Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome Research Articles

An Umbrella Literature Review on Aortopathy and Fluoroquinolone Use

Background: Aortic dissection and aortic rupture are critical vascular events often predisposed by aneurysmal dilation of the aorta. The use of fluoroquinolone has been associated with aortic dissection and aortic rupture, necessitating a careful clinical review before use. Despite black box warnings, fluoroquinolones continue to be one of the commonly prescribed antibiotics. Critical care providers, specifically those who work in close association with high-volume aortic centers, can play an active role in antibiotic stewardship in the use of fluoroquinolones in patients with a known or predisposition to aortopathy. Aim: This paper provides a brief review of the potential effects of fluoroquinolones on the development of aortic aneurysm, dissection, and or rupture and the cautions to be exercised when using fluoroquinolones, especially in people who are predisposed to developing aortopathies. Methods: A rapid umbrella review was conducted on the effects of fluoroquinolones on aortopathy and the potential for acute aortic events associated with their use. The PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) strategy coined the research question. It is as follows: In patients with known aortopathy or a known risk of aortopathy, what are the risks of an acute aortic event from taking fluoroquinolones compared to other antibiotics? A meta-analysis was done with selected studies utilizing a random effects model (utilizing Statsdirect software), which showed a pooled effect that favored the association of fluoroquinolones with aortopathy. Findings: Meta-analysis results showed a pooled effect that favored the association of fluoroquinolones with aortopathy. Discussion: Fluoroquinolone use potentiates the risk of developing aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection. Despite published evidence and warnings from manufacturers and regulatory bodies, fluoroquinolone use continues to be a covert contributor to the development of aortopathy. Conclusion: The literature reports multiple instances of fluoroquinolone-induced aortopathy. As such, fluoroquinolones should be reserved for use in situations where their benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Population Health Management effectiveness in the primary healthcare setting: a systematic review

Abstract Background Population Health Management (PHM) has shown promise as a tool in the improvement of health at scale. It works by; harnessing health-related datasets, allowing for population segmentation and risk stratification, and targeting interventions to yield positive health impact. Prior reviews on PHM, have sought to define PHM and assess feasibility. To date, there have been no systematic reviews that assess the effectiveness of PHM in achieving some or all of the quintuple aims of PHM (WHO 2023). The aim of this study is to determine the value and impact of a PHM approach in managing ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) in the primary healthcare setting. Methods This systematic review is underpinned by a Population-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome (PICO) framework. The PROSPERO-registered study commenced in February 2024 for papers published since January 2000. Pubmed, Cinahl and Web of Science databases were used. Titles and abstracts of studies were reviewed using agreed eligibility criteria to select studies for inclusion and risk of bias assessment. Data abstraction and synthesis determined the effectiveness of PHM against agreed outcome measures. Results The search yielded 427 articles of which 19 were included. Studies addressed diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, asthma and comorbid conditions. Nearly all studies were based in the U.S.A. Almost 50% of studies showed a significant improvement in health outcomes following PHM. Study features that corresponded with positive health outcomes included; the use of population management tools, the employment of disease/population health managers and the mobilisation of medication reviews/education. Conclusions The challenges facing communities and health services require an alternative innovative approach to health such as a PHM approach. The results of this study will inform a larger body of work which seeks to establish a PHM approach to the delivery of services in the Mid-West region of Ireland. Key messages • Population health management (PHM) could be a viable mechanism for health services to serve increasing need and multi-morbid populations. • This is the first systematic review of PHM against the quintuple aims of PHM, specifically in the management of ambulatory care sensitive conditions in primary healthcare.

Self‐care in prevention of burnout amongst counselling professionals: A systematic literature review

AbstractAimThis paper sought to examine current application of self‐care to reduction and prevention of burnout amongst counselling professionals.Materials and MethodsA systematic approach to the literature across CINAHL, EBSCO, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) and Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type (SPIDER) were applied as strategic tools to paper inclusion. After the completion of selection process, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to examine the included papers and to narrow the study down to a total of 16 journal articles. Furthermore, thematic analysis revealed two superordinate themes: Factors contributing to burnout with total of five subthemes and actions contributing to self‐care with total of six subthemes.ResultsThe factors contributing to burnout had both personal and organisational origin, primarily based on lack of knowledge of burnout symptoms and reduced resources for applied self‐care. Furthermore, access to clinical supervision was not readily available, and self‐care concepts were not adequately implemented within the organisational context.ConclusionDespite the extensive research regarding the serious occupational repercussions of burnout amongst counselling professionals, the role of timely and appropriately applied self‐care has not been clearly established. Many counselling professionals were not aware of burnout signs and symptoms while self‐care was seen as optional exercise, applied either minimally or not at all. Holistic education on the effects of cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual self‐care needs amongst the counselling professionals is necessary in prevention and reduction of burnout and should be further examined.

The Analysis of Factors that Influence Stunting

Stunting in children is a national problem caused by many factors that harm human resources in the future, including an impact on decreasing intelligence, vulnerability to disease, hampering economic growth, work productivity, exacerbating inequality, and height growth is shorter than age in general. Stunting in children under five is a consequence of several factors that are often associated with poverty, including nutrition, health, sanitation, and the environment There are five main factors that cause stunting, namely poverty, social and cultural, increased exposure to infectious diseases, food insecurity and community access to health service. The purpose of this literature review was to analyze the factors that influence stunting. The article was obtained from a SINTA accredited journal published in the 2013-2023 period with the same title, as well as the same research design. The selected articles were then tested for plagiarism, and nine articles with the smallest plagiarism level were selected. Analysis PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) is carried out on each article, followed by making conclusions. The results of the analysis determined that factors that influence stunting include social and cultural, increased exposure to infectious diseases, food insecurity and community access to health services alone or together. The author hopes that this research will further greatly help how to do health promotion, case finding and prevention, and, many sectors must be involved and work together for the problem of stunting.

Effects of Acupressure on Psychological Symptoms in Chronic Disease Patients: A Scoping Review

Research related to the effects of acupressure on psychological problems in patients with chronic diseases has been conducted by previous researchers. However, so far reviews on this topic are still limited. The purpose of this review is to obtain an overview of the extent of the effects of acupressure on psychological symptoms of chronic disease sufferers based on the results of research that has been conducted. The method used is a scoping review, determining the research questions to be reviewed using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. The keywords used in the article search are "Acupressure" AND "Acupoints" AND "Psychological Symptoms" AND "Chronic disease" OR "Chronic ilness". Several databases used in this study such as Pubmed (n = 14), Science Direct (n = 495), Ebsco (n = 82), Proquest (n = 562), Scopus (n = 973) were then eliminated and screened into 10 articles studied. The review analysis was carried out using the Arksey and O'Malley theory approach. Based on the results of the analysis of 10 articles, it was found that acupressure has a positive effect in helping to reduce symptoms and improve the psychological condition of patients with chronic diseases, including relieving patient symptoms such as depression and anxiety in patients undergoing hemodialysis and breast cancer, reducing pain in osteoarthritis patients, overcoming insomnia which is often accompanied by anxiety disorders, emotional disorders (worry, nervousness, irritability), treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia in acute stroke patients, improving stress index, and sleep efficiency in the elderly with essential hypertension, reducing anxiety in female patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), decreasing the average stress score and improving the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, increasing the quality of life and reducing emotional disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The conclusion of the journal review shows that acupressure has the effect of improving psychological conditions by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders or insomnia and helping to improve the quality of life in patients with chronic diseases.

The updated Asia-Pacific consensus statement on the role of endoscopic management in malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

The first Asia-Pacific consensus recommendations for endoscopic and interventional management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma were published in 2013. Since then, new evidence on the role of endoscopy for management of malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) has emerged. To update the recommendation, we reviewed the literature using a PICO (population/intervention/comparison/outcomes) framework and created consensus statements. The expert panel voted anonymously using the modified Delphi method and all final statements were evaluated for the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation. The important points with inadequate supporting evidence were classified as key concepts. There were seven statements and five key concepts that reached consensus. The statements and key concepts dealt with multiple aspects of endoscopy-based management in MHBO starting from diagnosis, strategies and options for biliary drainage, management of recurrent biliary obstruction, management of cholecystitis after biliary stenting, and adjunctive treatment before stenting. Although the recommendations may assist physicians in planning the treatment for MHBO patients, they should not replace the decision of a multidisciplinary team in the management of individual patients.

Global Management of Serious Bacterial Infections in Young Infants Aged 0 to 59 Days: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

To inform World Health Organization guidelines for the management of serious bacterial infection (SBI) (suspected or confirmed sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis) in infants aged 0-59 days. To conduct an "overview of systematic reviews" to: (1) understand which systematic reviews have examined diagnosis and management of SBI in infants aged 0-59 days in the last 5 years; and (2) assess if the reviews examined PICOs (population, intervention, comparator, outcomes) and regimens currently being recommended in low and middle income countries (LMICs) by the World Health Organization. MEDLINE; Embase; Cochrane Library; Epistemonikos; PROSPERO. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials or observational studies of infants aged 0-59 days examining diagnostic accuracy and antibiotic regimens for SBI from January 1, 2018 to November 3, 2023. Dual independent extraction of study characteristics, PICOs, and methodological quality. Nine systematic reviews met our criteria. Two reviews examined diagnostic accuracy for sepsis, and no reviews examined pneumonia or meningitis. Five reviews examined antibiotic effectiveness (sepsis [n = 4]; pneumonia [n = 1]), and no reviews examined meningitis. One review examined antibiotic duration for sepsis and one for meningitis, and no reviews for pneumonia. Only 4 of the 9 systematic reviews met criteria for high-quality. Our review was limited to the last 5 years to inform current guideline updates. Few studies have examined antibiotic regimens currently being used in LMICs and quality is of concern in many studies. More high-quality data are needed to inform management of SBI in newborns, especially in LMICs.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Cardiopulmonary Function in Postoperative Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: A Meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on Peak VO2 (Oxygen Consumption) in postoperative patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Besides this, we also tried to discover whether the improvement was influenced by patient ages, modes of supervision, types of exercise, the total dose of exercise, intervention periods, and types of CHD. Following the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome Study Design (PICOS) principle, a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the intervention effects of aerobic exercise on cardiopulmonary function in postoperative CHD patients until December 2023. This meta-analysis and publication bias tests were conducted using Stata 17.0, and the mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as effect sizes in statistics. A total of 15 RCTs (762 cases) were included in this meta-analysis, with 407 cases in the experimental group and 355 cases in the control group. Meta-analysis showed that aerobic exercise had a positive effect on Peak VO2 in postoperative CHD patients (MD = 2.14, 95% CI (1.34, 2.94), p 0.00001, I2 = 36%). The analysis of subgroups showed that intervention effects of aerobic exercise were superior to the control group when patients were 18 years old (MD = 2.53, p 0.00001), 18 years old (MD = 1.63, p = 0.01), under supervision (MD = 2.23, p 0.00001), unsupervised (MD = 2.06, p 0.00400), performing aerobic exercise (MD = 1.87, p = 0.0003), performing aerobic exercise combined with resistance training (MD = 2.57, p 0.00010), with a total dose of exercise 1440 minutes (MD = 2.45, p 0.00010), with the intervention period of 10-12 weeks (MD = 2.31, p 0.00001), with that 12 weeks (MD = 1.97, p = 0.00300), or with mixed types of CHD (MD = 2.34, p 0.00001). This meta-analysis did not deduct points for limitations, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, or publication bias, so the quality of evidence was graded as high. Aerobic exercise has a significantly positive impact on improving Peak VO2 in postoperative CHD patients. Moreover, it was found that for patients aged 18 and above, supervised aerobic exercise combined with resistance training, implemented for 10-12 weeks with a total dose of exercise 1440 minutes, had a better intervention effect on Peak VO2. This finding provided evidence-based medicine for the exercise rehabilitation of postoperative CHD patients, and explored the optimal exercise prescription for clinical practice as well. Registered on INPLASY No.202440016 (https://inplasy.com).

European stroke organisation and European society for minimally invasive neurological therapy guideline on acute management of basilar artery occlusion.

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the acute management of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). These guidelines were prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure of the ESO and according to the GRADE methodology. Although BAO accounts for only 1%-2% of all strokes, it has very poor natural outcome. We identified 10 relevant clinical situations and formulated the corresponding Population Intervention Comparator Outcomes (PICO) questions, based on which a systematic literature search and review was performed. The working group consisted of 10 voting members (five representing ESO and five ESMINT) and three non-voting junior members. The certainty of evidence was generally very low. In many PICOs, available data were scarce or lacking, hence, we provided expert consensus statements. First, we compared intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to no IVT, but specific BAO-related data do not exist. Yet, historically, IVT was standard of care for BAO patients who were also included (albeit in small numbers) in IVT trials. Non-randomised studies of IVT-only cohorts showed high proportion of favourable outcomes. Expert Consensus suggests using IVT up to 24 h unless otherwise contraindicated. We further suggest IVT plus endovascular treatment (EVT) over direct EVT. EVT on top of best medical treatment (BMT) was compared to BMT alone within 6 and 6-24 h from last seen well. In both time windows, we observed a different effect of treatment depending on (a) the region where the patients were treated (Europe vs. Asia), (b) on the proportion of IVT in the BMT arm, and (c) on the initial stroke severity. In case of high proportion of IVT in the BMT group and in patients with NIHSS below 10, EVT plus BMT was not found better than BMT alone. Based on very low certainty of evidence, we suggest EVT + BMT over BMT alone (i.e. based on results of patients with at least 10 NIHSS points and a low proportion of IVT in BMT). For patients with an NIHSS below 10, we found no evidence to recommend EVT over BMT. In fact, BMT was non-significantly better and safer than EVT. Furthermore, we found a stronger treatment effect of EVT + BMT over BMT alone in proximal and middle locations of BAO compared to distal location. While recommendations for patients without extensive early ischaemic changes in the posterior fossa can, in general, follow those of other PICOs, we formulated an Expert Consensus Statement suggesting against reperfusion therapy in those with extensive bilateral and/or brainstem ischaemic changes. Another Expert Consensus suggests reperfusion therapy regardless of collateral scores. Based on limited evidence, we suggest direct aspiration over stent retriever as the first-line strategy of mechanical thrombectomy. As an Expert Consensus, we suggest rescue percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stenting after a failed EVT procedure. Finally, based on very low certainty of evidence, we suggest add-on antithrombotic treatment during EVT or within 24 h after EVT in patients with no concomitant IVT and in whom EVT was complicated (defined as failed or imminent re-occlusion, or need for additional stenting or angioplasty).

Liberation from Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients: Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Successful liberation from mechanical ventilation is one of the most crucial processes in critical care, because it is the first step through which a respiratory failure patient begins to transition out of the intensive care unit, and return to normal life. Therefore, when devising appropriate strategies for removing mechanical ventilation, it is essential to consider scientific and systematic approaches, as well as the individual experiences of healthcare professionals. Recently, numerous studies have investigated methods and tools to identify when mechanically ventilated patients are ready to breathe on their own. The Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine therefore provides these recommendations to clinicians for liberation from the ventilator. Meta-analyses and comprehensive syntheses were used to thoroughly review, compile, and summarize the complete body of relevant evidence. All studies were meticulously assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method, and the outcomes were presented succinctly as evidence profiles. These evidence syntheses were discussed by a multidisciplinary committee of experts in mechanical ventilation, who then developed and approved the recommendations. Recommendations for nine questions on ventilator liberation about Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) are presented in this document. This guideline presents seven conditional recommendations, one expert consensus recommendation, and one conditional deferred recommendation. We developed these clinical guidelines for mechanical ventilation liberation to provide meaningful recommendations. These guidelines reflect the best treatment for patients seeking liberation from mechanical ventilation.

Overview of global monitoring systems for the side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use: a scoping review using a systematic approach

ObjectivesThe use of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) as a therapeutic has surged in Australia over the past 5 years. Historically, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) prohibited cannabis...

The Role of Medical Societies and the Relevance of Clinical Perspective in the Evolving EU HTA Process: Insights Generated at the 2023 Fall Convention and Survey of the European Access Academy.

This work aimed to determine the role and action points for the involvement of medical societies in the European Health Technology Assessment (EU HTA) Methods: An online pre-convention survey was developed addressing four areas related to the EU HTA: (i) medical societies' role; (ii) role of clinical guidelines; (iii) interface with the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS); and (iv) approaching 'best-available evidence' (BAE). A descriptive analysis of questionnaire outcomes was conducted to inform the European Access Academy (EAA) Fall Convention 2023. Within the working groups (WGs), action points were identified and prioritised. A total of 57 experts from 15 countries responded to the survey. The WGs were attended by (i) 11, (ii) 10, (iii) 12, and (iv) 12 experts, respectively, representing a variety of national backgrounds and stakeholder profiles. The most relevant action points identified were as follows: (i) incorporation of clinical context into population, intervention, comparator, outcomes (PICO) schemes, (ii) timely provision of up-to-date therapeutic guidelines, (iii) ensuring the inclusion of MCBS insights into the EU HTA process, and (iv) considering randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as the gold standard and leveraging regulatory insights if development programs only include single-arm trials. The involvement of medical societies is a critical success factor for the EU HTA. The identified key action points foster the involvement of patient associations and medical societies.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Complications in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: Research advancing effective treatments for breast cancer is crucial for eradicating the disease, reducing recurrence, and improving survival rates. Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), a common method for treating breast cancer, often leads to complications requiring re-operation. Despite advancements, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treating these complications remains underexplored. Therefore, we analyze the efficacy of HBOT in the post-operative care of patients undergoing NSM. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were assessed for eligibility using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework and classified based on American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) levels of evidence. Seven studies, totaling a pool of 63 female patients, met the inclusion criteria. Among these studies, four were categorized as Level III (57.1%), one as Level IV (14.3%), and two as Level V (28.6%). These studies focused on HBOT's role in wound healing, the successful salvage of breast reconstruction, and the optimal timing for HBOT. Results: This review revealed that HBOT indeed has potential for improving tissue oxygenation, vascularization, and, consequently, wound healing. It is noted that HBOT is efficacious for mitigating post-NMS complications, including infections, re-operation, flap loss, seroma, and hematoma. Conclusions: Overall, HBOT could be beneficial in standard post-surgical care protocols for patients undergoing NSM due to its role in mitigating common adverse effects that occur after mastectomy. Despite promising outcomes, the recent literature lacks rigorous clinical trials and well-defined control groups, underscoring the need for further research to establish standardized HBOT protocols.

ACVIM consensus statement on the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in dogs and cats.

Management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in dogs and cats is evolving, but there are no evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians with treatment decisions. Likewise, the overall goals for treatment of ITP have not been established. Immunosuppressive doses of glucocorticoids are the first line treatment, but optimal treatment regimens beyond glucocorticoids remain uncertain. Additional options include secondary immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, modified cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil, usually selected based on clinician preference. Vincristine, human IV immunoglobulin (hIVIg), and transfusion of platelet or red blood cell-containing products are often used in more severe cases. Splenectomy and thrombopoietin receptor agonists are usually reserved for refractory cases, but when and in which patient these modalities should be employed is under debate. To develop evidence-based guidelines for individualized treatment of ITP patients, we asked 20 Population Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICO) format questions. These were addressed by 17 evidence evaluators using a literature pool of 288 articles identified by a structured search strategy. Evidence evaluators, using panel-designed templates and data extraction tools, summarized evidence and created guideline recommendations. These were integrated by treatment domain chairs and then refined by iterative Delphi survey review to reach consensus on the final guidelines. In addition, 19 non-PICO questions covering scenarios in which evidence was lacking or of low quality were answered by expert opinion using iterative Delphi surveys with panelist integration and refinement. Commentary was solicited from multiple relevant professional organizations before finalizing the consensus. The rigorous consensus process identified few comparative treatment studies, highlighting many areas of ITP treatment requiring additional studies. This statement is a companion manuscript to the ACVIM Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis of Immune Thrombocytopenia in Dogs and Cats.

European Respiratory Society clinical practice guideline on symptom management for adults with serious respiratory illness.

Respiratory symptoms are ubiquitous and impair health-related quality of life in people with respiratory disease. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force aimed to provide recommendations for symptomatic treatment in people with serious respiratory illness. The ERS task force comprised 16 members, including representatives of people with serious respiratory illness and informal caregivers. Seven questions were formulated, six in the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format, which were addressed with full systematic reviews and evidence assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). One question was addressed narratively. An "evidence-to-decision" framework was used to formulate recommendations. To treat symptoms in people with serious respiratory illness, the task force suggests the use of graded exercise therapy (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence); and suggests the use of a multicomponent services, handheld fan and breathing techniques (conditional recommendations, very low certainty of evidence). The task force suggests not to use opioids (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence); and suggests either administering or not administering supplemental oxygen therapy (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). The task force suggests that needs assessment tools may be used as part of a comprehensive needs assessment, but do not replace patient-centred care and shared decision making (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). The low certainty of evidence, modest impact of interventions on patient-centred outcomes, and absence of effective strategies to ameliorate cough highlight the need for new approaches to reduce symptoms and enhance wellbeing for individuals who live with serious respiratory illness.

Clinical outcomes of milled, 3D-printed, and conventional complete dentures in edentulous patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aims to compare clinical outcomes of digital dentures with conventional dentures. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in Prospero. The formulated population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was "What is the clinical outcome of digital versus conventional complete dentures (CDs) in edentulous patients?". The search strategy used three main electronic databases and an additional manual search was completed in August 2023 by following an established search strategy. Initial inclusion was based on titles and abstracts, followed by a detailed review of selected studies, and clinical studies that evaluated the clinical outcome of digital (milled or 3D-printed) versus conventional CDs were included. A qualitative analysis for clinical studies was used to assess the risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) system. In addition, a single-arm meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the retention between digital versus conventional CDs. The initial search yielded a total of 947 articles, out of which 19 were selected for a comprehensive review, and six met the eligibility criteria to be included in this systematic review. The computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) CDs showed increased retention, no relevant differences in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and shorter working time compared to conventional dentures. Two studies were eligible for meta-analysis; retention was significantly better among CAD-CAM fabricated dentures (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.501) than conventional dentures. The heterogeneity between studies was high (95% CI: 0.049-0.952). Clinically, both the milled and the 3D-printed CD fared better than conventional dentures in terms of retention, reduction in the number of appointments, improved patient comfort, and improved predictable maintenance of the denture. Patients' perceptions and satisfaction were independent of the digital and conventional fabricated dentures.

Antibacterial Agents Used in Modifications of Dental Resin Composites: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Resin-based composites (RBCs) are very common and often applicable in dentistry. Their disadvantage is susceptibility to secondary caries due to the formation of bacterial biofilm at the interface with the patient’s tissues. Antimicrobial additive incorporation into RBCs seems to be a justified method to alleviate the above-mentioned negative phenomenon. The aim of this review is to provide a juxtaposition of strategies and results on the topic of antimicrobial composites. It also provides insights into future research and prospects for clinical applications. Methods: This review summarizes the literature from 2017 to 2024, describing potential antimicrobial agents incorporated into dental composites. The research methodology involved a systematic search using the Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) structure and selecting articles from databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier, which allowed for an in-depth review of substances utilized for the antibacterial modification of RBCs. Results: A total of 159 articles were identified, 43 of which met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: This review is a summary of novel approaches in the field of dental materials science. The results show the variety of approaches to modifying composites for antimicrobial efficacy. It is worth underlining that there is a significant difficulty in comparing the studies selected for this review. This is related to the different modifiers used and the modification of composites with different compositions. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of a standardized approach to the modification of dental materials to give them a biocidal character and simultaneously maintain the stability of their mechanical and chemical properties.

Impact of preoperative balance training on postoperative functional recovery of patients after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies' results on the impact of preoperative balance training on postoperative functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) appeared to be ambiguous. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the effects of preoperative balance training on walking ability, balance-specific performance, and other functional indicators in elderly patients post-TKA. Patient data were obtained from databases including PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria followed the Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome (PICO) principle. The assessment process involved meticulous screening, judicious data extraction, and rigorous evaluation of trial method quality, conducted by two independent researchers. Based on standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals, meta-analysis was performed employing a random-effects model or fixed-effects model. Preoperative balance training appears to be a potentially effective intervention for enhancing the knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients' knee joint function (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: -2.58, 4.91), isometric knee flexion (RR = 2.49, 95% CI: -2.53, 7.50), knee extension (RR = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.45, 0.18), knee society score (KSS) (RR = 2.18, 95% CI: -1.51, 5.88), stair test (RR = -0.73, 95% CI: -1.84, 0.37), and timed up and go (RR = -1.18, 95% CI: -1.60, -0.76). Compared to interventions with less emphasis on balance training, rehabilitation programs highly emphasizing balance training significantly enhance the walking ability, balance specificity, and functional indicators of elderly patients post-TKA. This includes rehabilitation programs for senior TKA patients, with a focus on activities meant to improve the sensory system, balance in particular.

Nutritional Interventions for the Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease: Protocol for a Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage between cognitive decline due to physiological aging and the severity of decline seen in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer disease (AD), which is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive impairment. People with MCI are at increased risk of developing AD. Although MCI and AD are incurable, nutritional interventions can potentially delay or prevent their onset. Consequently, effective interventions used to decelerate or alleviate the progress of cognitive impairment in older people are a significant focus in geriatric care. Given the synergistic effects of nutrition on health, assessing the effectiveness of nutritional supplements or dietary composition in preventing MCI or AD is essential for developing interventional strategies. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of various nutritional interventions, including special dietary types, dietary patterns, specific foods, nutritional intake, and nutritional supplements, in preventing cognitive decline among patients diagnosed with MCI or AD. To achieve this, we will use a comprehensive approach, including network meta-analysis, pairwise meta-analysis, and systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review will follow the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) model and the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. Two investigators will independently search PubMed electronically. Data extraction will follow the inclusion criteria, and data will be assessed for risk of bias using a revised tool. Additionally, evidence quality will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. The outcomes of interest are assessing the cognitive outcomes in patients with MCI or AD. A systematic literature search will be conducted, identifying randomized controlled trials that investigate the impact of these nutritional interventions on cognitive function decline in individuals with MCI and AD. Network meta-analyses (random-effects model) and pairwise meta-analyses will then estimate the relative effectiveness of different nutritional interventions. We included 51 studies, published between 1999 and 2023 (27 studies for AD and 24 studies for MCI) and involving 8420 participants. We completed data extraction for all 51 studies by December 2023. Currently, we are actively engaged in data analysis and manuscript preparation. We plan to finalize the manuscript and publish the comprehensive results by the end of 2024. Our study holds significant clinical relevance given the rising prevalence of AD and the potential influence of nutritional interventions on cognitive function in individuals with MCI and AD. By investigating this relationship, our research aims to inform evidence-based decision-making in the development of prevention strategies for MCI and AD. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the establishment of reliable recommendations for MCI or AD management, providing substantial support in the field. PROSPERO CRD42022331173; http://tinyurl.com/3snjp7a4. PRR1-10.2196/47196.

Improving Well-Being and Fostering Health-Oriented Leadership among Leaders in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Systematic Review.

Leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often confronted with specific burdens, which frequently result in increased levels of stress. Leadership behaviour, in turn, has a significant impact on employees' health and performance. Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) method, we conducted a systematic literature search covering publications from 2002 to 2023 using PubMed, PsycInfo and Business Source Premier on stress-reducing and well-being-improving interventions for SME leaders. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies regarding selection bias, study design, confounders, blinding, data collection, withdrawal and drop-out. Of the 3150 identified publications, 6 were included after screening. The studies varied in content (cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT]-based, psychoeducation, and mixed interventions) and approach (individual- and organisation-centred). Not all of the examined interventions provided significant outcomes. However, CBT-based and individualised approaches showed a positive trend in reducing SME leaders' psychosocial stress and improving their well-being. Despite the limited data, it can be concluded that such interventions are beneficial for leaders and their specific needs. Future research should focus on tailored approaches, derived from well-founded theories and integrative interventions addressing SME leaders.