DOAJ Research Articles

Turkish Journals Removed from Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) in the Last 10 Years

Turkish Journals Removed from Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) in the Last 10 Years

Investigation of Pancreatic-beta Cells Role in the Biological Process of Ageing.

Cellular senescence is associated with the formation and progression of a range of illnesses, including ageing and metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. Ageing and reduced glucose tolerance are interconnected. Often, Diabetes is becoming more common, which is concerning since it raises the risk of a variety of age-dependent disorders such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. The objectives of this study are to find out the most recent research on how ageing affects the functions of pancreatic beta cells, beta cell mass, beta cell senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance. Various research and review manuscripts are gathered from various records such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley, Scopus, Science Open, the Directory of Open Access Journals, and the Education Resources Information Centre, using different terms like "Diabetes, cellular senescence, beta cells, ageing, insulin, glucose". In this review, we research novel targets in order to discover new strategies to treat diabetes. Abnormal glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the elderly may aid in the development of novel medicines to delay or prevent diabetes onset, improve quality of life, and, finally, increase life duration. Aging accelerates beta cell senescence by generating premature cell senescence, which is mostly mediated by high glucose levels. Despite higher plasma glucose levels, hepatic gluconeogenesis accelerates and adipose tissue lipolysis rises, resulting in an increase in free fatty acid levels in the blood and worsening insulin resistance throughout the body.

Current Insights into Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Clinical Strategies for Prevention and Treatment.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that is caused by medial nerve compression, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tightness, or weakness in the hand. The aim of the study was to find out the genetic modulation, mechanism, available treatment, and recommendation for carpal tunnel syndrome at its specific stage. Almost 200 papers were searched for this review article, and 145 articles were selected. The literature was collected from different sources like Google scholar, PubMed, a directory of open-access journals, and science.gov by using keywords, such as treatment, risk factors, recommendation, and clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most efficient non-surgical treatment is methylprednisolone acetate, which reduces inflammation by acting on the glucocorticoid receptor in conjunction with immunofilling. It has also been used successfully as a second-line drug for the treatment of patients with mild or moderate conditions in order to provide relief. New non-pharmacological options include laser therapy in acupuncture, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), and sham therapy. Modern treatments like TENS, laser therapy, splints, and injections of methylprednisolone acetate have been demonstrated to be helpful in sporadic situations. For patients with mild and moderate problems, more research should be conducted that includes the combination of these surgical and non-surgical treatments. We propose a multifunctional panel construct and define standard data items for future research into carpal tunnel syndrome. A discussion on idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, risk factors, combination of therapies, using guidelines-based recommendations and treatment should be initiated.

Road to maternal death: the pooled estimate of maternal near-miss, its primary causes and determinants in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMaternal near-miss (MNM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) working group as a woman who nearly died but survived a life-threatening condition during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy due to getting quality of care or by chance. Despite the importance of the near-miss concept in enhancing quality of care and maternal health, evidence regarding the prevalence of MNM, its primary causes and its determinants in Africa is sparse; hence, this study aimed to address these gaps.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published up to October 31, 2023, was conducted. Electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Directory of Open Access Journals), Google, and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant studies. Studies from any African country that reported the magnitude and/or determinants of MNM using WHO criteria were included. The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet and analysed by STATA version 16. Pooled estimates were performed using a random-effects model with the DerSimonian Laired method. The I2 test was used to analyze the heterogeneity of the included studies.ResultsSixty-five studies with 968,555 participants were included. The weighted pooled prevalence of MNM in Africa was 73.64/1000 live births (95% CI: 69.17, 78.11). A high prevalence was found in the Eastern and Western African regions: 114.81/1000 live births (95% CI: 104.94, 123.59) and 78.34/1000 live births (95% CI: 67.23, 89.46), respectively. Severe postpartum hemorrhage and severe hypertension were the leading causes of MNM, accounting for 36.15% (95% CI: 31.32, 40.99) and 27.2% (95% CI: 23.95, 31.09), respectively. Being a rural resident, having a low monthly income, long distance to a health facility, not attending formal education, not receiving ANC, experiencing delays in health service, having a previous history of caesarean section, and having pre-existing medical conditions were found to increase the risk of MNM.ConclusionThe pooled prevalence of MNM was high in Africa, especially in the eastern and western regions. There were significant variations in the prevalence of MNM across regions and study periods. Strengthening universal access to education and maternal health services, working together to tackle all three delays through community education and awareness campaigns, improving access to transportation and road infrastructure, and improving the quality of care provided at service delivery points are key to reducing MNM, ultimately improving and ensuring maternal health equity.

Water Resource Management Research in Benin: A Systematic Review

Benin has been the subject of numerous investigations in the complex realm of water resource management, encompassing hydrological, engineering, economic, ecological, and sociological facets. However, noticeable gaps exist, warranting a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge. This study offers a systematic review on the trends in water management research within Benin.
 Scholarly papers were carefully selected from reputable academic databases, including Web of Science, WorldCat, Google Scholar, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Science Direct, and Scopus. The selection criteria were stringent, focusing on English-keywords, journal articles and conference papers centered on water management or its associated challenges in the Benin context. The selection process entailed a two-phase screening protocol, commencing with an initial assessment based on titles, followed by subsequent screening based on abstracts and keywords. The chosen studies then underwent a thorough bibliometric analysis.
 The findings of this review reveal a noticeable surge in research activity related to water resource management in Benin in recent decades. These studies predominantly concentrate on rural areas. The breadth of research topics covers a wide spectrum, including water pricing reform, water policy formulation, water-related conflicts, the application of integrated water resource management, agro-dam management, challenges inherent in water resource management, water quality assessment, agricultural water usage, assessment of water availability, utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS), and the development of basin information system platforms. A majority of the examined articles emphasize water management and water availability.
 This review underscores the growing interest within the scientific community in exploring water resource management issues in rural Benin. Ineffective water management in Benin can be attributed to various factors, including inadequate financial support, deficient coordination among stakeholders in the water sector, a lack of transparency, suboptimal management of hydraulic infrastructure, inadequate dissemination and implementation of established legal and institutional frameworks, overlapping roles among actors involved in water resource management, and a notable scarcity of data.
 These findings highlight the urgent need for further research initiatives and policy interventions in these domains, with the overarching goal of enhancing the state of water management in Benin.

Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms of Action of Inorganic Nanoparticles against Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens: A Systematic Review.

Foodborne disease outbreaks due to bacterial pathogens and their toxins have become a serious concern for global public health and security. Finding novel antibacterial agents with unique mechanisms of action against the current spoilage and foodborne bacterial pathogens is a central strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance. This study examined the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of action of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) against foodborne bacterial pathogens. The articles written in English were recovered from registers and databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Directory of Open Access Journals) and other sources (websites, organizations, and citation searching). "Nanoparticles," "Inorganic Nanoparticles," "Metal Nanoparticles," "Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles," "Antimicrobial Activity," "Antibacterial Activity," "Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens," "Mechanisms of Action," and "Foodborne Diseases" were the search terms used to retrieve the articles. The PRISMA-2020 checklist was applied for the article search strategy, article selection, data extraction, and result reporting for the review process. A total of 27 original research articles were included from a total of 3,575 articles obtained from the different search strategies. All studies demonstrated the antibacterial effectiveness of inorganic NPs and highlighted their different mechanisms of action against foodborne bacterial pathogens. In the present study, small-sized, spherical-shaped, engineered, capped, low-dissolution with water, high-concentration NPs, and in Gram-negative bacterial types had high antibacterial activity as compared to their counterparts. Cell wall interaction and membrane penetration, reactive oxygen species production, DNA damage, and protein synthesis inhibition were some of the generalized mechanisms recognized in the current study. Therefore, this study recommends the proper use of nontoxic inorganic nanoparticle products for food processing industries to ensure the quality and safety of food while minimizing antibiotic resistance among foodborne bacterial pathogens.

New academic journals: an international overview of indexing and access models

Introduction. An international analysis of academic journals newly created in the period from 2011 to 2020 according to type of publisher, place of publication, their relationship with open access, and their indexing in databases. Studies of the issues of concentration of journal publisher ownership, uses of metrics, and access to titles reveal a changing landscape that is nevertheless still dominated by large commercial oligopolies. One notable trend is the creation of new titles in various configurations. Method. To assess the global scenario, we analyse titles created from 2011 to 2020, focusing on indexing and access models. The methodology is multidimensional, predominantly bibliometric and quantitative. The data were collected from Crossref and other databases and processed with the resources of the Information Matrix for the Analysis of Journals. Results. The findings confirm the expansion of the periodical publishing market, of which the academic journal market represents a small fraction (7.29%). Of thdatabases may be considered academic based on indexing in some database, most are open access, indicated by their presence in the Directory of Open Access Journals (55.21%). The analysis of publisher type confirmed the predominance of commercial publishers (44.57%), followed by universities (30.08%). The largest proportion of the titles are in the health field, compatible with the existing distribution of fields, followed by journals in the multidisciplinary and education fields. Conclusion. In the expansion of the publishing market, academic journals represent a small fraction of the total. The main sources of new titles in open access with no processing charges for authors are universities in countries that are not home to large commercial publishers (Indonesia, Brazil, and Spain), all with government subsidies.

Can ChatGPT identify predatory biomedical and dental journals? A cross-sectional content analysis

ObjectivesTo assess whether ChatGPT can help to identify predatory biomedical and dental journals, analyze the content of its responses and compare the frequency of positive and negative indicators provided by ChatGPT concerning predatory and legitimate journals. MethodsFour-hundred predatory and legitimate biomedical and dental journals were selected from four sources: Beall's list, unsolicited emails, the Web of Science (WOS) journal list and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). ChatGPT was asked to determine journal legitimacy. Journals were classified into legitimate or predatory. Pearson's Chi-squared test and logistic regression were conducted. Two machine learning algorithms determined the most influential criteria on the correct classification of journals. ResultsThe data were categorized under 10 criteria with the most frequently coded criteria being the transparency of processes and policies. ChatGPT correctly classified predatory and legitimate journals in 92.5 % and 71 % of the sample, respectively. The accuracy of ChatGPT responses was 0.82. ChatGPT also demonstrated a high level of sensitivity (0.93). Additionally, the model exhibited a specificity of 0.71, accurately identifying true negatives. A highly significant association between ChatGPT verdicts and the classification based on known sources was observed (P <0.001). ChatGPT was 30.2 times more likely to correctly classify a predatory journal (95 % confidence interval: 16.9–57.43, p-value: <0.001). ConclusionsChatGPT can accurately distinguish predatory and legitimate journals with a high level of accuracy. While some false positive (29 %) and false negative (7.5 %) results were observed, it may be reasonable to harness ChatGPT to assist with the identification of predatory journals. Clinical significance statementChatGPT may effectively distinguish between predatory and legitimate journals, with accuracy rates of 92.5 % and 71 %, respectively. The potential utility of large-scale language models in exposing predatory publications is worthy of further consideration.

Prevalence of Migraine Headache in Pakistan – A Systematic Review

Background: Migraine, a prevalent type of headache, significantly impacts social and professional functionality due to its high frequency and associated morbidities. This debilitating condition affects various demographics, including university and medical students, and poses a considerable health challenge in Pakistan. Objective: This systematic review aims to establish the prevalence of migraine among different population groups in Pakistan. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), PakMediNet, and ScienceDirect. The search focused on literature published from 2001 to 2023, including cross-referencing article citations. Results: A total of 19 studies were analyzed, highlighting that Karachi city had the highest reported number of migraineurs (3,089 individuals, including 268 medical students). Lahore City followed with 516 cases (452 among general university students). Rawalpindi City reported 201 cases. A nationwide survey indicated 393 migraine incidents. Additionally, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Peshawar reported 175 physicians and medical students, 28 general university students, and 155 medical students with migraines, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of migraine is notably high within the Pakistani population, particularly among university and medical students.

Prevalence of HIV in slums area: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health burden, particularly affecting vulnerable populations residing in slum areas which is characterized by overcrowding, poverty, and limited access to healthcare services, create an environment conducive to the transmission and spread of HIV. Despite the recognition of this issue, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the prevalence of HIV in slums. The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize the existing global evidence on HIV prevalence in slum populations.MethodsA rigorous systematic literature review was conducted by searching multiple electronic databases, including Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), covering the period from January 1, 1990, to March 31, 2023. The quality and risk of bias for each included study were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The pooled prevalence with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model with the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. The degree of heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated using the I2 test. Publication bias was also assessed using Egger's test. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential factors contributing to the observed heterogeneity.ResultsA systematic examination of the relevant literature resulted in the inclusion of a total of 22 studies for the purpose of this meta-analysis. These studies collectively assessed a sizable cohort consisting of 52,802 participants. Utilizing a random-effects model, an estimation of the overall prevalence of HIV in the slum area was determined to be 10% (95% CI: 7–13%). Further delineation through subgroup analysis based on the gender revealed a higher prevalence of HIV among women, standing at 13% (95% CI: 8–19%, 18 studies: I2 = 98%), as opposed to men, where the prevalence was found to be 8% (95% CI: 6–12%, 16 studies: I2 = 95%). A geographical breakdown of the included studies revealed that Africa exhibited the highest prevalence, with a figure of 11% (95% CI: 9–13%, 18 studies: I2 = 98%). Subsequently, studies conducted in the American continent reported a prevalence of 9% (95% CI: 7–11%, 2 studies: I2 = 57%). The Asian continent, on the other hand, displayed the lowest prevalence of 1% (95% CI: 0–3%, 2 studies: I2 = 94%). Notably, studies employing rapid tests indicated a prevalence of 13% (95% CI: 9–17%, 6 studies: I2 = 94%), while those relying on self-reported data reported a lower prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 5–11%, 6 studies: I2 = 99%). Moreover, studies utilizing ELISA reported a prevalence of 9% (95% CI: 6–12%, 10 studies: I2 = 96%). Finally, it was determined that studies conducted in upper-middle-income countries reported a higher prevalence of 20% (95% CI: 16–24%, 5 studies: I2 = 45%), whereas studies conducted in lower- and middle-income countries reported a prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 6–10%, 12 studies: I2 = 98%).ConclusionThe current study elucidates the troublingly high prevalence of HIV infection within slums area. Also, this finding underscores the urgent necessity for targeted and tailored interventions specifically aimed at curtailing the spread of HIV within slums. Policymakers must take cognizance of these results and devote their efforts towards the implementation of effective strategies to mitigate gender disparities, address poverty alleviation, and empower the inhabitants of these marginalized areas.

Conceptualisation of Socio Educational Participation

Aims: This paper aims to comprehensively explore socio-educational participation by synthesizing insights from open-access databases. The study focuses on understanding the multifaceted nature of educational involvement through an examination of parental participation in student learning, student engagement in lesson activities, and involvement in extracurricular pursuits.&#x0D; Study Design: The review encompasses multiple reputable platforms, including Sage Journals, Scopus, Google Scholar, Educational Resource Centre (ERIC), JSTOR-Journal Storage, Emerald, Science Direct, SpringerLink, Taylor and Francis, and Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ). The search is guided by keywords such as socio-education participation, student participation in learning, and parental participation in student learning. The study's conceptual framework is rooted in sociological theories and secondary data, enriched by current literature reviews from diverse perspectives and sources.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study is conducted across various online platforms and databases, spanning a duration determined by the availability of relevant literature. The review incorporates insights from a wide array of sources to ensure a comprehensive analysis of socio-educational participation.&#x0D; Methodology: The research employs a systematic approach to review 75 selected articles, utilizing varied databases to gather insights. The synthesis of diverse perspectives and a meticulous review contribute to a nuanced understanding of socio-educational participation. The study also explores varied definitions and interpretations of socio-educational participation, shaped by scholars and organizations with distinct thematic motivations.&#x0D; Results: The findings shed light on the dynamic relationships within the educational sphere, emphasizing the importance of parental engagement, student involvement in academic pursuits, and participation in extracurricular activities for a holistic educational experience. The conceptualization in this study identifies three integral components: parental participation in student learning, student engagement in lesson activities, and involvement in extracurricular pursuits.&#x0D; Conclusion: By analyzing the intricacies of socio-educational participation, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the multifaceted nature of educational involvement. The synthesis of diverse perspectives and a meticulous review of literature offer a nuanced understanding of the subject, providing valuable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers aiming to enhance educational experiences.

The psychological well-being of schoolteachers in South Africa: A critical review

Teaching is a stressful occupation associated with various challenges that may adversely affect schoolteachers’ psychological well-being (PWB) and the provision of quality basic education. The nature and effects of teacher PWB may depend on their work context. This critical review aimed to synthesise and evaluate the evidence from available scientific literature on schoolteacher PWB within the South African context. We searched the following databases: African Journals, NWU-IR, Academic Search Complete, Africa-Wide Information, APA PsycInfo, OAlster, Directory of Open Access Journals, Library Catalogue, SciELO, SocINDEX with Full Text, MEDLINE, ERIC, CINAHL with Full Text, Springer Nature Journals, Teacher Reference Center, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, and Business Source Complete. For rigour of the search and analysis process, we employed the Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) method. This critical review research study included a final sample of 12 studies. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, and the following themes were identified: teaching as a stressful occupation; intrapersonal factors that affect teachers’ PWB; contextual factors that influence teachers’ PWB; differences in levels of teacher PWB; and the consequences of high or low levels of teacher PWB. To work towards the provision of quality basic education, it is vital to first acknowledge the importance of schoolteachers’ PWB in South Africa. With a clear and comprehensive understanding of teacher PWB, it is possible to implement interventions to promote and enhance teachers’ PWB in schools in South Africa.

EFFICACY OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY INDICES IN POST-STROKE INSOMNIA PATIENTS

Background: Post-stroke insomnia (PSI) is a highly prevalent complication of stroke. Clinical manifestations of PSI include non-refreshing, non-restorative sleep quality and short sleep duration, leading to stroke recovery impediment, cognitive, emotional, and daytime dysfunction, and poor quality of life in stroke patients. PSI can be treated with medications, but studies have reported various adverse effects of hypnotic drugs in PSI. Objective: This study explores non-pharmacological treatments for their efficacy to improve sleep quality in PSI patients. Methods: An electronic search in Medline, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Semantic Scholar was performed to identify studies examining the efficacy of non-pharmacological approaches to PSI. Results: A total of ten studies examining the efficacy of non-pharmacological approaches to PSI were reviewed. The characteristics of PSI patients in these studies comprised the older population typically at several months after suffering commonly from ischemic type stroke. The evaluated treatments are EEG biofeedback, acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), light therapy, and repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). All treatments successfully improved sleep quality, insomnia symptoms, and quality of life in stroke patients as assessed by various measurements including PSQI and actigraphy. Only mild adverse events were reported following acupuncture, such as local hematoma and hand numbness. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological approaches can be considered efficacious in improving sleep quality index, insomnia symptoms, and quality of life of PSI patients. Furthermore, they do not cause severe or long-lasting adverse effects, thus deemed safe for stroke patients.

Nursing Research in Arab Countries: Current Status, Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Twenty-two Arab countries comprise the League of Arab States. While united in Arab identity, diversities among these countries exist at many levels. Conducting and publishing research in the Arabic speaking countries is an essential pillar for improving the status of the nursing profession. The purpose of this study is to assess the current status, trends, challenges, and opportunities of nursing research in Arab countries. An integrative review was conducted using (1) Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office Database Journals Directory (IMEMR), (2) the Iraqi Academic Scientific Journals Database (IASJD), (3) Ulrichsweb (UW), (4) The Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research/Middle Eastern Journals (GFMER), (5) the Nursing Journal Directory (NJD), (6) the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and (7) Google Scholar. Journals and articles that met inclusion criteria were accessed, retrieved, reviewed, and subjected to content analysis by three authors, two of which were fluent in English, French, and Arabic languages. A third author fluent in all three languages confirmed the findings. Nursing research in Arabic-speaking countries has evolved over the past decades but is still lacking compared to global nursing research. Moreover, it was found to be largely situated within academic institutions and linked to tenure and promotion requirements. Nursing journals in Arabic-speaking countries do not adequately represent that overall region and are limited in access.

Tungs’ Medical Journal is indexed in the Directory of Open Access Journals

Tungs’ Medical Journal is indexed in the Directory of Open Access Journals

Topical Therapies of Pyogenic Granuloma in Children: A Systematic Review of Case Reports, Case Series, and Cohort Studies

Abstract Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign vascular tumor removed surgically or by physical modalities, such as electrocautery and cryotherapy. Other treatment options may be warranted, especially in children, using nonsurgical approach. The study aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of topical treatments on PG in children in the clearance of lesions. Systematic literature search were done in February 2023 in the following database: PubMed, HERDIN, Cochrane Library, Hindawi, Directory of Open Access Journals, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The search included studies involving PG treated with topical medications in the pediatric age group. Twenty-five studies (9 cohort studies, 6 case series, and 10 case reports) were included and utilized the following medications: timolol, propranolol, corticosteroids, common table salt, imiquimod, and ingenol mebutate. Among the medications, timolol was the most reported drug to provide partial to complete resolution in 62 out of 149 patients. All the reviewed topical medications provided partial to complete resolution with minimal adverse effects. Among them, topical timolol, propranolol, and table salt have demonstrated high response rates. Topical therapy in children with PG may be considered as a nonsurgical option. However, further clinical trials are warranted to determine its effectiveness.

Effects of Photofunctionalisation on Osseointegration and Stability of Dental Implants: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Dental implant osseointegration is crucial for the long term success of implant-supported restorations. Photofunctionalisation (PF), a novel surface modification technique, has been proposed as a means to enhance implant osseointegration. Aim: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the effects of PF on dental implant osseointegration. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals, and Google Scholar, for studies published up until August 2022. The search strategy combined keywords related to dental implants, PF, and osseointegration. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts of the identified studies, following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for randomised clinical trials, the ROBINS-I tool for non randomised studies, and the The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies were performed. Results: A total of five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The outcomes assessed included implant stability, osseointegration, and survival rates. The findings of the included studies suggested that PF of dental implants may promote osseointegration by enhancing early bone formation, increasing implant stability, and improving Bone-To-Implant (BIC) contact. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that PF of dental implants may have a positive impact on osseointegration. However, due to the limited number of studies, further research is needed to provide more definitive conclusions regarding the clinical benefits of photofunctionalised dental implants in pathologically compromised bone sites.

The efficacy and safety of transcorneal electrical stimulation for patients with retinitis pigmentosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of genetically inherited degenerative disorders characterized by progressive loss of peripheral vision. Tran&amp;apos;s corneal electrical stimulation (TES) has been proposed as a treatment for various ocular conditions, but its mechanism remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of trans-corneal electrical stimulation (TcES) as a treatment for RP by comprehensively examining the available literature in medical databases. The literature of the related studies was retrieved from five databases including central, midline, scopus, directory of open access journals, and clinicalTrials.gov. All of the selected scholarly databases were extensively searched online for articles that were published between January 2019 and July 2023. TES was found to be safe for RP patients, with positive effects on the visual field area (VFA) and scotopic b-wave amplitude. It significantly attenuated the annual decline in the visual field hence effectively doubling its half-life from 10 to 20 years. No significant side effects were observed during TES. TES offers a promising treatment option for RP, with potential benefits in slowing disease progression and preserving vision. The OkuStim system and TES present an affordable and adaptable approach, with opportunities for patient self-administration. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to confirm these findings and optimize treatment parameters.

Evaluation of postoperative complications after removal of mandibular third molar by conventional bur technique and lingual split technique

ABSTRACT Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety including postoperative outcomes in the extraction of impacted mandibular third molar by conventional bur technique and lingual split technique. Methods, Selection Criteria, and Search Strategy: A total of 40 healthy individuals, both male and female, aged from 18 to 40 years, underwent surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars under local anesthesia in a single session. An intensive electronic search was conducted on Google, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Directory of Open Access Journals, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Central online databases from their respective inception dates to November 2020. Initially, the search criteria included the terms: ((mandibular OR lower) AND (third molar OR wisdom) AND lingual split). The following outcomes were investigated: pain, swelling, trismus, and dry socket on the first day before surgery, the second (post 24 h), and on the seventh day. Results and Observations: The present retrospective comparative study evaluates the postoperative complications after the removal of the third molar. A total of 40 subjects of either sex were randomized to be treated either with the conventional bur technique (Group A) or the lingual split technique (Group B). The ages of Groups A and B ranged from 19 to 40 years and from 19 to 42 years, respectively, with a mean ± SD of 26.20 ± 6.01 and 27.15 ± 6.21 years, respectively. The mean age of Group B was slightly higher than Group A. Comparing the mean age of the two groups, t-test revealed similar (P &gt; 0.05) age between the two groups (26.20 ± 6.01 vs. 27.15 ± 6.21, t = 0.49; P = 0.626). The subjects in both groups were age-matched, suggesting that age may have had minimal influence on the outcome measures (swelling, trismus, and pain). Conclusion: In the realm of mandibular third molar (M3) extraction, it is acknowledged that this surgical procedure can present challenges, and there exists a diversity of professional approaches between dentists and oral surgeons. Prior to determining a treatment course for each M3, it is imperative to possess a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent anatomical structures, including the inferior dental and lingual nerves. Additionally, a thorough clinical assessment and the utilization of radiographic imaging are essential for carefully evaluating each case and balancing the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment plans. Timely removal of the third molar (tooth M3) can significantly reduce the adverse complications associated with delayed extraction.

The use of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) on farm animal’s productivity, health and reproductive performance: a review

Global food insecurity is mostly the result of human-animal competition for food, as well as recent population growth, erratic weather patterns and environmental shocks. Therefore, maximising the production of animal proteins can reduce the competition between demand and consumption. Hence, the current review aimed at outlining the use of hemp on the production, health and reproductive performances of farm animals. The data used in this review were accessed using Google Scholar, Science Direct, ResearchGate and the directory of open-access journals. It was found that industrial hemp, particularly its derivatives such as hemp-seed meal and oil, has gained attention for its potential benefits in animal nutrition and health. The impact of hemp on farm animals, their productivity, health and reproductive performance, is an area of ongoing research. Our findings on the assessment of the nutritional benefits of hemp to livestock have shown hemp to be a great nutritional source to livestock because, hemp-seed cake, a byproduct of hemp oil extraction, is rich in essential and non-essential amino acids, fibre, and healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. When incorporated into animal feed, it can contribute to a balanced diet, potentially improving overall health and productivity. Furthermore, the health benefits may be due to the fatty acid profile in hemp that is known to have positive effects on animal reproduction (optimal fertility and gestation) and health, including anti-inflammatory properties, which could benefit conditions related to inflammation. Additionally, hemp contains compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes that might offer therapeutic effects, although the effects of these compounds in animals are still being studied. In conclusion, there is limited direct research on hemp’s effect on reproductive performance in farm animals. Hence, more research is necessitated.