scholarly journals CYP2D6 Genotype and Tamoxifen Activity: Understanding Interstudy Variability in Methodological Quality

2013 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Ratain ◽  
Y Nakamura ◽  
N J Cox
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Cyp2d6 Genotype ◽  
Interstudy Variability

Rapid evaluation of FDG imaging alternatives using head-to-head comparisons of full ring and gamma camera based PET scanners –

2002 ◽  
Vol 41 (05) ◽  
pp. 208-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Haslinghuis-Bajan ◽  
L. Hooft ◽  
A. van Lingen ◽  
M. van Tulder ◽  
W. Devillé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Gamma Camera ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Prospective Evaluation ◽  
First Approximation ◽  
Variable Head ◽  
Malignant Lesions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pet Scanners

SummaryAim: While FDG full ring PET (FRPET) has been gradually accepted in oncology, the role of the cheaper gamma camera based alternatives (GCPET) is less clear. Since technology is evolving rapidly, “tracker trials” would be most helpful to provide a first approximation of the relative merits of these alternatives. As difference in scanner sensitivity is the key variable, head-to-head comparison with FRPET is an attractive study design. This systematic review summarises such studies. Methods: Nine studies were identified until July 1, 2000. Two observers assessed the methodological quality (Cochrane criteria), and extracted data. Results: The studies comprised a variety of tumours and indications. The reported GC- and FRPET agreement for detection of malignant lesions ranged from 55 to 100%, but with methodological limitations (blinding, standardisation, limited patient spectrum). Mean lesion diameter was 2.9 cm (SD 1.8), with only about 20% <1.5 cm. The 3 studies with the highest quality reported concordances of 74-79%, for the studied lesion spectrum. Contrast at GCPET was lower than that of FRPET, contrast and detection agreement were positively related. Logistic regression analysis suggested that pre-test indicators might be used to predict FRPET-GCPET concordance. Conclusion: In spite of methodological limitations, “first generation” GCPET devices detected sufficient FRPET positive lesions to allow prospective evaluation in clinical situations where the impact of FRPET is not confined to detection of small lesions (<1.5 cm). The efficiency of head-to-head comparative studies would benefit from application in a clinically relevant patient spectrum, with proper blinding and standardisation of acquisition procedures.

How Does Mindfulness Affect Cognition? A Reflection on Confounding Issues Surrounding Mindfulness-based Intervention Research Targeting Cognitive Outcomes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R Vago ◽  
Resh Gupta ◽  
Sara Lazar
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Existing Data

One potential pathway by which mindfulness-based meditation improves health outcomes is through changes in cognitive functioning. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) was conducted with a focus on assessing the state of the evidence for effects on cognitive processes and associated assays. Here, we comment on confounding issues surrounding the reporting of these and related findings, including 1) criteria that appropriately define an MBI; 2) limitations of assays used to measure cognition; and 3) methodological quality of MBI trials and reporting of findings. Because these issues contribute to potentially distorted interpretations of existing data, we offer constructive means for interpretation and recommendations for moving the field of mindfulness research forward regarding the effects on cognition.

Aerobic Exercise Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: Any Gap in Knowledge

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tal-hatu Kolapo Hamzat ◽  
Nelson Echezona Ekechukwu
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Aerobic Exercise Training ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Secondary Complications ◽  
Stroke Outcomes ◽  
Haematological Profile ◽  
Cardio Respiratory Fitness

Background: Most stroke survivors live with residual physical impairments that may promote a sedentary lifestyle and resultant secondary complications, especially poor cardio-respiratory fitness. This systematic review was conceived to examine the extent of research on the effect of aerobic exercise on health outcomes of stroke survivors as a prelude to a clinical trial.Method: Electronic databases were searched with the last search performed in May, 2014. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered level 1 evidence while lower-quality RCTs were considered level 2 evidence. Result: A total of 642 articles were generated from the search strategy; 10 articles fulfilled all criteria and were selected for this review. 50% of these studies recruited stroke survivors with ischaemic type of stroke while 30% had individuals with either ischaemic or haemorrhagic types. 70% of the studies had good scores while 30% had fair scores in methodological quality. The majority of the studies used VO2max as the outcome for assessing aerobic fitness; a few studies (10% each) assessed anthropometric outcomes and biochemical profile. No study assessed a haematological profile nor compared the effects of continuous and interval aerobic exercise on stroke outcomes. Conclusion: A gap in clinical trials on the effects of aerobic exercise on biochemical, haematological and anthropometric profiles of stroke survivors exists as well as in the comparative effects of continuous and interval training on stroke outcomes.

ANALYSIS OF METHODS USED IN THE ECONOMIC HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES ASSESSMENT IN RUSSIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
A. R. SKRIPNIK ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Economic Research ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Economic Health ◽  
Care System

The article defines the relevance of clinical and economic research in assessing health technologies in Russia. Publications based on the results of clinical and economic research are analyzed. The main methods used in analyzing the feasibility of implementing technology in the health care system are identified. Identified shortcomings of current studies, their methodological quality and of the current normative-legal acts.

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