• Title/Summary/Keyword: Meta-analyses

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Treatment of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

  • Vandenplas, Yvan;De Greef, Elisabeth;Devreker, Thierry
    • Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.1-5
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    • 2014
  • The diagnosis and treatment of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is still a challenge. A systematic literature search was performed using Embase, Medline, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials for the diagnosis and treatment of cow's milk allergy (CMA). Since none of the symptoms of CMPA is specific and since there is no sensitive diagnostic test (except a challenge test), the diagnosis of CMPA remains difficult. A "symptom-based score" is useful in children with symptoms involving different organ systems. The recommended dietary treatment is an extensive cow milk based hydrolysate. Amino acid based formula is recommended in the most severe cases. However, soy infant formula and hydrolysates from other protein sources (rice) are gaining popularity, as they taste better and are cheaper than the extensive cow's milk based hydrolysates. Recent meta-analyses confirmed the safety of soy and estimate that not more than 10-15% of CMPA-infants become allergic to soy. An accurate diagnosis of CMA is still difficult. The revival of soy and the development of rice hydrolysates challenge the extensive cow's milk based extensive hydrolysates as first option and amino acid formula.

Topology, shape, and size optimization of truss structures using modified teaching-learning based optimization

  • Tejani, Ghanshyam G.;Savsani, Vimal J.;Patel, Vivek K.;Bureerat, Sujin
    • Advances in Computational Design
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    • v.2 no.4
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    • pp.313-331
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    • 2017
  • In this study, teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO) is improved by incorporating model of multiple teachers, adaptive teaching factor, self-motivated learning, and learning through tutorial. Modified TLBO (MTLBO) is applied for simultaneous topology, shape, and size optimization of space and planar trusses to study its effectiveness. All the benchmark problems are subjected to stress, displacement, and kinematic stability constraints while design variables are discrete and continuous. Analyses of unacceptable and singular topologies are prohibited by seeing element connectivity through Grubler's criterion and the positive definiteness. Performance of MTLBO is compared to TLBO and state-of-the-art algorithms available in literature, such as a genetic algorithm (GA), improved GA, force method and GA, ant colony optimization, adaptive multi-population differential evolution, a firefly algorithm, group search optimization (GSO), improved GSO, and intelligent garbage can decision-making model evolution algorithm. It is observed that MTLBO has performed better or found nearly the same optimum solutions.

The Association Between Occupational Exposure to Hand-Arm Vibration and Hearing Loss: A Systematic Literature Review

  • Weier, Michael H.
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.249-261
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    • 2020
  • Background: Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent worker health conditions worldwide. Although the effect of noise exposure on hearing is well researched, other workplace exposures may account for significant hearing loss. The aim of this review was to determine whether occupational hand-arm vibration exposure through use of power or pneumatic tools, independent of noise exposure, is associated with permanent hearing loss. Do workers suffer from hand-arm vibratione-induced hearing loss? Methods: Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1981 and 2020 were identified through five online databases with five search keywords. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, including online database search methodology, study selection, article exclusion, and assessment of potential study design confounders and biases, were followed. Results: Database searches retrieved 697 articles. Fifteen articles that reported 17 studies met the criteria for review. All but two studies revealed statistically significant associations between occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration and hearing loss. The majority of the study results revealed associations between hand-arm vibration and hearing loss, independent of potential age and noise confounders. Conclusion: Few studies have examined the association between occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration and hearing loss. Dose response data were limited as only one study measured vibration intensity and duration. Although the majority of studies identified statistically significant associations, causal relationships could not be determined. Further research using standardized and uniform measurement protocols is needed to confirm whether the association between occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration and permanent hearing loss is causal and the mechanism(s).

Definition and management of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis

  • Kim, Soung Min
    • Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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    • v.41
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    • pp.13.1-13.11
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    • 2019
  • Background: Maxillary sinusitis of odontogenic origin, also known as maxillary sinusitis of dental origin or odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS), is a common disease in dental, otorhinolaryngologic, allergic, general, and maxillofacial contexts. Despite being a well-known disease entity, many cases are referred to otorhinolaryngologists by both doctors and dentists. Thus, early detection and initial diagnosis often fail to detect its odontogenic origin. Main body: We searched recent databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Library using keyword combinations of "odontogenic," "odontogenic infection," "dental origin," "tooth origin," "sinusitis," "maxillary sinus," "maxillary sinusitis," "odontogenic maxillary sinusitis," "Caldwell Luc Procedure (CLP)," "rhinosinusitis," "functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)," "modified endoscopy-assisted maxillary sinus surgery (MESS)," and "paranasal sinus." Aside from the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) trial, there have been very few randomized controlled trials examining OMS. We summarized the resulting data based on our diverse clinical experiences. Conclusion: To promote the most efficient and accurate management of OMS, this article summarizes the clinical features of rhinosinusitis compared with OMS and the pathogenesis, microbiology, diagnosis, and results of prompt consolidated management of OMS that prevent anticipated complications. The true origin of odontogenic infections is also reviewed.

Empirical medical therapy in idiopathic male infertility: Promise or panacea?

  • Jung, Jae Hung;Seo, Ju Tae
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.41 no.3
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    • pp.108-114
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    • 2014
  • Male factors account for 20%-50% of cases of infertility and in 25% of cases, the etiology of male infertility is unknown. Effective treatments are well-established for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, male accessory gland infection, retrograde ejaculation, and positive antisperm antibody. However, the appropriate treatment for idiopathic male infertility is unclear. Empirical medical treatment (EMT) has been used in men with idiopathic infertility and can be divided into two categories based on the mode of action: hormonal treatment and antioxidant supplementation. Hormonal medications consist of gonadotropins, androgens, estrogen receptor blockers, and aromatase inhibitors. Antioxidants such as vitamins, zinc, and carnitines have also been widely used to reduce oxidative stress-induced spermatozoa damage. Although scientifically acceptable evidence of EMT is limited because of the lack of large, randomized, controlled studies, recent systematic reviews with meta-analyses have shown that the administration of gonadotropins, anti-estrogens, and oral antioxidants results in a significant increase in the live birth rate compared with control treatments. Therefore, all physicians who treat infertility should bear in mind that EMT can improve semen parameters and subsequent fertility potential through natural intercourse.

Ginseng in Traditional Herbal Prescriptions

  • Park, Ho-Jae;Kim, Dong-Hyun;Park, Se-Jin;Kim, Jong-Min;Ryu, Jong-Hoon
    • Journal of Ginseng Research
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    • v.36 no.3
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    • pp.225-241
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    • 2012
  • Panax ginseng Meyer has been widely used as a tonic in traditional Korean, Chinese, and Japanese herbal medicines and in Western herbal preparations for thousands of years. In the past, ginseng was very rare and was considered to have mysterious powers. Today, the efficacy of drugs must be tested through well-designed clinical trials or meta-analyses, and ginseng is no exception. In the present review, we discuss the functions of ginseng described in historical documents and describe how these functions are taken into account in herbal prescriptions. We also discuss the findings of experimental pharmacological research on the functions of ginseng in ginseng-containing prescriptions and how these prescriptions have been applied in modern therapeutic interventions. The present review on the functions of ginseng in traditional prescriptions helps to demystify ginseng and, as a result, may contribute to expanding the use of ginseng or ginseng-containing prescriptions.

Remark on the Problems of Survey Methods Applied to Customer Satisfaction for Discount Stores (대형 할인매장 고객만족 설문조사 방법에 대한 제고)

  • 손소영;장종상
    • Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.93-105
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    • 1998
  • Many large scale discount stores try to enter the market in newly developed city areas. In order to sucessfully increase the market share, it is essential for them to understand customers' needs. In doing so, various forms of survey methods are often used and survey forms can influence respondents' decision. The main objective of this paper is to check consistency of different survey methods in terms of deriving the expected market share. In this paper, we a, pp.y two survey forms for both AHP and conjoint analyses using a randomized complete block design. Using AHP, we compare Kim's club, Carf, E-mart and Macro in terms of the following four customer attributes: parking facility, size of store, business hours, and special pricing policy. In conjoint analysis, we estimate the part-worth of each level of the customer's attribute so that one can design the best store which would optimizethe customer's attribute so that one can design the best store which would optimize the customer's utility. Empirical comparison results indicate very low consistency between the two methods. It implies the importance of verification methods of survey. We also analyze the impact of special pricing policy using a meta analysis. It turns out that older customers are a, pp.rently more sensitive to pricing policy.

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Time-history analysis based optimal design of space trusses: the CMA evolution strategy approach using GRNN and WA

  • Kaveh, A.;Fahimi-Farzam, M.;Kalateh-Ahani, M.
    • Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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    • v.44 no.3
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    • pp.379-403
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    • 2012
  • In recent years, the need for optimal design of structures under time-history loading aroused great attention in researchers. The main problem in this field is the extremely high computational demand of time-history analyses, which may convert the solution algorithm to an illogical one. In this paper, a new framework is developed to solve the size optimization problem of steel truss structures subjected to ground motions. In order to solve this problem, the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy algorithm is employed for the optimization procedure, while a generalized regression neural network is utilized as a meta-model for fitness approximation. Moreover, the computational cost of time-history analysis is decreased through a wavelet analysis. Capability and efficiency of the proposed framework is investigated via two design examples, comprising of a tower truss and a footbridge truss.

Preparation and Characterization of Tin(II) Complexes with Isomeric Series of Schiff Bases as Ligands

  • Refat, M. S.;Sadeek, S. A.
    • Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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    • v.50 no.2
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    • pp.107-115
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    • 2006
  • Complexes of Sn(II) with L1 = acac-o-phdnH2 [N,N'-o-phenylene bis(acetylacetoneimine)], L2 = acac-m-phdnH2 [N,N'-m-phenylene bis(acetylacetoneimine)] and L3 = acac-p-phdnH2 [N,N'-p-phenylene bis(acetylacetoneimine)] have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, vibrational, electronic spectra and thermal studies (TGA and DTA). Vibrational spectra indicated the coordination mode of imine and carbonyl oxygen for ligands giving (ONNO) that belong to C2V point group symmetry. The [Sn(L3)] complex has a maximum activation energy and [Sn(L2)] complex has a minimum activation energy.

Reporting Guidelines for Health Promotion Research (건강증진 연구 보고지침)

  • Yoo, Seung-Hyun
    • Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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    • v.29 no.4
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    • pp.83-99
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    • 2012
  • Objectives: The purpose of this review is to introduce reporting guidelines for health promotion research in an effort to enhance systematic structure and quality of health promotion research reported in academic papers. Methods: Widely accepted guidelines were selected for description, which focus on 4 distinct types of research design. Checklists and flow diagrams are described and compared. Results: CONSORT Statement is reporting guidelines for randomized controlled trials with a 25-item checklist and a flow diagram. TREND Statement with a 22-item checklist is to guide reporting of health research in nonrandomized design. STROBE Statement is a compiled guidelines for observational health research, accompanied by a 22-item checklist in a combined edition. PRISMA Statement consists of a 27-item checklist and a flow diagram, providing guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. All items on the checklists and flow diagrams were introduced and discussed. Conclusion: Solid understanding of research designs and adoption of reporting guidelines will enhance the quality of research with information on internal and external validity. Education and training of researchers on the research reporting is required along with systems level adoption of efforts for research enhancement.