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Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino acid that is commonly used to improve exercise performance. It could influence the buffering of hydrogen ions produced during intense exercise and delay fatigue, providing a substrate for increased synthesis of intramuscular carnosine. This systematic review evaluates the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on maximal intensity exercise in trained, young, male individuals. Six databases were searched on August 10, 2023, to identify randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of chronic beta-alanine supplementation in trained male individuals with an age range of 18–40 years. Studies evaluating exercise performance through maximal or supramaximal intensity efforts falling within the 0.5–10 min duration were included. A total of 18 individual studies were analyzed, employing 18 exercise test protocols and 15 outcome measures in 331 participants. A significant (p =.01) result was observed with an overall effect size of 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 0.69]), in favor of beta-alanine supplementation versus placebo. Results indicate significant effects at 4 weeks of supplementation, effect size 0.34 (95% CI [0.02, 0.67], p =.04); 4–10 min of maximal effort, effect size 0.55 (95% CI [0.07, 1.04], p =.03); and a high beta-alanine dosage of 5.6–6.4 g per day, effect size 0.35 (95% CI [0.09, 0.62], p =.009). The results provide insights into which exercise modality will benefit the most, and which dosage protocols and durations stand to provide the greatest ergogenic effects. This may be used to inform further research, and professional or recreational training design, and optimization of supplementation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefits of oral caffeine intake to enhance several aspects of physical performance, such as aerobic endurance, strength, power, and muscle endurance performance, are well supported. However, how the physical performance benefits of caffeine supplementation are translated into better specific actions in intermittent sports during real or simulated competition has been the topic of fewer investigations, and their results need to be appropriately reviewed and meta-analyzed. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of acute caffeine intake on specific actions in intermittent sports involving decision making and high-intensity efforts (eg, team, racket, and combat sports) during real or simulated competitions. Methods: All studies included had blinded and crossover experimental designs, and we conducted a risk-of-bias analysis. In total, we included 24 studies. A meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) estimated by Hedges g and 95% CIs. Results: Caffeine ingestion increased high-intensity sport-specific actions during competition, such as the number of sprints (SMD: 0.48; 95% CI, 0.23–0.74), body impacts (SMD: 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08–0.49), accelerations (SMD: 0.35; 95% CI, 0.06–0.63), decelerations (SMD: 0.63; 95% CI, 0.12–1.14), and high-intensity offensive efforts (SMD: 0.36; 95% CI, 0.11–0.61). Additionally, caffeine ingestion induced a higher positive or success rate of actions during real or simulated competition (SMD: 0.44; 95% CI, 0.19–0.69). Conclusion: The current meta-analysis provides evidence of caffeine supplementation in increasing high-intensity efforts and the success rate of sport-specific actions during real or simulated competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of protein supplementation and resistance training (RT), compared with RT alone or combined with a placebo, in improving gait speed. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases, and 18 randomized controlled trials with 1,147 older participants were included for meta-analysis. Data were pooled as the effect sizes (Hedges' g) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the gait speed (in meters per second). The random-effect meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Results: The combination of protein supplementation and RT significantly improved gait speed (Hedges' g: 0.52 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.86], p =.005; I2 = 86.5%) compared with the RT alone. The subgroup analyses revealed that the significant improvement in gait speed postprotein intervention plus RT was observed only in participants who consumed protein after RT (Hedges' g: 0.90 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.46, 1.33], p =.001; I2 = 79.6%). The pooled result did not significantly change after excluding any single study at one time or excluding smaller studies with large effect sizes. Conclusions: Protein supplementation combined with RT could significantly improve the gait speed of older adults compared with RT alone. This positive effect is more pronounced in people who consume protein after RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic exercise on physical performance in older adults. Databases were searched up to July 2021. Randomized controlled trials were screened by two reviewers, who extracted data and assessed study quality. Ten randomized controlled trials (603 participants) were included. Compared with nonexercising controls, aquatic exercise probably improved lower limb muscle power (30-s Chair Stand Test; mean difference 4.75 repetitions; 95% confidence interval [0.07, 9.42]; I2 = 99%; 251 participants; very low-quality evidence). When comparing aquatic exercise with land exercise, there is probably no superiority in favor of either intervention on dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go Test; mean difference −0.12 s; 95% confidence interval [−0.37, 0.12]; I2 = 3%; 244 participants; very low-quality evidence). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This review aimed to examine differences in outcomes with the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid vs corticosteroids after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis. Method and materials: Studies were searched on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to 15th January 2024. Randomized controlled trials comparing hyaluronic acid with corticosteroids after TMJ arthrocentesis were included. The outcomes were pain and maximal mouth opening. Results: Ten articles corresponding to nine randomized clinical trials were included. There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores at 1 week (mean difference [MD] -0.30, 95% CI -1.25 to 0.65, I2 = 0%), 1 month (MD -0.55, 95% CI -1.23 to 0.13, I2 = 0%), and 6 months (MD -0.57, 95% CI -2.10 to 0.96, I2 = 58%) between the two groups. However, pain scores were found to be significantly lower in the hyaluronic acid group at 3 months (MD -1.07, 95% CI -1.84 to -0.31, I2 = 0%). No statistically significant difference was noted in maximal mouth opening at 1 week (MD 0.78, 95% CI -1.79 to 3.35, I2 = 0%), 1 month (MD 0.32, 95% CI -1.83 to 2.46, I2 = 0%), and 3 months (MD -0.41, 95% CI -3.90 to 3.07, I2 = 0%) between the two groups. Descriptive analysis for studies not included in the meta-analysis also presented similar results. Conclusions: Low-quality evidence suggests that both intra-articular hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids have similar efficacy in improving pain scores and maximal mouth opening after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the impact of implant placement at different time intervals on the esthetic and clinical outcomes in the esthetic zone. Materials and Methods: A literature screening was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases. Relevant articles were included according to selection criteria and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data was collected from studies published from 2017 to 2022 in English. Results: Nine articles were included, in which a total of 495 implants were placed; 250 of the implants were immediate, 109 were early, and 136 were delayed. Immediate implant placement (IIP) showed no statistically significant difference in Pink Esthetic Score (PES) compared with delayed implant placement (DIP). IIP showed significantly higher PES in comparison with early implant placement (EIP) (mean difference [MD] = -0.76; 95% CI = -1.50 to -0.02; P = .04). The probing depth (PD) was considerably greater for immediate implants than for delayed implants (MD = -0.62; 95% CI = -1.05 to -0.18; P = .005), and the Plaque Index (PI) was statistically greater for early implants compared with immediate implants (MD = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.19; P < .00001). All other soft tissue outcomes showed equal results. The marginal bone loss (MBL) was statistically higher in early implants compared with immediate implants (MD = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.16; P = .02). Conclusions: IIP had significantly superior PES, MBL, and PI results when compared with EIP. The PD was significantly higher for immediate implants compared with delayed implants. All other outcomes showed no significant difference between the three implant groups. It is important to highlight the limitations of this review such as the small number of studies included and the few reports on esthetic indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the influence of immediate loading (IL) and non-immediate loading (NIL) protocols on overdentures retained by reduced-diameter implants (< 3.5 mm). Materials and Methods: Electronic databases including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing clinical outcomes of immediately loaded and non-immediately loaded reduced-diameter implants supporting overdentures. The risk of bias within and across the studies and the certainty of evidence were assessed by RoB 2.0 and GRADE, respectively. A sensitivity analysis was performed by eliminating studies at high risk of bias and repeating the data synthesis employing the random effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the implant diameter and the length of follow-up. Results: Overall, six RCTs with 255 patients were included in this systematic review. The meta-analyses found similar implant survival rates between immediately loaded and non-immediately loaded implants in the mini-implant (RR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.95, 1.01; P = .12) and narrow-diameter implant subgroups (RR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.94, 1.03; P = .56) as well as in short-term (RR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97, 1.00; P = .11) and long-term (RR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.93, 1.01; P = .09) follow-up subgroups. Additionally, marginal bone loss (MBL) showed no statistically significant difference between the loading protocols in the subgroup of long-term follow-up (MD = 0.03; 95% CI = -0.16, 0.23; P = .74). Three RCTs investigating peri-implant parameters found relatively higher modified plaque index (PI) and probing depth (PD) in reduced-diameter implants under IL. Conclusions: Compared with NIL, the IL protocol can achieve comparable survival rates and MBL in reduced-diameter implants supporting overdentures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the risk of dental implant failure for patients with a history of antidepressant use through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: An electronic search was performed up to June 2023 in three databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; data on the comparison of implant failure rate for patients with and without the use of antidepressants were included. Meta-analyses for the risk ratio of implant failure rate at patient level and implant level were performed. Results: Overall, 11 clinical studies were selected for inclusion in this review. The meta-analyses showed a risk ratio of 2.44 (95% CI = 1.75 to 3.39; P < .0001) and 2.44 (95% CI = 1.73 to 3.46; P < .0001) for the implant failure at patient level and implant level, respectively. The comparisons presented a low heterogeneity for the patient-level analysis and a moderate heterogeneity for the implant-level analysis among the pooled studies. Subgroup analyses also revealed that patients who received only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or SSRIs with other types of antidepressants had a higher risk of implant failure than those who were not on any antidepressants. Conclusions: The current review demonstrates that the use of antidepressants such as SSRIs may increase the risk of dental implant failure at both patient level and implant level. Although limited evidence suggests that a certain type of SSRI (sertraline) may have more influence on implant failure than other SSRIs, future studies are needed to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Training characteristics such as duration, frequency, and intensity can be manipulated to optimize endurance performance, with an enduring interest in the role of training-intensity distribution to enhance training adaptations. Training intensity is typically separated into 3 zones, which align with the moderate-, heavy-, and severe-intensity domains. While estimates of the heavy- and severe-intensity boundary, that is, the critical speed (CS), can be derived from habitual training, determining the moderate–heavy boundary or first threshold (T1) requires testing, which can be costly and time-consuming. Therefore, the aim of this review was to examine the percentage at which T1 occurs relative to CS. Results: A systematic literature search yielded 26 studies with 527 participants, grouped by mean CS into low (11.5 km·h−1; 95% CI, 11.2–11.8), medium (13.4 km·h−1; 95% CI, 11.2–11.8), and high (16.0 km·h−1; 95% CI, 15.7–16.3) groups. Across all studies, T1 occurred at 82.3% of CS (95% CI, 81.1–83.6). In the medium- and high-CS groups, T1 occurred at a higher fraction of CS (83.2% CS, 95% CI, 81.3–85.1, and 84.2% CS, 95% CI, 82.3–86.1, respectively) relative to the low-CS group (80.6% CS, 95% CI, 78.0–83.2). Conclusions: The study highlights some uncertainty in the fraction of T1 relative to CS, influenced by inconsistent approaches in determining both boundaries. However, our findings serve as a foundation for remote analysis and prescription of exercise intensity, although testing is recommended for more precise applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effects of physical activity on children's free recall, cued recall, and recognition episodic memory and to explore potential moderating factors. Methods: The following databases were searched: PubMed, ERIC, APA Psych Info, CINHAL, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if: (1) participants were aged 4–18 years, (2) participants were typically developed, (3) participants were randomized to groups, (4) interventions employed gross movements, (5) sedentary group was used for control, (6) memory tests were quantitative, and (7) employed acute or chronic intervention. Results: 14 studies met inclusion criteria resulting in the analysis of data from 7 free recall, 7 cued recall, and 8 recognition memory tests. Physical activity was found to have a positive influence on tests free (g = 0.56), cued recall (g = 0.67), and no influence on tests of recognition (g = 0.06). While some moderator analyses were significant, the authors do not consider these results to be meaningful in application. Conclusions: The effects of acute and chronic physical activity enhance specific aspects of long-term episodic memory. These findings suggest physical activity interventions developed for children may be expected to benefit some, but not all, types of memory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This meta-analysis aimed to (1) provide a comparison of peak changes in indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in youths versus adults and (2) determine if the involved limb moderated this effect. Method: Studies were eligible for inclusion if they (1) provided a human youth versus adult comparison; (2) provided data on muscle strength, soreness, or creatine kinase markers beyond ≥24 hours; and (3) did not provide a recovery treatment. Effect sizes (ES) were presented alongside 95% confidence intervals. Results: EIMD exhibited larger effects on adults than in youths for muscle strength (ES = −2.01; P <.001), muscle soreness (ES = −1.52; P <.001), and creatine kinase (ES = −1.98; P <.001). The random effects meta-regression indicated that the effects of upper- and lower-limb exercise in youths and adults were significant for muscle soreness (coefficient estimate = 1.11; P <.001) but not for muscle strength or creatine kinase (P >.05). As such, the between-group effects for muscle soreness (ES = −2.10 vs −1.03; P <.05) were greater in the upper than lower limbs. Conclusion: The magnitude of EIMD in youths is substantially less than in their adult counterparts, and this effect is greater in upper than lower limbs for muscle soreness. These findings help guide practitioners who may be concerned about the potential impact of EIMD when training youth athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Tendon injuries are common disorders in both workers and athletes, potentially impacting performance in both conditions. This is why the search for effective treatments is continuing. Objective(s): The objective of this study was to analyze whether the ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis technique may be considered a procedure to reduce pain caused by tendinosis. Evidence Acquisition: The search strategy included the PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, SciELO, and ScienceDirect up to the date of February 25, 2024. Randomized clinical trials that assessed pain caused by tendinosis using the Visual Analog Scale and Numeric Rating Scale were included. The studies were evaluated for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2, and the evidence strength was assessed by the GRADEpro GDT. Evidence Synthesis: Out of the 534 studies found, 8 were included in the review. A random-effects meta-analysis and standardized mean differences (SMD) were conducted. The ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis proved to be effective in reducing pain caused by tendinosis in the overall outcome (SMD = −0.97; 95% CI, −1.26 to −0.68; I2 = 58%; low certainty of evidence) and in the short-term (SMD = −0.83, 95% CI, −1.29 to −0.38; I2 = 65%; low certainty of evidence), midterm (SMD = −1.28; 95% CI, −1.65 to −0.91; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty of evidence), and long-term (SMD = −0.94; 95% CI, −1.62 to −0.26; I2 = 71%; low certainty of evidence) subgroups. Conclusion(s): The application of the ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis technique for reducing pain caused by tendinosis appears to be effective. However, due to the heterogeneity found (partially explained), more studies are needed to define the appropriate dosimetry, specific populations that may benefit more from the technique, and possible adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the complications, satisfaction, and quality of life of patients rehabilitated with delayed and immediate loading of single crowns. Materials and Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to February 2023. Only prospective studies and randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials comparing immediate and delayed loading were included. For the quantitative analysis, dichotomous and consistent variables were evaluated with a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 20 studies were evaluated. No statistically significant difference was observed between protocols: satisfaction (I²: 0%; P = .42), quality of life (I²: 0 %; P = .05), biologic complications (I²: 9%; P = .17), mechanical complications (I²: 58%; P = .84), and survival rate (I²: 0%; P = .38). The subgroup analysis showed significant differences only for marginal bone loss (MBL) when immediate implants were placed in the mandible (I²: 15%; P = .01) and posterior zone (I²: 0%; P = .001). Conclusions: Complications and patient-centered outcomes for immediate single-implant crowns were comparable to delayed loading. Scientific evidence showed no significant difference between loading protocols for survival rates. Note that several factors could interfere with the complication events, implant failures, and MBL. The subgroup analysis showed that only immediate implants placed in the posterior mandible had a higher and statistically significant mean MBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To answer the following question: "Do recombinant, purified, and concentrated growth factors enhance the regenerative potential of particulate bone graft substitutes in maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSA)" Materials and Methods: Human studies comparing histomorphometric data on new bone formation, residual graft material, and fibrous tissue ratio (outcomes of interest) following MSA procedures employing particulate bone grafts/substitutes in combination or not with growth factors were retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus online databases and complemented with a hand search. Controlled studies published in English up to December 2022 and reporting on histomorphometric data expressed as volume percentage of the outcomes of interest were considered. Risk of bias was assessed, and a meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of supplementary growth factors on new bone formation, remaining graft particles, and fibrous tissue ratio. Results: Data were included from 613 samples in 477 patients reported in 22 publications. Meta-analysis showed that platelet-rich plasma or platelet-rich fibrin resulted in 49% more new bone formation than in control group areas (P = .004), and those areas supplemented with growth factors presented 57% less residual graft particles after healing (P < .0001). A significant (P = .03) 1.85-fold increase in connective tissue formation was noted in areas treated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) after healing. Conclusions: Selective supplementary growth factors may enhance new bone formation and accelerate particulate graft turnover, while rhBMP may significantly increase connective tissue formation in MSA procedures in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE), which refers to the phenomena associated with the attainment of enhanced performance in sport-specific tasks after a conditioning activity, is an important objective of warming-up practices in many sports. This is even more relevant for sprinters, as potential increases in sprinting speed will directly influence their competitive results. This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated the effects of different PAPE protocols (ie, using plyometrics, strength-power exercises, and resisted/assisted sprints) on the sprinting performance (ie, sprint time or sprint speed) of competitive sprinters. Methods: Initially, 1205 records published until last December 18 were identified, using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Clarivate Web of Science. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 14 high-quality studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Results: Overall, there were no significant changes in sprint performance after implementing various types of conditioning activities (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.16 [95% CI, −0.02 to 0.33]; Z = 1.78; P =.08; I2 = 0%). In addition, when comparing prechanges and postchanges between experimental, control, and other conditions, no significant differences were found in sprint speed or time across all studies (SMD = 0.09 [95% CI, −0.10 to 0.28]; Z = 0.92; P =.36; I = 0%). Conclusions: Results revealed that different types of conditioning activities may not be capable of acutely enhancing the sprint speed of competitive sprinters. This aligns with previous observations indicating that sprinting is a highly stable physical capacity, a phenomenon that is even more consistent among elite sprinters. Coaches and sport scientists should collaborate to develop more efficient PAPE protocols for these highly specialized athletes, with special attention to study design and individualization, while considering their effects on acceleration versus top speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This systematic review compares the impact of ball and locator attachments on marginal bone loss in implant-retained overdentures in completely edentulous patients. Method and materials: Following PRISMA guidelines, health science librarians completed literature searches from inception to 17 March 2023 in seven databases. There were 15,686 items exported to EndNote from Embase.com, CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE-ALL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Hand-searching added four more articles. After deduplication, 6,756 items were screened for eligibility. Twenty-nine studies were assessed by full text, of which ten studies, involving 424 subjects, were included in the review. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A meta-analysis was performed to synthesize and analyze the collective data from the selected studies. Results: The included studies used diverse methodologies, implant systems, and loading protocols. Most studies reported no significant difference in marginal bone loss between ball and locator attachments. The meta-analysis revealed high heterogeneity. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review suggest that ball and locator attachments exhibit similar performance in terms of marginal bone loss in implant-retained overdentures. However, the limited number, risk of bias, and heterogeneity of studies highlight the need for standardized research designs and larger sample sizes in future investigations to draw more definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trust is one of the highly important concepts of consumer research; yet it is characterized by a striking lack of generalizations and consensus regarding the relative strength of its antecedents, consequences, and moderators. To close this important gap, the current research reports a comprehensive large-scale meta-analysis shedding light on a wide variety of the antecedents, consequences, and moderators of the individual consumer's trust and their relative importance. Empirical generalizations are based on 2,147 effect sizes from 549 studies across 469 manuscripts in numerous disciplines, representing a total of 324,834 respondents in 71 countries over a five-decade span (1970–2020). The key findings are thus that (1) integrity-based (vs. reliability-based) antecedents are more effective in driving trust, and (2) trust is more effective in improving primarily attitudinal (vs. primarily behavioral) outcomes. Moderation analyses unpack further heterogeneity. Notably, both integrity-based and reliability-based antecedents have become stronger drivers of consumer trust in recent years. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed in addition to advancing important future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we review the ways in which replication has been and could be featured in consumer behavior, using Journal of Consumer Research as a specific setting. We present a framework for thinking about the generalizability of research findings and differentiate various potential benefits that replication can have for understanding variability in consumer research findings. We then define four different types of replications, describe how researchers can use these approaches to produce distinct benefits, and give guidance regarding conducting, interpreting, and the potential contributions of these different types of replications. We conclude with a discussion of various ways in which replication could be more fully integrated into different phases of the scientific research process, taking into account the contribution necessary for publication. In particular, we identify opportunities to incorporate independent replication into original papers, to increase the replication-based contribution in papers that build on prior work, and to use systematic replication in conjunction with meta-analysis to synthesize and confirm conclusions from a mature research literature. More fully integrating replication into scientific practice can yield a new equilibrium, in which replication is routine, typically consistent with previous results, and recognized as necessary for establishing an empirical generalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-meta-analysis study quantifies the development of scientific knowledge in consumer research by summarizing the findings of 222 meta-analyses that together include 2481 meta-analytic effect sizes. The results provide an overview of how much we know and how knowledge has developed in consumer research over time. By explaining 7.8% variance (r = 0.28) in consumer-relevant dependent variables, the findings show that consumer research, a comparatively young discipline, is relatively effective at knowledge development compared to other disciplines. Furthermore, the accumulation of knowledge is significantly increasing, suggesting that our discipline is still in the growing phase of its life cycle and generating continuously improving explanations of consumer-related phenomena. The development of knowledge varies across consumer-relevant dependent variables, with strong explanations for relationships but significantly weaker ones for memory , affect , and attitudes. Moreover, the knowledge synthesized in meta-analyses is fairly—though not fully—representative of the content of primary research on consumers overall. The findings convey a future research agenda by identifying under-researched areas, advising on the selection of dependent variables, providing indicators for the expected contributions of future studies, suggesting implications for career strategies of consumer researchers, and discussing explanations for the observed knowledge growth effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to cross-validate a recently proposed equation for the prediction of maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max) in cycling exercise by using the average power output normalized by the body mass from a 5-minute time trial (RPO5-min) as the independent variable. Further, the study aimed to update the predictive equation using Bayesian informative prior distributions and meta-analysis. Methods: On different days, 49 male cyclists performed an incremental graded exercise test until exhaustion and a 5-minute time trial on a stationary cycle ergometer. We compared the actual V ˙ O 2 max with the predicted value obtained from the RPO5-min, using a modified Bayesian Bland–Altman agreement analysis. In addition, this study updated the data on the linear regression between V ˙ O 2 max and RPO5-min, by incorporating information from a previous study as a Bayesian informative prior distribution or via meta-analysis. Results: On average, the predicted V ˙ O 2 max using RPO5-min underestimated the actual V ˙ O 2 max by −6.6 mL·kg–1·min–1 (95% credible interval, −8.6 to −4.7 mL·kg–1·min–1). The lower and upper 95% limits of agreement were −17.2 (−22.7 to −12.3) and 3.8 (−1.0 to 9.5) mL·kg–1·min–1, respectively. When the current study's data were analyzed using the previously published data as a Bayesian informative prior distribution, the accuracy of predicting sample means was found to be better when compared with the data combined via meta-analyses. Conclusions: The proposed equation presented systematic bias in our sample, in which the prediction underestimated the actual V ˙ O 2 max. We provide an updated equation using the previous one as the prior distribution, which could be generalized to a greater audience of cyclists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression was to examine the effects of virtual reality–based training on global cognition and executive function compared with conventional training or information-based treatment in older adults, regardless of cognitive level. A systematic literature search was conducted using four databases. A total of 31 randomized controlled trials were identified. Pooled effect sizes were calculated, the risk of bias was assessed, and evidence was graded. The primary analyses showed a small but statistically significant effect of virtual reality–based training compared with control on global cognition (Hedges' g 0.42, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.68], I2 = 70.1%, n = 876, 20 randomized controlled trials, low evidence) and executive function (Hedges' g 0.35, 95% confidence interval [0.06, 0.65], I2 = 68.4%, n = 810, 16 randomized controlled trials, very low evidence). Meta-regression yielded inconclusive results. Virtual reality–based training may be more effective than control in improving cognition in older adults; however, more high-quality studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dental implants are a common treatment method after tooth loss, the accuracy of which directly affects efficacy and stability. Through a network meta-analysis, this study compared the accuracy of different modalities of implant placement: dynamic navigation (DN), fully guided static navigation (FG), partially guided static navigation (PG), and free handed (FH). Materials and Methods: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic literature search was conducted on October 2, 2022. The comparison of implant accuracy in all included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conformed to at least one of the following: deviation at the implant crown, deviation at the apical portion of the implant, or angular deviation of the implant. Results: Twenty-six articles were included for the qualitative analysis (17 RCTs, 3 prospective studies, and 6 retrospective studies), and the 17 RCTs were included for network meta-analysis. The data included in this study had high consistency, and the funnel plot showed that the articles had low publication bias. Compared to FH, FG and DN had higher accuracy for coronal deviation (P < .05), and FG, DN, and PG had higher accuracy for apical and angular deviations (P < .05). According to the SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curves) value, FG had the highest accuracy for coronal deviation, while DN had the highest accuracy in apical and angular deviations. Conclusions: According to the present results, the accuracies for DN, FG, and PG were higher than those for FH. DN showed the highest accuracy in terms of apical deviation and angular deviation. FG had the best control over the coronal deviation. There was no statistical difference between DN and FG in terms of accuracy. Given the limitations of the current study, further validation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To answer the following focus question: In preclinical in vivo experimental models, do oral implants placed in overdimensioned (OD) sites present greater biomechanical properties and histomorphometric parameters of osseointegration compared to implants placed in standard or undersized implant sockets? Materials and Methods: Online databases were searched for controlled animal studies reporting on OD sites up to February 2023. The relative implant-final drill discrepancy (IDD) was used to categorize the control and test groups according to surgical drilling protocol: (1) control: undersized (IDD > 0.5 mm) or standard (IDD = 0.2 to 0.5 mm); and (2) test OD: stress-free oversized (IDD = 0.0 to -0.1 mm); test GAP: friction-free oversized (IDD = -0.1 mm). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for the outcomes of insertion and removal torque values (ITV and RTV, respectively), bone-to-implant contact (%BIC), and bone density (%BD) for short- (0 to 2 weeks), intermediate- (3 to 4 weeks), and long-term (= 5 weeks) healing periods. Results: Of the 527 records identified, 13 studies met the eligibility criteria. Histologically, the OD and GAP groups prevented ischemic necrosis and extensive bone resorption at the bone-implant interface in both the marginal cortical layer and the trabeculae. Faster and increased rates of bone formation, characterized by primary osteons and highly vascularized tissue, took place in OD sites between 1 and 5 weeks of healing. Meta-analyses indicated statistically significant benefits in favor of (1) control vs OD for short-term healing in extraoral sites, with pooled estimates (weighted mean difference) of ITV = 25.35 Ncm, %BIC = 2.10%, and %BD = 26.19%; (2) control vs OD for long-term healing in intraoral sites, with %BD = 11.69%; (3) control vs GAP for intermediate-term healing in extraoral sites, with %BD = 3.03%; and (4) control vs GAP for long-term healing in extraoral sites, with RTV = 5.57 Ncm. Conclusions: Oversized surgical preparation of the implant site does not seem to provide any additional benefit compared to standard or undersized sites regarding quantitative parameters of osseointegration. However, it does minimize marginal bone resorption and yields better-quality bone healing, despite the comparable results among different experimental animal models in the late postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four decades of research into the influences of time pressure on risky decisions have produced widely contrasting findings: 38.5% of the effects indicate that time pressure increases risk preferences, whereas 61.5% show the opposite. A theoretical framework with four conceptual categories of moderators is proposed to explain these heterogeneous findings: nature of the time constraint, negative outcome salience, negative outcome severity, and vulnerability to the outcomes. This framework is tested through a meta-analysis of 213 effect sizes reported in 83 papers, representing 65,574 unique respondents. The four categories of moderators effectively resolve notable conflicts. For example, regarding the nature of the time constraint, an absolute versus relative constraint increases risk preferences, but an ambiguous versus objective constraint decreases risk preferences. In terms of negative outcome salience, risk preferences decrease if the risk is learned about from a description (vs. experience) or the outcome is framed as a loss (vs. gain). Negative outcome severity also exerts an effect, as discrete choices lower risk preferences compared with attitudinal risk. In addition to managerial and public policy implications based on simulations, a comprehensive research agenda that builds on the robust insights of this meta-analysis is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, and respiratory exercise is considered a nonsurgical management method. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to estimate the results of randomized controlled trials on the effect of respiratory training in reducing LBP and its dose relationship. Methods: The present study was conducted from January 2020 to January 2022, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (2020). Relevant studies were searched in multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wan Fang and China Knowledge Network, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar, using a combination of MeSH/Emtree terms and free-text words. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results: A total of 14 publications were included in the meta-analysis, with a total sample size of 698 individuals, aged 60–80 years. Respiratory exercise was effective in relieving LBP (standardized mean difference = −0.87, P <.00001) and improving physical disability (standardized mean difference = −0.79, P <.00001). The type of breathing and the total duration of breathing exercises were found to be the source of heterogeneity in this study by subgroup analysis. Subgroup analysis revealed that the most significant effect sizes of breathing resistance exercise to reduce LBP and the most significant effect sizes of breathing relaxation techniques to alleviate physical disability were performed 3 to 5 times per week and period >4 weeks. Respiratory exercise reducing LBP and improving functional disability was most effective when the total duration of the intervention was >500 minutes. Funnel plots showed that the results of the 2 overall studies were reliable without publication bias. Conclusions: Respiratory exercise can effectively reduce LBP and improve physical disability. Therefore, these exercises can be regarded as a part of a LBP management plan. We recommend an exercise program with 30 to 50 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week, and >4 weeks of breathing resistance exercise program as the most effective for treating LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental simulation is an important tool for managers who want consumers to imagine what life would be like if they engaged in positive consumption behaviors. However, research has found mixed effects of mental simulation on behavior. To understand this inconsistency, the authors conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the effect of different mental simulation prompts. This multivariate three-level meta-analysis of 237 effect sizes spanning four decades (1980–2020) and representing 40,705 respondents yields a positive but small effect of mental simulation on behavioral responses. Managers and researchers can amplify this effect by using dynamic visual inductions (e.g., augmented reality), inductions involving both visuals and verbal instructions, and repeated inductions spaced over time (e.g., weekly, akin to real-world marketing campaigns). Inducing simulations repeatedly but massed (e.g., using the same message at the same time across different platforms or retargeting ads) actually reduces subsequent behavioral performance. The authors explain the implications of these findings for theory and practice and identify novel avenues for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to search the literature for the answer to the following questions. In human studies: Does the osseodensification technique increase the resonance frequency analysis given in implant stability quotient value and the insertion torque value compared to the conventional technique? In animal studies: Does the osseodensification technique increase implant stability quotient, bone-to-implant contact, and bone area fraction occupancy values over the conventional technique? Data sources: A search forstudies was carried out in eight databases until August 2021. Out of the 447 publications found, 11 were included. Results: In human studies, osseodensification technique showed better results for implant stability quotient values with a summarized median difference of 8.57. As for secondary stability, there was no significant difference, with summarized median difference of 4.49 in favor of the osseodensification technique. In animal studies, all results were favorable to the osseo-densification technique. Regarding insertion torque, bone-to-implant contact, and bone area fraction occupancy between counterclockwise osseodensification technique vs conventional, the mean difference was 46.79 for insertion torque, 2.17 for bone-to-implant contact, and 2.11 for bone area fraction occupancy. High heterogeneity was observed between the studies. The risk of bias in humans was moderate in three studies and low in one; and in animal studies, four presented moderate risk, two low risk, and one high risk. The certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. Conclusion: The osseodensification technique showed improvement concerning the resonance frequency and the insertion torque value of implants in human studies. In addition, it increased the values of bone-to-implant contact, bone area fraction occupancy, and implantstability quotient in animal studies, when compared to the conventional technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy uses genetically engineered T-cells with specific binding sites. This therapy allows for tumor specificity and durable treatment responses for patients with hematological malignancies. In this review, we study the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with CAR-T therapy. We searched the National Institutes of Health library, Cochrane Library Databases, ClinicalTrials.gov database, and medical literature search engines PubMed and Google Scholar for Phase 2 and Phase 3 drug-efficacy and safety trials to determine the aggregate incidence and risk of VTE treated with CAR-T. Of 1127 search results, nine studies were identified and included in our meta-analysis. Of the 1017 patients who received therapy, 805 patients (79.15%) experienced some degree of CRS, and 122 patients (11.9%) experienced severe CRS (higher than grade 3). Only three out of one thousand and seventeen patients were reported to have experienced venous thromboembolism. Our study did not find a statistically significant association between increased VTE incidence (OR = 0.0005, 95% CI [0.0001, 0.0017]) and CRS/ICANS (p < 0.0001). There was a 0.0050 (95% confidence interval [0.0019, 0.0132]) relative risk for VTE. In our study, we did not find a statistically significantly increased risk of developing VTE despite CRS and underlying malignancy, which have been associated with increased risk of VTE.

Abstract: There is a rapid, global push for wind energy installation. However, large numbers of bats are killed by turbines each year, raising concerns about the impacts of wind energy expansion on bat populations. Preventing turbine blades from spinning at low wind speeds, referred to as curtailment, is a method to reduce bat fatalities, but drawing consistent inference across studies has been challenging. We compiled publicly available studies that evaluated curtailment at six wind energy facilities in North America across 10 years. We used meta‐regression of 29 implemented treatments to determine fatality reduction efficacy as well as sources of variation influencing efficacy. We also estimated species‐specific fatality reduction for three species that comprise most fatalities in North America: hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and silver‐haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). We found that curtailment reduced total bat fatalities by 33% with every 1.0 ms−1 increase in curtailment wind speed. Estimates of the efficacy for the three target species were similar (hoary bats: 28% per ms−1, 95% CI: 0.4%–48%, eastern red bats: 32% per ms−1, 95% CI: 13%–47% and silver‐haired bats: 32% per ms−1, 95% CI: 3%–53%). Across multiple facilities and years, a 5.0 ms−1 cut‐in speed was estimated to reduce total bat fatalities by an average of 62% (95% CI: 54%–69%). Mortality reductions at individual facilities in any given year were estimated to fall between 33%–79% (95% prediction interval). Inter‐annual differences rather than inter‐site or turbine characteristics accounted for most of the variation in efficacy rates. Species‐specific average mortality reduction at 5.0 ms−1 curtailment wind speed was 48% (95% CI: 24%–64%) for hoary bats, 61% (95% CI: 42%–74%) for eastern red bats and 52% (95% CI: 30%–66%) for silver‐haired bats. Practical implication. curtailment reduced bat mortality at wind turbines in this North American study. Efficacy increased proportionally as curtailment speed is raised, and patterns and rates of efficacy were similar across species. This indicates that curtailment is an effective strategy to reduce bat fatalities at wind energy facilities, but exploration of further refinements could both minimize bat mortality and maximize energy production.

IntroductionHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a frequently debilitating, inflammatory skin condition. Patients may have a limited response to adalimumab, currently the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biologic treatment for HS. Ustekinumab is an interleukin-12/23 inhibitor that has been utilized in HS, but there is a lack of an updated systematic review on its efficacy and safety. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab for HS.MethodsIn October 2022, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for articles on ustekinumab in HS. Data extraction was performed on relevant articles by two reviewers. The primary study outcome was the pooled response rate of HS to ustekinumab. A fixed-effects meta-analysis was performed, and Cochran's Q statistic and I squared index were used to assess heterogeneity. Statistical significance was determined at p

This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of research on mental health outcomes of abortion. Does abortion increase the risk of adverse mental health outcomes? That is the central question for this review. Our review aims to inform policy and practice by locating, critically appraising, and synthesizing empirical evidence on associations between abortion and subsequent mental health outcomes. Given the controversies surrounding this topic and the complex social, political, legal, and ideological contexts in which research and reviews on abortion are conducted, it is especially important to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis with comprehensive, rigorous, unbiased, and transparent methods. We will include a variety of study designs to enhance understanding of studies methodological strengths and weaknesses and to identify potential explanations for conflicting results. We will follow open science principles, providing access to our methods, measures, and results, and making data available for re-analysis.

Objectives: The role of antibiotics as an adjunct to nonsurgical peri-implantitis treatment approaches has not reached a consensus. This meta-analysis aimed to review the adjunctive effect of systemic use of metronidazole and amoxicillin in patients with peri-implantitis. Method and materials: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials published from inception to January 2023. Results: A total of five clinical trials with a total of 211 patients were included in the analyses. No significant difference was found in the reduction of probing pocket depth at 3 and 6 months of follow-up (3 months: weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.336, 95% CI -0.966 to 0.233, P = .231; 6 months: WMD = -0.533, 95% CI -1.654 to 0.587, P = .351). A statistically significant difference was found at 12 months of follow-up (WMD = -1.327, 95% CI -1.803 to -0.852, P < .001) between the treatment and control groups. The combined results indicated that the differences in reduction of bleeding on probing, Plaque Index score, and bone level at 6 months of follow-up were significant (P < .05). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the adjunctive use of systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin did not significantly improve probing pocket depth compared to nonsurgical treatment alone, and should not be routinely recommended. However, the significant reductions in bleeding on probing, Plaque Index, and bone level at 6 months may indicate a potential effect of treating peri-implantitis with adjunctive systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise protein supplementation strategies for muscle improvement are still lacking. The timing or type of protein supplementation has been debated as a window of opportunity to improve muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with protein supplements and resistance training. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched until May 1, 2023. We included 116 eligible trials with 4,711 participants that reported on 11 timing and 14 types of protein supplementation. Compared with placebo, protein supplementation after exercise (mean difference [MD]: 0.54 kg [95% confidence intervals 0.10, 0.99] for fat-free mass, MD: 0.34 kg [95% confidence intervals 0.10, 0.58] for skeletal muscle mass) and at night (MD: 2.85 kg [0.49, 5.22] for handgrip strength, MD: 12.12 kg [3.26, 20.99] for leg press strength) was most effective in improving muscle mass and strength, respectively (moderate certainty). Milk proteins (milk, whey protein, yogurt, casein, and bovine colostrum), red meat, and mixed protein were effective for gains in both muscle mass and strength (moderate certainty). No timing or type of protein showed a significant enhancement in physical performance (timed up-to-go test, 6-min walk test, and gait speed). Pre/postexercise and Night are key recommended times of protein intake to increase muscle mass and strength, respectively. Milk proteins are the preferred types of protein supplements for improving muscle mass and strength. Future randomized controlled trials that directly compare the effects of protein timing or types are needed. This trial was registered at International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews as CRD42022358766. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of different approaches to sinus membrane perforation (SMP) repair on bone formation, postoperative complications, and implant loss risk. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted for publications up to February 2021. All included articles reported SMPs submitted for repair. The proportion of implant loss in repaired SMP sites was calculated using a random-effects model meta-analysis. Results: A total of 130 studies reporting SMP repair protocols were included in the systematic review, with 20 selected for meta-analysis. A total of 1,972 sinuses that were perforated and repaired during sinus elevation using different approaches were included in the qualitative analysis. The resorbable collagen membrane was the most commonly reported treatment. The presence of sinusitis was the most frequently described complication. Regarding bone parameters, the majority of studies described no differences between perforated and repaired sinuses and intact membranes. No difference in the implant loss proportion was observed between sites with repaired SMP compared to undetected SMP. The proportion of implant loss in repaired sinuses membrane sites (independent of the material or implant placement time) was 4% (95% CI: 2.0 to 8.0). In meta-regression analysis, no association was observed between the SMP size and implant loss proportion (P = .86). Conclusions: The materials and techniques indicated for SMP management seem to securely seal the maxillary sinus, without a negative effect on the ultimate survival of the implants placed in the affected sinuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review experimental peri-implantitis studies using rat models and summarize different peri-implantitis induction techniques and evaluate their effectiveness. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches were conducted by two independent examiners to address the following issues. Meta-analyses explored the marginal bone loss (MBL) of four types of peri-implantitis induction methods in rats. The detailed induction tactics--such as the implant design, implant size, surgical process, time cost, induction methods, and endpoint measurements--were summarized. Results: Of the 18 included studies, 38.9% of the studies placed implants at the maxillary first molar, and 44.4% placed them at the alveolar ridge region anterior to the maxillary first molar. As for the induction method, the numbers of published studies on ligature methods, bacterial inoculation, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide inoculation were equally high among all selected studies. The total implant survival rate at the end was 160 out of 213 implants (75.11%). Eight studies with high pooled heterogeneity (I2 = 98, P < .01) in the meta-analysis reported an overall MBL (µ-CT) of 0.47 mm (95% CI = 0.14 to 0.81). A subgroup analysis estimated an MBL of 0.31 mm (95% CI = 0.12 to 0.50) for bacterial inoculation and 0.66 mm (95% CI = 0.07 to 1.26) for the ligature method. Histopathologic analysis revealed that peri-implantitis in rats was similar to peri-implantitis lesions in humans. Conclusions: Implant placement at the maxillary first molar with bacterial inoculation and the silk ligature method to build peri-implantitis rat models is reliable to use for research on peri-implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to keep clinical norms aligned with evidence-based practices, dental researchers need to be equipped to read and evaluate meta-analyses. Moreover, clinician scientists in dentistry should be prepared to lead investigations that incorporate meta-analysis. This article provides an overview of the principles and practices that will equip dental researchers to engage in meta-analysis work. Six elements of meta-analysis are addressed: formulating a research question, searching the literature, collecting the data, aggregating the data, analyzing the data, and interpreting results and drawing generalizations. Readers are guided through each of these stages of research so that they can recognize and implement robust, reproducible meta-analysis work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maximal lower-body strength can be assessed both dynamically and isometrically; however, the relationship between the changes in these 2 forms of strength following resistance training is not well understood. Purpose: To systematically review and analyze the effects of resistance training on changes in maximal dynamic (1-repetition-maximum back squat, deadlift, and power clean) and position-matched isometric strength (isometric midthigh pull and the isometric squat). In addition, individual-level data were used to quantify the agreement and relationship between changes in dynamic and isometric strength. Methods: Databases were systematically searched to identify eligible articles, and meta-analysis procedures were performed on the extracted data. The raw results from 4 studies were acquired, enabling bias and absolute reliability measures to be calculated using Bland–Altman test of agreement. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, which resulted in 29 isometric–dynamic change comparisons. The overall pooled effect was 0.13 in favor of dynamic testing; however, the prediction interval ranged from g = −0.49 to 0.75. There was no evidence of bias (P =.825) between isometric and dynamic tests; however, the reliability coefficient was estimated to be 16%, and the coefficient of variation (%) was 109.27. Conclusions: As a range of future effects can be expected when comparing isometric to dynamic strength changes following resistance training, and limited proportionality exists between changes in these 2 strength qualities, there is strong evidence that isometric and dynamic strength represent separate neuromuscular domains. These findings can be used to inform strength-assessment models in athlete populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the adjunctive use of tea tree oil (TTO) for dental plaque control and nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT). Materials and Methods: Three electronic databases were searched from 2003. The reference lists of the included articles and relevant reviews were also manually searched. Randomised controlled trials reporting the clinical outcomes of the topical use of TTO as an adjunct to daily oral hygiene or scaling and root planing (SRP) were included. Regarding the use of TTO as an adjunctive to daily oral hygiene, the primary outcome was plaque index (PI) reduction. Regarding the use of TTO as an adjunctive to SRP, probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain were the primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes were adverse events. Results: Eleven studies were included for qualitative analysis, 9 studies were included for quantitative analysis, and 6 studies were included to examine the application of TTO mouthwash as an adjunctive to daily oral hygiene. In addition, three studies were included to analyse the subgingival use of TTO adjunctive to SRP at selected sites. The results indicated a nonsignificant improvement in PI reduction in the TTO mouthwash group compared with placebo. The incidence of adverse events was statistically significantly greater in the CHX group than in the TTO group. For subgingival use of TTO adjunctive to SRP, beneficial effects were observed in the TTO group compared with SRP alone in terms of PPD and CAL at both three and six months post-treatment. However, an unpleasant taste was reported in three out of four studies. Conclusion: There is a lack of strong evidence to support the beneficial effects of TTO. Studies with larger sample sizes and standardised evaluation criteria are needed to further demonstrate the clinical relevance of TTO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many older adults do not achieve recommended amounts of aerobic or strengthening exercise and high-intensity interval or circuit-based strengthening may offer a time-efficient solution. This review sought to determine the effects of high-intensity interval/circuit strengthening on physical and cognitive functioning for community-dwelling older adults, and its associated adherence, retention, and adverse events. Six databases were searched to June 2022 and 15 studies (11 for effectiveness) were included. The current certainty of evidence is low to very low; upper body-focused physical functioning measures demonstrated small to large benefits and lower body-focused, self-report, and cardiovascular measures had mixed results. There was insufficient evidence (one study) to determine cognitive effects. The mean adherence rates ranged from 73.5% to 95.8%, overall retention across all studies (n = 812) was 86%, and no serious adverse events were reported, suggesting that this type of exercise is feasible for community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Low-dose colchicine has been shown to lower major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among those with cardiovascular disease (CVD). It remains unclear how long a CVD patient needs to live to potentially benefit from colchicine. Our study aimed to determine the time to benefit (TTB) of colchicine in individuals with CVD. METHODS: Literature searches were performed in PubMed for the cardiovascular outcome trial of colchicine in patients with CVD until October 12, 2023. The primary outcome measured was MACE. Reconstructed individual participant data (IPD) and the stratified Cox proportional hazards model were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) to estimate the efficacy of colchicine, and Weibull survival curves were fitted to estimate TTB for specific absolute risk reduction (ARR) thresholds (0.002, 0.005, and 0.01). RESULTS: Four trials randomizing 11,594 adults aged between 59.8 and 66.5 years were included (follow-up duration: 12-28.6 months). Compared with placebo, colchicine reduced the risk of MACE (HR 0.68, 95 % CI: 0.60 to 0.78) but had no impact on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. A TTB of 11.0 months (95 % CI: 0.59 to 21.3) was estimated to be needed to prevent 1 MACE in 100-colchicine-treated patients. The TTB for acute coronary syndrome was similar compared to stable coronary artery disease (10.7 vs. 11.2 months for ARR = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: By using reconstructed IPD, this pooled analysis demonstrated that colchicine was associated with reduced nonfatal MACE, and the TTB was approximately 11.0 months to prevent 1 MACE per 100 patients.

The size of the human head is highly heritable, but genetic drivers of its variation within the general population remain unmapped. We perform a genome-wide association study on head size (N = 80,890) and identify 67 genetic loci, of which 50 are novel. Neuroimaging studies show that 17 variants affect specific brain areas, but most have widespread effects. Gene set enrichment is observed for various cancers and the p53, Wnt, and ErbB signaling pathways. Genes harboring lead variants are enriched for macrocephaly syndrome genes (37-fold) and high-fidelity cancer genes (9-fold), which is not seen for human height variants. Head size variants are also near genes preferentially expressed in intermediate progenitor cells, neural cells linked to evolutionary brain expansion. Our results indicate that genes regulating early brain and cranial growth incline to neoplasia later in life, irrespective of height. This warrants investigation of clinical implications of the link between head size and cancer.

Using pooled vaginal microbiota data from pregnancy cohorts (N = 683 participants) in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, we analyzed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences to identify clinical and demographic host factors that associate with vaginal microbiota structure in pregnancy both within and across diverse cohorts. Using PERMANOVA models, we assessed factors associated with vaginal community structure in pregnancy, examined whether host factors were conserved across populations, and tested the independent and combined effects of host factors on vaginal community state types (CSTs) using multinomial logistic regression models. Demographic and social factors explained a larger amount of variation in the vaginal microbiome in pregnancy than clinical factors. After adjustment, lower education, rather than self-identified race, remained a robust predictor of L. iners dominant (CST III) and diverse (CST IV) (OR = 8.44, 95% CI = 4.06-17.6 and OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.88-9.26, respectively). In random forest models, we identified specific taxonomic features of host factors, particularly urogenital pathogens associated with pregnancy complications (Aerococcus christensenii and Gardnerella spp.) among other facultative anaerobes and key markers of community instability (L. iners). Sociodemographic factors were robustly associated with vaginal microbiota structure in pregnancy and should be considered as sources of variation in human microbiome studies.

BACKGROUND: The problem of loneliness has garnered increased attention from policymakers, payors, and providers due to higher rates during the pandemic, particularly among seniors. Prior systematic reviews have in general not been able to reach conclusions about effectiveness of interventions. METHODS: Computerized databases were searched using broad terms such as loneliness or lonely or social isolation or social support from Jan 1, 2011 to June 23, 2021. We reference mined existing systematic reviews for additional and older studies. The Social Interventions Research & Evaluation Network database and Google were searched for gray literature on Feb 4, 2022. Eligible studies were RCTs and observational studies of interventions to reduce loneliness in community-living adults that used a validated loneliness scale; studies from low- or middle-income countries were excluded, and studies were excluded if restricted to populations where all persons had the same disease (such as loneliness in persons with dementia). RESULTS: A total of 5971 titles were reviewed and 60 studies were included in the analysis, 36 RCTs and 24 observational studies. Eleven RCTs and 5 observational studies provided moderate certainty evidence that group-based treatment was associated with reduced loneliness (standardized mean difference for RCTs =  - 0.27, 95% CI - 0.48, - 0.08). Five RCTs and 5 observational studies provided moderate certainty evidence that internet training was associated with reduced loneliness (standardized mean difference for RCTs =  - 0.22, 95% CI - 0.30, - 0.14). Low certainty evidence suggested that group exercises may be associated with very small reductions in loneliness. Evidence was insufficient to reach conclusions about group-based activities, individual in-person interactions, internet-delivered interventions, and telephone-delivered interventions. DISCUSSION: Low-to-moderate certainty evidence exists that group-based treatments, internet training, and possibly group exercises are associated with modest reductions in loneliness in community-living older adults. These findings can inform the design of supplemental benefits and the implementation of evidence-based interventions to address loneliness. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO ( CRD42021272305 ).

BACKGROUND: Residual disease following cytoreductive surgery in patients with ovarian cancer has been associated with poorer survival outcomes compared with no residual disease. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the impact of varying levels of residual disease status on survival outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer who have undergone primary cytoreductive surgery or interval cytoreductive surgery in the setting of new therapies for this disease. METHODS: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases (January 2011 - July 2020) and grey literature, bibliographic and key conference proceedings, were searched for eligible studies. Fixed and random-effects meta-analyses compared progression and survival by residual disease level across studies. Heterogeneity between comparisons was explored via type of surgery, disease stage, and type of adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of 2832 database and 16 supplementary search articles screened, 50 studies were selected; most were observational studies. The meta-analysis showed that median progression-free survival and overall survival decreased progressively with increasing residual disease (residual disease categories of 0 cm, > 0-1 cm and > 1 cm). Compared with no residual disease, hazard ratios (HR) for disease progression increased with increasing residual disease category (1.75 [95% confidence interval: 1.42, 2.16] for residual disease > 0-1 cm and 2.14 [1.34, 3.39] for residual disease > 1 cm), and also for reduced survival (HR versus no residual disease, 1.75 [ 1.62, 1.90] for residual disease > 0-1 cm and 2.32 [1.97, 2.72] for residual disease > 1 cm). All comparisons were significant (p