BMJ open
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Meta Analysis
Tobacco control policies and perinatal and child health: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.
Children experience considerable morbidity and mortality due to tobacco smoke exposure. Tobacco control policies may benefit child health by reducing this exposure. We aim to comprehensively assess the effects of the range of tobacco control policies advocated by the WHO on perinatal and child health. ⋯ No ethical assessment is necessary as we will summarise existing studies. We will publish our findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
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Review Meta Analysis
Are mass-media campaigns effective in preventing drug use? A Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis.
To determine whether there is evidence that mass-media campaigns can be effective in reducing illicit drug consumption and the intent to consume. ⋯ Studies were considerably heterogeneous in type of mass-media intervention, outcome measures, underlying theory, comparison groups and design. Such factors can contribute to explaining the observed variability in results. Owing to the risk of adverse effects, caution is needed in disseminating mass-media campaigns tackling drug use. Large studies conducted with appropriate methodology are warranted to consolidate the evidence base.
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Meta Analysis
Prevalence of group A streptococcal disease in North and Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol.
The true burden of group A streptococcal (GAS) disease in Africa is not known. GAS is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity on the global scale and in developing countries. According to Carapetis et al, the prevalence of severe GAS disease is at least 18.1 million cases with an incidence of at least 1.78 million cases per year. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD4201401290 0. (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42014012900).
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Review Meta Analysis
Exploring redundant research into the effect of tranexamic acid on surgical bleeding: further analysis of a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
We examined whether apparent redundancy in a cumulative meta-analysis of trials is justified by concern about bias, random error or generalisability of the results. ⋯ Our results indicate that poor quality is a more important cause of redundant research than the failure to review existing evidence. Concerns about generalisability of results is the main motivation for new trials. Contrary to previous claims, our results suggest that systematic reviews showing treatment effects can stimulate an increase in trial activity rather than reduce it.
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Review Meta Analysis
Anaemia and related nutrient deficiencies after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To obtain a pooled risk estimate on the long-term impact of anaemia and related nutritional deficiencies in patients receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. ⋯ RYGB surgery is associated with an increased risk of anaemia and deficiencies of iron and vitamin B12, but not folate. Ferritin is more sensitive when serum iron level is within normal range.