Efficacy of Kinesio Taping Compared to Other Treatment Modalities in Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Kinesio taping is widely used in musculoskeletal conditions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of kinesio taping in musculoskeletal disorders compared to other interventions. Twelve electronic databases were used for systemic search and data relevant to pain and disability were extracted. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018087606). Meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of kinesio taping to other modalities of musculoskeletal disorders. As a result, 36 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Kinesio taping was found to provide an improvement of both pain and disability when applied to any region of the body. In the first five days of application, kinesio taping significantly reduced the pain in all body regions (SMD = -0.63, 95%CI: -0.87, -0.39). This was also noted after four-to-six weeks of application (SMD = -0.76, 95%CI: -1.07, -0.45). When kinesio taping was used for disability in low back pain patients, it significantly reduced the disability within five days of application (SMD = -0.70, 95%CI: -1.29, -0.11). Finally, kinesio taping has shown an improvement of the disability in all body regions after four-to-six weeks of application (SMD = -0.59, 95%CI: -0.96, -0.22). Our findings support kinesio taping as an adjuvant to other treatments for musculoskeletal disorders. Abbreviations KT = Kinesio taping; MSK = musculoskeletal; SD = standard deviation; CR = conventional rehabilitation; NDI = Neck Disability Index; NPS = Numerical Pain Scale; CTM = Cervical Thrust Manipulation; PIR = Post-isometric muscle relaxation; NPRS Numerical Pain Rating Scale; OA = osteoarthritis; ROM = Range of motion; VAS = visual analogue scale; VAS-W = visual analogue scale-worst pain; VAS-U = visual analogue scale-usual pain; VAS-R = visual analogue scale-resting pain; VAS-A = visual analogue scale-activity pain; VAS-N = visual analogue scale-night pain; NPDS = Neck Pain Disability Scale; QA = Quality assessment.

Protocol registration issues of systematic review and meta-analysis studies: a survey of global researchers.

BACKGROUND: Although protocol registration of systematic reviews/meta-analysis (SR/MA) is still not mandatory, it is highly recommended that authors publish their SR/MA protocols prior to submitting their manuscripts for publication as recommended by the Cochrane guidelines for conducting SR/MAs. our aim was to assess the awareness, obstacles, and opinions of SR/MA authors about the protocol registration process. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study included the authors who published SR/MAs during the period from 2010 to 2016, and they were contacted for participation in our survey study. They were identified through the literature search of SR/MAs in Scopus database. An online questionnaire was sent to each participant via e-mail after receiving their approval to join the study. We have sent 6650 emails and received 275 responses. RESULTS: A total of 270 authors responses were complete and included in the final analysis. Our results has shown that PROSPERO was the most common database used for protocol registration (71.3%). The registration-to-acceptance time interval in PROSPERO was less than 1 month (99.1%). Almost half of the authors (44.2%) did not register their protocols prior to publishing their SR/MAs and according to their opinion that the other authors lack knowledge of protocol importance and mandance to be registered, was the most commonly reported reason (44.9%). A significant percenatge of respondents (37.4%) believed that people would steal their ideas from protocol databases, while only 5.3% reported that their SR/MA had been stolen. However, the majority (72.9%) of participants have agreed that protocol registries play a role in preventing unnecessary duplication of reviews. Finally, 37.4% of participants agree that SR/MA protocol registration should be mandatory. CONCLUSION: About half of the participants believes that the main reason for not registering protocols, is that the other authors lack knowledge concerning obligation and importance to register the SR/MA protocols in advance. Therefore, tools should be available to mandate protocol registration of any SRs beforehand and increasing awareness about the benefits of protocol registration among researchers.

Early coronary angioplasty fails to lower all-cause mortality in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without ST-segment elevation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is defined as the loss of functional mechanical activity of the heart in association with an absence of systemic circulation, occurring outside of a hospital. Immediate coronary angiography (CAG) with percutaneous coronary intervention is recommended for OHCA with ST-elevation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of early CAG on mortality and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients without ST-elevation. Methods: This meta-analysis and systemic review was conducted as per principles of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) group. A protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Ref No. = CRD42022327833). A total of 674 studies were retrieved after scanning several databases (PubMed Central, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials). Results: A total of 18 studies were selected for the final analysis, including 6 randomized control trials and 12 observational studies. Statistically, there was no significant difference in primary outcome, i.e., mortality, between early and delayed CAG. In terms of the grade of neurological recovery as a secondary outcome, early and delayed CAG groups also showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Early CAG has no survival benefits in patients with no ST elevations on ECG after OHCA.

Neighborhood Walkability Is Associated With Lower Burden of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Cancer Patients.

Background: Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors constitute a significant cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality among patients with cancer. Recent studies suggest a potential link between neighborhood walkability and favorable cardiovascular risk factor profiles in the general population. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether neighborhood walkability is correlated with favorable cardiovascular risk factor profiles among patients with a history of cancer. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Houston Methodist Learning Health System Outpatient Registry (2016-2022) comprising 1,171,768 adults aged 18 years and older. Neighborhood walkability was determined using the 2019 Walk Score and divided into 4 categories. Patients with a history of cancer were identified through International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision-Clinical Modification codes (C00-C96). We examined the prevalence and association between modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, and obesity) and neighborhood walkability categories in cancer patients. Results: The study included 121,109 patients with a history of cancer; 56.7% were female patients, and 68.8% were non-Hispanic Whites, with a mean age of 67.3 years. The prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors was lower among participants residing in the most walkable neighborhoods compared with those in the least walkable neighborhoods (76.7% and 86.0%, respectively). Patients with a history of cancer living in very walkable neighborhoods were 16% less likely to have any risk factor compared with car-dependent-all errands neighborhoods (adjusted OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.78-0.92). Sensitivity analyses considering the timing of events yielded similar results. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate an association between neighborhood walkability and the burden of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among patients with a medical history of cancer. Investments in walkable neighborhoods may present a viable opportunity for mitigating the growing burden of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among patients with a history of cancer.

Favorable Neighborhood Walkability is Associated With Lower Burden of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Patients Within an Integrated Health System: The Houston Methodist Learning Health System Outpatient Registry.

This is the first study to investigate the relationship between neighborhood walkability and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in the United States using a large population-based database. Cross-sectional study using data from 1.1 million patients over the age of 18 in the Houston Methodist Learning Health System Outpatient Registry (2016-2022). Using the 2019 WalkScore, patients were assigned to one of the 4 neighborhood walkability categories. The burden of CV risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and smoking) was defined as poor, average, or optimal (>3, 1-2, 0 risk factors, respectively). We included 887,654 patients, of which 86% resided in the two least walkable neighborhoods. The prevalence of CV risk factors was significantly lower among participants in the most walkable neighborhoods irrespective of ASCVD status. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors, we found that adults living in the most walkable neighborhoods were more likely to have optimal CV risk profile than those in the least walkable ones (RRR 2.77, 95% CI 2.64-2.91). We observed an inverse association between neighborhood walkability and the burden of CV risk factors. These findings support multilevel health system stakeholder engagements and investments in walkable neighborhoods as a viable tool for mitigating the growing burden of modifiable CV risk factors.

Factors associated with successful publication for systematic review protocol registration: an analysis of 397 registered protocols.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses are on top of the evidence-based medicine pyramid, yet many of them are not completed after they are begun. Many factors impacting the publication of meta-analysis works have been discussed, and their association with publication likelihood has been investigated. These factors include the type of systematic review, journal metrics, h-index of the corresponding author, country of the corresponding author, funding sources, and duration of publication. In our current review, we aim to investigate these various factors and their impact on the likelihood of publication. A comprehensive review of 397 registered protocols retrieved from five databases was performed to investigate the different factors that might affect the likelihood of publication. These factors include the type of systematic review, journal metrics, h-index of the corresponding author, country of the corresponding author, funding sources, and duration of publication. RESULTS: We found that corresponding authors in developed countries and English-speaking countries had higher likelihoods of publication: 206/320 (p = 0.018) and 158/236 (p = 0.006), respectively. Factors affecting publications are the countries of corresponding author (p = 0.033), whether they are from developed countries (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.1, p = 0.016), from English-speaking countries (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.7, p = 0.005), update status of the protocol (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.6, p = 0.033), and external funding (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7, p = 0.025). Multivariable regression retains three variables as significant predictors for the publication of a systematic review: whether it is the corresponding author from developed countries (p = 0.013), update status of the protocol (p = 0.014), and external funding (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Being on top of the evidence hierarchy, systematic review and meta-analysis are the keys to informed clinical decision-making. Updating protocol status and external funding are significant influences on their publications. More attentions should be paid to the methodological quality of this type of publication.

Satisfactory Outcome for a Challenging Case of Infected Native Pelvic Discontinuity with Significant Bone Loss: A Case Report.

CASE: This is a challenging case of infected native pelvic discontinuity with massive acetabular bone loss. The infection was persistent despite repeated debridement. A new technique of articulated antibiotic spacer plus Mexican hat antibiotic spacer has been used. A triflanged custom-made implant was used in the second-stage surgery. The 2-year follow-up showed no recurrence of infection and no loosening. CONCLUSION: Using a Mexican hat spacer is a good option when there is a massive bone loss medially. Custom-made triflanged cup showed to be a viable treatment modality for infected pelvic discontinuity despite the cost of the implant.

Voice Rehabilitation by Voice Prostheses After Total Laryngectomy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis for 11,918 Patients.

Purpose Our aim was to assess the different voice prostheses (VPs) to identify the most efficient, safest, patient-tailored, longest lifetime, and inexpensive VPs and assess the different factors affecting their quality. Method In September 2017, 15 databases were searched to include all randomized controlled trials. A new search was done in May 2019 to include all other study design articles, which include all the new-era VPs subtypes. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was applied to all 27 outcomes, besides NMA overall and partial order setting was done by using Hasse scatter plots. p values were used in NMA, where the best VPs are approaching one and the least approaches zero. Meta-analysis was done for the rest of the outcomes. Results Two hundred one articles were eligible for inclusion in our study (N = 11,918). Provox-2 was significantly the most efficient and safest device concerning the most patient preference (odds ratio [OR] = 33.88 [0.65, 1762.24]; p = .92), the least dislodgement (risk ratio [RR] = 0.27 [0.13, 0.57]; p = .79), the least airflow resistance (RR = 0.42 [0.08, 2.11]; p = .84), the least granulation formation (RR = 0.73 [0.02, 26.32]; p = .60), and the least VPs' inaccurate size (RR = 0.77 (0.23, 2.61); p = .66). Heat and moisture exchanger addition showed a significant increase in maximum phonation time and breathing experience, with p values (1 and .59), respectively. While heat and moisture exchanger addition showed a significant decline in stoma cleaning frequency, coughing frequency, forced expectoration, sputum production, sleeping problems, and loosening of adhesive, with p values (.99, .72, .69, .96, 1, and 0.96), respectively, Groningen low resistance and Nijdam were considered the worst devices with both overall mean p value of .44. Conclusions Provox-2 is considered the best choice as being the most preferable for patients, with the least airflow resistance, dislodgment, granulation formation, and prosthesis inaccurate size. Groningen low resistance and Nijdam were considered the worst devices according to our analysis. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14802903.

Systematic analysis of authorship demographics in global surgery.

BACKGROUND: Global surgery has recently gained prominence as an academic discipline within global health. Authorship inequity has been a consistent feature of global health publications, with over-representation of authors from high-income countries (HICs), and disenfranchisement of researchers from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this study, we investigated authorship demographics within recently published global surgery literature. METHODS: We performed a systematic analysis of author characteristics, including gender, seniority and institutional affiliation, for global surgery studies published between 2016 and 2020 and indexed in the PubMed database. We compared the distribution of author gender and seniority across studies related to different topics; between authors affiliated with HICs and LMICs; and across studies with different authorship networks. RESULTS: 1240 articles were included for analysis. Most authors were male (60%), affiliated only with HICs (51%) and of high seniority (55% were fully qualified specialist or generalist clinicians, Principal Investigators, or in senior leadership or management roles). The proportion of male authors increased with increasing seniority for last and middle authors. Studies related to Obstetrics and Gynaecology had similar numbers of male and female authors, whereas there were more male authors in studies related to surgery (69% male) and Anaesthesia and Critical care (65% male). Compared with HIC authors, LMIC authors had a lower proportion of female authors at every seniority grade. This gender gap among LMIC middle authors was reduced in studies where all authors were affiliated only with LMICs. CONCLUSION: Authorship disparities are evident within global surgery academia. Remedial actions to address the lack of authorship opportunities for LMIC authors and female authors are required.

Association between pet ownership and cardiovascular risks and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

: The aim of the study was to determine the association between pet ownership and cardiovascular risk factors and mortality. Electronic search was conducted through nine databases including PubMed for relevant publications reporting cardiovascular events and mortality among pet owners. Meta-analysis was used to pool the results. Of a total of 2818 reports screened, 26 studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. Higher survival rate was observed in the pet owners group after pooling nonadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for cardiovascular mortality at 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.86] and 0.81 (0.68-0.97), respectively. A similar trend was observed for the pooled nonadjusted hazard ratio for overall mortality 0.73 (0.62-0.87) but not the adjusted hazard ratio 0.40 (0.04-3.78). Cat owners have a reduction in cardiovascular mortality but not overall mortality after pooling the adjusted hazard ratio 0.79 (0.63-0.99) and 1.04 (0.90-1.21), respectively. However, no significant association between dog owners and survival rate was observed for overall and cardiovascular-specific mortality. Pet owners had significantly lower heart rate (mean difference 95% CI: -2.32 (-3.07 to -1.57), mean arterial pressure -2.60 (-4.25 to -0.95) and SBP -1.69 (-3.06 to -0.31) but not DBP -0.23 (-1.05 to 0.60). No significant difference was observed between pet owners and nonpet owners in prevalence of hypertension. Our study draws attention to the beneficial effects of the human--pet bond; therefore, we recommend pet acquisition for better cardiovascular outcomes after controlling for zoonotics and pet-induced allergies.

The role of primary lymph node sites in survival and mortality prediction in Hodgkin lymphoma: a SEER population-based retrospective study.

As diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) continue to improve, patient-related factors affecting survival become more difficult to identify. Very little is known about the relationship between the primary site of lymph node (LN) involvement and survival of HL patients. We retrospectively analyzed the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database for 12,658 HL patients reported between 1973 and 2010 using survival analysis and time-interval multiple logistic regression (MLR) to disclose that relationship. The effect of all primary LN sites on the survival of HL patients was supported. The intra-abdominal (IAB) primary LN site was significantly associated with the worst survival. The pelvic (P) LN sites were significantly and independently associated with nearly 2 times and 2.5 times the probability of having 1-year overall mortality (OM) and 1-year cancer-specific mortality (CSM), respectively. Head, face and neck (HFN) primary LN sites were significant and independent predictors of better overall and HL-specific survival. A worse survival with the intra-abdominal primary LN site was probably related to their association with higher age, or advanced stages of HL. The biological basis behind the aggressiveness of intra-abdominal and pelvic LN sites is yet to be investigated.