Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep quality of students: A meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review aims to assess the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the sleep quality of students. METHODS: An electronic search was performed in the databases and in gray literature for articles published up to January 2022. The results included observational studies that assessed sleep quality through validated questionnaires, comparing moments pre and postCOVID19 pandemic. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklist. The Grading of Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the certainty of scientific evidence. Estimates of interest were calculated using random effects meta-analyses and possible confounding factors were meta-regressed. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were considered for qualitative synthesis and thirteen were considered for meta-analysis. Considering the comparison of means obtained by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, there was an increase in the scores obtained during the pandemic period [MD = -0.39; 95% CI = -0.72 - -0.07; I2 = 88.31%], thus evidencing a slight worsening in the sleep quality of these individuals. Risk of bias was considered low in nine studies, moderate in eight studies, and high in one study. The unemployment rate (%) in the country of origin of each included study partially explained the heterogeneity of analysis. GRADE analysis showed a very low certainty of scientific evidence. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a slight negative impact on the sleep quality of high school and college students, but the evidence is still uncertain. The socioeconomic reality must be considered when evaluating this outcome.

The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To determine the global prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in adults. Six electronic databases (Embase, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched, in addition to gray literature (ASHA, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertation, and Theses). A random-effects model for meta-analysis of proportions was conducted, and heterogeneity was evaluated according to the moderator variable through subgroup analysis and meta-regression. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. Thirty papers were included for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. The combined prevalence estimate was 60% [CI 95% = 50%-70%; I2 = 95%], accounting for different baseline conditions. However, the wide variation that exists between the different baseline conditions (underlying disease or risk factor) tended to overestimate this prevalence when considering the general population. Only one study evaluated healthy individuals, which showed a prevalence of 31% [CI95% = 27%-36%]. The risk of bias was considered low for all studies. None of the variables were considered predictors for the observed variance between the effect sizes of the included studies. For the prevalence of OD, the GRADE rating was considered very low. Despite the high prevalence observed, with over half of the individuals affected, the evidence regarding this outcome remains uncertain due to an overestimation of the generated estimates caused by the baseline condition of the sample.

Oral health of people with emotional disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the association between severe mental disorders and oral health among individuals over 18 years of age. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in six electronic databases and gray literature. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on studies that met the inclusion criteria. The methodology of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-analysis of proportions with a random effect was carried out. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 5,734 references were retrieved, and twenty articles were selected for synthesis. Considering the DMFT index between the groups with mental disorders and the control group, the values of the DMFT index were higher among individuals with schizophrenia [MD = 5.27; 95% CI = 4.13 - 6.42; I2 = 35%] and bipolar disorder [MD = 1.90; 95% CI = 0.87 - 2.93]. Values were lower among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder [MD = -0.85; 95% CI = -1.46-0.24]. The risk of bias was considered low for 16 studies, and four were classified with a moderate risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was very low. CONCLUSION: Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder exhibit increased frequency in the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth. There was no effect in relation to periodontal probing depth, plaque index, and TMD, but the evidence is still uncertain for this outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive health approach.

Prevalence of orofacial injuries resulting from trauma in individuals with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) may have cognitive, sensitive, behavioral, communicative, and convulsive disorders. Because defensive reflexes are reduced by CP, the risk of orofacial trauma is greater in these individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of orofacial injuries resulting from trauma in patients with CP. This review was reported according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO-CRD42022293570). The search was performed for articles published until January 2023 in Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Gray literature was also consulted through Google Scholar, OpenGrey, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses. Studies in which orofacial injuries due to trauma were prevalent in individuals with CP were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Additionally, a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Twelve studies were included in the synthesis, of which nine presented a low risk of bias and three presented a moderate risk. When considering the general prevalence of orofacial injuries in patients with CP, a prevalence of 34% [95% CI = 18%-52%; I2 = 98%] was observed, with enamel and dentin fractures being the most common orofacial injuries. Approximately one in three patients with CP showed at least one type of orofacial injury involving dental trauma. There is a lack of literature assessing the prevalence of these traumas in soft tissues and the evidence for this outcome remains uncertain.

The anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve within the mentonian foramen: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to delineate the safety zone concerning the anteriorization of the AL and correlate it with the behavior of the AL, analyzing its feasibility. METHODS: Adhering to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) manual guidelines, both the protocol and this review were conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. MeSH terms, combined with free terms, were utilized to search for articles in the following databases: Embase, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature. RESULTS: Fifteen articles were select following the eligibility criteria. An average safe zone of 4.75 mm in humans was observed, with a prevalence 60.8% and average anterior length of the AL of 2.09 mm in humans. CONCLUSION: The AL has varied patterns across different populations, then, it could not be asserted a 100% safe zone. Preoperative analysis of the AL with CBCT is always necessary. While it could be stated that a safe zone should be employed as an inviolable region, stipulated measures of a safe zone should be regarded as an area of greater attention in preoperative planning.

Worldwide prevalence and associated risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and associated risk factors globally. METHODS: Six databases and registrations and three grey databases were explored for observational field research. Independently and impartially paired reviewers selected research, gathered data, and evaluated the methodological quality. Heterogeneity was investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression following the moderating variable in a meta-analysis of proportions with a random-effects model. The critical appraisal instrument developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used to evaluate the listed studies' methodology. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: A total of 8236 articles were collected during the database search, resulting in 99 articles included for qualitative synthesis, and 98 articles were included for the meta-analysis. The estimated combined prevalence of OSA was 54% [CI 95% = 46-62%; I2 = 100%]. Mean age, percentage of moderate-severe cases, and the sample's body mass index (BMI) did not affect the heterogeneity that was already present when meta-regressed (p > 0.05). Ninety-one studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias, while eight were deemed to have a moderate risk. For OSA prevalence outcomes, the GRADE criteria were considered very low. CONCLUSION: Approximately half of the people worldwide have OSA. High BMI, increasing age, and male gender are described as risk factors in the literature, but these covariates do not affect pre-existing heterogeneity.

Impact of bariatric surgery on oral health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) on the oral health status of obese individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search was performed on the Cochrane Library, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), LIVIVO, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Grey literature was also consulted through Google Scholar, OpenGrey, ProQuest, and MedRxiv. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. Pre- and post-surgical moments were compared through random effects meta-analysis. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) assessment tool was used to judge the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 908 references were retrieved, with 30 articles selected for synthesis. When comparing the pre- and postoperative moments, there was no difference in the index of decayed, missing, or filled teeth. Furthermore, salivary flow and probing depth presented a slight increase. Post-surgery patients showed an increase (%) in tooth wear at the dentin level [MD = -6.23; IC95% = -8.45--4.01; I2 = 0%]. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing BS show no difference when considering the rate of caries or missing teeth and little to no effect was observed on salivary flow rates and periodontal probing depth. On the other hand, greater attention should be given to dentin wear in post-surgical patients of BS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients undergoing BS should receive careful monitoring regarding oral health by doctors, dentists, and the entire multidisciplinary team involved before and after the surgical procedure.

Orofacial and cervical myofunctional intervention programmes for older adults: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Senescent stomatognathic systems undergo anatomical changes that are not always compensated by physiology due to associated factors such as poorly fitted dentures, dental changes, and clinical conditions that trigger sarcopenia. When these conditions are not properly addressed, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Hence, this study aimed to map orofacial and cervical myofunctional intervention programmes for older adults, evaluate the current research in this area, and formulate suggestions for further investigation. METHODS: Scoping review is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature databases were systematically searched. Studies addressing therapeutic programmes, myofunctional exercises, and their influence on the stomatognathic system of older adults were included. Studies with populations younger than 60 years, residing in long-term care facilities, homes, or hospital care, and with associated comorbidities were excluded, as well as secondary studies. RESULTS: A total of 3098 studies were retrieved. After applying the eligibility criteria, nine studies were eligible for this review. The nine studies were published in English between 2008 and 2021 in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The participants' mean ages ranged from 64 to 81 years, with a preponderance of females. Six of the studies divided the sample into intervention and control groups. Two studies referred to programmes to promote oral function through facial expression and tongue muscle exercises, salivary gland massage, and swallowing biomechanics. Seven studies report the positive influence of myofunctional exercises on the stomatognathic system. CONCLUSION: The mapping concluded that therapeutic programmes, including educational actions, help prevent orofacial myofunctional disorders, and improve the functionality of the stomatognathic system.

Prevalence of chewing difficulty in older people in long-term care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many factors can influence chewing, including age. The ageing process causes morphophysiological changes in the body, including in the performance of the stomatognathic system, which directly affect chewing and swallowing. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of chewing difficulty in older people in long-term care. METHODS: We searched six electronic databases and the grey literature. Qualitative and quantitative analyses, including risk of bias, were performed on studies that met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of proportions with a random effects model was performed, and heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression. Risk of bias was determined using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist. The certainty of evidence was verified using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Twelve articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence estimate was 35% (95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.54). As heterogeneity still persisted even after sensitivity analysis, the predictors of mean sample age and sample size were meta-regressed to assess whether these covariates explained the variance between effect sizes. The covariable sample size of the study included in the analysis explained 84.3% of the heterogeneity existing in the analysis (R2  = 84.3%; P = .0008). The risk of bias was low in three studies, eight studies had a moderate risk of bias and one study had a high risk of bias. As for the prevalence of chewing difficulty, the GRADE criteria were considered very low. CONCLUSION: About one in three older people in long-term care have difficulty in chewing.

Impact of orthognathic surgery on voice and speech: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgical procedures, whether in one or both jaws, can affect structures regarding the articulation and resonance of voice and speech. OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the impact of orthognathic surgery on voice and speech performance in individuals with skeletal dentofacial disharmony. SEARCH METHODS: Word combinations and truncations were adapted for the following electronic databases: EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and grey literature. SELECTION CRITERIA: The research included studies on nonsyndromic adults with skeletal dentofacial disharmony undergoing orthognathic surgery. These studies assessed patients before and after surgery or compared them with individuals with good facial harmony using voice and speech parameters through validated protocols. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two independent reviewers performed all stages of the review. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used to assess risk of bias in the cohort studies, and ROBINS-I was used for nonrandomized clinical trials. The authors also performed a meta-analysis of random effects. RESULTS: A total of 1163 articles were retrieved after the last search, of which 23 were read in full. Of these, four were excluded, totalling 19 articles for quantitative synthesis. When comparing the pre- and postoperative periods, both for fundamental frequency, formants, and jitter and shimmer perturbation measures, orthognathic surgery did not affect vowel production. According to the articles, the main articulatory errors associated with skeletal dentofacial disharmonies prior to surgery were distortions of fricative sounds, mainly/s/ and/z/. CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery may have little or no impact on vocal characteristics during vowel production. However, due to the confounding factors involved, estimates are inconclusive. The most prevalent articulatory disorders in the preoperative period were distortion of the fricative phonemes/s/ and/z/. However, further studies must be carried out to ensure greater robustness to these findings. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42022291113).

Effects of respiratory training on obstructive sleep apnea: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review sought to answer the following focused question: "What are the effects of respiratory training devices on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) outcomes in adults?" METHODS : The acronym "PICOS" was used to determine eligibility criteria, which consists of (P population) = adults with mild to moderate OSA, (I intervention) = spirometry devices or breathing exercises, (C comparison) = compared to no breathing exercises in adults (> 18 years) with mild to moderate OSA, (O outcomes) = improved sleep quality (sleep quality indexes) and improved apnea-hypopnea indexes (AHI), (S study types) = randomized, pseudo-randomized, and non-randomized clinical trials. The search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, in addition to gray literature through Google Scholar, Proquest, and Open Grey. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. Meta-analyses of random effects were performed for the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: A total of 1171 references were found. Applying the eligibility criteria, six studies were included in qualitative synthesis. Expiratory exercises showed a decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) when compared to baseline (MD = - 8.4; 95% CI = - 12.4 to - 4.4; I2 = 19%). There was a decrease in values compared to baseline (MD = - 4.4; 95% CI = - 8.2 to - 0.6; I2 = 0%) for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), when considering the inspiratory exercises. Both groups of breathing exercises showed a significant decrease in the mean index assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). CONCLUSION: Results of this meta-analysis suggests that breathing exercises lead to a measurable improvement in AHI for patients with mild to moderate OSA, as well as an improvement in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: CRD42020148513 (PROSPERO).

Psychosocial changes in patients submitted to orthodontic surgery treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to answer the following question: What is the psychological impact of orthognathic surgery on patients with dentofacial deformities undergoing orthodontic-surgical treatment? MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search was adapted for each of the following databases: American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences (LILACS), Cochrane Library, Embase, Psychinfo, PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Web of Science, and gray literature using Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklist. This study performed estimates of interest, random-effects meta-analyses, and calculated heterogeneity using Higgins inconsistency index (I2). RESULTS: A total of 6751 references were found in all searches. After applying the eligibility criteria after full-text reading, 37 studies comprised the final qualitative synthesis. Thirteen studies were included in quantitative synthesis, and it was possible to meta-analyze data from the following questionnaires: GHQ-28, MMPI, RSES, and SCL-90-R. There was an improvement in psychological aspects related to depression, hysteria, self-esteem, anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideas, and psychoticism (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Correction of dentofacial deformity through orthodontic-surgical treatment is associated with improvements observed in several psychological domains, especially in relation to depressive states. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This result highlights the importance of surgeons and orthodontists in promoting adequate control of patients' expectations and treatment goals taking into account the individual's psychological aspects.

Effect and longevity of botulinum toxin in the treatment of gummy smile: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness and longevity of the botulinum toxin in the treatment of individuals with excessive gingival exposure. METHODS: The search was adapted to six electronic databases and gray literature. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-Randomized and Randomized Studies of Interventions. Meta-analyses and meta-regression were performed using random effects models. RESULTS: A total of 5247 articles were collected during the final search in the database, resulting in 17 articles included. There was a mean decrease of 3.42 mm [95% CI = -4.50 to -2.34; I2 = 97%] in the level of gingival exposure 2 weeks after the application of botulinum toxin. The application time explained 29.58% of the observed variance (p < 0.001), with a tendency for the effect size to decrease from the second week of application onwards, with values returning close to baseline levels in 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin is an alternative technique considered effective for reducing gummy smile, especially for gummy smiles up to 4 mm, with a longevity of at least 12 weeks, returning close to initial values within 24 weeks after application. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The knowledge about the longevity and effectiveness of botulinum toxin in the treatment of gummy smile allows for a more adequate clinical planning for these cases, as well as for clinical decisions, as for prognostic factors.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in musicians: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in musicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic database searches and a manual search were performed. Qualitative and quantitative analysis including risk of bias was performed for studies that met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of proportions with a random effects model was performed, and heterogeneity was explored according to the moderating variable through subgroup analysis and metaregression. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles were included for the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence estimate was 52.8% (CI 95%; 33.4%-71.7%) for wind instruments, 53.9% (CI 95%; 42.4%-65.2%) for string instruments and 53.9% (CI 95%; 23.5%-82.7%) for string and wind instruments. The average time of use of the musical instrument explained 82.38%, the heterogeneity between the sizes of the effects observed in the analysis (R2  = 82.38%; P < .0001). For prevalence of TMD, the GRADE criteria were considered very low. CONCLUSION: The overall combined prevalence of TMD in musicians was approximately 53.9%, and musicians who use their instruments daily and for a long period of time may have a higher prevalence of TMD. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Due to the high prevalence of TMD in musicians, health professionals must be careful not to underestimate signs and symptoms and correctly diagnose these cases.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and alcohol, caffeine and tobacco: A meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to answer the focused question, "Is there an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and alcohol, caffeine or tobacco use?" Five electronic databases (Cinahl, Literatura Latth American and Caribbean, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and 3 grey literature (Google Acadêmico, ProQuest, OpenGrey) were searched, as well as search on reference list of included papers and contacts with study authors. Observational studies were included. The Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MAStARI) tool assessed the potential risk of bias (RoB) among the studies, while the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach determined the level of evidence. Meta-Analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software. Among 3,442 identified studies, 14 were included. Eleven studies were classified as moderate RoB and 3 as high RoB. Meta-analysis showed OSA has no association with tobacco and presented a positive association with alcohol. The odds ratio for OSA increased almost 1.33 times (95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.10-1.62) for alcohol users. There was insufficient published data to evaluate whether OSA is associated with caffeine. The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to very low. OSA was associated with the use of alcohol, however there is not enough evidence to confirm the association with tobacco or caffeine. Due to the very low GRADE level of evidence, caution should be applied when considering these findings.

Prevalence of reported violence in children and adolescents in the clinical work of health professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This article aims to analyze the prevalence of reporting and notification of violence in children and adolescents in the work of clinical health professionals. The search was performed in six electronic databases and the gray literature for studies published until June 1, 2022. Estimates of interest were calculated using random effects meta-analyses. Two reviewers independently evaluated the potentially eligible studies according to the following criteria: cross-sectional studies carried out with health professionals who provided clinical care for children and adolescents and dealt with violence cases. Two reviewers extracted data on included trial characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Expectations of interest were transformed using random effects meta-analyses. The meta-analysis of the prevalence of reports of violence performed with 42 articles was 41%. The notification meta-analysis occurred with 39 articles and was 30%. About one in two health professionals face situations of violence against children and adolescents in their clinical practice (41%), and approximately one in three health professionals report the cases (30%).

Strategies of Hearing Preservation With Military Personnel: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to map the strategies used in hearing health education with military personnel during the Hearing Preservation Program (HPP). METHOD: This study is a scoping review, with electronic searches conducted in online databases and gray literature: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, ASHAWire, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses. Only studies describing, analyzing, or evaluating the application of the HPP to active duty or training military personnel were included. RESULTS: A total of 3,478 references were retrieved, and 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The strategies were classified into five categories: focus group aimed at exploring knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing health (five studies), training on the proper fitting of hearing protection devices (four studies), the utilization of audiovisual materials (seven studies), questionnaires administrated before and after educational intervention (five studies), and feedback survey concerning the implemented hearing health education (three studies). CONCLUSION: There are five strategies that aimed at assessing knowledge and attitudes, improving hearing health education, facilitating information access, and evaluating the applied actions. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25219589.

Relationship between mastication and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between mastication and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: To establish the eligibility criteria, the acronym PECOS was used: Population: non-institutionalized older adults; Exposure: older adults with malnutrition; Control: older adults without malnutrition; Outcome: masticatory problems in malnourished older adults; Study types: observational studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: It selected studies assessing malnutrition and mastication difficulties in non-institutionalized adults over 60 years old, of both sexes. Mastication and malnutrition were evaluated with questionnaires on self-reported symptoms and clinical and instrumental assessments. There were no restrictions on language, year of publication, or ethnicity. DATA ANALYSIS: The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality with the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for cross-sectional studies. For the cross-sectional studies included, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 692 references were retrieved, with three studies selected for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The values obtained in the meta-analysis for association show that malnutrition and mastication difficulties were 2.21 times as likely to occur (OR = 2.21; 95%CI = 0.93 - 5.26; I2 = 94%) as individuals without malnutrition (p < 0.001). The assessment of the risk of bias presented a high-risk, a moderate-risk, and a low-risk study. The certainty of evidence was rated very low with the GRADE tool. CONCLUSION: Individuals at risk of malnutrition are 2.21 times as likely to have mastication difficulties.

Relationship between prematurity and difficulties in the transition of food consistency in childhood: a systematic review. / Relação entre prematuridade e dificuldades na transição da consistência alimentar na infância: uma revisão sistemática.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature regarding the impact of prematurity on the transition of food consistencies in infants during the introduction of complementary feeding. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: Searches were conducted in the EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), LIVIVO, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, Google Scholar; for gray literature, searches were conducted on Open Gray, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses databases, from August 10, 2020, onwards. SELECTION CRITERIA: "PECOS" was selected to determine inclusion criteria: Population (P): Infants; Exposure (E): Prematurity; Comparison (C): Full-term newborns; Outcomes (O): Progression of food consistencies in premature newborns with or without comparison; Study design (S): Cohort study, Case-control; Cross-sectional. DATA ANALYSIS: The methodological quality of the selected observational studies was assessed using the Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MASTARI). RESULTS: A total of 3,310 articles were found, of which nine were selected for qualitative synthesis. Among the selected studies, a relationship between invasive oral interventions and feeding difficulties was observed for all assessed skills, with feeding difficulties being more frequent in infants with lower gestational age. CONCLUSION: Most studies found no significant relationship between prematurity and difficulties in the progression of food consistencies during the introduction of complementary feeding; only three studies demonstrated such a relationship.

OBJETIVO: Revisar a literatura de maneira sistematizada acerca da relação do impacto da prematuridade na transição das consistências alimentares em lactentes no período de introdução da alimentação complementar. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: Foram pesquisados os bancos de dados EMBASE, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), LIVIVO, PubMed/Medline, Scopus e Web of Science e Google Scholar, Open Grey e ProQuest Dissertations & Theses na literatura cinzenta foram pesquisados desde 10/08/2020. CRITÉRIOS DE SELEçÃO: "PECOS": População (P): Lactentes, Exposição (E): Prematuridade, Comparação (C): Recém-nascidos a termo, Desfecho (O): Progressão de consistências alimentares em recém-nascidos prematuros com ou sem comparação, Tipos de estudos (S): Estudo de coorte; Caso-controle; Transversal. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: A qualidade metodológica dos estudos observacionais selecionados foi avaliada usando a Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MASTARI). RESULTADOS: Um total de 3.310 artigos foram encontrados, sendo 9 selecionados para a realização da síntese qualitativa. Nos estudos selecionados foi observada a relação entre intervenções orais invasivas e dificuldade alimentar para todas as habilidades avaliadas e quanto menor a idade gestacional, mais frequente são os comportamentos de dificuldades alimentares. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi observada relação entre a prematuridade e dificuldades na progressão das consistências no período da introdução das consistências alimentares na maioria dos estudos, somente três deles demonstraram tal relação.

Impact of reading intervention on the phonological awareness of children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To review studies that have intervention in reading with impacts on phonological awareness in children with autism spectrum disorder. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: Searches took place until February 2021 in Cochrane, Embase, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and gray literature databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: The review included experimental studies with preschoolers and schoolchildren with ASD. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and, in case of disagreement, a third reviewer was consulted. DATA ANALYSIS: Joanna Briggs Institute checklists were used for risk of bias. A random effects meta-analysis was performed and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Eight studies with some impact on phonological awareness were reviewed. The risk of bias was low and moderate. The certainty of the evidence was low for randomized trials and very low for non-randomised trials. Comparison of pre- and post-therapy on the Preschool Literacy Test (TOPEL) showed that children with ASD improved phonological awareness, with a mean difference between baseline and post-therapy of 6.21 (95% CI = 3.75-8.67; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Shared reading and software activities with words and phrases can alter phonological awareness. These results support further research with larger samples and a detailed description of the intervention to observe its effectiveness in phonological awareness.