Optimal reconstruction methods after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis update
AbstractBackgroundDistal gastrectomy (DG) is a commonly used surgical procedure for gastric cancer (GC), with three reconstruction methods available: Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y. In 2018, our team published a systematic review to provide guidance for clinical practice on the optimal reconstruction method after DG for GC. However, since then, new evidence from several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has emerged, prompting us to conduct an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis to provide the latest comparative estimates of the efficacy and safety of the three reconstruction methods after DG for G...
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 6, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Leveraging multisectoral approach to understand the determinants of childhood stunting in Rwanda: a systematic review and meta-analysis
ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that improving women ’s status, particularly maternal education and health; access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors; and the socioeconomic status of communities, especially those in rural areas, will lay a sound foundation for reducing stunting among under-5 children. (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 5, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Impact of health system strengthening interventions on child survival in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol
DiscussionOur systematic review will identify and evaluate all relevant evidence that establishes a causal relationship between HSS activities and the survival of children under five years in SSA. The review ’s findings regarding the impact of HSS activities on child survival could be of significant interest to the donor community and policy actors in the region. We also anticipate that the review’s conclusions could serve as a valuable guide for the development of future health system interventions and strategies in SSA.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022333913. (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 5, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Screening for hypertension in adults: protocol for evidence reviews to inform a Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guideline update
DiscussionThe results of the evidence reviews will be used to inform Canadian recommendations on screening for hypertension in adults aged 18  years and older.Systematic review registrationThis protocol is registered on PROSPERO and is available on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/8w4tz). (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 5, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Factors influencing HPV vaccine implementation in South Asia: a scoping review protocol
Conclusions/discussionThe evaluation is anticipated to map the barriers and enablers influencing the rollout of the human papillomavirus vaccine. Lessons learned from the South Asian countries, where the vaccine has been implemented, may contribute to aiding the implementation of the vaccine in countries with similar health systems  in an effective manner.Systematic review registrationThe protocol was prospectively registered on the “open science framework”. The registration DOI ishttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/T5SW9. (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 5, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Measurement properties of the EQ-5D in children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol
DiscussionThis systematic review will provide comprehensive information about the evidence regarding the measurement properties of EQ-5D instruments in children and adolescents of different settings and countries.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework with Registrationhttps://osf.io/r8kt9/ and PROSPERO: CRD42020218382. (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 5, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Effect of glycemic control on cognitive function in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
ConclusionsT1DM patients with suboptimal glycemic control may have a worse cognitive function, mainly focusing on the full-scale intellectual quotient. The current study highlights the significance of maintaining satisfactory glycemic control in T1DM patients to improve their health status and quality of life. Standardized tests should be employed in clinical neuropsychological practice to provide early and complete cognitive assessment of individuals with poor glycemic control.Systematic review registrationThe study protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023390456). (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Intravenous iron versus blood transfusion for postpartum anemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
DiscussionFor all outcomes, the evidence for RBC-T, compared to IV-iron, non-intervention, or dose effects of RBC-T is very limited. Further research is needed to determine whether RBC-T or IV-iron for the treatment of PPA is superior for fatigue and hematological outcomes. (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and Indigenous Peoples ’ health and wellbeing: a systematic umbrella review protocol
DiscussionThis protocol outlines our approach to systematically and transparently review synthesized literature that examines the intersections of climate change, biodiversity loss, and Indigenous Peoples ’ health and wellbeing globally.Systematic review registrationThis protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on April 24, 2023 (registration number: CRD42023417060). (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Building capacity for network meta-analysis in Sub-Saharan Africa: reflections and future direction
AbstractRobust, relevant, comprehensive, and up-to-date evidence syntheses are the cornerstone for evidence-informed healthcare decisions. When considering multiple treatment options, network meta-analysis (NMA) systematic reviews play a key role in informing impactful decisions and clinical practice guidelines. However, the capacity and literacy to conduct NMA systematic reviews and interpret its results remains out of reach for many clinicians and review authors, especially in low-to-middle-income countries. Despite ample resources and guides, NMA capacity and training opportunities remain limited to non-existent in Sub-...
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Publication bias in otorhinolaryngology meta-analyses in 2021
In this study, we assessed how much the meta-analyses in the field of otorhinolaryngology in 2021 evaluated the presence of PB.MethodsSix of the most influential journals in the field were selected. A search was conducted, and data were extracted from the included studies. In cases where PB was not assessed by the authors, we evaluated the risk of its presence by designing funnel plots and performing statistical tests.ResultsSeventy-five systematic reviews were included. Fifty-one percent of them used at least one method for assessing the risk of PB, with the visual inspection of a funnel plot being the most frequent metho...
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Evaluation of the design and structure of electronic medication labels to improve patient health knowledge and safety: a systematic review
ConclusionIt is essential to present medication information in an optimal manner for patients. This can be done by standardizing the content, display, and format of medication labels to improve understanding and medication usage. Evidence-based design principles can, therefore, be used to facilitate the standardization of the structure of label content for both print and electronic devices. However, more research needs to be done on validating the implications of label content display to measure its impact on patient safety.Systemic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022347510 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/). (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

The secretor status of blood group antigens in the saliva in people with oral cancers: a systematic review
This study aimed to evaluate the secretor status of ABO antigens of saliva in patients with oral cancers or oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) relative to healthy adults.MethodsA systematic and comprehensive online search from inception to April 28, 2022, was carried out in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and Emcare. The language was limited to English. Yielded records were screened by two independent reviewers at the title and abstract phase and at full-text screening. Studies investigating adults ( ≥ 18 years) with oral cancers or oral potentially malignant disorders compared to adults free of oral cancer were in...
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

Reported outcomes in patients with iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia undergoing major surgery: a systematic review of outcomes
ConclusionThis systematic review comprehensively depicts the heterogeneity of reported outcomes in studies investigating iron supplementation in ID(A) patients regarding exact definitions and timing. Our analysis provides a systematic base for consenting to a minimal COS.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020214247 (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research

How can quality be measured within a physician-led Community Emergency Medical service? A scoping review protocol
DiscussionThis is the first stage of a larger research study aimed at developing national quality indicators for CEM. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive review of quality indicators that could be used within CEM. The results will be mapped using a framework and identify gaps in the literature to help guide future-focused research. (Source: Systematic Reviews)
Source: Systematic Reviews - January 2, 2024 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research