scholarly journals STATUS OF PUBLICATIONS IN JOURNAL OF NEPAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION DURING 1991-2000: AN OVERVIEW - I

2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (139) ◽  
pp. 120-124
Author(s):  
B H Paudel

This is a "meta-analytical" study of publications in Journal of Nepal MedicalAssociation (JNMA). The study aimed at investigating the quantitative status ofpublications in JNMA during 1991-2000, which could possibly be used as a feedbackfor improvement of journal quality. A total of 469 articles were classified according totheir headings. They were sub-grouped into yearly, two-yearly (1991-1992, 1993-1994etc), three-yearly (e.g., 1991-1993, 1994-1996 etc), and five-yearly (1991-1995, 1996-2000) basis. The proportions of articles within each sub-group across time from 1991to 2000 were compared (e.g., 1991-1992 vs. 1993-1994 etc) using Fisher exact or chi-square test. The JNMA publications during 1998-1999 were also compared with JIMA(Journal of Indian Medical Association) publications. The results showed that theoriginal articles and case reports were significantly less during mid nineties of the20th century. The editorials increased significantly whereas the articles on 'healthcare' and 'clinical pharmacology' were decreased in the 2nd half of the decade. Whenthe publications during 1998-1999 were compared with JIMA, the proportions of reviewand original articles in JNMA were significantly more. But the proportion of reviewsrelative to original articles was significantly less in JNMA as compared to JIMA. TheJNMA was specially featured with articles on medical education, and health policyand planning whereas the JIMA had more articles of interest for general practitioners.In conclusion, the JNMA publications during the period of 1991-2000 were notconsistent. The JNMA may need reconsideration of publication policy and to takemeasures to maintain constancy of its publications.Key Words: meta-analysis, quality publication, quantity of publication.

2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (139) ◽  
pp. 120-124
Author(s):  
B H Paudel

This is a "meta-analytical" study of publications in Journal of Nepal MedicalAssociation (JNMA). The study aimed at investigating the quantitative status ofpublications in JNMA during 1991-2000, which could possibly be used as a feedbackfor improvement of journal quality. A total of 469 articles were classified according totheir headings. They were sub-grouped into yearly, two-yearly (1991-1992, 1993-1994etc), three-yearly (e.g., 1991-1993, 1994-1996 etc), and five-yearly (1991-1995, 1996-2000) basis. The proportions of articles within each sub-group across time from 1991to 2000 were compared (e.g., 1991-1992 vs. 1993-1994 etc) using Fisher exact or chi-square test. The JNMA publications during 1998-1999 were also compared with JIMA(Journal of Indian Medical Association) publications. The results showed that theoriginal articles and case reports were significantly less during mid nineties of the20th century. The editorials increased significantly whereas the articles on 'healthcare' and 'clinical pharmacology' were decreased in the 2nd half of the decade. Whenthe publications during 1998-1999 were compared with JIMA, the proportions of reviewand original articles in JNMA were significantly more. But the proportion of reviewsrelative to original articles was significantly less in JNMA as compared to JIMA. TheJNMA was specially featured with articles on medical education, and health policyand planning whereas the JIMA had more articles of interest for general practitioners.In conclusion, the JNMA publications during the period of 1991-2000 were notconsistent. The JNMA may need reconsideration of publication policy and to takemeasures to maintain constancy of its publications.Key Words: meta-analysis, quality publication, quantity of publication.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3469
Author(s):  
Khalid H. Almadi ◽  
Muhammad Adeel Ahmed ◽  
Tuba Ghazal ◽  
Rizwan Jouhar ◽  
Mazen F. Alkahtany ◽  
...  

Propolis is proposed to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used in endodontic applications. However, evidence on its efficacy in comparison to chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is controversial. The aim of the current study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of Propolis and chlorhexidine as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis in extracted human permanent teeth. The focused question was, “Does Propolis show better antibacterial efficacy than Chlorhexidine (CHX) as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis in extracted human permanent teeth?”. Databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, ISI-Web of Science were searched from 1990 to August 2020 using different combinations of the following keywords: “Propolis”, “Intracanal medicament”, “E. faecalis”, “Antibacterial activity” and “Chlorhexidine”. Ten studies fulfilling inclusion criteria were considered for qualitative analysis, followed by quantitative analysis of eight studies. Heterogeneity was calculated for colony forming units (CFU) of E. Faecalis using the Chi-square test and I2 statistics. Forest plots were computed reporting standard mean difference (SMD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals. The overall mean difference for CFU of E. faecalis showed a statistically significant difference between the antibacterial efficacy of Propolis and CHX (SMD = 3.20 [1.70, 4.69] Z = 4.20; p < 0.001). CHX showed superior antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis compared to Propolis.


2010 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Sayuri Watanabe ◽  
Luiz Augusto Marcondes Fonseca ◽  
Clóvis Eduardo Santos Galvão ◽  
Jorge Kalil ◽  
Fabio Fernandes Morato Castro

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The only effective treatment for patients who have severe reactions after Hymenoptera stings is venom immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to review the literature to assess the effects of venom immunotherapy among patients presenting severe reactions after Hymenoptera stings. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized controlled trials in the worldwide literature were reviewed. The manuscript was produced in the Discipline of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Universidade de São Paulo (USP). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials involving venom immunotherapy versus placebo or only patient follow-up were evaluated. The risk of systemic reactions after specific immunotherapy was evaluated by calculating odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: 2,273 abstracts were identified by the keywords search. Only four studies were included in this review. The chi-square test for heterogeneity showed that two studies were homogeneous and could be included in a meta-analysis. By combining the two studies, the odds ratio became significant: 0.29 (0.10-0.87). However, analysis on the severity of the reactions after immunotherapy showed that the benefits may not be so significant because the reactions were mostly similar to or milder than the original reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Specific immunotherapy should be recommended for adults and children with moderate to severe reactions, but there is no need to prescribe it for children with skin reactions alone, especially if the exposure is very sporadic. On the other hand, the risk-benefit relation should always be assessed in each case.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (03) ◽  
pp. 136-139
Author(s):  
Fouzia Ishaq ◽  
Anila Jamil ◽  
Muhammad Sajjad ◽  
Maria Iftikhar ◽  
Muhammad Adnan Zafar ◽  
...  

Background: Umbilical cord stump is a budding point for bacterial colonization subsequently leading to sepsis that contributes to high neonatal morbidity and mortality, if not properly managed. Antiseptic care can significantly reduce omphalitis and ultimately improve newborn survival. Objective of this study was to see the efficacy of 4% chlorhexidine use to prevent umbilical cord infection in neonates.Subjects and methods: It was a comparative analytical study conducted in Neonatal unit, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) Lahore from July, 2016 till January, 2017. One hundred neonates were enrolled and randomized into two equal group by simple random method (50 each). In one group, nothing was applied to cord while in chlorhexidine group, 4% chlorhexidine gel was applied on umbilicus and around it, once daily for 7 days or till cord detached whichever came early. First application was done by a nurse followed by duly trained mother/caregiver. The signs of omphalitis (redness, pus or localized oedema) were observed and recorded for each neonate in both groups. Chi square test was used to see the difference in omphalitis in these groups with p˂ 0.05 considered as statistically significant result.Results: Out of 100 neonates, 29 (58%) and 23 (46%) males while 21 (42%) and 27 (54%) females neonates belonged to dry care and chlorhexidine group respectively. Nineteen (38%) neonates with dry cord had omphalitis compared to only 5 (10%) in chlorhexidine group (p 0.001). Neonates with chlorhexidine application showed prolonged mean cord separation time (7.9±1.5 days) compared to dry care (6.1±1.8 days). Conclusion: The use of 4% Chlorhexidine was effective to lower omphalitis compared to neonates with dry cord care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-88
Author(s):  
Lina Astuty

Research: Pre-eclampsia is a disease with signs of hypertension, edema, and proteinuria arising from pregnancy. This disease generally occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, but can occur earlier, for example in hydatidiform mole (Wiknjosastro, 2005: 282). Preeclampsia and Eclampsia are one of the main causes of maternal mortality in Indonesia. The incidence of preeclampsia ranges from 5-15% of all pregnancies in the world. Based on the 2003 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS), the incidence of preeclampsia in Indonesia is estimated at 3.4–8.5%. The research method used analytical observational method through a case control approach, which is an analytical study concerning how risk factors are studied using a retrospective approach. In other words, the effect is identified now, then the risk factor is identified as having existed or occurred in the past. Research Results The results of the significance test using the Chi-Square test showed a significant relationship to the occurrence of low birth weight (LBW) in mothers with preeclampsia. This is indicated by the value of p = 0.000 which is smaller than α = 0.05, so Ho is rejected. While the results of the calculation of the Odds Ratio show that preeclampsia is one of the causes of LBW, this is indicated by the OR value of 3.028. Conclusion: There is a relationship between preeclampsia and low birth weight in dr. Soedarso Pontianak in 2018 with a probability value (ρ) = 0.000.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulhakim Abamecha ◽  
Daniel Yilma ◽  
Wondimagegn Adissu ◽  
Delenasaw Yewhalaw ◽  
Alemseged Abdissa

Abstract Background: Anti-malarial drug resistance, in particular resistance to Plasmodium falciparum, challenges the treatment and control of malaria. In Ethiopia, the first-line treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria has been changed from sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) to artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in 2004. To maximize efficacy of anti-malarial drugs and ensure adequate treatment outcomes; monitoring drug efficacy regularly is vital to establish rational malaria treatment guidelines. This systematic review and meta-analysis is performed to obtain an overall stronger evidence to guide management of uncomplicated falciparum malaria from the existing literature in Ethiopia after policy changes in 2004.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) from published therapeutic efficacy studies conducted in Ethiopia from 2004 to 2020. The search was performed from Pubmed, Google Scholar and Clinical trial registry databases to identify literature. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data. While computing the efficacy of AL, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-corrected cure rate (adequate clinical and parasitological response, ACPR) at 28th day was considered as the primary endpoint. Meta-analysis was computed using OpenMeta-Analysis software to calculate the pooled ACPR. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the Cochran chi-square test (X2) test and inverse variance index (I2). Publication bias was analyzed using funnel plots and Egger’s test statistics. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO, number CRD42020201859.Results: Out of studies screened, fifteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and were included in final analysis with a total number of 1523 participants. Treatment success of AL for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in all combined studies was 98.4% [(95% CI 97.6–99.1), P< 0.001]. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-corrected AL treatment success rate of 98.7% [(95% CI 97.7-99.6), P<0.001)]. The efficacy of AL with PCR-corrected cure rates ranging from 95.0 to 99.4% in per-protocol analysis, and 88.8 to 97.4% in intention-to-treat analysis. Based on the analysis, Cochrane chi-square test (X2) test and inverse variance index (I2) indicated that the included studies with heterogeneity (X2=20.48, (df=14), P=0.116 and I2=31.65%). The highest parasite positivity rate at day-3 was 5.7%. Adverse events ranged from mild to serious but were not directly attributed to the drug.Conclusion: The present review has shown that AL is efficacious and safe for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ethiopia. However, few therapeutic efficacy studies were conducted in Ethiopia after treatment guideline was revised in 2004. AL has been used more than a decade in the study population without other alternative artemisinin-based combination therapy in Ethiopia and considering that the potential evolution of drug resistance is of a great concern, regular and continuous monitoring of its efficacy is warranted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 248-256
Author(s):  
Lenka Mařincová ◽  
Simona Šafaříková ◽  
Radka Cahlíková

Background: Over a few decades obesity has become a major global health problem. Its prevalence worldwide has more than doubled since 1980. The situation is expected to worsen in the future, especially in the developing countries that experience nutrition transition due to economic growth. It contributes to reduction in malnutrition which supports an increase in obesity prevalence. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the predictors of obesity in the region of East Africa. Methods: Meta-analysis of existing studies was used in order to find the different risk factors and their significance in obesity development. Data extracted from 16 published academic research articles described the situation in East African countries. The significance of the effect of each variable was tested by means of an asymptotic chi-square test, or Fisher's exact (factorial) test and the risk ratios were calculated. Results: Based on the chi-square test and the risk ratios of the aggregated data, three risk factors were found to be significant in the development of obesity – gender, type of residence and socio-economic status. In East African countries, women are significantly more likely to be obese. Living in an urban area and socioeconomic status are also positively associated with obesity. Because of insufficient data three other risk factors did not prove to be of any significance – alcohol consumption, smoking and education level. Conclusion: Conclusions of this meta-analysis confirm world trends but we also found results that are not in line with them (e.g. education). This meta-analysis confirms the huge existing research gap concerning obesity predictors in the East African region. Keywords: Obesity; meta-analysis; East Africa. 


e-CliniC ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerrit J. Pangemanan ◽  
Djemi Tomuka ◽  
Nola T.S. Mallo

Abstract: Sudden death could occur in anyone regardless of gender either male or female. This study was aimed to determine the relationship between gender and the incidence of sudden death at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado. This was a descriptive analytical study with across sectional design using total sampling method. The results showed 345 cases of sudden deaths consisted of 209 males and 136 females. The age ranges were 0-1 years (7 cases), 1-18 years (7 cases), 18-40 years (38 cases), 40-60 years (138 cases), and >60 years (155 cases). Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of sudden deaths (40 cases). Data analyzed by using Chi-square test showed a P value of 0.838. Conclusion: There was no relationship between gender and the incidence of sudden death. Sudden deaths were most common among males, age >60 years, with coronary heart disease as the most common cause of sudden death.Keywords: gender, sudden death Abstrak: Kematian mendadak dapat terjadi pada siapa saja, tidak memandang jenis kelamin baik laki-laki maupun perempuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara jenis kelamin dan kejadian kematian mendadak di RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D Kandou Manado. Jenis penelitian ialah deskriptif analitik dengan desain potong lintang menggunakan metode total sampling. Hasil penelitian mendapatkan 345 kasus kematian mendadak terdiri dari 209 laki-laki dan 136 perempuan. Rentang usia 0-1 tahun berjumlah 7 kasus, usia 1-18 tahun berjumlah 7 kasus, usia 18-40 tahun berjumlah 38 kasus, usia 40-60 tahun berjumlah 138 kasus, dan usia >60 tahun berjumlah 155 kasus. Penyakit jantung koroner merupakan penyebab kematian mendadak terbanyak dengan jumlah 40 kasus. Analisis data menggunakan uji chi-kuadrat mendapatkan P=0,838. Simpulan: Tidak terdapat hubungan antara jenis kelamin dengan kejadian kematian mendadak. Sebagian besar kematian mendadak ditemukan pada laki-laki, kelompok usia >60 tahun, dengan penyebab penyakit jantung koroner.Kata kunci: jenis kelamin, kematian mendadak


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peipei Song ◽  
Jianqin Xie ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Xinying Zhang ◽  
Zhipeng Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and objectiveThrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) is a prethrombotic marker, and its application in ischemic stroke is still uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the relationship between plasma TAT and ischemic stroke base on the current evidence.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted for searching the relative studies that investigated the association of TAT and ischemic stroke in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. Mean difference and 95% confidence interval as the effect sizes were synthesized by random effects model in Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4. Then, the heterogeneity was investigated using the Chi-square test and the possible sources of heterogeneity were explored by sensitivity analysis. The publication bias was estimated through Begg’s and Egger’s tests.ResultsA total of 12 eligible studies were included involving 1431 stroke cases and 532 healthy controls, of which six studies were eventually included in the meta-analysis. Plasma TAT in patients with ischemic stroke was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (MD 5.31, 95% CI =4.12-6.51, P<0.0001, I2=97.8 %). There is a difference of TAT level in the same period among cardioembolic, lacunar and atherothrombotic stroke (all P<0.0001), in which the cardioembolic stroke with the highest level. Meanwhile, it is significant of TAT levels among various phases of cardioembolic stroke and the acute phase are markedly elevated (MD 7.75, 95CI%, 6.07-9.43, P<0.001). However, no difference was found in the atherothrombotic (P=0.13) and lacunar stroke (P=0.34). Besides, the higher TAT level is closely related to the poor prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke, including higher recurrence, mortality, unfavorable recovery (modified Rankin scale >2), and poor revascularization.ConclusionsThis study suggested that plasma TAT levels are different in ischemic stroke subtypes, which are closely associated with the progression and might have an effect on the prognosis. PROSPERO CRD: 42021248787


Author(s):  
Golnaz Vaseghi ◽  
Marjan Mansourian ◽  
Raheleh Karimi ◽  
Kiyan Heshmat-Ghahdarijani ◽  
Paria Rouhi ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionDiagnosis of COVID-19 is based on clinical manifestation, history of exposure, positive findings on chest CT and laboratory tests. It has been shown that inflammation plays a role in pathogenesis of COVID-19.MethodWe used the necessary transformations to convert the median and IQR to mean and SD Random-effect model using Der Simonian, and Laird methods was used if heterogeneity between studies was significant, the homogeneity among studies was assessed with I2 Statistic, values above 50%, and for the chi-square test, P-values <0.1 was supposed statistically significantResultsTwelve studies were included in the analysis that all of which were conducted in China in the year 2020. The result of combining 12 articles with 772 participants showed that the pooled estimate of the mean of lymphocyte with 95% CI was (Mean: 1.01; 95% CI (0.76-1.26); p-value<0.001). About WBC the pooled result of 9 studies with 402 participants was (Mean: 5.11; 95% CI (3.90-6.32); p-value<0.001) Also the pooled mean estimate of 9 studies with 513 patients for the ratio of Neutrophil/lymphocyte was (Mean: 3.62; 95% CI (1.48-5.77); p-value=0.001). The pooled mean from the combination of 7 studies with 521 patients on CRP was (Mean: 28.75; 95% CI (8.04-49.46).ConclusionInflammatory Markers increase in patients with Covid-19, which can be a good indicator to find patients.


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