Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Darsy Darssan, Gita D. Mishra, Darren C. Greenwood, Sven Sandin, Eric J. Brunner, Sybil L. Crawford, Samar R. El Khoudary, Maria Mori Brooks, Ellen B. Gold, Mette Kildevaeld Simonsen, Hsin-Fang Chung, Elisabete Weiderpass, Annette J. Dobson
Summary: Methods for meta-analysis of studies with individual participant data and continuous exposure variables are demonstrated in this study. A two-stage process is used to estimate response curves for each study and average them pointwise over all studies at each value of the exposure. Real data samples and code are provided for result replication.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. A. Thompson, J. M. D. Thompson, J. Wilson, R. S. Cronin, E. A. Mitchell, C. H. Raynes-Greenow, M. Li, T. Stacey, A. E. P. Heazell, L. M. O'Brien, L. M. E. McCowan, N. H. Anderson
Summary: Through analyzing data from previous studies, independent and novel risk factors for late-preterm (28-36 weeks) and term (≥37 weeks) stillbirth were identified, and the development of a risk-prediction model was explored. The results showed that fetal movement changes, poor antenatal care utilization, and the adequacy of care were associated with stillbirth. These findings are valuable in the risk assessment of late-stillbirth.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Emma Copland, Dexter Canoy, Milad Nazarzadeh, Zeinab Bidel, Rema Ramakrishnan, Mark Woodward, John Chalmers, Koon K. Teo, Carl J. Pepine, Barry R. Davis, Sverre Kjeldsen, Johan Sundstrom, Kazem Rahimi
Summary: This study found no consistent evidence linking antihypertensive medication use to cancer risk, providing reassurance to clinical practice. However, evidence for some comparisons was insufficient to entirely rule out excess risk, particularly for calcium channel blockers.
Article
Psychiatry
Lamprini Syrogiannouli, Lea Wildisen, Christiaan Meuwese, Douglas C. Bauer, Anne R. Cappola, Jacobijn Gussekloo, Wendy P. J. den Elzen, Stella Trompet, Rudi G. J. Westendorp, J. Wouter Jukema, Luigi Ferrucci, Graziano Ceresini, Bjorn O. Asvold, Layal Chaker, Robin P. Peeters, Misa Imaizumi, Waka Ohishi, Bert Vaes, Henry Voelzke, Jose A. Sgarbi, John P. Walsh, Robin P. F. Dullaart, Stephan J. L. Bakker, Massimo Iacoviello, Nicolas Rodondi, Cinzia Del Giovane
Summary: In non-randomized studies, imbalance of baseline values may introduce bias to the study and meta-analysis estimates. This study compared different methods to account for baseline values of outcome variables in IPD-MA of NRSs. The results showed that ANCOVA provided the most precise estimates, and ANCOVA and change score methods were similar when groups were well-balanced at baseline.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Luz Angela de la Roche, Angelica Acevedo-Mesa, Ingrid Lizeth Lizarazo, Rajesh Devassy, Sven Becker, Harald Krentel, Rudy Leon De Wilde
Summary: This study aims to summarize evidence from observational studies on the association between lifetime use of hormonal contraceptives and the risk of breast cancer in women of reproductive age. The meta-analysis of 22 studies suggests that there is a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer in ever users of hormonal contraceptives. However, the high heterogeneity among studies and publication biases should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Stevan Nikolin, Adriano Moffa, Lais Razza, Donel Martin, Andre R. Brunoni, Ulrich Palm, Frank Padberg, Djamila Bennabi, Emmanuel Haffen, Daniel M. Blumberger, Mohammad Ali Salehinejad, Colleen K. Loo
Summary: Prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise as an effective treatment for depression. Factors influencing treatment and the time-course of symptom improvements were explored using data from ten randomised controlled trials of tDCS in depression. The study found that tDCS effect sizes peaked at approximately 6 weeks and continued to diverge from sham up to 10 weeks, with significant predictors associated with treatment response being baseline depression severity and bipolar disorder.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
David T. J. Broderick, David W. Waite, Robyn L. Marsh, Carlos A. Camargo, Paul Cardenas, Anne B. Chang, William O. C. Cookson, Leah Cuthbertson, Wenkui Dai, Mark L. Everard, Alain Gervaix, J. Kirk Harris, Kohei Hasegawa, Lucas R. Hoffman, Soo-Jong Hong, Laurence Josset, Matthew S. Kelly, Bong-Soo Kim, Yong Kong, Shuai C. Li, Jonathan M. Mansbach, Asuncion Mejias, George A. O'Toole, Laura Paalanen, Marcos Perez-Losada, Melinda M. Pettigrew, Maxime Pichon, Octavio Ramilo, Lasse Ruokolainen, Olga Sakwinska, Patrick C. Seed, Christopher J. van der Gast, Brandie D. Wagner, Hana Yi, Edith T. Zemanick, Yuejie Zheng, Naveen Pillarisetti, Michael W. Taylor
Summary: In this study, a meta-analysis of individual participant data from 20 studies involving 2624 children revealed that respiratory diseases were associated with decreased bacterial diversity in nasal and lower airway samples, as well as higher abundance of specific nasal taxa including Streptococcus and Haemophilus. Machine learning showed varying success rates in assigning samples to diagnostic groupings depending on the anatomical site, with positive predictive value ranging from 43 to 100 and sensitivity ranging from 8 to 99%.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Andrew Clegg, Karen Bandeen-Roche, Amanda Farrin, Anne Forster, Thomas M. Gill, John Gladman, Ngaire Kerse, Richard Lindley, Richard J. McManus, Rene Melis, Ruben Mujica-Mota, Parminder Raina, Kenneth Rockwood, Ruth Teh, Danielle van der Windt, Miles Witham
Summary: Meta-analyses based on individual participant data have the potential to provide more comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of interventions in aging research. However, the challenges lie in the complexity and resources needed for data collection and management. Establishing an international collaboration among trialists in aging research could facilitate the use of individual participant data meta-analysis and contribute to evidence-based care for older people.
Article
Oncology
Lonneke A. van Tuijl, Maartje Basten, Kuan-Yu Pan, Roel Vermeulen, Luetzen Portengen, Alexander de Graeff, Joost Dekker, Mirjam I. Geerlings, Adriaan Hoogendoorn, Femke Lamers, Adri C. Voogd, Jessica Abell, Philip Awadalla, Aartjan T. F. Beekman, Ottar Bjerkeset, Andy Boyd, Yunsong Cui, Philipp Frank, Henrike Galenkamp, Bert Garssen, Sean Hellingman, Martijn Huisman, Anke Huss, Trynke R. de Jong, Melanie R. Keats, Almar A. L. Kok, Steinar Krokstad, Flora E. van Leeuwen, Annemarie I. Luik, Nolwenn Noisel, N. Charlotte Onland-Moret, Yves Payette, Brenda W. J. H. Penninx, Ina Rissanen, Annelieke M. Roest, Rikje Ruiter, Robert A. Schoevers, David Soave, Mandy Spaan, Andrew Steptoe, Karien Stronks, Erik R. Sund, Ellen Sweeney, Emma L. Twait, Alison Teyhan, W. M. Monique Verschuren, Kimberly D. van der Willik, Judith G. M. Rosmalen, Adelita V. Ranchor
Summary: A meta-analysis of individual participant data from 18 cohorts found no associations between depression or anxiety and most types of cancer, except for lung cancer and smoking-related cancers. The associations with lung and smoking-related cancers were attenuated when adjusting for known risk factors.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Areti Angeliki Veroniki, Georgios Seitidis, Georgios Tsivgoulis, Aristeidis H. Katsanos, Dimitris Mavridis
Summary: Meta-analysis, using individual participant data (IPD-MA) from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), is considered the gold standard approach that strengthens evidence for decision making. This study highlights the importance, properties, and main approaches of conducting an IPD-MA, with examples illustrating its benefits over traditional aggregate data (AD) meta-analysis. IPD-MA allows for standardization, reanalysis, accounting for missing data, detecting outliers, exploring intervention-by-covariate interactions, and tailoring effects to participant characteristics. However, retrieval of IPD from original RCTs is a key limitation that requires careful planning of time and resources.
Article
Allergy
Eleanor Van Vogt, Suzie Cro, Victoria R. Cornelius, Hywel C. Williams, Lisa M. Askie, Rachel Phillips, Maeve M. Kelleher, Robert J. Boyle
Summary: Using individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis can improve the certainty of evidence, safety outcomes, subgroup analysis, and adherence analysis compared to aggregate data meta-analysis.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Wilson Baldin Depress Med Students Res Grp, Wilson Baldin Zatt, Kenneth Lo, Wilson Tam
Summary: This study aimed to improve the precision of previous research on the prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students by gathering individual participant data (IPD). The findings showed that the pooled prevalence obtained from IPD meta-analysis was lower compared to previous meta-analyses using aggregated data. Age, sex, and year of study were significantly associated with the depression z-score.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Balint Tamasi, Michael Crowther, Milo Alan Puhan, Ewout W. Steyerberg, Torsten Hothorn
Summary: This study introduces a new model class for meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD) that incorporates general normally distributed random effects into linear transformation models and can handle data with arbitrary random censoring patterns. The proposed method shows efficiency in predicting the survival of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, compared to alternative approaches. Simulation study confirms the correctness of the implementation and highlights the efficiency of the proposed method.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
C. A. Vollgraff Heidweiller-Schreurs, I. R. van Osch, M. W. Heymans, W. Ganzevoort, L. J. Schoonmade, C. J. Box, B. W. J. Mol, C. J. M. de Groot, P. M. M. Bossuyt, M. A. de Boer
Summary: This study found that in evaluating singleton pregnancies, the cerebroplacental ratio did not add predictive value for adverse perinatal outcomes beyond using umbilical artery pulsatility index alone.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nienke E. van Hoogenhuijze, Gemma Lahoz Casarramona, Sarah Lensen, Cindy Farquhar, Mohan S. Kamath, Aleyamma T. Kunjummen, Nick Raine-Fenning, Sine Berntsen, Anja Pinborg, Shari Mackens, Zeynep Ozturk Inal, Ernest H. Y. Ng, Jennifer S. M. Mak, Sachin A. Narvekar, Wellington P. Martins, Mia Steengaard Olesen, Helen L. Torrance, Ben W. Mol, Marinus J. C. Eijkemans, Rui Wang, Frank J. M. Broekmans
Summary: This meta-analysis based on individual participant data suggests that endometrial scratching may improve live birth rates in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. However, the effectiveness of scratching may vary in different subgroups, and the timing of the procedure may also play a role. Therefore, the use of endometrial scratching in clinical practice should be done cautiously and patients should be informed about the level of evidence and uncertainties.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matthew F. Chersich, Fiona Scorgie, Veronique Filippi, Stanley Luchters
Summary: Anatomical, physiologic, and socio-cultural changes during pregnancy and childbirth increase vulnerability to high ambient temperatures in women and newborns. This can lead to various clinical consequences. To adapt to this situation, behavioral changes, health system interventions, building modifications, and climate financing are proposed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marie C. D. Stoner, Erica N. Browne, Juliane Etima, Petina Musara, Miriam Hartmann, Mary Kate Shapley-Quinn, Doreen Kemigisha, Prisca Mutero, Nyaradzo M. Mgodi, Clemensia Nakabiito, Nivedita L. Bhushan, Jeanna Piper, Ariane van der Straten, Alexandra M. Minnis
Summary: This study conducted a secondary analysis of DCE data to understand couple decision making around the choice of MPTs for preventing HIV and pregnancy. Most couples had similar preferences or equal decision-making power. Couples with male influence were more likely to use contraceptive pills with the male partner's knowledge. Decision making was shared, but certain attributes were more likely to be dominated by male partners.
Article
Immunology
Kathryn Peebles, Elizabeth R. Brown, Craig W. Hendrix, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Ariane van der Straten, Ishana Harkoo, Krishnaveni Reddy, Brenda G. Mirembe, Nitesha Jeenarain, Sharon L. Hillier, Jared M. Baeten, Ruanne Barnabas
Summary: The dapivirine vaginal ring provides significant HIV-1 protection for most women, especially those who engage in vaginal intercourse. Among highly adherent women, the ring can reduce HIV-1 risk by 53% when 6.3% of sex acts are anal intercourse. However, its effectiveness is less than 40% for women with a higher proportion of anal intercourse.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Ariana W. K. Katz, Sarah Roberts, Elzette Rousseau, Makhosazane Nomhle Khoza, Felix Mogaka, Elizabeth Bukusi, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jennifer F. Morton, Rachel Johnson, Jared M. Baeten, Connie Celum, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: This study examined African adolescent girls and young women's perceptions of the social influencers of their PrEP use and the influencers' knowledge and support. Results showed that mothers and counselors were identified as positive and most influential influencers, while sex partners were labeled as negative or both positive and negative, and best friends were mostly positive influencers. HIV- and PrEP-related stigma were the major reasons for negative influencers. Participants wanted their social networks to be better educated about PrEP by someone other than themselves and to support their PrEP use. Community- and peer-based PrEP sensitization and delivery interventions should be evaluated to improve adherence.
JANAC-JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NURSES IN AIDS CARE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Aimee R. Kreimer, Tania Cernuschi, Helen Rees, Julia M. L. Brotherton, Carolina Porras, John Schiller
Summary: Many countries burdened by cervical cancer have not provided HPV vaccines to most eligible girls, resulting in limited access to screening and treatment. However, the increased vaccine supply and single-dose recommendation provide an opportunity to expand vaccination and prevent millions of projected cervical cancer cases.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kidist Zewdie, Michael Pickles, Sian Floyd, Sarah Fidler, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Graeme Hoddinott, Nomtha Mandla, Kwame Shanaube, Musonda Simwinga, Christophe Fraser, Janet Seeley, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, Richard Hayes, Deborah Donnell
Summary: Based on data analysis from 21 research communities in Zambia and South Africa, it was found that traditional male circumcision is not significantly more protective against HIV acquisition compared to medical male circumcision. The uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision was not substantial, even with household-based delivery of HIV testing followed by referral for circumcision.
Article
Immunology
Blia Yang, Rosa Sloot, Sian Floyd, Dolapo Awoniyi, Sam Griffith, Helen Ayles, Sarah Fidler, Richard H. Hayes, Sten Vermund, Peter Bock
Summary: A study conducted in South Africa found that conducting household visits during the weekends increased the number of men and women participating in the HIV testing program. This suggests that targeting households during the weekend can be an effective and easy-to-implement strategy to increase the number of men accessing HIV testing.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Deborah Watson-Jones, John Changalucha, Hilary Whitworth, Ligia Pinto, Paul Mutani, Jackton Indangasi, Troy Kemp, Ramadhan Hashim, Beatrice Kamala, Rebecca Wiggins, Twaib Songoro, Nicholas Connor, Gladys Mbwanji, Miquel A. Pavon, Brett Lowe, Devis Mmbando, Saidi Kapiga, Philippe Mayaud, Silvia de SanJose, Joakim Dillner, Richard J. Hayes, Charles J. Lacey, Kathy Baisley
Summary: The global burden of cervical cancer is high, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite the existence of HPV vaccination, only 15% of girls in the target age group worldwide are fully vaccinated. This study in Tanzania found that a single dose of the 2-valent or 9-valent HPV vaccines could induce high seropositivity and maintain stable vaccine responses up to 24 months.
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter J. Dodd, Debebe Shaweno, Chu-Chang Ku, Philippe Glaziou, Carel Pretorius, Richard J. Hayes, Peter MacPherson, Ted Cohen, Helen Ayles
Summary: Accurately estimating the burden of tuberculosis in high HIV prevalence areas is challenging. The authors developed a new age-structured TB transmission model that incorporates evolving demographic, HIV and antiretroviral therapy effects. By including Bayesian methods and accounting for uncertainty, they estimated age-specific annual risks of TB infection and the proportion resulting from recent infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Mathematical Methods
Jennifer A. Thompson, Baptiste Leurent, Stephen Nash, Lawrence H. Moulton, Richard J. Hayes
Summary: This article introduces a new command, clan, for conducting cluster-level analysis in cluster randomized trials. The command simplifies adjustment for individual- and cluster-level covariates and can account for a stratified design.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sheila Kansiime, Christian Holm Hansen, Richard Hayes, Eugene Ruzagira, PrEPVacc Study Team
Summary: We aimed to create and validate tools for identifying individuals at highest risk of prevalent and incident HIV in an African setting. Logistic regression and Poisson regression were used to determine risk factors for HIV prevalence and incidence, and these factors were used to create and validate tools that predict HIV risk. The performance of the VOICE risk score in predicting HIV incidence among women was also assessed.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine Davis, Michael Pickles, Simon Gregson, James R. Hargreaves, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Triantafyllos Pliakas, Ranjeeta Thomas, Julius Ohrnberger, Justin Bwalya, Nomtha Bell-Mandla, Kwame Shanaube, William Probert, Graeme Hoddinott, Virginia Bond, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Katharina Hauck
Summary: This study examined the impact of Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) on the Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL) of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The results showed that UTT did not change the overall HRQoL of PLHIV, but it reduced the problems with pain/discomfort. The importance of this study lies in improving our understanding of the effects of UTT on the HRQoL of PLHIV, providing guidance for HIV treatment and management.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chido Dziva Chikwari, Victoria Simms, Katharina Kranzer, Ethel Dauya, Tsitsi Bandason, Mandikudza Tembo, Constancia Mavodza, Anna Machiha, Owen Mugurungi, Primrose Musiyandaka, Tinashe Mwaturura, Nkazimulo Tshuma, Sarah Bernays, Constance Mackworth-Young, Joanna Busza, Suzanna C. Francis, Richard J. Hayes
Summary: This study reports on the STI testing uptake, prevalence, and incidence within a community-based integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health service for youth in Zimbabwe. The findings indicate high acceptability of STI testing among youth, with higher prevalence in females and HIV-positive youth, highlighting the need for integration of HIV and STI services.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Ruperez, Kwame Shanaube, Linda Mureithi, Chali Wapamesa, Michael J. Burnett, Barry Kosloff, Petra de Haas, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Thomas Gachie, Albertus Schaap, Sian Floyd, Eveline Klinkenberg, Helen Ayles
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a point-of-care C-reactive protein test for tuberculosis screening in high-burden countries. By conducting a tuberculosis prevalence survey, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of C-reactive protein testing combined with symptom screening. The results showed that C-reactive protein testing alone does not meet the sensitivity requirement of 90% stipulated by WHO, but when combined with symptom screening, it may improve the identification of individuals with tuberculosis in communities with high prevalence, especially where recommended tools are not readily available.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hanlie Myburgh, Graeme Hoddinott, Janet Seeley, Virginia Bond, Peter Bock, Richard Hayes, Ria Reis, Lindsey Reynolds
Summary: This study explores how community members in South Africa make decisions around taking up home-based HIV testing and how the goal of achieving HIV epidemic control is internalized and enacted in the interactions between community members and health workers. The findings suggest that a community-wide health intervention can motivate individuals to be good, moral citizens in contexts of low social cohesion.
SSM-QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH
(2023)