Subsequent Systematic Review Research Articles

Do self-help groups improve sexual and reproductive health and HIV outcomes among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa? A scoping review protocol

Introduction Self-help groups (SHGs) have been effective in improving the health and wellbeing of women yet there is a dearth of evidence on how they can improve female sex workers’ (FSWs) HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The proposed scoping review seeks to address this gap by identifying and analysing literature on SHGs for FSWs in SSA. Materials and methods This scoping review will employ the methodology developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), expanded on by Levac and colleagues (2010) and Colquhoun and colleagues (2014), and further outlined by Peters and colleagues (2020): (1) identifying the research question(s); (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) selecting the studies; (4) charting the data; and (5) collating, summarising, and reporting the results. Results We will report our findings in accordance with the guidance provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. Discussion The review will generate the most up-to-date evidence and identify gaps in literature in addition to informing future research on how SHGs can help address SRH and HIV outcomes among FSWs in SSA. Additionally, the scoping review can potentially inform a subsequent systematic review.

Splenic vein rupture in pregnancy: A case report and systematic review of the literature.

Splenic vein aneurysm (SVA) rupture is a rare clinical entity, with few case reports detailing its occurrence during pregnancy. We describe a case of a SVA rupture and present a systematic review of the literature in relation to splenic vein rupture, with or without aneurysm. Our case was of a 30-year-old woman, Para 4 at 37 weeks' gestation who presented with significant abdominal pain and subsequent maternal collapse. Massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage was identified, with splenic vessel rupture suspected. A splenectomy and partial pancreatectomy were performed along with massive blood product transfusion. There was both maternal and fetal survival with no long-term sequelae at follow-up. Histological examination of the spleen and its vessels noted a SVA rupture. In a subsequent systematic review of the literature, we identified 10 cases of splenic vein rupture with only two previously documented cases of SVA rupture in pregnancy. Maternal and fetal survival has only been reported in two cases of splenic vein rupture, with ours being a third.

A methodological and reporting quality assessment of systematic reviews/meta-analyses on exercise interventions for cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

To assess the methodological quality of meta-analytic literature on exercise interventions for cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the certainty of evidence for its outcome indicators, and to provide clinicians and researchers with more reliable data for making decisions. Meta-analytic literature related to the effect of exercise intervention on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment was searched through PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Web of Science, all with a search period frame of each database until June 1, 2024. The AMSTAR2 scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. Seventeen meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR2 scale evaluation results showed that there was one medium-quality studies (5.55%), seven low-quality studies (38.88%), and 10 very low-quality studies (55.55%). Methodological deficiencies included failure to prepare a plan and provide a registration number, literature screening, data extraction, reasons for exclusion not described in detail, poor implementation process for systematic evaluation, and failure to describe the source of funding for the included studies or relevant conflicts of interest. The overall methodological quality of the meta-analytic literature is low, and the certainty of evidence is low. We encourage the conduction of high-quality randomized trials to generate stronger evidence. Subsequent systematic reviews can then synthesize this evidence to inform future research and clinical guidelines.

Impacts of polycultural cropping on crop yields and biodiversity: A systematic map protocol

Abstract Agriculture is currently the largest driver of biodiversity‐loss worldwide. There is a critical need to develop agricultural systems that protect and promote biodiversity, while also meeting local and global food needs. Ecological theory suggests that cultivating crops in diverse mixtures both maximises niche occupancy and generates additional niches, generating both higher yields and higher biodiversity than cultivation in monocultures. A large and growing body of agronomic research provides strong evidence for the potential productivity and biodiversity benefits of in‐field crop‐diversification strategies. This protocol sets out a methodology for a systematic map of evidence on yield‐ and biodiversity‐outcomes in ‘polycultures’—systems of cultivation where multiple food crop species are grown together simultaneously at field‐scale. Systematic searches with a global scope will be conducted in Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and CAB Abstracts to yield a comprehensive sample of relevant published, peer‐reviewed literature. The articles returned by searches will be subject to eligibility screening according to pre‐defined inclusion criteria, at successive stages (title and abstract, and full text). Following this, we will extract data from eligible studies on study designs, survey and sampling protocols, experimental treatments and comparators, and outcomes measured. A narrative synthesis, illustrated by tables, figures and maps, will describe the quantity and characteristics of the available evidence on the impacts of polycultural cropping on (i) crop yields, and (ii) agroecosystem biodiversity. We will also identify the research that examines these two outcomes in parallel. The synthesis will be accompanied by a published database containing bibliographic information as well as data (see ‘2’) on study characteristics and outcomes. Practical implications. The anticipated systematic map will provide a synthesis of current evidence regarding the potential yield‐ and biodiversity‐impacts of polycultural cropping. We will identify key knowledge gaps, and ‘clusters’ of related evidence that could lend themselves to further quantitative synthesis via subsequent systematic reviews and/or meta‐analyses. As such, the work will facilitate future appraisal of the potential of polyculture as a tool to bridge the currently conflicting priorities of food production on the one hand and biodiversity conservation on the other.

Assessing the benefits and safety profile of incorporating poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in the treatment of advanced lung cancer: a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis.

Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors represent a novel class of drugs that hinder DNA repair mechanisms in tumor cells, leading to cell death. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and potential adverse effects of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in the management of patients with advanced lung cancer. We conducted a comprehensive search for relevant studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We extracted primary and secondary outcome measures, including progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs), from the identified literature for subsequent meta-analysis and systematic review. This study encompassed twelve randomized controlled trials, involving 3,132 patients with advanced lung cancer. In comparison to non-PARPi treatments, the administration of PARPi significantly extended OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83-0.97, p = 0.006). However, the difference in PFS did not reach statistical significance. In summary, therapies incorporating PARPi provide a degree of benefit by extending OS in patients with advanced lung cancer. Nonetheless, further trials are necessary to furnish additional evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of PARPi in the treatment of lung cancer.

Effective mentor training, education and development: a qualitative multilevel meta-synthesis

PurposeThis paper synthesises international research on effective mentor training, education and development (MTED).Design/methodology/approachAn adaptive theory methodology (Layder, 1998), combining deductive and inductive methods, was deployed in a qualitative meta-synthesis of thematic findings generated in three studies: a systematic review of literature published between January 2010 and July 2020, together with a secondary analysis of studies including evidence on MTED; a subsequent systematic review of literature published between August 2020 and May 2023 and a general inductive analysis (Thomas, 2006) of interviews of leaders of large-scale MTED programmes that had good evidence of impact.FindingsOur meta-synthesis found that effective MTED is evidence-based, refined through ongoing research, tailored both to individual needs and context and includes sustained support. Effective pedagogical approaches in MTED are underpinned by adult learning principles and establish a learning climate that fosters open and trusting relationships. Effective MTED is shaped by the espoused mentoring model or approach, with particular emphasis on understanding, building and sustaining mentoring relationships and incorporating observing, practising, critically reflecting on and receiving feedback on mentoring.Practical implicationsThe study will be helpful to practitioners designing, reviewing and evaluating MTED programmes, researchers seeking to enhance the sparse MTED evidence base and programme commissioners.Originality/valueThe original and significant contribution of this study is the identification of key principles relating to the overall design of – as well as specific content, pedagogical approaches and supporting resources within – MTED programmes that have evidenced positive effects on mentors, mentees, mentoring and/or organisations.

Prevalence of mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders according to the International Classification of Diseases 11: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionDue to a change in diagnostic prerequisites and the inclusion of novel diagnostic entities, the implementation of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) will presumably change...

Advising the immunocompromised traveller: a review of immunocompromise at The London Hospital for Tropical Diseases Travel Clinic between 1st April 2019 and 30th April 2020.

Immunocompromised travellers (ICTs) face greater infectious and non-infectious travel-associated risks than their immunocompetent counterparts. Increasing travel and emergence of novel immunosuppressants poses great challenges for travel medicine practitioners to confidently provide up-to-date evidence-based risk management advice and pre-travel care for ICTs. We reviewed the records of ICTs attending the London Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD) Travel Clinic between 1st April 2019 and 30th April 2020 with the aim to describe demographic and travel characteristics, type, and severity of immunocompromise, the degree of risk associated with intended travel and evaluate travel advice. Of the 193 ICTs identified, immunocompromise was due to physiological reasons (42%), chronic infection (17.1%) and immunosuppressive therapy (16.6%). Median age was 38 (range 9 months to 84 years) and male to female ratio 0.75 (83:110). Travel was intended to 80 countries for a median of 16 days (range 2 to 3167), predominantly for leisure (53%), non-medical work (17%) and visiting friends and relatives (12%). Live vaccine safety dominated discussion in the pre-travel consultation. Existing guidelines arguably fell short in dealing with travel risks associated with hyper-specific conditions, targeted immunosuppressants and non-vaccine preventable infections. Our cohort represents a wide spectrum of immunocompromise, for whom we arguably need more measurable ways to approach travel-associated risks. We propose prospective qualitative participatory research to inform our unit of the priorities of ICTs in the pre-travel consultation. We further recommend the formation of a repository of specialists and formulary of complex cases to direct subsequent informative systematic review and prospective risk studies.

The Safety and Outcome of Minimally Invasive Staged Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MIS2ACE) Prior Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Single-Center Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis.

Minimally Invasive Staged Segmental Artery Coil Embolization (MIS2ACE) is a novel technique of spinal cord preconditioning used to reduce the risk of paraplegia in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. In this study, we report our experience with MIS2ACE, including both degenerative and post-dissection TAAA, while we attempt to systematically summarize relevant data available in the literature. single-center observational study with systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. Initial retrospective analysis of 7 patients undergoing MIS2ACE over 12 sessions with a subsequent systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the available published data (PROSPERO protocol number: CRD42023477411). Baseline patient and aneurysm characteristics, along with procedural technique and outcomes, were analyzed. One-arm pooling of proportions was used to summarize available published data. We treated seven patients (5 males, 71%) with a median age of 69 years (IQR 55,69). According to the Crawford classification, five patients (1%) had extent II TAAA, and two (29%) had extent III TAAA. Five patients (71%) had post-dissection -TAAA; four of them were after Stanford type A dissection, and one had a chronic type B dissection. Three patients (43%) had connective tissue disease. Of the seven patients, six (86%) underwent previous aortic surgery, while the median aneurysm diameter was 58 mm (IQR 55,58). MIS2ACE was successful in 11 sessions (92%). The median number of embolized arteries was 4 (IQR 1,4). There were no periprocedural complications in any embolization. The median embolization-operation time interval was 37.0 days (IQR 31,78). Two patients had open and five endovascular treatment. There were no events of spinal cord ischemia either after MIS2ACE or after the aortic repair. Out of the 432 initially retrieved articles, we included two studies in the meta-analysis, including patients with MIS2ACE for spinal cord preconditioning in addition to our cohort. The prevalence of pooled postoperative spinal cord ischemia among MIS2ACE patients is 1.9% (95% CI -0.028 to 0.066, p = 0.279; 3 studies; 81 patients, 127 coiling sessions). While the current published data is limited, our study further confirms that MIS2ACE is a technically feasible and safe option for spinal cord preconditioning.

Mejoramiento del suministro de agua rural en Paraguay en tiempos de COVID-19

Water supply and access has gained widespread attention especially with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Summations from the documents show that the pandemic has led to investors holding out on channeling funds into water systems in Paraguay, thus leaving people in rural areas being unable to gain basic protection against the virus. The challenges faced are explored in the subsequent systematic review. Results show that Paraguay has a more than functional water system, which can, however, be improved through collaboration between private and government entities. Recommendations drawn call on the involvement of all stakeholders in decision making to find an iron-clad solution to the issue.

Delays in transferring patients from prisons to secure psychiatric hospitals: An international systematic review.

Transfer to a psychiatric hospital of prisoners who need inpatient treatment for a mental disorder is an important part of prison healthcare in the UK. It is an essential factor in ensuring the principle of equivalence in the treatment of prisoners. In England and Wales, delays in transferring unwell prisoners to hospital were identified by the 2009 Bradley Report. There has been no subsequent systematic review of progress in so doing nor a corresponding appraisal of transfer arrangements in other parts of the world. To conduct a systematic review of international literature about transfers of mentally unwell individuals from prison to hospital for the treatment of mental disorder since 2009. Eight databases were searched for data-based publications using terms for prison and transfer to hospital from 1 January 2009 to 4 August 2022. Inclusion criteria limited transfer to arrangements for pre-trial and sentenced prisoners going to a health service hospital, excluding hospital orders made on the conclusion of criminal hearing. In England, four articles were identified, all showing that transfer times remain considerably longer than the national targets of 14days (range, 14days to >9months); one study from Scotland found shorter mean transfer times, but more patients had been transferred to psychiatric intensive care units than to secure forensic hospitals. There were only two studies that investigated prison to hospital transfers for mental disorder from outside the UK and only one reported time-to-transfer data. Findings from this literature review highlight failures to resolve transfer delays in England and provide little evidence about the problem elsewhere. Given the lack of data, it is unclear whether other countries do not have this problem or simply that there has been no research interest in it. A possible confounding factor here is that, in some countries, all treatment for prisoners' mental disorders occurs in prison. However, the principle that prisons are not hospitals seems important when people need inpatient care. Prospective, longitudinal cohort studies are urgently needed to map transfer times and outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 on health service utilisation in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a scoping review

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in health systems of many countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite comparatively low rates of COVID-19 admissions and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, the...

Pathways to ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 health outcomes in the United Kingdom: A systematic map

BackgroundMarked ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 infection and its consequences have been documented. The aim of this paper is to identify the range and nature of evidence on potential pathways which lead to ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 related health outcomes in the United Kingdom (UK). MethodsWe searched six bibliographic and five grey literature databases from 1st December 2019 to 23rd February 2022 for research on pathways to ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 health outcomes in the UK. Meta-data were extracted and coded, using a framework informed by a logic model. Open Science Framework Registration: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/HZRB7. ResultsThe search returned 10,728 records after excluding duplicates, with 123 included (83% peer-reviewed). Mortality was the most common outcome investigated (N = 79), followed by infection (N = 52). The majority of studies were quantitative (N = 93, 75%), with four qualitative studies (3%), seven academic narrative reviews (6%), nine third sector reports (7%) and five government reports (4%), and four systematic reviews or meta-analyses (3%). There were 78 studies which examined comorbidities as a pathway to mortality, infection, and severe disease. Socioeconomic inequalities (N = 67) were also commonly investigated, with considerable research into neighbourhood infrastructure (N = 38) and occupational risk (N = 28). Few studies examined barriers to healthcare (N = 6) and consequences of infection control measures (N = 10). Only 11% of eligible studies theorised racism to be a driver of inequalities and 10% (typically government/third sector reports and qualitative studies) explored this as a pathway. ConclusionThis systematic map identified knowledge clusters that may be amenable to subsequent systematic reviews, and critical gaps in the evidence-base requiring additional primary research. Most studies do not incorporate or conceptualise racism as the fundamental cause of ethnic inequalities and therefore the contribution to literature and policy is limited.

Effectiveness of eHealth therapeutic education interventions in the management of fibromyalgia: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionNon-pharmacological approaches have shown promising results in improving symptoms and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia. However, these approaches may not be easily accessible or feasible for everyone. eHealth...

PROTOCOL: Domestic abuse interventions for mothers in or exiting prison: An evidence and gap map.

This is the protocol for a evidence and gap map. The objectives are as follows: to identify existing research and gaps in evidence according to the types of interventions, settings, study design and outcomes; to use the EGM findings to inform subsequent systematic reviews and to identify gaps in evidence to inform future research, policy or practice.

The Emerging Role of Probiotics and their Derivatives against Biofilm-Producing MRSA: A Scoping Review.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main bacterial pathogens causing chronic infections, mainly because of its capacity to produce biofilm. Biofilm production is one of the underlying strategies for antibacterial drug resistance. Accordingly, preventing and attenuating biofilm production has become an emerging approach to controlling persistent infections. Therefore, this scoping review is aimed at surveying the published literature describing the usage of probiotics and their derivatives against biofilm-producing MRSA. Updated literature searches were conducted across seven electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify all original published articles about probiotics against MRSA. In this regard, studies were summarized and analyzed in the present review. In the reviewed studies, various microorganisms and compounds were used as probiotics as follows: Lactobacillus species (8 studies), Enterococcus species (4 studies), Bacillus species (2 studies), Streptomyces species (2 studies), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1 study), Corynebacterium accolens (1 study), and Lactococcus lactis derived Nisin (3 studies). Based on our comprehensive search, 21 studies with eligibility criteria were included in the present review including 12 studies on clinical strains, 6 studies on ATCC, 2 studies simultaneously on clinical and standard strains, and finally 1 study on food sample. Our study showed that there was an increasing trend in the number of publications reporting probiotics against biofilm-producing MRSA. The results of this scoping review could use to guide the undertaking of the subsequent systematic reviews. In summary, probiotics with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties can use as an embedded agent in food products or as a biopharmaceutical in the prevention and treatment of MRSA infections.

Library Instruction for Graduate Nursing Students: A Scoping Review

Objective – The number of graduate nursing programs in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent years. This scoping review seeks to examine the range of literature discussing librarian instruction for graduate nursing students to identity the types of studies being published, the characteristics of instructional sessions, knowledge gaps which may exist, and the evidence available for a subsequent systematic review evaluating instructional effectiveness. Methods – Guidelines established by the PRISMA statement for scoping reviews (PRISMA-Scr) were used to conduct this review. Concepts for library instruction and graduate nursing students were searched in six databases as well as Google Scholar. The two authors used titles/abstracts and when necessary, full-text to independently screen identified studies. Conflicting screening decisions were resolved by discussion. Results – Data was extracted from 20 sources. Thirteen of the sources were descriptions of classes or programs, one was a program evaluation, two were mixed methods studies that looked at library use and program support respectively but did not assess instruction, two were surveys of students’ feelings and attitudes about instruction, and two were quasi-experimental studies which included pre-post instruction quizzes. The most popular format for library instruction was online (synchronous or asynchronous) instruction. Most sources did not include information about the timing or duration of instruction. In addition, most sources did not reference instructional theory although a few mentioned aspects of instructional theory such as active learning. Only one source mentioned using a specific model to develop instructional content. While several sources mentioned assessment of student learning, only four studies included the results of assessment. Conclusions – Sources reporting on instruction for graduate nursing students consisted primarily of descriptions of programs or instructional sessions. Many of the descriptive studies lacked essential information such as specifics of format, timing, and duration which would aid replication at other institutions. Only four sources were research studies that evaluated instructional effectiveness.

How to Simplify Life Cycle Assessment for Industrial Applications—A Comprehensive Review

Life cycle assessment (LCA) has established itself as the dominant method for identifying the environmental impact of products or services. However, conducting an LCA is labor and time intensive (especially regarding data collection). This paper, therefore, aims to identify methods and tools that enhance the practicability of LCA, especially with regard to product complexity and variance. To this end, an initial literature review on the LCA of complex products was conducted to identify commonly cited barriers and potential solutions. The obtained information was used to derive search strategies for a subsequent comprehensive and systematic literature review of approaches that address the identified barriers and facilitate the LCA process. We identified five approaches to address the barriers of time and effort, complexity, and data intensity. These are the parametric approach, modular approach, automation, aggregation/grouping, and screening. For each, the concept as well as the associated advantages and disadvantages are described. Especially, the automated calculation of results as well as the automated generation of life cycle inventory (LCI) data exhibit great potential for simplification. We provide an overview of common LCA software and databases and evaluate the respective interfaces. As it was not considered in detail, further research should address options for automated data collection in production by utilizing sensors and intelligent interconnection of production infrastructure as well as the interpretation of the acquired data using artificial intelligence.

A scoping review of brief alcohol interventions across young adult subpopulations.

Brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) have historically centered on young adults attending 4-year predominantly white institutions. The purpose of this scoping review is to determine BAIs evaluated among young adults with one or more marginalized/understudied racial, ethnic, sexual, gender, and military/Veteran identities and/or who are embedded in an understudied context based on houselessness, attending a 2-year institution, or not attending college. A secondary objective is to explore definitions of the constructs young adult and brief to inform subsequent systematic reviews. Sources had to be published in English between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2019 and report the evaluation of an intervention ≤ 5 hr long, delivered over ≤ 4 weeks, among participants aged 18-30 years (or 16-30 in college contexts) within a specified marginalized/understudied subpopulation/context wherein alcohol use and/or consequences were a primary outcome. Systematic searches were conducted in APA PsycNet, the EBSCO Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PubMed, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science. Screening was independently performed by two coders who also extracted data. Of 4,825 identified records, 158 provided data; 86 described interventions fitting our definition of brief; of these, only 21 met criteria based on our definition of young adult, with nine meeting full inclusion criteria based on young adult subpopulation. Findings signify a need for additional research evaluating BAIs among young adult subpopulations and highlight the importance of carefully defining and reporting participant characteristics. Increased attention to sociocultural considerations and strengths relevant to the diverse contexts and intersecting identities of young adults may strengthen extant BAIs and equitably mitigate alcohol-related harm. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a scoping review.

Interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a scoping review.