Two decades of research on CBCT imaging in DMFR – an appraisal of scientific evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 20200367
Author(s):  
Hugo Gaêta-Araujo ◽  
André Ferreira Leite ◽  
Karla de Faria Vasconcelos ◽  
Reinhilde Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Diagnostic Efficacy ◽  
Technical Parameters ◽  
General Search ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Level 2

Objective: This article aims to appraise how scientific evidence related to CBCT has changed over the years, based on levels of evidence and diagnostic efficacy. Methods: A general search strategy was used in different databases (Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science) to identify systematic reviews (SRs) on CBCT until November of 2020. The SRs included were divided according to different specialties of dentistry. A critical review of the articles was made, describing the level of evidence and efficacy. Results: In total, 75 articles were selected. There was an increase in the number of SRs on CBCT from 2014 onwards, as 83% of the SRs on this topic were published after 2013, and 72% between 2016 and to date. Twenty SRs (27%) performed meta-analysis. Only 28% of the SRs provided a detailed description of CBCT protocols. According to SR evidence, almost all specialties of dentistry have advanced concomitantly with the introduction of CBCT. The majority of SRs were related to clinical applications (level 2 of efficacy), followed by technical parameters (level 1 of efficacy). Only some CBCT models were mentioned in the SRs selected. Conclusion: Over the course of 20 years, SRs related to CBCT applications for a broad range of dental specialties have been published, with the vast majority of studies at levels 1 and 2 of diagnostic efficacy. Not all CBCT models available on the market have been scientifically validated. At all times, one should remain cautious as such not to simply extrapolate in vitro results to the clinical setting. Also, considering the wide variety of CBCT devices and protocols, reported results should not be overstated or generalized, as outcomes often refer to specific CBCT devices and protocols.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants Used for the Traditional Management of Diabetes in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Pharmacology and Toxicology

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Odeyemi ◽  
Graeme Bradley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Insulin Mimetic ◽  
Almost All

The use of medicinal plants for the management of diabetes mellitus is on the rise in the developing countries, including South Africa. There is increasing scientific evidence that supports the claims by the traditional healers. In this review, we compare the families of previously reported anti-diabetic plants in the Eastern Cape by rating the anti-diabetic activity, mode of action and also highlight their therapeutic potentials based on the available evidence on their pharmacology and toxicity. Forty-five plants mentioned in ethnobotanical surveys were subjected to a comprehensive literature search in the available electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Elsevier, by using “plant name” and “family” as the keywords for the primary searches to determine the plants that have been scientifically investigated for anti-diabetic activity. The search returned 25 families with Asteraceae highly reported, followed by Asphodelaceae and Alliaceae. Most of the plants have been studied for their anti-diabetic potentials in vivo and/or in vitro, with most of the plants having a higher percentage of insulin release and inhibition against carbohydrate digesting enzymes as compared with insulin mimetic and peripheral glucose uptake. Almost all the investigated plants also inhibit oxidative stress as part of their hypoglycemic activity with less toxicity. However, the isolation of their bioactive molecules is still lacking. This review provides a resource to enable thorough assessments of the therapeutic profiles of available medicinal plants used for the management of diabetes in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Further studies such as the identification of the active ingredients of potent plants still need to be carried out; this may lead to new molecules in drug discovery and development.

scholarly journals ANTHROPOMETRIC VALUES OF SPANISH BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS IN RELATION TO SPORTS PERFORMANCE LEVEL

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-210
Author(s):  
Miriam Esther Quiroga Escudero ◽  
Antonio Palomino Martín ◽  
Samuel Sarmiento Montesdeoca ◽  
David Rodríguez Ruiz ◽  
Juan Manuel García Manso
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Performance Level ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Results Of Treatment ◽  
Talent Selection ◽  
Volleyball Players ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Level 2

ABSTRACT Introduction Since its debut at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, beach volleyball has grown on the international sports scene. An extensive collection of data from several countries and levels of competition will provide a database that can be used to characterize beach volleyball players and define references for training stages. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the anthropometric profiles of Spanish male and female beach volleyball players at different levels of competition in relation to sports performance. Methods The sample comprised 150 players participating in the 2011 Spanish Beach Volleyball Championships (Under 19, Under 21, and Senior categories). Using the ranking provided by the Royal Spanish Volleyball Federation, the subjects were distributed by performance level (level 1: players ranked first to fourth; level 2: players ranked fifth to ninth; and level 3: players ranked tenth to seventeenth). The study comprised a group of male players, with 18 level 1 ( M1 ), 39 level 2 ( M2 ), and 22 level 3 players ( M3 ), and a group of female players, with 18 level 1 ( F1 ), 41 level 2 ( F2 ), and 12 level 3 players ( F3 ). Results The top level male sample ( M1 ) had a significantly lower average age (19.33 years) than the men’s international elite players (30 years). The top Spanish players of both genders had much lower values for height and body weight than the international elite players. Conclusions Height and fat component are responsible for the differences between top and lower level beach volleyball players, for both men and women. Moreover, as the level of performance increases, players are taller and have a lower fat component. In view of the data observed in this study, the talent selection process in Spanish beach volleyball should aim to select taller individuals than at present. Level of evidence III; Therapeutic studies-Investigating the results of treatment.

scholarly journals Therapeutics of xeroderma pigmentosum: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Fernando Antônio Gomes de Andrade ◽  
Claudio Eduardo de Oliveira Cavalcanti ◽  
Felipe Contoli Isoldi ◽  
Lydia Masako Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Xeroderma Pigmentosum ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Surgical Treatments

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare hereditary autosomal recessive genodermatosis. At present, there are many treatment options for xeroderma pigmentosum, covering medical/procedural, surgical and combined modalities. However, the quality of these interventions has not been assessed. Our study aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the treatment of xeroderma pigmentosum. Multiple medical databases were accessed with the Medical Subject Headings terms; “xeroderma pigmentosum,” “therapeutics” and “surgical procedures, operative” from January 2000 to April 2019, including articles published in Portuguese, Spanish and English (PROSPERO-CRD42018114858). Two hundred and ninety-eight studies were found in the databases researched, of which, after applying the inclusion criteria, only 33 studies remained. The 33 complete articles were read by three of the authors, having been found: 16 reported medical/procedural and 17 reported surgical treatments. Only one clinical study presented a good level of evidence (EL: 2): a randomized clinical trial using a T4 endonuclease V (T4N5) liposome lotion which reduced the development of skin lesions in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. Amongst surgical modalities, all studies presented low evidence level (EL: 4). Three illustrative cases are also presented, to emphasize the multiple number of times that surgical modalities may be required in these patients. The therapeutic modalities, both clinical and surgical, for xeroderma pigmentosum presented a low level of scientific evidence which did not allow meta-analysis. More therapeutic studies, both clinical and surgical, with better scientific evidence are needed.

Does the Evidence Support Use of the Baha Implant System (Baha) in Patients with Congenital Unilateral Aural Atresia?

2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (04) ◽  
pp. 274-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey L. Danhauer ◽  
Carole E. Johnson ◽  
Melissa Mixon
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Clinical Expertise ◽  
Patient Benefit ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Aural Atresia ◽  
Laboratory Measures

Purpose: To determine if the evidence supports the recommendation of Baha implant systems (Bahas) over unaided conditions in persons with conductive hearing loss due to congenital unilateral aural atresia (CUAA), and if laboratory measures predict patient benefit and satisfaction. Research Design: A systematic review. Methods: The authors constructed and submitted search strings to PubMed and other electronic databases to identify studies in peer-reviewed journals that were at an appropriate level of evidence (systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, or nonrandomized intervention studies); used outcome measures assessing audibility, localization, or speech-recognition in noise; included patients with CUAA using Bahas; and had intrepretable data. References of all retrieved articles were also hand searched for relevant studies. Evaluation forms were completed by the authors for each of the included studies at all phases of the review including quality assessment and data extraction. Results: The authors reviewed 88 retrieved titles and excluded four that had no relevance to the topic and 67 that were duplicates. Abstracts were reviewed for the remaining 17, and six nonrelevant studies were excluded. The remaining 11 articles were retrieved for full-text review; only three studies met inclusion criteria and were analyzed further. The three studies were not appropriate for a meta-analysis due to limited data, too few participants, and insufficient presentations of results. Qualitative analysis revealed inconsistent findings across audiometric measures, and few significant differences were noted with and without Bahas, yet most participants believed that Bahas improved their quality of life. Laboratory measures did not always predict patient benefit and satisfaction with Bahas. Conclusions: Results were limited for this narrow population having CUAA and the specific criteria used for this review. Audiologic measures generally failed to predict patients' success and/or satisfaction with their Bahas, but most of the included studies showed that patients perceived some benefits. Ideally, clinical decision making should include the highest levels of scientific evidence. However, when evidence is unavailable or does not support a clear-cut recommendation for a particular treatment across patients, as seems to be the case for the use of Bahas with CUAA, then clinicians must rely more heavily on clinical expertise and individual patient preferences in guiding clinical decision making.

scholarly journals Natural Treatments for Fissure in Ano Used by Traditional Persian Scholars, Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Reza Derakhshan
Keyword(s):  
Anal Fissure ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Fissure In Ano ◽  
Ibn Sina ◽  
Almost All

Most cases of chronic fissure do not respond to medical treatment. Razi and Ibn Sina were 2 of the best-known scientists of ancient Persia. The purpose of this study was to find out new scientific evidence in modern medicine about their recommendations, in order to find certain clues to conduct useful researches in the future. First, treatments of anal fissure mentioned by Razi and Ibn Sina were reviewed. Then, literature search was made in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Management of anal fissure according to Razi’s and Ibn Sina’s practices is done based on 3 interventions: lifestyle modifications, drug treatments, and manual procedures. Almost all remedies suggested by Razi and Ibn Sina have shown their effects on fissure in ano via several mechanisms of action in many in vitro and in vivo studies; Still there is lack of human studies on the subject.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Community Occupational Therapy Interventions: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3142
Author(s):  
Maria-Francesca Estrany-Munar ◽  
Miguel-Ángel Talavera-Valverde ◽  
Ana-Isabel Souto-Gómez ◽  
Luis-Javier Márquez-Álvarez ◽  
Pedro Moruno-Miralles
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Therapy Interventions ◽  
Occupational Therapy Interventions

Background: This review aims to evaluate the level of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Community Occupational Therapy interventions. Methods: A systematic review was used to analyze and synthesize the studies collected. The databases of Cochrane, OTseeker, OTCATS, Web of Science, Scielo and Scopus were used in order to collect articles published between 2007 and 2020. PRISMA recommendations were followed. Results: A total of 12 articles comprised part of the study (7 randomized controlled studies, 4 systematic reviews and 1 meta-analysis). The main areas of practice were geriatric gerontology (22.1%) and mental health (19.7%), which were statistically significant (χ2; p < 0.005) compared to the rest. Regarding the studies analyzed, all of them had scores of >7 on the PEDro and AMSTAR scales. Conclusions: Research on Community Occupational Therapy constitutes a consolidated line of research but the objectives and areas of research were limited. Descriptive qualitative methodology predominated and studies on the effectiveness of Community Occupational Therapy interventions showed a medium–low level of evidence.

scholarly journals Collocation in beginner learner writing: A longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Siyanova
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Middle Level ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Intensive Course ◽  
Level 2

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. The fact that second-language (L2) learners have problems with collocation is widely attested. However, few studies have investigated the development of L2 collocational knowledge longitudinally. Fewer still have employed more than a handful of participants. In addition, almost all studies to date have looked at advanced learners of English. Other L2 proficiencies and backgrounds have, by and large, been disregarded. The lacuna left by this paucity motivated the present study. Thirty-six Chinese beginner learners of Italian wrote a composition at the beginning (Level 1), in the middle (Level 2), and at the end (Level 3) of an intensive course. A small corpus of L2 Italian was compiled with the aim of investigating N + Adj combinations. Analyses revealed that the number of combinations at the beginning and at the end of the course was comparable, the number of higher frequency items, however, was greater in Level 3 compositions than Level 1 compositions. Importantly, analyses showed an increase in strongly associated collocations in Level 3 writings compared to Level 1 writings. Thus, Level 3 compositions contained not only more higher frequency combinations, but also more strongly associated collocations than did Level 1 compositions. Taken together, the study provides new insights into the development of L2 collocational competence.

scholarly journals Collocation in beginner learner writing: A longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Siyanova
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Middle Level ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Intensive Course ◽  
Level 2

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. The fact that second-language (L2) learners have problems with collocation is widely attested. However, few studies have investigated the development of L2 collocational knowledge longitudinally. Fewer still have employed more than a handful of participants. In addition, almost all studies to date have looked at advanced learners of English. Other L2 proficiencies and backgrounds have, by and large, been disregarded. The lacuna left by this paucity motivated the present study. Thirty-six Chinese beginner learners of Italian wrote a composition at the beginning (Level 1), in the middle (Level 2), and at the end (Level 3) of an intensive course. A small corpus of L2 Italian was compiled with the aim of investigating N + Adj combinations. Analyses revealed that the number of combinations at the beginning and at the end of the course was comparable, the number of higher frequency items, however, was greater in Level 3 compositions than Level 1 compositions. Importantly, analyses showed an increase in strongly associated collocations in Level 3 writings compared to Level 1 writings. Thus, Level 3 compositions contained not only more higher frequency combinations, but also more strongly associated collocations than did Level 1 compositions. Taken together, the study provides new insights into the development of L2 collocational competence.

scholarly journals Eventos críticos na manutenção da conservação de vacinas

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maíla Martins Oliveira ◽  
Valéria Conceição de Oliveira ◽  
Selma Maria da Fonseca Viegas ◽  
Ana Paula Ferreira ◽  
Felícia Cristina de Souza Dias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Immunization Programs ◽  
Critical Events ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Refrigeration Equipment ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Temperature Records ◽  
Experimental Level

RESUMOObjetivo: analisar a produção científica sobre evidências relacionadas aos eventos críticos na manutenção da cadeia de frio de conservação de vacinas. Método: revisão integrativa realizada no período de 2011-2016. Realizou-se a análise bibliométrica dos artigos selecionados na biblioteca SciELO e nas bases de dados LILACS e PUBMED/MEDLINE com vistas a responder à questão norteadora <<Quais os problemas que interferem na qualidade da manutenção da cadeia de frio de conservação de vacina?>>. Resultados: a revisão constou de 24 artigos, sendo que metade das publicações trouxe evidências de estudos descritivos (nível de evidência 4) e somente 8,3% foram classificados como experimentais (nível de evidência 2). Nenhum artigo foi classificado com nível 1 (metanálise). Os eventos críticos mais citados referem-se à capacitação insuficiente e ao desconhecimento sobre a conservação de vacina, a falta de monitoramento adequado dos registros de temperatura dos equipamentos de refrigeração e a ausência de supervisão em sala de vacinas. Conclusão: os eventos críticos apresentados impactam a credibilidade conquistada pelos programas de imunização tornando-se fundamental a capacitação dos profissionais e o monitoramento dos processos que envolvem a manipulação das vacinas por parte dos supervisores das unidades e gestores de saúde dos municípios. Descritores: Vacinas; Rede de Frio; Programas de Imunização; Avaliação em Saúde; Enfermagem; Saúde Pública.ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the scientific production on evidence related to the critical events in the maintenance of the cold chain of conservation of vaccines. Method: integrative review conducted in the period from 2011-2016. Bibliometric analysis of the selected articles was carried out in the SciELO library and in the LILACS and PUBMED/MEDLINE databases in order to answer the guiding question << What problems interfere in the quality of the maintenance of the vaccine storage cold chain? >. Results: the review consisted of 24 articles, and half of the publications provided evidence of descriptive studies (level of evidence 4) and only 8.3% were classified as experimental (level of evidence 2). No articles were rated at level 1 (meta-analysis). The most cited critical events refer to insufficient training and lack of knowledge about vaccine retention, inadequate monitoring of temperature records of refrigeration equipment, and lack of supervision in the vaccine room. Conclusion: the critical events presented, impact the credibility of the immunization programs, making it essential to train the professionals and monitor the processes that involve the manipulation of vaccines by the supervisors of the health units and managers of the municipalities. Descriptors: Vaccines; Refrigeration; Immunization Programs; Health Evaluation; Nursing; Public Healt.RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la producción científica sobre evidencias relacionadas con los eventos críticos en el mantenimiento de la cadena de frío de conservación de vacunas. Método: la revisión integrativa, realizada en el período 2011-2016. Se realizó la análisis bibliométrico de los artículos seleccionados en la biblioteca SciELO y en las bases de datos LILACS y PUBMED / MEDLINE, con miras a responder a la cuestión orientadora << Cuales los problemas que interfieren en calidad del mantenimiento de la cadena de frío de conservación de la vacuna?>> Resultados: la revisión constó de 24 artículos, la mitad de las publicaciones aportó evidencias de estudios descriptivos (nivel de la evidencia 4) y sólo el 8,3% fueron clasificados como experimentales (nivel evidencia 2). Ningún artículo fue clasificado con nivel 1 (meta-análisis). Los eventos críticos más citados se refieren a la capacitación insuficiente y al desconocimiento sobre la conservación de la vacuna, la falta de monitoreo adecuado de los registros de temperatura de los equipos de refrigeración y la ausencia de supervisión en sala de vacunas. Conclusión: los eventos críticos presentados impactan en la credibilidad conquistada por los programas de inmunización, tornándose fundamental la capacitación de los profesionales y el monitoreo de los procesos que involucran la manipulación de las vacunas, por parte de los supervisores de las unidades y gestores de salud de los municipios. Descriptores: Vacunas; Refrigeración; Programas de Inmunización; Evaluación en Salud; Enfermería; Salud Pública.

scholarly journals Effect of phytosterols in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in adults – systematic review with meta-analysis / Efeitos dos fitoesteróis no tratamento da hipercolesterolemia em adultos – revisão sistemática com metanálise

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 16317-16338
Author(s):  
Rebeca Cirilo De Lima ◽  
Vanessa Souza Mendonça ◽  
Grazielle Vilas Bôas Huguenin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Web Of Service

 Increased plasma total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) are considered risk factors for coronary disease. Phytosterols are among the dietary options for decreasing serum concentrations of TC and LDL-c by up to 15%.To evaluate the scientific evidence on the use of phytosterols in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in adults.A systematic meta-analysis of the Medline, Embase, Web of Service, VHL, PUBMED, Scopus, Cochrane Library and LILACS databases was performed between November and December 2016. The PICO strategy was used. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials with adults of both sexes using phytosterols longer than 4 weeks intervention. Exclusion criteria were animal and in vitro studies, humans less than 18 years old and individuals with other diseases (cancer, metabolic syndromes, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal disease, liver diseases). The risk of bias was assessed by two reviewers. The primary outcomes investigated were TC and LDL-cholesterol. Statistical analyses were conducted using the RevMan 5.3. The standardized effect size was used to estimate the standardized mean difference and 95% CI of TC and LDL-c.Twenty-seven randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review and 26 studies in the meta-analysis of TC and LDL-cholesterol. The meta-analyzes showed an association with the reduction in plasma TC (-2.54 [-3.04; -2.03]) and LDL-c (-2.8 [-2.63; -1.53]) after intervention with the vegetable esters.The consumption of 1.5 to 2.0 g/day of phytosterols promotes reduction of TC and LDL-c in hypercholesterolemic individuals, regardless of the way they are consumed.

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