Systematic Criteria Research Articles

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Asian Exercise Techniques and Various Physical Activity Interventions in Middle and Late Adulthood Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

The aim of this review and meta-analysis is to compare different low-intensity forms of physical activity (PA; Baduanjin, Tai Chi, walking, and general PA) as treatments for knee osteoarthritis. Between 2003 and 2023, pertinent articles published in scientific electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar) were searched in preparation for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Twenty-four studies that satisfied the requirements were selected, with a total sample size of 1,972 participants, of which 71.46% were female. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria were followed in the study selection process, and the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that various low-intensity PAs, particularly Asian exercise techniques such as Baduanjin, Tai Chi, and walking, significantly alleviated symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in middle and late adulthood. Pain reduction showed a moderately significant effect size (d = -0.65, SE = 0.14, p < .001), with all interventions, including Baduanjin, general PA, Tai Chi, and walking, significantly decreasing pain levels. Stiffness also improved, with a moderate effect size (d = -0.71, SE = 0.17, p < .001), and physical function significantly improved (d = -0.58, SE = 0.15, p < .001). The results suggest that walking and Baduanjin exercises can be effectively integrated into community-based programs for middle-aged and older adults to manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms, offering a cost-effective nonpharmacological intervention.

Surveillance of alcohol use through population surveys in the Americas from 2010 to 2019.

The aims of this study were to identify alcohol-related population surveys administered in the Americas, determine which alcohol-related measures are examined and identify coverage gaps regarding alcohol-related measures. As part of the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health study, a systematic search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria to identify regionally or nationally representative survey reports of the general population from 1 January 2010 to 6 August 2019. Alcohol-related measures extracted from surveys were categorized into 10 domains: alcohol consumption status; alcohol consumption; unrecorded alcohol consumption; drinking patterns; symptoms of dependence and/or harmful use; drinking during pregnancy; treatment coverage; second-hand harms; economic; and other. The systematic search identified 7417 survey reports, 94 of which were new and included in this study, with an additional 11 studies included from a previous systematic study of alcohol surveys. In total, 94 unique surveys and 161 unique survey waves were located, representing 105 unique survey questionnaires covering 30 countries. No population surveys were found for five member states; namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Haiti, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Kitts and Nevis. All countries with population-based alcohol surveys had had a population survey probing alcohol use in the past year/month. Questions regarding heavy episodic drinking, alcohol use disorders, treatment-seeking for alcohol use, drinking during pregnancy, harms to others and the amounts spent on alcohol were asked in 26, 25, 10, 6, 22 and 11 countries, respectively. The heterogeneity in alcohol-related population surveys in the Americas from 2010 to 2019 limits their comparability throughout countries and over time. Future surveys should implement a standardized set of core questions to provide consistency in the monitoring of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harms.

Sleep Pattern and the Incidence of Early Childhood Caries: Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Background: The relationship between sleep patterns and early childhood caries (ECC) has been variably explored, with emerging evidence suggesting significant interconnections. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing research findings on the influence of sleep hygiene on ECC incidence, focusing on how variations in sleep quality and routines impact dental health in children. Methods: The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria to ensure rigor and transparency. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across various databases. Results: The collective analysis revealed a consistent linkage between poor sleep quality or irregular sleep patterns and higher ECC incidence. Common findings across the reviewed studies included the negative impact of late sleep onset and the beneficial effects of structured bedtime routines on ECC risk. While all studies agreed on the general influence of sleep quality on dental health, differences were noted in the emphasis on specific sleep disturbances, parental roles, and broader developmental outcomes linked to sleep hygiene. Conclusion: Sleep hygiene plays a critical role in the incidence of ECC, with both general sleep patterns and specific nighttime routines contributing to dental health outcomes. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving sleep hygiene could be beneficial in ECC prevention.

Only severe Injuries are effectively reduced by muscles' injury prevention protocols in football players: A systematic review

Background Muscle injuries are the most frequent in football and may lead to the end of a player’s career. Many studies have evaluated the effectiveness of prevention programs for all injury types. Few studies have evaluated the effects of exercise on muscle injuries. The aim of this study is to report, through a systematic review of research of high level of proof (randomized controlled trial) the efficacy of preventive programs for muscle injuries for football players. Methods A documentary search was conducted in October 2022 from three databases: Medline via its PubMed interface, Google Scholar, and COCHRANE databases. We only included original articles published between October 2012 and October 2022 with a high level of evidence. The research was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The target population consisted of professional and semi-professional footballers. The intervention in question was structured injury preventive protocols, including specific training or pre-established protocols such as the FIFA 11+ program, compared to each other or with regular training sessions. The main outcomes were the incidence rates of muscle injuries and severe injury in each group, as well as the time loss to injury. Results Seven randomized controlled trials with a high level of evidence confirmed using the PEDRO scale were included. There were 3815 male professional football players. There was heterogeneity in the age, hours of exposure, and duration of the intervention. The prevention protocols used were FIFA 11+, bounding exercises, NHE, and stretching exercises. Structured exercises significantly reduce the severity of muscle injury and, consequently, time loss to injury. Discussion Despite the diversity of prevention programs, teams still lack standardized programs. Structured exercises, such as FIFA 11+ and bounding exercises, which combine strengthening, body kinesthesic awareness, and neuromuscular control, reduce the incidence and severity of muscle injury. FIFA 11+ is the first and most complete structured program, but lacks some exercises, such as adductor strengthening. Conclusion This review showed the interest in structured exercises in reducing severity and time loss to injury in professional football players. It shows that effective MI prevention program should combine variable structured programs taking into consideration risk evaluation. Registration This review was registered on 8/17/2023 in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under the reference code CRD42023452202.

Inappropriate grouping of various kinematic alignment techniques and inconsistent reporting of adverse events invalidate comparison across studies: An umbrella review of meta-analyses.

This umbrella review aimed to identify, synthesise and critically appraise the findings of meta-analyses that compare adverse events-rates of complications, reoperations and revisions-following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using unrestricted kinematic alignment versus mechanical alignment. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria, two authors independently screened articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and assessed the methodological quality based on the 16 domains of A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2). Effect sizes of difference in rates of complications were tabulated for each meta-analysis. Studies included in the meta-analyses were assessed to determine if they were on true unrestricted kinematic alignment. A secondary meta-analysis was performed, excluding studies on restricted kinematic alignment techniques, to calculate pooled estimates of adverse events (odds ratio [OR] with its 95% confidence interval [CI]) in a common effects framework with inverse-variance weighting. Of 78 potential records, 13 meta-analyses were eligible for data extraction, which pooled data from 15 clinical studies (10 on unrestricted kinematic alignment, four on restricted kinematic alignment and one on inverse kinematic alignment). None of the meta-analyses fulfilled all seven critical AMSTAR-2 domains. Meta-analyses categorised adverse events differently and used different measures for the effect sizes but revealed no differences between kinematic versus mechanical alignment. Exclusion of studies on restricted kinematic alignment techniques reduced total sample sizes for kinematic alignment from 658 to 318 and for mechanical alignment from 811 to 403. Secondary meta-analyses exclusively on unrestricted kinematic alignment revealed no difference in complications without reoperation, reoperation without implant removal or reoperation with implant removal following kinematic versus mechanical alignment. Meta-analyses do not distinguish between various kinematic alignment techniques, and adverse events are compared using different metrics. Surgeons, researchers and editors should refrain from pooling data on various kinematic alignment techniques, and orthopaedic societies should promote standards for reporting adverse events and effect sizes to facilitate comparisons across future studies. Level III.

Analisis Kebijakan Desentralisasi Sistem Pendidikan Nasional dan Dampaknya Terhadap Pendidikan Madrasah

This article aims to analyze the decentralization policy of the national education system and its impact on madrasah education. This research employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach. Data sources are obtained through a literature study relevant to the impact of implementing the decentralization policy of the national education system. The study addresses several issues, including: 1) the decentralization of the national education system; and 2) the impact of decentralization on madrasah education. Data collection techniques involve a systematic literature search related to education decentralization policy based on systematic inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as data organization based on themes. Data analysis is conducted through reading and marking, thematic analysis, and synthesis. This research shows that the decentralization of the national education system aims to grant local governments the authority to manage and develop an education system that aligns with the needs, characteristics, and challenges of the local community. However, in its implementation, decentralization faces various challenges, particularly in the context of madrasah education. Madrasahs often experience budget, infrastructure, and resource gaps compared to public schools, which affect the quality of education in madrasahs.

Pre-therapeutical assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in adult men: Systematic Review and clinical practice guidelines.

The aim was to propose initial and pre-therapeutical assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in adult men through a systematic review and clinical practice guidelines Methods: These guidelines were based on a systematic review performed between January 2011 and November 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (CRD42022336418). The recommendations and the methodology of elaboration were prospectively validated by the French Health Authority (Haute Autorité de Santé - HAS). In total, 1662 publications were screened for eligibility and 311 met the inclusion criteria, 167 studies were retained among them 17 guidelines from French, European or International institutions. Perform on initial evaluation: identification of cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome, current medication, urinary and sexual symptoms (by structured interview or validated self-questionnaires), physical examination (lumbar fossa, pelvis, prostate, genitalia), urinalysis (dipstick or microscopy), abdominal ultrasound of the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, prostate), post-void residual urine measurement (by ultrasound or automated measurement; under physiological conditions). Micturition flowmetry is recommended (except for general practitioners). Update and complete initial assessment before medication, interventional or surgical treatment if too old or incomplete. Perform a preoperative assessment (bleeding risk, infectious risk, geriatric risk). Urodynamic assessment, endorectal ultrasound and cystoscopy should not be systematically performed (only if additional information is needed). Perform urodynamics and urethrocystoscopy in case of failed interventional or surgical treatment. Following the initial workup, it is recommended to refer the patient to a urologist in case of: macroscopic hematuria, recurrent urinary tract infection or persistent perineal and/or suprapubic pain, persistent microscopic hematuria or leukocyturia in absence of urinary tract infection, predominant storage-phase symptoms, abnormal examination of the genitals or suspected prostate cancer, urinary retention, urinary tract stones, ureterohydronephrosis or morphological abnormalities of the prostate or the urinary tract. These guidelines aimed to define the recommended investigation for LUTS in adult men at diagnosis, before medical treatment and before surgical and interventional treatments, in order to better personalize management and avoid unnecessary and/or invasive examinations.

What Hinders Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity in the Banking Sector

AI-enabled cybersecurity systems are becoming common, but their effectiveness is reported to be mixed at best due to some barriers. The primary objective of this systematic literature review is to find barriers associated with the use of AI-enabled cybersecurity systems. A comprehensive systematic literature review approach was implemented in this study. Literature sampled from different databases (Scopus and WOS) was synthesised to synthesise barriers associated with using an AI-enabled cybersecurity system, and a total of 41 papers were selected using systematic inclusion criteria. The study identified several barriers, such as the complexity of systems, lack of top management support, lack of AI-proficient employees, and lack of regulatory support for AI. These barriers are classified into technological, organisational, and environmental. This paper is unique as it focuses on the barriers associated with using advanced technologies such as AI-enabled expert systems for cybersecurity. Thus, the current research makes a novel contribution, arguing that attention is required toward organisational-level issues to protect the system from cyberattacks. This will establish the way for researchers to evaluate these barriers, opening new avenues for empirical research and for practitioners to utilise these systems more effectively.

The Impact of Empathic Marketing on movie Promotion: A Case Study of the Movie Barbie

In movie marketing, the establishment of emotional empathy has always been the key to success. This study explores the concept of empathy marketing and its application in movie marketing, focusing on how Barbie successfully attracts audiences through empathy marketing strategies. Through the case study of the movie Barbie, this study firstly analyzes how empathy marketing stimulates the audience’s interest and clarifies the target audience of Barbie through STP analysis (market segmentation, target market selection, and market positioning). Secondly, this study proposes specific suggestions for applying empathy marketing in the production and promotion stages of the movie. The study shows that empathy marketing can effectively enhance a movie’s marketing effect by capturing the audience’s psychological needs and emotional resonance, expanding the movie’s scope, enhancing word-of-mouth communication, and thus promoting the movie’s successful release. Future research can further explore the specific mechanisms and necessary conditions of empathy marketing and the systematic categorization criteria of the target groups of movie empathy marketing.

Telemedicine in Eye Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Patient & Physician Perspectives.

There has been an increase in the adoption of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review used systematic search and review criteria to assess the literature on patient and physician perspectives toward telemedicine for vision care during the pandemic. We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using relevant MeSH terms to identify peer-reviewed studies examining telemedicine use in eye care during the pandemic. The search strategy encompassed three key concepts: COVID-19 or pandemic, telehealth or telemedicine, and eye care. Further screening of references and similar articles was conducted to identify additional relevant studies. We identified 24 relevant studies published between 2020 and 2022. Of these, 15 focused on patients' perspectives, while 12 explored physicians' perspectives. Predominantly cross-sectional in design, these studies were mainly conducted during the initial wave of the pandemic (March 2020 to June 2020), primarily in urban locations and hospital settings. Patients were satisfied with telemedicine and considered it equally effective to in-person visits. Patients believed telemedicine was convenient, improved eye care access, and a beneficial triage tool. Physicians acknowledged telemedicine's convenience for follow-up assessment and its ability to expand the capacity for emergency cases. However, both patients and physicians voiced concerns about the absence of ancillary examination and technological challenges. Our review highlights the positive impact of telemedicine in eye care during the pandemic. Nonetheless, most studies were limited in sample size. They did not delve into potential disparities based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location, factors that could influence patient attitudes toward telemedicine. Further research is warranted to validate the findings from our selected studies and explore factors that influence the implementation of telemedicine, particularly across various eye care subspecialties.

Reshoring concepts: definitions and a structured bibliometric review

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to clearly mark the clusters in the related literature using bibliometric analysis and draw useful implications for the academic research purposes especially in the stream of Supply Chain Management (SCM).Design/methodology/approachBy employing rigorous selection criteria, sample articles were selected for synthesizing and conducting a bibliometric analysis. This paper tries to identify the significance of the concept of reshoring with the aspect of SCM, operations, logistics etc. Starting from sample selection, systematic selection criteria has been used to generate the database, using Scopus. The sample size was 184. Using VOSViewer, statistical and graphical representations were generated for clusters in the literature that will be useful for judging the trends of research under shoring concepts.FindingsFindings show that unclear difference compared to other supply chain concepts obstructs further theory development within reshoring concepts. To address this challenge, the review categorizes themes and defines boundaries. Based on the analysis findings, this paper advocates for additional research in areas that are crucial but have received limited or no attention. Specifically, there is a need for action research on motivations, governance modes, and location selection concerning reshoring decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThis review has a few limitations. The absence of publications in other language, than English, may result in a significant loss of knowledge. This research paper cited a few relevant publications in the form of conference papers, industry reports, books, and book chapters. Nonetheless, they were excluded from the organized bibliometric audit. To further advance the knowledge in this field, exploratory longitudinal case studies will bring to focus the changes on manufacturing strategies using the shoring and reshoring stages.Practical implicationsA current example of this is a French company named Stil (Terzian, 2020) which brought its glass thermometer production back to its home after the unexpected closure of its suppliers from China. Another Italian firm has restarted production of disposal bio-degradable face masks after 15 years to compete with low-cost alternatives from China (Greco, 2020). Reshoring concepts are now under consideration of organizations including Boeing, Bosch, Phillips and more.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this represents one of the earliest efforts to conceptualize and define reshoring concepts, aiming to distinguish them from one another appropriately. To accomplish this, the earlier demarcated clusters precede this section’s classification of reshoring concepts illustrated in Table 8. Based on the synthesis of definitions and thematic clusters above, we have concluded the literature review in this emerging field. It is intended to contribute to theory development and practitioner support in reshoring decisions by clarifying the dimensions.

Systematic review on oral antibacterial relay therapy for acute staphylococcal prosthetic joint infections treated with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR).

The management of acute prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) often involves a debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) strategy. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the comparative effectiveness of available oral antimicrobial regimens for the treatment of acute staphylococcal PJIs treated with DAIR. We conducted a systematic review searching articles from databases creation until 31 December 2023. We included articles on acute staphylococcal PJIs managed with DAIR with an oral antibiotic regimen relaying the initial management. The primary outcome was the remission rate. Out of the 2421 studies screened, six studies completed the systematic review criteria: one randomized controlled trial and five observational studies. There was heterogeneity in patients' populations, duration and posology of treatments, definition of outcome and length of follow-up. Studies revealed 10 antibiotic regimens and most data focusing on five combinations recommended by the IDSA's guidelines: rifampicin associated to fluoroquinolone, clindamycin, cycline, linezolid or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Treatment comparisons were often secondary, without adjustment for confounding factors, resulting in a high risk of bias. Owing to inconsistencies a complete analysis, including an NMA was not possible. The available data highlight five companions to rifampicin, however, there is insufficient evidence to compare them. The literature does not provide a basis for rationalizing alternatives when rifampicin cannot be used.

Evaluation of the Management Policy of BOS Funds in Elementary Schools

General background however, the effective management of these funds remains a significant challenge, particularly in certain regions. Specific background this study focuses on evaluating the management policy of BOS funds at an elementary school, highlighting the need for systematic assessment criteria that align with established standards. Knowledge gap despite the existence of frameworks for evaluating fund management, there is limited research on their practical application in specific educational contexts. The aim is to analyze the BOS fund management by employing evaluation indicators based on Wirawan's framework, which includes input, process, output, and impact assessments. The results reveal that while the school’s facilities and infrastructure are generally in good condition, delays in fund distribution have adversely affected maintenance efforts. Key factors influencing successful fund management include meticulous planning, effective coordination, and accurate reporting. Furthermore, the study finds that BOS funds significantly reduce operational costs, benefiting both educators and students. Novelty this research contributes novel insights into the evaluation process of educational funding, illustrating how structured assessments can improve management practices. The implications of this study suggest that better fund management can lead to enhanced educational outcomes and resource allocation, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to learning. Highlights: Evaluation of BOS fund management enhances accountability and resource allocation. Delays in fund distribution impact maintenance of school facilities. Structured assessments improve educational outcomes and support effective learning environments. Keywords: BOS , Educational Management, Evaluation, Operational Costs, Infrastructure

STRATEGIC MARKET ENTRY DECISION-MAKING IN AFRICA'S SATELLITE SECTOR: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS USING TOPSIS AND AHP METHODS

This paper investigates the strategic decision-making process for market entry into Africa's satellite telecommunications sector using two well-established multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Given the complex and varied nature of the African market, these methodologies are applied to evaluate multiple countries based on criteria such as market potential, regulatory compliance, and infrastructural development. By conducting a parallel analysis with TOPSIS and AHP, this study not only identifies Kenya as the most suitable market for entry but also validates the consistency and reliability of both methods in handling decision-making complexities in emerging markets. The findings highlight the importance of systematic and objective criteria evaluation in reducing uncertainty and enhancing decision quality in international business strategies. This paper contributes to the strategic management and international business literature by demonstrating the practical application and comparative effectiveness of TOPSIS and AHP in a high-stakes decision-making scenario. Keywords: Strategic Market Entry, Satellite Telecommunications, TOPSIS, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM). Decision-Making Framework

Myasthenia Gravis: utilising cross-platform quantitative content analysis to uncover and validate unmet needs.

Recent years have seen a rapid growth in the number of online health communities targeted at patients with long-term conditions. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare neurological disease for which such communities have not been analysed before. The aim of this study was to better understand the needs of the MG population through the collation and categorisation of questions that users of MG social media were asking fellow users on these platforms. Systematic observation of four MG Facebook groups was conducted over a 2-month period. Groups were selected for analysis based on the following systematic criteria: Language (English), Membership (≥ 5,000 members), group activity (≥ 2 posts per week), target audience (general MG population) and researcher engagement with group administrators. The study protocol was reviewed by the institutional review board of the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (EA2/106/22). During the observation period, data were extracted from individual posts featuring questions made across each group using a systematic and objective coding scheme. All data points were coded directly from the source and collated into an SPSS database (IBM SPSS V.27, SPSS). Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for categorical variables and proportions were compared across groups to validate the credibility and relevance of different requests. Of the 2,062 posts observed (N = 2,062), 1,392 featured questions (n = 1,392). Questions were asked by 787 unique users: 531 were identified as one-time users (67%) and 256 were identified as repeat users (33%). Six hundred and fifty six users were classified as presumed diagnosed (83%), 61 as seeking diagnosis (8%), 69 as family and/or friends (9%) and as other (<0%). Eight unique categories of questions were observed including MG treatment (31%), Symptoms (19%), Living with MG (12%), Diagnosis (10%), non-MG medication (11%), Tests (8%), Location (4%) and Other (4%). Members of the MG population make active use of online health communities to seek and discuss practical information concerning various aspects of the disease, its diagnosis and care. The openness and willingness of the sample population to share sensitive medical information shows a high need for information not entirely catered to by the medical profession.

Review: Food-induced mucosal alterations visualized using endomicroscopy.

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a novel technique allowing real time invivo microscopy during standard endoscopy. Recently, acute mucosal alterations after food administration visualized by CLE have been linked to symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Interestingly, the observed reactions occurred in subjects without demonstrable allergic sensitization to food-this is in line with mechanistic research showing local but not systemic allergic sensitization to foods in an animal model for IBS. Here, European experts conducting CLE with food administration provide a narrative review of the available literature and propose practical guidance on the use of this technique. CLE allows physicians to observe acute mucosal reactions after the application of food to the duodenal mucosa in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Some open-label interventions show a symptomatic benefit when patients exclude the nutrient that triggered an acute mucosal reaction. However, many technical, mechanistic, and clinical questions remain unanswered to date. Technically, the interobserver variability and learning curve requires systematic evaluation and criteria or cutoffs for alterations require validation. Mechanistic studies are needed to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying observed alterations. Finally, rigorous blinded controlled studies are needed to assess a link of these observed alterations with symptom generation. CLE offers a platform allowing scientific insights related to food induced acute mucosal alterations. However, many questions remain unanswered, and more research is warranted to understand the role of acute mucosal alterations visualized upon food administration in IBS pathophysiology and treatment.

Concomitant Observer-Based Multi-Level Fault-Tolerant Control for Near-Space Vehicles with New Type Dissimilar Redundant Actuation System

This paper presents a concomitant observer-based multi-level fault-tolerant control (FTC) for near-space vehicles (NSVs) with a new type dissimilar redundant actuation system (NT-DRAS). When NSV flight control system faults occur in NT-DRAS and attitude-corresponding sensors, the NSV hybrid output states, including the concomitant observer usable states and the real system states, are applied to solve the FTC gain by using the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) technique. Furthermore, since NT-DRAS is used in NSVs, a multi-level (actuation system level and flight control level) FTC strategy integrating NT-DRAS channel switching and flight control LQR is proposed for complex and worsening fault cases. The most important finding is that though the proposed strategy is applicable for worsening fault cases in NSVs, systematic and accurate criteria for the process being performed are necessary and can improve the FTC efficiency with minimal FTC resources. Additionally, such criteria can improve the NSV’s responsiveness to comprehensive faults, provided that the real-time performance of the fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) scheme can be further optimized. The concomitant observer convergence and the multi-level FTC strategy have been verified by numerical simulations based on the Matlab/Simulink platform.

Different surgical interventions for unstable intertrochanteric fracture of the femur: Network meta-analysis.

Although a large body of evidence has reported on surgical approaches for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures, studies that comprehensively evaluate treatment outcomes are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of extramedullary fixation (i.e., dynamic hip screw [DHS]), intramedullary fixation (i.e., the proximal femoral nailing [PFN]), and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures using network meta-analysis. This study meets the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses criteria. The Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome search protocol framework was used to search the Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception until June 2023. A total of 15 randomized controlled trials, including 1282 patients were analyzed. The Harris hip score (HHS) after DHS fixation was the lowest compared with that of PFN fixation and HA. DHS fixation had a significantly longer operation time than that of PFN fixation. Compared with HA, a lower incidence of superficial wound infection was observed with PFN and DHS fixations. PFN was significantly more likely to be implant cut out compared with HA. Compared with DHS, PFN and HA showed a lower incidence of fracture healing malunion. HA and PFN have good efficacy in improving the HHS and preventing joint deformities. However, HA showed a higher incidence of superficial infection than that observed with PFN, whereas a higher risk of screw cutout is observed with PFN than with HA.

Effectiveness of mobile health for exercise promotion on cardiorespiratory fitness after a cancer diagnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cancer survivors are at greater risk for cardiovascular-related mortality. Mobile health (mHealth) is an increasingly prevalent strategy for health promotion, but whether it consistently improves cardiorespiratory outcomes after a cancer diagnosis is unknown. We sought to determine the effectiveness of mHealth fitness/physical activity interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness outcomes among cancer patients and survivors. Leveraging MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov, we identified studies through May 2023. Included studies provided a quantitative evaluation of an mHealth intervention in a primary or secondary capacity on cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test, VO2max, 3-minute step test, or systolic blood pressure; or any mention of cardiac measure) and were meta-analyzed (using a random effects model) if they were a randomized controlled trial with sufficient quantitative information. Four coders were involved in applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, coding using a standardized data extraction sheet, and assessing study quality, with each study coded by at least two. Of 656 articles, nine (n = 392) met systematic review inclusion criteria (mean age range 19-62 years, 71.9% female, 60.9% breast cancer). Interventions included mobile apps (k = 6), smartwatches (k = 2), or a smartwatch plus a supplemental web/mobile/tablet app (k = 1); median duration of mHealth-use was 12 weeks. Seven (n = 341) fit criteria for meta-analysis. mHealth was associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness (d = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.07-0.60) compared to a control group. Relationships remained after accounting for lipid-based outcomes (d = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.03-0.56). There was no evidence for heterogeneity or publication-bias. mHealth exercise interventions appear to be a viable strategy for improving cardiorespiratory fitness after a cancer diagnosis.

Role of Plasma Exchange and Combining Therapies in Dengue-Associated Acute Liver Failure: A Systematic Review of Individual Cases

Dengue-associated acute liver failure (ALF) poses a significant risk for mortality, especially in regions lacking access to liver transplantation. Although Plasma Exchange (PLEX) is recognized as a potential therapeutic intervention for dengue-associated ALF, data on its efficacy remain limited. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively examine the literature on PLEX and other combination therapies for dengue-associated ALF. It focused on assessing their effectiveness, safety profile, and potential implications for therapeutic interventions. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of PLEX and other combination therapies in patients with dengue-associated ALF. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria were used to search the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published in English between 2019 and May 2024 were included. The titles and abstracts were reviewed for discrepancies, and any differences were resolved through discussion. Among the 713 studies assessed for review, 9 met the eligibility criteria. Studies have demonstrated that PLEX, both alone and in combination with other therapies, such as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), improves liver function, survival rates, and neurological outcomes in patients with dengue virus. Both high- and low-volume plasma exchanges were effective. This systematic review highlights the beneficial role of PLEX and the potential benefits of combination therapies in the treatment of rare and severe forms of dengue-associated ALF. However, given the limited sample sizes and the necessity for well-designed studies, further investigations are needed to determine the optimal volume of PLEX and the efficacy of additional therapeutic strategies.