Search

This systematic review assessed to evaluate the potential correlation between oral health and air pollution. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review endeavoring to compare air pollution and oral health. A systematic search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) statement and employed the PICO(S) approach (Patient or Population, Intervention, Control or Comparison, Outcome, and Study types). The search was limited to English-language articles, and publications within a 15-year timeframe were included in the electronic search. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases, spanning the years 2008 to 2023, resulting in a total of 4983 scientific articles. A final selection of 11 scientific papers was made based on their study type and the specific air pollutants examined. The selected papers analyzed various air pollutants associated with health-related diseases, including Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, Nitrogen Monoxide, Carbon Monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Three out of eleven of the reviewed studies assert a strong correlation between air pollutants and oral diseases, specifically periodontitis. However, the exact biological mechanisms underlying this correlation do not seem to be fully understood, indicating the need for further comprehensive investigation in this regard. Dentists can contribute to the collective effort by educating their patients about the oral health implications of air pollution, thereby supporting initiatives aimed at promoting environmental and health sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is observed that the number of onshore wind farms that reach the end of their service life is continually increasing. The decision-making process that defines the future of the farm is a challenge for the owners. This systematic review aimed to identify which factors influence the decision-making process at the end-of-life cycle of onshore wind farms. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, a research strategy was developed and used the Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. Initially, 2767 articles were identified, but, after double-blind screening, 26 articles were analyzed in full. The scarcity of studies on this topic and little elucidation are limitations of this review. The results include (i) a systematization of six options for decision making, (ii) thirteen factors influencing the decision-making process associated with categories of external factors (logistics and infrastructure aspects, regulatory aspects and public policies, national energy guidelines, the technological development of the sector); and internal factors (economic/financial, operational and environmental aspects). It is concluded that most of the publications consist of simulations and theoretical studies highlighting a bottleneck in experiences and feasible data to support decisions at the end of service life. It is highlighted that most of the studies showed that partial decommissioning with partial repowering, as well as total decommissioning, were the most feasible options for the end-of-life cycle, with aspects related to public policies and regulatory aspects, as well as environmental, operational and economic/financial aspects, being the most influential, especially due to the wake effect, operation and maintenance costs (OPEX) and the protection of guarantees and incentives for operation in a new operating cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial fractures cause postoperative morbidity, including edema, pain, and trismus. Elastic therapeutic tapes are used for optimizing recovery. Background: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of elastic tape Kinesio taping (KT) in reducing postoperative morbidity in facial fractures surgeries. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in the Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases using a pre-established search strategy. Results: A total of 811 studies were retrieved after the duplicates were removed, and only randomized clinical trials were included. Eight trials, involving 319 participants, were deemed eligible. One study solely investigated the effect on edema, while the others analyzed at least two of the variables of interest. Results from two RCTs, where qualitative analysis was applicable, suggest a potential reduction in edema in the KT group compared to the control group on the second (RR −0.55, 95% CI −0.89 to −0.22; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%) and third postoperative days (RR −0.71, 95% CI −1.01 to −0.40; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: KT is effective in controlling postoperative edema following surgery for facial fractures. However, the effects on pain and trismus should be explored further in studies with standardized methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: All endodontic treatment techniques are associated with the extrusion of debris into periradicular tissues through the apex. The extrusion of apical debris can lead to delayed healing or even therapy failure. It is possible to reduce the extrusion into periapical tissues through various approaches. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate whether, in cases of non-surgical endodontic retreatment, reciprocating instruments cause greater extrusion of debris compared to instruments with continuous rotation. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Web of Science. The inclusion criterion was in vitro studies comparing apical extrusion in endodontically treated elements using continuously rotating and reciprocating files. Results: The search on scientific databases yielded 164 results, out of which only 16 were eligible for evaluation after screening. Conclusions: The authors of the research included in this review do not agree on the results obtained. Based on the articles analyzed in this systematic review, it remains unclear whether continuous rotation or reciprocating movement of the endodontic instrument can lead to significant differences in apical debris extrusion; it is not possible to provide a clear clinical recommendation regarding the choice of instrument movement for endodontic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous deep vein arterialization (pDVA) is considered a treatment modality in patients with no-option critical limb ischemia. However, there is still a paucity of evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. Data sources: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase and Web of Science databases as well as the CENTRAL registry up to the end of June 2023. Methods: This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023445171). The risk of bias was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Primary endpoints included technical success, overall survival and limb salvage during the follow-up. Amputation-free survival at 30 days, 6 months and 1 year as well as complete wound healing, major adverse limb events and reintervention were investigated as secondary outcomes. Results: Five observational studies, comprising 208 patients (142 Rutherford class 5/77 Rutherford class 6), were included. MINORS revealed a low risk of bias. The meta-analysis reached a pooled technical success rate of 96.2% (95% CI: 91.5–98.4), an overall survival of 82.8% (95% CI: 70.5–95.2) and a limb salvage rate of 77.2% (95% CI: 65.2–89.1) during the follow-up. The amputation-free survival at 30 days, 6 months and 1 year was 87.8%, 68.7% and 65.6%, respectively. Furthermore, pDVA resulted in a complete wound healing rate of 53.4% (95% CI: 30.3–76.5). The pooled reintervention rate was as high as 46.7% (37.1–56.3%). Conclusions: PDVA seems a feasible bail-out strategy for patients with no option for routine treatment of CLTI. However, due to the small number of studies, the strength of the evidence is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationship management among different stakeholder groups plays an increasingly important role in construction innovation, which could explain the growing interest in stakeholder relationship studies of construction projects (SRCP) over the last two decades. However, most of the recent literature review studies have focused on stakeholder management, and there are very few studies systematically describing what types of relationships actually exist in construction projects. To fill the gap, a mixed-methods review is conducted to explore the state-of-the-art work on SRCP. 312 relevant peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2022 were examined and analyzed using data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. A follow-up systematic review of the identified literature was conducted with three main objectives: identifying the main research category, summarizing the main research topics, and proposing future research directions. It was found that over the past 20 years, SRCP has been extended to a greater variety of research topics, such as information technology, which needs to take into account the multi-dimensional research agendas. Overall, this study contributes to the research field in the SRCP domain by offering insightful information on the current state of SRCP and proposing potential future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically reviews the literature to evaluate the potential relationships between oral/perioral piercing and consequent oral complications in the corresponding society. The second objective was determining public/professional sectors' awareness of the subject. This research followed PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and searching scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, until April 2023. Cross-sectional, cohort, and case–control studies in English were deemed eligible. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using proper quality assessment guidelines. Of the 965 initial articles retrieved, 34 were considered suitable for qualitative synthesis after screening procedures and removing duplicates and irrelevant records. There appears to be an imbalance between the general public's low and dentists' high awareness. This draws attention to the shortage of professional and societal knowledge-sharing and education initiatives. Women were more than twice as likely as men to have oral piercings. Piercing usage had a low incidence among a cohort of students with a mean age of 16. Merely circumstantial evidence has indicated a plausible correlation between oral and perioral piercings and the emergence of secondary bacterial and fungal colonization, particularly periodontopathogenic bacteria and Candida albicans. Furthermore, several adverse consequences have been observed linked to various piercings—such as lip and tongue piercings. These include caries, gingivitis/periodontitis, dental fractures, enamel chipping/cracks, plaque buildup, bone loss, bleeding, inflammation, and swelling. Given the risks involved and the complications that might impair oral health, the prevalence of oral piercings is alarming. As a result, public health authorities need to firmly support initiatives to raise awareness of the risks associated with oral/perioral piercings. For piercers to enhance their expertise in this field, professional training is necessary because there is a shortage of knowledge on the possible adverse effects of piercings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to study the impact of social media on mental health and well-being, as most young people use social media. Research has provided evidence of the link between social media and mental health, identifying vulnerability variables, risk factors, comorbidity, and predictors of deterioration or improvement. However, there is still very little qualitative insight into young people's experiences and perceptions of social media and its impact on their subjective well-being. This study consists of a systematic review of the literature and a narrative synthesis of scientific articles published between 2013 and 2023 and indexed in the most important scientific databases in our field of knowledge. The SALSA protocol for systematic reviews of scientific literature was followed. We worked on a final sample of 25 articles, all of which were qualitative in methodology. From the content analysis, we extracted five thematic categories that describe and explore in depth the complex impact of social networks on adolescents' well-being. The interactions between positive and negative effects, as well as the links with protective or vulnerability factors, are presented with the aim of constructing as complete a knowledge framework as possible. The paper concludes with useful implications for educational interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant serpins are a superfamily of protein inhibitors that have been continuously studied in different species and have great biotechnological potential. However, despite ongoing studies with these inhibitors, the biological role of this family in the plant kingdom has not yet been fully clarified. In order to obtain new insights into the potential of plant serpins, this study presents the first systematic review of the topic, whose main objective was to scrutinize the published literature to increase knowledge about this superfamily. Using keywords and the eligibility criteria defined in the protocol, we selected studies from the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. According to the eligible studies, serpins inhibit different serine and non-serine proteases from plants, animals, and pathogens, and their expression is affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, serpins like AtSerpin1, OSP-LRS, MtSer6, AtSRP4, AtSRP5, and MtPiI4, act in resistance and are involved in stress-induced cell death in the plant. Also, the system biology analysis demonstrates that serpins are related to proteolysis control, cell regulation, pollen development, catabolism, and protein dephosphorylation. The information systematized here contributes to the design of new studies of plant serpins, especially those aimed at exploring their biotechnological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic review of articles on computer-vision-based flying obstacle detection with a focus on midair collision avoidance. Publications from the beginning until 2022 were searched in Scopus, IEEE, ACM, MDPI, and Web of Science databases. From the initial 647 publications obtained, 85 were finally selected and examined. The results show an increasing interest in this topic, especially in relation to object detection and tracking. Our study hypothesizes that the widespread access to commercial drones, the improvements in single-board computers, and their compatibility with computer vision libraries have contributed to the increase in the number of publications. The review also shows that the proposed algorithms are mainly tested using simulation software and flight simulators, and only 26 papers report testing with physical flying vehicles. This systematic review highlights other gaps to be addressed in future work. Several identified challenges are related to increasing the success rate of threat detection and testing solutions in complex scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to present, based on a systematic review of the literature, an analysis of the impact of the application of the ChatGPT tool in education. The data were obtained by reviewing the results of studies published since the launch of this application (November 2022) in three leading scientific databases in the world of education (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar). The sample consisted of 12 studies. Using a descriptive and quantitative methodology, the most significant data are presented. The results show that the implementation of ChatGPT in the educational environment has a positive impact on the teaching–learning process, however, the results also highlight the importance of teachers being trained to use the tool properly. Although ChatGPT can enhance the educational experience, its successful implementation requires teachers to be familiar with its operation. These findings provide a solid basis for future research and decision-making regarding the use of ChatGPT in the educational context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature provides limited evidence of cord blood leptin levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with contradictory and inconsistent results with respect to their possible implications for maternal, perinatal, and future complications. Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in order to investigate the state of evidence on the association of leptin profile in cord blood during perinatal complications in GDM. We critically assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses were performed, and heterogeneity and publication bias were analyzed. Results: sixteen primary-level studies were included, recruiting 573 GDM and 1118 control pregnant women. Cord blood leptin levels were significantly higher in GDM participants compared to controls (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.59, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.37 to 0.80, p < 0.001). All subgroups also maintained significant differences stratified by continents (Asia: SMD = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.45 to 1.37, p < 0.001; Europe: SMD = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.56, p < 0.001), analysis technique (ELISA: SMD = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.97, p < 0.001; RIA: SMD = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.49, p = 0.002), and sample source (plasma: SMD = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.33 to 1.09, p < 0.001; serum: SMD = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.77, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Cord blood leptin levels were significantly higher in GDM compared to controls. Further research is needed to clarify its role as a predictive biomarker of subsequent metabolic diseases in mothers with GDM and offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical time series are sequential data collected over time that measures health-related signals, such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and intensive care unit (ICU) readings. Analyzing medical time series and identifying the latent patterns and trends that lead to uncovering highly valuable insights for enhancing diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment, and disease progression. However, data mining in medical time series is heavily limited by the sample annotation which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and expert-depending. To mitigate this challenge, the emerging self-supervised contrastive learning, which has shown great success since 2020, is a promising solution. Contrastive learning aims to learn representative embeddings by contrasting positive and negative samples without the requirement for explicit labels. Here, we conducted a systematic review of how contrastive learning alleviates the label scarcity in medical time series based on PRISMA standards. We searched the studies in five scientific databases (IEEE, ACM, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed) and retrieved 1908 papers based on the inclusion criteria. After applying excluding criteria, and screening at title, abstract, and full text levels, we carefully reviewed 43 papers in this area. Specifically, this paper outlines the pipeline of contrastive learning, including pre-training, fine-tuning, and testing. We provide a comprehensive summary of the various augmentations applied to medical time series data, the architectures of pre-training encoders, the types of fine-tuning classifiers and clusters, and the popular contrastive loss functions. Moreover, we present an overview of the different data types used in medical time series, highlight the medical applications of interest, and provide a comprehensive table of 51 public datasets that have been utilized in this field. In addition, this paper will provide a discussion on the promising future scopes such as providing guidance for effective augmentation design, developing a unified framework for analyzing hierarchical time series, and investigating methods for processing multimodal data. Despite being in its early stages, self-supervised contrastive learning has shown great potential in overcoming the need for expert-created annotations in the research of medical time series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this systematic review was to verify the marginal bone loss (MBL) and other clinical parameters comparing external hexagon (EH) and Morse taper (MT) implants when they were evaluated within the same study. The focused question was, "For patients (P) treated with external connection (I) or Morse taper (C) dental implants, were there differences in the marginal bone crest maintenance after at least three months in occlusal function (O)"? As for the inclusion criteria that were considered, they included clinical studies in English that compared the MBL in implants with EH and MT, with follow-up of at least three months, that were published between 2011 and 2022; as for the exclusion criteria, they included publications investigating only one type of connection that analyzed other variables and did not report results for the MBL, reports based on questionnaires, interviews, and case reports/series, systematic reviews, or studies involving patients with a significant health problem (ASA Physical Status 3 and above). The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were screened, and all of the data obtained were registered in a spreadsheet (Excel®). The Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. A total of 110 articles were initially identified; 11 were considered for full-text reading. Then, six articles (four RCTs and two prospective studies) met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study. A total of 185 patients (mean age of 59.71) were observed, and the follow-up ranged from 3 months to 36 months. A total of 541 implants were registered (267 EH and 274 MT). The survival rate ranged between 96% and 100% (the average was 97.82%). The MBL was compared among all periods studied; therefore, the common assessment period was the 12-month follow-up, presenting greater MBL for EH than for MT (p < 0.001). A mean MBL of 0.60 mm (95% CI 0.43–0.78) was found after the same period. BoP was reported in 5 studies and plaque index was reported in 4 (2 with more than 30%). Deep PD was observed in three studies. High heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 85.06%). Thus, within the limitation of this review, it was possible to conclude that there is higher bone loss in EH than in MT implants when evaluating and comparing this variable within the same study. However, the results must be carefully interpreted because of this review's limited number of clinical studies, the short assessment period, and the high heterogeneity found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, technological advances have been spectacular, and their transcendence has touched all areas of society. Specifically, in the field of education, these advances have allowed projects and approaches such as computational thinking to be taken up more strongly through interdisciplinary visions such as the STEM subjects and technological devices such as Arduino. The main objective of this article is to analyse the uses of Arduino and the achievements it has attained at primary-education level. To this end, a systematic review was carried out in the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. The methodology used was the PRISMA statement and the SALSA framework. In accordance with the exclusion criteria applied, nine scientific papers from the last seven years were obtained. The qualitative software ATLAS.ti was used to extract the results. These papers reveal that the most commonly used methodology for incorporating the Arduino board into teaching is problem based learning (PBL) in the context of STEM subjects. In addition, programming environments, such as Scratch, and other electronic components have been used, which have enabled the development of computational thinking and the acquisition of technological knowledge, among other achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This systematic review focuses on identifying the main features of effective music teachers and teaching recently examined in the educational and psychological literature. It aims to identify how recent studies have discussed the promotion of effectiveness in the context of both preservice and in-service music teachers. (2) Methods: A search in the main scientific databases for educational research (Eric, Science Direct, WWS, Web of Science, JSTOR) was conducted using keywords associated with the topics of effective teachers and teaching in the field of music instruction. In the end, thirty-six papers were identified and analyzed. (3) Results: The main themes were related to various dimensions of music teaching and teachers: teachers' personal characteristics (self-esteem, resilience, etc.) and personality traits; professional skills; cognitive and psychological aspects of teachers' professional identity (self-efficacy, professional motivation, beliefs regarding teaching and learning music, etc.); training experiences (pre- and in-service); social competence and the interpersonal relationship between the teacher and the students. (4) Conclusions: These dimensions seem interrelated and contribute to simultaneously define the effective music teacher and effective teaching in music. Specific attention should be paid to the impact of learning contexts on teachers' activities, leading to a contextualized definition of effective music teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive impairment is a prevalent and debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) but is not routinely addressed in clinical care. The Brief Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) was developed in 2012 to screen and monitor MS patients' cognition. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify, synthesise, and critically appraise current BICAMS' international validations. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science electronic databases in August 2022. Quantitative, peer-reviewed adult studies, which followed the BICAMS international validation protocol and were published in English, were included. The search identified a total of 203 studies, of which 26 were eligible for inclusion. These reported a total of 2833 adults with MS and 2382 healthy controls (HC). The meta-analysis showed that BICAMS identified impaired cognitive functioning in adults with MS compared to HC for all three subtests: information processing speed (g = 0.854, 95% CI = 0.765, 0.944, p < 0.001), immediate verbal recall (g = 0.566, 95% CI = 0.459, 0.673, p < 0.001) and immediate visual recall (g = 0.566, 95% CI = 0.487, 0.645, p < 0.001). Recruitment sites and strategies limit the generalisability of results. BICAMS is a valid and feasible international MS cognitive assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a complicated, non-stationary signal that requires extensive preprocessing and feature extraction approaches to be accurately analyzed. In recent times, Deep learning (DL) has shown great promise in exploiting the characteristics of EEG signals as it can learn relevant features from raw data autonomously. Although studies involving DL have become more common in the last two years, the topic of whether DL truly delivers advantages over conventional Machine learning (ML) methodologies remains unsettled. This study aims to present a detailed overview of the main challenges in the field of seizure detection, prediction, and classification utilizing EEG data, and the approaches taken to solve them using ML and DL methods. A systematic review was conducted surveying peer-reviewed publications published between 2017 and 16 July 2022 using two scientific databases (Web of Science and Scopus) totaling 6822 references after discarding duplicate publications. Whereas 2262 articles were screened based on the title, abstract, and keywords, only 214 were eligible for full-text assessment. A total of 91 papers have been included in this survey after meeting the eligible inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most significant findings from the review are summarized, and several important concepts involving ML and DL for seizure detection, prediction, and classification are discussed in further depth. This review aims to learn more about the different approaches for identifying different types and stages of epileptic seizures, which may then be employed to enhance the lives of epileptic patients in the future, as well as aid experts in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a systematic review on arousal classification based on electrodermal activity (EDA) and machine learning (ML). From a first set of 284 articles searched for in six scientific databases, fifty-nine were finally selected according to various criteria established. The systematic review has made it possible to analyse all the steps to which the EDA signals are subjected: acquisition, pre-processing, processing and feature extraction. Finally, all ML techniques applied to the features of these signals for arousal classification have been studied. It has been found that support vector machines and artificial neural networks stand out within the supervised learning methods given their high-performance values. In contrast, it has been shown that unsupervised learning is not present in the detection of arousal through EDA. This systematic review concludes that the use of EDA for the detection of arousal is widely spread, with particularly good results in classification with the ML methods found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Veterinarians work in a very complex profession; they operate within a triad (veterinarian, animal and animal handler) to take care of the animal. Stress and confrontations with a large variety of demands lead to a high risk for mental health problems. To gather additional insights on stressors we conducted a systematic review using several scientific databases indexing published studies of the last decade. The aim of the process was to structure stressors and burdens based on existing models to see potential gaps in research and find starting points for interventions. After employing a variety of exclusion criteria, 30 studies published in the last decade were included in the review and stressors were be grouped in biological, psychological and social stressors. Overall, most stressors were found in the social category which include interactions with animal handlers. This result indicates that communication with animal handlers is one of the main stressors in the veterinarian practice. Veterinarians need interventions that are tailored to their need to lower the risks for mental health disorders and ultimately suicide. With regards to the results more training of communication techniques might be an example for a starting point to decrease the burden for veterinarians. Although several dynamics of stressors, how they interact, is still unclear, research has found enough evidence to develop more specifically designed health promotion measures. Veterinary medicine is a highly complex profession that includes a very specific set of stressors that range from individual to social aspects, with several of them being relevant risk factors for a variety of conditions. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and cluster the material on stressors and suicidality in the veterinarian practice published during the last 10 years. The systematic review was conducted employing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using PubMed, PsycNet, Google Scholar, Medline, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX and Web of Science (2012–present) by two independent researchers resulting in the inclusion of 30 quantitative and mixed methods studies. Results of these studies on stressors were categorized using the bio-psycho-social model showing that social stressors play a prominent role. This category includes the largest number of stressors indicating that the human–human interactions in the veterinarian practice are the main stressor, underlining that training in communication techniques is a potential starting point for interventions. In addition to stressors, the results showed an additional category "psychological consequences" describing mental health disorders and suicide. Although there are still gaps in research there is enough evidence to establish more tailored health promotion measures for veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital clinical measures collected via various digital sensing technologies such as smartphones, smartwatches, wearables, and ingestible and implantable sensors are increasingly used by individuals and clinicians to capture the health outcomes or behavioral and physiological characteristics of individuals. Time series classification (TSC) is very commonly used for modeling digital clinical measures. While deep learning models for TSC are very common and powerful, there exist some fundamental challenges. This review presents the non-deep learning models that are commonly used for time series classification in biomedical applications that can achieve high performance. Objective: We performed a systematic review to characterize the techniques that are used in time series classification of digital clinical measures throughout all the stages of data processing and model building. Methods: We conducted a literature search on PubMed, as well as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases using a range of search terms to retrieve peer-reviewed articles that report on the academic research about digital clinical measures from a five-year period between June 2016 and June 2021. We identified and categorized the research studies based on the types of classification algorithms and sensor input types. Results: We found 452 papers in total from four different databases: PubMed, IEEE, Web of Science Database, and SCOPUS. After removing duplicates and irrelevant papers, 135 articles remained for detailed review and data extraction. Among these, engineered features using time series methods that were subsequently fed into widely used machine learning classifiers were the most commonly used technique, and also most frequently achieved the best performance metrics (77 out of 135 articles). Statistical modeling (24 out of 135 articles) algorithms were the second most common and also the second-best classification technique. Conclusions: In this review paper, summaries of the time series classification models and interpretation methods for biomedical applications are summarized and categorized. While high time series classification performance has been achieved in digital clinical, physiological, or biomedical measures, no standard benchmark datasets, modeling methods, or reporting methodology exist. There is no single widely used method for time series model development or feature interpretation, however many different methods have proven successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present systematic review was to perform a qualitative synthesis of in vitro studies that assess the cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary glide path (GP) files of endodontic applications. Systematic electronic searches were performed in the Medline, Embase, Scopus, SciELO, and Web of Science databases on 15 February 2022, and were last updated on 1 April In vitro studies that evaluated and compared the cyclic fatigue resistance of at least one rotary GP file system with another rotary GP file system were included. A total of 25 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies assessing the difference in the cyclic fatigue resistance between continuous and reciprocating rotation in rotary glide path files found that the latter resulted in a significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance, as evidenced by a higher number of cycles until fracture and/or time until fracture. Within the limitations of this review and the in vitro nature of the included studies, the results indicate that the cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary GP files may be influenced by several intrinsic factors of the files, such as their taper, cross-sectional design, alloy properties, kinematics, and external factors, such as the curvature and radius at which the file is activated, the irrigation or lubricant used, and the temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initially, natural antisense transcripts (NATs, natRNAs, or asRNAs) were considered repressors; however, their functions in gene regulation are diverse. Positive, negative, or neutral correlations to the cognate gene expression have been noted. Although the first studies were published about 50 years ago, there is still much to be investigated regarding antisense transcripts in plants. A systematic review of scientific publications available in the Web of Science databases was conducted to contextualize how the studying of antisense transcripts has been addressed. Studies were classified considering three categories: "Natural antisense" (208), artificial antisense used in "Genetic Engineering" (797), or "Natural antisense and Genetic Engineering"-related publications (96). A similar string was used for a systematic search in the NCBI Gene database. Of the 1132 antisense sequences found for plants, only 0.8% were cited in PubMed and had antisense information confirmed. This value was the lowest when compared to fungi (2.9%), bacteria (2.3%), and mice (54.1%). Finally, we present an update for the cis-NATs identified in Saccharum spp. Of the 1413 antisense transcripts found in different experiments, 25 showed concordant expressions, 22 were discordant, 1264 did not correlate with the cognate genes, and 102 presented variable results depending on the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureteral access sheaths (UASs) are part of urologist's armamentarium when performing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Recently, the world of RIRS has changed dramatically with the development of three game-changers: thulium fiber laser (TFL), smaller size single use digital flexible ureterosopes and intraoperative intrarenal pressure (IRP) measurement devices. We aimed to clarify the impact of UASs on IRP, complications and SFRs and put its indications in perspective of these three major technological improvements. A systematic review of the literature using the Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed by two authors and relevant studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines. Recent studies showed that using a UAS lowers IRP and intrarenal temperature by increasing irrigation outflow during RIRS. Data on the impact of a UAS on SFRs, postoperative pain, risk of infectious complications, risk of ureteral strictures and risk of bladder recurrence of urothelial carcinoma after diagnostic RIRS were inconclusive. Prestenting for at least one week resulted in ureteral enlargement, while the influence of pre-operative administration of alpha-blockers was unclear. Since TFL, smaller single use digital ureteroscopes and devices with integrated pressure-measuring and aspiration technology seemed to increase SFRs and decrease pressure and temperature related complications, indications on the use of a UAS may decrease in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly resistant mineral, zircon is capable of preserving information about impact processes. The present review paper is aimed at determining the extent to which Raman spectroscopy can be applied to studying shocked zircons from impactites to identify issues and gaps in the usage of Raman spectroscopy, both in order to highlight recent achievements, and to identify the most effective applications. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, the review is based on peer-reviewed papers indexed in Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science databases up to 5 April 2022. Inclusion criteria: application of Raman spectroscopy to the study of shocked zircon from terrestrial and lunar impactites. Results: A total of 25 research papers were selected. Of these, 18 publications studied terrestrial impact craters, while 7 publications focused on lunar breccia samples. Nineteen of the studies were focused on the acquisition of new data on geological structures, while six examined zircon microstructures, their textural and spectroscopic features. Conclusions: The application of Raman spectroscopy to impactite zircons is linked with its application to zircon grains of various terrestrial rocks and the progress of the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique in the early 2000s. Raman spectroscopy was concluded to be most effective when applied to examining the degree of damage, as well as identifying phases and misorientation in zircon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and fragmented arable land is a key challenge for small-scale agricultural countries, resulting in low labor productivity, ecological damage, and inefficient land use. To cope with this challenge, the farmland transfer (FLT) policy is implemented to establish modern agriculture based on specialization and scale enlargement. Despite the rising body of literature, an overview of the effect of this policy is lacked. This paper aimed to examine the multi-dimensional effects of FLT in China. A systematic search of the Web of Science and Scopus databases revealed 26 full-text peer-reviewed articles. We found that FLT had both positive and negative effects, and its effects were mainly mediated by intermediary factors. Non-contingent FLT and post-FLT actions were responsible for the adverse effects of FLT. In the literature, the influence of FLT on the environment is the most concerning issue. The results also show that the existing evidence on the effect of FLT is insufficient; therefore, this paper proposes to further exploration of the multi-dimensional effects of FLT, institutional feedback, and trade-offs. While FLT offers the potential to address socio-economic and environmental challenges, this study suggests that an institutional framework that takes into account spatial and temporal aspects, land-use, market systems, and household conditions is needed to promote favorable development, and mitigate potential land market problems and ensure sustainable development. Despite significant limitations remain, the literature on the socio-economic and environmental effects of FLT is increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, the adoption of IoT applications among end users in healthcare is very low. Healthcare professionals present major challenges to the successful implementation of IoT for providing healthcare services. Many studies have offered important insights into IoT adoption in healthcare. Nevertheless, there is still a need to thoroughly review the effective factors of IoT adoption in a systematic manner. The purpose of this study is to accumulate existing knowledge about the factors that influence medical professionals to adopt IoT applications in the healthcare sector. This study reviews, compiles, analyzes, and systematically synthesizes the relevant data. This review employs both automatic and manual search methods to collect relevant studies from 2015 to 2021. A systematic search of the articles was carried out on nine major scientific databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, Emerald, Wiley, PubMed, Springer, MDPI, IEEE, and Scopus. A total of 22 articles were selected as per the inclusion criteria. The findings show that TAM, TPB, TRA, and UTAUT theories are the most widely used adoption theories in these studies. Furthermore, the main perceived adoption factors of IoT applications in healthcare at the individual level are: social influence, attitude, and personal inattentiveness. The IoT adoption factors at the technology level are perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, performance expectancy, and effort expectations. In addition, the main factor at the security level is perceived privacy risk. Furthermore, at the health level, the main factors are perceived severity and perceived health risk, respectively. Moreover, financial cost, and facilitating conditions are considered as the main factors at the environmental level. Physicians, patients, and health workers were among the participants who were involved in the included publications. Various types of IoT applications in existing studies are as follows: a wearable device, monitoring devices, rehabilitation devices, telehealth, behavior modification, smart city, and smart home. Most of the studies about IoT adoption were conducted in France and Pakistan in the year 2020. This systematic review identifies the essential factors that enable an understanding of the barriers and possibilities for healthcare providers to implement IoT applications. Finally, the expected influence of COVID-19 on IoT adoption in healthcare was evaluated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timely and accurate diagnosis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection is crucial to reduce the risk of viral transmission. Therefore, the objective of this review was to evaluate the overall diagnostic accuracy of rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) for PEDV. Studies published before 7 January 2022 were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Springer Link, and Web of Science databases, using subject headings or keywords related to point of care and rapid test diagnostic for PEDV and PED. Two investigators independently extracted data, rated risk of bias, and assessed the quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model were used for performing the meta-analysis. Threshold effect, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were applied to explore heterogeneity. Of the 2908 records identified, 24 eligible studies involving 3264 specimens were enrolled in the meta-analysis, including 11 studies on evaluation of lateral flow immunochromatography assay (ICA)-based, and 13 on nucleic acid isothermal amplification (NAIA)-based POCTs. The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.97), 0.96 (95% CI 0.88–0.99) and 480 (95% CI 111–2074), respectively; for ICA-based POCTs and the corresponding values for NAIA-based, POCTs were 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.99), 0.98 (95% CI 0.91–0.99) and 1517 (95% CI 290–7943), respectively. The two tests showed highly comparable and satisfactory diagnostic performance in clinical utility. These results support current recommendations for the use of rapid POC tests when PEDV is suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the outcome of fixed prostheses supported by short implants (<8 mm) and longer implants (≥8 mm) with an elevated sinus floor after 5 years of follow-up. The literature searches were performed electronically and manually in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant articles published from 1 January 2013 to 31 January 2020. We selected eligible studies using inclusion criteria and assessed their quality. From 1688 identified studies, five randomized controlled trials were included. Between the short implant group and the control group, the implant failure-related pooled risk ratio (RR) was 3.64 (p = 0.07). The RR for technical complications was 2.61 (p = 0.0002), favoring longer implants. Marginal peri-implant bone loss after 1 and 5 years of function showed statistically significant less bone loss at short implants (1 year: mean difference = 0.21 mm; p < 0.00001; 5 years: mean difference = 0.26 mm; p = 0.02). The implant failure and the biological failure of both groups were similar after 5 years of follow-up. Short implants could be an alternative to long implants with an elevated sinus floor for atrophic maxillae in aging populations. Studies with larger trials and longer periods of follow-up (10 years) remain essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tongxinluo capsule (TXLC) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the efficacy and safety of different courses of TXLC for CHD after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been systematically evaluated yet. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database were searched from the inception to 26 August 2021. A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed- or random-effects model. The risk of adverse cardiovascular events, mortality, or adverse effects was evaluated by risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Thirty-four studies involving 3652 patients were finally included. After the 6-month treatment, compared with conventional treatment alone, TXLC combined with conventional treatment achieved better efficacy in lowering the risk of angiographic restenosis (RR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.28–0.48, p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.25–0.60, p < 0.001), heart failure (RR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.18–0.56, p < 0.001), angina (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.17–0.38, p < 0.001), revascularization (RR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.09–0.46, p < 0.001), all-cause mortality (RR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.10–0.58, p = 0.001), and mortality due to any cardiovascular event (RR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09–0.80, p = 0.018). After the 12-month treatment, TXLC reduced the recurrence risk of angina (RR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.20–0.80, p = 0.009). However, there was no difference in any outcomes after the 3-month treatment. Besides, no difference was found in the incidence of adverse effects after the 3-month and 6-month treatments (3 months: RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.35–1.56, p = 0.418; 6 months: RR = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.74–3.93, p = 0.209). The certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate due to the risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. TXLC showed beneficial effects on reducing the adverse cardiovascular events without compromising safety for CHD patients after PCI on the 6-month course. However, due to the unavoidable risk of bias, more high-quality and long-term studies are still needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of TXLC in many countries, not only in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study seeks to select the most important articles and reviews from the Web of Science database that approached alternative fuels towards the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Through a systematic review methodology, a combination of keywords and manual refining found a contribution of 103 works worldwide, the European continent accounting for 57% of all publications. Twenty-two types of fuels were cited by the authors, liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and biodiesel contributing to 49% of the mentions. Greenhouse gases, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter reductions are some of the main advantages of cleaner sources if used by the vessels. Nevertheless, there is a lack of practical research on new standards, engine performance, cost, and regulations from the academy to direct more stakeholders towards low carbon intensity in the shipping sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphagia is one of the most common symptoms in patients after stroke onset, which has multiple unfavorable effects on quality of life and functional recovery. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation that is widely used to improve deglutition function. Recently, some studies have confirmed that tDCS enhances deglutition function after stroke. However, the number of evaluation indexes used in those studies was small, and the number of trials included was limited. Most importantly, the optimal stimulation protocol is still uncertain and the safety of tDCS has not been reviewed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to address these shortcomings. Methods: Seven databases were searched entirely, including Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), Wan-fang database, and the Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) from inception to 31 December 2021. Two reviewers independently evaluated the eligibility of retrieved data according to the selection criteria and assessed the methodological quality of the studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Outcomes, measures, and indicators used in this study included the dysphagia outcome and severity scale (DOSS), modified Mann assessment of swallowing ability (MMASA), functional oral intake scale (FOIS), functional dysphagia scale (FDS), and Kubota's water-drinking test (KWDT). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the intervention effect more specifically. Results: Fifteen trials with a total of 787 participants (394 subjects in the tDCS groups were treated with true tDCS, and 393 subjects in the control groups were wait-listed or treated with sham tDCS) involving tDCS for dysphagia after stroke and were included in the meta-analysis. Results of this meta-analysis confirmed that tDCS had a positive effect on post-stroke dysphagia. Subgroup analyses revealed that bilateral and high-intensity stimulation with tDCS had a more significant impact on post-stroke dysphagia. Furthermore, no adverse events occurred during the application of tDCS for post-stroke dysphagia. Conclusion: tDCS can promote the recovery of deglutition function in patients with dysphagia after stroke. In addition, bilateral stimulation and high-intensity stimulation may have better effects. However, the safety evidence for tDCS and post-stroke dysphagia is insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, interest in applying Augmented Reality technology as a teaching/learning resource in education has increased. However, few studies focus on the possibilities and challenges of these tools to support learners with educational needs. In this review, we aggregate the current knowledge of how Augmented Reality technologies are applicable and their impact on the learning of students with educational needs considering the above-mentioned factors. In total, 18 studies indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases were analysed. The main findings of this review provide the current state of Augmented Reality research in special education and show positive results in the learning of students with educational needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most frequent chronic complication and is that which generates the highest disability and mortality in diabetes mellitus (DM). As it is currently the only microvascular complication of DM without a specific treatment, prevention is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the most effective preventive strategy to avoid or delay the appearance and/or development of DPN in patients with DM. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in the main health science databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro and The Cochrane Library) from 1 January 2010 to 31 August 2020. The study selection was conducted by two independent reviewers and data extraction was performed by the author. The eligibility criteria included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and cohort studies from RCTs. Results: Eleven studies were selected that included 23,595 participants with DM. The interventions evaluated were intensive or standard glycemic control, the use of drugs to achieve glycemic control, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and exercise. Intensive glucose control achieved a significant reduction in the development of DPN in TIDM patients, and lifestyle modifications and exercise achieved it moderately in TIIDM patients. Conclusions: The main preventive strategy for DPN is intensive glycemic control with a target HbA1c < 6% in patients with TIDM and standard control of 7.0–7.9 in patients with TIIDM, incorporating lifestyle modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies are usually overloaded with data that they may not know how to take advantage of. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are known to "keep learning" as the data increase. In this context, our research question emerges: what AI-based methods, in the literature, could be used to automatize business processes and support the decision-making processes of companies? To fill this gap, in this paper, we performed a review of the literature to identify these techniques. We ensured the usage of methods since they allowed reproducibility and extensions. We applied our search string in the Scopus and Web of Science databases and discovered 21 relevant papers pertaining to our question. In these papers, we identified methods that automated tasks and helped analysts make assertive decisions when designing, extending, or reengineering business processes. The authors applied diverse AI techniques, such as K-means, Bayesian networks, and swarm intelligence. Our analysis provides statistics about the techniques and problems being tackled and point to possible future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hospitality industry has been making a remarkable contribution to the growth of several countries' economies. From a business perspective, the best management accounting (MA) techniques and practices are fundamental to the success of companies. However, studies in this specific area in the hotel industry are scattered in the scientific literature in different types of documents and different languages, and with an irregular distribution throughout the years (2000–2020). To fill this gap, a thorough analysis of the global performance of management accounting practices in hospitality is crucial. This study accessed the Web of Science database in three different languages and systematized the articles to be included in this research through the PRISMA guidelines, which allowed an empirical basis for the critical approach to this topic. The greatest relevance of the study is the fact that it presents a systematic review of the literature on hotel management accounting practices, for which these results were enriched with a critical approach. The innovative character of the study focuses on evidence of the increasing implementation of some hotel management accounting practices over the years, such as some operating ratios and the USALI. In practical terms, the results of this study explain the overall performance of management accounting practices in the lodging industry and which ones are most widely used. The importance of the practices to support the decision-making of hoteliers and the challenges that they need to face in their implementation are also shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantar Diabetic Foot Ulcers (PDFUs) are frequent injuries affecting and heavily limiting the quality of life in diabetic patients. PDFUs can be treated both conservatively (with a high recurrence rate) or surgically (with a high rate of complication). Recently, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), performed by small incisions, has been increasingly applied on diabetic feet due to their encouraging outcomes and low complication rate. This systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression aims to evaluate for the first time the effectiveness of minimally invasive metatarsal osteotomies (MIMOs) in treating PDFUs and reducing their recurrence rate. A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Science and Scopus databases was carried out with the keywords "(metatarsal osteotom*) OR (metatarsal AND osteotom*) AND diabet* AND (feet OR foot OR forefoot) AND ulcer", covering the period from 1980 until June 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. The JBI critical appraisal tool was used for Quality Assessment. Healing rate/time, infection rate, recurrence rate, non-union rate and complication rate were evaluated. When possible, these values were pooled and expressed in effect size (ES), and their 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed. Meta-regression analysis (both uni- and multivariate) was conducted. Eight studies were included in the review, including 189 patients. The healing rate of these studies ranged between 55.1 and 100%, infection rate from 3.3 to 31.8%, recurrence rate from 0.0% and 13.6% and non-union rate from 4.5–30.0%. Overall complication rate was reported in three studies and ranged from 44.9 to 68.2%. Meta-analysis of the various rates revealed an overall healing rate of 91.9% (range from 74.9 to 97.8%), infection rate of 10.9% (4.2–25.2%), recurrence rate 7.2% (3.6–14.2%), non-union rate 16.9% (10.2–26.7%) and finally, the complication rate was computed at 53.2%. Satisfactory short- to medium-term clinical and radiographic results were reported by the studies included in this review, supporting that MIMOs represent an effective surgical approach to treat PDFUs. However, poor quality in the methodology of some studies and the lack of long-term data were reported. Therefore, randomized controlled trials, prospective studies and long-term follow-up studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MR-MP) infections cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections in both children and adults, and are characterized by a longer duration of symptoms. Here, we undertook a systematic review of studies on MR-MP in Europe. The review meets PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched using suitable keywords to identify relevant studies published from 2010 to 2021; 21 studies were included. Overall, a low level of MR-MP spread was reported in Europe. MR-MP spread increased during epidemic waves registered in Europe, particularly in Italy and Scotland, where the highest MR-MP infection rates were registered during the 2010-2011 epidemic. By contrast, no MR-MP infections were reported in Finland and the Netherlands. Continued monitoring of MR-MP in Europe is needed to maintain the low rates of infection. Moreover, a coordinated and structured pan-European surveillance program adequate for public health surveillance is advisable, with the purpose of containing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The present systematic review may act as preliminary evidence for the potential application of pulse oximetry as a diagnostic tool for the objective measurement of pulp vitality. Pulse oximetry (PO) can be used as a technique to assess vascularization. Although it is commonly used in the field of medicine, it still has limited use in dentistry. The aim of this study is to evaluate, by means of a systematic review, if pulse oximetry is a viable and effective system to determine pulp vitality and assess the clinical criteria for its use. A literature search was performed in Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Clinical studies using pulse oximetry as a tool to determine pulp vitality in permanent teeth were eligible. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed following the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) guidelines. A total of 24 articles were included in the review. The subjective test most compared to PO was the cold test. PO has shown a good sensibility and specificity, and it has been used in different clinical situations. Pulse oximetry has a high potential as a tool for the diagnosis of pulp vitality. However, the absence of a specific pulse oximeter for a dental practice, among other limitations, added to the lack of evidence on how different systemic and oral pathologies may affect the pulp's oxygen saturation levels, which hinders its clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations today are implementing psychological interventions to promote the job performance and wellbeing of their employees. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can contribute to providing workers with competencies and skills and develop their strengths. MBIs are therefore becoming more and more present in the workplace, sometimes using online intervention programs, which offer a promising direction in prevention and intervention for health. The objective of this study is to analyze the efficacy of MBIs on psychological variables in the workplace. For this purpose, a search for scientific articles published from 2009 to 2019 was made in the Psicodoc, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases, where a total of 468 articles were found. After filtering with preestablished inclusion criteria, 24 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that intervention in mindfulness positively influences psychological variables related to employee health and wellbeing. However, it is recommended to continue performing new studies to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dry needling, used by physical therapists, is a treatment modality used for the management of musculoskeletal pain. It is a technique in which a fine needle is used to penetrate the skin, subcutaneous tissues and muscles, with the aim of mechanically disrupting the inner tissues. This technique is called dry needling as the procedure does not involve the injection of any substance. Subacromial syndrome is defined as any kind of non-traumatic, usually unilateral, shoulder problem that causes pain around the acromion, that usually gets worse during or after lifting the arm. It should not be treated with surgical methods as the first option, but with different physiotherapy techniques. In this review, an overview of the effects of dry needling combined with conventional physiotherapy in patients with subacromial syndrome is presented. One of the key focal points is that dry needling combined with physiotherapy is effective and safe in reducing the pain and disability caused by this pathology. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) combined with conventional physiotherapy in the recovery of patients with subacromial syndrome (SAS). A search was made of the main open access health science databases. The publication date was not limited for systematic reviews but was for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), which were limited to the last five years (from 2016) in English or in Spanish. Ninety-four studies were selected. In order to assess the quality of the studies, the JADAD scale or Oxford quality scoring system was used. A total of 402 patients were analyzed in all the studies in which the application of conventional physiotherapy was compared to the DN, either in a combination or in isolation. Improvements were obtained in pain intensity (Visual Analogic Scale—VAS), Range of Movement (ROM), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), functionality with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and in the cost–benefit ratio. DN is effective and safe in reducing the pain and disability produced by SAS, with the best combination of treatment turning out to be conventional physiotherapy together with DN, obtaining more stable and longer-lasting benefits than merely applying the techniques in isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In this study, we report on a Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) for attraction basins in the domain of metaheuristics. Objective: To identify research trends, potential issues, and proposed solutions on attraction basins in the field of metaheuristics. Research goals were inspired by the previous paper, published in 2021, where attraction basins were used to measure exploration and exploitation. Method: We conducted the SMS in the following steps: Defining research questions, conducting the search in the ISI Web of Science and Scopus databases, full-text screening, iterative forward and backward snowballing (with ongoing full-text screening), classifying, and data extraction. Results: Attraction basins within discrete domains are understood far better than those within continuous domains. Attraction basins on dynamic problems have hardly been investigated. Multi-objective problems are investigated poorly in both domains, although slightly more often within a continuous domain. There is a lack of parallel and scalable algorithms to compute attraction basins and a general framework that would unite all different definitions/implementations used for attraction basins. Conclusions: Findings regarding attraction basins in the field of metaheuristics reveal that the concept alone is poorly exploited, as well as identify open issues where researchers may improve their research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) model emerged from the advances proposed by Shulman in 1986 and 1987 as part of the teacher's professional knowledge model, and refers to the mathematical knowledge that the teacher employs to carry out the instruction process in the classroom. MKT has become an international benchmark for research into mathematics education and boasts a great scope and impact to date. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the way in which the MKT of early algebra teachers has been conceptualized and empirically studied in the scientific literature from 2010 to 2021. A systematic search in the Web of Science and Scopus databases led to a review of 17 papers. The results show great advances in the conceptualization of mathematical knowledge for teaching early algebra, focusing mainly on primary education teachers and on specialized knowledge of the content. In turn, there is a predominance of studies that address functional thinking as a content area. We conclude that more empirical studies are needed that address the mathematical knowledge that childhood and primary education teachers have of early algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a systematic review of the published literature was conducted, following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, on the ultrasonic treatment of magnesium-aluminium alloys for grain refinement. Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases were used in the literature search, which was finished by the 1st of June 2021. Seventeen articles met the eligibility criteria and were considered in this review, organized according to the type of ultrasonic treatment applied: isothermal (8/17) or continuous (9/17). Summary tables were used to categorize the information gathered from the articles, namely Treatment Conditions, Microstructural and Mechanical Analysis, and Mechanisms Behind Ultrasonic Grain Refining Ability. This systematic review aimed to structure and organize the available information regarding the ultrasonic processing of magnesium-aluminium alloys so new researchers can find a start point for their works and identify potential gaps in this research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and breast cancer (BC) risk is complex. We aimed to examine this association in a systematic review of the literature. This review was done using the PubMed/Medline and Web of Science databases, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used for the assessment of bias and quality of studies. Only English-language articles published before 1 June 2021, were included. Fourteen studies were included in this systematic review. Among them, eight did not find statistically significant results. Three studies showed a statistically significant increased risk of BC after GDM, and they explained this potential increased risk by hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and low-grade inflammation. However, three studies showed a statistically significant decreased risk of BC after GDM, suggesting a possible protective effect of hormonal changes induced by GDM during pregnancy. These controversial results should be interpreted with caution due to both quantitative and qualitative methodological shortcomings. Further investigations are thus needed in order to gain a better understanding of the associations between GDM and BC, and their underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is an educational approach that is now accompanied by the STEAM (STEM + Arts) variant. Both educational approaches seek to renew the scientific literacy of younger generations, and, with the inclusion of the arts, student creativity is described as a key skill that must receive special attention. A review is therefore presented here of empirical STEM and STEAM-based educational interventions so as to determine their potential to develop student creativity. A systematic search of papers over one decade, 2010–2020, found 14 didactic interventions on the Web of Science and Scopus databases for analysis within the review process. The analysis suggested that: (1) the interventions based both on STEM and STEAM have multiple and even contradictory forms, both in theory and in practice; (2) there appears to be a preference among researchers for the Likert-type test to evaluate creativity; and (3) both educational approaches show evidence of positive effects on student creativity. In the light of the principal findings, it was concluded that arguing for the implementation of STEAM education over STEM education, with a view to developing or promoting student creativity, is not in agreement with the evidence from the empirical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in the use of gut microbiota-targeting interventions, such as probiotics, for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The objective of this update review was to evaluate all randomised controlled clinical trial evidence on the efficacy of probiotics for clinical depression. Cochrane guidelines for updated reviews were followed. By searching PubMed and Web of Science databases, we identified 546 new records since our previous review. A total of seven studies met selection criteria, capturing 404 people with depression. A random effects meta-analysis using treatment type (stand-alone vs. adjunctive) as subgroup was performed. The results demonstrated that probiotics are effective in reducing depressive symptoms when administered in addition to antidepressants (SMD = 0.83, 95%CI 0.49–1.17), however, they do not seem to offer significant benefits when used as stand-alone treatment (SMD = −0.02, 95%CI −0.34–0.30). Potential mechanisms of action may be via increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and decreases in C-reactive protein (CRP), although limited evidence is available at present. This review offers stronger evidence to support the clinical use of probiotics in depressed populations and provides an insight into the mode of administration more likely to yield antidepressant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this systematic umbrella review we aggregate the current knowledge of how virtual and augmented reality technologies are applicable to and impact remote learning in higher education; specifically, how they impact such learning outcomes as performance and engagement in all stages of higher education from course preparation to student evaluation and grading. This review was done as part of a state wide research effort of Latvia, to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and specifically to provide a framework for a technological transformation of education in this context. In this work we search the Scopus and Web of Science databases for articles describing the use of virtual and/or augmented reality technologies in remote learning for higher education and their impact on learning outcomes. We identified 68 articles from which, after multiple screening and eligibility phases, nine review articles were left for extraction phase in which 30 structural elements with corresponding interventions and measured effects were extracted. Of these, 24 interventions had a measured effect on student performance (11 positive, seven negative, six no impact) and six interventions had a measured effect on student engagement (all six positive). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social and healthcare problems associated with dementia not only affect those who suffer from this disease, but their caregivers as well. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of mindfulness intervention on psychological variables of caregivers of persons with dementia. A search for scientific articles published from 2000 to 2019 in the PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases found a total of 282 articles. After screening with preestablished inclusion criteria, ten studies with participation of 161 caregivers remained for the meta-analysis. The results were significant in favor of mindfulness intervention for the variables studied with a standardized difference of mean of 0.71 at a 95% CI, 0.71 (0.52, 0.89); p ≤ 0.00001. Heterogeneity of the studies included was moderate (I2 = 40%). The main conclusion suggested by empirical evidence was that mindfulness intervention seems to be effective for the variables analyzed. However, continued in-depth study of this subject is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: A growing body of evidence highlights that intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the development of psoriasis. The gut–skin axis is the novel concept of the interaction between skin diseases and microbiome through inflammatory mediators, metabolites and the intestinal barrier. The objective of this study was to synthesize current data on the gut microbial composition in psoriasis. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies investigating intestinal microbiome in psoriasis, using the PRISMA checklist. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for relevant published articles (2000–2020). (3) Results: All of the 10 retrieved studies reported alterations in the gut microbiome in patients with psoriasis. Eight studies assessed alpha- and beta-diversity. Four of them reported a lack of change in alpha-diversity, but all confirmed significant changes in beta-diversity. At the phylum-level, at least two or more studies reported a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, and higher Firmicutes in psoriasis patients versus healthy controls. (4) Conclusions: There is a significant association between alterations in gut microbial composition and psoriasis; however, there is high heterogeneity between studies. More unified methodological standards in large-scale studies are needed to understand microbiota's contribution to psoriasis pathogenesis and its modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]