Literature Databases Research Articles

Characterising Carbon Monoxide Household Exposure and Health Impacts in High- and Middle-Income Countries—A Rapid Literature Review, 2010–2024

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas, and faulty gas appliances or solid fuel burning with incomplete combustion are possible CO sources in households. Evaluating household CO exposure models and measurement studies is key to understanding where CO exposures may result in adverse health outcomes. This assists the assessment of the burden of disease in high- and middle-income countries and informs public health interventions in higher-risk environments. We conducted a literature review to identify themes that characterise CO exposure in household dwellings. A keyword-structured search using literature databases was conducted to find studies published in the period of 1 January 2010–5 June 2024. We focused on studies from high- and middle-income countries, excluding animal and biomass studies, and narratively synthesised themes. We identified 5294 papers in the literature search and included 22 papers from thirteen countries in the review. Most measured CO levels were below the WHO or country guidance levels, with sporadic peaks of measured CO linked to fuel-burning activities. To understand CO exposure in households, we identified sixteen themes grouped into five main categories: dwelling characteristics, source characteristics, temporal variation, environmental characteristics, and socioeconomic status of occupants. Seasonal variation (temporal variation), size of room and ventilation (dwelling characteristics), and cooking and outdoor CO levels (source characteristics) had the most evidence. These themes characterising CO exposure in household dwellings are important to aid the development of indoor exposure models and for understanding where CO exposures result in adverse health outcomes. These themes should be validated by household CO monitoring studies, which will enable the identification of higher-risk household dwellings and inform public health actions.

A scoping review on motor imagery-based rehabilitation: Potential working mechanisms and clinical application for cognitive function and depression

Objective To map evidence on the characteristics, effectiveness, and potential mechanisms of motor imagery interventions targeting cognitive function and depression in adults with neurological disorders and/or mobility impairments. Data Sources Six English databases (The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and PsycINFO), two Chinese databases (CNKI and WanFang), and a gray literature database were searched from inception to December 2024. Review Methods This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review methodology. Interventional studies that evaluated motor imagery for cognitive function and/or depression in adults with neurological disorders and/or mobility impairments were included. Results A total of 24 studies, primarily involving adults with cerebrovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease, were identified. Motor imagery was typically conducted at home/clinic, occurring 2 to 3 sessions per week for approximately 2 months, with each session lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The 62.5% of studies (n = 10) reported significant improvements in cognitive function, exhibiting moderate-to-large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.48–3.41), especially in memory, attention, and executive function, while 53.3% (n = 8) indicated alleviation in depression with moderate-to-large effect sizes (Cohen's d = −0.72– −2.56). Motor imagery interventions could relieve pain perception and promote beneficial neurological changes in brains by facilitating neurotrophic factor expression and activating neural circuits related to motor, emotional, and cognitive functions. Conclusion Motor imagery could feasibly be conducted at home, with promising effects on cognitive function and depression. More high-quality randomized controlled trials and neuroimaging techniques are needed to investigate the effects of motor imagery on neuroplasticity and brain functional reorganization, thereby aiding in the development of mechanism-driven interventions.

Trypanosomosis and Transhumance: Contributions to Contemporary Conflicts Between Farmers and Herdsmen Along the Tsetse Fly Belts: Mathematical Modeling and Systematic Field Analysis Approach.

Conflicts within the tsetse fly belt revealed a strong correlation between the dynamics of bovine trypanosomosis and the insurgency involving farmers and herders in Nigeria and parts of West Africa. This study examined the history, causes and influence of farmers-herdsmen conflicts on banditry, terrorism and food security as it relates to the epidemiology of African animal trypanosomosis (AAT). A combination of literature database searches, semi-structured questionnaires, and mathematical modeling was employed. The study found that transhumance contributes significantly to conflicts between farmers and herdsmen. An average of 6.46 persons per attack were reported between 2005 and 2021. Only 8.4 (95 CI: 5.0 12.9) of farmers and 18.2 (95 CI: 12.4 25.4) of herdsmen have engaged in conflict resolution efforts. The study shows that both conflict and the spread of trypanosomosis can be effectively controlled when , ensuring that the sub-population remains in the basin of attraction of the trypanosomosis-conflict-free equilibrium ( ). The partial derivative of the basic reproduction number, , with respect to improved conflict resolution, suggests that halting transhumance can prevent a portion of the cattle recruitment rate ( ) from becoming infected with AAT. Climate change exacerbates these issues, leading to settlement and resettlement strategies within the fly belt regions. The model indicates that the basic reproduction number can only be reduced to less than one ( ) to become globally asymptotically stable if there is effective conflict resolution involving both farmers and herders. The study advocates for the establishment of ranching in tsetse-free zones with adequate social amenities, improved marketing strategies for animals and animal products led by government agencies through public-private partnerships, the banning of open grazing, and strict enforcement of policies against violators.

Efficacy of virtual reality balance training on rehabilitation outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to clarify the rehabilitation efficacy of virtual reality (VR) balance training after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42024520383. The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Digital Periodical database were systematically searched to identify eligible studies from their inception up to January 2024. The investigated outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), Holden grading, Extensor peak torque (EPT), Flexor peak torque (FPT), knee reaction time, knee reproduction angle difference. The pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model. Six RCTs with a total of 464 patients after unilateral ACLR were included for 8-12 weeks of VR balance training intervention. Analysis of the results showed that compared with the conventional rehabilitation control group, the VR balance training group significantly improved the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (MD = 3.88, 95%CI: 0.95~6.81), Holden grading (MD = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.33~0.51), Extensor peak torque (EPT) (MD = 12.03, 95%CI: 3.28~20.78)and Flexor peak torque (FPT) (MD = 14.57, 95%CI: 9.52~19.63) in postoperative ACLR patients, and significantly reduced knee reaction time (MD = -0.30, 95%CI: -0.35~-0.25), knee angle reproduction difference at 30° (MD = -0.88, 95%CI: -1.16~-0.61), knee angle reproduction difference at 60° (MD = -0.80, 95%CI: -1.09~-0.50), and VAS score (MD = -0.52, 95%CI: -0.65~-0.39). Since many of the included results are based on low-or very-low-quality evidence, although the results show a certain trend, the conclusion has great uncertainty. In the rehabilitation training following ACLR and lower-limb balance training, the application of VR might be advantageous for the recovery of patients' knee joint function, lower-limb muscle strength, proprioception, and pain management. The level of immersion may influence the rehabilitation outcome. Because of the limitations in data quality and heterogeneity as well as the small sample size, the strength of the conclusions is weakened. These findings should be verified in further large-scale prospective studies.

Overlapping and differential neuropharmacological mechanisms of stimulants and nonstimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a comparative neuroimaging analysis.

Psychostimulants and nonstimulants have partially overlapping pharmacological targets on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but whether their neuroimaging underpinnings differ is elusive. We aimed to identify overlapping and medication-specific brain functional mechanisms of psychostimulants and nonstimulants on ADHD. After a systematic literature search and database construction, the imputed maps of separate and pooled neuropharmacological mechanisms were meta-analyzed by Seed-based d Mapping toolbox, followed by large-scale network analysis to uncover potential coactivation patterns and meta-regression analysis to examine the modulatory effects of age and sex. Twenty-eight whole-brain task-based functional MRI studies (396 cases in the medication group and 459 cases in the control group) were included. Possible normalization effects of stimulant and nonstimulant administration converged on increased activation patterns of the left supplementary motor area (Z = 1.21, p < 0.0001, central executive network). Stimulants, relative to nonstimulants, increased brain activations in the left amygdala (Z = 1.30, p = 0.0006), middle cingulate gyrus (Z = 1.22, p = 0.0008), and superior frontal gyrus (Z = 1.27, p = 0.0006), which are within the ventral attention network. Neurodevelopmental trajectories emerged in activation patterns of the right supplementary motor area and left amygdala, with the left amygdala also presenting a sex-related difference. Convergence in the left supplementary motor area may delineate novel therapeutic targets for effective interventions, and distinct neural substrates could account for different therapeutic responses to stimulants and nonstimulants.

The burden of Alagille syndrome: uncovering the potential of emerging therapeutics - a comprehensive systematic literature review.

Aim: Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a rare, cholestatic multiorgan disease associated with bile duct paucity, leading to cholestasis. Clinical symptoms of cholestasis include debilitating pruritus, xanthomas, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, growth failure, renal disease and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The main objective was to review the current literature on the epidemiological, clinical, psychosocial and economic burden of ALGS in view of the development of ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitors. Methods: Electronic literature databases were searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Results: 330 publications were screened, 119 were relevant: 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 21 non-RCTs, 10 HRQoL studies, two studies assessing cost/resource use and 77 epidemiological studies across several databases through 31 July 2024. Studies confirm that patients with ALGS experience cardiac anomalies, impaired growth, renal disease, poor HRQoL, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and debilitating pruritus; until the approval of IBAT inhibitors for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with ALGS, supportive management was the standard of care. Conclusion: This review confirms the substantial clinical, economic and HRQoL burden associated with ALGS and consolidates current treatment evidence. Data from recent trials in ALGS demonstrate the potential impact of IBAT inhibitors to transform lives by improving cholestatic pruritus symptoms, HRQoL and native liver survival.

Is low-value care for persistent musculoskeletal pain more common in rural than urban areas? A scoping review

BackgroundLow-value care refers to the provision of health services that confer little or no benefit to patients, or have the potential to incur unwarranted harms. A breadth of literature exists investigating geographical variations in rates of potential low-value interventions for musculoskeletal pain. This scoping review aimed to examine the provision of low-value care for osteoarthritis and lower back pain by degree of rurality (e.g., urban, rural and remote areas).MethodsThis scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Electronic searches were performed on five literature databases with no time frame, language or terminology restrictions. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full papers and extracted data from selected studies using a COVIDENCE-developed data extraction tool.ResultsAfter screening, 21 papers were selected. Two of the papers explicitly referenced low-value care while 19 investigated the provision of potential low-value interventions. Hip and knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy, inappropriate pharmacotherapy and complementary and alternative medicine, were more common in rural compared to urban areas. Hip and knee arthroplasty (in women), lumbar spinal fusion, spinal imaging and glucosamine use, were less common in remote compared to regional and urban areas.ConclusionsThere is a higher report of multiple low-value interventions for osteoarthritis and lower back pain in rural compared to urban areas and lower reporting in remote areas. The lack of healthcare services in rural areas may promote low-value care, while geographical isolation in remote areas may limit utilization of both low- and high-value interventions.

Bibliometric study and visual analysis of postoperative diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant recipients based on WoSCC database

Background In recent years, the increase of the post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) after renal transplantation encourages people to do a lot of research on the disease. This paper conducted a bibliometric study on PTDM related literature to explore the risk factors of diabetes after kidney transplantation, as well as the current status, hotspots and development trends of PTDM research, so as to provide reference for researchers in related fields. Methods We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for PTDM literature from January 1, 1990, to August 20, 2023, and used VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package ‘bibliometrix’ to do bibliometric analysis. Results Obesity, 3 months after transplantation tacrolimus concentration >10 ng/mL, temporary hyperglycemia, delayed graft function, acute rejection is specific risk factors related to PTDM in renal transplant recipients. In addition, 74 countries led by China and the United States published 1546 papers, and the number of PTDM-related publications is increasing every year. Primary institutions included the University of California, Los Angeles, Mayo Clinic, University of Oslo, and University of Toronto. The Journal of Transplantation is the most widely read journal in the subject. The authors with the most published literature are Trond Jenssen and Adnan Sharif, and the most cited author is Kasiske BL. Expectations for continued growth in global PTDM research are increasingly high. Future studies will mainly focus on exploring the risk factors of PTDM and identifying new therapeutic approaches and targets.

Psychedelics as moral bioenhancers: Protocol for a scoping review of ethical arguments for and against

Background Moral bioenhancement typically refers to the deliberate use of drugs or biotechnologies, potentially alongside other practices, to attempt to improve oneself morally. In addition to general concerns regarding moral self-bioenhancement, the possibility of using psychedelic substances for such purposes raises distinct ethical questions. As a first step in analysing these questions, we intend to perform a scoping review of the existing arguments for and against the use of psychedelics as moral bioenhancers. We will focus primarily on voluntary use by individuals, although voluntary use by couples or small groups will be considered. The present contribution is a protocol for this scoping review. Methods Our scoping review will adhere to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, which involves five stages: (1) identifying the research question, (2) developing the search strategy, (3) setting inclusion criteria, (4) extracting data, and (5) presenting and analysing the results. We will include both published and unpublished sources if they explicitly present ethical arguments for or against the voluntary use of psychedelics as intentional moral bioenhancers in adults. We will search for relevant studies in Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, The National Library of Medicine, the Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Philosopher’s Index, the Bioethics Literature Database, EthxWeb, PhilPapers, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosopher’s Index, EBSCO, BASE, and WorldCat. Sources will be excluded if (a) the full text is inaccessible, (b) the main text is in a language other than English, or (c) the focus is not primarily on ethical arguments (for example, focusing primarily on the clinical use of psychedelics for treatment). Two raters will independently assess all articles for eligibility, with disagreements to be resolved with a third reviewer. Data from eligible articles will be charted using a standardised data extraction form. The data will be analysed following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dental Age Estimation Studies: A Scientometric Analysis

Dental age estimation (DAE) is important in age-related studies ranging from forensics, clinical dentistry and bioanthropology. DAE heavily relies on image analysis and morphometrics and has underwent academic scrutiny to improve its level of reliability and accuracy. The recent rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in data analysis allows accurate analysis without the influence of human error. As AI has penetrated DAE research, there is a lack of scientometric analysis regarding AI-driven DAE studies. This scientometric study presents an analysis of AI-driven DAE research based on data from the Scopus and Web of Science literature databases. This study examines various parameters, such as publication trends, prolific countries and research institutions, active journals and highly cited publications as well as highly used keywords pertaining to AI-driven DAE studies. Notably, though the niche area is fairly recent, there has been a substantial increase in the number of publications in AI-driven DAE research in the past few years. Countries such as China, Malaysia and South Korea are currently at the forefront of publications on the application of AI in DAE studies. This study also finds that a variety of journals ranging from dentistry, law, forensics and computer science are publishing studies on AI-driven DAE. Prominent keywords such as “age estimation”, “artificial intelligence” and age-group related keywords were amongst the dominant keywords used. This scientometric analysis provides an overview of studies pertaining to AI-driven DAE, which serves to help researchers stay informed regarding the latest research trend and may help identify possible research gaps.

Bibliometric analysis of glycolysis and prostate cancer research from 2004 to 2024

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most common disease among men and the fourth most prevalent cancer worldwide. Enhanced glycolysis and excessive lactate secretion are recognized as critical factors driving the progression of various cancers. This study systematically investigated the research trends associated with glycolysis in PCa through bibliometric analysis.MethodIn this study, we conducted a systematic search of the Web of Science and PubMed databases for literature pertaining to the glycolysis of PCa that was published between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2024. To achieve this objective, we employed CiteSpace software to generate visualizations that illustrate countries/regions, institutions, journals, and keywords. Additionally, we extracted pertinent quantitative data. Furthermore, we utilized VOSviewer software to create a collaboration network map among various journals.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2024, a total of 408 research articles on glycolysis in PCa were published, indicating a consistent upward trend in the annual publication rate. In this field, the United States not only leads in the volume of research papers but also has the highest degree of centrality. The journal "Cancer Research" is recognized as the most influential in the field, whereas "Prostate and Cancer" serves as a significant platform for disseminating research related to glycolysis in PCa. Keyword analysis has identified four primary research directions that have dominated this field over the past two decades. The role of glycolysis and its associated enzymes in PCa underpins this research. Glycolysis has also demonstrated significant clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa. Moreover, drugs targeting glycolytic inhibitors and natural products have exhibited therapeutic potential against this disease. By modulating glycolytic mechanisms, there is potential to increase resistance in PCa. Currently, leading research in this area encompasses the application of nanotechnology to PCa glycolysis, the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in this metabolic pathway, and the interactions between glycolysis and other biological processes in PCa.ConclusionThis study employs bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of research on glycolysis in PCa over the past two decades. It highlights the current state of knowledge in this field, identifies key research hotspots, and explores emerging frontiers, particularly nanotechnology, lncRNA, and miRNA, which are driving innovative research directions.

Clinical significance of trisomy 7 signaled by non-invasive prenatal testing and a literature review

To explore the clinical significance of trisomy 7 signaled by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Pregnant women with high risk for trisomy 7 by NIPT from January 2017 to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects, and the results of prenatal diagnosis and follow-up were analyzed. Literature related to pregnant women with a high risk for trisomy 7 by NIPT from January 2016 to July 2024 was retrieved from China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed database. Relevant information such as the incidence of trisomy 7 by NIPT, positive predictive value (PPV), and pregnancy outcomes were collected. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Ethics No. JS2022010). A total of 51 women with a high risk for trisomy 7 by NIPT were identified. Thirty-two of them had chosen chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of amniotic fluid cells, and 1 case of mosaic trisomy 7 was detected, which had yielded a PPV of 3.13%. Four women had opted termination of pregnancy, 1 had miscarriage, 4 had pre-term and/or low weight birth, whilst the remaining 42 (82.4%) had full-term delivery. In total 19 literature were retrieved, which had involved 278 cases of trisomy 7 signaled by NIPT, among which 5 fetuses with mosaic trisomy 7 (3.14%) were confirmed. Among the 211 women with follow-up outcomes, 2 (0.95%) had intrauterine growth restriction, 3 (1.42%) had abnormal fetal structure detected by ultrasound, 2 (0.95%) had miscarriage, 9 (4.27%) underwent pregnancy termination, 28 (13.27%) had preterm and/or low weight birth, whilst 167 (79.14%) had normal delivery. In 18 cases, chromosomal analysis of placental tissue was carried out, and 17 were confirmed to have mosaicism trisomy 7. The PPV for trisomy 7 signaled by NIPT is extremely low. Although most of such women had a full term delivery, adverse pregnancy outcomes may still occur in a minority of cases. Clinicians should provide adequate genetic counseling for such women and recommend appropriate prenatal diagnosis strategies and optimal perinatal management plans.

Contribution of Type 2 Diabetes Susceptible Gene GCKR Polymorphisms Rs780094 and Rs1260326 to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis.

There is still no conclusive understanding of whether the glucokinase regulator (GCKR) gene rs780094 and rs1260326 polymorphisms predispose to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of the GCKR polymorphisms on GDM susceptibility. Seven literature databases were searched (from inception to February 17, 2024) to locate relevant studies included in further meta-analysis. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in the pooled population were estimated to assess the effects of the variant allele on GDM risk. For the rs780094 polymorphism, 13 datasets with 3443 GDM cases and 5930 nondiabetic controls were included. The pooled estimates in the allele model (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07~1.32), homozygote model (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.10~1.47), dominant model (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03~1.31), and recessive model (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09~1.57) suggested that the C allele carriers were prone to GDM. For the rs1260326 polymorphism, five datasets with 1495 cases and 2678 controls were integrated. The statistically significant effect of the C allele was evident in the allele model (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01~1.24) and the homozygote model (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03~1.54). This meta-analysis suggested that the C allele of the rs780094 and rs1260326 polymorphisms in the GCKR gene are significantly associated with increased risk of GDM.

Unraveling the effectiveness of new media teaching strategies in pharmacology education under different educational backgrounds: Insights from 6447 students.

Despite increasing studies underscoring the effectiveness of new media teaching strategies in pharmacology education, the influence of different educational backgrounds is still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of new media teaching under various educational backgrounds in pharmacology education using network meta-analysis. Literature databases were searched from their inception to February 28, 2024 for eligible trials. Educational backgrounds included 3 majors (pharmacy, medicine, and nursing) and 3 degrees (junior college, undergraduate, and graduate). Academic performance, comprehensive competency, and satisfaction were analyzed using Stata (version 17), Review Manager 5.3 software (RevMan 5.3), and R software (version 4.3.1). A total of 46 studies involving 6447 students were included. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that compared to other majors, new media teaching among nursing students was the most effective in improving theoretical scores (88.63%), experimental scores (93.28%), learning interest (88.27%), self-learning ability (91.17%), mastery of knowledge (96.81%), and the proportion of satisfaction (97.30%) in pharmacology education. As for degrees, new media teaching among junior college students had the best effect on enhancing theoretical scores (75.60%), experimental scores (86.23%), pass rates (88.33%), self-learning ability (90.36%), mastery of knowledge (97.73%), and the proportion of satisfaction (85.28%) in pharmacology learning. Overall, new media teaching among nursing students or junior college students appears to be more effective in pharmacology education. Thus pedagogues can better implement new media teaching strategies among these students and incorporate more web-based tools.

Effect of Synbiotic and Postbiotic Supplements on Dental Caries and Periodontal Diseases—A Comprehensive Review

Caries and periodontitis affect a significant part of the global population. Regular oral hygiene, sugar restriction, and fluoride exposure are the main avenues for the maintenance of oral health, but the adjunctive use of prebiotics and probiotic bacteria has gained attention over the past decades. The microbial and clinical effects of these biological interventions have been thoroughly covered in systematic reviews. However, the combination of prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) may boost the clinical benefits, and postbiotics, being inanimate microorganisms, can, when added to oral hygiene products, offer a sustainable option. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize clinical trials on the adjunctive use of synbiotics and postbiotics in the prevention and management of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. We searched two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for relevant literature, and we identified 17 relevant papers, five on dental caries and 12 with periodontal endpoints. We found emerging evidence of low certainty that lozenges/tablets containing synbiotics or postbiotics could reduce caries incidence in preschool and schoolchildren in comparison with standard preventive care. The effect on adult patients with plaque-induced gingivitis was less consistent. For adults with periodontitis, the adjunctive use of synbiotic and postbiotic products seemed to enhance the outcome of conventional scaling and root planning. In conclusion, both dental caries and periodontitis are non-communicable diseases, closely associated with an unbalanced oral biofilm, and the application of microbial modulators, including synbiotics and postbiotics, display promising beneficial effects and warrant further research.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training in Improving Outcomes for Dialysis Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Virtual reality (VR) training uses computer-generated simulations that enable users to engage with immersive virtual environments, simulating real-world activities or therapeutic exercises. This technology is increasingly recognized as a promising intervention to address the physical and psychological challenges faced by dialysis patients, who frequently experience diminished physical function, social isolation, and emotional distress associated with prolonged treatment regimens. Given the increasing prevalence of dialysis patients and the limitations of conventional rehabilitation approaches, VR presents a novel, interactive method that has the potential to enhance patient well-being and improve quality of life. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR training interventions for dialysis patients, with a focus on assessing their impact on motor abilities, psychological symptoms (specifically anxiety and depression), social functioning, and self-efficacy. This analysis also explores whether VR can offer comprehensive benefits to support both the physical and mental health of dialysis patients. The meta-analysis was conducted following Cochrane guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed across major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, China Biomedical Literature database, Cochrane library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase, encompassing all studies up to December 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted studies assessing VR's impact on motor performance, psychological well-being, social functioning, and self-efficacy in dialysis patients. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using Cochrane's risk of bias criteria, ensuring data synthesis reliability. A total of 12 studies, involving 625 dialysis patients in total, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that VR training led to significant improvements across multiple domains. VR interventions were associated with improved physical capacity, evidenced by higher scores in the 6-minute walk test (standardized mean difference [SD]=29.36, 95% CI 14.32-44.4, P<.001, I2=46%). VR training was associated with significant reductions in depression (SD=-6.30, 95% CI -7.14 to -5.47, P<.001, I2=96%) and anxiety (SD=-8.91, 95% CI -9.69 to -8.14, P<.001, I2=95%). In addition, VR interventions enhanced social functioning (SD=16.20, 95% CI 14.49-17.9, P<.001, I2=72%), and improved self-efficacy (SD=20.47, 95% CI 18.55-22.39, P<.001, I2=99%). However, VR training did not yield significant differences in gait speed, balance, or functional tests (Ten Sit-to-Stand Test, Five Sit-to-Stand Test, Sixty Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and fatigue) compared with control groups. The findings suggest that VR training is a promising intervention for dialysis patients, providing benefits in physical endurance, social engagement, and psychological well-being. Despite these advantages, VR remains underused among peritoneal dialysis patients compared with hemodialysis patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more refined experimental designs are recommended to validate these results and support VR as a complementary tool in the holistic care of dialysis patients.

Effect of short inter-pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcomes among pregnant women in SSA 2023: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

After a live birth, the recommended interval before attempting the next pregnancy is at least 24 months (birth to pregnancy interval) in order to reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes. Short inter pregnancy interval associated with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. The objective of this review was to determine the effect of short inter pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa 2023. A systematic and a comprehensive literature searching mechanism were used without any restriction, through Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Grey literature databases for reporting the effect of short inter pregnancy interval. The JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis was used for this review. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version17 software for windows, and meta-analysis was used with a random-effects method. The results are presented using texts, tables and forest plots with measures of effect and 95% confidence interval. Thirteen studies were included in this review and most of the studies level of heterogeneity across the study was considerable, mainly due to methodological variations, Statistical heterogeneity, and population and intervention variations of included studies. The effect of short inter pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcome were low birth weight(RR (RR (95% CI) 1.98 (1.48, 2.47); I2:62.97%, preterm birth (RR (95% CI) 1.67 (1.31, 2.03); I2:51%, intra uterine growth retardation(RR (95% CI) 3.78 (2.07, 5.49); I2: 8.52%, low APGAR score(RR (95% CI) 3.49 (1.41, 5.57)); I2: 71.11%, premature rapture of membrane(RR (95% CI) 2.87 (1.22, 4.51)); I2: 49.22%, perinatal mortality(RR (95% CI) 2.95 (1.10, 4.81)); I2: 54.37% and maternal anemia(RR (95% CI) 3.06 (2.12, 3.99)); I2: 74.74%. As per our review the main effect of short inter pregnancy interval is low birth weight, preterm birth, intra uterine growth retardation, low APGAR score, premature rapture of membrane, perinatal mortality and maternal anemia. This might be very useful for healthcare policymakers and NGOs to emphasize on it.

Intraoperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with anesthesia to prevent postoperative cognitive dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is associated with an increased risk of dementia and may lead to chronic neurodegeneration. The utilization of intraoperative Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) in conjunction with anesthesia is expected to become an effective preventive measure for POCD in clinical practice. We conducted a comprehensive literature review focusing on the use of TEAS in the prevention of POCD during surgical anesthesia. We searched various databases for relevant literature, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data. The synthesis of data was performed using RevMan version 5.4. Our meta-analysis incorporated data from 20 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) involving 1549 patients. The findings revealed that intraoperative TEAS significantly reduced the incidence of POCD when compared to the control group [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.29, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.22-0.39, p < 0.00001]. Moreover, patients receiving intraoperative TEAS exhibited a significant increase in MMSE scores (MD 1.21, 95% CI 0.53-1.89, p = 0.0005). Additionally, intraoperative TEAS demonstrated efficacy in reducing the contents of perioperative serum S100β protein (S100β), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients, and the improvement of these indexes may be the potential mechanism of TEAS in preventing POCD. Our results suggest that intraoperative TEAS combined with anesthesia prevents cognitive dysfunction in the immediate postoperative period, however we need additional evidence of its utility in preventing long-term cognitive dysfunction. We advocate for the broader promotion and application of this approach in clinical surgical settings. PROSPERO (CRD42023457910).

A Scoping Review of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Gait Abnormalities in Children With Cancer.

Using extensive database and manual literature reviews, 3 relevant studies were identified that assessed CIPN-related gait changes in children. Though each study used different methods to analyze gait patterns, decreased ankle dorsiflexion with slower and shorter gait were common findings across the studies. Changes to ankle dorsiflexion range of motion can lead to slower walking speeds and compensatory changes that can cause developmental effects on a child's gait. Relevant research on the topic of CIPN-related gait abnormalities in children with cancer identifies knowledge gaps and the need for more studies on the effects of CIPN on children.

Plant-derived natural compounds for the treatment of acute lung injury: A systematic review of their anti-inflammatory effects in animal models.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complex pulmonary disease characterized by a severe inflammatory response. The management of ALI presents a formidable challenge due to the intricate nature of its inflammatory cascade. Numerous studies have highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of plant-derived natural compounds (PNCs) in treating inflammatory diseases. Our study aims to provide robust current evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of PNCs for ALI treatment. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024468401). A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal database (VIP), Wanfang database, and China biomedical literature service system (SinoMed) up until November 2023. Preclinical studies published in both English and Chinese were included. Our research encompassed 81 studies, comprising a total of 71 PNCs, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and miscellaneous compounds. This systematic review demonstrated that PNCs played a beneficial role on ALI by regulating the immune response and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. The molecular mechanisms were partially associated with the regulation of Th17/Treg responses, promotion of the polarization of M1-type macrophages to M2-type macrophages, induction of immune cell apoptosis, reversal of microbial dysbiosis in the lungs and the gut, epigenetic modification, and the modulation of inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, TLR4/MyD88, NLRP3/Caspase-1, TGF-β/Smad, Nrf2/HO-1, Rho/ROCK, TLR7/MyD88, and PI3K/AKT, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses and lung damage. The therapeutic effects of PNCs on ALI are mediated through the modulation of immunity and inflammatory pathways. In light of their potential, PNCs represent a promising pharmacological intervention for the treatment of ALI.