Background: Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) are classified as a possible carcinogenic factor (Group 2B). This study assessed the association between ELF-MFs and childhood cancer through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Three databases were searched in January 2020. We conducted a meta-analysis for the association between the ELF-MFs exposure level and childhood cancer. Results: A total of 33 studies were identified. Thirty studies with 186,223 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Children exposed to 0.2-, 0.3-, and 0.4-μT ELF-MFs had a 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.49), 1.22 (95% CI 0.93–1.61), and 1.72 (95% CI 1.25–2.35) times higher odds of childhood leukemia. In childhood brain tumors, children exposed to 0.2-μT had a 0.95 (95% CI 0.59–1.56) times higher odds, and those exposed to 0.4-μT ELF-MFs had a 1.25 (95% CI 0.93–1.61). Children exposed to 0.2- and 0.4-μT ELF-MFs had a 1.10 (95% CI 0.70–1.75) and 2.01 (95% CI 0.89–4.52) times higher odds of any childhood cancers. Conclusions: Significant associations were observed between exposure to ELF-MFs and childhood leukemia. Furthermore, a possible dose-response effect was also observed.
Under-recognition of delirium is an international problem. For the early detection of delirium, a feasible and valid screening tool for healthcare professionals is needed. This study aimed to present a scientific reason for using the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the diagnostic test accuracy. We systematically searched articles in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases and selected relevant articles on the basis of the predefined inclusion criteria. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. We estimated the pooled values of diagnostic test accuracy by employing the bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model in data synthesis. A total of 3729 patients of 13 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of the 4AT were 81.5% (95% confidence interval: 70.7%, 89.0%) and 87.5% (79.5%, 92.7%), respectively. Given the 4AT’s evidence of accuracy and practicality, we suggest healthcare professionals to utilize this tool for routine screening of delirium. However, for detecting delirium in the dementia population, further work is required to evaluate the 4AT with other cut-off points or scoring methods in order for it to be more sensitive and specific.
6 November 2020 in Western Journal of Nursing Research
Nurses are the most important health care personnel for medication safety. A scale to measure nurse medication competency, such as the Medication Safety Competence Scale (MSCS), would move research forward. Preliminary items were developed through a literature review and in-depth interviews. Content validity was established by ten experts. Nurses (n = 607) participated in a survey to evaluate the validity and reliability of the scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlation analyses were conducted to assess construct, concurrent, and criterion validity. The 36 items and 6 factors were derived with the exploratory factor analysis, which accounted for 63.2% of the variance. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the hypothesized factor structure was a good fit. Criterion and discriminant validity were present. The internal consistency of the MSCS was .97, and the test-retest reliability was .78. The MSCS is a valid and reliable instrument to measure nurses’ medication safety competence.
Major depressive disorder in adolescents is closely linked to poor social, cognitive, and academic outcomes, including suicidality. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a screening tool, is one of the most widely used instruments for detecting depression; however, its diagnostic test accuracy has not yet been thoroughly examined. This study, therefore, aimed to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of the BDI for detecting depression in adolescents. In August 2020, a search was conducted in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycArticles databases, and following a review against predefined eligibility criteria, 22 studies were finally included. The quality of the included articles was evaluated, and a hierarchical regression model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity; 73.0% (95% CI; 62.0%, 81.8%) and 80.3% (72.8%, 86.1%) in cutoff 16, respectively. The findings indicated the BDI is a reliable and useful tool to screen adolescents’ depression.
6 November 2007 in Journal of the American Chemical Society