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Purpose: To evaluate the impact of removable partial dentures (RPDs) on masticatory performance (MP) of partially edentulous subjects. Materials and Methods: Electronic database and hand searches were conducted to explore clinical trials reporting the evidence of the effect of metal- and acrylic-based RPDs on mastication. The validated objective and subjective measures of assessment of mastication were included. The article selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias were conducted by two reviewers independently. Results: Out of 11,200 studies, 1 randomized controlled trial and 23 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Positive impact on different parameters of masticatory function after RPD treatment was reported in 14 studies. Subjective evaluation of chewing ability (CA) displayed an improvement in 83.3% of studies, while improvement was evidenced only in 69.5% of studies upon objective evaluation. Most studies reported data on free-end saddles. Of the 13 studies associated with bilateral free-end saddle dentures, 9 studies showed a positive effect on masticatory efficiency. Various factors were found to have an impact on the MP of RPDs. Conclusions: Subjective evaluation displays higher positive impact of RPDs in MP than objective evaluation. Assessment of patients' perspectives is important in clinical decision-making. Multiple factors affect the MP with RPD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar interfacial evaporation, as a novel practical freshwater production method, requires continuous research on how to improve the evaporation rates to increase water production. In this study, sets of data were obtained from molecule dynamics simulation and literature, in which the parameters included height, diameter, height–radius ratio, evaporation efficiency, and evaporation rate. Initially, the correlation between the four input parameters and the output of the evaporation rate was examined through traditional pairwise plots and Pearson correlation analysis, revealing weak correlations. Subsequently, the accuracy and generalization performance of the evaporation rate prediction models established by neural network and random forest were compared, with the latter demonstrating superior performance and reliability confirmed via random data extraction. Furthermore, the impact of different percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%) of the data on the model performance was explored, and the result indicated that the model performance is better when the test set is 20% and all the constructed model converge. Moreover, the mean absolute error and mean squared error of the evaporation rate prediction model for the three ratios were calculated to evaluate their performance. However, the relationship between the height- radius ratio and optimal evaporation rate was investigated using the enumeration method, and it was determined that the evaporation efficiency was optimal when the height–radius ratio was 6. Finally, the importance of height, diameter, height– radius ratio, and evaporation efficiency were calculated to optimize evaporator structure, increase evaporation rate, and facilitate the application of interfacial evaporation in solar desalination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review synthesized current literature regarding the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions on brain structure (BS) and brain function (BF) in healthy children. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews protocols and used the Rayyan web for data extraction. Eleven experimental studies were included. Specifically, six studies conducted chronic PA interventions, and the others applied acute PA interventions. Evidence from five articles (45.45%) confirmed that PA interventions had beneficial effects on brain structure and function in healthy children, including enhancing brain activation and microstructural plasticity. These articles shared a study protocol and were conducted in school settings, indicating homogeneity. Due to the technical complexity and limitations involved, there are few studies on brain health and development. Future research is necessary to validate and evaluate the effectiveness of PA interventions on brain structure and function in healthy children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To collect and evaluate the available evidence on existing tools used in research and clinical practice to assess and analyse the diet of children and adolescents for its cariogenicity. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases were searched up to October 2022, with no date, publication, or language restrictions, followed by a manual search. Study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed in duplicate. Dietary assessment tools and dental clinical parameters tested were retrieved for qualitative assessment and synthesis. Results: Of the 2896 papers identified, 9 cohort and 23 cross-sectional studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. To assess dietary data, 13 studies used a 24-h recall, 11 used a food diary, and 7 used a food frequency questionnaire. For analysis, five studies reported using the Healthy Eating Index, ten used a score based on consumption of sugars, and the remaining analysed cariogenic diet based on the weight and frequency of sugars consumed, or the daily caloric intake from free sugars. Risk of bias assessment suggested that 65.7% of the studies were of moderate and 31.5% of high quality. Conclusion: Inconsistency exists regarding methods used for the assessment and analysis of dietary cariogenicity. Although every dietary assessment tool has different strengths and limitations, the 24-h recall was the most commonly used method for the assessment of dietary cariogenicity and the most consistent in detecting a positive relationship between sugary diet and carious lesions. A standardised method for cariogenic analysis of dietary data needs to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify and map the scientific evidence regarding factors associated with the nonadaptation of completely edentulous patients to mandibular complete dentures. Materials and Methods: This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR statement for Scoping Reviews and was based on guidelines proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The methodology was registered on the Open Science Framework. An electronic search strategy was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and ProQuest databases was conducted. Studies that evaluated factors associated with adaptation to and acceptance of mandibular complete dentures were included, such as sociodemographic, psychologic, patient-related, and denture-related items. Results: The search conducted in March 2022 yielded 9,978 studies. In total, 24 studies were included for data extraction. Sociodemographic factors did not interfere with adaptation to a mandibular complete denture. Psychologic factors and patient-related aspects showed greater association with nonadaptation to mandibular complete dentures than denturereported factors. Conclusion: Although it is suggestive that psychologic and patient-related factors have higher association with the acceptance of new dentures, data must be interpreted with caution due to the variability of methodologies of the studies included in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aimed to examine moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in physical education. Method: A review of reviews was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The screening process, data extraction, assessment of the risk of bias, and analysis of the results were carried out independently by two reviewers. A total of eight systematic reviews from six databases, which included 224 studies, involving more than 80,000 students (elementary, middle, and high school), enrolled in more than 450 schools worldwide were unpacked. Results: Students fail to meet the 50% recommendation of MVPA lesson time, irrespective of country, school stage, gender, or MVPA measures. Physical education-based interventions increased students' MVPA during lessons (range 14.3%–24%) compared with control groups. Conclusion: Physical education is uniquely positioned to provide physical activity opportunities for students, but teachers must target the provision of adequate MVPA levels, which is not currently happening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silent speech recognition (SSR) based on surface electromyography (sEMG) is a voice interaction technology proposed for scenarios requiring silent operations. This article abstracts the SSR task based on sEMG into a short‐term image sequence classification task. Time‐frequency domain feature extraction and data reconstruction on the muscle activity segment data is performed. Additionally, the temporal and spatial dimensions to capture the intrinsic correlation representation of muscle activity is analysed. The SVIT‐SSR model is proposed based on the vision transformer (VIT) framework. Finally, experiments to identify 33 types of typical silent speech commands in the SSR dataset are designed. The results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 96.67 ± 1.15%, outperforming similar algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The best medical care for female football athletes should be evidence-based, and patient- and context-specific. A 2019 scoping review identified key knowledge gaps relating to the health of female footballers. Since then, research in women’s football has been intensifying. To aid in the direction of future research, this study aims to scope peer-reviewed, illness-related research in women’s football. Five databases were searched in July 2023. In combination with identified studies from the 2019 review, 72 studies were included for data extraction of sample characteristics (age, playing level, geography), illness characteristics according to IOC guidance, and broader research themes. Results reveal an overall lack of quantity and variety in illnesses investigated, with a growing popularity in mental health research. Minimal female athlete-specific illnesses were identified. Future research must address urgent female-specific illness topics, and also consider where knowledge from adjacent populations might be safe to adapt into women’s football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Search Strategy Selection Criteria Data Collection and Analysis Main Results Conclusion High maternal mortality rates in sub‐Saharan Africa necessitate the need for aligned research focusing on prevalent causes and neglected conditions in the region.This mapping review aimed to describe the characteristics of longitudinal maternal health studies between 2012 and 2022 in sub‐Saharan Africa and identify gaps in priority conditions or geographical locations.We identified references through a Medline (PubMed) search covering September 2012 to June 2022.We included prospective cohort or clinical trials that enrolled at least 1000 pregnant women, with a study site in sub‐Saharan Africa, and published in English or French.Screening and data extraction were done in duplicate using EPPI‐reviewer software. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the results, identifying patterns in studies across time, country, study design, topics, and funders.We identified 213 eligible studies, which were covered in 534 publications. We identified studies in 33 of the 48 sub‐Saharan African countries, with the majority in east and southern Africa. The predominant study topics were HIV (36.4%), nutrition (20%), and malaria (16.3%), with very few publications on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (6.4%), ante/postpartum hemorrhage (3.7%), and sexually transmitted infections (3.2%). More studies were cohorts (115/213; 54%) than clinical trials. The National Institutes of Health (31.5%), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (22.1%), and USAID (10.8%) were the largest research funders.Identifying research trends and mismatches between research topics and disease burden provides useful information for guiding future research prioritization. In particular, gaps exist for studies on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and ante/postpartum hemorrhage, among the top causes of maternal mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAimsMethodsResultsConclusionTo summarize evidence on effective knowledge translation (KT) interventions to increase evidence-based practice among pediatric rehabilitation professionals.The PRISMA 2020 Checklist was used for search, selection, and data extraction. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool assessed quality, while the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care described KT interventions.Our search yielded 7233 records; 29 met the inclusion criteria. Two studies used educational materials alone. The remaining 27 studies used multifaceted KT interventions, combining education with local opinion leaders or knowledge brokers (n = 12), continuous quality improvement (n = 11), reminders (n = 6), communities of practice (n = 6), provider performance monitoring (n = 5), audit and feedback (n = 2), information and communication technology (n = 2), clinical practice guideline (n = 1), or routine patient-reported outcome measures (n = 1). Significant improvements in knowledge (n = 10), skills (n = 6), adherence and use (n = 4), perceptions (n = 3), intentions of use (n = 2), confidence level (n = 1), beliefs and attitudes (n = 3), and professional behavior change (n = 2) were reported. Included studies had a moderate to high-risk bias.Educational and local opinion leaders were common in multifaceted KT interventions, the majority resulting in improved professional knowledge, skills, attitudes and beliefs, and behaviors. Rigorous study designs are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GB), the most common malignant brain tumour, has a poor prognosis despite advances in treatment. Standard management involves surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy. MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that may offer an option for select patients with specific clinical profiles. While preclinical studies suggest that LITT could disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to enhance drug delivery, this has yet to be definitively demonstrated in clinical settings. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, various databases were searched until March 2024. Eligible studies focused on LITT for supratentorial GB in adults and evaluated its safety and efficacy. Data extraction covered various study characteristics, and statistical analysis was performed using the OpenMeta Analyst software. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Fifteen studies were analyzed, mainly employing the Neuroblate–Monteris system in the US, as retrospective single-centre trials. Treatment involved LITT in 239 patients with tumours typically in deep-seated areas. Median OS ranged from 4.9 to 32.3 months, and PFS from two to 5.9 months. Most patients received adjuvant therapy, primarily radiation and temozolomide. While LITT showed efficacy in improving OS (10.21, 95% CI 9.05–11.37), PFS (3.94, 95% CI 3.20–4.69), and tumor volume reduction (18.23, 95% CI 14.591–21.860), complications odd-ration(OR) = 0.336 (95% CI, 0.188–0.484) and mortality rates OR = 0.033 (95% CI, 0.009–0.058 were notable. LITT shows promise for treating both newly diagnosed and recurrent GB cases in non-surgical candidates, linked to improved OS, PFS, reduced tumor volume, and shorter hospital stays. However, higher complication and mortality rates were noted, emphasising the need for additional well-designed prospective multicentre trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care, vital for patients with advanced, life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, faces an increasing global demand due to aging populations and rising non-communicable diseases. Specialized palliative care teams (PCTs) within hospitals significantly impact patient outcomes, which requires effective interprofessional collaboration with general healthcare workers. Therefore, We will conduct a realist review to explore the contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes related to the interprofessional collaboration between PCTs and general healthcare workers. Methods: Grounded in the third generation Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, this review will follow 5-step iterative process. First, a preliminary literature search will define the review scope. Second, based on the preliminary searches an initial program theory will be developed. Third, systematic searches across PubMed, Embase, CINHAL, Web of Science, and Scopus will be caried out. Fourth, data extraction of included studies will be conducted. Simultaneously, relevance and rigour of individual studies will be evaluated. Lastly, data analysis and synthesis will be conducted in which identified individual Context-Mechanism-Outcome (CMO) configurations will be combined in chains of inference through which hypotheses can be formulated. In summary, this realist review will refine an initially developed program theory, producing a framework elucidating how interprofessional collaboration works between PCTs and general healthcare workers. Discussion: This review aims to provide crucial insights into interprofessional collaboration between PCTs and general healthcare workers, informing optimized palliative care delivery in acute care hospitals for diverse stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Link worker social prescribing programs are gaining recognition in Australia for addressing health and social needs outside routine medical care. The evaluation of these programs is essential for informing future social prescribing programs, research and evolving policy. However, diverse outcome evaluation measures present challenges for benchmarking across link worker social prescribing programs. An integrative review was conducted to identify and describe outcome domains and measures, and the methodological approaches and evaluation designs of link worker social prescribing programs in Australia. Comprehensive searches of the literature on link worker social prescribing programs in Australia were conducted across 14 electronic databases. In order to reduce the risk of bias, study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by multiple authors, and included studies underwent quality and risk of bias assessment using the standardised Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcome domains were categorised into 'person-level', 'system-level' and 'program implementation' domains. Despite the variation in participant groups, the 'person-level' domains of global well-being and social well-being were consistently evaluated. While measurement tools varied significantly, the WHO Quality of Life Brief Assessment and short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale were most commonly applied. At the system level, health service utilisation was primarily evaluated. This integrative review reports on the current state of evidence in Australia, with the potential to track changes and trends over time. Developing a core outcome set, incorporating stakeholder and consumer contributions for benchmarking aligned with the healthcare landscape is recommended. The findings may guide the refining of social prescribing initiatives and future research, ensuring methodological robustness and alignment with individual and community needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing hazmat truck safety through advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) relies on both system efficacy and driver reactions. This study investigates the driving behaviors of hazmat truck drivers in response to forward collision warnings (FCWs). Traditional warning triggering methods struggle to capture diverse and immediate driver responses; therefore, our research employs a vision‐based framework for driving data extraction and utilizes the K‐means++ clustering method for response‐based classification. Moreover, we propose an enhanced version of the intelligent driver model (IDM) based on the concept of a virtual vehicle to reproduce hazmat truck drivers' differential behaviors during risky car‐following periods, achieving results that depict improved driving simulations. This model is compared with classic benchmarks, including the IDM, optimal velocity model (OVM), and full velocity difference (FVD) model, demonstrating superior performance in terms of traffic stability and safety in extreme scenarios. Our findings highlight that preaction drivers tend to accelerate before receiving warnings, opting to overtake rather than maintain safe distances. In contrast, calm drivers decelerate in anticipation of the warning, showcasing their awareness of maintaining safety. The analysis reveals that aggressive drivers are predominantly in the 41–45 age group, indicating a higher skill level, while calm drivers are more commonly older, reflecting a trend in cautious driving behaviors. Overall, our research contributes to the development of effective ADAS by considering real‐time driver responses and emphasizes the potential of our model to revolutionize commercial ADAS adoption and enhance road safety for hazmat operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The stigma associated with mental health disorders (MHDs) results in delayed help-seeking, limited access to health services, suboptimal treatment, poor treatment outcomes, and an increased risk of human rights violations. This scoping review summarizes qualitative research on the lived experiences of different stakeholders regarding strategies and interventions to combat stigma for people with MHDs. Methods: This study was a six-step scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A comprehensive search of the following electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant records: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) and Google Scholar, as well as a manual search of the reference lists. All steps, including screening of eligible studies, data extraction, and analysis, were performed independently by multiple reviewers, with disagreements resolved by discussion. The data were synthesized based on the for-content synthesis guidelines. Results: A total of 25 studies were included in this review of the 32,976 initial identified citations. The included studies were from all countries (low, middle, and high income), stigmatized disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) and target populations (e.g., people with MHDs and their families, health care providers, the general community, and students and school members). The thematic synthesis revealed six types of interventions and strategies and 17 themes related to reducing stigma in patients on MHDs. Strategies and interventions were classified by patient (self-stigma), family (family stigma), healthcare professionals' stigma, workplace stigma, public/societal stigma, and structural type of stigma (institutional stigma). Conclusions: This review contributes new evidence that should be considered in future interventions and policies to reduce stigma against MHDs. Multilevel and multistakeholder strategies and interventions are needed to reduce the stigmatization of MHDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To tackle the challenge of low accuracy in stock prediction within high-noise environments, this paper innovatively introduces the CED-PSO-StockNet time series model. Initially, the model decomposes raw stock data using the Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) technique and reconstructs the components by estimating their frequencies via the extreme point method. This process enhances component stability and mitigates noise interference. Subsequently, an Encoder-Decoder framework equipped with an attention mechanism is employed for precise prediction of the reconstructed components, facilitating more effective extraction and utilization of data features. Furthermore, this paper utilizes an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) algorithm to optimize the model parameters. On the Pudong Bank dataset, through ablation experiments and comparisons with baseline models, various optimization strategies incorporated into the proposed CED-PSO-StockNet model were effectively validated. Compared to the standalone LSTM model, CED-PSO-StockNet achieved a remarkable 45.59% improvement in the R2 metric. To further assess the model's generalization capability, this paper also conducted comparative experiments on the Ping An Bank dataset, and the results underscored the significant advantages of CED-PSO-StockNet in the domain of stock prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramp controllers are required to manage their workloads effectively while handling complex operational tasks, a crucial part of improving aviation safety. The ability to detect their instantaneous workload is vital for ensuring operational effectiveness and preventing hazardous incidents. This paper introduces a novel methodology aimed at enhancing the evaluation of the ramp controller's cumulative workload by incorporating and optimizing the feature combination from eye movement, respiratory, and fatigue characteristics. Specifically, a 90-minute simulated experiment related to ramp control tasks, using real data from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, is conducted to collect multi-type data from 8 controllers. Following data construction and the extraction of multi-type, the workloads of all samples are categorized through unsupervised learning. Subsequently, supervised learning techniques are used to calculate feature weights and train classifiers after data alignment. The optimal feature combination is established by calculating feature weights, and the best classification accuracy is over 98%, achieved by the KNN classifier. Furthermore, numerical evaluation and threshold calculations for different workload levels are interpreted. It is promising to provide insights into future works towards human-centered data construction, processing, and interpretation to promote the progress of workload assessment within the aviation industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusion Level of Evidence To compare graft failure, nonrevision reoperation, complication, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and return to sports (RTS) between patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without suture augmentation (SA).A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science databases from the inception of databases to 18 April 2024, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Studies comparing clinical outcomes of SA‐ and standard ACLR with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up were included. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by two researchers independently.Eight retrospective cohort studies were included, with a total of 408 patients receiving SA‐ACLR and 443 patients receiving standard ACLR. A meta‐analysis of graft failure demonstrated a 62% relative risk reduction (RR [risk ratio], 0.38 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.19–0.73]; p = .004) in those receiving SA‐ACLR compared with standard ACLR. An age‐related heterogeneity in graft failure reduction was detected in the subgroup analysis, which was more pronounced in studies with mean ages of <20 years compared with ≥20 years (p = .05; I2 = 73.9%). No significant difference was observed in nonrevision reoperation or complication rates. No clinically relevant difference was observed in PROMs. SA‐ACLR was associated with a significantly higher RTS rate compared with the standard ACLR (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.00–1.24]; p = .04), whereas no significant difference was observed in time to RTS.SA‐ACLR is associated with a reduced graft failure rate and increased RTS rate compared with standard ACLR without additional reoperations or complications. However, confidence in the evidence is limited by substantial heterogeneity. Future studies with a higher level of evidence are warranted to validate the benefit of SA and to determine the indication for different risk populations.Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a car-following (CF) extraction algorithm to address challenges in aerial-based trajectory data extraction. The algorithm, comprising four steps – vehicle grouping, elimination of false overtaking behavior, vehicle sorting, and CF pair matching – was applied to Zen Traffic Data, extracting 246 CF pairs. Three datasets were then generated: kilopost-based, geography-based, and velocity-based. A quality analysis revealed significant inconsistencies between data fields, with the geography-based dataset being least affected by high-frequency noise. The extracted CF data also demonstrated a more comprehensive driving regime than NGSIM, with complete driving regimes identified. Furthermore, the impact of data noise on CF model calibration and heterogeneity analysis was thoroughly assessed. This study enhances our understanding of trajectory data quality and highlights the richness of driving behavior information in Zen Traffic Data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the most commonly reviewed behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and their effectiveness based on consistency across reviews for lifestyle interventions of non-communicable diseases. Design: Umbrella review of systematic reviews. Data sources: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL, Global Health. Data extraction and synthesis: A narrative synthesis of extracted findings was conducted. The Behaviour Change Technique v1 Taxonomy was used to identify and code behaviour change techniques (e.g., goal setting) in a standardised manner, which were independently assessed by two reviewers. Study quality was independently assessed by two reviewers using the assessment of multiple systematic review tools. Results: 26 reviews were included with a total of 72 BCT labels evaluated across the different lifestyle interventions and non-communicable diseases. A total of 13 BCT clusters were identified to be reported as effective. The most commonly reviewed BCTs and their effectiveness/ineffectiveness were as follows: 'Goals and Planning' (12 effective/1 ineffective), 'Feedback and monitoring' (9 effective/3 ineffective), 'Social support' (9 effective/1 ineffective), 'Shaping knowledge' (11 effective/1 ineffective), and 'Natural consequences' (6 effectiveness/ 2 ineffective). The vast majority of the studies were conducted in high-income and a few in upper middle-income countries, with hardly any studies from lower middle-income and lower income studies. Conclusion: The most common BCTs were 'Goals and Planning', 'Feedback and Monitoring', 'Shaping Knowledge', 'Social Support', and 'Natural Consequence'. Based on consistency across reviews, several BCTs such as 'Goals and Planning', Feedback and Monitoring', 'Shaping Knowledge', and 'Social Support' have demonstrated effectiveness (Recommendation Grade A) in improving health behaviours across a limited range of NCDs. The evidence is less clear for other BCT techniques. It is also likely that not all BCTs will be transferable across different settings. There is a need for more research in this area, especially in low-middle-income countries. Protocol registration: Registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; PROSPERO (CRD42020222832). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vaccination is considered as one of the most promising strategies to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it could be associated with rare but serious complications. In the present study, we aimed to review the clinical course and etiology of post COVID-19 vaccination meningitis. Methods: After a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences online databases as well as Google Scholar, documents were screened and qualified. Then data extraction was performed and the most frequent underlying agent of meningitis was found based on the reported cases. Results: Overall, 35 cases of post COVID-19 vaccination meningitis from 33 articles were included in the review. Among them, 12 cases had proven viral diagnosis and 23 of them were reported to be vaccine-induced. The most frequent viral pathogen among the cases was VZV. The most prevalent symptom was headache, and the most common time of appearance symptoms was one week after vaccination. Conclusion: Overall, our study suggested meningitis as a critical but not devastating complication of COVID-19 vaccination. Almost all patients responded well to common agents used to manage viral or vaccine-induced meningitis. It is recommended to monitor patients with a history of chickenpox after COVID-19 vaccination regarding the development of meningitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tennis is a globally popular sport known for its numerous health benefits. However, it also underscores the physical demands and potential injuries associated with high-performance play. This review emphasizes the role of kinetic chains in executing powerful movements and discusses common injuries, particularly in the upper limbs due to the sport's overhead nature. It highlights the importance of effective rehabilitation methods for swift recovery and long-term performance enhancement in high-performance tennis players. Aims: The review aims to investigate the relationship between age, sex, and injury prevalence among high-performance tennis players to inform injury prevention strategies. Methodology: This review protocol will provide a description on effective rehabilitation methods to tennis players, aiding coaches, physiotherapists and physicians. Methodologically, this systematic review will develop following the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on articles published between 2011 and 2024, with eligibility criteria specified. Data collection involved screening titles and abstracts, removing duplicates, and assessing full texts for eligibility. Data extraction will include information on authors, publication year, evidence level, participant demographics, injuries, treatments, etc. The GRADE framework will be used for evidence quality assessment, and NIH criteria were applied for study quality assessment. Trial registration: Prospero registration number:CRD42023453182. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies examining the role of Emotion Regulation (ER) do not consistently explain the underlying model or theory they are employing, resulting in a conflation of different strategies and goals within the ER scientific literature. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and conceptual analysis of the primary strategies and goals advocated in the ER models, theories, and frameworks. Furthermore, we explored the distinctions between the prevailing contemporary ER models and classical conceptions of emotional dynamics, such as those proposed by Aristotle, Descartes, and Darwin. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in the Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus databases in November 2023. The key search terms used were grouped into two different topics: Emotion Regulation and Models/Theories/Frameworks. Articles were included if they reported one or more ER model in healthy individuals or emotionally disordered individuals and if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal in English in the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023). A total of two reviewers independently assessed the titles, abstracts, and full texts. Models identified were summarized and classified based on the different ER strategies and goals. Results: Of the 1,012 titles for initial consideration, 139 articles met the full eligibility criteria and were included for data extraction and synthesis. The review identified 10 ER models, and the most commonly used were the Process Model of Emotion Regulation and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation. There was a great deal of homogeneity among the proposed ER strategies and goals: the cognitive dimension is the core of ER strategy, and the ER goals are primarily hedonic or instrumental in nature. Discussion: Both Descartes and Darwin views were present in the ER models; however, some of the most significant contributions in Aristotelian proposal seem to be forgotten, such as the integration of the physical, operational, and growth dimensions (eudaimonic goals). Systematic review registration: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and was preregistered at Prospero platform (CRD42023491948). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing microbial resistance to traditional medicines necessitates in-depth analysis of medicine-microbe interactions (MMIs) to develop new therapeutic strategies. Widely used artificial intelligence models are limited by sparse observational data and prevalent noise, leading to over-reliance on specific data for feature extraction and reduced generalization ability. To address these limitations, we integrate Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs), independent subspaces, and collaborative decoding techniques into the masked graph autoencoder (Mask GAE) framework, creating an innovative MMI prediction model with enhanced accuracy, generalization, and interpretability. First, we apply Bernoulli distribution to randomly mask parts of the medicine-microbe graph, advancing self-supervised training and reducing noise impact. Additionally, the independent subspace technique enables graph neural networks (GNNs) to learn weights independently across different feature subspaces, enhancing feature expression. Fusing the multi-layer outputs of GNNs effectively reduces information loss caused by masking. Moreover, using KANs for advanced nonlinear mapping enhances the learnability and interpretability of weights, deepening the understanding of complex MMIs. These measures significantly enhanced the accuracy, generalization, and interpretability of our model in MMI prediction tasks. We validated our model on three public datasets with results showing that our model outperformed existing leading models. The relevant data and code are publicly accessible at: https://github.com/zhuoninnin1992/MKAN-MMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate extraction of surgical data from electronic health records (EHRs), particularly operative notes through manual chart review (MCR), is complex, crucial, and time-intensive, limited by human error due to fatigue and the level of training. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithm integrated with a Large Language Model (LLM; GPT4-Turbo) to automate the extraction of spinal surgery data from EHRs. The algorithm employed a two-stage approach. Initially, a rule-based NLP framework reviewed and classified candidate segments from the text, preserving their reference segments. These segments were then verified in the second stage through the LLM. The primary outcomes of this study were the accurate extraction of surgical data, including the type of surgery, levels operated, number of disks removed, and presence of intraoperative incidental durotomies. Secondary objectives explored time efficiency, tokenization lengths, and costs. The performance of the algorithm was assessed across two validation databases, analyzing metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, discrimination, F1-score, and precision, with 95% confidence intervals calculated using percentile-based bootstrapping. The NLP + LLM algorithm markedly outperformed all performance metrics, demonstrating significant improvements in time and cost efficiency. These results suggest the potential for widespread adoption of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Aim Methods Results Discussion Implications for Practice Relevance Statement In Asia, many caregivers are culturally obliged to assume the role of taking care of individuals experiencing chronic schizophrenia, even as they grapple with stigma and compassion fatigue. Despite the significance of this phenomenon, the collective experiences of Asian caregivers remain poorly understood.To synthesise qualitative evidence on the experiences of informal caregivers when caring for individuals with chronic schizophrenia in Asia.A search was conducted on seven databases for studies published between 2013 and 2023. The included studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool. Data extraction was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Qualitative Extraction Form. The data synthesis was based on the framework by Sandelowski and Barroso.Our review included the experiences of 1345 informal caregivers from 57 included studies. The analysis yielded the overarching theme of ‘Navigating Challenges, Forging Resilience’. Three themes were identified: (i) challenges in caregiving, (ii) lack of support and (iii) coping and resilience.Our findings highlighted the Asian caregivers' stressors, particularly cultural and traditional factors, a facet often overlooked in the literature.Mental healthcare practitioners must provide caregivers with comprehensive information. Anticipatory guidance is essential during the initial stages of the diagnosis. To negate geographical limitations, caregiver‐training sessions can be pre‐recorded and posted to online platforms. Finally, cultural and spiritual beliefs can be integrated into the treatment plans for individuals with schizophrenia in the community.Within the institutional setting, mental healthcare practitioners are encouraged to provide caregivers with comprehensible information or training in person and through written or online platforms, which can transcend geographical limitations. Anticipatory guidance is essential, especially during the initial stages of the diagnosis, when confusion and uncertainties are prevalent. Periodic home visits by mental healthcare practitioners can help ease caregivers' concerns and enhance their caregiving confidence. Finally, cultural and spiritual beliefs should be integrated into the treatment plans for individuals with schizophrenia in the community as it promotes cultural acceptability, encourages referrals to appropriate institutions and reduces the stigma of mental healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Purpose Methods Results Conclusion Level of Evidence Recurrent shoulder instability, a common musculoskeletal disorder, often involves glenoid bone loss and Hill–Sachs lesions. However, the optimal imaging modality for accurately and reliably quantifying bipolar bone loss remains uncertain. This systematic review aims to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of various imaging modalities in assessing bipolar bone loss in anterior shoulder instability.Major electronic databases were searched for English‐language studies reporting the measurement of glenoid track width and/or determination of on/off track HSL through imaging. Studies reporting statistical measures such as area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, NPV, intraobserver reliability and interobserver reliability were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.The systematic review included 19 studies comprising 1567 shoulders. Overall, studies could be divided into those looking at the accuracy or reliability of determining glenoid track width, on‐ or off‐track Hill–Sachs lesions and near‐track lesions. Three‐dimensional images of computed tomography (3D‐CT) was the most reliable and accurate imaging modality to measure the glenoid track width. On the opposite, two‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (2D‐MRI) did not provide enough evidence of accuracy and reliability in the determination of On/Off track lesions and near‐track lesions.3D‐CT demonstrated excellent reliability for measuring glenoid track width. However, the reliability of 2D‐MRI for determining on/off track Hill–Sachs lesions is still controversial.Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older patients with cancer already represent the largest proportion of cancer survivors which will further increase in the upcoming years. However, older patients are highly underrepresented in clinical research, leading to a detrimental knowledge gap. Research on important aspects of quality of life (QoL) and associated factors for older patients with cancer is insufficient to date. Aim: The objective of this scoping review therefore is to investigate the dimensions of QoL including functional health, life-relevant values and preferences in older adults with cancer across all tumor entities and health care settings. It will further identify medical, sociodemographic, psychosocial and geriatric aspects associated with QoL in the elderly and compare these with younger cancer patients and older non-cancer cases. Methods: Published articles investigating QoL dimensions and associated factors in older patients with cancer, i.e., exclusively patients ≥65 years or mean/median age ≥ 70 years for age-mixed samples, or that compare results of older with younger cancer patients or with older non-cancer cases will be considered for this scoping review. Older patients with cancer across all tumor entities, disease stages and health care setting will be included. PubMed and PsychINFO databases will be searched for relevant articles. Abstracts and titles will be screened for basic inclusion, and two independent reviewers will conduct a full text screening to evaluate the age criteria and decide on the final inclusion of the study. Data on study and participant characteristics, QoL dimensions and geriatric factors will be extracted using a data extraction sheet. Results will be summarized descriptively to address the objectives of this review. Discussion: The findings of this scoping review will provide valuable insights into central dimensions of QoL, including values, preferences and functional health in older adults with cancer, and help to improve targeted interventions and healthcare planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atropine is an effective medicine for myopia prevention and control. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of atropine on choroidal thickness (ChT) in children with myopia. Methods: Between its inception and 1 June 2023, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were all searched, and only English literature was included. The choroidal thickness was the primary study outcome. Axial length, standardized equivalent refraction were examined as secondary outcomes. STATA 12.0 was used for data extraction and analysis. Results: A total of 307 eyes were involved in this study to evaluate the effect of atropine on ChT, axial length (AL) and standardized equivalent refraction (SER) in myopic children. Choroidal thickening was significantly higher in the atropine group than in the control group at 1 month (WMD, 6.87 mm, 95% CI, 0.04 to 13.10, P = 0.049), whereas it was significantly higher in the atropine group than in the control group at months 6 (WMD, 10.37 mm, 95% CI, −3.21 to 23.95, P = 0.135), 12 (WMD, 15.10 mm, 95% CI, −5.08 to 35.27, P = 0.143) and at final follow-up (WMD, 11.52 mm, 95% CI, −3.26 to 26.31, P = 0.127), the differences were not statistically significant. At months 1 (WMD, −0.03 mm, 95% CI, −0.04 to −0.01, P = 0.003), 6 (WMD, −0.07 mm, 95% CI, −0.01 to −0.03, P = 0.000), 12 (WMD, −0.13mm, 95% CI, −0.15 to −0.11, P = 0.843), and at final follow-up (WMD, −0.08 mm, 95% CI, −0.16 to −0.01, P = 0.127), atropine treatment was able to delay the axial elongation. At 1-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in the effect of atropine on SER in myopic children compared with the control group (WMD, 0.01D, 95% CI, −0.07 to 26.31, P = 0.127), whereas it was able to control the progression of refractive status at final follow-up (WMD, 11.52 mm, 95% CI, −3.26 to 26.31, P = 0.127). Conclusion: Limited evidence suggests that 0.01% atropine causes choroidal thickening in myopic children at 1 month of treatment. In the short term, choroidal thickness may be a predictor of the effectiveness of atropine in controlling myopia in children. 0.01% atropine is effective in controlling myopic progression in terms of SER and AL. Systematic Review Registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier, CRD42022381195. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, using machine learning methods for precise analysis and improvement of swimming techniques holds significant research value and application prospects. The existing machine learning methods have improved the accuracy of action recognition to some extent. However, they still face several challenges such as insufficient data feature extraction, limited model generalization ability, and poor real-time performance. Methods: To address these issues, this paper proposes an innovative approach called Swimtrans Net: A multimodal robotic system for swimming action recognition driven via Swin-Transformer. By leveraging the powerful visual data feature extraction capabilities of Swin-Transformer, Swimtrans Net effectively extracts swimming image information. Additionally, to meet the requirements of multimodal tasks, we integrate the CLIP model into the system. Swin-Transformer serves as the image encoder for CLIP, and through fine-tuning the CLIP model, it becomes capable of understanding and interpreting swimming action data, learning relevant features and patterns associated with swimming. Finally, we introduce transfer learning for pre-training to reduce training time and lower computational resources, thereby providing real-time feedback to swimmers. Results and discussion: Experimental results show that Swimtrans Net has achieved a 2.94% improvement over the current state-of-the-art methods in swimming motion analysis and prediction, making significant progress. This study introduces an innovative machine learning method that can help coaches and swimmers better understand and improve swimming techniques, ultimately improving swimming performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to compare the longevity of direct and indirect composite restorations in posterior teeth. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating direct and indirect composite restorations in permanent posterior teeth. Three electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane) and Embase) were screened. No language or time restrictions were applied. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were done in duplicate. Risk of bias and level of evidence was graded using Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and Grade Profiler 3.6. A total of 3056 articles were found by electronic databases. Finally, five RCTs were selected. Overall, 627 restorations of which 323 were direct and 304 indirect composite restorations have been placed in 279 patients (age: 28–81 years). The highest annual failure rates (AFR) were found for indirect restorations ranging from 0 % to 15.5 %. Lower AFR were found for direct restorations ranging from 0 % to 5.4 %. The most frequent failures were found to be chipping and fracture of the restoration followed by caries. Meta-analysis revealed that the failure rate for direct restorations was significantly lower than for indirect restorations (Risk Ratio (RR) [95 %CI] = 0.61 [0.47; 0.79]; very low level of evidence). Furthermore, all studies showed a high risk of bias. Direct and indirect composite restorations can be recommended for large class II cavities including cusp coverage in posterior teeth for single tooth restoration. Meta-analysis revealed significantly lower relative risk to fail for direct composite restorations than for indirect restorations but results are with high risk of basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The direct superior approach (DSA) is a tissue-sparing alternative to the traditional posterior approach (PA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA), potentially offering improved recovery and fewer complications. This study compares perioperative parameters, radiological and functional outcomes, and complications between the DSA and the PA in primary THA. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus. Studies comparing the DSA and the PA in primary THA were included based on predefined criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Statistical analyses included calculating standardized mean differences (SMD), odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2 test, I2 statistics, and sensitivity analyses. Results: Out of 126 identified articles, 10 studies were included, which encompassed 28,063 patients (DSA: 1464; PA: 26,599). Significant advantages of the DSA over the PA were observed in blood loss (SMD −0.26, p < 0.01), transfusion rate (OR 0.59, p = 0.03), length of stay (SMD −0.59, p < 0.01), discharge to home rates (OR 2.32, p < 0.01), and incision length (SMD −2.75, p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in radiological outcomes or most functional scores, although the DSA showed higher Harris Hip Scores at 1 month (SMD 0.77, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The DSA offers significant perioperative advantages over the PA, including reduced blood loss, transfusion rates, LOS, incision length, and improved early functional recovery with higher discharge to home rates. Comparable complication rates and radiological outcomes support the DSA's safety and efficacy for quicker recovery in THA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Line charts are prevalent in scientific documents and commercial data visualization, serving as essential tools for conveying data trends. Automatic detection and tracing of line paths in these charts is crucial for downstream tasks such as data extraction, chart quality assessment, plagiarism detection, and visual question answering. However, line graphs present unique challenges due to their complex backgrounds and diverse curve styles, including solid, dashed, and dotted lines. Existing curve detection algorithms struggle to address these challenges effectively. In this paper, we propose ChartLine, a novel network designed for detecting and tracing curves in line graphs. Our approach integrates a Spatial-Sequence Attention Feature Pyramid Network (SSA-FPN) in both the encoder and decoder to capture rich hierarchical representations of curve structures and boundary features. The model incorporates a Spatial-Sequence Fusion (SSF) module and a Channel Multi-Head Attention (CMA) module to enhance intra-class consistency and inter-class distinction. We evaluate ChartLine on four line chart datasets and compare its performance against state-of-the-art curve detection, edge detection, and semantic segmentation methods. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms existing algorithms, achieving an F-measure of 94% on a synthetic dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review investigates the efficacy of using connective tissue grafting (CTG) versus an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for soft tissue management in immediate implant placement (IIP). The study focuses on comparing the soft tissue thickness (STT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) changes post-implantation. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted, targeting randomized clinical trials and cohort studies involving soft tissue grafting in conjunction with IIP. Data extraction and analysis focused on STT and KTW measurements from baseline to follow-up intervals of at least 6 months. The statistical analyses included the weighted mean differences and heterogeneity assessments among the studies. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the STT gain between CTG and ADM at 12 months, with the weighted mean differences favoring the control group but lacking statistical significance (CTG: 0.46 ± 0.53 mm, p = 0.338; ADM: 0.33 ± 0.44 mm, p = 0.459). The heterogeneity was high among the studies, with discrepancies notably influenced by individual study variations. Similarly, the changes in KTW were not significantly different between the two grafting materials. Conclusions: Both CTG and ADM are viable options for soft tissue management in IIP, with no significant difference in efficacy regarding the soft tissue thickness and keratinized tissue width outcomes. Future research should aim to minimize the heterogeneity and explore the long-term effects to better inform clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper describes several automation tools and software that can be considered during evidence synthesis projects and provides guidance for their integration in the conduct of scoping reviews. Study Design and Setting: The guidance presented in this work is adapted from the results of a scoping review and consultations with the JBI Scoping Review Methodology group. Results: This paper describes several reliable, validated automation tools and software that can be used to enhance the conduct of scoping reviews. Developments in the automation of systematic reviews, and more recently scoping reviews, are continuously evolving. We detail several helpful tools in order of the key steps recommended by the JBI's methodological guidance for undertaking scoping reviews including team establishment, protocol development, searching, de‐duplication, screening titles and abstracts, data extraction, data charting, and report writing. While we include several reliable tools and software that can be used for the automation of scoping reviews, there are some limitations to the tools mentioned. For example, some are available in English only and their lack of integration with other tools results in limited interoperability. Conclusion: This paper highlighted several useful automation tools and software programs to use in undertaking each step of a scoping review. This guidance has the potential to inform collaborative efforts aiming at the development of evidence informed, integrated automation tools and software packages for enhancing the conduct of high‐quality scoping reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macro‐Raman mapping is an approach that allows to obtain high‐resolution molecular maps of artefacts, over an area of several square centimetres. The method is based on recording thousands of spectra in a grid. The main drawback of this method is that it is very time consuming. A straightforward approach to reduce the measurement time is achieved by reducing the number of points that are measured. Not all points of the map are equally informative: Pixels that are surrounded by similar points might be less interesting to measure. Therefore, an algorithm is proposed to select where to measure and which points to omit. The missing pixels can be filled in a posteriori, by using a suitable interpolation algorithm. The selection of the omitted pixels can be performed based on information that is available from other analytical techniques. In this case, a selection was made based on the local variances in a colour picture. The approach is evaluated by recording macro‐Raman maps of details of a Neptune watercolour painting on paper. In a first stage, the Raman intensities of the scaled and baseline corrected spectra at specific band positions were colour coded and plotted as Raman maps. The interpolation of the Raman maps yielded satisfying results. The image outline could clearly be identified in the maps, and the differently coloured zones were distinguished. Next to this univariate approach, it was demonstrated that also a multivariate data extraction method (principal component analysis) is compatible with the proposed algorithm to measure 25% less datapoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing development and deployment of automated vehicles (AVs), it is crucial to understand the associated risks and factors contributing to collisions involving AVs. California possesses an immense amount of publicly available data from AV testing due to the requirement laid out by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which requires all automated vehicle operators to report collisions for any level of severity. However, this information is reported in specific forms and requires a laborious task to aggregate data from these reports. This study creates an automated data extraction system for these reports and analyses collision characteristics using logistic regression models as well as XGBoost models with SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) interpretation. Additionally, these characteristics are matched with the characteristics of non-automated vehicles (non-AVs) for the same region. The results of the study indicate that rear-end collisions are the most common type of collision observed in currently deployed AVs. The analysis further revealed an increased likelihood of injury-prone rear-end collisions in AVs at intersections compared to non-AVs. Transportation policymakers and researchers should take these safety concerns into account when addressing AV deployment and developing appropriate measures to mitigate collision risks in mixed fleet conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are measures of inflammation used in diagnosis, to guide treatment decisions, and in disease prediction. Variability in measured CRP and hsCRP may affect their clinical utility but estimates of within-subject variability are based on limited data. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to estimate longitudinal within-subject variability of CRP and hsCRP over any time period. Follow-up studies of any design in adults or children, with repeated measures of CRP or hsCRP were sought. Multiple databases were searched from inception to November 2022. Titles and abstracts were screened in duplicate. Full text screening and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and verified by a second. Risk of bias was assessed with a modified Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) tool. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) results were pooled with a meta-analysis and coefficient of variation (CV) results were described by median and range. Results: Of 2675 studies identified, 60 met the inclusion criteria: 34 reported CRP and 26 reported hsCRP. For CRP, median CV was 0.41 (range 0.11 to 0.89), and the pooled estimate of ICC was 0.55 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.74). For hsCRP, median CV was 0.44 (range 0.27 to 0.76) and the pooled estimate of ICC was 0.62 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.67). Limitations: Assessment of variability was not the main aim of many of the included papers, and it is possible that some relevant papers have been missed. Many of the papers included had low numbers of participants and/or low numbers of repeated measurements. Conclusions: Estimated within-subject variability is high for both CRP and hsCRP, but estimates are based on small numbers of participants and measurements. There is a need for better estimates of within-subject variability from analysis of larger numbers of repeated measurements in larger numbers of subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore a link between the use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and the risk of stroke. Methods: Comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL Library databases was carried out for observational studies establishing the link between PPI and a risk of stroke. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two reviewers. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models were plotted. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, gender, PPI type, duration of follow-up, and propensity score matching (PSM). Results: The analysis included 12 studies, with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 95%). PPI use did not affect the incidence of ischemic stroke (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.98-1.26). Subgroup analyses revealed that PPI use correlated with the risk of ischemic stroke, in particular in patients<65 years old (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.45), both males (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.24) and females (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10-1.33). The correlation varied depending on the PPI type, with pantoprazole showing elevated risk (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.43-1.93). Duration of follow-up or propensity score matching (PSM) did not impact the association. Conclusion: PPI use may be linked with ischemic stroke, particularly in individuals <65 years old and of all genders. The specific PPI type may also influence the risk. However, the cumulative analysis did not find any statistically significant association, and heterogeneity among studies was substantial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of our systematic review and meta-analyses were to determine the diagnostic accuracy of central venous oxygen saturation (Scvo2) in estimating mixed venous oxygen saturation (Svo2) and cardiac index in critically ill patients. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search using MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase was completed on May 6, 2024. STUDY SELECTION: Studies of patients in the ICU for whom Scvo2 and at least one reference standard test was performed (thermodilution and/or Svo2) were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Individual patient data were used to calculate the pooled intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for Svo2 and Spearman correlation for cardiac index. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 and Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tools were used for the risk of bias and certainty of evidence assessments. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 3427 studies, a total of 18 studies with 1971 patients were identified. We meta-analyzed 16 studies (1335 patients) that used Svo2 as a reference and three studies (166 patients) that used thermodilution as reference. The ICC for reference Svo2 was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.89) with a mean difference of 2.98% toward Scvo2. The Spearman rank correlation for reference cardiac index is 0.47 (95% CI, 0.46-0.48; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate reliability for Scvo2 in predicting Svo2 in critical care patients with variability based on sampling site and presence of sepsis. There is limited evidence on the independent use of Scvo2 in predicting cardiac index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health burden, with varying survival rates across regions. The presence of pulmonary metastases (PM) in HCC predicts a poorer prognosis, yet the global understanding of the progression and management is limited. This study aims to systematically review the burden of PM in HCC, document current treatment approaches, and evaluate treatment effectiveness through meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases. Articles were screened, and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Statistical analyses were conducted to synthesise data and assess treatment outcomes. A total of 82 articles were included, comprising a population of 3241 participants with documented PM. Our analysis revealed a linear relationship between the HCC population size and the occurrence of PM (p < 0.005). Surgical intervention demonstrated the lowest hazard ratio (0.128) and significantly improved survival rates compared to other treatment modalities. However, data quality limitations underscore the need for further research to delineate patient subsets benefitting from surgical intervention for PM. Our findings advocate for continued investigation into PM management strategies, notably the role of surgical resection alongside systemic therapies, to improve outcomes in HCC patients with PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a novel method for geological fault interpretation utilizing a 2D convolutional neural network approach with a focus on coalbed horizons, dealing with the problem as an image classification task. At the beginning, linear annotations, reflecting geological fault features, are applied to multiple seismic sections. By considering texture differences between fault and non‐fault areas, we construct samples that represent these distinct zones for training deep neural networks. Initially, fault annotations are transformed into single dots to facilitate pixel‐based processing. To depict a specific dot's geological structure, we employ a matrix clipped around the point, determined by a combination of range and step parameters. Convolutional layers generate filters equivalent to seismic data transformation, streamlining the need for analysis and selection of seismic attributes. The article discusses enhancing the efficiency of 2D convolutional neural network–based fault interpretation by optimizing sample selection, data extraction and model construction procedures. Through the incorporation of data from two mining areas (totalling 27.09 km2) in sample creation, the overall accuracy exceeds 0.99. Recognition extends seamlessly to unlabelled sections, showcasing the innovative technical route and methodology of fault interpretation with linear annotation and pixel‐based thinking. This study presents a method that integrates planar and raster thinking, transitioning from vision‐oriented geological structure annotation to algorithm‐oriented pixel location. The proposed 2D convolutional neural network–based matrix‐oriented fault/non‐fault binary classification demonstrates feasibility and reproducibility, offering a new automated approach for fault detection in coalbeds through convolutional neural network algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific literature on microplastics in food has increased exponentially in the last years leading to a huge amount of published reviews on this topic. Following an approach inspired by the umbrella-review methodology, the present review aimed at systematically gathering information regarding the routes of exposure of microplastics through the food chain, starting from information collected by literature reviews. A literature-based search of published reviews was carried out in three scientific databases. Eligible reviews had to be written in English and had to deal with microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs) in food or food chains. At the end of the screening process, 59 reviews were included of which four were systematic. Microplastics were found in a broad range of food originating from marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. The size range of detected MPs/NPs varied greatly (0.02 – 16,400 μm). Among the analysed review, three food matrices (milk, beer and sugar) were considered for the cross-citation analysis. The choice was based on the fact that these matrices are unusually associated with MPs/NPs pollution and the high redundancy of information observed during data extraction. Results surprisingly showed that the number of published reviews was higher than the number of primary studies, suggesting the need for applying a systematic review methodology to comprehensively synthesize data on microplastics in food and to harmonize definitions. In addition, especially for European countries, future research on MPs/NPs distribution should be performed on food such as milk, wine and meat since they are poorly investigated in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying macular neovascularization (MNV) in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) has important implications for its management. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is increasingly used for this purpose. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature and conducted meta‐analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of OCTA for detecting MNV in eyes with CSC. We systematically searched the literature in 12 databases for relevant studies from database inception until 18 November 2023. Eligible studies had eyes with CSC with MNV and CSC without MNV. Index test was OCTA. Reference test was retinal dye angiography. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate, and study was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Our main outcome of interest was the sensitivity and specificity of OCTA for detecting MNV in CSC. Pooled diagnostic test accuracy estimates were computed using MetaDTA. Of 177 records screened, seven fulfilled the eligibility criteria for our study. These studies summarized data from a total of 1061 eyes. Summary estimate sensitivity and specificity to diagnose MNV in eyes with CSC using OCTA was 92.9% (95% CI: 81.7%–97.5%) and 99.4% (95% CI: 84.1%–100.0%), respectively. The main source of bias across studies was the reference standard, as four studies used multimodal imaging including OCTA for the reference standard. OCTA alone is excellent for detecting MNV in CSC compared to retinal dye angiography or multimodal imaging. Using OCTA first before considering retinal dye angiography could potentially save an important number of retinal dye angiographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present meta-analysis was to systematically determine the overall complication rate and incidence of cryoshock in patients undergoing cryoablation of the liver. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to the PRISMA guidelines and focusing on studies of cryotherapy for liver malignancies published after 2000 were conducted. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched for articles reporting incidences of adverse events associated with percutaneous cryoablation in patients with liver malignancies. Data extraction and screening were independently conducted by two reviewers, who resolved discrepancies through consensus. Statistical analysis was performed to assess heterogeneity and pooled complication rates and included a moderator analysis to explore factors influencing the occurrence of complications. Results: The initial search yielded 4,145 articles, of which 26 met our inclusion criteria. From these 26 articles, pooled data on 4,029 patients were extracted. Variance between studies reporting cryoshock was low (I2 = 13.15%), while variance among studies reporting major complications was high (I2 = 82.52%). The pooled weighted proportion of major complications was 4.71% while that of cryoshock was as low as 0.265%. Moderator analysis identified publication year as the only moderator for major complications and no moderator for the occurrence of cryoshock. Conclusion: Analysis of currently available evidence indicates that cryoablation has a relative safe profile with a pooled incidence of major complications below 5%. Cryoshock occurred in less than 0.3% of procedures and was not reported for liver lesions smaller than 3 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOMN) has become a standard practice in the detection and prevention of nerve damage and postoperative deficit. While multicenter studies have addressed this inquiry, there have been no systematic reviews to date. This systematic review identifies the leading causes of IONM alerts during adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgeries. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase. IONM alert causes were grouped by equivalent terms used across different studies and binned into larger categories, including surgical maneuver, Changes in blood pressure/temperature, Oxygenation, Anesthesia, Patient position, and Unknown. Results: Inclusion criteria were studies on adult patients receiving ASD correction surgery using IONM with documented alert causes. 1544 references were included in abstract review, 128 in full text review, and 16 studies qualified for data extraction. From those studies, there was a total of 3945 adult patients with 299 IONM alerts. Surgical maneuver led the alert causes (258 alerts/86.3%), with signal loss most commonly occurring at correction or osteotomy (101/33.8% and 95/31.8% respectively). Pedicle screw placement caused 35 alerts (11.7%). Changes in temperature and blood pressure were the third largest category (34/11.4%). Conclusions: The most frequent causes of IONM alerts in ASD surgery were surgical maneuvers such as correction, osteotomy, and pedicle screw placement. This information provides spine surgeons with a quantitative perspective on the causes of IONM changes and show that most occur at predictable times during ASD surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are many approaches to the quantitative BOLD (qBOLD) technique described in the literature, differing in pulse sequences, MRI parameters and data processing. Thus, in this review, we summarized the acquisition methods, approaches used for oxygenation quantification and clinical populations investigated. Methods: Three databases were systematically searched (Medline, Embase, and Web of Science) for published research that used qBOLD methods for quantification of oxygen metabolism. Data extraction and synthesis were performed by one author and reviewed by a second author. Results: A total of 93 relevant papers were identified. Acquisition strategies were summarized, and oxygenation parameters were found to have been investigated in many pathologies such as steno‐occlusive diseases, stroke, glioma, and multiple sclerosis disease. Conclusion: A summary of qBOLD approaches for oxygenation measurements and applications could help researchers to identify good practice and provide objective information to inform the development of future consensus recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing automated software for vascular ultrasound data extraction lacks free, open‐source options suitable for professionals without coding experience. These programs typically include signal‐cleaning algorithms, resulting in processed output without access to raw data. To address these needs, we developed TG Vascutrack, an open‐source and user‐friendly software tailored for non‐coder professionals. It features a graphical interface, multiple functionalities, and provides access to raw data. Comparative analysis against validated software and manual extraction revealed minimal biases and standard deviations in diameter and velocity measurements. TG Vascutrack offers a free, promising solution for non‐coders needing automated vascular ultrasound data extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]