Search

Critical thinking has been studied within different educational and professional settings as one of the renowned learning and innovation skills of the 21st century. However, the degree to which it is operationally defined, taught, and assessed in Iran is poorly documented. This complicates efforts to develop critical thinking disposition studies and assessment tools in the Iranian EFL context. In today’s EFL contexts, it is a common belief that having critical thinking dispositions among learners and synthesizing them with action learning approaches provide them opportunities for better understanding and enhancing their new knowledge, especially in argumentative writing. Therefore, most educational programs put an effort into developing such potential among EFL learners. This paper aimed to systematically review critical thinking disposition studies in the Iranian EFL context. Firstly, a number of definitions, along with the dimensions of the concept from various scholars' viewpoints, are presented. Secondly, the typical features of critical thinkers and what resources they need are introduced. Finally, the issue from both theoretical and pedagogical standpoints was reviewed to understand the use of critical thinking in the education field in the Iranian EFL context. It is hoped that this systematic review sheds light on the gap between pedagogical rhetoric and classroom practices due to the lack of CT attention implications for future research for conducting CT-integrated pedagogies in the Iranian EFL context.

This systematic research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of analysis related to the use of programming in the development of Computational Thinking (CT), especially in the context of education from primary to tertiary levels. This study analyzed 88 articles from empirical studies related to the use of programming to develop CT sourced from the Scopus database. The analysis process followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and consisted of three stages: search, selection, and data analysis. Descriptive and thematic statistical approaches were used for data analysis. Instruments used in the selection of articles included Rayyan for screening based on inclusion criteria, as well as Microsoft Excel for coding and thematic analysis. The results showed that articles related to the use of programming to promote CT have appeared since 2011 but have increased significantly since 2016, with an annual growth rate of 17.6%. Most studies used quantitative approaches, followed by qualitative and mixed methods. Overall, 270 authors from 27 countries contributed to the study, with the United States having the highest number of publications. A total of 33 programming tools were identified, with Scratch being the most widely used tool, followed by Blockly, LEGO, Scratch Jr., Code.org, Python, Alice, App Inventor, Kodu, R, MakeCode, and Arduino. Scratch Jr. is most commonly used at the early childhood education level, while programming languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB are more commonly used in higher education. The implications of these findings suggest that the trend of using programming tools such as Scratch and Blockly has the potential to influence CT teaching strategies in the classroom, as well as the importance of using varied programming tools in efforts to integrate CT into the education curriculum.

Background Pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, represents 10-15% of intracranial tumors. Although non-cancerous, its size and location can cause significant health issues, including hormonal imbalances and compression of nearby structures like the optic chiasm, leading to conditions such as Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, and visual disturbances. The prevalence ranges from 46 to 95 per 100,000 individuals. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of dexmedetomidine versus placebo in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines included 10 RCTs with 633 patients. English-language RCTs were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 tool, and statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. Results Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced heart rate after intubation (MD: -6.61 bpm, 95% CI: -8.98 to -4.24, p < 0.00001) and post-extubation (MD: -6.77 bpm, 95% CI: -8.59 to -4.96, p < 0.00001). Mean arterial pressure decreased after intubation (MD: -10.49 mmHg, 95% CI: -12.73 to -8.26, p < 0.00001) and post-extubation (MD: -12.97 mmHg, 95% CI: -14.37 to -11.57, p < 0.00001). Dexmedetomidine also reduced surgical duration (SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.41 to -0.05, p = 0.01), blood loss (MD: -109.49 mL, 95% CI: -152.60 to -66.38, p < 0.00001), propofol dose (SMD: -1.04, 95% CI: -1.72 to -0.37, p = 0.002), extubation time (SMD: -0.70, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.47, p < 0.00001), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.80, p = 0.007). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine enhances perioperative outcomes in transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas, supporting its use as an effective anesthetic adjunct.

This article explores the determinants of the consumption of geographical indication agricultural products through a ten-year systematic review. In recent years, the demand for healthier and safer products from consumers has been continuously increasing owing to the influence of the geographical indication of agricultural products. Geographical indication products, a type of label that associates food with specific regions, occupy a certain position in the global food market. This article aims to answer research questions about the determinants of the consumption of geographical indication agricultural products and provide a comparative analysis of five literature reviews related to this topic. We collected and processed relevant research data through a systematic literature review and provided transparent, complete, and accurate explanations using the PRISMA criterion. The research results reveal the consumer response to the geographical indication of agricultural products and the determining factors of different responses. The research in this article is of great significance for understanding the consumption trends and important information of geographical indication of agricultural products, helping enterprises better understand consumer behavior, and improving the income of farmers, producers, and enterprises.

Introduction: Considering the problems of emotion regulation and social skills in adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders, one of the methods that can help these adolescents is psychosocial intervention. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of evidence-based psychosocial interventions on the recurrence of symptoms in adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders. Methods: In the present study, keywords like psychosocial intervention, recurrence, bipolar disorder, bipolar and related disorders, and adolescence were selected based on the database of medical subject headings (MeSH) and searched on English databases such as Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar in the period of 2008 (from March) to 2023 (until December). In this study, the PRISMA systematic review study reporting guide was used. Results: The results of the conducted research indicated the existence of problems in the sleep schedule, emotion regulation, social functioning, and problem-solving skills of these adolescents. Although drug interventions were the front line of mania treatment, psychosocial interventions using models such as psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy focused on children and families, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal as well as social rhythm therapy has helped the process of treatment stability and effectively prevent the symptoms of the disorder from returning. Conclusion: Early psychosocial treatment, along with pharmacotherapy intervention, can reduce the negative impact of symptoms and lead to improved short-term and long-term outcomes by equipping adolescents and their families with knowledge and skills to improve understanding and management of the disorder.

Jiang-Peng Cao,1– 3 Yuan-Hao Du,1,2,4 Lan-Yu Jia,5 Xiu-Mei Yin,1– 3 Li-Hong Yang,1,2 Lin-Ling Chen,6 Tao Jiang,1,2 Man Zhang,4 Tian Qiu1– 3 1Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 3Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 4School of acupuncture & moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Geriatric medicine, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yuan-Hao Du, Email jpjs_cn@sina.comBackground: Cerebral blood flow and vascular structures serve as the fundamental components of brain metabolism and circulation. Acupuncture, an alternative and complementary medical approach, has demonstrated efficacy in treating cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the impact of acupuncture on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function remain uncertain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the alterations in VSMC function following acupuncture stimulation in CIS models.Methods: The databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were queried until November 2022 using a predetermined search strategy. The FORMAT BY SYRCLE guidelines were adhered to, and the risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. The random-effects model was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD).Results: Eighteen articles are included in this review. Acupuncture showed significant positive effects on the region cerebral blood flow (SMD=8.15 [95% CI, 4.52 to 11.78]) and neurological deficiency (SMD=− 3.75 [95% CI, − 5.54 to − 1.97]). Descriptive analysis showed a probable mechanism of acupuncture stimulation in CIS rats related to VSMC function. Limitations and publication bias were presented in the studies.Conclusion: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our findings indicate that acupuncture stimulation has the potential to improve regional cerebral blood flow and alleviate neurological deficits, possibly by regulating VSMC function. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting these results due to the limitations of animal experimental design and methodological quality.Keywords: acupuncture therapy, vascular smooth muscle cell, vasomotor, cerebral ischemic stroke, systematic review

Background: The experience of existential distress, along with other forms of distress, is one of the common experiences in end-of-life patients. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to review related studies and conceptualize existential distress in palliative care of cancer patients. Methods: This study was a systematic review, which was conducted from May 1 to July 31, 1402 at Allameh Tabatabai University and search strategy was written and performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science/PubMed and Scopus databases from the beginning of 2003 to the end of 2022. The inclusion criteria included all quantitative, qualitative, mixed and review studies that focused on the experience of adult patients. Lack of access to the full text of the article and studies in non-English language, clinical trial (randomized and non-randomized), letter to the editor, case report and protocol were excluded from the list of studies. After removing duplicate articles, two research authors reviewed the studies independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the differences between them were resolved by discussion. Results: After searching, screening and selecting articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally 22 articles were included in the study, of which three were review articles, eight were quantitative and 11 were qualitative. Terminally cancer patients experience existential distress, and the data are significant for estimating the prevalence of these symptoms, especially in the severe category. In addition to examining the prevalence of this symptom, patients have described their experience of existential distress in several categories: Feelings of loneliness and isolation (or loss of support system), relationship concerns (concerns about family, changes in relationships, and conflictual relationships), loss of control/autonomy (physical control, cognitive and emotional control), burden on others, loss of sense of continuity (loss of roles, pleasurable activities and sense of self), uncompleted life tasks, hopelessness/helplessness, dissolving of the future, uncertainty and frightening ambiguity, feeling guilt/ regret about the past, lack of meaning, inevitable thoughts of death. Conclusion: It seems that the themes raised beyond cultural differences show the universal human suffering, whose accurate conceptualization can help to develop effective therapeutic interventions to reduce existential distress.

Relevance. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Due to the nonspecificity of symptoms and difficulties in diagnosis, the exact incidence and prevalence of PAH associated with SLE is unknown. Aim. A systematic review of studies assessing the incidence and prevalence of PAH associated with SLE. Material and methods. A systematic search was performed for studies investigating the incidence and prevalence of PAH associated with SLE published from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2023. The search was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE database for English-language publications and in the RSCI database for studies in Russian according to pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results. 53 potential publications were identified, all sources in English. 11 publications remained for further assessment after screening article titles and abstracts. After detailed analysis, 6 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Totally, 5 studies were included in the systematic review. Three studies assessed prevalence only, one study assessed incidence only, and one study assessed both prevalence and incidence. The prevalence of PAH associated with SLE ranged from 0 to 4.2%, with 3-year and 5-year cumulative incidence rates of 0.53–1.2% and 0.77–1.8%, respectively. Conclusion. A systematic review showed a low prevalence and incidence of PAH associated with SLE.

Computational Thinking (CT) has emerged as a crucial and foundational skill in the 21st century, capturing the attention of researchers across various domains, including mathematics education in Indonesia. This research identifies and analyzes trends, themes, focuses, and research findings on CT through mathematics learning in Indonesia. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) adheres to the PRISMA guidelines, encompassing three stages: search, selection, and data analysis. The search process on the Scopus database, utilizing queries aligned with the research objectives, yielded 31 articles related to CT and mathematics education authored by Indonesian researchers. Subsequent selection involved criteria such as research focus, study type, document availability, and intervention differences, resulting in 14 articles. Data analysis employed Bibliometrix and NVivo 14 Plus software. The findings reveal a significant increase in research on CT in mathematics education from Indonesian researchers over the past two years, with an annual growth rate of 5.74%. This publication landscape involves contributions from 39 authors affiliated with 16 higher education institutions in Indonesia. Researchers have delved into diverse themes, including the analysis of CT skill achievement, the development of CT-oriented instructional models and media, and the creation of assessment tools to measure CT skills. These findings underscore the broad relevance of CT in the realm of mathematics education. As a burgeoning field of study, numerous aspects of CT remain open for further research, development, and exploration, especially those related to mathematics. To enhance the impact and implementation of Computational Thinking (CT) within the context of Indonesian education, future research may consider investigating innovative pedagogical approaches, assessing the long-term impact of CT interventions, and exploring the potential integration of CT across various educational levels.

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, which is associated with a high prevalence, especially in the elderly male population. Treatment options for non-metastatic prostate cancer usually include active surveillance, radiotherapy and surgery, so the aim of the present study is a systematic review of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. Methods: The study conducted is a systematic review article in which a review of the treatment of prostate cancer with brachytherapy has been done. The information used is taken from articles published in Persian and English in Google scholar, SID and PubMed databases from 2000 to 2022. The selected keywords in this article included Brachy therapy, Prostate cancer, Radio therapy, Prostate neoplasms, High dose rate, Low dose rate and External beam radio therapy. Selection of studies was done according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Brachytherapy can be classified into 2 types of permanent implantation and temporary implantation based on the length of the treatment period. In permanent brachytherapy implants for prostate cancer, iodine (125I) or palladium (103Pd) are used as radioactive sources for low dose rate cases and for high dose rate brachytherapy. Iridium (192Ir) is used. Brachytherapy is usually used in two ways, either as a monotherapy in which LDR and HDR are used to treat some low-risk patients, or as a booster treatment after other treatments such as EBRT, which here may be part of the treatment process before, after, or during treatment. In contrast to brachytherapy alone, brachytherapy plus EBRT is an appropriate approach in patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk disease. In high-risk patients, the combined use of EBRT and HDR-BT can lead to better results than EBRT alone. Brachytherapy treatment is not suitable for every disease. Conclusion: One of the main advantages of this treatment method is the ability to administer a high dose of radiation while minimizing radiation exposure to adjacent healthy organs. Since optimal dose distribution occurs in the treatment, quality treatment can be ensured. The results obtained from both forms of brachytherapy are generally suitable and comparable to other treatment methods with fewer side effects.

Zoha Akbar,1 Sundus Fituri,1 Asma Ouagueni,1 Joud Alalwani,1 Ayah Sukik,1 Ghadir Fakhri Al-Jayyousi,2 Maya Bassil,1 Reema Tayyem1 1Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; 2Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, QatarCorrespondence: Reema Tayyem, Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar, Email reema.tayyem@qu.edu.qaPurpose: Recent studies have expanded the scope of research on the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet beyond its impact on cognitive performance. These investigations have specifically explored its potential to provide protection against cardiometabolic diseases and associated risk factors, including obesity and dyslipidemia.Methods: We systematically summarized and evaluated all existing observational and trial evidence for the MIND diet in relation to cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors in adults. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to extract original studies on humans published until September 2023, without date restrictions. A total of 491 studies were initially retrieved, out of which 23 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Duplicated and irrelevant studies were screened out by five independent reviewers using the Rayyan platform. Quality assessment was ascertained using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) for randomized trials.Results: Across the different study designs, the MIND diet was generally associated with an improvement in anthropometric measures and other cardiometabolic outcomes, such as blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid profile, inflammation and stroke. The effects of the MIND eating pattern on some cardiovascular diseases are less conclusive.Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review support the recommendation of the MIND diet as a strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk in adults. Further well-designed and long-term studies are warranted.Keywords: MIND diet, dietary patterns, cardiometabolic diseases, systematic review

Literature on audit quality remains plenteous, with researchers contemplating the area for 'forever and a day’. The present study proposes synthesising the existing literature on audit quality, discerning the prominent themes and providing future research avenues. This paper attempts to analyse and synthesise the dynamics of audit quality research by employing the diminuendos of systematic literature review with bibliometric and content analysis. Scopus database has been gleaned to systematically retrieve the literature on audit quality from 1981-2022. Analysing the 1101 relevant articles under review makes the USA the highest contributor. It is, however, enthralling to note that developing countries have also registered increased interest in the topic. Apart from the other documented findings, the study concluded that research has witnessed impeccable growth over the years under various lenses, which have been precisely synthesised into six clusters. While various reviews have been conducted using innumerable qualitative methods, this study attempts to employ quantitative methods to synthesise the extant literature, which is a rarity.

Objectives: To evaluate the hand hygiene (HH) practices among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: To locate research that met the inclusion criteria, a thorough computerized search of relevant databases was carried out. A comprehensive search was carried out on PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to locate relevant material. Results: Our data included eight trials with 1218 participants and 573 (47%) were males. This systematic review noted that compliance rates ranged widely, from 18.8% to 86.83%, and the most important factors in HH were gender-female nurses being more compliant; education targeted at and training of nurses; and, finally, behavioral factors related to self-efficacy, social pressure, and workplace culture. While there was some good compliance, generally HH practices were suboptimal and needed further improvement. Conclusion: This systematic review indicates that factors that significantly contribute to compliance to HH among Saudi nurses include gender, with females generally showing better adherence, and targeted education and training. Behavioral factors include self-efficacy, while social factors include workplace culture, which greatly enhances the practice of HH. Although some studies were positive, the overall compliance was poor, and further efforts were required to improve the adherence to HH practices through better education, supportive environment, and strong monitoring mechanisms for ensuring patient safety and quality care.

Objectives: To study the pharmacists’ contributions to medication error (ME) prevention in Saudi Arabia Methods: To locate research that met the inclusion criteria, a thorough computerized search of relevant databases was carried out. A comprehensive search was carried out on PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to locate relevant material. Results: Our data included seven trials with 83,705 MEs. MEs reported by pharmacists varied across studies, with rates ranging from approximately 54% to over 96%. The majority of errors reported were related to prescribing and dispensing, with pharmacists consistently identifying more errors compared to other healthcare professionals. Key challenges included poor communication between pharmacists and physicians, which contributed to the occurrence of MEs. The review also highlighted the lack of reporting by other healthcare providers, underscoring the need for a more collaborative approach to reducing MEs. Conclusion: Pharmacists play a critical role in improving medication safety, but there are gaps in research and practice. While they have proven to be effective in reducing errors, more work is needed to encourage other healthcare professionals to take a more active role in reporting and preventing these errors. Future studies should focus on prospective designs, improving inter-professional communication, and exploring the role of pharmacists in non-hospital settings.

Adam R Burkey,1 Jeffrey Chen,2 Charles E Argoff,3 Deborah R Edgar,4 Erika A Petersen5 1Anesis Spine and Pain Care, Renton, WA, USA; 2UCSD Department of Anesthesiology Center for Pain, University of California San Diego Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, USA; 3Department of Neurology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA; 4Commexus Ltd, Dunblane, Perthshire, UK; 5Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USACorrespondence: Erika A Petersen, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St, Slot 507, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA, Tel +1-501-686-5270, Email eapetersen@uams.eduIntroduction: Painful peripheral neuropathy (PPN) is a debilitating condition with varied etiologies. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is increasingly used when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate pain relief. Few published reviews have examined SCS outcomes in all forms of PPN.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of SCS in PPN. The PubMed database was searched up to February 7th, 2022, for peer-reviewed studies of SCS that enrolled PPN patients with pain symptoms in their lower limbs and/or lower extremities. We assessed the quality of randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were tabulated and presented narratively.Results: Twenty eligible studies documented SCS treatment in PPN patients, including 10 kHz SCS, traditional low-frequency SCS (t-SCS), dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS), and burst SCS. In total, 451 patients received a permanent implant (10 kHz SCS, n=267; t-SCS, n=147; DRGS, n=25; burst SCS, n=12). Approximately 88% of implanted patients had painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Overall, we found clinically meaningful pain relief (≥ 30%) with all SCS modalities. Among the studies, RCTs supported the use of 10 kHz SCS and t-SCS to treat PDN, with 10 kHz SCS providing a higher reduction in pain (76%) than t-SCS (38– 55%). Pain relief with 10 kHz SCS and DRGS in other PPN etiologies ranged from 42– 81%. In addition, 66– 71% of PDN patients and 38% of nondiabetic PPN patients experienced neurological improvement with 10 kHz SCS.Conclusion: Our review found clinically meaningful pain relief in PPN patients after SCS treatment. RCT evidence supported the use of 10 kHz SCS and t-SCS in the diabetic neuropathy subpopulation, with more robust pain relief evident with 10 kHz SCS. Outcomes in other PPN etiologies were also promising for 10 kHz SCS. In addition, a majority of PDN patients experienced neurological improvement with 10 kHz SCS, as did a notable subset of nondiabetic PPN patients.Keywords: painful diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord stimulation, 10 kHz SCS, diabetes, neuropathic pain, systematic review

Usha Rani Kandula, Addisu Dabi Wake Department of Clinical Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Usha Rani Kandula, Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Oromia Region, P.O. Box-396, Asella, Ethiopia, Tel +251-939052408, Email neha2010dec@gmail.com; usharani2020@arsiun.edu.etBackground: Global pandemic identified as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a variety of clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic carriers to those with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) and moderate upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS). This systematic review aimed to determine effectiveness of stem cell (SC) applications among COVID-19 patients.Methods: Multiple databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were used. Studies were screened, chosen, and included in this systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 flowchart diagram and PRISMA checklist. Included studies’ quality was assessed employing Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality evaluation criteria for 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Results: Fourteen RCTs were performed between the years of 2020 to 2022, respectively, with a sample size n = 574 (treatment group (n = 318); control group (n = 256)) in multiple countries of Indonesia, Iran, Brazil, Turkey, China, Florida, UK, and France. The greatest sample size reported from China among 100 COVID-19 patients, while the lowest sample of 9 COVID-19 patients from Jakarta, Indonesia, and the patient’s age ranges from 18 to 69 years. Studies applied to the type of SC were “Umbilical cord MSCs, MSCs secretome, MSCs, Placenta-derived MSCs, Human immature dental pulp SC, DW-MSC infusion, Wharton Jelly-derived MSCs”. The injected therapeutic dose was 1 × 106 cells/kg, 1 × 107 cells/kg, 1 × 105 cells/kg, and 1 million cells/kg as per the evidence from the different studies. Studies focused on demographic variables, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, Comorbidities, respiratory measures, concomitant therapies, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, mechanical ventilation, body mass index, adverse events, inflammatory markers, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were all recorded as study characteristics.Conclusion: Clinical evidence on MSC’s therapeutic applications during COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a promising therapy for COVID-19 patient recovery with no consequences and applied as a routine treatment for challenging ailments.Keywords: COVID-19, nCoV-19, novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome-coronavirus-2, stem cell management, Mesenchymal stem cell applications

The current systematic review was conducted to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D levels, bone health, and physical performance indices in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for studies published up to June 2020, with no language limits. To determine the risk of bias, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality criteria checklist was used. Results: Eight studies that met all of the inclusion criteria were identified. All of the eligible studies had a high level of heterogeneity regarding outcome measures, study design, and the dose of vitamin D. The majority of the trials showed beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D levels and other outcome measures in patients with SCI. Three randomized controlled trials revealed a low risk of bias, whilst other studies were rated as the either neutral or negative risk of bias. Conclusion: This review suggests that vitamin D supplementation could improve vitamin D levels, bone health, and physical performance indices in individuals with SCI. However, due to the high level of heterogeneity, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further studies on this population should be performed to have sufficient power and a robust design to give definitive conclusions.

Leagile is a hybrid of conventional lean and agile approaches intended to eliminate specific constraints and capacity limitations and enable agility in highly competitive business environments. Interest in incorporating lean and agile into the supply chain has grown in recent years, as shown by the growing number of scientific publications on this topic. This topic has garnered significant interest across a wide range of academic disciplines; however, a comprehensive study of the literature in this field has not yet been conducted. Therefore, the present study aims to provide a state-of-the-art summary of leagile supply chain issues that concern researchers. To do so, we use a bibliometric method, combined with citation context analysis, to evaluate data extracted from Scopus peer-reviewed articles published between 1999 and March 2023. Data analytic techniques, including citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and co-word (co-occurrence) analysis, are used. Using rigorous bibliometric and visualization tools, the results show the current status of the research problem, its impact, and suggestions for future work to address research gaps, such as a problem in an area of research that has been answered incompletely or insufficiently. The findings suggest that researchers in unexplored research areas in the ASEAN region include green supply chain strategies, supply chain risk management influenced by lean and agile strategies, and comparative analyses among ASEAN countries. These areas offer promising avenues for future research, contributing to regional competitiveness and performance enhancement.

Context: The complexity in swine production demands equally complex management actions. In this sense, risk management is an area that has been little explored and that may offer significant contributions to pork producers in their decision-making processes. Aims: This study aimed to collect the available information on risks in pig farming and identify how the topic has been approached in recent studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on the basis of searches in the Web of Science , Scopus and Science Direct databases, in the period ranging from 2015 to 2021. The searches resulted in 2178 documents on the theme risks in pig farming, which were then classified into 13 categories to represent the general objective of each study and into 177 subcategories representing the specific objective of each work. The data, separated into categories and subcategories, was not classified by any exclusionary criteria. On the contrary, they represent all the information found in the studied documents. Key results: The results show that, although the number of studies on risks in pig farming is growing, the studies are contained in specific fields only. It was also possible to observe that although the studies focused on problems that may affect pig raising, they were not approached in a holistic manner using risk management methodologies that would allow identifying, measuring and managing risks in a consistent and systematic way. Thus, the studies cannot be characterised as having a risk management approach. Conclusion: The studies on risks in pig farming focus on specific areas instead of using an integrated approach. It was found that risks in pig farming are a growing concern, but a holistic approach to the subject is still unexplored and could be quite fruitful, as it would make it possible to identify, measure and manage risks in a more consistent and systematic way. Implications: Producers, veterinarians, managers and researchers can use the results of this study (1) to develop identification systems, and (2) in quantitative and qualitative analyses, planning, implementation of responses and monitoring of risks in pig farming. The complexity in swine production demands management actions that are equally complex. An area that may significantly help pork producers with their decision-making is risk management. A systematic review was carried. The searches resulted in 2178 documents on the theme risks in pig farming. The results showed that risk is a growing theme in the area but they were not approached in a holistic manner through specific methodologies that would allow identifying, measuring and managing risks in a consistent and systematic way and thus be characterised as risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to healthcare is a fundamental right of every individual, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. In many countries, deprived areas often face a shortage of physicians and other healthcare professionals. This study aimed to investigate the approaches essential to attract and retain physicians in the deprived and rural areas. Methods: The present study is a systematic review using appropriate keywords in Persian and English language. The main databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, SID, and IranMedex were searched from May 2005 to September 2022 in both languages. Different approaches implemented by countries to attract and retain doctors were classified using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 18 articles were selected for inclusion in the study. Educational, regulatory, motivational, and personal and professional support drivers have been used to attract and retain physicians. The successful interventions implemented were mainly educational and supportive; such as admitting native medical students, providing relevant curricula on working in the deprived and rural areas, and conducting training courses in these regions. Those studying the topics and courses related to serving in the rural areas during their academic education or internship and residency programs had served more time in these areas. Assimilating the topics related to providing services in rural areas into the curriculum, holding fellowship courses and related graduate studies, awarding scholarships to the physicians working in deprived areas, providing free amenities, reducing working hours, and considering special holidays are considered among the recommended solutions. Conclusion: Various drivers were used for attracting and retaining physicians in the deprived and rural areas. Besides, the challenge to retain doctors in such areas was fairly common. Most countries have put more priority on the use of financial incentives, nevertheless, a combination of interventions was preferred. It is worth mentioning that a range of economic, political, and social factors could play a key role in the success of recommended interventions.

Jingyu Zhang,1,&ast; Yinxia Zhan,2,&ast; Jiaojiao Chen,2 Dan Kang,2 Rumei Xiang,2 Ruoyi Zhang,2 Yubo Zhang,1 Yang Pu,2 Jiayuan Zhang,1 Lijun Zhang,2 Yanyan Huang,2 Ruoyan Gong,2 Xueyao Su,2 Yuxian Nie,1 Qiuling Shi1,2 1State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qiuling Shi, State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18290585397, Email qshi@cqmu.edu.cnBackground: Patients with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers often experience severe symptoms, resulting in a sharp decline in functioning, poor quality of life, and increased mortality risk. Early and effective management of symptoms allows a better quality of life and reduced mortality, depending on the selection of appropriate assessment of specific symptoms for a defined purpose. We aimed to develop a symptom measurement item bank for hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancers.Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was applied to organize this systematic review. The articles validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancer and published before December 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase databases and Cochrane Library. Items from the existing PROMs were selected and classified into different patient-reported symptoms based on the concepts and specific underlying constructs of the objects measured.Results: Sixteen unique PROMs were identified across the 29 eligible studies included in our analysis. Items from the literature review (14 PROMs with 421 items for which information was obtained) were selected and classified. As a result of this study, we developed a symptom item bank with 40 patient-reported symptoms and 229 assessment items for hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancer, and fatigue, pain and nausea were the most common symptom items.Conclusion: We developed an item bank to assess the patient-reported symptoms of hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancer. This item bank could allow researchers to select appropriate measures of symptom and provide a basis for the development of a single-item symptom-measurement system.Keywords: patient-reported outcome measures, symptom, item bank, pancreatic carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, systematic review

Adjuvant-induced autoimmune syndrome (ASIA) and its diagnostic criteria were described by Shoenfeld in 2011, relating symptoms of autoimmunity to adjuvants, such as silicone, present in breast implants. This systematic review aimed to gather data from the literature on symptomatology, incidence and proposed treatments for ASIA caused by silicone breast implants (SBI). Searches were carried out in PubMed, LILACS, Embase and Cochrane databases, using the descriptors “Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants,” “Breast implant,” and “Silicone Implant Incompatibility Syndrome.” The search strategy generated 95 articles, of which 20 were included in the review. The authors suggest three main theories to explain the development of the syndrome: genetic predisposition, silicone bleeding and the formation of a periprosthetic capsule. The most frequently described clinical manifestations include chronic fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia, and cognitive and sleep disorders. There is no consensus on laboratory findings and associated risk factors; recent studies propose expanding the diagnostic criteria initially described. Adequate treatment remains controversial, ranging from medications to prosthesis explantation. Although the reviewed articles suggest the existence of ASIA related to SBI, its precise pathophysiology is unknown, the symptoms reported are nonspecific, and the time between exposure and the onset of manifestations is uncertain. This systematic review concludes that, to date, there is not enough scientific evidence to establish the causality of the development of adjuvant-induced autoimmune syndrome resulting from silicone breast implants.

Background: The current systematic review was conducted to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D levels, bone health, and physical performance indices in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for studies published up to June 2020, with no language limits. To determine the risk of bias, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality criteria checklist was used. Results: Eight studies that met all of the inclusion criteria were identified. All of the eligible studies had a high level of heterogeneity regarding outcome measures, study design, and the dose of vitamin D. The majority of the trials showed beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D levels and other outcome measures in patients with SCI. Three randomized controlled trials revealed a low risk of bias, whilst other studies were rated as the either neutral or negative risk of bias. Conclusion: This review suggests that vitamin D supplementation could improve vitamin D levels, bone health, and physical performance indices in individuals with SCI. However, due to the high level of heterogeneity, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further studies on this population should be performed to have sufficient power and a robust design to give definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a serious chronic condition that leads to diminished quality of life and psychological problems. The current study aimed to systematically reviewed the existing literature on EDS patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), calculate mean HRQoL value, and determine the association between demographical and publication-related characteristics with HRQoL. Methods: Four electronic databases were used to identify papers on HRQOL in adults with EDS (Scopus, Medline (by Pubmed), Epistemonikos, and Web of Science). A random-effects meta-analysis was also performed on the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) measure. Results: We contained 37 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. According to the SF-36 meta-analysis, EDS patients and the general population had significant differences in all HRQoL components (p0.01). In EDS patients, the Physical Component Summary (35.34/100) was more seriously impacted than the Mental Component Summary (45.21/100) in these patients. Conclusion: Individuals with EDS have significantly lower HRQoL in all aspects compared to the general population, with the physical component of wellbeing being the most pronounced disparity. Future research should look into the impact of different patient characteristics, evaluate the complications of EDS and their effects on wellbeing, and develop multiple intervention strategies to improve HRQoL.

Resumo: Ditongos são definidos como o encontro de uma vogal (a, e, i, o, u) e de uma semivogal (i, u) numa mesma sílaba. No entanto, ditongos classificados como decrescentes, em que a semivogal sucede a vogal, têm comportamento variável no português brasileiro. Palavras como peixe podem ser realizadas como pexe [‘pe.ʃɪ]; caixa, como caxa [‘ka.ʃə]; cenoura, como cenora [se.’no.ɾə], resultados do processo de monotongação, em que um ditongo é reduzido a um monotongo. O fenômeno de monotongação já foi amplamente investigado em diversas regiões dialetais do Brasil. Entretanto, a natureza fragmentada dos estudos se torna pouco colaborativa para a construção de um panorama abrangente, que possa contribuir, por exemplo, para aplicações pedagógicas. Neste texto, apresentamos uma proposta de sistematização dos ditongos monotongáveis no português brasileiro e de quais são os condicionamentos do processo, a partir de um estudo de revisão sistemática integrativa. Os ditongos alvo do fenômeno são, em ordem decrescente de percentual de monotongação: [oʊ̯], [eɪ̯], [aɪ̯] e [oɪ̯]. A monotongação de [oʊ̯] é vista como uma mudança consolidada no português brasileiro. A monotongação de [eɪ̯] tem restrições internas relativas ao contexto fonológico seguinte constituído por tepe e consoantes palatais. O ditongo [aɪ̯] é monotongado em sílaba aberta, quando seguido de consoante palatal; e em sílaba fechada, quando a fricativa final é palatalizada. O ditongo [oɪ̯] é monotongado em sílabas fechadas, em itens lexicais específicos, também quando a fricativa final é palatalizada. Os resultados apontam ainda que o monotongo possui características acústicas intermediárias entre ditongo preservado e vogal simples. Palavras-chave: monotongação; ditongo decrescente oral; revisão sistemática. Abstract: Diphthongs are usually defined as a sequence of one vowel (a, e, i, o, u) and one semivowel (i, u) in the same syllable. However, diphthongs classified as falling, in which the semivowel follows the vowel, have variable realizations in Brazilian Portuguese. Words like peixe (fish) are realized as pexe [‘pe.ʃɪ], caixa (box) as caxa [‘ka.ʃə], cenoura (carrot), as cenora [se.’no.ɾə], results of monophthongization in which a diphthong is reduced into a monophthong. This phenomenon has already been extensively investigated in different dialectal regions from Brazil. Nevertheless, the fragmented nature of the studies turned out not to be considerably resourceful in order to build a comprehensive overview that may contribute to pedagogical applications, for example. In this text, we present an attempt to systematize the diphthongs that can be converted to monophthongs in Brazilian Portuguese and the constraints that constraints condition the application of the variable rule of monophthongization from an integrative systematic review. The target diphthongs of the phenomenon are, in a descending order of percentage of monophthongization: [oʊ̯], [eɪ̯], [aɪ̯], and [oɪ̯]. The monophthongization of [oʊ̯] is seen as a consolidated change in Brazilian Portuguese. The monophthongization of [eɪ̯] has internal constraints in relation to the following phonological context composed of palatal and tap consonants. The diphthong [aɪ̯] undergoes monophthongization in open syllable when followed by a palatal consonant; and in closed syllable when the final fricative is palatalized. The diphthong [oɪ̯] is monophtongized in closed syllables in specific lexical items, and also when the final fricative is palatalized. The results point to the fact that monophthongs have acoustic intermediate features between the preserved diphthong and the simple vowel. Keywords: monophthongization; oral falling diphthong; systematic review.

Considering the essential role of knowledge management in organizations and the importance of knowledge auditing as one of its most vital processes, the purpose of this paper is to reveal the insights and thoughts of authors about knowledge auditing in the articles during 2016-2020 by using the systematic review method. In these articles, the progress and differences in the proposed models and frameworks of knowledge auditing are also examined. In this review, 20 articles out of 50 retrieved articles related to knowledge auditing were reviewed and analysed. The study of the obtained results shows the progress and changes of authors 'attitudes toward knowledge auditing and their attention and focus on the knowledge management process, making suggestions, and continues re-auditing in organizations.https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20088302.2022.20.3.13.0

Introduction: the idea of continuing breastfeeding and work raises conflicting demands on the mother. Work correlates with early termination of breastfeeding and full-time work is associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding than working part time. Objective: we aimed to systematically explore literature relating to factors related to breastfeeding duration in mothers returning to work. Materials and Methods: this research uses systematic review where systematic review is carried out following a combination of selected reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: many selected articles were found related to factors affecting the duration of breastfeeding in breastfeeding mothers who returned to work. Discussions: delaying return to work until at least 15 weeks postpartum indicates a long duration of breastfeeding (at least 6 months). Part-time work is also positively related to the duration of feeding. Conclusions: employment and early return to work, support from social environment, perception of milk production, higher maternal occupational and education, household income, delaying return to work at least 15 weeks postpartum, working part time and longer maternity leave are predictors of breastfeeding duration on mother return to work.

Introduction: Oral mucosa is one of the body’s most sensitive tissues. Due to the prevalence of oral ulcers and the effect of cancers on the oral mucosa, treating oral lesions is particularly important. Matricaria chamomilla is widely used in traditional medicine. Chamomile compounds have antibacterial، antiviral, anti-inflammatory and accelerate epithelialization. However no systematic study has been undertaken on the application of chamomile in treating oral lesions. Therefore this study aims to determine the medicinal use of chamomile in dentistry. Materials and Methods: This systematic review searched major international electronic databases, including PubMed, ISI and Scopus, from August 1998 to August 2021. The articles included in this review were clinical trials in which the participants used chamomile as a mouthwash or gel. Results: In this study, the therapeutic effects of chamomile were evaluated in 14 clinical trial studies. Most of the studies reviewed in the articles referred to the properties of flavonoid compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of chamomile. Conclusion: Today, medicinal plants are used in treatment and one of the most common plants used for medicinal purposes is chamomile. It is used in dentistry, and its positive effects on plaque, gingivitis, caries, mucositis and its antibacterial effects have been reported. Keywords: Chamomilla; Oral mucosa; Systematic review.

Objectives: We set out to examine the volume, scope and quality of research related to First Nations peoples' perceptions of, and experiences with, child rearing and/or parenting programs. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature published between 2000 and 2020. Sixty-eight studies identified through electronic databases and references lists met inclusion criteria. Results: The study found an 8% increase in publications in the field each year (P -value = 0.002), mostly conducted in Australia with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (n = 29, 41%). Scope included positive and negative experiences relating to: parenting from adult (n = 19 studies) and teenager (n = 4) perspectives; and pregnancy, antenatal and postnatal care from the perspective of adults (n = 23) and teenagers (n = 2). Descriptive studies included qualitative (n = 40; 58%), quantitative (n = 8, 12%) or mixed methods (n = 7, 10%). Thirteen experimental studies reported the development, acceptability and/or effectiveness of programs (19%), of which three met the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care design criteria. Conclusions: Despite an overall increase in volume, research efforts do not demonstrate a clear scientific progression. Further methodologically rigorous studies examining child rearing and/or parenting programs developed in collaboration with First Nations populations are needed. What is known about the topic? Examining research output, effectiveness and acceptability of existing existing parenting and child rearing programs for First Nations parents can inform research priorities and service development.. What does this paper add? Rigorous research to inform the development and evaluation of parenting programs is limited. Strengths-based, community-wide approaches should integrate community identities, expertise and resources, encourage ownership and engagement, and build capacity.. What are the implications for practitioners? Continued efforts are necessary to develop programs uniquely informed by, and tailored to, First Nations parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behcet’s disease is a chronic fatal illness with a relapsing remitting nature and significant organ-threatening morbidity and mortality. The aim of this research was to examine studies which were conducted on investigation of prevalence of quality of life among patients with Behcet’s disease. Methods: A total of 13 articles were extracted from four main databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science from the onset of 2000 to January 2021. All studies published in English with the purpose of examining quality of life (QOL) among patients with BD or investigating its main determinants were included. Results: Totally, 1137 BD patients participated in 13 studies. Based on random effect analysis, the total score of physical health-related QOL was 46.7 (95% CI=41.26 to 52.13) and the total score of mental health-related QOL was 49.01 (95% CI=43.83 to 54.18) representing a moderate level of QOL among BD patients. Furthermore, weighted effect size analyses showed a significant correlation between QOL and variables such as patients’ age, gender, disease duration and depression (pvalue: 0.00). Conclusion: As the symptoms of BD worsen over time, patients confront with more severe body pain, mobility restrictions, and difficulties in chewing, eating, speaking and swallowing which negatively affect social interactions of patients and reduce their QOL. Furthermore, depression was proved to act as a deteriorating factor for HRQOL among BD patients. Thus, patients need to be psychologically supported by a specialized team and be informed during the course of treatment to gain useful information about the disease, treatment approaches and coping strategies.

Background: Parkinson's disease is one of the chronic neurological diseases. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's, affecting 7.5 million people worldwide and its rate is expected to increase by 20% by 2020. three symptoms of tremor, muscle stiffness and movement disorders are among the main diagnostic symptoms of the disease. The prevalence of Parkinson's worldwide varies between 18 and 418 cases per 100,000 people per year. It is generally estimated that the prevalence of this disease in the general population is 0.3%. A systematic review study was performed to determine the factors associated with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study was a systematic review that was conducted by searching national and international databases until February 2020. Initially, all articles which had mentioned Parkinson-related factors were collected and accepted by researchers based on studies. Entry and exit criteria were met. Exclusion criteria included irrelevant items, duplication of studies, unclear procedure, and lack of access to the full text of the study. To reduce bias, articles were evaluated independently by two researchers, and the quality of articles was assessed using the STROBE checklist. All final articles submitted to the systematic review process were prepared by a template checklist. Checklists included article title, first author’s name, year of publication, place of study, risk factors, protective factors, and ineffective factors or the ones which their effects have not yet been determined, and the average age. Results: In these studies, the following risk factors were reported: family history, agricultural occupation, literacy, stress, well water consumption, aging, environmental factors, genetic factors, pesticide exposure, and alcohol abuse. On the other hand, factors such as smoking and oilseeds, high levels of B-complex vitamins, female estrogen hormones, and selenium have been reported to protect against Parkinson's disease. Conclusion: Considering the results of the present study and although there is no definitive treatment for this disease, protective factors and risk factors should be seriously considered by health policymakers for preventive measures.

Gamification has expanded dramatically in the field of human resource management in recent years. Research that has examined the influence of gamification on changes in candidates' perceptions of personnel selection is still expanding, as the majority of academic work in gamification is related to the field of education. This paper aims to investigate how job seekers perceive selection assessment tools based on gamification through a systematic review. The systematic review contains articles published between 2010 and 2022 and indexed in five databases. In the first stage, 5260 articles are included in our search. We chose as exclusion criteria articles published before 2010, references other than journal articles, reviews, and conference articles. Furthermore, we excluded articles published in languages other than English and French, off-topic articles. After assessing all the references, we selected 21 articles following PRISMA statement. The results highlighted 21 scientific articles covering the following themes: candidates' reactions to gamification tools and serious games, candidates' reactions to gamified selection tests, advantages and limits of gamification, and the performance level of candidates regarding the use of gamification. Limitations and implications for future research were discussed.

Background: Mediterranean diet may enhance cognitive function and delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of oleocanthal (OC) from extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) on amyloid-β (Aβ) burden in preclinical models of AD, considering the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of EVOO biophenols, which are key components of the Mediterranean dietary model., Methods: The literature was searched through six electronic databases until February 2023. Screening of 52 retrieved articles for inclusion criteria resulted in 7 preclinical reports evaluating the effect of an OC-supplemented diet on AD trajectories by means of Aβ load or clearance in affected models. Reports were appraised for risk of bias using the SYRCLE's RoB tool. A protocol was registered on PROSPERO., Results: Case control prevailed over the case-crossover design, and the geographical distribution was uniformly American. The study population mostly included 5xFAD, otherwise TgSwDI or wild-type C57BL/6 mouse models. We found a role of OC in reducing Aβ load in the hippocampal parenchyma and microvessels compared with controls. An increased cerebral clearance of Aβ through the bloodbrain barrier and a substantial improvement in metabolic and behavioral parameters were also reported in preclinical models under an OC-enriched diet. The risk of bias was shown to be moderate overall., Conclusion: Preclinical data are promising about the effects of OC from the Mediterranean diet's EVOO in relieving the burden of Aβ in AD; however, further evidence is needed to corroborate the efficacy of this biophenol and strengthen the speculated causal pathway., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Bigles are novel formulation merging two phase of hydrogel and organogel revealing dual properties to release active agents based on their lipophilic or hydrophilic nature., Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science to find eligible studies evaluating the efficiency of bigels in drug release. 20 articles were included in the analysis based on the defined criteria., Results: The results indicated that several different natural materials were used for bigel making. Span (52.38%) and Sunflower oil (23.80%) were the most solvents used for organogel formation. Also, gelatin, agar, gums, and other types of biopolymer were used as hydroglators. Most research (33.33%) focused on the release of metronidazole from bigel structure. Also, the range of drug release rates was 1.59 - 100% and in 42.85% of studies was >90%. The nature, content, and properties of both organogel and hydrogel and some process variables such as temperature, mixing speed and storage conditions were highlighted as the main influential factors on bigel formation and its bioactivity., Conclusion: Bigels are an innovative structure that provides desired physicochemical and rheological properties for industrial applications. Excellent biocompatibility and in vitro / ex vivo results have been documented for developed bigels. In this regard, an optimal preparation method is very important to show superior therapeutic effects., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objectives: This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the applicability of the envelope (E) protein in the diagnosis of arboviruses., Methods: This review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Five databases were explored (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and IEDB). The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to study eligibility. After data extraction, the risk of bias and evidence certainty were evaluated according to QUADAS and GRADE assessments, respectively., Results: Eleven studies were included. A total of 11 studies were included in the review. ELISA was the most frequently utilized technique, with two studies employing it for antigen detection and nine for antibodies. The E protein was used as a whole protein, heterologous protein, and peptides. The diagnostic metrics were enhanced by optimizations on techniques, such as antibody capture, competitors, and nanosensors. Monoclonal antibodies showed improved specificity, including in coinfected samples. Seven studies demonstrated a minimal risk of bias, and the evidence certainty was considered moderate for dengue diagnosis., Conclusions: The E protein was successfully employed in different immunological assays with large-scale strategies, enhancing the applicability potential for differential arboviruses' diagnosis. Furthermore, both the antigen design and the implementation of innovative methodologies will have a substantial impact on the quality of the new tests. The PROSPERO protocol related to this work: CRD42021265243., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Introduction/objective: Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent oral pathology in the human population, which has a significant local and systemic impact. Currently, multi-omics analyses, including lipidomics, are fundamental to obtaining an in-depth molecular understanding of the individual. Lipidomics is dedicated to the study of lipid species and their interactions in various health contexts. This specific multi-omics analysis is important for understanding the alteration of metabolism and signaling in disease, identifying biochemical markers, and potential therapeutic targets. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the existing scientific literature on lipidomics in periodontal disease and thus determine which molecules have already been analyzed and their potential in this specific disease., Methods: This study followed the recommendations of the PRISMA 2020 methodology. The inclusion criteria used were articles published in indexed journals between 2000 and 2023, written in English, and establishing an exclusive relationship about lipidomics in human periodontal disease. The articles were searched in three different databases., Results: Considering the criteria defined, only six articles were selected and zed individually in detail. In four of the six studies, differences in the lipidome of individuals with periodontal disease were identified. Furthermore, phosphoethanolamine ceramide was found to have potential as a diagnostic biomarker. Finally, the therapeutic potential of a lipoxin A4 analogue was also identified., Conclusion: These results reinforce the need for future research in this area so that the consequences of this disease on the lipidome can be identified., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Among all types of cancers, pancreatic cancer has poor prognosis with 5-year survival below 10%. In theory, alcohol intake may be a modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer due to its role in multiple carcinogenic and metabolic signaling pathways. In addition, alcohol consumption may lead to chronic pancreatitis which is underlying cause of pancreatic cancer. However, little is known about whether this factor is associated with pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to systematically review the cohort studies investigating the possible link between alcohol consumption and the morbidity or mortality of pancreatic cancer. Methods: This study was carried out based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). All of cohort studies that assessed the association between alcohol intake and the risk of pancreatic cancer or death were included in this systematic review without a language restriction. Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, and Google scholar were searched using the keywords "pancreatic cancer" and "alcohol" and similar words from 1990 to April 2021 to find the cohort studies. Results: 858 articles were identified, of which 806 were excluded and the full-text of 52 papers were evaluated for the eligibility. Eventually, 22 articles were eligible and were included in this study. Many of the articles assessed the impacts of low to moderate alcohol intake. A comprehensive review of these studies showed that low to moderate alcohol consumption had a non-significant correlation with pancreatic cancer, while high alcohol consumption was significantly associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer or death. The results also revealed that high liquor consumption was associated with higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, the follow-up durations in most of these studies were shorter than that to lead to pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: Long-term heavy alcohol drinking can increase the morbidity or mortality of pancreatic cancer. Regarding that several genetic and environmental variations involve in the pathogenesis of this cancer, simultaneous control of these differences should be addressed to determine the net effect of alcohol drinking on pancreatic cancer.

Background: Statins is a class of lipid-lowering drugs and our previous investigations showed that statins have antiviral effects and have a wound healing effect in the lung. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of statin therapy on mortality and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in international databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase from December 1, 2019 until January 26, 2022 without any restriction in language. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR). Results: The statin therapy overally was associated with decrease in odds of ventilation [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.85 (0.70 to 0.99)] and mortality [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.73 (0.66 to 0.81)] but had no effects on the ICU admission [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.93 (0.77 to 1.12)], oxygen therapy [pooled OR (95% CI): 0.85 (0.70 to 0.99)], recovery [pooled OR (95% CI): 1.85 (0.35 to 9.92)], kidney failure [pooled OR (95% CI): 1.01 (0.73 to 1.40)], hospitalization [pooled OR (95% CI): 1.45 (0.88 to 2.36)], asymptomatic disease [pooled OR (95% CI): 1.33 (0.24 to 7.44)], and ARDS [pooled OR (95% CI): 1.15 (0.88 to 1.49)]. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis showed that statin therapy was associated with a reduced risk of mortality and ventilation in patients with COVID-19 but had no effects on other clinical outcomes.

Background Laterality effects on sports performance have been a field of interest for the sports sciences, especially in asymmetrical sports, which require the preferential use of one side of the body. Some sports in particular involve the visual system and ocular laterality, due to the need to clearly focus on a dynamic object (ball, opponent, projectile, etc.). The relationship between manual and ocular laterality results in two perceptual-motor profiles, one where the dominant hand and eye are ipsilateral (uncrossed hand-eye laterality profile, UC-HELP), and the other where they are contralateral (crossed hand-eye laterality profile, C-HELP). Methodology A systematic review of the literature was carried out to determine the prevalence of hand-eye laterality profiles in the different sports modalities and their relationship with psychological factors and sports performance. Searches of PsycInfo, Medline, Scopus and grey literature identified 14 studies (2,759 participants) regarding hand-eye laterality in sports that met the eligibility criteria. Results Previous studies have estimated that between 10–30% of the general population exhibit a C-HELP, and 70–90% have an UC-HELP. The results of the reviewed studies indicate that in some sports the percentage of C-HELP is higher in regular and high-level athletes than in the normal population: golf (52.55%), soccer (53%), tennis (42%) and team sports (50.7%). In target sports (archery and shooting) athletes with an UC-HELP seem to have an advantage given the significant concentration of this profile in the highest performing populations (82.3%). In basketball, cricket and golf, the literature reviewed also reported biomechanical differences in the execution of some techniques between the two profiles. We did not find any study in our review that related hand-eye laterality with cognitive, tactical, or psychological aspects of athletes. Conclusions These results should be taken with great caution due to the potential bias linked to the methodologies used in the investigations, the heterogeneity in the assessment of hand-eye laterality, the few studies available on the subject and the indirect nature of many of the observed relationships between performance and laterality. For further investigation, we propose a standardized terminology and protocol of hand-eye laterality assessment in sports. The advancement in knowledge about hand-eye laterality profiles, along with the study of the relationship with psychological or tactical-sports patterns, can contribute to more effective development plans for athletes and can be a complement to talent detection.

Background: The nicotine products relative risk assessment estimates the relative risk of tobacco-related diseases due to use of 15 nicotine products. This update adds new data to the original analysis and creates separate categories for United States and rest of world varieties of smokeless tobacco, as well as bidi cigarettes. Methods: The PubMed®, MEDLINE and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched systematically. The study lists were exported, screened at the title, abstract and full-text level according to pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The study quality was assessed, and risk of bias was accounted for in the screening criteria. The extracted data was synthesized into a toxin emissions/content analysis for 12 Group 1 carcinogens, used to estimate lifetime cancer risk, and epidemiological meta-analysis of over 40 tobacco-related diseases. The two analyses were integrated into a combined risk score for each nicotine product, weighted by the risk of bias due to missing data, and incorporated into the relative risk spectrum. Results: In this update, 70 new studies were added to the synthesis, making a total of 123 studies included. All combustible tobacco products score between 40 and 100, with bidis and smokeless (rest of world) also in this range. All other products have a combined risk score of 10 or less, including U.S. chewing tobacco, U.S. dipping tobacco, snus, heat-not-burn tobacco, electronic cigarettes, non-tobacco pouches and nicotine replacement therapy. Discussion: Consistent with previous studies, we define a group of high-risk nicotine products, scoring between 40 and 100 on the spectrum, and reduced risk nicotine products, scoring less than 10. Limitations of this study include the potential for bias due to missing data, the heterogeneity of the data included in the relative risk hierarchy synthesis, and the assumed consumption levels.

Background: Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease in childhood and has been growing globally over the last three decades. Studies in this regard indicate different and irrelevant results in Iran. Different prevalence of asthma has been reported in industrialized countries, prevalence of 25.9% in the United Kingdom, 12.8% in Spain and 31% in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate asthma in Iranian children through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This study was performed as a systematic review and meta-analysis from January 2001 to December 2018. Related articles to the reviewed subject were obtained through searches of Scopus, ScienceDirect, Magiran, SID, Medline (PubMed), and Google Scholar databases. Cross-sectional studies were selected for inclusion in the study and observational studies as well as review studies were excluded from the study. Searches on Google search engine and the inspection of sites related to the topic were also incorporated to examine the grays literature. Duplicate articles and articles that were similar and obtained from the same source were removed through the EndNote software. The total number of articles was 896. Subsequently, the number of articles and studies that met the requirements of the first stage was 274. Ultimately after the elimination of 236 irrelevant articles and the elimination of 5 articles in the secondary examination, eventually 33 articles were added to the final stage. By the I2 index, the heterogeneity of the studies was investigated and reported. Results: In a survey of 33 studies and 97205 participants in the age range of (3-18) years, the general prevalence of asthma in this study based on meta-analysis was 5.1% (CI95%: 4-6.5%). The highest prevalence of asthma was among children from Babol which was 19% (CI95%: 17.8% -20.3%) in 2014 and the lowest prevalence of asthma was among children from Isfahan with 0.7% of prevalence (CI95%: 0.5-1.1) in 2001. Also, with the increase of research years and overall sample size in each study, asthma in children shows increasing and decreasing levels, respectively; and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Based on what was reported in this study, the prevalence of asthma among Iranian children is lower compared to children of developed countries.

Luiz Fernando Norcia,1 Olívia Pereira Kiappe,2 Eliane Chaves Jorge2 1Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Department of Surgical Specialties and Anesthesiology (Ophthalmology Division), Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Eliane Chaves JorgeDepartment of Surgical Specialties and Anesthesiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Ave. Professor Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro s/n, Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, BrazilEmail eliane.jorge@unesp.brPurpose: Noninfectious pediatric uveitis is a potentially blinding disease often associated with systemic conditions. In cases of chronic anterior uveitis without adequate response to steroids and immunosuppressants, biological response modifiers would be viable therapeutic options. Still, evidence is lacking on the safety of the long-term use of these drugs in children. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biological therapy to treat noninfectious pediatric uveitis.Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify original studies involving biological therapy for children diagnosed with noninfectious uveitis. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) classification system.Results: Nine studies involving 526 children were eligible. Adalimumab was superior to placebo in reducing inflammatory activity (risk ratio (RR) 3.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65– 6.27]; P = 0.0006; I2 = 0%) and steroid use (RR 2.27 [95% CI 1.03– 4.99]; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%, low-certainty evidence). There was no difference between adalimumab and placebo in the occurrence of systemic adverse events (RR 2.51 [95% CI 0.74– 8.54]; P = 0.14; I2 = 48%) and local events (RR 1.15 [95% CI 0.46– 2.88]; P= 0.76; I2 = 1%). There was no difference between adalimumab and infliximab in response to treatment (RR 1.18 [95% CI 0.69– 2.03]; P= 0.55; I2 = 91%, very low-certainty evidence) and in the occurrence of adverse effects (RR 0.84 [95% CI 0.41– 1.73]; P= 0.64; I2 = 18%, low-certainty evidence).Conclusion: There is low to very-low evidence that biological therapy is effective and safe in managing noninfectious pediatric uveitis. Future large randomized trials may provide more substantial evidence to confirm these results.Keywords: uveitis, children, biological therapy, systematic review

There is a lack of studies evaluating frailty and physical activity in people aged 100 years or older. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence on frailty and physical activity in centenarians. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and LILACS databases for articles published until 18 June 2020. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020162913). Five studies were included in this review according to the eligibility and exclusion criteria. In summary, the reviewed studies show that centenarians are fragile and that frailty increases with age; however, women are frailer than men. The most common frailty criteria were low physical activity level (78% to 72.5%), muscle weakness (84.2% to 66%), and slow walking speed (77.6% to 48.4%). Most centenarians perform less exercise than younger older adults, have a low physical activity level, live in nursing homes, and exhibit functional disability. Regarding the methodological quality of the studies, one article was classified as regular and the other four as poor. Frailty and a low physical activity level are common in centenarians. Experimental studies with a better methodological quality are necessary to better understand the causal relationship between variables.

Introduction: Much is known about the healthcare needs of rural and remote communities; however, understanding how to best deliver geriatric models of care in these settings has received less attention. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify necessary key components of existing models of geriatric care serving rural or remote populations. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE databases to identify articles that described models of geriatric care serving rural or remote populations. A qualitative case study and key component analysis approach was used to identify necessary model components. Results: Eight articles were included. We identified eight distinct components that may improve the successful delivery of models of geriatric care serving rural or remote populations. Environmental assessments were done in six of eight models. Model integration with the local healthcare system, local provider leadership, and local provider education in geriatrics were present in five of eight models. Three of eight models used high-risk screening principles and included geriatrician consultation. One model described active community engagement, and one used telemedicine. Conclusion: Future geriatric care delivery models designed to serve rural or remote populations are encouraged to use an evidence-based framework based on eight distinct model characteristics found in the literature that aim to support the ideal provision of effective and accessible geriatric medical care.

Mohammed A Mamun1,2 1CHINTA Research Bangladesh (Centre for Health Innovation, Networking, Training, Action and Research – Bangladesh), Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh; 2Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, BangladeshCorrespondence: Mohammed A MamunCHINTA Research Bangladesh (Centre for Health Innovation, Networking, Training, Action and Research – Bangladesh), Savar, Dhaka, 1342, BangladeshTel +880 1738592653Email mamunphi46@gmail.comBackground: Without integration of the available information, appropriate suicide preventive actions can be hindered. Therefore, this study attempts to review the Bangladeshi COVID-19-related suicide studies for the first time.Methods: For conducting a systematic review, the PRISMA guideline was adhered. Bangladeshi literatures concerning the COVID-19 pandemic related to either suicide case or suicidal behavior were identified within 1 to 10 April 2021, from the databases like PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, etc. Finally, a total of 9 literatures were included in this review.Results: Four literatures were cross-sectional studies assessing the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal behavior, and the rest five were retrospective suicide studies concerned with either case study (n=3) or case-series study (n=2). The prevalence of suicidal ideation was identified to be ranging between 5% and 19.0%, whereas the rate increased over time of the pandemic inception. Significant risk factors concerning suicidal behavior included the factors related to (i) socio-demographic variables: female gender, being divorced or widows or widowers or single in marital status, having lower levels of education, being urban residence, belonging to higher socioeconomic class, being unemployed, and having no children, (ii) behavior and health-related variables: lack of physical exercise, cigarette smoking, alcohol consuming, abnormal sleep status, more exposure to social media, and suffering from the higher number of physical health problems; (iii) COVID-19 pandemic-related variables: lower knowledge of COVID-19, lack of preventive COVID-19 behaviors, higher levels of COVID-19 fear, living in highly COVID-19 infected area, higher economic loss due to the pandemic, and experiencing relatives or acquaintances’ death by the COVID-19; (iv) psychopathological variables: depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, suicidal thought history, suicide attempt history, and family with a history of suicide.Conclusion: Implementing cost-effective mental health strategies along with social and community awareness for increasing help-seeking behaviors of suicide risky individuals is highly suggested.Keywords: COVID-19 and psychological impact, pandemic and suicide, prevalence and risk factors, suicide and self-harm, suicide deaths in Bangladesh, hanging in Bangladesh, systematic review

In recent years, crowd funding has seriously been considered as a novel method of financing start-up businesses and innovative ideas. In its short life time so far, the method has significantly grown in different aspects such as the number of proposed platforms, the number of campaigns and their success rate, the amount of capital provided, and the number of proposed models. In addition, various researchers have investigated the phenomenon from different points of view. Nevertheless, just a few studies have carried out a comprehensive review of the factors affecting this method. The main purpose of this research is to design and implement a comprehensive framework for factors that affect crowd funding. In order to achieve this goal, the effective factors in this regard were first identified through systematic review of the literature on crowd funding. Then, they were classified and clustered in a hexagonal framework based on the stakeholder's model. In other words, a qualitative method is used to extract the factors affecting crowd funding. The hexagons extracted from the literature were in 82 clusters out of which 38 were accounted for by capital seekers, 16 by investors and platforms, and 12 by other stakeholders. This study is the first effort to design a comprehensive framework for factors that affect crowd funding. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2021-02-02-07 Full Text: PDF