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Objectives Methods Results Conclusions To evaluate the reporting quality of Scoping Reviews (ScRs) in endodontics according to the PRISMA Extension Checklist for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) and to analyse their association with a range of publication and methodological/reporting characteristics.Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 31 January 2024 to identify scoping reviews in the field of endodontics. An additional search was performed in three leading endodontic journals. Study selection and appraising the quality of the studies was carried out independently by two reviewers. Each of the 20 PRISMA‐ScR items were allocated a score of either 0, 0.5 or 1 to reflect the completeness of the reporting. An item‐specific and overall percentage reporting quality score was calculated and reported through descriptive statistics across a range of publication, as well as methodological/reporting characteristics. A univariable and multivariable quantile regression was performed to identify the effect of publication and methodological/reporting characteristics (year of publication, journal, inclusion of an appropriate reporting guideline, and study registration) on the overall percentage reporting quality score. Association of reporting quality score with publication characteristics was then investigated.A total of 40 ScRs were identified and included for appraisal. Most of the studies were published from 2021 onwards. The overall median reporting quality score was 86%. The most frequent items not included in the studies were: a priori protocol registration (22/40 compliant; 55%), and reporting of funding (16/40 compliant; 40%). Other key elements that were inadequately reported were the abstract (7/40 compliant; 18%), the rationale and justification of the ScR (21/40 compliant; 52%) and the objectives of the study (18/40 compliant; 45%). Studies that adhered to appropriate reporting guidelines were associated with greater reporting quality scores (β‐coefficient: 10; 95%CI: 1.1, 18.9; p = .03). ScRs with protocols registered a priori had significantly greater reporting quality scores (β‐coefficient: 12.5; 95%CI: 6.1, 18.9; p < .001), compared with non‐registered reviews.The reporting quality of the ScRs in endodontics varied and was greater when the ScR protocols were registered a priori and when the authors adhered to reporting guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis including all relevant randomized controlled trials was conducted to compare soft bandage, splint and cast as the treatment of torus fracture. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in January 2023. Two comparisons were made: (1) splint versus cast, and (2) bandage versus rigid immobilization (i.e. splint or cast). Main outcomes were pain, clinical healing of the fracture and return to activities. Secondary outcomes were adverse events (skin issues, problems with cast/splint/bandage) and patient/parental satisfaction. Seven studies with 1550 patients were included. Splint was associated with higher pain scores at 3 days compared to cast (Mean difference [MD] 1.00, CI 0.06–1.94) and at 1 week (MD 1.46, CI 0.84–2.08, moderate-certainty evidence), but faster return to activities (at 3 weeks RR 1.77, CI 1.09–2.88, at 4 weeks RR 1.44, CI 1.11–1.82, moderate-certainty evidence). All torus fractures heal clinically within 3–4 weeks (low-certainty evidence). Bandage may lead to slightly higher pain score (MD 0.35, CI 0.04–0.66, moderate-certainty evidence) at first day after treatment compared to rigid immobilization, but no evidence of a difference was found in later time points. In conclusion, soft bandage or removable wrist splint seem to be optimal first-line treatment of distal forearm torus fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodResultsConclusionWe conducted the current systematic review to investigate the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and severe headaches or migraine among adults via synthesizing observational evidence.We conducted a systematic literature search of observational studies through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception until July 2024. The PECO framework was implemented to select eligible studies as follows: Population (adults with severe headache or migraine), Exposure (individuals with the highest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet), Comparison (individuals with the lowest adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet), Outcome (risk of developing severe headache or migraine, headaches frequency, duration, severity, and migraine-related disability).After reviewing six studies involving 31,958 individuals, we found that following an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with a lower frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Additionally, our research revealed that individuals with migraines tend to have lower adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet when compared to people without migraines. Surprisingly, adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet was linked to a reduced risk of chronic daily headaches.Present findings imply a negative link between an inflammatory diet and severe headaches or migraine. However, further well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to interpret the causality and shed light on the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to systematically review the literature of the prevalence of systemic antibacterial use during pregnancy and to perform a descriptive analysis focused on methodological characteristics. Materials and methods: This study was registered in PROSPERO under protocol number CRD42022376634. Medline, Embase, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science databases were searched (published studies until November 3rd, 2022). Selected studies were population-based cross-sectional or cohort, carried out with pregnant women, and providing information about the prevalence of systemic antibacterial use at least in one trimester of pregnancy. Reviewers conducted in pairs the title and abstract screening, eligibility criteria check, and data extraction of selected studies. Quality appraisal was performed with an adapted version of the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Data of included studies were pooled into a graphical and tabular summary. Results: A total of 16,251,280 pregnant women and 5,169,959 pregnancy registers were identified. The prevalence estimates of systemic antibacterial use during pregnancy ranged from 2.0% (95%CI 2.0–2.0) to 64.3% (95%CI not reported) in the 79 included studies. The majority were performed in high-income countries (91.5%). Overall, the studies revealed considerable prevalence heterogeneity in terms of study type and dataset used. The 95% confidence intervals were not reported in 41% of studies. Conclusion: The disparities in the prevalence of systemic antibacterial use during pregnancy can be related to methodological issues and different health policies. Lack of uniform databases and changes in data collection methods over time should be taken into account in public health strategy planning. The scarce evidence in low- and middle-income settings hampers the comprehensiveness of the global prevalence of antibacterial use during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Voriconazole plasma concentration exhibits significant variability and maintaining it within the therapeutic range is the key to enhancing its efficacy. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of patients achieving the therapeutic range of plasma voriconazole concentration and identify associated factors. Methods: Eligible studies were identified through the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from their inception until 18 November 2023. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random-effects model to determine the prevalence of patients who reached the therapeutic plasma voriconazole concentration range. Factors associated with plasma voriconazole concentration were summarized from the included studies. Results: Of the 60 eligible studies, 52 reported the prevalence of patients reaching the therapeutic range, while 20 performedmultiple linear regression analyses. The pooled prevalence who achieved the therapeutic range was 56% (95% CI: 50%-63%) in studies without dose adjustment patients. The pooled prevalence of adult patients was 61% (95% CI: 56%-65%), and the pooled prevalence of children patients was 55% (95% CI: 50%-60%) The study identified, in the children population, several factors associated with plasma voriconazole concentration, including age (coefficient 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.14), albumin (-0.05 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.01), in the adult population, some factors related to voriconazole plasma concentration, including omeprazole (1.37, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.92), pantoprazole (1.11, 95% CI: 0.17-2.04), methylprednisolone (-1.75, 95% CI: -2.21 to -1.30), and dexamethasone (-1.45, 95% CI: -2.07 to -0.83). Conclusion: The analysis revealed that only approximately half of the patients reached the plasma voriconazole concentration therapeutic range without dose adjustments and the pooled prevalence of adult patients reaching the therapeutic range is higher than that of children. Therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial in the administration of voriconazole, especially in the children population. Particular attention may be paid to age, albumin levels in children, and the use of omeprazole, pantoprazole, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arginine deprivation therapy (ADT) hinders glioma cells' access to nutrients by reducing peripheral blood arginine, showing great efficacy in various studies, which suggests it as a potentially promising treatment for glioma. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the mechanism of ADT for gliomas, the therapeutic effect based on existing research, and possible combination therapies. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review of PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases according to PRISMA guidelines, searching for articles on the efficacy of ADT in glioma. Results: We identified 17 studies among 786 search results, among which ADT therapy mainly based on Arginine free condition, Arginine Deiminase and Arginase, including three completed clinical trials. ADT therapy has shown promising results in vivo and in vitro, with its safety confirmed in clinical trials. In the early phase of treatment, glioblastoma (GBM) cells develop protective mechanisms of stress and autophagy, which eventually evolve into caspase dependent apoptosis or senescence, respectively. The immunosuppressive microenvironment is also altered by arginine depletion, such as the transformation of microglia into a pro-inflammatory phenotype and the activation of T-cells. Thus, ADT therapy demonstrates glioma-killing effect in the presence of a combination of mechanisms. In combination with various conventional therapies and investigational drugs such as radiotherapy, temozolomide (TMZ), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDK) inhibitors and autophagy inducers, ADT therapy has been shown to be more effective. However, the phenomenon of drug resistance due to re-expression of ASS1 rather than stem cell remains to be investigated. Conclusion: Despite the paucity of studies in the literature, the available data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of arginine deprivation therapy for glioma and encourage further research, especially the exploration of its combination therapies and the extrapolation of what we know about the effects and mechanisms of ADT from other tumors to glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Background Method Results Conclusion This study aimed to systematically review empirical evidence on factors influencing nurses to report medication errors and near misses.There is underreporting of medication errors among nurses, in particular among novice and beginner nurses. To improve quality of care, factors influencing the reporting of medication errors and near misses should be documented.A systematic mixed methods review was conducted. CINAHL, Cochrane Collaboration, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases were explored and analysed from December 1990 to December 2023. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data using a standardized data extraction grid. Data were analysed using thematic analysis based on the adapted theory of planned behaviour.Forty‐two studies met the eligibility criteria. Principal factors influencing the reporting of medication errors and near misses among nurses were associated with perceived behavioural control, subjective norm and attitude. Few studies examined factors influencing reporting medication errors and near misses among novice and beginner nurses, and sociodemographic and professional factors.To understand factors influencing reporting of medication errors and near misses, further studies should be conducted to investigate sociodemographic and professional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy bring severe hematological toxicity that can lead to dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy. Genetic variations have been reported to influence the risk and extent of hematological toxicity; however, the results are controversial and a comprehensive overview is lacking. This systematic review aimed to identify genetic biomarkers of platinum-induced hematological toxicity. Method: Pubmed, Embase and Web of science database were systematically reviewed for studies that evaluated the association of genetic variants and platinum-related hematological toxicity in tumor patients with no prior history of chemotherapy or radiation, published from inception to the 28th of January 2022. The studies should have specific toxicity scoring system as well as defined toxicity end-point. The quality of reporting was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Genetic Association Studies (STREGA) checklist. Results were summarized using narrative synthesis. Results: 83 studies were eligible with over 682 single-nucleotide polymorphisms across 110 genes. The results are inconsistent and diverse with methodological issues including insufficient sample size, population stratification, various treatment schedule and toxicity end-point, and inappropriate statistics. 11 SNPs from 10 genes (ABCB1 rs1128503, GSTP1 rs1695, GSTM1 gene deletion, ERCC1 rs11615, ERCC1 rs3212986, ERCC2 rs238406, XPC rs2228001, XPCC1 rs25487, MTHFR rs1801133, MDM2 rs2279744, TP53 rs1042522) had consistent results in more than two independent populations. Among them, GSTP1 rs1695, ERCC1 rs11615, ERCC1 rs3212986, and XRCC1 rs25487 present the most promising results. Conclusion: Even though the results are inconsistent and severalmethodological concerns exist, this systematic review identified several genetic variations that deserve validation in well-defined studies with larger sample size and robust methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) is a common intestinal condition that significantly impacts work efficiency and quality of life. The use of animal models is crucial for delving into the pathophysiology of IBS-D and exploring therapeutic options. However, a wide variety of animal models for IBS-D has been used in previous studies, posing a considerable challenge for researchers in selecting a suitable model. In this review, using the Web of Science database, we searched IBS-D-related research spanning from 2014 to 2023; described the differences in animal strains and modeling methods among various IBS-D features recapitulating models; summarized the frequency of model usage, pathogenesis, and pathological characteristics of these models; and discussed their current applications, limitations, and future perspectives. The objective is to offer theoretical guidance for future researchers, aiding them in choosing suitable animal models based on their experimental designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to review the various techniques used to produce diesel from lignocellulosic biomass. Data were collected using the Web of Science database to identify trends, barriers, and prospects associated with the alternative methods used. The analysis reviewed 359 papers published between 2006 and 2021, focusing on three key areas: biomass pretreatment, biomass conversion, and biorefining. Pretreatment technologies require extensive research to reduce excessive energy and reagent consumption, thereby reducing overall costs. Fast pyrolysis and lipid‐producing microorganisms have been shown to be the most promising conversion routes due to their versatility in utilizing different lignocellulosic residues and producing a wide range of marketable co‐products. The most widely used method used for refining is hydroprocessing coupled with catalysts, with the objective of improving bio‐oil quality. Two of the main challenges are the excessive cost of the overall process and the limitations imposed by the technology. These limitations require processing optimization to achieve sustainable production and valuable co‐products. The growth of lignocellulosic diesel production will depend on the integration with other biodiesel and biofuel production processes by the optimization of new processes and the generation of new bioproducts to increase efficiency and reduce costs for commercial viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prehospital blood gas analysis (BGA) is an evolving field that offers the potential for early identification and management of critically ill patients. However, the utility and accuracy of prehospital BGA are subjects of ongoing debate. We aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the current literature on prehospital BGA, including its indications, methods, and feasibility. We performed a scoping review of prehospital BGA. A thorough search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify relevant studies focusing on prehospital BGA in adult patients. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Prehospital BGA was most frequently performed in patients in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, followed by traumatic and nontraumatic cases. The parameters most commonly analyzed were pH, pCO 2 , pO 2 , and lactate. Various sampling methods, including arterial, venous, and intraosseous, were reported for prehospital BGA. While prehospital BGA shows promise in facilitating early identification of critical patients and guiding resuscitation efforts, logistical challenges are to be considered. The handling of preclinical BGA is described as feasible and useful in most of the included studies. Prehospital BGA holds significant potential for enhancing patient care in the prehospital setting, though technical challenges need to be considered. However, further research is required to establish optimal indications and demonstrate the benefits for prehospital BGA in specific clinical contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, electrical fires, which constitute the majority of fire incidents, have become a significant concern. This paper presents a quantitative evaluation of the research on electrical fires from 1993 to 2022, using literature measurement and visual analysis techniques. A total of 2915 publications were collected from the Web of Science database to review and analyze the research progress on electrical fires. In this investigation, the quantitative distribution of literature by year as well as the distributions of main source journals, countries and regions, institutions, and discipline categories were analyzed. Additionally, research hotspots were identified and the knowledge field was mapped using VOSviewer. The results indicated an exponential growth in the number of publications on electrical fires, with Ceramics International emerging as the most prolific journal, having published 79 papers and accounting for 2.5% of the total research. The most active countries in electrical fire research were found to be China, the United States, South Korea, India, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, with Chinese publications having the most significant impact. The University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Tsinghua University are the most productive institutions in the field of electrical fire research; their main research directions include electrical structure, electrical experiment simulation, insulating materials, battery fires, fire extinguishing technology, and detection methods. Further, we observed that the scope of research on electrical fires has expanded from the macro to micro level. Thematic analysis conducted in the last decade has revealed that battery fires and equipment materials have emerged as the primary focus of research in this field. These research findings offer a comprehensive overview of the evolution of research hotspots, which can assist researchers in quickly grasping the research frontiers as well as the overall situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diabetes has been related to higher risk and poor prognosis of patients with tuberculosis, while the influence of prediabetes on the treatment outcome of patients with tuberculosis remains not determined. A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of prediabetes on treatment outcome of patients with tuberculosis. Methods: Relevant cohort studies were acquired through a search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. To minimise the influence of between‐study heterogeneity, a randomised‐effects model was used to pool the results. Results: Eight prospective cohort studies including 3001 patients with tuberculosis were available for the meta‐analysis. Among them, 752 (25.1%) were with prediabetes at baseline, and the patients were followed for a mean duration of 17.7 months. It was shown that compared to patients with normoglycemia, those with prediabetes were associated with a higher incidence of unfavourable treatment outcome (risk ratio [RR]: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.96, p = 0.04; I2 = 56%). Subgroup analysis did not support that difference in study country (Asian or non‐Asian), diagnosis (pulmonary tuberculosis only or also with extrapulmonary tuberculosis), mean age, follow‐up duration, or study quality score had significant influence on the results (p for subgroup difference all >0.05). However, prediabetes at baseline was not associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality during follow‐up (RR: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.75 to 3.38, p = 0.23; I2 = 54%). Conclusions: Patients with tuberculosis and prediabetes may have a higher risk of unfavourable treatment outcome compared to patients with normoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the choroidal retinal microvascular system in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) subjects and furnish additional proof for the early authentication and treatment of VKH suffers. From the beginning to July 2023, a comprehensive search for issued articles on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) among VKH sufferers was implemented in Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. This meta-analysis included 9 eligible studies. Primary endpoints included four kinds of vascular densities, such as superficial capillaris plexus (SCP), deep capillaris plexus (DCP), and choriocapillary (CC). In addition to these, there were foveal avascular zone (FAZ), central retinal thickness (CT), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA log MAR), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). SCP and DCP vessel densities in maculas were both smaller in VKH sufferers in the active stage than those normal and remission examinees (SCP vessel density, p < 0.00001, DCP vessel density, p < 0.00001). Compared to remission, CC vascular density was lower during the active phase. (p < 0.00001). SFCT and CT in the active phase exceeded those in normal and remission examinees (all of them p < 0.00001). In terms of the patients with remission, their FAZ was bigger than that in normal subjects. (MD =0.04, p < 0.0001). Retinal and choroidal microvasculatures are characteristically changed in active VKH patients, which suggests that OCTA can be used as a tool for VKH follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The benefits of intravenous thrombolysis are time‐dependent, with maximum efficacy when administered within the first "golden" hour after onset. Nevertheless, the impact of golden hour thrombolysis has not been well quantified. Methods: Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to August 27, 2023. We included studies that reported safety and efficacy outcomes of ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis in the golden hour versus later treatment window. The primary outcome was an excellent functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1 at 90 days. The secondary efficacy outcome was a good functional outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2). The main safety outcome was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Results: Seven studies involving 78,826 patients met the selection criteria. Golden hour thrombolysis was associated with higher odds of 90‐day excellent functional outcomes (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.16–1.67) and 90‐day good functional outcomes (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.13–1.69) compared with thrombolysis outside the golden hour. The number needed to treat to benefit for golden hour thrombolysis to reduce disability by at least 1 level on the modified Rankin Scale per patient was 2.6. Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality were similar between groups. Interpretation: Golden hour thrombolysis significantly improved acute ischemic stroke outcomes. The findings provide rationale for intensive efforts aimed at expediting thrombolytic therapy within the golden hour window following the onset of acute ischemic stroke. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:582–590 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Three‐dimensional (3D) endoscopy has been developed to provide depth perception to allow for improved visualisation during otolaryngology surgery. We conducted a systematic review to determine the surgical safety and efficacy of 3D endoscopy in comparison to two‐dimensional (2D) endoscopy in performing otolaryngology procedures, and the role of 3D endoscopy as a training tool for novice otolaryngology surgeons. Methods: Primary studies were identified through MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases, which were searched for articles published through June 2022 that compared the outcomes of 2D and 3D endoscopy in otolaryngology surgical procedures or otolaryngology‐relevant simulations. Candidate articles were independently reviewed by two authors. Results: A total of 18 full‐text articles met inclusion criteria for this study. In clinical trials (n = 8 studies, 362 subjects), there were no significant differences in performance time, intraoperative or postoperative complications with 3D endoscopes when compared to 2D. In simulation studies (n = 10 studies, 336 participants), 3D endoscopes demonstrated a decreased error rate (n = 5 studies) and shorter performance time (n = 3 studies). Studies also reported improved depth perception (n = 14 studies) and visualisation preference (n = 5 studies) with 3D over 2D systems. The 3D systems were found to have a shorter learning curve and better manoeuvrability among novice surgeons. Conclusion: 3D endoscopy showed equivalent safety and efficacy compared to 2D endoscopy in otolaryngology surgery. The improved depth perception and performance for novices using 3D endoscopes suggests the technology may be superior to 2D endoscopes as a training tool for otolaryngology surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measles in persons with secondary vaccination failure (SVF) may be less infectious than cases in unvaccinated persons. Our systematic review aimed to assess transmission risk for measles after SVF. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception dates. Inclusion criteria were articles describing persons who were exposed to measles-infected persons who had experienced SVF. Across the included 14 studies, >3,030 persons were exposed to measles virus from SVF cases, of whom 180 were susceptible, indicating secondary attack rates of 0%–6.25%. We identified 109 cases of SVF from the studies; 10.09% (n = 11) of case-patients transmitted the virus, resulting in 23 further cases and yielding an effective reproduction number of 0.063 (95% CI 0.0–0.5). These findings suggest a remarkably low attack rate for SVF measles cases, suggesting that, In outbreak situations, public health management of unvaccinated persons could be prioritized over persons with SVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dienogest led to a significant reduction in visual analogue scale score compared with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). • Dienogest reduced uterine volume significantly compared with LNG-IUS. • The occurrence of side effects was comparable in the dienogest and LNG-IUS groups. Adenomyosis is a gynaecological lesion that impairs female fertility and contributes to reduced quality of life. There are several surgical and medical options for the management of this lesion; however, women who wish to conceive opt for medical therapies such as the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUS) and dienogest, which have various outcomes. To date, there is no consensus regarding which is more effective. To compare the effectiveness of LNG-IUS and dienogest for the management of adenomyosis, and explore the risk of occurrence of known side effects for both treatments. Design: Systematic review and meta -analysis exploring the effectiveness of LNG-IUS and dienogest for the management of adenomyosis. A literature search was conducted using PICO guidelines and EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Only clinical trials were collected and analysed. Of the 792 studies that were initially identified, six were eligible for inclusion in this study. The studies included a total of 707 women; of these, 270 were treated with LNG-IUS, 354 were treated with dienogest, and 83 were controls. All the studies were from Asia (Bangladesh n = 1, China n = 2, India n = 1, Japan n = 1, South Korea n = 1). Dienogest was found to reduce pelvic pain significantly, evidenced by a lower visual analogue scale score, compared with LNG-IUS. Also, dienogest led to a significant reduction in uterine volume compared with LNG-IUS. However, subjects in the LNG-IUS group had significantly higher levels of haemoglobin than those in the dienogest group. Nonetheless, the occurrence of side effects such as weight gain, breast tenderness/distension, headache, insomnia/sleep disorder, depression/mood disorder, skin disorder/acne, and coital discomfort/reduced libido were comparable in both treatment groups. Dienogest may be more effective than LNG-IUS for the management of adenomyosis, as it shows a superior effect in the reduction of pelvic pain and uterine volume. As only six studies were included in the present meta-analysis due to the paucity of data in the literature, it is recommended that well-designed randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of dienogest with LNG-IUS should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review of qualitative studies synthesised evidence on the experience chronic pain from the perspective of romantic partners. Medline via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies exploring the impact of chronic pain from partners' perspectives using qualitative data collection methods were eligible for inclusion. Thematic synthesis was conducted, and confidence in the review findings was assessed using GRADE CERQual criteria. A total of 198 participants were represented from 15 primary studies. Four interconnected analytical themes were developed: 'life is different', 'internal conflict between two worlds', 'togetherness vs separateness', and 'coping in the longer term'. Out of 27 review findings, 9 were assessed as high confidence, 12 as moderate confidence, 4 as low confidence, and 2 as very low confidence. Socially isolated partners, those in strained relationships, and partners who continually sacrificed their own needs were more likely to experience distressing emotions. Greater recognition of partners' needs is needed within pain management services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prescribed burns are used to maintain wildland ecosystems and decrease fuel loads and associated wildfire hazard. Prescribed burns may produce enough smoke to cause adverse health outcomes. The aim of this review is to understand what communication materials exist for disseminating health risk information related to prescribed burn smoke and challenges to developing such communication. We examined United States peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and conducted an environmental scan of grey literature including materials from federal, and several US state and local governments, organisations, and newspapers. While 63% of the included peer-reviewed literature focuses on wildfire health risk communication, the review suggests similar methods and messages can be adapted for prescribed burns. The environmental scan review indicates effective strategies use several communication modes, and reliable and timely messaging. There are state regulations for prescribed burn notification, but these do not require communication or education of health risks associated with smoke exposure. Smoke management guidelines often contain information about prescribed burn health risks, but these do not discuss health risk education. Opportunities to expand effective health risk communication include improving inconsistent messaging and inter-agency collaborations, and increasing public interactions, especially with vulnerable populations. This review identifies current health risk communications for prescribed burn smoke exposure in the United States. While this review highlights several effective communication strategies, further research is needed to better understand prevention and intervention approaches and the efficacy of communication strategies to minimise health risks of prescribed burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logistics is presently undergoing a transformative phase driven by rapid digitalization. This trend has spurred an in-depth exploration of the industry's theoretical potential and practical challenges. This comprehensive review focuses on practical applications, delving deeply into the increasing interest in digital technologies within logistics. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to unravel the growth and academic development of the concept of logistic digitalization. The investigation examines academic literature from the Web of Science database spanning 2020-2024. Using VOS Viewer, an intellectual structure and bibliographic analysis are performed on selected articles. The cluster that concentrates on articles about the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and its impact on the logistics economy (the fourth cluster) is most closely related to the digital theme. The study combines theoretical framework, including Michael Porter's and the Resource-Based View, to illustrate the connections that improve business competitiveness. The examination of investments in digital technology sheds light on the logistics sector's experiences during the years when these investments impact labor productivity. Descriptive analysis results suggest that companies implementing technology can achieve a workforce productivity increase of up to 20%, underscoring the significance of technology investments for enhancing business competitiveness. These findings shed light on how various logistics sub-sectors respond to investments in software and computers and the rate at which these technologies influence labor productivity metrics. These empirical findings substantially reinforce the theoretical framework, providing practical implications and emphasizing the critical necessity for logistics firms to integrate digital technologies into their operational frameworks seamlessly. In conclusion, as the logistics landscape hovers on the brink of a digital revolution, businesses must adeptly navigate and wholeheartedly embrace digital solutions to ensure competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The primary goal of this study was to assess the growth, most influential articles, countries, journals, authors, and papers published in the field of global oral cancer. Research articles on oral cancer, published between 1989 and 2022, were identified through the Web of Science database to achieve this. Methods: A comprehensive dataset comprising 7,178 documents was meticulously extracted from the Web of Science, forming the basis for scientometric analysis. A refined subset of 4,901 documents was judiciously selected following a rigorous screening process for meticulous, in-depth analysis. Results: The field has witnessed a remarkable publication surge, with the United States taking the lead in productivity. The journal Oral Oncology has become the foremost publication, renowned for its prolific output and widespread citation. This trend highlights the growing importance and interest in this domain, with researchers and experts worldwide contributing to the expanding body of knowledge. The United States' dominance in productivity suggests its strong commitment to advancing research in the field, while Oral Oncology's recognition underscores its influential role in disseminating cutting-edge findings and fostering scientific progress. Conclusion: This scientometric analysis is a valuable resource for researchers, funding agencies, industry, and institutions, offering guidance and insights. Clinical trial number: Not Applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesiodens, which emerge towards the nasal cavity, often require consultation in maxillofacial practice. Typically accessed through wide palatal flaps with ostectomy, this method involves limited visibility and poses the risk of damaging the roots and apex of adjacent dental structures. This study advocates a minimally invasive technique that involves vestibulotomy between the central incisors, facilitating direct and rapid access through nasal floor dissection, minimizing comorbidities. A systematic review was performed, following the PRISMA guidelines, apropos on ten clinical cases reported in this study. The MEDLINE/Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched. Several variables were considered and are presented comprehensively in tables and figures. Additionally, 10 case reports with mesiodens in the maxilla were submitted to surgical treatment using a minimally invasive intraoral transnasal disinclusion. The initial literature search resulted in 37 articles, of which 9 met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Regarding postoperative complications, no bone exposure, incisor root damage, extensive surgical approach, palatal or vestibular hematoma, or palatal necrosis was observed. However, 10% experienced superficial damage to the nasopalatine neurovascular, while 80% and 20% presented mild and moderate postoperative facial edema, respectively. Hypoesthesia in 20% of patients recovered in the first week, 40% in the first month and 40% at 3 months. The minimally invasive intraoral, transnasal, non-endoscopic approach emerges as a safe and predictable alternative to conventional surgical techniques. Presumes minimal postoperative complications, mitigating the risk of excessive bone removal and damage to adjacent structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recently, peptides have been studied in Caenorhabditis elegans for anti‐aging research. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence, we conducted this meta‐analysis focusing on the anti‐aging effect of peptides in C. elegans to provide more convincing evidence. RESULTS: A literature search in PubMed, SCOUPUS, and Web of Science databases yielded 2879 articles. After removing duplicates and based on inclusion criteria and STAIR checklist quality assessment, nine articles were selected. Data extraction and analysis showed that, compared to the control group without peptide intervention, peptide supplementation significantly reduced nematode mortality risk [hazard ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.47, 0.62; P < 0.05], significantly increased the pharyngeal pumping rate [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.87, 2.41; P < 0.05], bending frequency (SMD = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.18; P < 0.05), and significantly decreased the accumulation of lipofuscin levels within nematodes (SMD = −4.48, 95% CI = −6.85, −2.12; P < 0.05). Additionally, subgroup analysis showed that doses ranging from 0.1 to 1 mg/mL (HR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.65; P < 0.05) displayed better anti‐aging effects compared to other dose ranges. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that peptides can significantly extend the lifespan of C. elegans under normal circumstances and improve three indicators of healthy life. More importantly, subgroup analysis revealed that a dosage of 0.1–1 mg/mL demonstrated superior anti‐aging effects. This meta‐analysis provides more convincing evidence that peptides can play an anti‐aging role in C. elegans. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusionsto assess the changes in the macular structure in children with history of prematurity and to find the relationship between retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treatment and macular ultrastructural changes found in optical coherence tomography angiography study.a search for identifying relevant studies published in English using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from the date of inception to 21 October 2022 was conducted. Studies were included if their subjects were >5 years and used Optovue device for imaging. Twelve studies were included for final analysis. After extracting data, foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) in the foveal and parafoveal area, central foveal thickness (CFT), and visual acuity (VA) were compared between the study groups.in individual who were born full term the FAZ was significantly larger. The SCP and DCP VD was significantly higher in children with history of ROP treatment. Superficial parafoveal VD was significantly lower in term children than both treated groups. The CFT was significantly higher in children with history of ROP (treated and untreated) than the terms. VA was lower in laser and IVI treated children than terms and it was related to the changes in CFT, foveal superficial and deep VD and FAZ area.Patients with a history of ROP treatment have a significantly greater CFT, higher VD of foveal SCP and DCP, and lower VA than the term-born children. Furthermore, the FAZ is negatively associated with VA and CFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions There has been a long debate whether delaying treatment with levodopa prevents motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD).We performed a meta‐analysis on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared early‐ versus delayed‐start treatment with levodopa in PD.A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception to July 1, 2023. Only RCTs that compared early and delayed levodopa treatment in PD were included. Non‐randomized comparisons from follow‐up studies were included as well. Our primary outcomes were occurrence of overall motor complications, motor fluctuations, and dyskinesias.Seven studies with a total of 1149 patients (636 in the early‐start group and 513 in the delayed‐start) were included in our analysis. There was no difference between groups regarding motor complications (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 0.68–1.72; P = 0.37) or dyskinesias (OR 1.52; 95% CI: 0.90–2.57; P = 0.11). Motor fluctuations occurred less frequently in the early‐start group (OR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52–0.95; P = 0.02). Nonetheless, on subgroup analysis of dopamine agonists, rate of dyskinesias was smaller in the delayed‐start group (OR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.08–3.07; P = 0.03).Delaying treatment with levodopa does not seem to prevent levodopa‐related motor complications in PD. Adjunct treatment with dopamine agonists may reduce the need for higher doses of levodopa and thus reduce the risk for dyskinesias but this practice is often associated with a higher frequency of adverse effects related to dopamine agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoid technology has been developed rapidly in the past decade, which involves the exploration of the mechanism of development, regeneration and various diseases, and intersects among multiple disciplines. Thousands of literature on 3D-culture or organoids have been published in the research areas of cell biology tissue engineering, nanoscience, oncology and so on, resulting in it being challenging for researchers to timely summarize these studies. Bibliometric statistics is a helpfulway to help researchers clarify the above issues efficiently andmanage the whole landscape systematically. In our study, all original articles on organoids were included in the Web of Science database from January 2009 to May 2024, and related information was collected and analyzed using Excel software, "bibliometrix" packages of the R software, VOSviewer and CiteSpace. As results, a total of 6222 papers were included to classify the status quo of the organoids and predict future research areas. Our findings highlight a growing trend in publications related to organoids, with the United States and Netherlands leading in this field. The University of California System, Harvard University, Utrecht University and Utrecht University Medical Center have emerged as pivotal contributors and the key authors in the field include Clevers, H, Beekman, JM and Spence JR. Our results also revealed that the research hotspots and trends of organoids mainly focused on clinical treatment, drug screening, and the application of materials and technologies such as "hydrogel" and "microfluidic technology" in organoids. Next, we had an in-depth interpretation of the development process of organoid research area, including the emergence of technology, the translation from bench to bedsides, the profiles of the most widely studied types of organoids, the application of materials and technologies, and the emerging organoid-immune co-cultures trends. Furthermore,we also discussed the pitfalls, challenges and prospects of organoid technology. In conclusion, this study provides readers straightforward and convenient access to the organoid research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic head cancer patients who undergo pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) often experience disease recurrence, frequently associated with a positive margin status (R1). Total mesopancreas excision (TMpE) has emerged as a potential approach to increase surgical radicality and minimize locoregional recurrence. However, its effectiveness and safety remain under evaluation. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize current evidence on TMpE outcomes. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to March 2024 to identify studies comparing TMpE with standard pancreatoduodenectomy (sPD). The risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) was pooled using a random effects model. Results: From 452 studies identified, 9 studies with a total of 738 patients were included, with 361 (49%) undergoing TMpE. TMpE significantly improved the R0 resection rate (RR 1.24; 95% CI 1.11–1.38; P < 0.05), reduced blood loss (MD -143.70 ml; 95% CI -247.92, -39.49; P < 0.05), and increased lymph node harvest (MD 7.27 nodes; 95% CI 4.81, 9.73; P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in hospital stay, postoperative complications, or mortality between TMpE and sPD. TMpE also significantly reduced overall recurrence (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.35–0.81; P < 0.05) and local recurrence (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.24–0.63; P < 0.05). Additionally, the risk of pancreatic fistula was lower in the TMpE group (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.52–0.85; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Total mesopancreas excision significantly increases the R0 resection rate and reduces locoregional recurrence while maintaining an acceptable safety profile when compared with standard pancreatoduodenectomy. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted to determine the optimal surgical approach for total mesopancreatic resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid evolution of knowledge requires constantly acquiring and updating skills, making lifelong learning crucial. Despite decades of artificial intelligence, recent advances promote new solutions to personalize learning in this context. The purpose of this article is to explore the current state of research on the development of artificial intelligence-mediated solutions for the design of personalized learning paths. To achieve this, a systematic literature review (SRL) of 78 articles published between 2019 and 2024 from the Scopus and Web or Science databases was conducted, answering seven questions grouped into three themes: characteristics of the published research, context of the research, and type of solution analyzed. This study identified that: (a) the greatest production of scientific research on the topic is developed in China, India and the United States, (b) the focus is mainly directed towards the educational context at the higher education level with areas of opportunity for application in the work context, and (c) the development of adaptive learning technologies predominates; however, there is a growing interest in the application of generative language models. This article contributes to the growing interest and literature related to personalized learning under artificial intelligence mediated solutions that will serve as a basis for academic institutions and organizations to design programs under this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the past few years, there has been a notable rise in the incidence and prevalence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) on a global scale. A considerable body of research has highlighted the 'obesity paradox,' suggesting that a higher body mass index (BMI) can confer a protective effect against numerous chronic diseases. However, the relationship between BMI and the risk of mortality in IPF patients remains underexplored in the existing literature. We aim to shed light on this relationship and potentially offer novel insights into prevention strategies for IPF. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to collect all published studies examining the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the mortality risk in patients with IPF, up until February 14, 2023. For the synthesis of the findings, we employed random-effects models. The statistical significance of the association between BMI and the mortality risk in IPF patients was evaluated using the hazard ratio (HR), with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) serving as the metric for effect size. Results: A total of 14 data sets involving 2080 patients with IPF were included in the meta-analysis. The combined results of the random-effects models were suggestive of a significant association between lower BMI and a higher risk of death (HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91–0.97, P < 0.001). For baseline BMI, the risk of death from IPF decreased by 6% for each unit increase. The results of the subgroup analysis suggest that geographic location (Asian subgroup: HR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.93–0.98, P = 0.001; Western subgroup: HR = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.84–0.98, P = 0.014), study type (RCS subgroup: HR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.92–0.98, P = 0.004; PCS subgroup: HR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.84–0.94, P < 0.001), and sample size (< 100 groups: HR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.87–1.01, P = 0.079; >100 groups: HR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.91–0.97, P < 0.001) were not significant influences on heterogeneity. Of the included literature, those with confounding factors corrected and high NOS scores reduced heterogeneity (HR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.90–0.96, P < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses showed that the combined results were stable and not significantly altered by individual studies (HR = 0.93 to 0.95, 95% CI = 0.90–0.96 to 0.92–0.98). Egger's test suggested no significant publication bias in the included studies (P = 0.159). Conclusions: Higher BMI (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) is negatively correlated to some extent with the risk of death in IPF patients, and BMI may become a clinical indicator for determining the prognosis of IPF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition that typically shows up with aging. It is characterized by generalized slowness of movement, resting tremor or stiffness, and bradykinesia. PD patients' brains mostly exhibit an increase in inflammatory mediators and microglial response. Nevertheless, a variety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) offered neuroprotection in animal models and preclinical trials. Aim: The current systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to try to resolve the debate over the association of NSAID use with the development of PD because the results of several studies were somehow contradictory. Methods: An intense search was performed on Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for articles relating the incidence of PD to the use of NSAIDs. Statistical analysis of the included studies was carried out using Review Manager version 5.4.1 by random effect model. The outcome was identified as the development of PD in patients who were on NSAIDs, ibuprofen only, aspirin only, and non-aspirin NSAIDs. This was analyzed using pooled analysis of odds ratio (OR) at a significance level of =0.05 and a confidence level of 95%. A statistically significant decreased risk of PD was observed in patients taking NSAIDs, Ibuprofen, and non-aspirin NSAIDs. Results: The ORs of PD occurrence in patients who took NSAIDs, Ibuprofen, and non-aspirin NSAIDs were 0.88 [95% CI (0.8-0.97), p = 0.01], 0.73 [95% CI (0.53-1), p = 0.05] and 0.85 [95% CI (0.75-0.97), p = 0.01]. Meanwhile, the risk of PD in patients who took aspirin was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, Ibuprofen, non-aspirin NSAIDs, and other types of NSAIDs could be associated with a reduction in PD risk. However, there was no association between aspirin intake and the development of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bibliometric analysis is a rigorous method to analyze significant quantities of bibliometric data to assess their impact on a particular field. This study used bibliometric analysis to investigate the academic research on diabetes detection and classification from 2000 to 2023. The PRISMA 2020 framework was followed to identify, filter, and select relevant papers. This study used the Web of Science database to determine relevant publications concerning diabetes detection and classification using the keywords "diabetes detection", "diabetes classification", and "diabetes detection and classification". A total of 863 publications were selected for analysis. The research applied two bibliometric techniques: performance analysis and science mapping. Various bibliometric parameters, including publication analysis, trend analysis, citation analysis, and networking analysis, were used to assess the performance of these articles. The analysis findings showed that India, China, and the United States are the top three countries with the highest number of publications and citations on diabetes detection and classification. The most frequently used keywords are machine learning, diabetic retinopathy, and deep learning. Additionally, the study identified "classification", "diagnosis", and "validation" as the prevailing topics for diabetes identification. This research contributes valuable insights into the academic landscape of diabetes detection and classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management of patients with aortic valve pathologies can sometimes fall into a "gray zone", where the optimal treatment approach is not straightforward. The comparative benefits of sutureless aortic valve replacement (SUAVR) using the Perceval bioprosthesis versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the "gray zone" of aortic valve replacement procedures remain a topic of debate. To further explore this issue, we conducted a study with pairwise, single-arm, and Kaplan–Meier-based meta-analyses to compare the outcomes of SUAVR with the Perceval bioprosthesis versus TAVI, as well as to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and durability of SUAVR with the Perceval bioprosthesis over mid-term and long-term follow-up periods. Methods: The PubMed, PubMed Central, OVID Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. All study types were included, except study protocols and animal studies, without time restrictions. The final search was carried out in May 2024. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) rates between the two groups. SUAVR showed a lower incidence of new-onset myocardial infarction but was associated with higher rates of new-onset atrial fibrillation and major bleeding. TAVI had higher rates of left bundle branch block and major vascular complications. Conclusions: Our findings show that SUAVR has a lower incidence of complications and a favorable mid-term overall survival compared to TAVI. SUAVR has more advantages compared to TAVI and can be considered a valuable and promising option for the "grey zone" of aortic valve pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study aims to systematize the ability to use ROE to assess rhinoplasty outcomes in surgical approaches. Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for the following terms: "rhinoplasty and outcome" OR "prognosis" OR "outcomes" OR "satisfaction" OR "quality of life" OR QoL "rhinoplasty outcome evaluation". The timeframe of the included studies is from 2011 to May 2024. Ultimately, 17 papers were included in the conducted meta-analysis of ROE scores between pre- and post-treatment data. Results The mean value of the pre-treatment ROE score was 33.50 with a CI of 29.46 to 37.53 (p < 0.001), while the post-treatment ROE was 69.60 with a CI of 63.07 to 76.14 (t ≤ 6 months). At t = 12 months it was 80.25 with a CI of 75.79 to 84.70 (p < 0.001). The mean difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment scores (t ≤ 6 months) was −36.31 with a CI of −40.93 to −31.69. The mean difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment scores for 6 m < t ≤ 12 m was −47.36 with a CI of −53.89 to −40.83. Conclusions: The result was statistically significant (p < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation and desertification represent serious threats, as they present severe environmental and socio-economic consequences, demanding immediate action. Although a recognized methodology for assessing degradation and desertification is missing, remote sensing has been recognized as a powerful support for its accessibility and efficacy. The aim of this study is to examine the application of remote sensing for assessing land and soil degradation and desertification. A total of 278 research papers retrieved from Scopus/Web of Science database and published over the past decade have been analyzed. From the analysis of scientific publications, a rising interest for these topics and a dominance of research from China has been registered. Established satellite data, Landsat, and MODIS, despite limitations in accuracy and resolution, remain popular due to easy access. This restricts research to broader scales and limits practical applications like land management. The prevalent use of vegetation indexes, while convenient, can be misleading due to their indirect connection to soil health. Consequently, vegetation-based models may not fully capture the complexities involved. To improve understanding, the study suggests a shift towards multi-indexes models and a move away from relying solely on readily available data products. Moreover, the application of data fusion methods could provide a more holistic view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appendicitis is one of the most common acute surgical conditions globally. However, the association between nighttime appendectomy and patients' morbidity and mortality is unclear. This study aims to compare outcomes following nighttime versus daytime appendectomy. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to March 26, 2024 (updated on July 1, 2024) were searched. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications and mortality. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative complications, reoperation, readmission, conversion to laparotomy, hospital stay and operation time. Mean difference (MD) or odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Fifteen studies totaling 33,596 patients were included. There were no differences between nighttime and daytime appendectomy for rates of overall postoperative complications (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87, 1.00, 14 studies), mortality (OR 1.70, 95% CI 0.37, 7.88, 7 studies), intraoperative complications (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.08, 9.86; 2 studies), reoperation (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.06, 2.55; 3 studies) and readmission (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.65, 1.13; I2 = 0%, 5 studies). However, the conversion to laparotomy risks (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.12, 3.29; 6 studies) among patients who underwent appendectomy during nighttime was significantly elevated compared to daytime. Conclusions: There was no increased risk or difference in postoperative mortality and complication rates associated with nighttime compared with daytime appendectomy. However, future studies should assess the reasons for higher conversion rates during the night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various extracts are tested for anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory properties on in vitro models. RBL-2H3 cells are widely used in allergic or immunological studies. FCεRI and its downstream signaling cascades, such as MAPK, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, are important allergic or inflammatory signaling mechanisms in mast and basophil cells. This systematic review aims to study common signaling pathways of the anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory compounds on RBL-2H3 cells. We selected the relevant research articles published after 2015 from the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed based on the modified CONSORT checklist for in vitro studies. The cell lines, treatments, assay, primary findings, and signaling pathways on RBL-2H3 cells were extracted to synthesize the results. Thirty-eight articles were included, and FCεRI and its downstream pathways, such as Lyn, Sky, PLCγ, and MAPK, were commonly studied. Moreover, the JAK/STAT pathway was a potential signaling mechanism in RBL-2H3 cells. However, the findings based on RBL-2H3 cells needed to be tested along with human mast cells to confirm its relevance to human health. In conclusion, a single plant extract may act as an anti-inflammatory reagent in RBL-2H3 cells via multiple signaling pathways besides the MAPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The efficacy of drug therapies in managing neuropathic pain is constrained by their limited effectiveness and potential for adverse effects. In contrast, exercise has emerged as a promising alternative for pain relief. In this study, we conducted a systematic evaluation of the therapeutic impact of exercise on neuropathic pain resulting from sciatic nerve injury in rodent models. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were retrieved before April 2024. A series of studies regarding the effect of treadmill, swimming, wheel and other exercises on neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve injury in rats and mice were collected. Using predefined inclusion criteria, two researchers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment utilizing SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 12.0 analysis software. Results: A total of 12 relevant academic sources were included in the analysis of controlled animal studies, with 133 rodents in the exercise group and 135 rodents in the sedentary group. The meta-analysis revealed that exercise was associated with a significant increase in paw withdrawal mechanical threshold [Standard Mean Difference1 (SMD) = 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-1.40, p = 0.003] and paw withdrawal thermal latency (SMD = 1.54, 95%CI: 0.93-2.15, p < 0.0001) in rats and mice with sciatic nerve injury. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of exercise duration on heterogeneity. The results showed that postoperative exercise duration =3 weeks could significantly elevate paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (SMD = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.62-1.46, p < 0.00001). Postoperative exercise duration =4 weeks could significantly improve paw withdrawal thermal latency (SMD = 1.93, 95% CI:1.19-2.67, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Exercise represents an effective method for improving mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity resulting from sciatic nerve injury in rodents. Factors such as pain models, the initiation of exercise, the type of exercise, and the species of rodent do not significantly impact the development of exercise-induced hypoalgesia. However, the duration of postoperative exercise plays a crucial role in the onset of exercise-induced hypoalgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this was to assess the effectiveness of stretching for improving shoulder range of motion (ROM) in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD). The secondary aims were to compare whether the combination of stretching plus manual therapy was more effective than stretching in isolation and if any stretching technique was superior to others. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were designed. The MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Clinical trials investigating the effects of stretching in isolation or combined with other manual therapy techniques on ROM and pain intensity in athletes with GIRD were included. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. Two independent assessors extracted data through a standardized form. The random-effects models were applied. Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review with a meta-analysis, with a methodological quality ranging from high to low. The stretching techniques in isolation showed statistically significant improvements in internal rotation and horizontal adduction ROM. Adding glenohumeral dorsal gliding to a stretching protocol showed better improvement in internal rotation ROM than stretching in isolation. Stretching techniques with manual stabilization showed better benefits than self-stretching techniques. A very low certainty of evidence suggests that stretching produces statistically significant changes for improving ROM in patients with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. The combination with glenohumeral dorsal gliding seems to produce better improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The concept of lean and ISO 14001 as a combined approach is an evolving strategy for streamlining operational processes and attaining environmental sustainability in the manufacturing context. This paper explores the critical success factors (CSFs) for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation in the manufacturing industry for achieving the operational and environmental benefits. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review (SLR) based on Scopus and Web of Science databases is conducted to present peer-reviewed articles on the CSFs for lean and ISO 14001 implementation in manufacturing operations. This article applies the CSF theory to classify the CSFs for a joint lean and ISO 14001 adoption. Findings: Numerous CSFs are synthesised from the SLR across seven theoretical contexts of industry, competitive strategy, managerial position, environmental, temporal, internal/external, monitoring and building/adapting factors for a combined lean and ISO14001 implementation. Research limitations/implications: Numerous CSFs are synthesised from the SLR across seven theoretical contexts of strategic direction, competitive strategy, leadership and management, environmental, temporal, internal/external, monitoring and continuous process improvement factors for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation. Practical implications: This paper contributes to academic scholarship by providing a theoretical perspective through classification of CSFs for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation to achieve operational and environmental performance. This paper also contributes to practitioners and policymakers who can use the emergent theoretical framework for application in practice for a more efficient and effective deployment of both strategies in the manufacturing industry. Originality/value: To the best of author's knowledge, this study is the first to propose a theoretical framework of CSFs for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation based on the CSF theory and SLR findings in the manufacturing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are contributors to economic growth. Many studies have mentioned a broad range of factors that influence the development of SMEs. However, studies examining SME growth between developed and developing countries have not been comprehensively investigated. The growth of SMEs relies on the entrepreneurial skills of the entrepreneur, who has the ability to manage business effectively, achieve profit, identify market opportunities, and enhance innovation by optimizing all available resources. The objective of this article was to synthesize the factors that influence the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across developed and developing countries. This study particularly synthesized interrelationship factors depicted in a framework addressing resources and capabilities for SME growth. A systematic literature review (SLR) was employed to examine the research activities on this topic, referring to 108 articles from the Scopus and Web of Sciences databases. The articles synthesized individual studies to analyze the trend of SME growth research in developed and developing countries. Next, the factors of SME growth were identified into 6 (six) categories, including human capital resources, entrepreneurial perspectives on marketing, innovation, SMEs partnership, technology, and entrepreneur personality. The result represents that the factor extensively studied concerning SME growth is innovation capability, both in developed and developing countries. Differences exist in both critical factors and interrelationships among factors in developed and developing countries, particularly in the innovation capability, SME partnership and marketing capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various factors have been found responsible for the increment in ecological footprint resulting difficulties in maintaining environmental sustainability. This has been noticed through a modeling perspective. Identifying the factors affecting Ecological Footprint helps policymakers to formulate policies regarding sustainability. However, studies conducted based upon systematic reviews on Ecological Footprint through modeling are still limited. Objective: This study intends to identify influential factors associated with ecological footprint through a systematic review. Methods: ProQuest, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used to search literature systematically. Particular keywords and Boolean operators were applied to dig out relevant studies for the review. Peer-reviewed research articles published in the English language till September 13, 2023, were incorporated for the analysis. Following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), 1011 articles were identified from four different databases and only 37 research papers were eligible for this study. These articles were assessed and relevant information was extracted and then amalgamated into the systematic review. Results: Gross domestic product, urbanization, energy consumption, renewable energy, non-renewable energy, natural resources, bio-capacity, human capital, foreign direct investment, trade openness, and financial development were observed as key factors of the ecological footprint. Conclusion: Factors known to influence ecological footprint need to be addressed properly for environmental sustainability including widespread use of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open Innovation (OI) literature related to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has often been fragmented, hindering the effective generalisation of findings. We conducted a systematic multidisciplinary literature review to explore OI in the context of SMEs across various regions. OI research in SMEs was most common in Europe, followed by China, Korea, South East Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East. Surprisingly, very little research has been done in the USA, Canada, and the Indian subcontinent. We aimed to identify the commonalities and regional specifics in the antecedents and processes leading to OI. The review included one hundred research articles from the Web of Science database. Our findings revealed four common antecedents of OI across the firms: Human Factors, Technology, Policy, and Heterogeneity.Additionally, we identified three standard processes that lead to the OI phenomenon: firm-level partnerships, collaboration with academia, and intermediation. Though the antecedents and processes hold across firms of different sizes, human factors, policy and heterogeneity among the antecedents and intermediation as the process holds more significance to the SMEs as a sector. This research has important implications for academia and the industry. Firstly, we have responded to the research gap by increasing the generalisation of results across the regions. Secondly, different stakeholders may look for literature that is directly relevant to them. Thirdly, SME managers need to know the specific attitudes to facilitate OI effectively. Fourthly, the importance of intermediation has been identified as an effective process leading to OI. Finally, we have categorised future research directions under different clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lip print analysis has been proposed as a new human identification technique that allows the estimation of various individual parameters, such as population affinity. However, more consensus among the scientific community regarding this topic is needed. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to gather evidence that might clarify whether cheiloscopy can be used in population affinity estimation. The systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A bibliographic survey was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, restricted to articles published between 2010 and 2022. Studies were selected according to eligibility criteria, and the study data were collected. The risk of bias in each study was assessed and applied as additional inclusion or exclusion criteria. A descriptive approach synthesized the results of the articles eligible for analysis. Out of seven included studies, six demonstrated differences in lip patterns between different population groups, and one obtained inconclusive results. Several methodological flaws in the studies and variations in the collection and analysis methodology applied, which may have conditioned the results obtained, were identified. The data gathered allowed us to conclude that no solid scientific evidence supports the use of cheiloscopy in population affinity estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resistance training is often a part of the routine training regimen for competitive swimmers. However, due to the variety of resistance training methodology, the results can be inconsistent and sometimes unsatisfactory. Clear recommendations are still lacking at present. Aims: 1) Quantify the impact of resistance training on swimmers' upper limb maximum strength, front crawl performance and key technical parameters; 2) Find out the key technical parameters for improving front crawl performanceâ€"stroke rate or length; 3) Through subgroup analysis determine the best methodology of resistance training to enhance the front crawl. Methods: Systematic search in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Meta-analyses using the inverse-variance are performed to compare swimmers' upper limb maximum strength, front crawl performance and key technical parameters in resistance training and habitual aquatic training. A subgroup analysis was performed to examine whether the results were affected by the methodology of resistance training. Results: Thirteen studies (267 competitive swimmers) met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analysis showed that resistance training significantly improved upper limbs maximum muscle strength, and 25, 50, 100, and 200 m front crawl performance in competitive swimmers. And improvements in swimming performance may simply resulted from resistance training increasing stroke rate rather than stroke length. In addition, the results of subgroup analysis showed that only concurrent resistance training (CRT) and power training (PT) ultimately improved swimming performance by increasing the maximum muscle strength of the upper limbs. Conclusion: Resistance training significantly enhances competitive swimmers' upper limb strength and front crawl performance across various distances. The improvement in performance is likely attributed to an increased stroke rate rather than stroke length. In addition, CRT and PT are particularly effective, indicating the importance of selecting the appropriate methodology of resistance training for optimal swimming performance enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies about the replicability of clinical research based on the published literature have suggested that highly cited articles are often contradicted or found to have inflated effects. Nevertheless, there are no recent updates of such efforts, and this situation may have changed over time. Methods: We searched the Web of Science database for articles studying medical interventions with more than 2000 citations, published between 2004 and 2018 in high-impact medical journals. We then searched for replications of these studies in PubMed using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcome) framework. Replication success was evaluated by the presence of a statistically significant effect in the same direction and by overlap of the replication's effect size confidence interval (CIs) with that of the original study. Evidence of effect size inflation and potential predictors of replicability were also analyzed. Results: A total of 89 eligible studies, of which 24 had valid replications (17 meta-analyses and 7 primary studies) were found. Of these, 21 (88%) had effect sizes with overlapping CIs. Of 15 highly cited studies with a statistically significant difference in the primary outcome, 13 (87%) had a significant effect in the replication as well. When both criteria were considered together, the replicability rate in our sample was of 20 out of 24 (83%). There was no evidence of systematic inflation in these highly cited studies, with a mean effect size ratio of 1.03 [95% CI (0.88, 1.21)] between initial and subsequent effects. Due to the small number of contradicted results, our analysis had low statistical power to detect predictors of replicability. Conclusion: Although most studies did not have eligible replications, the replicability rate of highly cited clinical studies in our sample was higher than in previous estimates, with little evidence of systematic effect size inflation. This estimate is based on a very select sample of studies and may not be generalizable to clinical research in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize the impact of prophylactic vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) on infertile male patients with HPV semen infection. Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. First, an electronic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2018 to 2023 using specific keywords was conducted. Thereafter, three authors independently screened the articles and removed duplicates. Following the acquisition of the papers, a quality analysis was conducted using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Criteria. Results: A total of 41 pregnancies were reported out of which 15.3 % were in control group and 38.9 % were in the vaccinated group (p < 0.05). The clearance of HPV DNA correlated significantly with a serum HPV antibody titer of ≥ 1:125 at initial examination. Compared with individuals who tested negative for HPV, those who became seropositive at 12 (p = 0.039), 18 (p = 0.034) and 24 months (p = 0.034) had fewer multiple infections and a lower incidence of HPV infection in semen. Conclusion: Examination of the association between male fertility and HPV reveals a clear correlation between HPV infection and male infertility, specifically asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Further studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of this approach in managing male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome consists of several disorders of the masticatory system, namely those of the muscles, the joint itself, as well as the dental and periodontal system. This syndrome is often characterized by pain and an inability to perform functions within the dental–maxillary apparatus, which creates a certain degree of disability in patients. Women are more susceptible to this syndrome than men and hormonal factors, particularly estrogen, are central to its etiology and physiopathology. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases regarding articles published from January 2008 to December 2023. Two authors conducted searches in the mentioned databases based on a pre-established search strategy using agreed-upon keywords. Additionally, each review author performed the selection process of eligible studies based on established inclusion criteria. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale and Risk of Bias tool 2 were used to assess each article for its methodological quality. Results: Of the 1030 records found in the four bibliographic databases, 22 studies were included in this review. Polymorphism in the alpha estrogen receptor appears to be significantly more prevalent in women with temporomandibular dysfunction, suggesting a genetic predisposition. There is a significant role of estrogen in the physiopathology of TMD-related pain. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly higher incidence of TMD, accompanied by elevated inflammatory factors and decreased progesterone levels. In premenopausal women, there is scientific relevance to the association between beta-estradiol levels and TMD development and progression. The effects of estrogen hormones on temporomandibular dysfunction remain highly debated and challenging. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of considering hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, and reproductive life stages in understanding and managing temporomandibular dysfunction. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurosurgery is a rapidly advancing surgical specialty. Social media has significantly impacted the landscape of advancements in the field of neurosurgery. Research on the subject of neurosurgery and social media plays a vital role in combating disability and mortality due to neurological diseases, especially in trauma-affected individuals by increasing cooperation and sharing of clinical experiences between neurosurgeons via social media. This study aimed to evaluate the global neurosurgery and social media research performance from 2004 to 2023. All the data for neurosurgery and social media-related research publications from 2004 to 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science database and a comprehensive analysis was performed on the R-bibliometrix package. An increasing number of publications with an annual growth rate of 22.04% was observed, with >91% of total articles published in the last decade. The United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Canada, and India made up of more than 67% of the global contribution. Out of 1449 authors, Chaurasia B was the most productive with 14 publications and the most globally cited document was JEAN WC, 2020 with 117 citations. The University of Cambridge was the leading institutional affiliation. World Neurosurgery was the most productive with >60 articles. Exploring neurosurgery on social media enhances global collaboration, utilizing dynamic platforms for real-time knowledge exchange and holds immense potential for the field's global advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]