Observational studies have been recognised to be essential for investigating the safety profile of medications. Numerous observational studies have been conducted on the platform of large population databases, which provide adequate sample size and follow-up length to detect infrequent and/or delayed clinical outcomes. Cohort and case-control are well-accepted traditional methodologies for hypothesis testing, while within-individual study designs are developing and evolving, addressing previous known methodological limitations to reduce confounding and bias. Respective examples of observational studies of different study designs using medical databases are shown. Methodology characteristics, study assumptions, strengths and weaknesses of each method are discussed in this review.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11096-016-0285-6 | DOI Listing |
Transl Oncol
January 2025
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, United States.
Background: Liquid biopsy (LB) is a laboratory test performed on a fluid sample aiming at analyzing molecular data derived from circulating cells and related entities, or from nucleic acids. This umbrella review aims to map and evaluate the evidence supporting the use of LB in medicine across different medical specialities and conditions.
Methods: We searched three repositories from database inception up to October 1, 2023 and we included meta-analyses of observational studies reporting data on the use of LB, compared to gold standard, and its accuracy (area under the curve, AUC).
J Asthma
January 2025
School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
Background: Studies have suggested associations between montelukast and increased risks of sleep disorders, including overall sleeping problems and insomnia. However, the results of observational studies are not consistent. Understanding these associations is crucial, particularly in patients solely diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, where montelukast use remains prevalent.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Adv Nurs
January 2025
Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Aims: To explore the relationship between neighbourhood environments and mental health by integrating subjective and objective perspectives.
Design: A cross-sectional study.
Methods: From September 2023 to January 2024, adult residents at the physical examination centers of two public hospitals in China completed measurements of subjective neighbourhood environment, depressive and anxiety symptoms, psychological stress, and socio-demographic characteristics.
J Med Virol
January 2025
Centro Internacional de Vacunas, Cali, Colombia.
A total of 5011 adult volunteers attending vaccination centers in different regions of Colombia were enrolled in a 1-year prospective observational cohort study to evaluate the immunogenicity and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2-based vaccines as part of a National Vaccine Program established to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Following informed consent, 5,011 participants underwent a sociodemographic survey and PCR testing to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection. Blood samples were collected, and serum fractions were obtained from a participant subsample (n = 3441) at six-time points to assess virus-specific IgG responses to the Spike protein, its Receptor Binding Domain, and the Nucleoprotein by ELISA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAliment Pharmacol Ther
January 2025
School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Background: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an established dietary therapy for Crohn's disease but its role in ulcerative colitis remains unclear.
Aims: To investigate the efficacy of EEN in adults with active ulcerative colitis and compare variations in treatment protocols, safety, tolerability and adherence.
Methods: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Emcare, CINAHL, Web of Science and trial registries for articles published from inception until July 21, 2024.
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