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Paediatric penile length: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess geographical variation in stretched penile length among prepubertal boys and evaluate temporal trends over the past two decades, as defining reference values for genital organ size remains crucial for early identification of development disorders. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases (no deadlines for publishing were imposed) were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses statement. Five authors independently extracted individual participant data and assessed the risk of bias. Studies with quantitative penile lengths were included; those involving congenital malformations were excluded. The review protocol was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42022335643). RESULTS: A total of 55 studies from 2000 to 2024 were evaluated, including data from 31&#x2009;915 boys. Pooled mean stretched penile length estimates were 3.07&#x2009;cm (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.88-3.26&#x2009;cm) for the 1-week-old boys, 3.73&#x2009;cm (95% CI 3.53-3.93&#x2009;cm) for the 1-year-old boys, 4.69&#x2009;cm (95% CI 4.49-4.88&#x2009;cm) for the 2-5&#x2009;year-old boys, and 5.43&#x2009;cm (95% CI 5.20-5.66&#x2009;cm) for the 5-10&#x2009;year- old boys. When comparing data from the 2000s to the 2020s, stretched penile length decreased by 16.2% (from 3.46 to 2.90&#x2009;cm), 16.3% (from 4.17 to 3.49&#x2009;cm), 21.5% (from 5.31 to 4.17) and 26.2% (from 6.46 to 4.77&#x2009;cm) in the 1-week-old, 1-year-old, 2-5-year-old and 5-10-year-old boys, respectively. Subgroup analysis for those aged >2&#x2009;years showed significant variations by geographical region (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study observed large variations in penile length across geographical regions and among prepubescent boys of different ages, while also suggesting a possible decline over the past two decades.

Humans↗

Prevalence and incidence studies of schizophrenic disorders: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of a systematic review of the literature published between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2000, that reports findings on the prevalence and incidence of schizophrenia and related disorders. METHOD: We conducted a literature search of schizophrenia-related epidemiological studies, using Medline and HealthSTAR databases and canvassing English-language publications. We used a set of predetermined inclusion-exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. Eligible publications were restricted to age ranges of 18 years and over for prevalence studies and 15 years and over for incidence studies. Prevalence and incidence data were extracted and analyzed for heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 18 prevalence and 8 incidence studies met eligibility criteria for the review. Heterogeneity analysis revealed significant differences across 1-year and lifetime prevalence and 1-year incidence of schizophrenia. The corresponding pooled rates were: 0.34 per 100, 0.55 per 100, and 11.1 per 100,000, respectively; the variation in rates between studies was generally between 2- and 5-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Although we restricted this review to studies using rigorous and relatively homogeneous methods, there remains significant heterogeneity of prevalence and incidence rates. This strengthens support for the hypothesis that there is real variation in the distribution of schizophrenia around the world. Health planners need to have local data on schizophrenia rates to improve the accuracy of their interventions, while clinicians and researchers need to continue to investigate the etiology of this variation.

Humans↗

[Vasodilators for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects and safety of vasodilators on sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSHL). SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic databases: MEDLINE from 1966, EMBASE from 1974, the Cochrane Controlled Trails Register, Chinese Bio-medicine Database from 1989. Hand search: Five kinds of Chinese otolaryngology journals were selected. Literature references were checked intensively. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing vasodilators with placebo or other drugs in patients with SSHL. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three reviewers independently accessed the quality of trials and extracted the data. RESULTS: Thirteen trials with 1,155 patients were eligible and covered in the systematic review. Ten of the trials were conducted in developed countries, and three in China. None of the four trials showed the effects of vasodilators on SSHL were better than that of placebo. None of the seven trials comparing different drugs showed the effects of one kind of vasodilators were better than that of the other vasodilators. Two trials showed that some other drugs, such as batroxobin and hypaque were probably better than the vasodilators (dextran, papaverine, 654-2, danshen). Eight trials showed side effects of vasodilators, such as pruritus, allergy, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the systematic review of current eligible randomized controlled clinical trials, there is no evidence to prove that vasodilator therapy is more effective than placebo or other therapies for SSHL, or the effects of one kind of vasodilators to be better than that of the other vasodilators. So far we can't draw a reliable conclusion about the effects of vasodilators for SSHL. In addition, we must pay attention to their potential adverse reactions.

Databases, Bibliographic↗

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis of the knee affects up to 10% of the elderly population. The condition is frequently treated by intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of this treatment. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, BIOSIS and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register from inception until April 2004 using a combination of search terms for knee osteoarthritis and hyaluronic acid and a filter for randomized controlled trials. We extracted data on pain at rest, pain during or immediately after movement, joint function and adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-two trials that reported usable quantitative information on any of the predefined end points were identified and included in the systematic review. Even though pain at rest may be improved by hyaluronic acid, the data available from these studies did not allow an appropriate assessment of this end point. Patients who received the intervention experienced a reduction in pain during movement: the mean difference on a 100-mm visual analogue scale was -3.8 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] -9.1 to 1.4 mm) after 2-6 weeks, -4.3 mm (95% CI -7.6 to -0.9 mm) after 10-14 weeks and -7.1 mm (95% CI -11.8 to -2.4 mm) after 22-30 weeks. However, this effect was not compatible with a clinically meaningful difference (expected to be about 15 mm on the visual analogue scale). Furthermore, the effect was exaggerated by trials not reporting an intention-to-treat analysis. No improvement in knee function was observed at any time point. Even so, the effect of hyaluronic acid on knee function was more favourable when allocation was not concealed. Adverse events occurred slightly more often among patients who received the intervention (relative risk 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15). Only 4 trials explicitly reported allocation concealment, had blinded outcome assessment and presented intention-to-treat data. INTERPRETATION: According to the currently available evidence, intra-articular hyaluronic acid has not been proven clinically effective and may be associated with a greater risk of adverse events. Large trials with clinically relevant and uniform end points are necessary to clarify the benefit-risk ratio.

Humans↗

A systematic review of psychological interventions for the treatment of nonadherence to fluid-intake restrictions in people receiving hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Psychological interventions aimed at improving adherence to fluid-intake restrictions in patients receiving hemodialysis have become increasingly common. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the literature examining the impact of these interventions associated with patient interdialytic weight gain (IWG). METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was performed on EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsychINFO. The search was augmented by manually examining reference lists of reviews and retrieved reports. Study quality was graded according to criteria developed by the authors. Two additional independent researchers separately coded a random sample of studies to avoid bias of rating. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. Relevant information from each included study was extracted and entered into a standardized table. Nearly all studies showed a postintervention decrease in IWG. A number of method weaknesses in the existing literature were identified. CONCLUSION: Studies investigating psychological interventions aimed at improving adherence to fluid-intake restrictions appear to indicate some success in decreasing IWG. However, confidence regarding the validity of this finding is circumscribed by the prevalent use of investigative designs with inherently high susceptibility to bias. Future studies would benefit from using larger numbers of participants within controlled designs. Clearer description of intervention protocols would foster greater understanding of the contextual appropriateness of different approaches and which treatment components are key to improving adherence to fluid-intake restrictions in patients receiving hemodialysis.

Drinking↗

Does disinfection of environmental surfaces influence nosocomial infection rates? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence on the effects of disinfection of environmental surfaces in hospitals (as compared with cleaning without use of disinfectants) on the occurrence of nosocomial infections. METHODS: Systematic review of experimental and nonexperimental intervention studies dealing with environmental disinfection or cleaning in different health care settings. RESULTS: A total of 236 scientific articles were identified. None described a meta-analysis, systematic review, or randomized controlled trial. Only 4 articles described completed cohort studies matching the inclusion criteria. None of these studies showed lower infection rates associated with routine disinfection of surfaces (mainly floors) versus cleaning with detergent only. CONCLUSIONS: Disinfectants may pose a danger to staff, patients, and the environment and require special safety precautions. However, targeted disinfection of certain environmental surfaces is in certain instances an established component of hospital infection control. Given the complex, multifactorial nature of nosocomial infections, well-designed studies that systematically investigate the role of surface disinfection are required.

Cross Infection↗

Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence.

Between March and June 2004, a systematic review was carried out of the research evidence on the effectiveness of yoga for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorders. Eight studies were reviewed. They reported positive results, although there were many methodological inadequacies. Owing to the diversity of conditions treated and poor quality of most of the studies, it is not possible to say that yoga is effective in treating anxiety or anxiety disorders in general. However, there are encouraging results, particularly with obsessive compulsive disorder. Further well conducted research is necessary which may be most productive if focused on specific anxiety disorders.

Anxiety↗

Systematic reviews: gatekeepers of nursing knowledge.

The past few decades have seen a considerable increase in the number of available health care products and interventions. This growth has been matched by a similar expansion in the health care literature. As a result of these factors, the demand for evidence to support practice is growing, but finding the best evidence is becoming increasingly difficult. In response, the use of systematic reviews is increasing and they are starting to replace the primary research as the basis for health care decisions. To date, these reviews have focused predominantly on effectiveness and so have been limited to randomized controlled trials. As a result of this, the interpretive, observational and descriptive research methods that are utilized by nursing have commonly been either excluded from the review or are classified as 'low level' evidence. To address this, nursing must participate in the development of systematic review methods that better answer the questions posed by the profession.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Systematic review of published evidence regarding trauma system effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: Provide a systematic review of the published literature assessing the affect of trauma center/system implementation on patient outcomes. DATA SOURCES: A bibliographic search of MEDLINE (1966-May of 1998), HealthSTAR (1995-May of 1998), and CINAHL (1982-May of 1998). Additional manuscripts were identified in the references of reviewed manuscripts. Literature was limited to English language reports on trauma systems in the United States and Canada. STUDY SELECTION: Initial inclusion criteria were based on methodologic criteria (i.e., a comparative [controlled] study). Authors independently assessed the strength of evidence demonstrated by each article. DATA EXTRACTION: Included articles were classified into three groups based on study design: panel review studies, trauma registry comparison studies, and population-based studies. Key demographic, sampling frame, study design, and outcome variables were tabulated for each included study. Potential sources of bias were also identified and tabled. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 12, 11, and 17 studies were incorporated into individual evidence tables for panel review, registry comparison, and population-based studies, respectively. Included studies rely on weak evidence (Class III) to assess the impact of trauma systems on patient care and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: To date, studies assessing trauma system efficacy rely on hospital deaths as the primary indicator of effectiveness. Future research should use more sophisticated study designs (Class II) and expand available outcome measures to assess the entire continuum of care, including prehospital, rehabilitation outcomes, and long-term quality of life.

Data Collection↗

Systematic review of systemic adjuvant therapy for patients at high risk for recurrent melanoma.

The authors examined the role of systemic adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk, resected, primary melanoma. Outcomes of interest included overall survival, disease-free survival, adverse effects, and quality of life. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to locate randomized controlled trials, practice guidelines, meta-analyses, and reviews published between 1980 and 2004. Thirty-seven randomized controlled trials, 2 meta-analyses, and 1 systematic review were identified that investigated interferon, levamisole, vaccine, or chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy. For high-dose interferon-alpha, the results from 3 randomized trials conducted by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group were pooled, and a meta-analysis of 2-year death rates yielded a risk ratio of 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.99; P = .03). Five randomized trials comparing low-dose interferon-alpha with observation only after surgery did not detect a statistically significant improvement in overall survival. A meta-analysis of 4 levamisole trials did not demonstrate a significant survival benefit for levamisole over control; similarly, no survival benefit was demonstrated by data from randomized controlled trials with vaccines (9 trials) or with chemotherapy (10 trials). In this review of the available literature, no systemic adjuvant therapy was identified that conferred a significant overall survival benefit in patients with high-risk, resected, primary melanoma. However, high-dose interferon should be considered in the treatment of these patients, because such therapy is associated with a significant improvement in disease-free survival and a reduction in 2-year mortality. Until the results of ongoing trials are available, the authors could not state with confidence whether such therapy benefits patients with microscopically detected, sentinel lymph node-positive disease.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Endoscopy for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage: is sooner better? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: While the effectiveness of upper endoscopy has been established for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage, its optimal timing has not been clearly defined. Early endoscopy has been advocated for its ability to achieve prompt diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic hemostasis. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether early vs delayed endoscopy improves patient and economic outcomes for all risk groups with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage. METHODS: A systematic review of 3 computerized databases (MEDLINE, HEALTHSTAR, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) was performed along with hand searching of published abstracts to identify English-language citations from 1980 to 2000. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies met explicit inclusion criteria. The highest-quality study examining outcomes in low-risk patients found no significant complications at 1-month follow-up for any outpatients managed with early endoscopy. The largest randomized trial of high-risk patients showed no mortality benefit but a significant decrease in transfusion requirements with early endoscopy. Seven of the 8 studies examining the effect of early endoscopy on length of stay as a measure of resource utilization demonstrated a significant reduction compared with that of delayed endoscopy. However, most included studies were found to suffer from 1 or more potentially significant methodologic shortcomings. CONCLUSIONS: The overwhelming majority of existing data suggest that early endoscopy is safe and effective for all risk groups. The clinical and economic outcomes of early endoscopy should be confirmed in additional well-designed randomized controlled trials. Given the strength of the evidence, efforts to develop a more standardized and time-sensitive approach to acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage should be undertaken.

Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal↗

Systematic review of adjuvant therapy for early stage (epithelial) ovarian cancer.

A systematic review and meta analysis has been undertaken in order to evaluate the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy following surgery for early ovarian cancer. Trials reported since 1990 have been of a higher quality enabling a meta analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy vs adjuvant radiotherapy and a meta analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy vs observation. There was no significant difference between radiotherapy and chemotherapy, though these comprised studies which demonstrated considerable heterogeneity. Chemotherapy did confer significant benefit over observation in terms of both overall and disease free survival. Except for women in whom adequate surgical staging has revealed well differentiated disease confined to one or both ovaries with intact capsule, platinum chemotherapy should be offered to reduce risk of recurrence.

Adult↗

Frequent consulters in general practice: a systematic review of studies of prevalence, associations and outcome.

We conducted a systematic review of the observational literature on frequent consulters in general practice. Electronic searching identified 34 studies which met our inclusion criteria. Frequent consulters were identified in a wide range of primary health care settings, confirming that a small proportion of patients is responsible for a disproportionate number of consultations. A cutoff of 9-14 consultations per annum was used to define a frequent consulter in most studies. Studies have examined a variety of associated characteristics, and indicate that frequent consulters are highly heterogeneous, and have high rates of physical disease, psychiatric illness and social difficulties. Few are likely to conform to the "heartsink" stereotype. These patients are likely to have multiple, complex problems, often including chronic physical disease, with or without psychological and social problems. The natural history of frequent consulting behavior seems to be to persist in many cases. Implications for management are discussed.

Family Practice↗

Is there an association between alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted diseases? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE/GOAL: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published literature on the association between problematic alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DESIGN: Using a MEDLINE search (1995-2003) and article references, we identified articles that described measures of alcohol consumption and STDs and presented data on their association. For each eligible study, we classified the alcohol consumption measure as specific (problem drinking) or general, and examined study designs, study populations, STD measures, and results. RESULTS: Of 42 eligible studies, 11 included specific measures of problem drinking, of which 8 found a significant association between alcohol consumption and at least 1 STD. The relationship did not appear to vary according to gender or pattern of alcohol consumption assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The literature supports an overall association between problematic alcohol consumption and STDs, although their causal relationship cannot be determined with certainty from these observational studies. The findings have implications for prevention planners, clinicians, and individual patients at risk of STDs.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Systematic review of mifepristone for the treatment of uterine leiomyomata.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effect of mifepristone on uterine leiomyoma size and symptoms and to summarize its adverse effects. DATA SOURCES: A computerized search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane databases from 1985 to 2002 and hand searches of conference proceedings from 1995 to 2002 were performed with the search terms "mifepristone" and "leiomyomata" and publication type "clinical trial." METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Titles and abstracts were reviewed by 2 authors; there were no areas of disagreement. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials of daily mifepristone for uterine leiomyomata that measured uterine or leiomyoma volume before and after treatment. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Data from each article were abstracted by 2 reviewers. The search identified 6 before-and-after clinical trials involving a total of 166 women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata. The subjects received 5 to 50 mg/d of mifepristone for 3 to 6 months. No study was placebo-controlled or blinded. Meta-analytic techniques were not performed due to variation in outcome and mifepristone dose. Daily treatment with all doses of mifepristone resulted in reductions in uterine and leiomyoma volumes ranging from 27% to 49% and 26% to 74%, respectively. Mifepristone treatment reduced the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and pelvic pressure. Rates of amenorrhea ranged from 63% to 100%. Transient elevations in transaminases occurred in 4%. Endometrial hyperplasia was detected in 10 (28%) of 36 women screened by endometrial biopsy. CONCLUSION: Published trials of mifepristone showed reduction in leiomyoma size and improvement in symptoms. A notable adverse effect of mifepristone was development of endometrial hyperplasia.

Adult↗

A systematic review of the use of triptans in acute migraine.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken, to consolidate evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of triptans currently available in Canada (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan), and to provide guidelines for selection of a triptan. METHODS: Data from published, randomized, placebo-controlled trials were pooled and a combined number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) was generated for each triptan. Direct comparative trials of triptans were also examined. RESULTS: The lowest NNT for headache response/pain-free at one/two hours is observed with subcutaneous sumatriptan. Among the oral formulations, the lowest NNT is observed with rizatriptan and the highest NNT with naratriptan. The lowest NNH is observed with subcutaneous sumatriptan. CONCLUSIONS: Triptans are relatively safe and effective medications for acute migraine attacks. However, differences among them are relatively small. Considerations in selecting a triptan include individual patient response/tolerance, characteristics of the attacks, relief of associated symptoms, consistency of response, headache recurrence, delivery systems and patient preference.

Acute Disease↗

Diabetic macular edema and GLP-1 receptor agonist use: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used for type II diabetes and obesity because of their cardiometabolic benefits. However, concerns regarding potential ocular adverse effects, particularly diabetic macular edema (DME), have prompted the need to clarify their retinal safety. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statements (PROSPERO registration: CRD420251176164). MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CENTRAL (Ovid), Web of Science, and PubMed were searched from inception to October 24, 2025. Randomized trials and observational cohort or case-control studies, including individuals with diabetes without baseline DME and exposed to GLP-1RAs were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Random-effects models were used to pool incidence proportions and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Thirteen retrospective cohort studies (2021-2025) using large real-world databases were included. Across 6 studies, the pooled proportion of incident DME among GLP-1RA users was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.07-0.23; I&#xb2;&#x202f;=&#x202f;99.8%). Compared with mixed antihyperglycemic therapies, GLP-1RA use was not associated with increased DME risk (pooled HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.52-1.26). GLP-1RAs were associated with a higher relative risk of DME compared with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.17-1.94) but not compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.69-1.19). Evidence certainty was very low. CONCLUSION: Current low-certainty observational evidence does not support an overall increased risk of DME with GLP-1RA use. Prospective studies are needed to clarify comparative retinal safety.

Humans↗

Understanding Dynamics: A Systematic Review of the Attitudes, Knowledge, and Competencies of European Frontline Professionals Toward Domestic Abuse.

There remains a paucity of European research on attitudes and responses to domestic abuse from frontline workers and professionals who regularly encounter domestic abuse or engage with domestic abuse legislation. This systematic review synthesized qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method peer-reviewed studies that explored professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and competencies related to domestic abuse. The professionals included medical staff (doctors, nurses, midwives), social care professionals, police officers, and criminal justice practitioners. The review was conducted on current European studies published between 2014 and 2025 and was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases consulted included APA PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Sociological Abstracts, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Social Services Abstracts, and Google Scholar. Full-text review was performed on 273 articles, of which 36 were deemed appropriate for inclusion. The review included 8 multi-country studies spanning the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales), and 28 single-country studies conducted in England, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Wales, Bosnia, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary. A narrative and thematic synthesis categorized professional attitudes toward domestic abuse into four emergent themes: attitudes toward engagement and responsibility, attitudes toward victims, knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse, and attitudes as predictors of professional practice. This review addresses a dearth of research and provides recommendations for promoting proactive practice among professionals most likely to receive disclosures of abuse.

Humans↗