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This scoping review offers insight into researcher well-being when working with sensitive and traumatic topics in a qualitative research context. The study identified existing empirical research concerning researcher well-being and mental health. The databases included SSCI, ASSIA < IBISS, Scopus, Social Policy and Practice, PsycInfo, Social Science Database/Social Science Premium Collection (Proquest), and Open Grey. An international search was conducted, with no time constraints on publication dates to gather as wide a selection as possible. 55 papers met the criteria. We found that the terminology used within the papers was not consistent which necessitated grouping the (self-) reflection/reflexive practices researchers used and categorizing them under the umbrella term SRR practices. The research questions were: 1. Which disciplines or fields are conducting SRR practices on sensitive topics? 2. What SRR practices do researchers employ in the context of sensitive research? 3. What were the self-reported outcomes from using SRR practices as a tool of researchers working on sensitive research? A key finding of the scoping review is that many researchers who work on sensitive topics feel unprepared and receive little or no training or support for SRR practices. This poses particular challenges for early career researchers. We also identified that qualitative researchers have developed a range of SRR practices to manage the emotional impact of their sensitive research work. Many authors of the scoped papers stress the importance of peer-support as well as formal and informal debriefing meetings. Another key SRR practice discussed by many researchers is reflexive journaling. Our scoping review suggests that if it is combined with other activities, self-reflexive journaling can be an excellent way to acknowledge and assess the emotional impact of sensitive research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of antidepressant pharmacotherapies on cardiovascular risk are unclear. We completed a systematic review with meta-analysis to assess the effect of paroxetine on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The searches were accomplished via EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed (using the National Library of Medicine), Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We included non-blind, single, or double-blind randomized control trials in patients older than 18 diagnosed with MDD. Paroxetine needs to be enforced as a chronic therapeutic medication. We included individual studies that investigated resting HRV. We documented 402 studies, only following screening and eligibility phases; only six were included (five studies in the meta-analysis). No significant change was noticed for the SDNN index: subtotal = 8.23 [CI: −2.17, 18.63], p = 0.12, I2 = 54 % (very low quality of evidence). A significant change was distinguished for the LF index: subtotal = 0.74 [CI: 0.33, 1.15], p = 0.0004, I2 = 0 % (low quality of evidence). A significant alteration was perceived for the HF index: subtotal = 0.33 [CI: 0.06, 0.6], p = 0.02, I2 = 0 % (low quality of evidence). Meta-analysis demonstrated that paroxetine could advance HRV in MDD patients. Nevertheless, our supposition is founded only on statistical analysis and the very low quality of evidence breakdown reinforces the necessity for further studies to confirm or reject this theory. • We evaluated the effects of paroxetine on heart rate variability in patients identified with major depressive disorder. • Meta-analysis specified that paroxetine improved LF and HF; • Quality of evidence for SDNN was very low and low for LF and HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pneumothorax is the most frequent complication after CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy (CT-PTLB). Many studies reported that injection of autologous blood patch (ABP) during biopsy needle withdrawal could reduce the pneumothorax and chest tube insertion rate after CT-PTLB, but the result is debatable. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize evidence regarding the efficacy of ABP procedure in patients receiving CT-PTLB. Methods: Eligible studies were searched in Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria were studies that assessed the relationship between ABP and the pneumothorax and/or chest tube insertion rate after CT-PTLB. Subgroup analyses according to study type, emphysema status and ABP technique applied were also conducted. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to examine the risk association. Results: A total of 10 studies including 3874 patients were qualified for analysis. Our analysis suggested that ABP reduced the pneumothorax (incidence: 20.0% vs. 27.9%, OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.48–0.66, P < 0.001) and chest tube insertion rate (incidence: 4.0% vs. 8.0%, OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.34–0.65, P < 0.001) after CT-PTLB. Subgroup analysis according to study type (RCT or retrospective study), emphysema status (with or without emphysema), and ABP technique applied (clotted or non-clotted ABP) were also performed and we found ABP reduced the pneumothorax and chest tube insertion rate in all subgroups. Conclusions: Our study indicated that the use of ABP was effective technique in reducing the pneumothorax and chest tube insertion rate after CT-PTLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension is a major global public health problem. It currently affects more than 1.4 billion people worldwide, projected to increase to 1.6 billion by 2025. Despite numerous primary studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and identify its associated factors among hypertensive patients in Sub-Saharan Africa, these studies presented inconsistent findings. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and identify its associated factors. Methods: We have searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases extensively for all relevant studies. A manual search of the reference lists of included studies was performed. A weighted inverse-variance random-effects model was used to compute the overall pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and the effect size of its associated factors. Variations across the included studies were checked using forest plot, funnel plot, I2 statistics, and Egger's test. Results: A total of twenty-six primary studies with a sample size of 11,600 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 50.29% (95% CI: 41.88, 58.69; I2 = 98.98%; P<0.001). Age of the patient [AOR = 1.57: 95% CI: 1.004, 2.44], duration of diagnosis [AOR = 2.57: 95% CI: 1.18, 5.57], non-adherence to physical activity [AOR = 2.13: 95% CI: 1.15, 3.95], khat chewing [AOR = 3.83: 95% CI: 1.59, 9.24] and habitual coffee consumption [AOR = 10.79: 95% CI: 1.84, 63.24] were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension among hypertensive patients. Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was considerably high. Older age, duration of diagnosis, non-adherence to physical activity, khat chewing and habitual coffee consumption were independent predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, health professionals and other responsible stakeholders should encourage hypertensive patients to adhere to regular physical activity, and abstain from khat chewing and habitual coffee consumption. Early identification of hypertension and management of comorbidities is crucial, and it should be emphasized to control hypertension easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although, several studies have assessed the association of the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and HLA-DQA1 SNPs with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), results were inconsistent and between-studies heterogeneity needs to be investigated. Objectives: The aim of this review was to summarize existing data on the contribution of 10 SNPs in the PLA2R and HLA-DQA1 genes to PMN susceptibility and to investigate the between-studies heterogeneity by subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. Design: This study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Data sources and methods: An electronic literature search for eligible studies among all papers published prior to January 10, 2024, was conducted through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science and Scopus databases. Meta-analyses together with subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed for the 10 following SNPs: rs4664308, rs3749117, rs3749119, rs35771982, rs3828323, rs16844715, rs1511223, rs6757188, rs2715918, and rs2187668. Results: Combined analyses revealed a significant increase in PMN risk conferred by the following alleles: rs4664308*A, rs3749117*T, rs3749119*C, rs35771982*G, rs3828323*C, rs16844715*C, rs1511223*A, rs2715918*A, and rs2187668*A, all P -values <.001. Moreover, the PLA2R-rs4664308/HLA-DQA1-rs2187668 interaction was significantly associated with an increased PMN risk, P <.001. However, there was a substantial between-studies heterogeneity for some SNPs. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity for the 9 PLA2R SNPs did not show any cross-ethnic disparity. Inversely, the risk conferred by the HLA-DQA1 rs2187668*A allele was significantly higher in Caucasians (OR [95% CI] = 3.929 [3.251–4.748]) than in Asians (OR [95% CI] = 2.537 [1.94–3.318], P =.007. Besides, meta-regressions revealed for the majority of investigated SNPs significant correlations of the effect size with albumin, 24-hours proteinuria, serum creatinine, and eGFR levels. Hence, the influence on PMN risk conferred by the PLA2R and HLA-DQA1 SNPs was rather noted in patients with a severe disease. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that 9 out of the 10 investigated SNPs in PLA2R and HLA-DQA1 genes were associated with increased PMN risk. Heterogeneity could be due to disparate patient groups in terms of disease presentation for almost all SNPs, and ethnicity for the HLA-DQA1 rs2187668 SNP. Registration: This review has been registered on PROSPERO: CRD42024506729. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024506729 Plain language summary: Genetic factors in primary membranous nephritis Why was the study done? Primary membranous nephritis (PMN) is the most common etiology of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome. Understanding risk factors, particularly genetic ones, would provide a better understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms in order to prevent and treat patients more effectively. What did the researchers do? The research team summarized published data on genetic factors associated with PMN including phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and HLA-DQA1 genes. What did the researchers find? The total number of included studies was 27. Nine out of ten genetic factors were found to be associated with PMN risk. Moreover, we noted significant interaction between PLA2R and HLA-DQA1 in potentializing PMN risk. Nevertheless, there was a significant between-studies heterogeneity which was found to be explained in part by disease severity. What do the findings mean? This study has identified some important some genetic factors associated with PMN together with confounding factors that could influence the aforementioned association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on the adoption of mobile learning in university education reveals a growing interest in mobile technologies to improve the learning process; both the acceptance and rejection of these tools among students have been analyzed. However, there are gaps in the research that require a deeper exploration of the factors that influence the adoption and use of these technologies. Understanding these aspects is crucial to optimize mobile learning strategies and improve the educational experience in the university setting. The objective is to examine research trends regarding the topic. PRISMA-2020 is used in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results show the questionnaires as the main collection instruments; geographical contexts show that it has been researched predominantly in Asia; The studies have focused on university students; the most applied theories are TAM and UTAUT; and latent variables such as behavioral intention and attitude. The conclusions summarize the trends and patterns observed in the reviewed literature, as well as the research gaps identified, providing a solid foundation for future research and highlighting the importance of addressing this issue in the current context of digital education. The systematic review identifies key models and factors in the adoption of mobile learning in university settings, revealing both theoretical and practical implications. Furthermore, this text provides practical guidance for selecting effective data collection tools and making informed educational and policy decisions. However, it acknowledges limitations such as potential publication and language bias in the search process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is often managed surgically. Enzymatic chemonucleolysis emerged as a non-surgical alternative. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of chemonucleolytic enzymes for LDH. The primary objective is to evaluate efficacy through "treatment success" (i.e., pain reduction) and severe adverse events (SAEs) rates. Additionally, differences in efficacy and safety trends among chemonucleolytic enzymes are explored. Following our PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42023451546) and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted up to July 18, 2023. Inclusion criteria involved human LDH treatment with enzymatic chemonucleolysis reagents, assessing pain alleviation, imaging changes, and reporting on SAEs, with focus on allergic reactions. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Source of Bias and MINORS tools. Meta-analysis utilized odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 62 included studies (12,368 patients), chemonucleolysis demonstrated an 79% treatment success rate and significantly outperformed placebo controls (OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.41–4.65) and scored similar to surgical interventions (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.20–2.10). SAEs occurred in 1.4% of cases, with slightly higher rates in chymopapain cohorts. No significant differences in "proceeding to surgery" rates were observed between chemonucleolysis and control cohorts. Limitations include dated and heterogeneous studies, emphasizing the need for higher-quality trials. Further optimization through careful patient selection and advances in therapy implementation may further enhance outcomes. The observed benefits call for wider clinical exploration and adoption. No funding was received for this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The first and second lines of treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) include chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil. However, treatment following progression on the first and second line is still unclear. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies investigating the use of trifluridine-tipiracil with bevacizumab versus trifluridine-tipiracil alone for mCRC. We used RStudio version 4.2.3; and we considered p < 0.05 significant. Seven studies and 1,182 patients were included − 602 (51%) received trifluridine-tipiracil plus bevacizumab. Compared with control, the progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.42–0.63; p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.52–0.70; p < 0.001) were significantly higher with bevacizumab. The objective response rate (ORR) (RR 3.14; 95% CI 1.51–6.51; p = 0.002) and disease control rate (DCR) (RR 1.66; 95% CI 1.28–2.16; p = 0.0001) favored the intervention. Regarding adverse events, the intervention had a higher rate of neutropenia (RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.19–1.59; p = 0.00001), whereas the monotherapy group had a higher risk of anemia (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.44–0.82; p = 0.001). Our results support that the addition of bevacizumab is associated with a significant benefit in PFS, OS, ORR and DCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 and Klebsiella spp. coinfection across continents. Conducted following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review utilized PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases, searching for literature in English published from December 2019 to December 2022, using specific Health Sciences descriptors. A total of 408 records were identified, but only 50 were eligible, and of these, only 33 were included. Thirty-three references were analyzed to evaluate the correlation between COVID-19 and Klebsiella spp. infections. The tabulated data represented a sample group of 8741 coinfected patients. The findings revealed notable disparities in co-infection rates across continents. In Asia, 23% of individuals were infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae, while in Europe, the proportion of co-infected patients stood at 15%. Strikingly, on the African continent, 43% were found to be infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlighting significant regional variations. Overall, the proportion of Klebsiella pneumoniae co-infections among COVID-positive individuals were determined to be 19%. Particularly concerning was the observation that 1 in 6 ICU coinfections was attributed to Klebsiella pneumoniae, indicating its substantial impact on patient outcomes and healthcare burden. The study underscores the alarming prevalence of co-infection between COVID-19 and Klebsiella pneumoniae, potentially exacerbating the clinical severity of patients and posing challenges to treatment strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of vigilant surveillance and targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of bacterial coinfections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of meta‐analyses investigating the role of folate on depression are conflicting. The aim of this umbrella meta‐analysis was to obtain an overall effect and give a concise and resolving conclusion. International scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to Oct 2023. All observational and interventional meta‐analyses investigating the role of folate in depression were included in the study. Random‐effects model was employed to obtain pooled results. I2 statistics and Cochrane Q test were used to assess the between‐study heterogeneity. The quality of included meta‐analyses was evaluated using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2) questionnaire. Overall 11 studies were included, of which 8 studies went under quantitative evaluation. The results indicated that folate supplementation significantly relieved depression symptoms [(SMD: −0.42; 95% CI: −0.57, −0.27, p <.001; I2 = 0.0%, p‐heterogeneity = 0.554) (WMD: −3.20; 95% CI: −4.00, −2.41, p <.001, I2 = 14.8%, p‐heterogeneity = 0.318)] with low levels of heterogeneity. Also, based on observational studies, folate insufficiency significantly increased the odds ratio of depression by 35% (OR:1.35; 95% CI: 1.27, 1.42, p <.001, I2 = 8.7%, p‐heterogeneity = 0.350). The findings support the fact that folate supplementation could be suggested as an efficacious and adjuvant agent in the alleviation of depression symptoms along with routine medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of medications that interrupt puberty, given the magnitude and complexity of changes that occur in brain function and structure during this sensitive window of neurodevelopment. This review examines the literature on the impact of pubertal suppression on cognitive and behavioural function in animals and humans. Methods: All studies reporting cognitive impacts of treatment with GnRH agonists/antagonists for pubertal suppression in animals or humans were sought via a systematic search strategy across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases. Results: Sixteen studies were identified. In mammals, the neuropsychological impacts of puberty blockers are complex and often sex specific (n = 11 studies). There is no evidence that cognitive effects are fully reversible following discontinuation of treatment. No human studies have systematically explored the impact of these treatments on neuropsychological function with an adequate baseline and follow-up. There is some evidence of a detrimental impact of pubertal suppression on IQ in children. Conclusion: Critical questions remain unanswered regarding the nature, extent and permanence of any arrested development of cognitive function associated with puberty blockers. The impact of puberal suppression on measures of neuropsychological function is an urgent research priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bargaining with suppliers is a key Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM) activity but there is considerable ambiguity over what bargaining entails and the concept currently lacks a systematic treatment, despite its significant interest to PSM professionals. The literature shows that bargaining can be seen as an adversarial approach to negotiation (in contrast to more integrative/collaborative ones) and also the back-and-forth discussion over price and other variables between buying and supplying organisations to reach an agreement. In addition, many will move between fundamentally distributive and integrative approaches as the discussions play out. A systematic literature review of the Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, JSTOR and Web of Science databases was undertaken to address this gap, identifying 427 relevant journal papers that were systematically analysed. First, descriptive techniques identified the trajectory of published papers, methods, theories and their industrial context. Second, content analysis identified the key constructs and associated operational measures/variables of bargaining. Third, the constructs have then been ordered temporally and by areas of location (organisational/departmental and individual levels) to generate a model and inform a series of practice-based recommendations at different stages of the bargaining process. The findings will allow future researchers to use the constructs either directly in developing focused hypotheses to test relationships or as a basis for refinement and extension in cumulative theory building and testing. In addition, a series of focused research gaps have been identified, such as addressing the current contradictory findings of the effect of purchasing volume or organisational size on bargaining power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma-related esophageal injuries (TEIs) are a rare but highly lethal condition. The presentation of TEIs is very diverse depending on the location and mechanism of injury (blunt vs. penetrating), as well as the presence or absence of concurrent injuries. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to delineate the clinical features impacting TEI management. A systematic review of the Medline, Embase, and web of science databases was undertaken for studies reporting on patients with TEIs. A random effects model was employed in the meta-analysis of aggregated data. Eleven studies, incorporating 4605 patients, were included, with a pooled mortality rate of 19% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13–25%). Penetrating injuries were 34% more likely to occur (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.89, P  = 0.01), predominantly in the neck compartment. Surgery was employed in 53% of cases (95% CI 32–73%), with 68% of patients having associated injuries (95% CI 43–94%). In terms of choice of surgical repair technique, primary suture repair was most frequently reported, irrespective of injury location. Postoperative drainage was employed in 27% of the cases and was more common following repair of thoracic esophageal injuries. The estimated dependence on mechanical ventilation was 5.91 days (95% CI 5.1–6.72 days), while the length of stay in the intensive care unit averaged 7.89 days (95% CI 7.14–8.65 days). TEIs are uncommon injuries in trauma patients, associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. Open suture repair of ensuing esophageal defects is by large the most employed approach, while stenting may be indicated in carefully selected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Alcohol is implicated in epileptogenesis and seizures attack. An increasing number of studies about alcohol and epilepsy have been published. We aimed to assess research trends and hot spots in the field of alcohol and epilepsy. Patients and Methods: Literature concerning alcohol and epilepsy was systemically searched through the Web of Science database. Collaborative maps were quantitatively analyzed by using the VOSviewer and CiteSpace tools. Results: A total of 1578 papers about the field of alcohol and epilepsy were taken into analysis, which was written by 6840 authors from 2153 institutions in 85 countries, published in 676 journals, and cited 79 667 references from 10 750 journals. The United States was the leading country and had close ties with others. The University of Toronto was the most productive institution. Alcoholism‐clinical and experimental research was the fastest‐growing journal. Richard J. Bodnar was the author contributing the most literature. Analysis of keywords showed epilepsy, alcohol, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and management were common themes. Conclusion: The presented study conducted the first bibliometric analysis of the field of alcohol and epilepsy, which will provide insights into the latest progress, evolution paths, frontier research hot spots, and future research trends in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) during the first trimester of pregnancy and compare it with the accuracy of second‐ and third‐trimester ultrasound examination in pregnancies at risk for PAS. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception until 10 March 2023. Inclusion criteria were cohort, case–control or cross‐sectional studies that evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound examination performed at < 14 weeks of gestation (first trimester) or ≥ 14 weeks of gestation (second/third trimester) for the diagnosis of PAS in pregnancies with clinical risk factors. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of sonography in detecting PAS in the first trimester, compared with the accuracy of ultrasound examination in the second and third trimesters. The secondary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of each sonographic marker individually across the trimesters of pregnancy. The reference standard was PAS confirmed at pathological or surgical examination. The potential of ultrasound and different ultrasound signs to detect PAS was assessed by computing summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and positive and negative likelihood ratios. Results: A total of 37 studies, including 5764 pregnancies at risk of PAS, with 1348 cases of confirmed PAS, were included in our analysis. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that ultrasound had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 78–92%) and specificity of 63% (95% CI, 55–70%) during the first trimester, and a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI, 84–91%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI, 85–96%) during the second/third trimester. Regarding sonographic markers examined in the first trimester, lower uterine hypervascularity exhibited the highest sensitivity (97% (95% CI, 19–100%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity demonstrated the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 96–100%)). In the second/third trimester, loss of clear zone had the highest sensitivity (80% (95% CI, 72–86%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity exhibited the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 97–100%)). Conclusions: First‐trimester ultrasound examination has similar accuracy to second‐ and third‐trimester ultrasound examinations for the diagnosis of PAS. Routine first‐trimester ultrasound screening for patients at high risk of PAS may improve detection rates and allow earlier referral to tertiary care centers for pregnancy management. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countertransference (CT) is now recognized as the most important tool in psychodynamic procedures. Despite extensive practical and theoretical research on the patient's interpersonal patterns reflected in the countertransference, little is known about the therapist's contribution to this phenomenon. A difficulty in studying this aspect is the recording of a phenomenon that many researchers unconsciously understand as ego-syntonic. So far, the topic has primarily been approached through case reports by clinically active authors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the empirical research on this subject, drawing on a systematic search of scientific databases. The systematic search was performed using the electronic databases PsycINFO, PsycArticles, PubMed and PSYNDEX and finally included 10 publications in the analysis after title and abstract screening of 1037 studies. It became clear that the studies included vary significantly in their definitions of therapist contribution and countertransference as well as their attempts to measure them. To address the therapistʼs contribution in the context of countertransference events an extension of the concept of Hayes is proposed, which integrates therapist personality traits and attitudes, sociodemographic characteristics, and biographical experiences (subjective assessments versus objective information) to better capture the therapist's role in countertransference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The floating toe deformity is classified as a forefoot deformity wherein the distal portion of the toe does not establish touch with the ground, resulting in a suspended or elevated position while the finger is in a relaxed state. At first, it garnered considerable interest as a complication It is worth noting that this condition is particularly common in children under the age of 8, which usually disappears as the individual reaches maturity. Studies have shown that with the aggravation of floating toe deformity, its adverse effects on patients' gait and overall quality of life also increase. Despite the prevalence of floating toe deformity in clinical settings, there is a lack of comprehensive literature investigating its underlying causes and potential preventive strategies. This scope review follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) statement guidelines for scope reviews. The literature was obtained from various full‐text databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, PubMed, and Web of Science Database. Our search focused on published literature related to floating toes, Weil osteotomy, and distal metatarsal osteotomy, up until March 1, 2023. The literature search and data analysis are conducted by two independent reviewers. If there are any disagreements, a third researcher will participate in the discussion and negotiate a decision. Furthermore, two experienced foot and ankle surgeons conducted a thorough literature analysis for this review. Sixty‐two articles were included. Through the clinical analysis of the structural changes of the forefoot before and after operation, the classification of floating toe was described, the causes of pathological floating toe were summarized, and the possible intervention measures for the disease were put forward under the advice of foot and ankle surgery experts. We comprehensively summarize the current knowledge system about the etiology of floating toe and put forward the corresponding intervention strategy. We recommend that future studies will focus on the improvement of surgical procedures, such as the combination of Weil osteotomy, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) arthrodesis and flexor tendon arthrodesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimetric indices (MMIs) are used worldwide to assess the ecological conditions of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Different criteria and approaches are used to construct MMIs, resulting in widely different indices. Therefore, scientists, managers, and policymakers sometimes question whether such MMIs are useful for biomonitoring and bioassessment programs. Crucial design issues for biomonitoring programs include MMI responsiveness, the bioindicator group used, survey design, field sampling methods, level of taxonomic resolution, metric selection and scoring, and reference condition identification. We performed a meta-analysis on MMI development and applications worldwide to analyze the response of MMIs to different disturbance factors and to determine the degree to which MMI construction features influence their responsiveness to anthropogenic disturbances. We used the Web of Science database to find articles that applied an MMI and related MMI values to an environmental stressor, and we extracted data from 157 articles. We performed random-effects modeling to estimate the overall effect of MMI responses to disturbance and used subgroup analysis to analyze the extent to which the effect sizes varied as a function of different MMI construction features. We found that reference condition criteria had the major effect on MMI responses to disturbance. The environmental disturbance type, the number of metrics, and the ecosystem type to which MMIs were applied contributed more weakly to the effect size variance. The general response of MMIs to disturbance was little affected by the bioindicator group, taxonomic resolution, metric selection criteria, or scoring method. These findings have important implications for designing biomonitoring programs, including developing and improving cost-effective biological indices, because they could enhance MMI development and application protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation scholars disseminate their significant findings through international scientific journals. We conducted content analysis of 2,869 peer-reviewed articles on innovation in Africa, examining their origins, themes, collaborative networks, and scholarly influence. These articles, spanning the years 2015–2021, were curated from the Web of Science database across scientific, social science, and humanities journals. The findings reveal that 46.3% of these articles lacked contributions from African organizations or scholars, while 25.1% involved collaborations between African and non-African entities. A remaining 28.6% were exclusively authored by African scholars, with South African universities being the most frequent contributors. Notably, articles authored by scholars from non-African institutions garnered more citations and appeared in journals with higher impact factors. Key themes within these articles revolved around the knowledge economy, African business innovation, agricultural advancements, and the role of mobile phones in knowledge dissemination and marketing. Surprisingly, sustainability topics were notably absent. South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana featured prominently in the discussions. In conclusion, it is imperative to foster broader participation from African nations and scholars in innovation research and ensure a stronger African perspective in international publications. Additionally, as open-access publishing gains momentum, concerns about escalating publishing costs warrant attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic serine protease inhibitors block the cellular enzyme transmembrane protease serine 2, thus preventing SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. There are two relevant drugs in this class, namely, nafamostat (intravenous formulation) and camostat (oral formulation). To determine whether transmembrane protease serine 2 inhibition with nafamostat or camostat is associated with a reduced risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in adults with COVID-19. Scientific databases and clinical trial registry platforms. Preprints or published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of nafamostat or camostat vs. usual care or placebo in adults requiring treatment for COVID-19. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included time to recovery, adverse events, and serious adverse events. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the revised Cochrane RoB 2 tool for individually randomized trials. Meta-analysis was conducted in the R package meta (v7.0-0) using inverse variance and random effects. Protocol registration number was INPLASY202320120. Twelve RCTs were included. Overall, the number of available patients was small (nafamostat = 387; camostat = 1061), the number of enrolled patients meeting the primary outcome was low (nafamostat = 12; camostat = 13), and heterogeneity was high. In hospitalized adults, we did not identify differences in 30-day all-cause mortality (risk ratio [95% CI]: 0.58 [0.19, 1.80], p 0.34; I 2 = 0%; n = 6) and time to recovery (mean difference [95% CI]: 0.08 days [−0.74, 0.89], p 0.86; n = 2) between nafamostat vs. usual care; and for 30-day all-cause mortality (risk ratio [95% CI]: 0.99 [0.31, 3.18], p 0.99; n = 2) between camostat vs. placebo. The RCT evidence is inconclusive to determine whether there is a mortality reduction and safety with either nafamostat or camostat for the treatment of adults with COVID-19. There were high RoB, small sample size, and high heterogeneity between RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early neurological deterioration, a common complication in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, is associated with poor outcomes. Despite the fact that the prevalence and predictors of early neurological impairment are widely addressed, few studies have consolidated these findings. This study aimed to systematically investigate the prevalence and predictors of early neurological deterioration. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CIHNAL, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for relevant studies from the inception to December 2023. The data were extracted using a predefined worksheet. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal. The pooled effect size and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the STATA 17.0 software package. Results: In total, 32 studies and 5,014 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of early neurological deterioration was 23% (95% CI 21–26%, p < 0.01). The initial NIHSS score (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.17, 1.30, p < 0.01), hematoma volume (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.06, 1.09, p < 0.01), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 3.50, 95% CI 1.64, 7.47, p < 0.01), intraventricular extension (OR = 3.95, 95% CI 1.96, 7.99, p < 0.01), hematoma expansion (OR = 9.77, 95% CI 4.43, 17.40, p < 0.01), and computed tomographic angiography spot sign (OR = 5.77, 95% CI 1.53, 20.23, p = 0.01) were predictors of early neurological deterioration. The funnel plot and Egger's test revealed significant publication bias (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of early neurological deterioration of 23% in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The initial NIHSS score, hematoma volume, intraventricular hemorrhage, intraventricular expansion, hematoma expansion, and spot sign enhanced the probability of early neurological deterioration. These findings provide healthcare providers with an evidence-based basis for detecting and managing early neurological deterioration in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate LEED, BREEAM, Green Star, and CASBEE certification systems and assess their integration potential with BIM as facilitator to test different project alternatives in order to help achieve certification system requirements. A literature review was conducted, in which 299 articles were retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and refined using the Bibliometrix tool, resulting in a total of 271 published articles. Of these, 15 used tools to facilitate BIM-LEED integration and were therefore selected for analysis. The results indicate that integrating BIM and green building rating systems can make the process more agile and standardized. However, more research in this field is needed, especially investigating the suitability of BIM authoring tools other than Revit, and evaluating the efficiency of commercial tools and those developed in scientific research to assist in the certification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Joint articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged as a novel treatment approach for osteoarthritis (OA). However, the effectiveness of MSCs derived from different sources in treating OA patients remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the differences between the effectiveness and safety of different sources of MSCs. Materials and Methods. For inclusion consideration, we searched trial registries and published databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Revman (V5.3), STATA (V16.0), and R (V4.0) were utilized for conducting data analysis, while the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was employed for assessing the quality of the studies. We derived outcome measures at 6 and 12 months based on the duration of study follow-up, including visual analog scale (VAS) score, WOMAC score, WOMAC pain, WOMAC Functional Limitation, and WOMAC stiffness. The evaluation time for short-term effectiveness is set at 6 months, while 12 months is utilized as the longest follow-up time for most studies to assess long-term effectiveness. Results. The evaluation of literature quality showed that the included studies had excellent methodological quality. A meta-analysis revealed that different sources of MSCs improved knee function and pain more effectively among patients suffering from knee OA (KOA) than controls. The results of the network meta-analysis showed the following: short-term functional improvement (the indexes were evaluated after 6 months of follow-up) (WOMAC total score: bone marrow-derived MSC (BMMSC) vs. adipose-derived MSC (ADMSC) (mean difference (MD) = −20.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) −125.24 to 42.88), umbilical cord-derived MSC (UCMSC) (MD = −7.81, 95% CI −158.13 to 74.99); WOMAC stiffness: BMMSC vs. ADMSC (MD = −0.51, 95% CI −7.27 to 4.29), UCMSC (MD = −0.75, 95% CI −9.74 to 6.63); WOMAC functional limitation: BMMSC vs. ADMSC (MD = −12.22, 95% CI −35.05 to 18.86), UCMSC (MD = −9.31, 95% CI −44.26 to 35.27)). Long-term functional improvement (the indexes were evaluated after 12 months of follow-up) (WOMAC total: BMMSC vs. ADMSC (MD = −176.77, 95% CI −757.1 to 378.25), UCMSC (MD = −181.55, 95% CI −937.83 to 541.13); WOMAC stiffness: BMMSC vs. ADMSC (MD = −0.5, 95% CI −26.05 to 18.61), UCMSC (MD = −1.03, 95% CI −30.44 to 21.69); WOMAC functional limitation: BMMSC vs. ADMSC (MD = −5.18, 95% CI −316.72 to 177.1), UCMSC (MD = −8.33, 95% CI −358.78 to 218.76)). Short-term pain relief (the indexes were evaluated after 6 months of follow-up) (VAS score: UCMSC vs. BMMSC (MD = −10.92, 95% CI −31.79 to 12.03), ADMSC (MD = −14.02, 95% CI −36.01 to 9.81), PLMSC (MD = −17.09, 95% CI −46.31 to 13.17); WOMAC pain relief: BMMSC vs. ADMSC (MD = −11.42, 95% CI −39.52 to 11.77), UCMSC (MD = −6.73, 95% CI −47.36 to 29.15)). Long-term pain relief (the indexes were evaluated after 12 months of follow-up) (VAS score: BMMSC vs. UCMSC (MD = −4.33, 95% CI −36.81 to 27.08), ADMSC (MD = −11.43, 95% CI −37.5 to 13.42); WOMAC pain relief: UCMSC vs. ADMSC (MD = 0.23, 95% CI −37.87 to 38.11), BMMSC (MD = 5.89, 95% CI −25.39 to 51.41)). According to the GRADE scoring system, WOMAC, VAS, and AE scores were of low quality. Conclusion. Meta-analysis suggests MSCs can effectively treat KOA by improving pain and knee function compared to control groups. In terms of functional improvement in KOA patients, both short-term (6-month follow-up) and long-term (12-month follow-up) results indicated that while the differences between most treatments were not statistically significant, bone marrow-derived MSCs may have some advantages over other sources of MSCs. Additionally, BM-MSCs and UC-MSCs may offer certain benefits over ADMSCs in terms of pain relief for KOA patients, although the variances between most studies were not statistically significant. Therefore, this study suggests that BM-MSCs may present clinical advantages over other sources of MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomechanical analysis of human movement plays an essential role in understanding functional changes in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), providing information on muscle impairment. Studies suggest that surface electromyography (sEMG) may be able to quantify muscle activity, identify levels of fatigue, assess muscle strength, and monitor variation in limb movement. In this article, a systematic review protocol will analyze the psychometric properties of the sEMG regarding the clinical data on the skeletal muscles of people with ALS. This protocol uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodological tool. A specific field structure was defined to reach each phase. Nine scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Elsevier, IEEE, Google Scholar, SciELO, PEDro, LILACS E CENTRAL) were searched. The framework developed will extract data (i.e. study information, sample information, sEMG information, intervention, and outcomes) from the selected studies using a rigorous approach. The data will be described quantitatively using frequency and trend analysis methods, and heterogeneity between the included studies will be assessed using the I2 test. The risk of bias will be summarized using the most recent prediction model risk of bias assessment tool. Be sure to include relevant statistics here, such as sample sizes, response rates, P values or Confidence Intervals. Be specific (by stating the value) rather than general (eg, "there were differences between the groups"). This protocol will map out the construction of a systematic review that will identify and synthesize the advances in movement analysis of people with ALS through sEMG, using data extracted from articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: With the continuous improvement and progress of the magnetically controlled growing rod technology in the field of the treatment of spinal deformities, numerous studies have been put into this field, but the main research status, hot spots, and development trends are not clear enough. OBJECTIVE: Based on bibliometrics, this paper discusses the quality and quantity of articles in the field of using magnetically controlled growing rods to treat spinal deformities from different countries, aiming to clarify the global development trend of magnetically controlled growing rods and evaluate the research productivity, research trends, and research hotspots in the world. METHODS: The articles published from 1998 to 2023 were retrieved mainly based on the Web of Science database. CiteSpace 5.8 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software were used to analyze the data and generate a visual knowledge map. The following parameters were evaluated for all studies: the total number of published papers, centrality, h index, the contribution of countries, authors, and journals, and the trend and hot spots were explored through the analysis of co-citation, highly cited literature, and literature keyword explosion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Finally, 138 articles were included. From 2009 to 2020, the number of published articles in this field gradually increased. The United States has the largest number of articles (53, 37.32%), and the United States has the highest h index and centrality of articles. (2) The results of keyword analysis showed that: the top ten keywords, such as early-onset scoliosis, surgery, complications, and so on, objectively and truly reflected the current situation and hot spots of magnetically controlled growing rod in the field of spinal deformity treatment. In recent years, the research focus in this field is the treatment failure caused by risk factors such as the pull-out of the magnetically controlled growing rod, implantation failure, and rod fracture, the accurate use of the corresponding medical classification, the monitoring and treatment of complications such as quality of life and cerebral palsy. (3) The co-citation results showed that: combined with the innovative and effective research of the magnetically controlled growing rod technology, the classification application of spinal deformity and the monitoring and treatment of related complications may be the research trend in this field. (4) Many highly cited articles further emphasized the therapeutic effect of magnetically controlled growing rod technology, providing an effective new idea and technical support for the field of spinal deformity correction. (5) The results of literature keyword explosion analysis demonstrate that the risk factors, medical classification, quality of life, and cerebral palsy of the application of magnetically controlled growing rods may become the research frontier in this field. (6) It can be seen that the application of magnetically controlled growing rod technology in the classification of spinal deformities and the in-depth study of related complications are the development trend in this field, but to further understand the effectiveness and safety of magnetically controlled growing rod technology in the treatment of spinal deformities, we still need long-term follow-up evidence. The overall research level of this field has steadily improved in recent years, but there are also problems such as the small number of high-quality articles and the unbalanced development of research in various regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lateral interbody fusion (LIF) is an increasingly popular minimally-invasive spine procedure. This study identifies notable trends in LIF literature and provides a detailed review of the bibliometric aspects of the top 100 most-cited articles. Methods: Articles were queried from the Web of Science database. Inclusion criteria consisted of peer-reviewed articles, full-text availability, and LIF focus. Network analysis including co-authorship mapping and bibliographic coupling were complemented by trend analysis to determine prominent contributors and themes. Analyses were conducted using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix (RStudio). Results: There has been a rapid increase in LIF publication and citation count since 1998. Leading journals were Spine (n = 24), Journal of Neurosurgery Spine (n = 22), and European Spine Journal (n = 12). NuVasive funded the most publications (n = 17), followed by DePuy Synthes Spine (n = 4). The United States was the most represented country (n = 81); however, trend analysis suggests a steadily growing international contribution. The most prolific author was J.S. Uribe (n = 16), followed by a tie in second place by E. Dakwar and L. Pimenta (n = 8). The most frequent keywords, "complication" (n = 34), "surgery" (n = 30), and "outcomes" (n = 24), demonstrated a patient-centric theme. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis provides in-depth insights into the evolution and trends of LIF over the last two decades. The trends and themes identified demonstrate the innovative, collaborative, and patient-focused characteristics of this subfield. Future researchers can use this as a foundation for understanding the past and present state of LIF research while designing investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Suicide is a complex and multifactorial public health problem. Understanding and addressing the various factors associated with suicide is crucial for prevention and intervention efforts. Machine learning (ML) could enhance the prediction of suicide attempts. Method: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SID databases. We aim to evaluate the performance of ML algorithms and summarize their effects, gather relevant and reliable information to synthesize existing evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and provide a comprehensive list of the suicide risk factors using mixed method approach. Results: Forty-one studies published between 2011 and 2022, which matched inclusion criteria, were chosen as suitable. We included studies aimed at predicting the suicide risk by machine learning algorithms except natural language processing (NLP) and image processing. The neural network (NN) algorithm exhibited the lowest accuracy at 0.70, whereas the random forest demonstrated the highest accuracy, reaching 0.94. The study assessed the COX and random forest models and observed a minimum area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.54. In contrast, the XGBoost classifier yielded the highest AUC value, reaching 0.97. These specific AUC values emphasize the algorithm-specific performance in capturing the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity for suicide risk prediction. Furthermore, our investigation identified several common suicide risk factors, including age, gender, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, alcohol consumption, marital status, income, education, and occupation. This comprehensive analysis contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of suicide risk, providing a foundation for targeted preventive strategies and intervention efforts. Conclusions: The effectiveness of ML algorithms and their application in predicting suicide risk has been controversial. There is a need for more studies on these algorithms in clinical settings, and the related ethical concerns require further clarification. Highlights: • Understanding various factors associated with suicide is crucial for prevention and intervention efforts. • Machine learning (ML) could enhance the prediction of suicide attempts. • The neural network (NN) algorithm exhibited the lowest accuracy of 0.70. • The random forest demonstrated the highest accuracy for suicide prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify the predictive role of sarcopenia in long-term survival among rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery based on available evidence. Methods: The Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched up to October 20, 2023, for relevant studies. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were the endpoints. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and survival. Results: Fifteen studies with 4283 patients were included. The pooled results demonstrated that preoperative sarcopenia significantly predicted poorer OS (HR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.67–2.57, P<0.001), DFS (HR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.39–2.48, P<0.001) and CSS (HR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.31–2.56, P<0.001). Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on neoadjuvant therapy indicated that sarcopenia was a risk factor for worse OS and DFS in patients who received (OS: HR = 2.44, P<0.001; DFS: HR = 2.16, P<0.001) but not in those who did not receive (OS: HR = 2.44, P<0.001; DDFS: HR = 1.86, P = 0.002) neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. In addition, subgroup analysis based on sample size and ethnicity showed similar results. Conclusion: Preoperative sarcopenia is significantly related to poor survival in surgical rectal cancer patients and could serve as a novel and valuable predictor of long-term prognosis in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction training has broad application prospects in improving limb muscle strength. It has ideal effects on the upper limbs is ideal, and the specific application scheme has high research value. OBJECTIVE: To explain the influence of blood flow restriction training on the fitness benefits of upper limb muscles and summarize the specific programs of blood flow restriction training for upper limb, attempting to give suggestions on application programs based on existing studies. METHODS: Literature on the application of upper limb blood flow restriction training were searched in CNKI, WanFang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. The search terms were “blood flow restriction, blood flow restriction training, pressure training, upper limb, upper arm, forearm, arm, forearm” in Chinese and “blood flow restriction training, blood flow restriction exercise, blood flow restriction therapy, BFR therapy, occlusion training, KAATSU training, BFRT, upper extremity, upper limb, arm, forearm” in English. The relevant articles on the application of blood flow restriction training in the upper limbs included in the database from database inception to December 2022 were selected and screened according to inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Firstly, blood flow restriction training is mainly applied to healthy people, special athletes and people with upper limb injury. Secondly, the influence of blood flow restriction training on upper limb muscle fitness is mainly reflected in the increase of upper limb circumference, muscle strength, muscle endurance, muscle thickness, muscle cross-sectional area and explosive power of upper limb, followed by the cross migration phenomenon of the upper limbs. Thirdly, blood flow restriction training for the upper limbs mainly uses inflatable blood flow restriction devices: the cuff width was 3-5 cm, the pressure position was 1/3 of the upper arm, the limiting pressure was 40%-60% arterial occlusion pressure or 80-160 mmHg, the training load is 20%-30% 1RM, the training volume is four sessions (30-15-15-15 times), the interval time was 30-60 seconds, and the training frequency was 2 or 3 times per week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of late mortality (death =5 years after diagnosis) from cancer recurrence and treatment-related late effects. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide comprehensive estimates of late mortality risk among survivors internationally and to investigate differences in risk across world regions. Methods: Health sciences databases were searched for cohort studies comprised of 5-year childhood cancer survivors in which the risk of mortality was evaluated across multiple cancer types. Eligible studies assessed all-cause mortality risk in survivors relative to the general population using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The absolute excess risk (AER) was assessed as a secondary measure to examine excess deaths. Cause-specific mortality risk was also assessed, if reported. SMRs from nonoverlapping cohorts were combined in subgroup meta-analysis, and the effect of world region was tested in univariate meta-regression. Results: Nineteen studies were included, and cohort sizes ranged from 314 to 77,423 survivors. Throughout survivorship, SMRs for all-cause mortality generally declined, whereas AERs increased after 15-20 years from diagnosis in several cohorts. All-cause SMRs were significantly lower overall in North American studies than in European studies (relative SMR, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.80). SMRs for subsequent malignant neoplasms and for cardiovascular, respiratory, and external causes did not vary significantly between world regions. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that late mortality risk may differ significantly between world regions, but these conclusions are based on a limited number of studies with considerable heterogeneity. Reasons for regional differences remain unclear but may be better elucidated through future analyses of individual-level data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pink hydrogen is the name given to the technological variant of hydrogen generation from nuclear energy. This technology aims to address the environmental challenges associated with conventional hydrogen production, positioning itself as a more sustainable and eco-efficient alternative, while offering a viable alternative to nuclear power as a source of electricity generation. The present research analyzes the landscape of pink hydrogen research, an innovative strand of renewable energy research. The methodology included a comprehensive search of scientific databases, which revealed a steady increase in the number of publications in recent years. This increase suggests a growing interest in and recognition of the importance of pink hydrogen in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The results reflect the immaturity of this technology, where there is no single international strategy and where there is some diversity of research topic areas, as well as a small number of relevant topics. It is estimated that the future development of Gen IV nuclear reactors, as well as Small Modular Reactor (SMR) designs, will also favor the implementation of pink hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including obstructive and central sleep apnea, significantly exacerbates heart failure (HF) through adverse cardiovascular mechanisms. This review aims to synthesize existing literature to clarify the relationship between SDB and HF, focusing on the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and the effectiveness of treatment modalities like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and adaptive servo-ventilation ASV. We analyzed peer-reviewed articles from 2003 to 2024 sourced from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The prevalence of SDB in HF patients is high, often underdiagnosed, and underappreciated. Management strategies, including CPAP and ASV, have been shown to mitigate symptoms and improve cardiac function. However, despite the availability of effective treatments, significant challenges in screening and diagnosis persist, affecting patient management and outcomes. DB significantly impacts HF prognosis. Enhanced screening strategies and broader utilization of therapeutic interventions like CPAP and ASV are essential to improve the management and outcomes of HF patients with concomitant SDB. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic and treatment protocols to optimize care for HF patients with SDB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Sheep are seasonal breeding animals. Different reproduction systems exist to enhance productivity in non-breeding season. One of the methods used in enhancing reproductive performance in sheep breeding is melatonin administration. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of melatonin application on reproductive performance in sheep by meta-analysis according to different factors. Methods: To find eligible studies, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched. Twenty studies published between 1991 and 2021 were included in the meta-analysis. The effect sizes of pregnancy rate, lambing rate and litter size were calculated according to breeds, production characteristics (dairy-meat breeds) and season (breeding–non-breeding). The study estimated the risk ratio for pregnancy and lambing rates, and standardized mean difference for litter size as effect size. Key results: The melatonin hormone increases the pregnancy rate by 1.07 times and the lambing rate by 1.36 times. The effect size (risk ratio) of the Rasa Aragonesa breed (1.15) for pregnancy rate and the Merino breed (1.65) for lambing rate was higher than the Sarda breed. Conclusions: The positive effect of melatonin was found to be higher in the non-breeding season than in the breeding season for the three reproductive performance traits examined. Implications: This study is a comprehensive research study examining the effect of melatonin application in sheep according to different factors. This study, evaluated the effect of melatonin on reproductive performance in sheep via meta-analysis. Pregnancy rate, lambing rate and litter size were used for reproductive performance parameters. Effect sizes of reproductive performance parameters were calculated according to breeds, production characteristics and seasons. The positive effect of melatonin was found greater in the non-reproductive period than in the breeding period for the three reproductive performance traits examined. This comprehensive research examined the effect of melatonin on sheep according to different factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frailty is a common condition among patients with liver cirrhosis. Nonetheless, its role in predicting liver transplant-free survival (TFS) remains unclear. Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to elucidate the relationship between frailty and TFS in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: Cohort studies addressing the objective of this meta-analysis were extracted from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochrane Q test, and the I^2 statistic was estimated. Random-effect models, considering potential heterogeneity, were employed to combine the results. Results: The meta-analysis encompassed 17 cohort studies involving 6273 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 1983 (31.6%) were classified as frail at baseline. The follow-up periods in the included studies ranged from 3 to 29 months, with an average duration of 11.5 months. The analysis revealed that frailty was significantly associated with a poor TFS (risk ratio [RR]: 2.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.72 to 2.50, p<0.001; I2 = 51%). Sensitivity analyses that sequentially omitted one dataset consistently supported these findings (RR: 1.95 to 2.17, p<0.05 in all cases). Subgroup analyses based on variables such as study design, mean age of patients, baseline Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, tool used for frailty evaluation, follow-up duration, and study quality score also yielded congruent results. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that frailty may be an independent risk factor for poor TFS in patients with liver cirrhosis, thus emphasizing the importance of early identification and management of frailty in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aetiology of mechanical bowel obstruction exhibits significant variability based on geographical location and age. In high-income countries, postoperative adhesions and hernias are frequently cited as the primary causes, whereas in low- and middle-income countries (LMCIs), hernias take precedence. Speculation exists within the surgical community regarding whether this trend has evolved in LMCIs. To address this knowledge gap, our study aims to conduct a systematic review of existing literature, focusing on understanding the most prevalent causes of mechanical bowel obstruction in both pediatric and adult populations within LMCIs, providing valuable insights for surgical practice. This protocol was designed and written according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol 2015 (PRISMA-P 2015) statement. However, the results of the systematic review will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. We will consider studies published in English and French between 2002 and 2022 that reported on the aetiology of mechanical bowel obstruction in any age group in low- and middle-income countries. We will conduct a literature search using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CINAHL on EBSCO and Web of Science databases employing relevant subject headings, keywords and synonyms, which will be combined using Boolean operators to refine the search results. A hand search of references of retrieved literature will be conducted. The retrieved articles will be imported into Zotero for de-duplication. The resulting set of titles and abstracts will be uploaded to Rayyan (an AI-assisted online systematic review tool), where they will be double-checked to identify articles eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers will screen articles to be included and disagreement will be resolved by discussion or by a third reviewer as a tie-breaker. Also, data extraction will be done by one reviewer and confirmed by another. Critical appraisal to assess the quality of the included studies will be carried out by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. We anticipate that the eligible studies will be quite heterogeneous in terms of their design, outcomes of interest, populations and comorbidities. Therefore, resmay be synthesised descriptively without meta-analysis using charts, graphs and tables. Where possible, we will conduct a sub-analysis using conceptual frameworks based on age, WHO regions and continents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Vascularization is essential for wound healing and functional recovery during soft tissue repair. Adipose tissue is believed to be the body’s largest source of stem cells, and a number of different fat complexes have been developed for research and treatment. Its ability to promote angiogenesis and soft tissue repair has been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE: To review the progress of vascularization in soft tissue repair, and to summarize the preparation methods of adipose tissue and its derivative and their applications in vascularization and soft tissue repair. It is proven that adipose tissue and its derivative have excellent research value and clinical application prospects in vascular and soft tissue engineering. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI databases were used to search the related articles published from January 2010 to February 2023. The search terms were “soft tissue repair, wound healing, vascularization, angiogenesis, adipose tissue, stromal vascular fraction, adipose tissue-derived microvascular fragment, nanofat, adipose extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel” in Chinese and English. A small number of old classic literature was also included. An initial screening was performed by reading the titles and abstracts to exclude literature that was not relevant to the topic of the article, and 69 papers were finally included for the analysis of the result. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Wound healing is an important physiological process, which mainly occurs when tissue is damaged, such as injury, surgery, burn, tumor, infection and vascular disease caused by tissue damage and defects. (2) Adequate vascularization of the wound site is essential for tissue repair, reconstruction of local homeostasis and functional recovery. (3) Adipose tissue is believed to be the body’s largest pool of stem cells and a number of different fat components have been used for research and treatment. (4) Due to its inherent composition and preparation advantages, adipose tissue will continue to play an important role in tissue engineering research and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Existing studies have confirmed that exosomes can effectively promote pulp regeneration. However, the biological functions and properties of exosomes from preconditioned sources can be significantly changed, which have different effects on cell proliferation, migration and odontogenic differentiation. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the application status of exosomes and their preconditioning methods in the field of pulp regeneration, and summarize the preconditioning methods that affect the function of exosomes, and explore the effect of exosomes and their preconditioning on pulp regeneration. METHODS: The relevant articles were searched in WanFang, CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from 2006 to 2022. The Chinese and English search terms were “exosomes, pulp regeneration; preconditioning method”. A total of 78 articles were included for analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Exosomes have the advantages of good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and no cytotoxicity, and can induce the regeneration of pulp tissue by promoting stem cell tooth formation, neurogenesis and vascularization. (2) Exosomes derived from preconditioning can enhance the ability of tissue repair and regeneration and have a significant impact on the quality of regenerated dental pulp. (3) Currently, the preconditioning methods used in the field of dental pulp regeneration include inflammatory stimulation, hypoxia induction, conditioned medium and three-dimensional culture, and secreted exosomes can effectively improve the quality of regenerated dental pulp. Nevertheless, the specific effect and mechanism of different preconditioning methods on pulp regeneration need to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exoskeletons are increasingly applied during overground gait and balance rehabilitation following neurological impairment, although optimal parameters for specific indications are yet to be established. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify dose and dosage of exoskeleton-based therapy protocols for overground locomotor training in spinal cord injury/disease. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search was performed using the CINAHL Complete, Embase, Emcare Nursing, Medline ALL, and Web of Science databases. Studies in adults with subacute and/or chronic spinal cord injury/disease were included if they reported (1) dose (e.g., single session duration and total number of sessions) and dosage (e.g., frequency of sessions/week and total duration of intervention) parameters, and (2) at least one gait and/or balance outcome measure. Results: Of 2,108 studies identified, after removing duplicates and filtering for inclusion, 19 were selected and dose, dosage and efficacy were abstracted. Data revealed a great heterogeneity in dose, dosage, and indications, with overall recommendation of 60-min sessions delivered 3 times a week, for 9 weeks in 27 sessions. Specific protocols were also identified for functional restoration (60-min, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks/24 sessions) and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation (60-min, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks/36 sessions). Conclusion: This review provides evidence-based best practice recommendations for overground exoskeleton training among individuals with spinal cord injury/disease based on individual therapeutic goals – functional restoration or cardiorespiratory rehabilitation. There is a need for structured exoskeleton clinical translation studies based on standardized methods and common therapeutic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are estimated to be the leading cause of global death. Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to public health worldwide. It is considered a potentially modifiable environmental risk factor for CVDs because it can be prevented by adopting the right national and international policies. The present study was conducted to synthesize the results of existing studies on the burden of CVDs attributed to air pollution, namely prevalence, hospitalization, disability, mortality, and cost characteristics. Methods: A systematic search was performed in the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to identify studies, without time limitations, up to June 13, 2023. Exclusion criteria included prenatal exposure, exposure to indoor air pollution, review studies, conferences, books, letters to editors, and animal and laboratory studies. The quality of the articles was evaluated based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Assessment Form, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and Drummond Criteria using a self-established scale. The articles that achieved categories A and B were included in the study. Results: Of the 566 studies obtained, based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 92 studies were defined as eligible in the present systematic review. The results of these investigations supported that chronic exposure to various concentrations of air pollutants, increased the prevalence, hospitalization, disability, mortality, and costs of CVDs attributed to air pollution, even at relatively low levels. According to the results, the main pollutant investigated closely associated with hypertension was PM2.5. Furthermore, the global DALY related to stroke during 2016–2019 has increased by 1.8 times and hospitalization related to CVDs in 2023 has increased by 8.5 times compared to 2014. Conclusion: Ambient air pollution is an underestimated but significant and modifiable contributor to CVDs burden and public health costs. This should not only be considered an environmental problem but also as an important risk factor for a significant increase in CVD cases and mortality. The findings of the systematic review highlighted the opportunity to apply more preventive measures in the public health sector to reduce the footprint of CVDs in human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard of care for the management of choledocholithiasis but carries risk of complications which may result in significant morbidity and mortality. While currently available guidelines endorse the use of ERCP for the management of symptomatic common bile duct stones, the need for ERCP in incidentally found asymptomatic choledocholithiasis is more controversial, and practice varies on a geographic and institutional level. This systematic review and meta-analysis is conducted to compare post-ERCP adverse events between asymptomatic and symptomatic choledocholithiasis patients. Methods: We searched PubMed/Embase/Web of Science databases to include all studies comparing post-ERCP outcomes between asymptomatic and symptomatic choledocholithiasis patients. The primary outcome was post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), while secondary outcomes included post-ERCP cholangitis, bleeding, and perforation. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Mantel–Haenszel method within a random-effect model. Results: Our analysis included six observational studies, totaling 2,178 choledocholithiasis patients (392 asymptomatic and 1786 symptomatic); 53% were female. Asymptomatic patients exhibited a higher risk of PEP compared with symptomatic patients (11.7% versus 4.8%; RR 2.59, 95% CI 1.56–4.31, p ≤ 0.001). No significant difference was observed in post-ERCP cholangitis, bleeding, or perforation rates between the two groups. Conclusions: Asymptomatic patients with choledocholithiasis appear to have a higher risk of PEP than symptomatic patients, while the risk of other post-ERCP adverse events is similar between the two groups. Interventional endoscopists should thoroughly discuss potential adverse events (particularly PEP) with asymptomatic patients before performing ERCP and utilize PEP-prevention measures more liberally in this subgroup of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether perioperative red blood cell transfusions increases the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism is controversial and uncertain.We aims to explore the relationship between perioperative red blood cell transfusions and the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism by conducting a meta-analysis. To conduct a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the relationship between perioperative red blood cell transfusions and the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies examining the relationship between perioperative red blood cell transfusions and the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism. The databases were searched from establishment to August 2023.Two researchers independently screened literature and extracted data according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Newcastle-ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. Meta-analysis of data was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. A total of 15 studies involving 1,880,990 patients were included in this study.Meta-analysis showed that perioperative red blood cell transfusions increased the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism [OR = 1.61, 95%CI (1.37, 1.89), P < 0.001]. Subgroup analyses showed that the transfusion dose,transfusion timing,study population and follow-up time were closely related to the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism. In summary, this meta-analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between perioperative red blood cell transfusions and postoperative venous thromboembolism.Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the influence of blood transfusions on postoperative venous thromboembolism, strengthen management and prevention. • Examining the controversial issue of whether perioperative RBC transfusions is associated with VTE. • Perioperative RBC transfusions is associated with postoperative VTE. • The relationship between the two is influenced by numerous confounding factors, such as RBC transfusions dose and timing. • Enhanced management of perioperative blood transfusion practices is especially important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the use of D‐amino acids as food preservatives has attracted considerable attention because these natural compounds do not have adverse effects on human health. In addition, D‐amino acids such as D‐tryptophan can reduce the harmful effects of other treatments. For instance, the use of D‐tryptophan in food reduces the requirement for high temperatures and their damaging effects on nutrients such as proteins and vitamins. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of D‐tryptophan on food‐borne pathogens in vitro and in food models. To identify related studies, scientific digital databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to February 2023. The results of the studies showed that when D‐tryptophan was used with other stresses such as using different salt concentrations, refrigeration, or high temperatures, it showed significant antimicrobial effects on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative food‐borne pathogens, and antibiofilm impacts were also observed with D‐tryptophan. Since studies have shown that the antimicrobial activity of D‐tryptophan depends on several factors, including the pathogen strain, the type of stress, and the concentration of D‐tryptophan, and every article has focused on one of these factors, there is a need for a systematic review that summarizes and concludes the effect of all these factors on the antimicrobial activity of D‐tryptophan against food‐borne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, titanate nanotubes (TNTs) have been receiving more attention and becoming an attractive candidate for use in several disciplines. With their promising results and outstanding performance, they bring added value to any field using them, such as green chemistry, engineering, and medicine. Their good biocompatibility, high resistance, and special physicochemical properties also provide a wide spectrum of advantages that could be of crucial importance for investment in different platforms, especially medical and pharmaceutical ones. Hydrothermal treatment is one of the most popular methods for TNT preparation because it is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly water-based procedure. It is also considered as a strong candidate for large-scale production intended for biomedical application because of its high yield and the special properties of the resulting nanotubes, especially their small diameters, which are more appropriate for drug delivery and long circulation. TNTs' properties highly differ according to the preparation conditions, which would later affect their subsequent application field. The aim of this review is to discuss the factors that could possibly affect their synthesis and determine the transformations that could happen according to the variation of factors. To fulfil this aim, relevant scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, etc.) were searched using the keywords titanate nanotubes, hydrothermal treatment, synthesis, temperature, time, alkaline medium, post treatment, acid washing, calcination, pharmaceutical applications, drug delivery, etc. The articles discussing TNTs preparation by hydrothermal synthesis were selected, and papers discussing other preparation methods were excluded; then, the results were evaluated based on a careful reading of the selected articles. This investigation and comprehensive review of different parameters could be the answer to several problems concerning establishing a producible method of TNTs production, and it might also help to optimize their characteristics and then extend their application limits to further domains that are not yet totally revealed, especially the pharmaceutical industry and drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare and determine the reliability and conclusiveness of the medium‐ and long‐term efficacy in terms of patient‐reported outcome measures and the risk of revisions or reoperations (RRRs) of kinematic alignment (KA) and mechanical alignment (MA) in total knee arthroplasty. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Database Library to identify relevant literature. Only randomised clinical trials (RCTs) published before July 2023 were included. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and RRR were compared. Additionally, OKS and RRR were subjected to a trial sequential analysis. Results: Seven RCTs involving 572 knees were identified. The pooled analysis of the included studies demonstrated that KA showed better medium‐term WOMAC and OKS (mean difference [MD] = −6.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −9.52 to −2.99, p < 0.05 and MD = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.05–2.15, p < 0.05), respectively), but no significant differences were observed in the long‐term follow‐up (MD = 2.1, 95% CI: −3.21 to 7.31, not significant [n.s.] and MD = 0.01, 95% CI: −2.43 to 2.46, n.s., respectively). FJS (standardised MD = −0.03, 95% CI: −0.25 to 0.19, n.s.) and RRR (risk ratio = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.74, n.s.) showed no significant intergroup differences (n.s.). The evidence quality ranged from moderate to high, and the trial sequential analysis indicated the need for additional high‐quality RCTs to draw more conclusive results. Conclusions: KA showed better medium‐term WOMAC and OKS, while KA and MA had similar FJS without increasing the RRR in medium‐ and long‐term follow‐up. Further research is needed for more conclusive results. Level of Evidence: Level II (meta‐analyses). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore trends and principal research areas in the literature on Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) in children aged 0–17 from a macro perspective. A total of 236 studies, selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, formed the data source for this research. We conducted a bibliometric analysis to examine the growth of CDS literature and to identify the most productive countries, relevant journals and publications, and trending topics. Additionally, through content analysis, we identified general research themes, sample trends, and methodologies used in these studies. Our findings reveal that the relatively new field of CDS research is expanding. Our thematic analysis shows that the literature on CDS covers a broad spectrum of research topics, addressing various facets of the syndrome and identifying current research themes. The existing studies highlight the complex nature of CDS and its diverse cognitive, psychological, and neurological impacts. Our results also suggest that while research is more prevalent in certain age groups, there is a need to encompass a wider demographic range, considering CDS's potential impact across different life stages. This bibliometric analysis offers a comprehensive review of the current knowledge in the CDS field, providing a valuable resource for researchers. Our analyses and findings can guide future research in this area and suggest approaches for broader study frameworks. It is anticipated that ongoing and future research in the CDS field will incorporate these insights to more effectively address the syndrome's varied aspects and consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of electronic cigarettes has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the impact that electronic cigarettes have on the ocular surface is not well known. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore the current literature on the acute and chronic sequelae of electronic cigarettes on the ocular surface. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken by keyword searching on the Embase, Medline, and Web of Science databases. Articles identified through the search underwent title/abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in this review. Non-intended ocular surface exposures and intended exposures on the ocular surface were found to be associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. Conclusions: The impact of vaping on the ocular surface is not benign. There are significant risks that vaping can pose to the ocular surface. Hence, it is necessary to develop appropriate risk communication tools given the increasing popularity of this activity. Additionally, future long-term studies are needed to better understand the long-term impacts of vaping on the ocular surface given the lack of current data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is often undetected in its early stages. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool in medical diagnostics. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of AI in detecting RP using various ophthalmic images. We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases on December 31, 2022. We included studies in the English language that used any ophthalmic imaging modality, such as OCT or fundus photography, used any AI technologies, had at least an expert in ophthalmology as a reference standard, and proposed an AI algorithm able to distinguish between images with and without retinitis pigmentosa features. We considered the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) as the main measures of accuracy. We had a total of 14 studies in the qualitative analysis and 10 studies in the quantitative analysis. In total, the studies included in the meta-analysis dealt with 920,162 images. Overall, AI showed an excellent performance in detecting RP with pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.985 [95%CI: 0.948–0.996], 0.993 [95%CI: 0.982–0.997] respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), using a random-effect model, was calculated to be 0.999 [95%CI: 0.998–1.000; P < 0.001]. The Zhou and Dendukuri I² test revealed a low level of heterogeneity between the studies, with [I2 = 19.94%] for sensitivity and [I2 = 21.07%] for specificity. The bivariate I² [20.33%] also suggested a low degree of heterogeneity. We found evidence supporting the accuracy of AI in the detection of RP; however, the level of heterogeneity between the studies was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present paper is to map the characteristics of scientific papers related to culinary arts education and the competencies models theory. The methodology consists of co-word, co-citation, citation, coauthor bibliometric analysis, and the generation of visual maps on VOSviewer software. The results found 17 publications, 12 journals, 37 authors, 9 countries, 46 keywords, and 623 references. Scopus database is the one that shows more results; the search terms are competencies and culinary arts. The most critical years are in terms of the number of published papers, 2016 and 2017. The leading journals are The Culinary Science & Technology and Hospitality & Tourism Education. The research on the theme is based on subjects' labor relations, in the context in which they perform their training. American authors lead the ranking of publications, but they are not the most cited ones, no relationship is found in the institutional links of these authors. The contribution that this bibliometric study presents acts as a support for future research in order to avoid mistakes regarding the use of scattered terms, database choice, methods gaps, main references, and the main authors about competencies models theory on culinary arts education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird migration in the Neotropics is complex and highly diverse. Indeed, for many taxa, basic questions such as where they go are still relevant. Satellite-tracking studies of Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) migration have revealed extensive variability in their movement strategies, contributing to their widespread distribution. However, South American migratory populations are still among the least explored. By integrating five years of satellite-tracking data, citizen science databases and classical raptor monitoring techniques, we present a case study reporting a hitherto unknown nonbreeding area for the Turkey Vulture subspecies ruficollis. Specifically, we document that a minor proportion of the population that breeds in northwestern Argentine Patagonia migrates northwards to central Chile at the beginning of the austral autumn. Our findings improve our basic knowledge of the Turkey Vulture migration within the Neotropics and establish a baseline to study the movement strategies of the migratory ruficollis populations breeding in high latitudes of South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]