1
|
de la Torre Laso J. The Reality of Tonic Immobility in Victims of Sexual Violence: "I was Paralyzed, I Couldn't Move". Trauma Violence Abuse 2024; 25:1630-1637. [PMID: 37555259 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231191232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Tonic immobility (TI) is a state of temporary, involuntary motor inhibition that occurs in states of intense fear and has been studied among victims of sexual violence. Studies on TI are scarce and mainly focus on rape victims. The present study is a literature review of research that has examined TI in women victims of sexual violence. A database search was carried out using the Preferred data elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. In order to be included in the analysis, the manuscripts had to deal exclusively with research involving samples of subjects and the study analyzed TI in victims of sexual violence. In all, 11 manuscripts met the above criteria and were included in the review. Research describes that TI is characterized by two factors: fear and immobility. Quantitative research was conclusive in affirming the presence of a state of paralysis and fear in TI. The immobility factor is the determining factor in explaining the victim's lack of defense or resistance and causes effects such as trembling, physical and mental paralysis, inability to vocalize, and eye closure. In addition, TI has been correlated with long-term negative clinical manifestations as victims are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. These findings contribute to an understanding of TI in victims of sexual violence. Therefore, legal and care practitioners must be able to recognize TI to understand the victim's behavior, differentiate it from consent, and to be able to assist in their recovery.
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Z, Lu C, Wang Y, E F, Mentis AFA, Li X, Yang K. Association between ultra-processed foods consumption and the risk of hypertension: An umbrella review of systematic reviews. Hellenic J Cardiol 2024; 76:99-109. [PMID: 37543089 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several systematic reviews (SRs) have investigated the association between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the risk of hypertension in various populations. However, the quality of the evidence remains unclear. This umbrella review was thus conducted to fill this gap. METHODS We searched for SRs with and without meta-analyses comparing high UPF versus low UPF consumption on the risk of hypertension in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to August 2022. This study was registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42022352934). The A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) tool and the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 2009 (PRISMA 2009) statement were used to evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of the included SRs. Stata 15/SE was used to reanalyse the data using the random-effects model, and the risk of bias of observational studies from included SRs was reassessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. The certainty of the evidence body was assessed using the GRADE recommendation. RESULTS Seven SRs were included in the umbrella review. Among them, nine observational studies (5 cross-sectional and 4 cohort studies), whose available data were resynthesised using meta-analysis. The methodological and reporting quality of the included SRs were relatively poor. The meta-analysis results revealed suggestive evidence of an association between high UPF consumption and the incidence of hypertension (odds ratio: 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 1.37, p < 0.001, 95% prediction interval: 0.92 to 1.64, critically low certainty) compared to low UPF consumption. CONCLUSION High UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of hypertension. However, well-conducted SRs, including high-quality prospective cohort studies, are needed to further verify these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Wang
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Cuncun Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Fenfen E
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | | | - Xiuxia Li
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Kehu Yang
- Health Technology Assessment Center, Evidence-Based Social Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Evidence Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tosin MH, Goetz CG, Stebbins GT. Patient With Parkinson Disease and Care Partner Perceptions of Key Domains Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life: Systematic Review. Neurology 2024; 102:e208028. [PMID: 38215353 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000208028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To effectively customize Parkinson disease (PD) programs, it is important to incorporate the "individual's voice" and have a thorough understanding of the symptom priorities of people with PD (PwP) and care partners (CP). In this convergent integrated mixed-method systematic review, we aimed to analyze qualitative and quantitative evidence of PD motor and nonmotor symptoms affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in PwP and CP, comparing priorities across different levels of disease severity. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus; ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global; and the Michael J. Fox Foundation Data Resources for studies published up to June 29, 2022. We included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies investigating PD symptom priorities among PwP and CP. We critically appraised eligible studies for methodological quality using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Derived terms were mapped and coded according to thematic attribution. Independent syntheses of qualitative and quantitative evidence and transformation of quantitative data into qualitative formats were performed. RESULTS Of the 7,716 identified studies, we included 70 that provided qualitative (n = 13), quantitative (n = 53), and mixed (n = 4) evidence. We included 604 mapped terms representing 11 PwP-identified and CP-identified motor and nonmotor symptom categories. Across all PD stages, both PwP and CP considered 5 domains more affecting their HRQOL, namely: "motor functionality," "mood," "cognition," "gait, balance, posture, and falls," and "nighttime sleep disorders." In early disease, PwP and CP considered "mood" the domain that most affected their HRQOL. In advanced PD, PwP considered "pain" the domain that most affects their HRQOL, while CP considered "psychiatric symptoms." The domain "gait, balance, posture, and falls" was equally considered by both PwP and CP as the second domain that most affects their HRQOL in the advanced stage of PD. DISCUSSION The ranking of the priority of symptoms is largely shared by PwP and CP, and motor symptom priorities dominate the full disease spectrum. However, the nonmotor symptom priorities shift according to the disease severity stage. Tailored care and research require that providers consider these shifting priorities and incorporate the "individual's voice" into treatment decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H Tosin
- From the Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Glenn T Stebbins
- From the Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu C, Ke L, Zhang Q, Deng X, Shang W, Zhao X, Li Y, Xie Y, Wang Z. Quality of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of resveratrol: A methodological systematic review. Phytother Res 2024; 38:11-21. [PMID: 37767776 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several meta-analyses (MAs) have focused on the health effects of resveratrol. However, the methodological and reporting quality of these MAs has not yet been fully evaluated so far. Therefore, the present study evaluated the quality of these MAs through a methodological systematic review. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception until May 20, 2022, and PubMed was used to update the search until September 6, 2023. The methodological and reporting quality of the selected MAs was evaluated using AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA 2009. Fifty-one MAs published during 2013-2023 were included. In each review, the number of primary studies ranged from 3 to 37, and the number of participants ranged from 50 to 2114. Among the first-listed primary outcomes, only 23 (45.10%) were "positive." As for the methodological quality, most MAs (44, 86.27%) on resveratrol were rated critically low. Inadequate reporting of the included MAs mainly involved items 2 ("Structured summary"), 5 ("Protocol and registration"), 8 ("Search"), 9 ("Study selection"), 10 ("Data collection process"), 12 ("Risk of bias in individual studies"), and 24 ("Summary of evidence") based on the PRISMA 2009. Additionally, journal's impact factor, number of authors, and funding support were positively associated with the overall methodological quality but were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Future MAs on resveratrol require better design, implementation, and reporting by following the Cochrane Handbook, AMSTAR-2, and PRISMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuncun Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Ke
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuxiu Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu Pidu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenru Shang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Xie
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tufanaru C, Surian D, Scott AM, Glasziou P, Coiera E. The 2-week systematic review (2weekSR) method was successfully blind-replicated by another team: a case study. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 165:111197. [PMID: 37879542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the replicability of a 2-week systematic review (index 2weekSR) created with the assistance of automation tools using the fidelity method. METHODS A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses compliant SR protocol was developed based on the published information of the index 2weekSR study. The replication team consisted of three reviewers. Two reviewers blocked off time during the replication. The total time to complete tasks and the meta-analysis results were compared with the index 2weekSR study. Review process fidelity scores (FSs) were calculated for review methods and outcomes. Barriers to completing the replication were identified. RESULTS The review was completed over 63 person-hours (11 workdays/15 calendar days). A FS of 0.95 was achieved for the methods, with 3 (of 8) tasks only partially replicated, and an FS of 0.63 for the outcomes, with 6 (of 7) only partially replicated and one task was not replicated. Nonreplication was mainly caused by missing information in the index 2weekSR study that was not required in standard reporting guidelines. The replication arrived at the same conclusions as the original study. CONCLUSION A 2weekSR study was replicated by a small team of three reviewers supported by automation tools. Including additional information when reporting SRs should improve their replicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Tufanaru
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Level 6, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Didi Surian
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Level 6, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
| | - Anna Mae Scott
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Drive, Robina, Queensland 4226, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Drive, Robina, Queensland 4226, Australia
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Level 6, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mainou M, Bougioukas KI, Malandris K, Liakos A, Klonizakis P, Avgerinos I, Haidich AB, Tsapas A. Reporting of adverse events of treatment interventions in multiple myeloma: an overview of systematic reviews. Ann Hematol 2023:10.1007/s00277-023-05517-7. [PMID: 37935924 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The present study is an overview of systematic reviews focusing on adverse events of antimyeloma treatments. It provides a systematic description of adverse events as they are reported in the systematic reviews as well as a critical appraisal of included reviews. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the most widely used electronic databases looking for systematic reviews that had an adverse event of an antimyeloma treatment intervention as primary outcome. Two independent reviewers conducted selection of included studies and data extraction on predesigned online forms and assessed study quality using AMSTAR 2. Overall corrected covered area (CCA) was calculated to examine the overlap of primary studies across systematic reviews. After screening eligible studies, 23 systematic reviews were included in this overview. Seven reviews with overall CCA of 14.7% examined cardiovascular adverse events of different drugs, including immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors (mainly carfilzomib). Nine focused on infections, presenting with overall CCA of 5.8%, each one focused on a different drug or drug class. Three studied thromboembolism in patients treated either with lenalidomide, any immunomodulatory drug, or with daratumumab and had an overall CCA equal to 1.5%. Four more reviews focused on bortezomib-associated neurotoxicity, carfilzomib-associated renal toxicity, or second primary malignancies as an adverse event of lenalidomide or anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody treatment. The quality of included studies as judged by AMSTAR 2 was mostly critically low. Absence of a priori registered protocol and formal assessment of risk of bias of included primary studies were the most common shortcomings. Reporting of antimyeloma drug-associated toxicity is supported by multiple systematic reviews; nevertheless, methodological quality of existing reviews is mostly low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mainou
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos I Bougioukas
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Malandris
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aris Liakos
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Philippos Klonizakis
- Adult Thalassemia Unit, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Avgerinos
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna-Betinna Haidich
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Tsapas
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Diabetes Centre, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Puljak L, Lund H. Definition, harms, and prevention of redundant systematic reviews. Syst Rev 2023; 12:63. [PMID: 37016459 PMCID: PMC10071231 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02191-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Along with other types of research, it has been stated that the extent of redundancy in systematic reviews has reached epidemic proportions. However, it was also emphasized that not all duplication is bad, that replication in research is essential, and that it can help discover unfortunate behaviors of scientists. Thus, the question is how to define a redundant systematic review, the harmful consequences of such reviews, and what we could do to prevent the unnecessary amount of this redundancy. MAIN BODY There is no consensus definition of a redundant systematic review. Also, it needs to be defined what amount of overlap between systematic reviews is acceptable and not considered a redundancy. One needs to be aware that it is possible that the authors did not intend to create a redundant systematic review. A new review on an existing topic, which is not an update, is likely justified only when it can be shown that the previous review was inadequate, for example, due to suboptimal methodology. Redundant meta-analyses could have scientific, ethical, and economic questions for researchers and publishers, and thus, they should be avoided, if possible. Potential solutions for preventing redundant reviews include the following: (1) mandatory prospective registration of systematic reviews; (2) editors and peer reviewers rejecting duplicate/redundant and inadequate reviews; (3) modifying the reporting checklists for systematic reviews; (4) developing methods for evidence-based research (EBR) monitoring; (5) defining systematic reviews; (6) defining the conclusiveness of systematic reviews; (7) exploring interventions for the adoption of methodological advances; (8) killing off zombie reviews (i.e., abandoned registered reviews); (9) better prevention of duplicate reviews at the point of registration; (10) developing living systematic reviews; and (11) education of researchers. CONCLUSIONS Disproportionate redundancy of the same or very similar systematic reviews can lead to scientific, ethical, economic, and societal harms. While it is not realistic to expect that the creation of redundant systematic reviews can be completely prevented, some preventive measures could be tested and implemented to try to reduce the problem. Further methodological research and development in this field will be welcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Puljak
- Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Hans Lund
- Section Evidence-Based Practice, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alqaidoom Z, Nguyen PY, Awadh M, Page MJ. Impact of searching clinical trials registers in systematic reviews of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions: Reanalysis of meta-analyses. Res Synth Methods 2023; 14:52-67. [PMID: 35796034 PMCID: PMC10087877 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Systematic reviewers are advised to search trials registers to minimise risk of reporting biases. However, there has been little research on the impact of searching trials registers on the results of meta-analyses. We aimed to evaluate the impact of searching clinical trials registers for systematic reviews of pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical interventions. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index, and Education Collection for systematic reviews with meta-analyses indexed from 2 November to 2 December 2020. A random sample of systematic reviews was initially drawn, and for reviews which considered randomised trials eligible for inclusion, which had not searched a trials register, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov, EudraCT, ANZCTR, and the WHO ICTRP search portal for eligible trials. We compared meta-analytic effect estimates before and after including results from additional trials identified. We found additional trials for 63% (63/101) of eligible reviews; however, trials with results that could contribute to a meta-analysis were identified for only 20% (20/101) of the reviews. On average, there was no difference in the meta-analytic effect estimates before versus after adding the new trials. In summary, searching clinical trial registers led to identification of additional trials for many reviews; however, very few trials had results available for inclusion in meta-analyses. Including results from the new trials led to no change in the meta-analytic estimates, on average. Trials registers would be even more valuable to systematic reviewers if more trialists made use of them (i.e., registered their trials and posted results in a timely manner).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Alqaidoom
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Phi-Yen Nguyen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maryam Awadh
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Matthew J Page
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nguyen PY, Kanukula R, McKenzie JE, Alqaidoom Z, Brennan SE, Haddaway NR, Hamilton DG, Karunananthan S, McDonald S, Moher D, Nakagawa S, Nunan D, Tugwell P, Welch VA, Page MJ. Changing patterns in reporting and sharing of review data in systematic reviews with meta-analysis of the effects of interventions: cross sectional meta-research study. BMJ 2022; 379:e072428. [PMID: 36414269 PMCID: PMC9679891 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine changes in completeness of reporting and frequency of sharing data, analytical code, and other review materials in systematic reviews over time; and factors associated with these changes. DESIGN Cross sectional meta-research study. POPULATION Random sample of 300 systematic reviews with meta-analysis of aggregate data on the effects of a health, social, behavioural, or educational intervention. Reviews were indexed in PubMed, Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, Scopus, and Education Collection in November 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The extent of complete reporting and the frequency of sharing review materials in the systematic reviews indexed in 2020 were compared with 110 systematic reviews indexed in February 2014. Associations between completeness of reporting and various factors (eg, self-reported use of reporting guidelines, journal policies on data sharing) were examined by calculating risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Several items were reported suboptimally among 300 systematic reviews from 2020, such as a registration record for the review (n=113; 38%), a full search strategy for at least one database (n=214; 71%), methods used to assess risk of bias (n=185; 62%), methods used to prepare data for meta-analysis (n=101; 34%), and source of funding for the review (n=215; 72%). Only a few items not already reported at a high frequency in 2014 were reported more frequently in 2020. No evidence indicated that reviews using a reporting guideline were more completely reported than reviews not using a guideline. Reviews published in 2020 in journals that mandated either data sharing or inclusion of data availability statements were more likely to share their review materials (eg, data, code files) than reviews in journals without such mandates (16/87 (18%) v 4/213 (2%)). CONCLUSION Incomplete reporting of several recommended items for systematic reviews persists, even in reviews that claim to have followed a reporting guideline. Journal policies on data sharing might encourage sharing of review materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phi-Yen Nguyen
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Raju Kanukula
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joanne E McKenzie
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zainab Alqaidoom
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sue E Brennan
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Neal R Haddaway
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Müncheberg, Germany
- Stockholm Environment Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- African Centre for Evidence, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Daniel G Hamilton
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sathya Karunananthan
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Steve McDonald
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Moher
- Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Programme, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Nunan
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vivian A Welch
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew J Page
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chin JM, Growns B, Sebastian J, Page MJ, Nakagawa S. The transparency and reproducibility of systematic reviews in forensic science. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 340:111472. [PMID: 36179444 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Systematic reviews are indispensable tools for both reliably informing decision-makers about the state of the field and for identifying areas that need further study. Their value, however, depends on their transparency and reproducibility. Readers should be able to determine what was searched for and when, where the authors searched, and whether that search was predetermined or evolved based on what was found. In this article, we measured the transparency and reproducibility of systematic reviews in forensic science, a field where courts, policymakers, and legislators count on systematic reviews to make informed decisions. In a sample of 100 systematic reviews published between 2018 and 2021, we found that completeness of reporting varied markedly. For instance, 50 % of reviews claimed to follow a reporting guideline and such statements were only modestly related to compliance with that reporting guideline. As to specific reporting items, 82 % reported all of the databases searched, 22 % reported the review's full Boolean search logic, and just 7 % reported the review was registered. Among meta-analyses (n = 23), only one stated data was available and none stated the analytic code was available. After considering the results, we end with recommendations for improved regulation of reporting practices, especially among journals. Our results may serve as a useful benchmark as the field evolves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Chin
- College of Law, Australian National University, Australia.
| | - Bethany Growns
- School of Social and International Studies, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Sebastian
- College of Law, Australian National University, Australia
| | - Matthew J Page
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cristea I, Naudet F, Caquelin L. Meta-research studies should improve and evaluate their own data sharing practices. J Clin Epidemiol 2022:S0895-4356(22)00129-9. [PMID: 35623542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Data sharing is gradually becoming a requirement across all fields of science, owing to its key benefits in verifying the reproducibility of findings and reusing existent data for new purposes. Although meta-research studies are complex, time-consuming and hinge on the availability of data produced and curated by others, there has been little focus on how they make their own data available. This is in stark contrast with the heightened attention data sharing has received in clinical research. Yet, as secondary data users par excellence, meta-researchers are ethically bound to both improving and evaluating data sharing practices, as well as correctly sharing their own data. We contrast particularities of data sharing in meta-research and clinical research, such as benefits, barriers, inadequate and potentially pervasive sharing practices. We conclude with an array of concrete and tailored recommendations for improvement.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of COVID-19 remains high worldwide. Therefore, millions of individuals are likely to suffer from fear of COVID-19 and related mental health factors. AIMS The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize empirical evidence to understand fear of COVID-19 and its associations with mental health-related problems during this pandemic period. METHOD Relevant studies were searched for on five databases (Scopus, ProQuest, EMBASE, PubMed Central, and ISI Web of Knowledge), using relevant terms (COVID-19-related fear, anxiety, depression, mental health-related factors, mental well-being and sleep problems). All studies were included for analyses irrespective of their methodological quality, and the impact of quality on pooled effect size was examined by subgroup analysis. RESULTS The meta-analysis pooled data from 91 studies comprising 88 320 participants (mean age 38.88 years; 60.66% females) from 36 countries. The pooled estimated mean of fear of COVID-19 was 13.11 (out of 35), using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The associations between fear of COVID-19 and mental health-related factors were mostly moderate (Fisher's z = 0.56 for mental health-related factors; 0.54 for anxiety; 0.42 for stress; 0.40 for depression; 0.29 for sleep problems and -0.24 for mental well-being). Methodological quality did not affect these associations. CONCLUSIONS Fear of COVID-19 has associations with various mental health-related factors. Therefore, programmes for reducing fear of COVID-19 and improving mental health are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Alimoradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Maurice M Ohayon
- Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center (SSERC), School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, UK
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; and Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
| | - Amir H Pakpour
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran; and Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Page MJ, Nguyen P, Hamilton DG, Haddaway NR, Kanukula R, Moher D, Mckenzie JE. Data and code availability statements in systematic reviews of interventions were often missing or inaccurate: a content analysis. J Clin Epidemiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
14
|
Boers N, Martin E, Mazur M, Krijgh DD, Vlak MHM, de Ruiter GCW, Goedee HS, Coert JH. Sonographic normal values for the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ultrasound 2022; 26:81-88. [PMID: 35182316 PMCID: PMC10063700 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-022-00661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nerve size is a commonly used sonographic parameter when assessing suspected entrapment of the ulnar nerve. We aimed to create a robust set of normal values, based on a critical review of published normal values. METHODS We performed a systematic evaluation of studies on normal ulnar nerve sizes, identified in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Using meta-analyses, we determined pooled mean cross-sectional area (CSA) values for different anatomical locations of the ulnar nerve throughout the arm. Subgroup analyses were performed for gender, probe frequency, in- or exclusion of diabetic patients, position of the elbow and Asian versus other populations. RESULTS We identified 90 studies of which 77 studies were included for further analyses after quality review, resulting in data from 5772 arms of 3472 participants. Subgroup analyses show lower CSA values at at the wrist crease and proximal to the wrist crease when using low frequency probes (< 15 MHz) and at the wrist crease, proximal to the wrist crease, proximal forearm and the distal upper arm in Asians. CSA values were lower when in flexed position compared to extended position for the cubital tunnel inlet only. No difference was found for gender. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review provides a comprehensive set of normal values at sites along the entire length of the ulnar nerve. This provides a foundation for clinical practise and upon which future studies could be more systematically compared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Boers
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Enrico Martin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Mazur
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - David D Krijgh
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique H M Vlak
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Godard C W de Ruiter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - H Stephan Goedee
- Department of Neurology, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Henk Coert
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mermelstein S, Stevens H. TRIPS to Where? A Narrative Review of the Empirical Literature on Intellectual Property Licensing Models to Promote Global Diffusion of Essential Medicines. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:48. [PMID: 35056944 PMCID: PMC8779122 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Governed through the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) since 1995, the current medical R&D system requires significant trade-offs between innovation and high monopoly prices for patented drugs that restrict patient access to medicines. Since its implementation, few amendments have been made to the original TRIPS agreement to allow low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to facilitate access by generic manufacturers through flexible provisions, such as compulsory licensing and parallel import. Although a useful policy tool in theory, the routine use of TRIPS flexibilities in LMICs in the procurement of new essential medicines (EMs) is regarded as a 'last resort' due to strong political response in high-income countries (HICs) and new trade agreements' restrictions. In this context, access-oriented biomedical Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged. More recently, leading multilateral health organizations have recommended different types of intellectual property (IP) interventions, voluntary biomedical patent pools, as strategies to reduce prices and increase the diffusion of novel EMs in LMICs. Nevertheless, the recent Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks highlight growing concerns regarding the use of TRIPS flexibilities and the limited success of voluntary mechanisms in promoting access to medicines in the Global South amidst health crises. This review aims at describing the state-of-the-art empirical research on IP-related options and voluntary mechanisms applied by emerging PPPs to guarantee timely and affordable access to EM in LMICs and reflect on both models as access paradigms. Some suggestions are put forward for future research paths on the basis of these analyses and in response to contemporary debates on waiving key IP rights on COVID-19 therapies, diagnostics, and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Mermelstein
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Healthcare (I3h), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Hilde Stevens
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Healthcare (I3h), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Puljak L, Pieper D. Replicability in the context of systematic reviews: a call for a framework with considerations regarding duplication, overlap and intentionality. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 142:313-314. [PMID: 34780981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Puljak
- Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Dawid Pieper
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Institute for Health Services and Health System Research, Rüdersdorf, Germany; Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|