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Pedagogical models have been described as suitable for promoting positive outcomes in the physical domain of learning. Is this enough in the battle against sedentary lifestyles? To answer this question, a systematic search of four scientific literature databases was conducted. The articles were included if they met the following criteria: (1) interventions using the four most widely implemented pedagogical models (and their hybridizations), (2) analyzed physical activity (PA) and/or intention to be physically active (IPA), and (3) indexed in the Journal Citation Reports. As a result, twenty-eight articles were included. Some studies showed positive outcomes (in both PA and IPA); others showed ambiguous results (increases in one and no effects in the other) and, finally, some showed no effects. Most studies that assessed individuals' IPA produced positive effects. IPA can lead to goals, and through goals, individuals shape their life. Thus, pedagogical models can become a major input in terms of health for future adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionImpactThe impact of physical therapy assistants (PTAs) remains a key area of considerable interest, yet no systematic review has occurred after decades of research. This first-time systematic review is to examine PTAs impact on clinical outcomes in all physical therapy settings while providing the most current scientific perspective on this important topic.This review used PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science from database inception until May 5th, 2024. Inclusion criteria were articles examining clinical outcomes related to the utilization of PTAs published since 2000, retrospective or prospective studies, randomized controlled trials, case series, and full-text articles in English. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) scale graded articles. A narrative approach to systematic review was undertaken.Seven articles met inclusion criteria from 573 initially retrieved. Articles were ‘moderate quality’ and examined 82,175 patients and 25,765 nursing facilities across inpatient rehabilitation settings (n = 3 articles) and outpatient settings (n = 4 articles). In outpatient settings, the use of PTAs was associated with increased physical therapy utilization and mixed clinical outcomes. For inpatient rehabilitation, three articles indicated mixed results with some concluding no difference in clinical outcomes while others reported increased fall risk. No articles examined the impact of PTAs on outcomes in acute care or home care settings in the last two decades.This systematic review of moderate quality observational studies found mixed clinical outcomes when PTAs were involved, although evidence is limited. Additional research is needed to improve both the quality and quantity of literature on this topic.Understanding the impact of PTAs on physical therapy practice is critical to optimize clinical outcomes, mitigate workforce constraints, ensure patient access, and address policy issues associated with decreasing reimbursement and supervision restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data monitoring by citizen scientists in the field of biodiversity is mainly achieved for free, since it is primarily carried out by amateurs who are not paid for what they report. This lack of remuneration has been claimed to be either exploitative by those who study inequality of access in amateur circles, or empowering by those who promote new digital solutions for naturalist reporting. In this context, Faune France, a major citizen fauna database in France, represents a renewed relationship between scientists and the general public contributing to this digital initiative. In contrast to explanations in terms of personal motivation or social stratification, participation in Faune France reveals a special attachment to the object– birds, butterflies, frogs – and the obligation toward nature felt by contributors, shown by their desire to share their observations digitally to recipients for the most part unknown. Rather than a means of 'luring' amateurs when they give away information, commitments such as Faune France reporting are based on attachments to nature and others, and cautious information disclosure. Data are given to an indeterminate other, be it distant scientists or other participants on the internet. Hence the stress on data sensitivity, and on responsibility in the description of naturalists' contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Given the recent surge in restaurant research, there is a need for timely reviews employing quantitative methods to portray the intellectual structure of the field. This paper aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of restaurant research on the Web of Science database. The research investigates the dynamic evolution of the restaurant literature during three critical stages between 1995 and 2021. Based on 1146 journal articles published by 1849 authors, the paper analyzes different bibliometric networks, including co-citation, keyword co-occurrence, and collaboration networks. The study additionally highlights the most influential scholars and publications in the restaurant field. Results indicate that restaurant research has grown exponentially over the last five years. Findings also show that consumer behavior, consumer satisfaction, consumer-brand relationships, corporate social responsibility, and green restaurants represent the contemporary hotspots in restaurant research. Finally, the study provides practical implications and some opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Metaverse, a hypothetical virtual space where people interact with digital environments, has gained attention as a transformative concept in various industries like education, healthcare, and business. However, a comprehensive understanding of the Metaverse's research landscape and future prospects is essential to guide further exploration and decision-making in this dynamic field. On the basis of the preliminary analysis and the existing literature, the comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the Metaverse is anticipated to reveal a number of themes that span the vast spectrum of its applications. The objective of the analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the Metaverse by analyzing past and present research trends and predicting future research directions. The research collected 928 journal articles from the Web of Science database using bibliometric methods. Through co-citation and co-word analysis, the study identifies the most influential publications, outlines the knowledge structure, and forecasts future developments. The study identified four distinct clusters for co-citations analysis and five distinct clusters for co-word analysis. Despite the growing importance of the Metaverse in various aspects of human life, more scholarly efforts are required to provide a comprehensive overview of its research landscape. This article provides illuminating insight into the expanding field of Metaverse research and its applications to human life. The study concludes with a comprehensive explanation of Metaverse research and perspectives on the field's future development. This is the first study to present a knowledge structure of the Metaverse via a science mapping methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital entrepreneurship is playing an increasingly prominent role for economic growth and development. However, the most effective methods of facilitating it remain unclear, as scholars continue to debate the factors that contribute to its success. We therefore conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review by searching the Web of Science and Scopus databases for empirical studies examining the drivers of successful digital entrepreneurship. By this first review paper on this topic, we were able to identify a total of 45 different drivers, encompassing subjective and objective factors at the individual, organizational, and regional/national levels. While certain drivers were specific to the digital context, such as smart-city initiatives, many aligned with those identified in broader research on entrepreneurial success, such as the educational attainment of founders. To enhance our understanding and facilitate action in promoting digital entrepreneurship, we propose a multi-level conceptual framework that places greater emphasis on specific digital-related drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionInflammatory diseases are influenced by oxidative stress. Oxidatively damaged 8-oxoG in DNA is linked to inflammation. The enzyme OGG1 is responsible for repairing the damaged base in the DNA which is linked to pro-inflammatory signaling and severe inflammation. This study aims to explore the potential of targeting OGG1 as a therapeutic strategy in inflammatory disease conditions.A comprehensive search and review of literature were conducted using appropriate scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and other references to obtain relevant information that suited the title and content of this article.Compelling pieces of evidence from many previous studies have shown the crucial role of the OGG1/8oxoG pathway in inflammatory disease conditions, leading to severe inflammatory response and death. Therefore, based on these pieces of evidence, targeting this enzyme (OGG1) using specific pharmacological inhibitors or interventions might lead to downregulation and amelioration of severe inflammation to reduce the morbimortality related to several disease conditions.This review highlighted the molecular mechanism of OGG1 activity via the 8-oxo/OGG1 pathway and its role in inflammation and inflammatory disease conditions. Due to the paucity of studies involving OGG1in inflammatory infectious diseases, further research projects are needed to explore the therapeutic potential of various OGG1 inhibitors to serve as novel therapeutic strategies in infectious inflammatory diseases of medical importance in developing countries such as malaria, meningitis, tuberculosis among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Truck collisions with vulnerable road users (VRUs) are infrequent, but often severe or fatal. While research has investigated factors contributing to safety and collisions, a synthesis of human-related contributors remains missing. This scoping review follows PRISMA guidelines to synthesise studies on the effects of human factors on truck-VRU safety. With a focus on human factors related to pedestrians, cyclists, and truck drivers, five scientific databases were searched and 3,414 records were screened. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. Most were published after 2015, indicating a limited but growing focus on human factors affecting truck-VRU safety. Half of the studies analysed police collision reports, while others used qualitative data collection methods, like questionnaires and focus groups, or human subject experiments. Compared to passenger-vehicle literature, notably fewer behavioural studies were identified, highlighting a need for further behavioural human factors studies of truck-VRU interactions. Sociodemographic and vision-related factors were most frequently investigated and found to significantly affect collision occurrence and severity. Driving and cycling experience and training, and road user distractions were examined less, albeit being important. This review bridges a literature gap by focusing on human characteristics, states, decisions, and errors affecting truck-VRU safety, offering insights for road-user-centred mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants of the Mentha genus have been studied for their application as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial agents, with these effects being attributed to menthol, the majority compound. This review aims to compile research on the antifungal action of menthol and its derivatives. A search was conducted on the following databases: Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Scopus and Science Direct, using the descriptors 'menthol' and/or 'derivatives'. Twenty-six articles on in vitro studies were selected. Menthol showed activity mainly against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium spp. with MICs 0.78–1000 µg/mL and MFC 0.5–1000 µg/mL. In combination with fluconazole, it presented a synergistic effect against Candida genus. However, there have been few studies on the mechanisms of action. Although the method and its derivatives are promising, further studies are needed to fully explore their effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by a dismal five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Neutrophils are key components of the innate immune system, playing a pivotal role in the PDAC immune microenvironment. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the pivotal involvement of neutrophils in the tumorigenesis and progression of PDAC. Furthermore, it synthesizes preclinical and clinical explorations aimed at targeting neutrophils within the milieu of PDAC, subsequently proposing a conceptual framework to propel further inquiry focused on enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PDAC through neutrophil-targeted strategies. PubMed and Web of Science databases were utilized for researching neutrophils in pancreatic cancer publications prior to 2024. Neutrophils play roles in promoting tumor growth and metastasis in PDAC and are associated with poor prognosis. However, the heterogeneity and plasticity of neutrophils and their complex relationships with other immune cells and extracellular matrix also provide new insights for immunotherapy targeting neutrophils to achieve a better prognosis for PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the state of research in the field of digital fashion, specifically focusing on design and production. The authors propose a definition for digital fashion as the ‘virtual creation, production, and depiction of an individual's identity, in particular in the field of clothing and footwear, through computer-aided design’. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 386 publications from the Web of Science database have been selected for the systematic review. A keyword map was created based on bibliographic data, and a cluster analysis of the publications revealed five main clusters. The analysis of articles shows that the most frequently mentioned topics are design, fashion, social media, and technology. Sustainability, digital fashion, and performance are also frequently discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing prevalence and social impacts of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), innovative approaches to our understanding of its etiology, progression, and potential interventions are critical. Geospatial applications are a promising tool in addressing the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of AD. A substantial knowledge gap remains, however, regarding the comprehensive utilization and impact of geospatial applications in AD research. We comprehensively consider the current status of geospatial-information application in AD based on 159 research articles on geospatial applications published between 1991 and 2022 from the Web of Science and PubMed databases. Four main research themes are identified: geographic environmental factors, geographic disparities, activity behaviors, and care services. Geospatial information has been extensively applied using techniques such as spatial clustering and hotspot analysis. We investigate the influence of location and spatial factors on AD risk, the activity behavior of patients with AD using location data and spatial analysis, and medical-resource proximity via geospatial modeling and predictive analysis. Additionally, we identify three knowledge gaps: geographic environment measurement, spatiotemporal contrastive analysis of disease prevalence, and multidisciplinary integration. The review underscores the value of geospatial information in AD-related research and public health, offering researchers insights into prospective directions and collaborative opportunities with geographers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research seeks to identify the key factors influencing the quality of financial information within the context of globalisation and complex commercial transactions.Motivation: In today's globalised environment, trust in financial information is crucial for maintaining market stability and efficiency. Understanding these influencing factors is paramount for sound decision-making by firm managers.Design/Methodology/Approach: A Systematic Literature Review methodology is employed. The investigation examines 50 articles from the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases to identify the key determinants affecting financial information quality.Main findings: The investigation identifies critical factors at firm, country and international levels. Firm-level factors include corporate governance practices, incentives for transparent disclosure and bank monitoring. Country-level influences stem from regulatory frameworks and firm-agent dynamics. Finally, international factors involve competition within capital markets and the degree of a firm's internationalisation.Practical implications: The research provides key recommendations for both firm managers and regulatory bodies. Managers are advised to adopt transparent policies, implement rigorous audit processes and foster a culture of integrity and accuracy. Additionally, strengthening regulatory bodies and supervisory entities is crucial for effectively monitoring financial practices and penalising misconduct.Novelty/Contribution: This research represents a pioneering effort to systematically synthesise factors affecting financial information quality. It provides a comprehensive framework for academics and practitioners, promoting sustainable economic growth and informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodResultsDiscussionTo explore the efficacy and safety of binaural beats (BB) for stress management in non-clinical contexts.Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs that administered BB and reported ≥1 stress-related outcome in subjects with pre-existing stress, or in participants with laboratory-induced stress (PROSPERO registration: CRD42023428623). The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool and a purpose-designed tool to explore stress-specific methodological quality. Effects between groups were synthesised thematically, exploring physiological and psychological outcomes, duration of exposure and frequency (Hz).Twelve studies were included for review. Half of the studies used a single-session BB intervention and half used longer-term home-based protocols. Seven involved participants with pre-existing stress and five exposed healthy subjects to stressors. Eight studies reported ≥1 significant effect favouring intervention over control while four found no group effects. However, methodological heterogeneity, unclear randomisation and blinding procedures, and lack of oversight of stress mediators and moderators were found.BBs have promise as a self-care stress-management tool. However, evidence is not strongly in favour of widespread recommendation, there is little known about adverse effects, and there is not yet a clear optimal protocol (frequency and schedule) for stress-buffering effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psilocybin, a naturally occurring serotonergic agonist in some mushroom species, has shown promise as a novel, fast-acting pharmacotherapy seeking to overcome the limitations of conventional first-line antidepressants. Studying psilocybin effects on cognition and emotional processing may help to clarify the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and may also support studies with people suffering from depression. Thus, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature regarding the effects of psilocybin on these two key areas in both healthy and depressed populations. Method: A systematic search was performed on 29 January 2024, in the PubMed, EBSCOhost, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. After duplicates removal, study selection was conducted considering pre-specified criteria. Data extraction was then performed. The quality assessment of the studies was carried out using the Cochrane Collaboration tools for randomized (RoB 2.0) and non-randomized (ROBINS-I) controlled trials. Results: Twenty articles were included, with 18 targeting healthy adults and two adults with depression. Results point to impairments within attentional and inhibitory processes, and improvements in the domains of creativity and social cognition in healthy individuals. In the population with depression, only cognitive flexibility and emotional recognition were affected, both being enhanced. The comparison of outcomes from both populations proved limited. Conclusions: Psilocybin acutely alters several cognitive domains, with a localized rather than global focus, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. However, the significant methodological constraints call for further research, in the context of depression and with standardized protocols, with longitudinal studies also imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present how data mining (DM) and machine learning (ML) contribute to the product development process (PDP). The Methodi Ordinatio methodology was used to identify important articles for this study, and VOSviewer software was applied to generate visual maps. A systematic review was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct databases. Forty-six articles were designated for analysis in order to evaluate the most commonly used DM and ML techniques to support the PDP, as well as to demonstrate which specific phases are most often applied. In addition, the main limitations of the analyzed techniques were identified. The results show that the association rule technique was the most commonly used, followed by text mining, and the most used phases were planning and design. In this context, this study intends to stimulate companies to use computational techniques, more precisely DM and ML, to assist in the generation of knowledge and become a strategic factor in the PDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to do a bibliometric analysis of the literature available on the organic menu at a restaurant to extract insights into the study area and provide direction for future research. Fifty-nine documents were extracted using the Scopus scientific database published in the restaurant's organic menu area. VOSviewer and R-based Bibliometric software have been used for conducting bibliometric analysis. The trending themes are food aesthetics, alternative food networks, food quality, sustainability and acceptability. The four clusters identified in the organic menu literature identified the behavioral intention of consumers, sustainable development, marketing management and procurement of organic food for the restaurant. The study will first conduct a bibliometric analysis to discover the trending themes and clusters in the organic menu literature. Based on the review, the customer organic menu adoption framework has been developed to understand the study topic better. The study's findings will help managers and practitioners easily understand the trend in the literature on organic menus at the restaurant, which will help formulate marketing strategies and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionVitamin D deficiency has been associated with higher rates of autoimmune disease, including noninfectious uveitis. This PRISMA-compliant review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the correlation between noninfectious uveitis and vitamin D levels.We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies, published in English, assessing vitamin D levels in patients diagnosed with noninfectious uveitis. The outcomes of interest were vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D mean level, vitamin D supplementation, and smoking rates. A subgroup analysis of inactive uveitis and active uveitis was performed. The heterogeneity was assessed with Cochrane Q-test and I2 statistics; p > 0.10 and I2 > 50% were considered significant for heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3.9 studies were included in the meta-analysis comprising a total of 10 711 patients, of whom 1,368 were diagnosed with noninfectious uveitis. Patients with noninfectious uveitis had worse results regarding vitamin D deficiency when compared with the control group (OR 0.58; CI 95% 0.44 to 0.77; p = 0.0002; I2 = 61%). Patients with inactive uveitis had better results towards vitamin D deficiency when compared with active uveitis (OR 5.00; CI 95% 2.84 to 8.81; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%).Our research supports the increasing evidence that associates vitamin D deficiency with noninfectious uveitis and its activity. Further investigation into the efficacy of vitamin D screening and supplementation in reducing the recurrence of uveitis is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a worldwide public health issue for its high prevalence rate and the disability it produces. The consequences of ABI, including cognitive deficits, may impact return to work. This review focuses on the association between executive functions (EFs) and return to work after ABI. A systematic review of the literature between 1998 and 2023 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The articles were retrieved from the Pubmed, Medline and Web of Science databases. A total of 49 studies were finally selected. Impairments of EF were consistently shown to have a negative impact on return to work after an ABI. There is evidence that specific executive functions and neurobehavioral variables may affect return to work Studies showed a significant theoretical and methodological heterogeneity, representing an important limitation to understand the relation between EFs and work. There is a robust association between EFs and return to work after brain injury. Findings in this systematic review raise the need for further research on the role of specific EF profiles in the process of returning to work after brain damage. [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]

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: This study aimed to investigate the association between sex hormones and the risk of pulmonary fibrosis by conducting a meta-analysis of previously published studies. Methods: We executed a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to locate pertinent studies published up to April 2024. We included studies that reported the association between sex hormones and the risk of pulmonary fibrosis. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: A total of 10 articles, encompassing 1371 patients, were finally incorporated in this meta-analysis. Based on the evaluation of the included studies, it was observed that the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) (pooled SMD: −0.72, 95% CI: −1.21 to −0.24, p < 0.001), testosterone (pooled SMD: −1.25, CI: −2.39 and −0.11, p < 0.001) and estrogen (pooled SMD: −0.56, 95% CI: −0.96 to −0.15, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, whereas the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) remained unaffected. Publication bias was ruled out through funnel plots. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that reduced levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen may serve as potential risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis. There is a pressing need for additional studies to confirm this association and explore the underlying biological mechanisms. Clinicians should recognize the potential influence of sex hormones in the etiology of pulmonary fibrosis and consider this aspect during the patient management process. [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]

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]

Objective: To evaluate reliable and validated temporomandibular disorder (TMD) diagnostic instruments for use as diagnostic tools in epidemiological surveys. Methods: Two independent reviewers performed searches in the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to identify validation studies of diagnostic and screening instruments for TMD published up to March 2021. Results: Sixteen studies were included for the systematic review. Different TMD instruments were evaluated, such as FAI, RDC/TMD, DC/TMD, Helkimo Index, and AAOP Questionnaire. The instruments differed according to the number of items. Some questionnaires appear to be effective for the initial screening of TMD patients and can be incorporated in clinical practice and epidemiological studies since they are easy and fast to apply. Conclusion: To provide an accurate TMD diagnosis, it is important to use instruments that involve a clinical examination. Authors suggest the development of a new validated diagnostic tool for use in epidemiological surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore the link between consumer-facing technologies and customer experience in physical retail environments.It uses a semi-systematic literature review to synthesize existing knowledge, to provide a chronological overview of the evolution of the research area and to create an agenda for future research. To do so, the authors develop a search string based on a preliminary literature screening and four expert interviews, which they apply to the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Using a multistep approach, they select 31 articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the fields of retailing and marketing, management and technology. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the growing body of literature, identifies gaps in the literature, suggests future research areas and develops potential research objectives.By synthesizing the literature, it suggests a conceptual framework that may serve as a basis for further theory building.This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, enabling them to grasp the current state of research, identify gaps, and contribute their own research to the research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In January 2022, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was officially ratified, marking a significant milestone as it came into effect with the participation of 15 countries. The primary objective of this research endeavor is to employ advanced analytical tools, specifically VOSviewer and Scimago Graphica, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of scholarly articles focusing on the critical topic of food safety within the 15 "RCEP" countries during the period spanning 2022 to 2023. A rigorous selection process was meticulously undertaken, resulting in the identification of 323 pertinent articles from the highly regarded Web of Science database, adhering to specific conditions set by the researcher. The primary outcome of this study entails a thorough examination and identification of prominent research hotspots within the field of food safety across the 15 "RCEP" countries. The findings of this research investigation are expected to make a substantial contribution to the existing body of knowledge, providing valuable insights and facilitating further advancements in understanding and addressing food safety concerns within the context of the "RCEP" countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamifying is related to the motivational gain and engagement of participants in these systems, even in situations not exclusively related to the creative and entertainment industry. In the Biology teaching context, motivational strategies have fundamental importance to the learning process. The aim of this work was to investigate the development and application of gamified systems, mainly board games, in Biology teaching. Through a systematic review, 39 scientific studies published in the Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were identified and categorised. As a result, an increased distribution of publications under this focus was observed over the analysed period. The main benefits attributed to the use of board games as a teaching-learning tool were: low cost and accessibility; wide applicability and flexibility; overcoming of communicative and cognitive barriers; improved motivation, engagement and learning; and stimulus of new experiences and skills. This study suggests that board games are a promising strategy to be used in the process of teaching-learning Biology, although some limitations can be reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop some specific theoretical themes, which could be useful for HR personnel in adopting and implementing blockchain technology in the HR department. Total 126 published documents during the time interval 2016–2021 from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were explored to classify the relevant 25 records using the PRISMA flow diagram. Complete bibliometric information has been synthesised concerning titles, abstracts, and keywords of each of those 25 publications. VOSviewer was used to generate term co-occurrence network maps based on assembled bibliometric information. Four thematic clusters were evolved from the network maps and based on the thematic clusters; two theoretical themes were developed through associations. Two theoretical themes, i.e., Employee-Systems Interaction (ESI) and Blockchain Framework (BcF) for HR, were identified to become the prime movers for adopting and implementing blockchain in the domain of HRM. Later, for justifying the two theoretical themes and testing the robustness of the results, we reported the key terms thoroughly and critically going through the 25 publications. ESI and BcF for HR will add tremendous theoretical contributions to the existing body of knowledge in the fields of blockchain and strategic HRM. Directions for future research have been mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Event-related potential measures have been extensively studied in mental disorders. Among them, P300 amplitude and latency reflect impaired cognitive abilities in major depressive disorder (MDD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate whether patients with MDD differ from healthy controls (HCs) with respect to P300 amplitude and latency. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 15 January 2023 for case-control studies comparing P300 amplitude and latency in patients with MDD and HCs. The primary outcome was the standard mean difference. A total of 13 articles on P300 amplitude and latency were included in the meta-analysis. Random effect models indicated that MDD patients had decreased P300 amplitude, but similar latency compared to healthy controls. According to regression analysis, the effect size increased with the severity of depression and decreased with the proportion of women in the MDD samples. Funnel plot asymmetry was not significant for publication bias. Decreased P300 amplitude may be a candidate diagnostic biomarker for MDD. However, prospective studies testing P300 amplitude as a monitoring biomarker for MDD are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several epidemiological studies have suggested that flavonoid intake is associated with a decreased risk of cardiometabolic disease. However, the results remained inconsistent and there is no dose-response meta-analysis for specific outcomes. We conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize the knowledge about their associations and to explore their dose-response relationships. We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for prospective cohort studies published up to December 1, 2021. Summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled for the association between flavonoid intake and cardiometabolic disease. Evaluations of linear or nonlinear dose-response were presented by restricted cubic splines. We identified 47 articles, including 1,346 676 participants and 127,507 cases in this meta-analysis. The summary of RR per 500 mg/d increase in flavonoid intake was 0.93 (95% CI 0.88–0.98) for cardiovascular disease, 0.89 (95% CI 0.84–0.94) for diabetes, and 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.99) for hypertension, respectively. We also found a linearity dose-response association between total flavonoid intake and cardiovascular disease (p nonlinearity = 0.541), and diabetes (p nonlinearity = 0.077). Our finding based on quantitative data suggested that a higher level of flavonoid intake is beneficial for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual Reality (VR) has the capacity to increase tourists' responses, compared with other marketing tools. In tourism, it can play a decisive role in its promotion, since it can generate impactful information that will increase the visit intention. However, there are few reviews that focus on VR as a promotional tool in tourism. To overcome this limitation, this work provides a bibliometric analysis of papers from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The analysis allows us to conclude that although its potential is recognized, the use of VR is infrequent in tourism. We also identified three main avenues for future research: presence and devices, promotional strategies, and segments to explore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature and analyze the effects of beetroot-based supplements (BRS) on muscular performance. Randomized controlled trials that assessed the acute or short-term effects of BRS administration on muscular endurance and/or strength in healthy male individuals were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases from inception to February 20th, 2023. In addition, we also searched preprint papers in medRxiv.org, bibRxiv.org; thesis and dissertations included in oatd.org; and clinical trials published in ClinicalTrials.gov. Data extraction, risk of bias, and study quality were assessed by 2 authors. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses of standardized mean differences (SMD) were performed using a random-effects model. A total of 1486 records were identified in the databases and 2 were obtained by manual search in the reference list. Of those, 27 studies attended eligibility criteria and composed this systematic review. BRS administration resulted in a positive effect on muscular endurance (SMD: 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10 to 0.51; p < 0.01; n = 16 studies). There was an overall significative effect for muscular strength (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.48; p < 0.05; n = 18 studies), but a subgroup analysis showed that significant effects were found when strength was measured in a fatigued (SMD: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.03; p < 0.01), but not resting state. BRS administration have a small ergogenic effect on muscular endurance and attenuate the decline in muscular strength in a fatigued state in healthy male individuals. Beetroot-based supplements can improve muscular endurance and attenuates the decline in muscular strength. These effects are attributed to the inorganic nitrate contained in these products, which ranged from 316–985 mg/day, ingested 2–3 hours before exercise. Beetroot-based supplements administration can generate a modest increase in the number of repetitions performed to failure or in exercise time to exhaustion, which may contribute to the performance and optimization of the results of people involved in isotonic exercises (e.g., resistance training). Beetroot-based supplements ingestion can improve muscular strength, particularly it aids in the recovery of muscular strength after a fatiguing task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a new device that expands the scope of gastrointestinal intervention under endoscopy. LAMS was initially used for the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), but is increasingly being used off-label. The electrocautery system simplifies the deployment of LAMS, making it more suitable for off-label situations. The short-term results of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (ECE-LAMS) are satisfactory; however, the long-term follow-up results must be evaluated. The aim of this article is to review the expanded clinical application of ECE-LAMS, the clinical value of on-label and off-label use, and follow-up results. Methods: After searching in PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents' and 'endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) -guided interventions' as keywords, studies related were compiled and examined. Results: ECE-LAMS are widely used for on-label and off-label situations. The short-term and long-term results of ECE-LAMS are satisfactory, but there are still some studies that do not agree with this viewpoint. Conclusion: The clinical application of ECE-LAMS is relatively safe and reliable but more well-designed randomized trials and prospective studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this technology on therapeutic EUS, to improve the safety and success rate of EUS-guided LAMS implantation, and to expand its application in other indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of three and four cycles of NAC in the treatment of MIBC through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Relevant studies were systematically collected and reviewed in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science Databases, and the Cochrane Library. Relative ratios (RRs), Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate outcome measures. Studies comparing the pathological response and prognosis of three versus four cycles of NAC for MIBC were included. Five studies were included in this meta-analysis, including 2190 patients, of whom 1016 underwent three cycles of NAC and 1174 underwent four cycles of NAC. All studies were retrospective cohort studies. We found that 4 cycles of NAC had significantly better cancer-specific survival than 3 cycles (HR = 1.31, 95%CI,1.03–1.67, p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients who received 3 and 4 cycles of chemotherapy (HR = 1.18, 95%CI = 0.83–1.69, p = 0.345). Similarly, no significant difference was observed in pathological objective response (RR = 0.95, 95%CI= 0.81–1.11, p = 0.515) and complete response rates (RR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.69–1.11, p = 0.256) in MIBC after 3 or 4 cycles of NAC. Three and four cycles of NAC had similar pathological responses and prognosis for MIBC, although the cancer-specific survival rate of four cycles was better than that of three cycles. The pathological response rate and overall survival of three and four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer were similar. Four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may improve the cancer-specific survival of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer It is reasonable and feasible for clinicians to use three or four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production on inclusive education and physical education, focusing on productivity, topics and collaboration. Articles and reviews related to inclusive education and physical education published until 2018 in ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were included. Regarding results, 664 documents published from 1969 to 2018 were discovered. Documents approaching from sociology (183) and focused on inclusive cultures (63.1%) were the most represented. The average percentage of collaboration was 76.96%. Block was the most productive author while Lieberman achieved the highest number of collaborators. Almost half of the scientific output was published in 13 journals, three of them specifically dedicated to adapted physical activity. In summary, the scientific production on inclusive education and physical education has been mainly published during the last decade, in collaboration, focused on inclusive cultures and playing social sciences a key role for studying it, reflecting the interests and approaches of scholars and their patterns of collaboration. The emergence of inclusive education from the social and political spheres, the misunderstanding of this concept and its low educational consolidation have contributed to an increasing production of studies about inclusive culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to identify the main studies that research the relationship between defence spending and economic growth in a region, carried out on a large sample of 162 articles obtained from the Web of Science database, published between 1995 and 2019. By carrying out three analyses, descriptive, scientometric and content, the results have made it possible to identify the most outstanding characteristics of this relationship along with the main schools of thought. Furthermore, these can be grouped into one of the four proposed categories: positive relationship, negative, bidirectional or no relation at all. The state of the art has been evaluated and synthesized, establishing trends and areas for future research in this broad field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hypoxia is a physiological state characterized by reduced oxygen levels in organs and tissues. It is a common clinicopathological process and a major cause of health problems in highland areas. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the balance in autonomic innervation to the heart. It provides valuable information on the regulation of the cardiovascular system by neurohumoral factors, and changes in HRV reflect the complex interactions between multiple systems. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between high-altitude hypoxia and HRV. We summarize the different mechanisms of diseases caused by hypoxia and explore the changes in HRV across various systems. Additionally, we discuss relevant pharmaceutical interventions. Overall, this review aims to provide research ideas and assistance for in-depth studies on HRV. By understanding the intricate relationship between high-altitude hypoxia and HRV, we can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches to mitigate the effects of hypoxia on cardiovascular and other systems. Methods: The relevant literature was collected systematically from scientific database, including PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Baidu Scholar, as well as other literature sources, such as classic books of hypoxia. Results: There is a close relationship between heart rate variability and high-altitude hypoxia. Heart rate variability is an indicator that evaluates the impact of hypoxia on the cardiovascular system and other related systems. By improving the observation of HRV, we can estimate the progress of cardiovascular diseases and predict the impact on other systems related to cardiovascular health. At the same time, changes in heart rate variability can be used to observe the efficacy of preventive drugs for altitude related diseases. Conclusions: HRV can be used to assess autonomic nervous function under various systemic conditions, and can be used to predict and monitor diseases caused by hypoxia at high altitude. Investigating the correlation between high altitude hypoxia and heart rate variability can help make HRV more rapid, accurate, and effective for the diagnosis of plateau-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an overview that systematically maps the historical development, thematic foci and temporal trends of research in Balkan – Southeast European studies. It uses bibliographic and content analysis as well as other tools to synthesize around 8000 scholarly publications on the Balkans – Southeast Europe that are indexed in the Web of Science databases (SSCI, A&HCI, ESCI, BKCI-SSH). We provide a visual representation of the intellectual historiography and the conceptual content and dynamics of Balkan – Southeast European studies, identifying the most prominent works, the active research themes and the emerging trajectories in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum hydropiper L. (Polygonaceae) (PH) is a traditional Chinese traditional medicine with a pungent flavor and mild drug properties. PH is mainly distributed in the channel tropism in the stomach and large intestine. PH has multiple uses and can be used to treat a variety of diseases for a long time. This review summarizes the phytochemical and pharmacological activities, and applications of PH from 1980 to 2022. We also provide suggestions for promoting further research and developing additional applications of PH. The data and information on PH from 1980 to 2022 reviewed in this article were obtained from scientific databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Science Citation Index, SciFinder Scholar (SciFinder), Springer, American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), etc. Some information was obtained from classic literature on traditional Chinese medicines. The search terms were Polygonum hydropiper, phytochemistry compositions of Polygonum hydropiper, pharmacological activities of Polygonum hydropiper, and applications of Polygonum hydropiper. The comprehensive analysis of the literature resulted in 324 compounds being isolated, identified, and reported from PH. Regarding traditional uses, the majority of phytochemical and pharmacological studies have indicated the diverse bioactivities of PH extracts, flavonoids, and volatile oil elements, including antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. PH has a long history of diversified medicinal uses, some of which have been verified in modern pharmacological studies. Further detailed studies are required to establish scientific and reasonable quality evaluation standards and action mechanisms of active constituents from PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba Linn (Ginkgoaceae) [leaves extract (GBE)] is authorized for the treatment of sudden hearing loss (SHL); however, its clinical feasibility in SHL has not been thoroughly investigated. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant GBE in the treatment of SHL. We used PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China Biomedical Database for literature research, starting from inception to 30 June 2022. The key terms: Ginkgo biloba extract, Sudden Sensorineural Deafness. This meta-analysis contained randomized controlled trials that compared the safety and efficacy of the combination of GBE and general treatments (GT) with GT alone for SHL. The extracted data were analyzed using Revman5.4 software with risk ratio (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and mean difference (MD). Our meta-analysis included 27 articles with a total of 2623 patients. The results revealed that the effects of GBE adjuvant therapy was superior than GT (total effective rate: RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.18–1.26, p < 0.00001), the pure tone hearing threshold (MD = 12.29, 95% CI: 11.74–12.85, p < 0.00001) and hemorheology indexes (whole blood high shear viscosity: MD = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.47–2.44, p = 0.004) after treatment were significantly improved compared to non-treatment, while there was no significant difference as for hematocrit (red blood cells) (MD = 4.15, 95% CI: −7.15–15.45, p = 0.47). The efficacy of GBE + GT for the treatment of SHL may be more promising than GT alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the lean readiness themes, factors/attributes, methodologies, frameworks & sectors of the study of lean readiness assessment. A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was adopted. Fifty-three research articles indexed in the Scopus & Web of Science database were selected for review. The Zotero software tool was used to consolidate a unified list of articles. The identified articles were further processed and a scientometric review was conducted in the VOSviewer software. Ninety-three attributes of lean readiness within nine themes were identified. Training & Education, Top Management Commitment, and Leadership were found to be the most important lean readiness attributes. Fuzzy logic, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), DEMATEL, and Likert Scale Surveys have been largely adopted for the design of the Lean Readiness Assessment Frameworks. Studies relating to service industries are presently lacking and need to be taken up on a larger scale. Although there have been literature reviews on the subject, this is the first study holistically investigating the attributes of 'lean readiness' and summarizing research gaps. The findings of this paper shall benefit the organizations in their readiness assessment and shall also pave the way for further research in many service organizations, with easily implementable and scalable methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resting full-cycle ratio (RFR), a new non-congestive resting index, is commonly used for physiological evaluations of coronary arteries. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of RFR in detecting coronary artery stenosis with hemodynamic significance using fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard. Using 'RFR, resting full-cycle ratio' as the search term, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, screening the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. By applying FFR ≤ 0.80 and RFR ≤ 0.89 as the diagnostic criteria for ischaemia, we analysed the synthetic sensitivity, specificity, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, then synthesised the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC). Three studies were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 1,084 patients with 1,312 lesions. When we used FFR ≤ 0.80 as the reference standard, the synthesised sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of RFR in the diagnosis of coronary ischaemia were 73%, 81%, 67%, 85%, 3.95, and 0.33, respectively. Besides, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.8276. Using FFR as the reference standard, RFR has good diagnostic accuracy in detecting coronary ischaemic lesions and may be an effective alternative to FFR in the future, to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adherence to evidence-based standard treatment guidelines (STGs) enable healthcare providers to deliver consistently appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Irrational use of antimicrobials significantly contributes to antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The best available evidence is needed to guide healthcare providers on adherence to evidence-based implementation of STGs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of adherence to evidence-based implementation of antimicrobial treatment guidelines among prescribers in SSA. Methods: The review followed the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence data. CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched with no language and publication year limitations. STATA version 17 were used for meta-analysis. The publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed using Egger's test and the I2 statistics. Heterogeneity and publication bias were validated using Duval and Tweedie's nonparametric trim and fill analysis using the random-effect analysis. The summary prevalence and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of healthcare professionals' compliance with evidence-based implementation of STG were estimated using random effect model. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO code CRD42023389011. The PRISMA flow diagram and checklist were used to report studies included, excluded and their corresponding section in the manuscript. Results: Twenty-two studies with a total of 17,017 study participants from 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa were included. The pooled prevalence of adherence to evidence-based implementation of antimicrobial treatment guidelines in SSA were 45%. The pooled prevalence of the most common clinical indications were respiratory tract (35%) and gastrointestinal infections (18%). Overall prescriptions per wards were inpatients (14,413) and outpatients (12,845). Only 391 prescribers accessed standard treatment guidelines during prescription of antimicrobials. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals' adherence to evidence-based implementation of STG for antimicrobial treatment were low in SSA. Healthcare systems in SSA must make concerted efforts to enhance prescribers access to STGs through optimization of mobile clinical decision support applications. Innovative, informative, and interactive strategies must be in place by the healthcare systems in SSA to empower healthcare providers to make evidence-based clinical decisions informed by the best available evidence and patient preferences, to ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting appropriate antimicrobial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flipped classroom method has recently become popular in biology education. However, there is a lack of systematic and quantitative assessments on the efficiency of teaching medical microbiology using this novel approach. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to explore the flipped classroom method's effects versus those of traditional lectures in medical microbiology education. Six electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ERIC, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database, were searched to obtain relevant articles from the first publication on this topic up to March 2021. Study selection, data extraction, and quality estimations were conducted to analyse the effects. A total of 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis, with the results revealing a significantly improved effect within the flipped classroom model on students' theoretical [SMD = 0.56, 95% CI (0.28, 0.84), p < 0.0001] and practical examination scores [SMD = 0.70, 95% CI (0.19, 1.20), p = 0.007]. In terms of its teaching effects, the flipped classroom approach improves students' learning interest, self-study abilities, knowledge mastery, and satisfaction, but does exacerbate their learning burden. The flipped classroom method possesses multiple advantages when compared to traditional lectures in medical microbiology education, but does increase the burden experienced by students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]