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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this systematic review, the authors aimed to investigate the state of knowledge on in vivo evaluations of chitosan and nanometric hydroxyapatite (nanohydroxyapatite, nHAp) scaffolds for bone-tissue regeneration. In March 2024, an electronic search was systematically conducted across the PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases using the keywords (hydroxyapatite) AND (chitosan) AND (scaffold) AND (biomimetic). Methodologically, the systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol to the letter. Initially, a total of 375 studies were screened, and 164 duplicates were removed. A further 188 articles were excluded because they did not correspond to the predefined topics, and an additional 3 articles were eliminated due to the inability to obtain the full text. The final compilation included 20 studies. All publications indicated a potential beneficial effect of the scaffolds in in vivo bone defect repair. A beneficial effect of hydroxyapatite as a scaffold component was observed in 16 studies, including greater mechanical resistance, cellular differentiation, and enhanced bone damage regeneration. The addition of chitosan and apatite ceramics, which combined the strengths of both materials, had the potential to become a useful bone-tissue engineering material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding difficulties are prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, the knowledge about the association between feeding-related early signs and child development remains limited. This review aimed to describe the signs and symptoms related to feeding during child development and to explore their relevance to the diagnosis of ASD. Specialists in nutrition and/or ASD conducted a search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Although studies in typically developing children demonstrate age-related variations in hunger and satiety cues, the literature about early feeding indicators in ASD is scarce. Challenges such as shortened breastfeeding duration, difficulties in introducing solid foods, and atypical mealtime behaviors are frequently observed in children with ASD. The eating difficulties experienced during childhood raise concerns for caregivers who base their feeding practices on their perceptions of food acceptance or refusal. Considering the observed associations between feeding difficulties and ASD, the importance of recognizing feeding-related signs according to developmental milestones is emphasized to alert medical professionals that deviation in the formation of feeding habits and skills could indicate the need for ASD diagnostic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microvascular thrombosis following free tissue transfer presents a complex challenge for surgeons and carries the potential risk of flap failure. The application of fibrinolytic agents represents a robust therapeutic option. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical use of fibrinolytic drugs in the rescue of compromised free flaps. Methods: A systematic literature search for clinical studies detailing the utilization of fibrinolytic agents for salvaging free flaps was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria encompassed English-language publications that specifically addressed the clinical application of fibrinolytic agents for free-flap salvage. Results: A total of 331 articles were screened after excluding duplicates, with 56 meeting the inclusion criteria. Among these, 21 were clinical trials (evidence level III), and 35 were case studies (evidence level IV/V). In total, 459 flaps underwent treatment with fibrinolytic agents. Conclusion: The application of fibrinolytic agents appears to be a valuable intervention for rescuing compromised free flaps attributable to microvascular compromise. Notably, no prospective randomized trials have been published on this subject, and the evidence within the existing literature is characterized by its limited and heterogeneous nature. Further research is imperative to gather data on the efficacy, dosage, and safety profile of fibrinolytic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To assess the effectiveness of novel HIV curative strategies, "cure" trials require periods of closely monitored antiretroviral therapy (ART) analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to identify the impact of ATI with or without novel therapeutics in cure‐related studies on the time to viral re‐suppression following ART restart. Methods: Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched for human studies involving ATIs from 1 January 2015 till 22 April 2024. The primary outcome was time to first viral re‐suppression (plasma HIV viral load [VL] <50 copies/ml) stratified by receipt of interventional drug with ATI (IA) or ATI‐only groups. Random‐effects proportional meta‐analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed using R. Results: Of 1073 studies screened, 13 were included that met the inclusion criteria with VL data available after restarting ART (n = 213 participants). There was no difference between time to viral suppression in IA or ATI‐only cohorts (p = 0.22). For 87% of participants, viral suppression within 12 weeks of ART restart was achieved, and all eventually had at least one VL <50 copies/ml during follow‐up. After adjusting for covariables, while participants in the IA cohort were associated with less rapid suppression (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.40–0.94, p = 0.026), other factors include greater log VL at ART restart (aHR 0.56, 95% CI 0.46–0.68, p<0.001), duration since HIV diagnosis (aHR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.96) and longer intervals between HIV VL monitoring (aHR 0.66, 95% CI 0.59–0.74, p<0.001). However, the use of integrase inhibitors was associated with more rapid viral suppression (aHR 1.74, 95% CI 1.16–2.59). Discussion: When designing studies involving ATIs, information on time to viral re‐suppression after restarting ART is important to share with participants, and should be regularly monitored and reported, to assess the impact and safety of specific trial interventions in ATI studies. Conclusions: The majority of participants achieved viral suppression after restarting ART in ATI studies. ART regimens containing integrase inhibitors and frequent VL monitoring should be offered for people restarting ART after ATI studies to ensure rapid re‐suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takenouchi–Kosaki syndrome (TKS) is a rare congenital disease caused by a de novo mutation in the Cell Division Cycle 42 (CDC42) gene. Patients with TKS present facial and body dysmorphisms, hematologic and immune dysregulation, intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental delay and hearing loss. The aim of this study is to review the literature, focusing on hearing and language abilities in children with TKS. A systematic search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed, including twelve studies for a total of 13 patients. Hearing loss (HL) occurs in a great percentage of patients (84.6%); nonetheless, auditory threshold, severity of HL and language abilities were reported in a few cases. In two studies, auditory rehabilitation strategies were described. Although several studies have investigated the hematological features of TKS, still only a few authors have focused on the audiological and language abilities of these children. Given the fact that HL has a significant impact on behaviors, communications skills, and quality of life, it is important to adequately assess and rehabilitate patients early with this syndrome. Further studies are needed to improve the knowledge about this topic and improve the quality of life of patients with TKS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid and accurate acute ischemic stroke (AIS) diagnosis is needed to expedite emergent thrombolytic and mechanical thrombectomy treatment. Changes in blood-based protein biomarkers during the first 24 h of AIS, the time window for treatment, could complement imaging techniques and facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible studies comparing levels of blood-based protein biomarkers in AIS patients with levels in healthy controls and stroke mimics. Protein biomarkers from the following pathophysiological categories were included: neurovascular inflammation (MMP-9, TNF-alpha), endothelial integrity (VCAM-1, ICAM-1), cell migration (E-Selectin, P-Selectin, L-Selectin), markers of glial and neuronal origin (GFAP, S100, S100B, NSE), and cardiac dysfunction (BNP, NT-proBNP). The literature search was limited to English-language publications before November 7th, 2023. Results: A total of 61 studies from 20 different countries were identified, which included in total, 4,644 AIS patients, 2,242 stroke mimics, and 2,777 controls. Studies investigating TNF-alpha, MMP-9, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-Selectin, L-Selectin, GFAP, NSE, and S100B showed pronounced methodological heterogeneity, making between-study comparisons difficult. However, in 80% of NT-proBNP and BNP studies, and all P-selectin studies, higher biomarker levels were observed in AIS patients compared to healthy controls and/or patients with stroke mimics. Conclusion: None of the biomarkers included showed sufficient evidence for additional diagnostic benefit for AIS. Comprehensive standardized global multicenter studies are needed to (1) permit comparability, (2) enable valid statements about protein-based biomarkers, and (3) reflect real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Digital twin (DT) is recognized as a pillar in the transition from traditional to digital construction, yet the risks (opportunities and threats) associated with its implementation have not been thoroughly determined in the literature. In addition, there is a scarcity of research relating the risks of DT implementation to DT maturity levels, which has hindered the optimum consideration of such risks when DT is adopted at different maturity levels. To address these gaps, this study conducted a literature review of 1889 documents from Scopus and Web of Science databases. After rigorous filtration, 72 documents were selected and comprehensively reviewed. A total of 47 risk factors (RFs) were identified and categorized into opportunities (economic, technical, environmental and sustainability, monitoring and safety, and management) and threats (economic, technical, and policy and management). Subsequently, these RFs were mapped onto the five-level DT maturity model, providing users with insights into opportunities and threats on each level. The exhaustive list of RFs and proposed integration of a DT maturity model with corresponding RFs enables stakeholders to identify the risks in their specific use cases and facilitate the decision-making and success in transition across various levels of DT in real-life construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance characteristics of fast bowling include high ball release speed, that reduces the shot execution time of the batter, accuracy, ensuring the ball follows the desired trajectory, and deception. This can lead the batter to misjudge the ball speed or path. Previous research has utilised a variety of biomechanical methodologies in order to further understand fast bowling techniques. The aim of this study was to systematically review biomechanical literature related to cricket fast bowling performance and narratively synthesise findings to provide a comprehensive summary of key performance characteristics. The articles were finalised according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, SPORT Discus and Web of Science databases were searched and assessed by title, abstract, full-text and a bibliography assessment of included full-text articles. The search strategy included keywords of cricket fast bowling, biomechanics and performance analysis. A validated scale was developed to evaluate the quality of studies and risk of bias. Across the 15 studies finalised for the review (from 2000--2022), there was consensus in some of the characteristics reported to be associated with ball release speed; however, there was disagreement or limited evidence for others. A faster run-up, efficient and sequential transfer of linear to angular momentum, quick deceleration during the delivery stride with an extended front knee from front foot contact to ball release and delaying the bowling arm leading to ball release were the major techniques variables consensually associated with ball release speed. The lack of standardisation of cohort ability and protocols may have contributed to contradictory findings across studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retinacula of the ankle are specialized anatomical structures characterized by localized thickenings of the crural fascia that envelop the deep components of the lower leg, ankle and foot. The ankle retinacula include the extensor retinacula, the peroneal retinacula and flexor retinaculum. Despite their potential to explain persistent and unexplained pain following an injury, these structures are often overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed. Hence, this comprehensive review was performed aiming to investigate the use and the methodology of US imaging to assess ankle retinacula. The search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception to May 2024. The MeSH keywords used were as follows: "Ankle Retinacula", "Foot Retinacula", "Superior extensor retinaculum", "Inferior extensor retinaculum", "peroneal retinaculum", "superior peroneal retinaculum", "inferior peroneal retinaculum", "flexor retinaculum", "Ultrasound Imaging", "Ultrasound", "Ultrasonography" and "Ultrasound examination". In total, 257 records underwent screening, resulting in 22 studies meeting the criteria for inclusion after the process of revision. Data heterogeneity prevents synthesis and consistent conclusions. The results showed that advanced US imaging holds promise as a crucial tool to perform an US examination of ankle retinacula, offering static and dynamic insights into ankle retinacula pathology. Understanding normal anatomy and US imaging is essential for accurately identifying injuries. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate parameters and ensure their reliability in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past three decades, significant improvements have occurred in the study of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a rare, severe neuromuscular disease that causes death due to cardiovascular and respiratory complications among affected boys. Since the 1980s, ongoing preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted to explore the disease in depth and discover potential therapeutic strategies. In Saudi Arabia, it is unclear whether health services and research efforts are keeping pace with global achievements. Therefore, this review aims to explore the diagnostic and management strategies and research efforts in Saudi Arabia over the past three decades. I searched the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and included all published articles on the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, and management of DMD/BMD in this review. The findings suggest a lack of local standardized diagnostic strategies, a poor understanding of epidemiology and common pathogenic variants, and a critical need for preclinical and clinical research. At the time of writing, no such comprehensive review has been published. Challenges, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Estrogen receptors express in nearly 70% of breast cancers (ER-positive). Estrogen receptor alpha plays a fundamental role as a significant factor in breast cancer progression for the early selection of therapeutic approaches. Accordingly, there has been a surge of attention to non-invasive techniques, including circulating Cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) or Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA), to detect and track ESR1 genotype. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the diagnosis accuracy of ESR1 mutation detection by cell-free DNA in breast cancer patientsthrough a systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 6 April 2022. Diagnostic studies on ESR1 measurement by cfDNA, which was confirmed using the tumour tissue biopsy, have been included in the study. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were considered to analyse the data. Results: Out of 649 papers, 13 papers with 15 cohorts, including 389 participants, entered the meta-analyses. The comprehensive meta-analysis indicated a high sensitivity (75.52, 95% CI 60.19–90.85), specificity (88.20, 95% CI 80.99–95.40), and high accuracy of 88.96 (95% CI 83.23–94.69) for plasma ESR1. We also found a moderate PPV of 56.94 (95% CI 41.70–72.18) but a high NPV of 88.53 (95% CI 82.61–94.44). We also found an NLR of 0.443 (95% CI 0.09–0.79) and PLR of 1.60 (95% CI 1.20–1.99). Conclusion: This systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis reveal that plasma cfDNA testing exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in detecting ESR1 mutations in breast cancer patients. This suggests that the test could be a valuable diagnostic tool. It may serve as a dependable and non-invasive technique for identifying ESR1 mutations in breast cancer patients. However, more extensive research is needed to confirm its prognostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The long-lasting persistence of autoantibodies stands as one of the hypotheses explaining the multisystemic manifestations seen in individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. The current review offers restricted insights into the persistence of autoantibodies in plasma/serum in people with post-COVID symptoms. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, as well as on medRxiv and bioRxiv preprint servers were searched up to January 5th, 2024. Papers investigating the presence of autoantibodies in plasma/serum samples in people with post-COVID symptoms were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess methodological quality. Results: From 162 identified records, five articles met all inclusion criteria; four studies included infected controls with no post-COVID symptoms whereas all five studies included non-infected controls (410 COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID symptoms, 223 COVID-19 survivors with no post-COVID symptoms as controls and 266 non-infected healthy controls). Four studies concluded that the presence of autoantibodies had a potential (but small) role in post-COVID-19 condition whereas one study concluded that autoantibodies were not associated. Quality assessment showed all studies had high methodological quality. Conclusion: Although evidence suggests that persistent autoantibodies can be associated with post-COVID symptoms, the clinical relevance of their presence seems modest at this stage. Current results highlight further research to clarify the role of autoantibodies in the development of post-COVID symptoms, guiding the development of tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches to enhance patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze the development trend, research hotspots, and future development direction on the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) with spinal cord stimulation through bibliometric method. We extracted the literature related to the treatment of NP with spinal cord stimulation from January 2004 to December 2023 from the Web of Science database. As a result, a total of 264 articles were retrieved. By analyzing the annual published articles, authors, countries, institutions, journals, co-cited literature, and keywords, we found that the count of publication in this field has been experiencing an overall growth, and the publications within the past 5 years accounted for 42% of the total output. Experts from the United States and the UK have made significant contributions in this field and established a stable collaborative team, initially establishing an international cooperation network. Pain is the frequently cited journal in this field. The study on spinal cord stimulation therapy for NP especially the study on spinal cord stimulation therapy for back surgery failure syndrome (FBSS) and its potential mechanisms are the research hotspots in this field, while the study on novel paradigms such as high-frequency spinal cord stimulation and spinal cord burst stimulation represents the future development directions. In short, spinal cord stimulation has been an effective treatment method for NP. The novel paradigms of spinal cord stimulation are the key point of future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) is a type of physical-cognitive exercise. Such exercise has been used as an exercise approach in different studies with older adults. This scoping review provides an overview of the protocols and outcomes of studies employing the SSE in older adults. Methods: We searched in the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, CABI Global Health, and Web of Science databases for articles published between 2006 (first research article published on SSE) to December 2023 that met a robust inclusion criterion. The search yielded 424 articles, and after inclusion criteria being applied, 37 articles were included in the final analysis. Results: A total of 37 studies were included in the final analysis. Thirty-three out of the 37 studies focused on apparently healthy older adults, while four were conducted with older adults with neurological disease (i.e., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke). Most studies (n = 25) adopted an experiment (i.e., randomized controlled trial) or quasi-experimental approach, while 12 were classified as non-randomized (i.e., cross-sectional, mixed methods). The studies were conducted in different parts of the globe and adopted three major formats of intervention delivery, namely in-person, online, and home-based. Frequency, SSE session duration and intervention length significantly varied among studies, and reported outcomes were in the domains of physical and cognitive function. Conclusion: This review comprehensively described the characteristics of 37 studies employing SSE in apparently healthy older adults and older adults with neurological diseases. The findings demonstrated that SSE has been used by researchers across the globe, adopting a variety of forms of delivery, and to particularly improve physical and cognitive function of different segments of the older adult population. The review further identified important gaps in research, including the restricted outcomes, and the lack of studies combining SSE with more traditional exercise modalities to address potential combinatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a type of abnormal lung function. PRISm and mortality have been explored in several studies, but a comprehensive evaluation of the associations is limited. The current study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to investigate the mortality and cardiovascular diseases in patients with PRISm. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, as well as gray literature sources, were searched for relevant studies published up to 7 September 2023 without language restrictions. This review included all published observational cohort studies that investigated the association of PRISm with mortality in the general population, as well as subgroup analyses in smokers and pre-bronchodilation spirometry studies. The outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and respiratory-related mortality. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale assessed study quality. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses explored heterogeneity and robustness. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's and Begg's tests. Results: Overall, eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled HR was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.48–1.74) for all-cause mortality, 1.68 (95% CI, 1.46–1.94) for CVD mortality, and 3.09 (95% CI, 1.42–6.71) for respiratory-related mortality in PRISm group compared to normal group. In the subgroup analysis, participants with PRISm had a higher effect (HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.74–2.54) on all-cause mortality among smokers relative to participants with normal spirometry. Furthermore, the association between PRISm and mortality risk was consistent across several sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: People with PRISm were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and respiratory-related mortality as compared to those with normal lung function in the general population. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023426872. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties are commonly reported morbidities for individuals born with OA/TOF. This study aimed to determine the nature and prevalence of eating, drinking and oro-pharyngeal swallowing difficulties reported in this population. Method: A systematic review and meta-proportional analysis were conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42020207263). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science databases and grey literature were searched. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted relating to swallow impairment, use of mealtime adaptations and eating and drinking-related quality of life. Quantitative data were summarised using narrative and meta-proportional analysis methods. Qualitative data were synthesised using a meta-aggregation approach. Where quantitative and qualitative data described the same phenomenon, a convergent segregated approach was used to synthesise data. Results: Sixty-five studies were included. Six oro-pharyngeal swallow characteristics were identified, and pooled prevalence calculated: aspiration (24%), laryngeal penetration (6%), oral stage dysfunction (11%), pharyngeal residue (13%), nasal regurgitation (7%), delayed swallow initiation (31%). Four patient-reported eating/drinking difficulties were identified, and pooled prevalence calculated: difficulty swallowing solids (45%), difficulty swallowing liquids (6%), odynophagia (30%), coughing when eating (38%). Three patient-reported mealtime adaptations were identified, and pooled prevalence calculated: need for water when eating (49%), eating slowly (37%), modifying textures (28%). Mixed methods synthesis of psychosocial impacts identified 34% of parents experienced mealtime anxiety and 25% report challenging mealtime behaviours reflected in five qualitative themes: fear and trauma associated with eating and drinking, isolation and a lack of support, being aware and grateful, support to cope and loss. Conclusions: Eating and drinking difficulties are common in adults and children with repaired OA/TOF. Oro-pharyngeal swallowing difficulties may be more prevalent than previously reported. Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties can impact on psychological well-being and quality of life, for the individual and parents/family members. Long-term, multi-disciplinary follow-up is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-making processes in the military domain constitute a strategic field of research in cognitive psychology, although there are currently few scientific publications addressing the topic. Professionals in the field and interested parties need access to data on military decision-making processes to understand where and how the scientific community is directing its investigations on the issue. Military decision-making is a strategic field of study because the military is crucial to the security and defense of a country or community. This work aims to be a point of reference for those involved in various capacities in military decision-making, providing key data regarding research trends over the years, the geographical distribution of scientific productivity, methodologies employed, annual statistics, and the prevalence of the most-investigated terms and topics. Therefore, this study serves as a bibliometric analysis of the literature on military decision-making publihed from 1992 to 2023 on the Scopus and Web of Science databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sigmoid volvulus (SV) recurs in about one quarter of the patients, whereas multiplex (≥3) attacks are quite rare and attacks with five or more times are extremely rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate multiplex SV attacks in our series and worldwide data. Methods: In Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine Department of General Surgery, among 1,071-case SV series, data were evaluated retrospectively in 612 patients, while prospectively in 459 with respect to age, gender, previous volvulus attacks, and prognosis. Worldwide data were obtained from Web of Science database and they were compared with our results. Results: Mean SV attack count, multiple- (≥2) and multiplex- (≥3) attack rates were 1.4, 26.1%, and 4.2%, respectively, in our series, while they were 1.7, 26.7%, and 3.2%, respectively, in worldwide data (p>0.05, in all). In our series, recurrence rates were 26.1%, 19.3%, and 51.2%, respectively, (p<0.001, in all), while mortality rates were 7.3%, 13.7%, and 19.5%, respectively, (p<0.001, in all) in single-, double-, and multiplex- (≥3) attack patients. Conclusion: Although multiplex (≥3) attacks are uncommon in SV, when it goes up, elective surgery must be considered in selected cases to avoid repetitive attacks and related high mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare dermatosis of the mucous membrane and/or skin. Employing biologic treatment modalities, specifically rituximab (RTX), have become pivotal measure in treating patients with blistering diseases. This study aims to summarize the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of RTX in EBA. METHODS: An extensive search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until the end of August 19th, 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the papers, and collected data. Two hundred thirty-three studies were screened using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were enrolled. The most common reason of RTX administration in patients with EBA was recalcitrant diseases. Clinical response and disease remission was recorded as 92.7 percent (63 patients) and 73.8 percent (45 patients) of the patients, respectively. A relapse rate of 39.5 percent (15 patients) in the mean follow-up of 23.0 months was reported in the studies. Of the patients, 28.2 percent (11 patients) experienced RTX-related side events, mostly mild and transient infusion reactions. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review demonstrated that RTX is safe and effective in patients with EBA. This biological treatment modality can be routinely used in managing EBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular imaging modalities show valuable non-invasive techniques capable of precisely and selectively addressing molecular markers associated with prostate cancer (PCa). This systematic review provides an overview of imaging markers utilized in positron emission tomography (PET) methods, specifically focusing on the pathways and mediators involved in PCa. This systematic review aims to evaluate and analyse existing literature on the diagnostic accuracy of molecular imaging techniques for detecting PCa. The PubMed, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched, identifying 32 studies that reported molecular imaging modalities for detecting PCa. Numerous imaging modalities and radiotracers were used to detect PCa, including 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/computed tomography (CT), 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 18F-DCFPyL PET/MRI, 18F-choline PET/MRI, and 18F-fluoroethylcholine PET/MRI. Across 11 studies, radiolabelled 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging had a pooled sensitivity of 80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35–93), specificity of 90 (95% CI: 71–98), and accuracy of 86 (95% CI: 64–96). The PSMA-ligand 68Ga-PET/CT showed good diagnostic performance and appears promising for detecting and staging PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Global population aging has sparked research into frailty and falls given their impact on older adults. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of frailty and fall literature to identify publication trends, leading contributors, impactful works, and conceptual themes. METHODS: Frailty and fall publications were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases without date restrictions. Data was analyzed using ScientoPy, and VOSviewer to generate statistics, visualizations, and maps based on temporality, productive countries, institutions, citations, subject categories, and keyword occurrences. RESULTS: After pre-processing, 345 publications remained (84.6% Web of Science, 15.4% Scopus). The literature has grown steadily since 1990, led by the United States, China, and Japan. Prolific institutions were identified, including Pittsburgh University. Highly cited impactful studies were published across journals like the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Geriatrics/gerontology was the dominant subject category. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed clusters focusing on geriatric physical health, cardiovascular health, cognition, interventions, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis synthesizes a comprehensive overview of frailty and fall research, identifying rising publication and citation trends, leading global contributors, impactful studies, and thematic focuses. The findings can inform resource allocation, international collaboration, impactful evidence utilization, and future research planning to advance frailty science and clinical care for older populations. Ongoing investigation is warranted into frailty mechanisms, assessment, management, and multidomain interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput omics technologies have become valuable tools for systems science research and clinical management of sepsis. This article analyzes sepsis research using omics technologies in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom from 1990 to May 2023 using bibliometric data from the Web of Science database. Using VOSviewer for network analysis, we examined the distribution patterns, funding characteristics, and collaborations among the states, noting trends of convergence and divergence. The analysis included 2078 articles, revealing an increasing rate of publications on sepsis research using omics approaches. The United Kingdom's research output is notably high, contributing 28.3% of the total research from the EU and United Kingdom combined. Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy together account for 56.9% of the publications from the EU member states. The United States is the leading international collaborator, particularly with the United Kingdom, followed by Germany and France. The EU-15 countries have significantly more publication outputs in this domain with growing but limited inclusion of the newer members of the EU. We suggest that the role of EU member states and the United Kingdom in sepsis research using omics technologies can be advanced by facilitating high-value, technology-driven health research, fostering collaboration, convergence, and equity in global health and biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization has introduced new pollution challenges, with visual pollution becoming particularly prominent. This type of pollution affects both the visual environment and public psychology, impairing aesthetic appreciation. Visual pollution extends beyond outdoor advertising, manifesting in various forms across urban, roadway, and natural areas. Although many studies have identified and analyzed visual pollution, there is still a lack of comprehensive knowledge and awareness of this problem. Until now, visual pollution has never been a unified and complete concept, definition, and research methodology. To address this gap, our systematic literature review examined existing literature to further explore and understand visual pollution. We systematically reviewed research articles published between 2008 and 2023, utilizing three journal databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Ultimately, 52 articles met the review criteria. The results of the study showed the types and characteristics of visual pollutants, the locations where visual pollution occurs, the various factors contributing to visual pollution, and the methodologies employed to study visual pollution. This study enhances professionals' comprehension of visual pollution and its effects on the visual environment, equipping them to implement effective measures to reduce its impact and preserve visual quality in both urban and natural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the status and trends of Two-Dimensional Nano Black Phosphorus (2D nano BP) in cancer research from 2015 to 2023, offering insights for future studies. To achieve this, articles from the Web of Science database published between 2015 and 2023 were analyzed using R and VOSviewer software. The analysis included 446 articles, revealing a consistent increase in publication rates, especially between 2017 and 2019. China emerged as a leader in both publication volume and international collaborations. Prominent journals in this field included ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Advanced Materials, while key researchers were identified as Zhang Han, Tao Wei, and Yu Xuefeng. The analysis highlighted common keywords such as drug delivery, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy, indicating the major research focuses. The findings suggest that 2D nano BP holds significant promise in cancer treatment research, with a growing global interest. This study thus serves as a valuable reference for future investigations, providing a detailed analysis of the current state and emerging trends in this promising field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]