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Background During the first epidemic wave, COVID-19 surveillance focused on quantifying the magnitude and the escalation of a growing global health crisis. The scientific community first assessed risk through basic indicators, such as the number of cases or rates of new cases and deaths, and later began using other direct impact indicators to conduct more detailed analyses. We aimed at synthesizing the scientific community's contribution to assessing the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population health through indicators reported in research papers. Methods We conducted a rapid scoping review to identify and describe health indicators included in articles published between January 2020 and June 2021, using one strategy to search PubMed, EMBASE and WHO COVID-19 databases. Sixteen experts from European public health institutions screened papers and retrieved indicator characteristics. We also asked in an online survey how the health indicators were added to and used in policy documents in Europe. Results After reviewing 3891 records, we selected a final sample of 67 articles and 233 indicators. We identified 52 (22.3%) morbidity indicators from 33 articles, 105 severity indicators (45.1%, 27 articles) and 68 mortality indicators (29.2%, 51). Respondents from 22 countries completed 31 questionnaires, and the majority reported morbidity indicators (29, 93.5%), followed by mortality indicators (26, 83.9%). Conclusions The indicators collated here might be useful to assess the impact of future pandemics. Therefore, their measurement should be standardized to allow for comparisons between settings, countries and different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity (PA) promotion in healthcare systems is one of the priority areas highlighted by the World Health Organization, which recognizes that progress has been slow largely due to a lack of awareness and investment while requiring a system-based approach. Community pharmacies are one of the health structures that are more easily accessible to populations, thus constituting an ideal venue for developing health promotion activities. This research aimed to describe PA-enabling interventions developed in community pharmacies by pharmacists. Methods: An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane and reference lists of the different papers until June 2023. Studies were eligible if performed in community pharmacies by pharmacists, focused on interventions aimed at increasing PA levels and if at least one PA-specific outcome was measured at two different time points. Results: We identified 7076 publications in the initial search, plus 31 records identified through backward citation tracking from relevant studies. After an initial screening, 236 were selected for full-text analysis. Of the 29 selected papers, 10 presented a low risk of bias for the measurement of PA levels. PA outcomes were generally self-reported outcomes where the change in terms of the percentage of individuals considered active or who increased PA because of the intervention. Conclusion: Several interventions to improve PA through community pharmacies were found although with a high level of heterogeneity and with only few with a low risk of bias. More targeted research that aims to capture PA levels and support the training of healthcare professionals is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Following years of sustained pressure on the UK health service, there is recognition amongst health professionals and stakeholders that current models of healthcare are likely to be inadequate going forward. Therefore, a fundamental review of existing social models of healthcare is needed to ascertain current thinking in this area, and whether there is a need to change perspective on current thinking. Method Through a systematic research review, this paper seeks to address how previous literature has conceptualized a social model of healthcare and, how implementation of the models has been evaluated. Analysis and data were extracted from 222 publications and explored the country of origin, methodological approach, and the health and social care contexts which they were set. Results The publications predominantly drawn from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada and Europe identified five themes namely: the lack of a clear and unified definition of a social model of health and wellbeing; the need to understand context; the need for cultural change; improved integration and collaboration towards a holistic and person-centred approach; measuring and evaluating the performance of a social model of health. Conclusion The review identified a need for a clear definition of a social model of health and wellbeing. Furthermore, consideration is needed on how a model integrates with current models and whether it will act as a descriptive framework or, will be developed into an operational model. The review highlights the importance of engagement with users and partner organizations in the co-creation of a model of healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite the growing utilization of data-driven methods to investigate multimorbidity patterns, there is currently no consensus or guidance on the conditions to include when identifying patterns. This scoping review aims to systematically examine the nature of conditions included in existing studies using data-driven techniques. Methods A comprehensive search of three electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus) was conducted to identify relevant publications from inception to 28 February 2022 using predefined search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria. The reference lists and citations of relevant papers were also searched. Results Among 7326 search results, 5444 relevant articles were identified. After screening against the eligibility criteria, 60 articles were included in the review. Half of the reviewed studies reported selection criteria for conditions, with prevalence in the population of interest being the most common criterion (40%). Most studies included at least one neurological [59 (98.3%)], musculoskeletal [58 (96.7%)], respiratory [57 (95.0%)] or mental health [56 (93.3%)] condition. In contrast, only a small proportion of studies included skin [17 (28.3%)], infections [14 (23.3%)] or autoimmune conditions [10 (16.7%)]. Nine conditions (hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, COPD, asthma, depression, stroke and osteoporosis) were included by more than half of the studies. Conclusions This review highlights the considerable heterogeneity among the conditions included in analyses of multimorbidity patterns. Researchers should provide a clear rationale for the selection of conditions to facilitate comparisons across studies and ensure reproducibility, as well as consider selecting a diverse range of conditions to capture the complexity of multimorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alcohol increases cancer risk, but less is known about public awareness of this link. This scoping review summarizes recent findings on the public awareness of alcohol as a cancer risk factor in European Union and UK. Methods Four databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL) were searched for papers containing data on awareness of alcohol as cancer risk factor in EU or UK published between January 2017 and December 2022, and complemented with grey literature searches. Results In total, 45 studies were included covering 18 EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden) and UK, presenting data collected between 2009 and 2022. Studies covered general population (17 studied a nationally representative sample), women, health professionals, patients and young people. Awareness of alcohol causing cancer in general was higher and studied more often than awareness of alcohol's impact on specific cancers. Among the EU general population, awareness of the link between alcohol and breast cancer ranged between 10% and 20%, head and neck cancer 15–25%, colorectal and oesophagus cancer 15–45% and liver cancer 40%. Awareness was higher among young people and specialized health professions and lower among women (the latter specifically for the breast cancer). Conclusions While awareness rates varied depending on the exact question wording, many studies showed low awareness of the alcohol-cancer link, especially for specific types such as breast and colon cancer. Public should be better informed about alcohol consumption-related cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Anticholinergic medications block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Many medications have anticholinergic properties, and the cumulative effect of these medications is termed anticholinergic burden. Increased anticholinergic burden can have short-term side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention as well as long-term effects including dementia, worsening physical function and falls. Methods We carried out a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA) looking at randomised controlled trials addressing interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden in older adults. Results We identified seven papers suitable for inclusion in our SR and MA. Interventions included multi-disciplinary involvement in medication reviews and deprescribing of AC medications. Pooled data revealed no significant difference in outcomes between control and intervention group for falls (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.52–1.11, n  = 647), cognition (mean difference = 1.54, 95% CI: −0.04 to 3.13, n  = 405), anticholinergic burden (mean difference = 0.04, 95% CI: −0.11 to 0.18, n  = 710) or quality of life (mean difference = 0.04, 95% CI: −0.04 to 0.12, n  = 461). Discussion Overall, there was no significant difference with interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden. As we did not see a significant change in anticholinergic burden scores following interventions, it is likely other outcomes would not change. Short follow-up time and lack of training and support surrounding successful deprescribing may have contributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the association between frailty and COVID-19 in relation to mortality in hospitalised patients. Methods Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the grey literature were searched for papers from inception to 10 September 2020; the search was re-run in Medline up until the 9 December 2020. Screening, data extraction and quality grading were undertaken by two reviewers. Results were summarised using descriptive statistics, including a meta-analysis of overall mortality; the relationships between frailty and COVID-19 mortality were summarised narratively. Results A total of 2,286 papers were screened resulting in 26 being included in the review. Most studies were from Europe, half from the UK, and one from Brazil; the median sample size was 242.5, median age 73.1 and 43.5% were female. In total, 22/26 used the Clinical Frailty Scale; reported mortality ranged from 14 to 65%. Most, but not all studies showed an association between increasing frailty and a greater risk of dying. Two studies indicated a sub-additive relationship between frailty, COVID-19 and death, and two studies showed no association. Conclusions Whilst the majority of studies have shown a positive association between COVID-19-related death and increasing frailty, some studies suggested a more nuanced understanding of frailty and outcomes in COVID-19 is needed. Clinicians should exert caution in placing too much emphasis on the influence of frailty alone when discussing likely prognosis in older people with COVID-19 illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This scoping review identifies research in musculoskeletal disorders that uses high frequency follow-up of symptoms. The aim was to investigate whether symptom variability is investigated as a predictor of disease outcome and how intensive follow-up methods are used in musculoskeletal research. Methods Embase, MEDLINE and PsycInfo were searched using OVID, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers was also searched using the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Xplore search engine. Studies were systematically reviewed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, but no meta-analysis was done because the priority in this study is to identify gaps in available literature. Results Twenty-one papers were included. There was a mean of 54 patients per study (s. d. of 27.7). Two-thirds of the papers looked at how a symptom influences another in the short-term (subsequent assessment in the same day or next day), but none looked at the long-term. Only one study considered symptom variability investigating how higher variability in pain (defined by the s. d.) is associated with higher average pain severity and lower average sleep quality. Conclusion The methodology of musculoskeletal disorder research has changed from completing paper booklets to using electronic data capture (smartphones). There has also been a trend of collecting more intensive longitudinal data, but very little research utilizes these data to look at how symptom variability affects symptom outcomes. This demonstrates a gap in research where furthering understanding of this will help clinicians decide on the most important symptom to address in future patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Declines in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle mass are both associated with advancing age and each of these declines is associated with worse health outcomes. Resistance exercise training (RET) has previously been shown to improve muscle mass and function in the older population. If RET is also able to improve CRF, as it has been shown to do in younger populations, it has the potential to improve multiple health outcomes in the expanding older population. Methods This systematic review aimed to identify the role of RET for improving CRF in healthy older adults. A search across CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and EMCARE databases was conducted with meta-analysis performed on eligible papers to identify improvements in established CRF parameters (VO2 peak, aerobic threshold (AT), 6-minute walking distance test (6MWT) following RET intervention. Main eligibility criteria included older adults (aged over 60), healthy cohorts (disease-specific cohorts were excluded) and RET intervention. Results Thirty-seven eligible studies were identified. Meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in VO2 peak (MD 1.89 ml/kg/min; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–2.57 ml/kg/min), AT (MD 1.27 ml/kg/min; 95% CI 0.44–2.09 ml/kg/min) and 6MWT (MD 30.89; 95% CI 26.7–35.08) in RET interventions less than 24 weeks. There was no difference in VO2 peak or 6MWT in interventions longer than 24 weeks. Discussion This systematic review adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the implementation of RET in the older population for improving whole-body health, particularly in time-limited timeframes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Remission (REM) or low disease activity (LDA) is the treatment target in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The objective of this study was to assess the reporting and prevalence of REM/LDA in published studies of PsA. Methods This was a systematic literature review of all clinical papers published in PubMed, EMBASE or Cochrane database in English between 2012 and 2019 in the field of PsA. Data were collected regarding reporting of REM/LDA by very low disease activity/minimal disease activity (VLDA/MDA), Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), or Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS28). The pooled rates of REM and LDA by each definition were calculated by random effect meta-analysis. Results In all, 258 publications (corresponding to 114 651 patients), of which 81 (31%) were randomized controlled trials, were analysed: patients' mean age was 49.4 ( 4.4) years; with a mean disease duration of 8.5 ( 3.8) years. REM/LDA was reported in 91/258 (35.3%) publications. VLDA/MDA was used in 61/91 (67.0%) studies, DAPSA in 27/91 (29.6%) and DAS28 in 28/91 (30.7%), with 40/91 (43.9%) papers reporting several of these definitions. The pooled prevalence (lower–upper limits) of REM was 13.1% (10.9–15.4), 23.1% (16.8–30.1) and 42.1% (33.9–50.4) using VLDA, DAPSA-REM and DAS28, respectively. For LDA the pooled prevalence was 36.3% (32.3–40.5), 52.8% (41.8–63.6) and 60.4% (52.5–68.0) using MDA, DAPSA-LDA and DAS28, respectively. Conclusion REM/LDA status was reported in only1/3 of recent studies on PsA, with important variations in the frequency of these outcomes according to the definition used: 13.1–42.1% for REM, and 36.3–60.4% for LDA. This highlights the need for consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background frailty is common in older adults and associated with poor outcomes following illness. Although stroke is predominantly a disease of older people, our knowledge of frailty in stroke is limited. We aimed to collate the literature on acute stroke and frailty to estimate the prevalence of pre-stroke frailty and its associations with outcomes. Methods paired researchers searched multidisciplinary electronic databases for papers describing frailty and acute stroke. We assessed risk of bias using Newcastle-Ottawa tools appropriate to study design. We created summary estimates of pre-stroke frailty using random effects models. We collated whether studies reported significant positive associations between frailty and clinical outcomes in adjusted models. Results we included 14 studies (n  = 27,210 participants). Seven studies (n  = 8,840) used a frailty index approach, four studies (n  = 14,924) used Hospital Frailty Risk Scores. Pooled prevalence of pre-stroke frailty was 24.6% (95% confidence interval, CI: 16.2–33.1%; low quality evidence, downgraded due to heterogeneity, bias). Combining frailty and pre-frailty (nine studies, n  = 23,827), prevalence of any frailty syndrome was 66.8% (95%CI: 49.9–83.7%). Seven studies were at risk of bias, from participant selection or method of frailty assessment. Pre-stroke frailty was associated with all adverse outcomes assessed, including longer-term mortality (positive association in 6 of 6 studies reporting this outcome; odds ratio: 3.75 [95%CI: 2.41–5.70]), length of admission (3 of 4 studies) and disability (4 of 6 studies). Conclusions despite substantial heterogeneity, whichever way it is measured, frailty is common in patients presenting with acute stroke and associated with poor outcomes. This has implications for the design of stroke services and pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Alcohol consumption (AC) may cause workplace absence, but the findings of individual studies vary markedly. To date, no dose–response meta-analysis (DRMA) of the relationship between AC and sickness absence (SA) has been completed. This paper aims to estimate the dose–response relationship between AC and the risk of SA based on published observational studies. Methods We used DRMA and modelling to investigate the effects of varying doses of AC (including heavy episodic drinking (HED)) on SA. Results The meta-analysis included 21 studies (12 cohort studies and 9 cross-sectional). It showed that HED, risky (20–40 g of alcohol/day) and high-risk (>40 g of alcohol/day) drinkers had an elevated risk of SA when compared with light-to-moderate drinkers for both sexes. Those who abstained from alcohol had a higher risk of SA than those who drink moderately. Conclusions Our results indicate that risky, high-risk drinking and HED may increase the risk of absenteeism. The implementation of population-based strategies may be appropriate to address the burdens of alcohol-related SA. Additionally, economic evaluations of alcohol policies should incorporate their impacts on SA. However, the current literature has substantial limitations, relying on modestly designed studies from just a few settings and more studies are needed—especially those that measure abstention in more nuanced ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is an important cause of childhood mortality, yet the etiology is largely unknown. A combination of pre- and postnatal factors is thought to be implicated, including maternal medication use. We aimed to provide: 1) a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications on associations between maternal medication use and childhood cancer, with a focus on study design and methodology; and 2) suggestions for how to increase transparency, limit potential biases, and improve comparability in studies on maternal medication use and childhood cancer. We conducted a systematic search in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to June 8, 2020. Altogether, 112 studies were identified. The reviewed studies were heterogeneous in study design, exposure, and outcome classification. In 21 studies (19%), the outcome was any childhood cancer. Of the 91 papers that reported on specific types of cancer, 62% did not report the cancer classification system. The most frequently investigated medication groups were sex hormones (46 studies, excluding fertility medications), and antiinfectives (37 studies). Suggestions for strengthening future pharmacoepidemiologic studies on maternal medication use and childhood cancer relate to choice of cancer classification system, exposure windows, and methods for identification of, and control for, potential confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The health, well-being and safety of the general population are important goals for society, but forecasting outcomes and weighing up the costs and benefits of effective promotional programmes is challenging. This study aimed to identify and describe the cost-effectiveness calculators that analyze interventions that promote health, well-being and safety. Methods Our systematic review used the CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, EconLit, PubMed and Scopus databases to identify peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 2010 and April 2020. The data were analyzed with narrative synthesis. Results The searches identified 6880 papers and nine met our eligibility and quality criteria. All nine calculators focussed on interventions that promoted health and well-being, but no safety promotion tools were identified. Five calculators were targeted at group-level initiatives, two at regional levels and two at national levels. The calculators combined different data sources, in addition to data inputted by users. This included empirical research and previous literature. The calculators created baseline estimates and assessed the cost-effectiveness of the interventions before or after they were implemented. The calculators were heterogeneous in terms of outcomes, the interventions they evaluated and the data and methods used. Conclusion This review identified nine calculators that assessed the cost-effectiveness of health and well-being interventions and supported decision-making and resource allocations at local, regional and national levels, but none focussed on safety. Producing calculators that work accurately in different contexts might be challenging. Further research should identify how to assess sustainable evaluation of health, well-being and safety strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To identify how refractory disease (or relevant terminology variations) in RA and polyarticular JIA (polyJIA) is defined and establish the key components of such definitions. Methods Searches were undertaken of English-language articles within six medical databases, including manual searching, from January 1998 to March 2020 (PROSPERO: CRD42019127142). Articles were included if they incorporated a definition of refractory disease, or non-response, in RA/polyJIA, with clear components to the description. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken to describe refractory disease in RA/polyJIA and classify each component within each definition. Results Of 6251 studies screened, 646 met the inclusion criteria; 581 of these applied non-response criteria while 65 provided refractory disease definitions/descriptions. From the non-response studies, 39 different components included various disease activity measures, emphasizing persistent disease activity and symptoms, despite treatment with one or more biologic DMARD (bDMARD). From papers with clear definitions for refractory disease, 41 components were identified and categorized into three key themes: resistance to multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action, typically two or more bDMARDs; persistence of symptoms and disease activity; and other contributing factors. The most common term used was 'refractory' (80%), while only 16.9% reported explicitly how their definition was generated (e.g. clinical experience or statistical methods). Conclusion Refractory disease is defined as resistance to multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action by persistence of physical symptoms and high disease activity, including contributing factors. A clear unifying definition needs implementing, as the plethora of different definitions makes study comparisons and appropriate identification of patients difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Unintentional injuries represent a substantial public health burden among children and adolescents, and previous evidence suggests that there are disparities in injury by socioeconomic status (SES). This paper reports on a systematic review of literature on injury rates among children and adolescents by measures of SES. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using six electronic databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, EMBASE, and SportsDiscus. This review considered children ages 19 years and under and publications between 1997 and 2017—representing an update since the last systematic review examined this specific question. Fifty-four articles were summarized based on study and participant descriptions, outcome and exposure, statistical tests used, effect estimates, and overall significance. Results Most articles addressed risk factors across all injury mechanisms; however, some focused particularly on burns/scalds, road traffic injuries, falls/drowning cases, and playground/sports injuries. Other studies reported on specific injury types including traumatic dental injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fractures. The studies were of moderate quality, with a median of 15.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.34 to 15.66) out of 19. Thirty-two studies found an inverse association between SES and childhood unintentional injury, three found a positive association while twenty were not significant or failed to report effect measures. Conclusion Given the variability in definition of the exposure (SES) and outcome (injury), the results of this review were mixed; however, the majority of studies supported a relationship between low SES and increased injury risk. Public health practice must consider SES, and other measures of health equity, in childhood injury prevention programming, and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Opioids are one of the most commonly prescribed medicines for chronic pain. However, their use for chronic pain has been controversial. The objective of this literature review was to identify the role of genetic polymorphisms on patient treatment parameters (opioid dose requirements, response, and adverse effects) for opioids used in malignant and nonmalignant chronic pain. The opioids that this review focuses on are codeine, morphine, oxycodone, tramadol, and fentanyl. Method. A literature search of databases Medline and Embase was carried out, and studies up to April 2016 were included in this review. Studies were included based on a combination of key words: chronic pain and related terms, pharmacogenetics and related terms, and opioids and related terms. Results. Among the 1,408 individual papers retrieved from the search in Medline and Embase, 32 original articles were included in this review, with none related to codeine. The 32 papers reported various study designs, opioids, and polymorphisms being studied for associations with treatment outcomes. This literature review reveals that variants in ABCB1, OPRM1, and COMT have been replicated for opioid dosing and variants in ABCB1 have been replicated for both treatment response and adverse effects. Conclusions. Currently, there are few validated studies to form a strong evidence base to support pharmacogenomics testing when initiating opioid therapy. However, the field of pharmacogenomics in chronic pain is likely to expand over the coming years, with the increasing number of treatment options available and larger cohorts being assembled in order to identify true associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is characterized by predominantly upper lobe pleural and subjacent parenchymal fibrosis; PPFE features were described in patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases (RAID). A systematic literature review was performed to investigate the prevalence, prognosis and potential association of PPFE with previous immunosuppression in RAID. Methods EMBASE, Web of Science and PubMed databases were questioned from inception to 1 September 2019. Articles published in English and addressing PPFE in patients with RAID were selected. Results Twenty out of 794 papers were selected with a total of 76 cases of RAID-PPFE patients (20 SSc, 9 RA, 6 IIM6 primary SS, 5 overlap syndromes, 3 ANCA-associated vasculitides, 2 granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 1 microscopic polyangiitis, 1 UCTD, 1 SLE, 1 GCA and 21 patients with non-specified RAID). Dyspnoea was the most frequently reported symptom (37/48 patients, 77%). Patients frequently presented with a restrictive pattern and decline in diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide. During the follow-up, 7/12 patients had progression at imaging, 22/39 presented a generic clinical worsening, 19/38 had a functional deterioration and 15/43 remained stable. Conclusion The present systematic literature review confirms that PPFE features are present in RAID. Rheumatologists should be aware of this new radiological pattern that holds a bad prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Adjuvant endocrine therapy in breast cancer has increased survival rates; however, it is not without musculoskeletal side effects. Purpose. The purpose of this review was to systematically and critically appraise the available scientific evidence concerning the effect of adjuvant endocrine treatment on grip strength in women being treated for breast cancer. Data sources and study selection. The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE-PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Excerpta Medical Database by Elsevier (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched from inception to February 2017 for appropriate papers that could answer the focused question. The searches were independently screened by 2 reviewers. The data from 7 papers that met the eligibility criteria were processed for further analysis. Data extraction and synthesis. The collective data and the statistical analysis of all included studies were summarized and presented in a descriptive manner. If not provided, based on data from the individual included studies, a mean percent change in grip strength was calculated. The included studies evaluating aromatase inhibitors had inconclusive outcomes, and studies with a follow-up of 6 or 12 months showed a percent reduction in grip strength varying from 0.1% to 9.7%. None of the included studies showed a significant decrease in grip strength in tamoxifen users, with a percent reduction in grip strength varying from 1.4% to 2.2%. Limitations. The 7 studies included cohort studies lacking a control group. Conclusions. There is inconclusive evidence for a small decrease in grip strength in women treated for breast cancer who are also receiving aromatase inhibitors. In those that use tamoxifen, grip strength did not change significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) may be helpful for the management of hypertension, but little is known about its tolerability in people with dementia. Objective: to review the published evidence to determine the tolerability of ABPM in people with dementia. Methods: English language search conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE, using Ambulatory blood pressure' AND 'Dementia' (and associated synonyms) from 1996 to March 2015. Inclusion criteria: people diagnosed with dementia AND in whom blood pressure was measured using ABPM. The initial search was undertaken using title and abstract reviews, with selected papers being agreed for inclusion by two reviewers. Potentially eligible papers were assessed, and high-quality papers were retained. Two reviewers agreed the abstracted data for analysis. Meta-analysis was used to combine results across studies. Results: of the 221 screened abstracts, 13 studies (6%) met inclusion criteria, 5 had sufficient data and were of sufficient quality, involving 461 participants, most of whom had mild--moderate dementia. 77.7% (95% CI 62.2-93.2%) were able to tolerate ABPM; agreement with office BP was moderate to weak (two studies only--coefficients 0.3-0.38 for systolic blood pressure and 0.11-0.32 for diastolic blood pressure). One study compared home BP monitoring by a relative or ambulatory BP monitoring with office BP measures and found high agreement (ϗ 0.81). The little available evidence suggested increased levels of dementia being associated with reduced tolerability. Conclusions: ABPM is well tolerated in people with mild-moderate dementia and provides some additional information over and above office BP alone. However, few studies have addressed ABPM in people with more severe dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: exposure to air pollution has been shown to increase risk of inflammatory processes and risk of cardiovascular mortality. Such exposure may therefore also be a risk factor for cognitive impairment/dementia. Method: a systematic review of the literature was conducted with databases searched using keywords for air pollution, cognitive decline and dementia. All identified abstracts and potentially relevant articles were double read. For those papers meeting the inclusion criteria, summary tables were prepared and papers quality assessed. Results: from 1,551 abstracts identified, 10 articles were retrieved of which two were rejected. Of the eight remaining six reported prevalent cognitive assessment with historical pollution exposure and two incident cognitive decline, also with historical pollution exposure. In general, an association was reported between exposure and poorer prevalent measures of cognitive function. Data were mixed for incident cognitive decline with one study finding an association and the other not. Reports were limited by a lack of detailed reporting, use of proxy measures of pollution exposure and a lack of clarity regarding cognitive testing methodology and analysis. Conclusion: this systematic review highlights that there is some evidence of a potential association between air pollution and subsequent cognitive decline. Further work is clearly required and longitudinal analysis of ongoing cohort studies or new research would add much needed clarity to this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the complex management for patients presenting to hospital with vertebral fragility fractures provides justification for the development of specific services for them. A systematic review was undertaken to determine the incidence of hospital admission, patient characteristics and health outcomes of vertebral fragility fracture patients to inform the development of such a service. Methods: non-randomised studies of vertebral fragility fracture in hospital were included. Searches were conducted using electronic databases and citation searching of the included papers. Results: a total of 19 studies were included. The incidence of hospital admission varied from 2.8 to 19.3 per 10,000/year. The average patient age was 81 years, the majority having presented with a fall. A diagnosis of osteoporosis or previous fragility fracture was reported in around one-third of patients. Most patients (75% men and 78% women) had five or more copathologies. Most patients were managed non-operatively with a median hospital length of stay of 10 days. One-third of patients were started on osteoporosis treatment. Inpatient and 1-year mortality was between 0.9 and 3.5%, and 20 and 27%, respectively, between 34 and 50% were discharged from hospital to a care facility. Many patients were more dependent with activities of daily living on discharge compared to their pre-admission level. Older age and increasing comorbidities was associated with longer hospital stay and higher mortality. Conclusion: these findings indicate that specific hospital services for patients with vertebral fragility fractures should take into consideration local hospitalisation rates for the condition, and should be multifaceted-providing access to diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical and rehabilitation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To identify whether sleep disturbances are more prevalent in primary SS (pSS) patients compared with the general population and to recognize which specific sleep symptoms are particularly problematic in this population. Methods. Electronic searches of the literature were conducted in PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsychINFO (Ovid) and Web of Science and the search strategy registered a priori. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by two authors independently against a set of prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria, reference lists were examined and a narrative synthesis of the included articles was conducted. Results. Eight whole-text papers containing nine separate studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the narrative analysis. Few of these studies met all of the quality assessment criteria. The studies used a range of self-reported measures and objective measures, including polysomnography. Mixed evidence was obtained for some of the individual sleep outcomes, but overall compared with controls, pSS patients reported greater subjective sleep disturbances and daytime somnolence and demonstrated more night awakenings and pre-existing obstructive sleep apnoea. Conclusions. A range of sleep disturbances are commonly reported in pSS patients. Further polysomnography studies are recommended to confirm the increased prevalence of night awakenings and obstructive sleep apnoea in this patient group. pSS patients with excessive daytime somnolence should be screened for co-morbid sleep disorders and treated appropriately. Interventions targeted at sleep difficulties in pSS, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and nocturnal humidification devices, have the potential to improve quality of life in this patient group and warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impaired glucose regulation represents an opportunity to prevent Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is important to have a clear understanding of the prevalence of this condition in order to be able to plan interventions and health care provision. This paper presents a meta-analysis of literature assessing the prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in the general population of developed countries in Europe. Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically searched in March 2014 to identify English language articles with general population samples aged 18 and over from developed countries in Europe. Values for the measures of interest were combined using a random effects model and analysis of the effects of moderator variables was carried out. Results: A total of 5594 abstracts were screened, with 46 studies included in the review. Overall prevalence of impaired glucose regulation was 22.3%. Mean prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance was 11.4% (10.1-12.8) and did not differ by gender. Sample age, diagnostic criteria and country were found to have a significant univariate effect on prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance but only diagnostic criteria remained significant in multivariate analysis. Mean prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was significantly higher in men at 10.1% (7.9-12.7) compared with 5.9% in women (4-8.7). The only moderator variable with a significant effect on impaired fasting glucose prevalence was country. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows a moderate prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in developed Europe with over one in five people meeting the criteria for either impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose or both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: weak grip strength is a key component of sarcopenia and is associated with subsequent disability and mortality. We have recently established life course normative data for grip strength in Great Britain, but it is unclear whether the cut points we derived for weak grip strength are suitable for use in other settings. Our objective was to investigate differences in grip strength by world region using our data as a reference standard. Methods: we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for reporting age- and gender-stratified normative data for grip strength. We extracted each item of normative data and converted it on to a Z-score scale relative to our British centiles. We performed meta-regression to pool the Z-scores and compare them by world region. Findings: our search returned 806 abstracts. Sixty papers met inclusion criteria and reported on 63 different samples. Seven UN regions were represented, although most samples (n = 44) were based in developed regions. We extracted 726 normative data items relating to 96,537 grip strength observations. Normative data from developed regions were broadly similar to our British centiles, with a pooled Z-score 0.12 SDs (95% CI: 0.07, 0.17) above the corresponding British centiles. By comparison, normative data from developing regions were clearly lower, with a pooled Z-score of -0.85 SDs (95% CI: -0.94, -0.76). Interpretation: our findings support the use of our British grip strength centiles and their associated cut points in consensus definitions for sarcopenia and frailty across developed regions, but highlight the need for different cut points in developing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Tumour necrosis factor a inhibitors (TNFis) are widely used in RA patients who undergo surgery, and optimal perioperative management must balance the risk of infection with the risk of post-operative flare. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of TNFi exposure on surgical site infections (SSIs) in RA patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery by systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis were performed using PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, through May 2014. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, and analysed selected papers in detail. Included studies assessed RA patients with or without TNFi exposure prior to orthopaedic surgery, and described post-operative infections. Study quality was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Meta-analyses of the individual study odds ratios (ORs) were conducted, and each pooled OR was calculated using a random effects model. Results. Eight observational studies and three case control studies met inclusion criteria; risk of bias was low in eight studies and moderate in three. Publication bias was not apparent. These studies represent 3681 patients with recent exposure to TNFis (TNFi+) and 4310 with no recent exposure to TNFis (TNFi-) at the time of surgery. The TNFi+ group had higher risk of developing SSI compared with patients in the TNFi- group (random effects model: OR 2.47 (95% CI 1.66, 3.68); P<0.0001). Conclusion. Data from the available literature suggest that there is an increased risk of SSIs in RA patients who use or have recently used TNFis at the time of elective orthopaedic surgery. Prospective studies to confirm these findings and establish the optimal withhold and restart time of TNFis, in the context of other risk factors for infection in RA patients such as higher disease activity, corticosteroid use, smoking and diabetes, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The traditional Mediterranean diet is defined as the dietary pattern in the countries of the Mediterranean basin between the 1950s and 1960s, and it is now widely accepted that has a beneficial effect on health. A debate exists from empirical and research data if the traditional Mediterranean diet remains the main dietary pattern of the region or if it has changed overtime. Aims: This systematic review addresses whether the people of Cyprus and Greece still follow the traditional Mediterranean diet or whether the diet has become more 'Westernised'. Methods: The MEDLINE database was searched using relevant free terms and independently reviewed by two authors. In addition, all reference lists of identified studies were hand-searched to identify additional, relevant studies. Results: The review resulted in 18 research papers that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and represented 15 independent studies. The main outcome was consistent between studies and indicated moderate adherence of the Greek, and (probably) of the Cypriot, population to the Mediterranean diet. The majority of studies found no statistically significant differences by gender. There was an observed inter-study lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet by the younger population. Few studies addressed intra-study variations by age. Conclusions: This review shows that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate in Greece (and probably also in Cyprus).This suggests a continuing transition from dietary patterns in the 50s-60s towards a more Westernized diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: we aimed to systematically review drugs to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) regularly used in older persons to classify appropriate and inappropriate drugs based on efficacy, safety and tolerability by using the Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) classification. Methods: to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of drugs used for treatment of LUTS in older persons, a systematic review was performed. Papers on clinical trials and summaries of individual product characteristics were analysed regarding efficacy and safety in older persons (≥65 years). The most frequently used drugs were selected based on current prescription data. An interdisciplinary international expert panel assessed the drugs in a Delphi process. Results: for the 16 drugs included here, a total of 896 citations were identified; of those, only 25 reported clinical trials with explicit data on, or solely performed in older people, underlining the lack of evidence in older people for drug treatment of LUTS. No drug was rated at the FORTA-A-level (indispensable). Only three were assigned to FORTA B (beneficial): dutasteride, fesoterodine and finasteride. The majority was rated FORTA C (questionable): darifenacin, mirabegron, extended release oxybutynin, silodosin, solifenacin, tadalafil, tamsulosin, tolterodine and trospium. FORTA D (avoid) was assigned to alfuzosin, doxazosin, immediate release oxybutynin, propiverine and terazosin. Conclusions: dutasteride, fesoterodine and finasteride were classified as beneficial in older persons or frail elderly people (FORTA B). For most drugs, in particular those from the group of α-blockers and antimuscarinics, use in this group seems questionable (FORTAC) or should be avoided (FORTA D). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: dementia is a debilitating condition characterised by global loss of cognitive and intellectual functioning, which reduces social and occupational performance. This population frequently presents with medical co-morbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The CONSORT statement outlines recommended guidance on reporting of participant characteristics in clinical trials. It is, however, unclear how much these are adhered to in trials assessing people with dementia. This paper assesses the reporting of medical co-morbidities and prescribed medications for people with dementia within randomised controlled trial (RCT) reports.Design: a systematic review of the published literature from the databases AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Clinical Trial Registry from 1 January 1997 to 9 January 2014 was undertaken in order to identify RCTs detailing baseline medical co-morbidities and prescribed medications . Eligible studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) RCT appraisal tool, and descriptive statistical analyses were calculated to determine point prevalence.Results: nine trials, including 1474 people with dementia, were identified presenting medical co-morbidity data. These indicated neurological disorders (prevalence 91%), vascular disorders (prevalence 91%), cardiac disorders (prevalence 74%) and ischaemic cerebrovascular disease (prevalence 53%) were most frequently seen.Conclusions: published RCTs poorly report medical co-morbidities and medications for people with dementia. Future trials should include the report of these items to allow interpretation of whether the results are generalisable to frailer older populations.PROSPERO Registration: CRD42013006735. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone is associated with adverse health; however, less is known about vulnerable/sensitive populations, which we refer to as sensitive populations. We systematically reviewed epidemiologic evidence (1988-2013) regarding sensitivity to mortality or hospital admission from short-term ozone exposure. We performed meta-analysis for overall associations by age and sex; assessed publication bias; and qualitatively assessed sensitivity to socioeconomic indicators, race/ethnicity, and air conditioning. The search identified 2,091 unique papers, with 167 meeting inclusion criteria (73 on mortality and 96 on hospitalizations and emergency department visits, including 2 examining both mortality and hospitalizations). The strongest evidence for ozone sensitivity was forage. Per 10-parts per billion increase in daily 8-hour ozone concentration, mortality risk for younger persons, at 0.60% (95% confidence interval (Cl): 0.40, 0.80), was statistically lower than that for older persons, at 1.27% (95% Cl: 0.76,1.78). Findings adjusted for publication bias were similar. Limited/suggestive evidence was found for higher associations among women; mortality risks were 0.39% (95% Cl: -0.22,1.00) higher than those for men. We identified strong evidence for higher associations with unemployment or lower occupational status and weak evidence of sensitivity for racial/ethnic minorities and persons with low education, in poverty, or without central air conditioning. Findings show that some populations, especially the elderly, are particularly sensitive to short-term ozone exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the worldwide population is ageing. One expected consequence of this is an increase in morbidity and an associated increased demand for long-term care. Physical rehabilitation is beneficial in older people, but relatively little is known about effects in residents of long-term care facilities.Objective: to examine the effects of physical rehabilitation on activities of daily living (ADL) in elderly residents of long-term care facilities.Methods: systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. We included studies that compared the effect of a physical rehabilitation intervention on independence in ADL with either no intervention or an alternative intervention in older people (over 60 years) living in long-term care facilities. We searched 19 databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar. Two researchers independently screened papers and extracted data. Outcomes of included studies were combined in a standardised mean difference random-effects meta-analysis.Results: thirteen of 14 studies identified were included in the meta-analysis. Independence in ADL was improved by 0.24 standard units (95% CI: 0.11–0.38; P = 0.0005). This is equivalent to 1.3 points on the Barthel Index (0–20 scale). No significant differences in effect were found based on participant or intervention characteristics. Larger sample size and low attrition were associated with smaller estimates of effect. All studies were assessed to be at risk of bias.Conclusions: physical rehabilitation may improve independence for elderly long-term care facility residents, but mean effects are small. It is unclear which interventions are most appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have assessed second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure but a gold standard remains to be established. This study aimed to review how SHS exposure has been assessed in adults in questionnaire-based epidemiological studies. Methods: A literature search of original papers in English, French, Italian or Spanish published from January 2000 to May 2011 was performed using PubMed. The variables recorded for each study included target population, sample size, validation of the SHS questions, study design and phrasing of every question used to assess SHS exposure. For each item, information such as the setting where exposure was assessed or the indicator used to ascertain SHS exposure was extracted. Results: We retrieved 977 articles, of which 335 matched the inclusion criteria. The main objective of 75.8% of the studies was to assess SHS exposure.The proportion of validated questions aiming to ascertain SHS exposure was 17.9%. Most studies collected data only for one (40.3%) or two settings (33.4%), most frequently the home (83.9%) and workplace (57%). The most commonly used indicator to ascertain exposure was the presence of smokers and 68.9% of the studies included an item to assess the intensity of SHS exposure. Conclusions: The variability in the indicators and items used to ascertain SHS exposure is very high, whereas the use of items derived from validated studies remains low. Identifying the diverse settings where SHS exposure may occur is essential to accurately assess exposure over time. A standard set of items to identify SHS exposure in distinct settings is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and side effects of celiac plexus neurolysis ( CPN) in the treatment of upper abdominal cancer pain, and evaluates whether there are any differences between the percutaneous and endoscopic ultrasound-guided ( EUS) denervation techniques. Methods Five databases were searched, expanded by assessing the reference lists of all retrieved papers. Sixty-six publications fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Randomized controlled trials were available for the percutaneous CPN, and therefore meta-analyses were performed for pain, opioid consumption, and specific side effects. The quality of life data were too heterogeneous to be assessed by a meta-analysis, and evidence for EUS CPN could only be evaluated by observational studies. Results Meta-analyses show that percutaneous CPN significantly improves pain in patients with upper abdominal cancer, with a decrease in opioid consumption and side effects. It is unclear whether there is any change in quality of life. Case series suggest that EUS CPN improves pain. No conclusion can be made about EUS CPN's influence on opioid consumption. Although CPN is a safe procedure, side effects and complications can occur with both the percutaneous and EUS techniques. Conclusions Following this review, evidence suggests that CPN should be considered in patients with upper abdominal cancer where the pain is not adequately controlled with systemic analgesics or when significant opioid-induced side effects are present. The percutaneous approach remains the standard technique as robust evidence for EUS CPN is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]