and PTGS2 rs20417/689470). The Bayesian calculations showed the rs1143627 and the rs1946518 polymorphisms in IL1B and IL18 genes, respectively, were noteworthy. The Venice criteria showed that only four studies received the highest level of evidence. The gene-gene and protein–protein networks reinforced the findings on IL1B and IL18 genes. ConclusionIn conclusion, this current Bayesian revaluation showed that the rs1143627 and the rs1946518 polymorphisms in the IL1B and IL18 genes, respectively, were noteworthy biomarker candidates for PCa risk.

Noncontact respiration monitoring techniques in young children: A scoping review.

Pediatric sleep-related breathing disorders, or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), cover a range of conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea,central sleep apnea,sleep-related hypoventilation disorders, and sleep-related hypoxemia disorder. Pediatric SDB is often underdiagnosed, potentially due to difficulties associated with performing the gold standard polysomnographyin children. This scoping review aims to: (1) provide an overview of the studies reporting on safe, noncontact monitoring of respiration in young children,(2) describe the accuracy of these techniques, and (3) highlight their respective advantages and limitations. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies researching techniques in children <12 years old. Both quantitative data and the quality of the studies were analyzed. The evaluation of study quality was conducted using the QUADAS-2 tool. A total of 19 studies were included. Techniques could be grouped into bed-based methods, microwave radar, video, infrared (IR) cameras, and garment-embedded sensors. Most studies either measured respiratory rate (RR) or detected apneas; n = 2 aimed to do both. At present, bed-based approaches are at the forefront of research in noncontact RRmonitoring in children, boasting the most sophisticated algorithms in this field. Yet, despite extensive studies, there remains no consensus on a definitive method that outperforms the rest. The accuracies reported by these studies tend to cluster within a similar range, indicating that no single technique has emerged as markedly superior. Notably, all identified methods demonstrate capability in detecting body movements and RR, with reported safety for use in children across the board. Further research into contactless alternatives should focus on cost-effectiveness, ease-of-use, and widespread availability.

Risk factors of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is a common complication following thyroid surgery. However, current research findings on the risk factors for post-thyroid surgery hypoPT are not entirely consistent, and the same risk factors may have different impacts on transient and permanent hypoPT. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive study to summarize and explore the risk factors for both transient and permanent hypoPT after thyroid surgery. Two databases (PubMed and Embase) were searched from inception to 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to rate study quality. Pooled odds ratios were used to calculate the relationship of each risk factor with transient and permanent hypoPT. Subgroup analyses were conducted for hypoPT with different definition-time (6 or 12 months). Publication bias was assessed using Begg's test and Egger's test. A total of 19 risk factors from the 93 studies were included in the analysis. Among them, sex and parathyroid autotransplantation were the most frequently reported risk factors. Meta-analysis demonstrated that sex (female vs. male), cN stage, central neck dissection, lateral neck dissection, extent of central neck dissection (bilateral vs. unilateral), surgery [total thyroidectomy (TT) vs. lobectomy], surgery type (TT vs. sub-TT), incidental parathyroidectomy, and pathology (cancer vs. benign) were significantly associated with transient and permanent hypoPT. Preoperative calcium and parathyroid autotransplantation were only identified as risk factors for transient hypoPT, while preoperative PTH was a protective factor. Additionally, node metastasis and parathyroid in specimen were associated with permanent hypoPT. The highest risk of hypoPT occurs in female thyroid cancer patients with lymph node metastasis undergoing TT combined with neck dissection. The key to preventing postoperative hypoPT lies in the selection of surgical approach and intraoperative protection.

Complementary Therapies For Mild to Moderate Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: A Mini-review

Introduction: Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, resulting from prenatal opioid exposure, is rising in prevalence and presents substantial health and developmental challenges for neonates. While standard treatments of opioids such as morphine have been traditionally employed for treatment, concerns about their long-term effects on neonatal development have spurred interest in alternative therapeutic strategies. This review seeks to highlight emerging non-opioid interventions for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome and their potential benefits. Methods: Utilizing the PRISMA framework, the database PubMed was systematically searched for complementary therapies for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. The search was conducted on September 27th, 2023, and employed a combination of keywords targeting the condition and the treatment modalities. Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized to evaluate study quality and classify studies based on their risk of bias. Data captured from these studies encompassed parameters such as study design, intervention, and outcomes, including length of stay and length of pharmacotherapy. Results: Among 71 identified articles, only five met the inclusion criteria. Three were randomized controlled trials, and two were quasi-experimental studies. Among the 5 included trials, 3 demonstrated potential benefits, while two revealed no differences in treatment duration or reliance on pharmacological support. The "Eat-Sleep-Console" method, acupuncture, and vibrating mattresses were associated with reduced morphine dosages and shorter hospital stays. Most trials showed moderate to high risk using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool. Discussion: This review underlines the growing concern of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome stemming from increased opioid use during pregnancy. While severe cases necessitate pharmaceutical treatments, there’s a pressing need for safer alternatives. "Eat-Sleep-Console" method and transcutaneous auricular neuromodulation might offer mild relief. Future efforts should adopt a multifaceted strategy, emphasizing further research to optimize treatments and outcomes. Conclusion: Although complementary therapies show promise, with limited evidence from three RCTs, their efficacy remains uncertain. Additional studies might clarify the role while combining it with pharmacological methods could enhance outcomes. Comprehensive research is essential to optimize treatments for NOWS-affected infants. Complementary therapies in mild to moderate cases of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome show promising results. So far, not enough data has been obtained to support the efficacy of observed therapies.

Study quality as an intellectual and ethical imperative: A proposed framework

Abstract What is quality in the context of applied linguistic research? Addressing this question is both an intellectual and ethical imperative for the field. Toward that end, I propose a four-part framework for understanding and evaluating study quality: Quality research is (a) methodologically rigorous, (b) transparent, (c) ethical, and (d) of value to society. The bulk of the paper is devoted to describing each of these four elements, first conceptually and then as observed in the field. I also articulate some of the many connections among the four elements within the framework. In addition, I suggest next steps for further addressing the notion of quality in terms of the framework itself as well as the ways it might be used to advance our field’s research, training, and legitimacy as an academic discipline that is still in some ways coming of age.

Serum Inflammatory Markers Used in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction Models: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this review was to perform a critical appraisal of serum inflammatory biomarkers used for the prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We conducted a systematic review of studies listed on MEDLINE and Scopus from January 2000 to December 2023, focused on the prognostic value of serum inflammatory biomarkers [i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] in individuals without known CVD. Eligible studies used a multivariate prediction model and included discrimination or risk reclassification analysis. The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool was used to evaluate study quality and potential bias. Thirty-five studies (i.e., total 208,897 participants) that evaluated the added prognostic value of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α on CVD risk prediction were retrieved. Significant improvements in CVD risk model's predictive ability were observed in 7 out of 32 studies relating CRP and 1 out of 8 studies relating IL-6 with CVD risk. The single study found no added prognostic value of TNF-α use in CVD risk model. The integration of serum inflammatory biomarkers into CVD risk prediction models does not appear to improve risk discrimination models, suggesting that these biomarkers may act as surrogate markers, but not as predictors of atherosclerotic CVD.