scholarly journals Self-concept in poor readers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genevieve M. McArthur ◽  
Nicola Filardi ◽  
Deanna A. Francis ◽  
Mark E. Boyes ◽  
Nicholas A. Badcock
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Poor Reading ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background The aims of this systematic review and meta-analyses were to determine if there is a statistically reliable association between poor reading and poor self-concept, and if such an association is moderated by domain of self-concept, type of reading impairment, or contextual factors including age, gender, reading instruction, and school environment. Methodology We searched 10 key databases for published and unpublished studies, as well as reference lists of included studies, and studies that cited included studies. We calculated standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals for one primary outcome (average self-concept) and 10 secondary outcomes (10 domains of self-concept). We assessed the data for risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity, reporting bias, and quality of evidence. Results Thirteen studies with 3,348 participants met our selection criteria. Meta-analyses revealed statistically significant SMDs for average self-concept (−0.57) and five domains of self-concept (reading/writing/spelling: −1.03; academic: −0.67; math: −0.64; behaviour: −0.32; physical appearance: −0.28). The quality of evidence for the primary outcome was moderate, and for secondary outcomes was low, due to lack of data. Conclusions These outcomes suggest a probable moderate association between poor reading and average self-concept; a possible strong association between poor reading and reading-writing-spelling self-concept; and possible moderate associations between poor reading and self-concept in the self-concept domains of academia, mathematics, behaviour, and physical appearance.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Oberndorfer ◽  
I Grabovac ◽  
S Haider ◽  
T E Dorner
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Reports of the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation vary across different studies making implementation recommendations hard to attain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation. Methods PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing nicotine ECs with non-nicotine ECs or with established smoking cessation interventions (nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and or counselling) published between 01/01/2014 and 01/05/2019. Data from eligible studies were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses. Results Our literature review yielded 13190 publications with 10 studies being identified as eligible for systematic review, covering 8362 participants, and 8 for meta-analyses (n = 30 - 6006). Using the last follow-up of eligible studies, the proportion of smokers achieving abstinence was 1.67 [95CI:0.99 - 2.81] times higher in nicotine EC users compared to non-nicotine EC users. The proportion of abstinent smokers was 1.69 [95CI:1.25 - 2.27] times higher in EC users compared to participants receiving NRT. EC users showed a 2.70 [95CI:1.15 - 6.30] times higher proportion of abstinent smokers in comparison to participants solely receiving counselling. Conclusions Our analysis showed modest effects of nicotine-ECs compared to non-nicotine ECs. When compared to NRT or counselling, results suggest that nicotine EC may be more effective for smoking cessation. As ECs also help maintaining routinized behaviour and social aspects of smoking, we hypothesise that this may explain their advantage as a tool for smoking cessation. However, given the small number of included studies, different populations, heterogeneous designs, and the overall moderate to low quality of evidence, it is not possible to offer clear recommendations. More comparable data is needed to strengthen confidence in the quality of evidence. Key messages The number of previous studies assessing the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is limited. Further, comparability of these studies is restricted, weakening the quality of evidence. Although current evidence on the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is inconclusive, our meta-analyses suggest that ECs could be a promising alternative tool in attempts to achieve abstinence.

scholarly journals Concordance between systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in assisted reproduction: an overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariano Mascarenhas ◽  
Theodoros Kalampokas ◽  
Sesh Kamal Sunkara ◽  
Mohan S Kamath
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Selective Reporting ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cochrane Reviews ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Are systematic reviews published within a 3-year period on interventions in ART concordant in their conclusions? SUMMARY ANSWER The majority of the systematic reviews published within a 3-year period in the field of assisted reproduction on the same topic had discordant conclusions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have now replaced individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at the top of the evidence pyramid. There has been a proliferation of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, many of which suffer from methodological issues and provide varying conclusions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We assessed nine interventions in women undergoing ART with at least three systematic reviews each, published from January 2015 to December 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The systematic reviews which included RCTs were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was extent of concordance between systematic reviews on the same topic. Secondary outcomes included assessment of quality of systematic reviews, differences in included studies in meta-analyses covering the same search period, selective reporting and reporting the quality of evidence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Concordant results and conclusions were found in only one topic, with reviews in the remaining eight topics displaying partial discordance. The AMSTAR grading for the majority of the non-Cochrane reviews was critically low whilst it was categorized as high for all of the Cochrane reviews. For three of the nine topics, none of the included systematic reviews assessed the quality of evidence. We were unable to assess selective reporting as most of the reviews did not have a pre-specified published protocol. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We were limited by the high proportion of reviews lacking a pre-specified protocol, which made it impossible to assess for selective reporting. Furthermore, many reviews did not specify primary and secondary outcomes which made it difficult to assess reporting bias. All the authors of this review were Cochrane review authors which may introduce some assessment bias. The categorization of the review’s conclusions as beneficial, harmful or neutral was subjective, depending on the tone and wording of the conclusion section of the review. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The majority of the systematic reviews published within a 3-year period on the same topic in the field of assisted reproduction revealed discordant conclusions and suffered from serious methodological issues, hindering the process of informed healthcare decision-making. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All the authors are Cochrane authors. M.S.K. is an editorial board member of Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility group. No grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors was obtained.

The effectiveness of serious games in improving memory among elderly people with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaa Abd-alrazaq ◽  
Dari Alhuwail ◽  
Eiman Al-Jafar ◽  
Arfan Ahmed ◽  
Shuja Mohd Reagu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Meta Analyses

BACKGROUND Memory, one of the main cognitive functions, is known to decline by age. Serious games have been used for improving memory among the elderly. The effectiveness of serious games in improving memory has been investigated by several systematic reviews; however, they are limited by design and methodological weaknesses. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the effectiveness of serious games in improving memory among the elderly with cognitive impairment. METHODS A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out. The search sources included searching 8 databases, screening reference lists of the included studies and relevant reviews, and checking studies that cited the included studies. Two reviewers independently carried out the study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality of evidence appraisal. Extracted data were synthesized using a narrative approach and a statistical approach (i.e., meta-analysis), as appropriate. RESULTS Out of 466 citations retrieved, 18 studies met the eligibility criteria of this review. Of those, 15 RCTs were eventually included in 10 meta-analyses. We found that serious games are more effective than no or passive interventions in improving non-verbal memory (P=0.002) and working memory (P=0.02), but not verbal memory (P=0.13). The review also showed that serious games are more effective than conventional exercises in improving verbal memory (P=0.004), but not for non-verbal memory (P=0.12) and working memory (P=0.49). Serious games were as effective as conventional cognitive activities in improving verbal memory (P=0.07), non-verbal memory (P=0.94), and working memory (P=0.08) among the elderly with cognitive impairment. Lastly, the effect of adaptive serious games on working memory was comparable to non-adaptive serious games (P=0.08). CONCLUSIONS Serious games have the potential to improve verbal, non-verbal, and working memory among elderly people with cognitive impairment. However, our findings should be interpreted cautiously given that most meta-analyses were based on a few studies (≤3) and judged to have a low quality of evidence. Therefore, serious games should be offered as supplemental to existing proven and safe interventions, rather than a complete substitute until further, more robust evidence is available. Future studies should investigate the short and long-term effects of serious games on memory and other cognitive abilities among people from different age groups with or without cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Electronic Cigarettes in Smoking Cessation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Moritz Oberndorfer ◽  
Jismy Fischer ◽  
Winfried Wiesinger ◽  
Sandra Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Introduction Reports of the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation vary across different studies making implementation recommendations hard to attain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence regarding effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation. Methods PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing nicotine ECs with non-nicotine ECs or with established smoking cessation interventions (nicotine replacement therapy [NRT] and or counseling) published between 1 January 2014 and 27 June 2020. Data from eligible studies were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019141414). Results The search yielded 13 950 publications with 12 studies being identified as eligible for systematic review (N = 8362) and 9 studies for random-effects meta-analyses (range: 30–6006 participants). The proportion of smokers achieving abstinence was 1.71 (95 CI: 1.02–2.84) times higher in nicotine EC users compared with non-nicotine EC users. The proportion of abstinent smokers was 1.69 (95 CI: 1.25–2.27) times higher in EC users compared with participants receiving NRT. EC users showed a 2.04 (95 CI: 0.90–4.64) times higher proportion of abstinent smokers in comparison with participants solely receiving counseling. Conclusions Our results suggest that nicotine ECs may be more effective in smoking cessation when compared with placebo ECs or NRT. When compared with counseling alone, nicotine ECs are more effective short term, but its effectiveness appears to diminish with later follow-ups. Given the small number of studies, heterogeneous design, and the overall moderate to low quality of evidence, it is not possible to offer clear recommendations. Implications The results of this study do not allow for a conclusive argument. However, pooling current evidence points toward a potential for ECs as a smoking cessation tool. Though, given the overall quality of evidence, future studies should aim for more clarity in terms of interventions and larger study populations.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Interventions To Enable Hypertension Medication Adherence In Low-And Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Nakwafila ◽  
Benn Sartorius ◽  
Sphamandla Josias Nkambule ◽  
Tivani Mashamba Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background: In recent decades low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are witnessing an increase in hypertension and thus becoming a significant public health issue due to associated Cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Antihypertensive medication adherence is crucial to controlling blood pressure; therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on improving blood pressure control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension in LMICs.Methods: We searched the following databases for relevant literature published between Jan 2005 – Dec 2020: PubMed, EBSCOhost included Academic Search; CINAHL and MEDLINE complete; PubMed; WEB of Science; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar. Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) was used to appraise included studies critically, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to measure the quality of evidence. We conducted a meta‑analysis using DrSimonian-Laid's random-effect model at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The secondary outcomes of interests were synthesised descriptively as changes in BP adherence outcomes. Results: We identified 14 eligible randomised controlled trials that presented blood pressure (BP) effectiveness and medication adherence among BP patients aged between 18-75 years. The overall quality of evidence with the majority of trials was moderate. Meta weighed effect (SBP) for 12/14 studies was -4.74 (95% CI:-6.07 to -3.47) and I2 = 57%. Out of 14 eligible studies, (86%) suggested a significant improvement in the proportion of patients with controlled blood pressure (BP < 140/90mmHG) with a positive effect on secondary outcomes such as quality of life.Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions could be effective in managing hypertension. In recommending the need to investigate the feasibility of non-pharmacological evidence in specific LMIC settings, focus should be on an intervention strategy consisting of an educational intervention directed toward the patients, health professionals and organisation. Considering heterogeneity, randomised trials that are well-designed with larger sample sizes are encouraged in LMICs` to help policymakers make well-informed decisions on hypertension management.Systematic review Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020172954

Abstract 15323: How Often Should Chest Compressions be Paused to Assess the Cardiac Rhythm? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua C Reynolds ◽  
Violetta Raffay ◽  
Eddy Lang ◽  
Peter T Morley ◽  
Kevin Nation
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cardiac Rhythm ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Chest Compressions ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Rhythm Analysis ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Quality Evidence

Objectives: Most guidelines recommend pausing chest compressions at 2-min intervals to analyze the cardiac rhythm. We assessed the literature on the optimal interval at which to pause chest compressions in adults for cardiac rhythm analysis in any setting. Methods: To conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases through January 2, 2015, including human studies addressing any two different intervals of rhythm analysis. We excluded animal studies, manikin studies, case reports, editorials, and studies published only in abstract form. We assessed for bias per the Cochrane Handbook criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies, then used GRADE methodology to evaluate the quality of evidence for functional outcome, survival, and return of spontaneous circulation. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, and resolved disagreement by consensus. We summarized study results using RR for RCTs and OR for observational studies. Meta-analyses were performed with Mantel-Haenszel random effects model. Results: Of 1,135 papers identified, 8 were included (3 RCT and 5 observational studies) encompassing 15,242 subjects. Quality of evidence was very low or low (downgraded for risk of bias and indirectness). RCT comparing specific time intervals (3-minutes vs. immediate analysis; 1-minute vs. 2-minutes; 3-minutes vs. 1-minute) demonstrated no benefit in either arm. Meta-analyses of 5 observational studies demonstrated moderate pooled benefit of a bundled ‘minimally interrupted chest compression’ protocol dictating 200-compression intervals over historical controls treated with 1- or 3-minute intervals per the 2000 guidelines (ROSC: OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3, 2.7; survival to discharge: OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.1, 3.8; good functional outcome: OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.6, 5.4). No pooled estimate had significant heterogeneity. Conclusion: We found no quality evidence to support pausing chest compressions at any singular interval to assess the cardiac rhythm in adults in cardiac arrest in any setting. Very low quality evidence suggests improved outcomes in patients receiving a bundled 200-compression interval protocol compared to 1- or 3-minute intervals.

scholarly journals Cognition-oriented treatments and physical exercise on cognitive function in Huntington's disease: Protocol for systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Huynh ◽  
Leila Nategh ◽  
Sharna Jamadar ◽  
Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis ◽  
Amit Lampit
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cognitive Interventions ◽  
Meta Analyses

Introduction: Cognitive impairments are prevalent in Huntington's disease (HD), occurring many years prior to clinical diagnosis and are the most impactful on quality of life of patients. Cognitive interventions and exercise have been found to be efficacious in improving cognitive function in several clinical populations (e.g., older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia). However, the utility of cognitive interventions has not been systematically reviewed in HD. This systematic review aims to examine the efficacy of cognitive and physical interventions on cognitive function in HD. Methods: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL) were searched through till 10 May 2021 for interventional studies investigating the effect of cognition-oriented treatments and physical exercise on cognitive function in individuals with HD, compared to any control or no control. The primary outcome is change on objective measures of cognition. Additional outcomes include change in psychosocial, functional and neuroimaging measures. Variations of effects based on population and study factors will be considered. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and ROBINS-I tool. Where appropriate, outcomes will be pooled using random-effects meta-analyses, heterogeneity will be examined using tau2 and I2 statistics, and moderators will be examined using meta-regression models. Discussion: This review will systematically evaluate the efficacy of cognitive and physical interventions on improving cognitive function in HD. The eligibility criteria and planned analyses will allow for a comprehensive assessment of certainty in the evidence that will inform future trials and clinical practice. Registration: This protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021259152).

scholarly journals Neurological Outcome Following Newborn Encephalopathy With and Without Perinatal Infection: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mads Andersen ◽  
Mette Vestergård Pedersen ◽  
Ted Carl Kejlberg Andelius ◽  
Kasper Jacobsen Kyng ◽  
Tine Brink Henriksen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Perinatal Infection ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Studies have suggested that neurological outcome may differ in newborns with encephalopathy with and without perinatal infection. We aimed to systematically review this association.Methods: We conducted this systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies were obtained from four databases including Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Database. Newborns with encephalopathy with and without markers of perinatal infection were compared with regard to neurodevelopmental assessments, neurological disorders, and early biomarkers of brain damage. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).Results: We screened 4,284 studies of which eight cohort studies and one case-control study met inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was composed due to heterogeneity between studies. Six studies were classified as having low risk of bias, while three studies were classified as having high risk of bias. Across all outcomes, the quality of evidence was very low. The neurological outcome was similar in newborns with encephalopathy with and without markers of perinatal infection.Conclusions: Further studies of higher quality are needed to clarify whether perinatal infection may affect neurological outcome following newborn encephalopathy.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020185717.

Pre-emptive epidural analgesia for acute and chronic post-thoracotomy pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 1006-1016
Author(s):  
Sun-Kyung Park ◽  
Susie Yoon ◽  
Bo Rim Kim ◽  
Suk Hyung Choe ◽  
Jae-Hyon Bahk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Epidural Analgesia ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Grade Method ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Thoracotomy Incision

Background and objectivesEpidural analgesia is the gold standard for post-thoracotomy pain management and can be started before or after surgical incision. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether pre-emptive epidural analgesia before thoracotomy incision reduces acute and chronic post-thoracotomy pain in adults compared with epidural analgesia after incision.MethodsWe searched databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials comparing epidural analgesia initiated before (pre-emptive group) and after (control group) thoracotomy incision in adults. The primary outcomes were the pain intensity during rest and coughing within 72 hours after surgery and the incidence of pain 1 to 6 months after surgery. Data were combined with random-effects meta-analyses. We rated the quality of evidence as high, moderate, low, and very low using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method.ResultsWe included 19 trials with 1062 participants involving 529 in the pre-emptive group and 533 in the control group. The pain intensity was significantly lower at rest within 72 hours after surgery (19 studies, n=1062) and during coughing within 48 hours after surgery (11 studies, n=638), and the incidence of pain was significantly lower 1 to 6 months after surgery (6 studies, n=276) in the pre-emptive group than in the control group. The quality of evidence was moderate or low in the primary outcomes.ConclusionsOur review provides low-quality evidence that pre-emptive epidural analgesia reduces the intensity of acute pain and the incidence of chronic pain after thoracotomy in adults.Protocol registration numberCRD42019131620.

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