English-language Peer-reviewed Publications Research Articles

Examining the Challenges for Circular Economy Implementation in Construction and Demolition Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review Using Systematic Methods

The construction industry accounts for approximately one-third of the total waste generation globally. With the United Nations projecting a population increase of 2 billion within the next three decades, there is a heightened demand for building stock, generating unprecedented volumes of construction and demolition waste (CDW). To combat this, circular economy strategies are purported to help alleviate the prevailing situation. But a number of challenges are jeopardizing their implementation in the construction industry and preventing from achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, net zero carbon and zero avoidable waste targets. This paper systematically analyzes 54 research articles, published in the past decade within major peer-reviewed English-language scholarly publications in the form of a systematic research review. In doing so, it aims to identify and classify the challenges that prevent improved CDW management by assimilating previous research results in support of a circular economy. The classification and analysis using a PESTLE model offers insights into gaps and differences between categories, as well as regions and countries. This initial step could contribute to a better understanding of these barriers, along with associated solutions, which could result in a significant reduction on the impact of construction activities, therefore facilitating the development of an effective circular economy in the sector.

Liposome-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Research: An Analysis of Global Landscape Efforts and Achievements.

Lipid-bilayer-based liposomes are gaining attention in scientific research for their versatile role in drug delivery. With their amphiphilic design, liposomes efficiently encapsulate and deliver drugs to targeted sites, offering controlled release. These artificial structures hold great promise in advancing cancer therapy methodologies. Bibliometric research analyzes systematic literary data statistically. This study used bibliometric indicators to examine, map, and evaluate the applications of liposomes in cancer therapy. A Scopus search was conducted to identify all English-language peer-reviewed scientific publications on the applications of liposomes in cancer therapy within the past twenty years. Bibliometric indicators were calculated using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. We produced thematic, conceptual, and visualization charts. A total of 14,873 published documents were obtained. The procedure of keyword mapping has effectively identified the main areas of research concentration and prevailing trends within this specific field of study. The significant clusters discovered through theme and hotspot analyses encompassed many topics such as the use of multiple strategies in chemotherapy and different forms of cancer, the study of pharmacokinetics and nanomedicine, as well as the investigation of targeted drug delivery, cytotoxicity, and gene delivery. Liposomes were employed as drug delivery systems so as to selectively target cancer cells and improve the bioavailability of anticancer drugs. The work showcased the capacity to tailor these liposomes for accurate drug delivery by including potent anticancer medications. Our findings not only bring attention to the latest progress in utilizing liposomes for cancer treatment but also underscore the vital need for ongoing research, collaborative efforts, and the effective translation of these breakthroughs into tangible clinical applications, emphasizing the dynamic and evolving nature of cancer therapeutics.

Universal Primary School Interventions to Improve Child Social–Emotional and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations

AbstractPrimary schools are key settings for social–emotional and mental health promotion. Reviews have assessed the effectiveness of primary school interventions delivered universally to all pupils for improving child social–emotional and mental health outcomes. This is the first study to review economic evaluations of such interventions and their value for money, which is key for informing policy. Peer-reviewed English language publications were systematically searched from database inception dates until 17 October 2022. We included economic evaluations of universal primary school interventions, or interventions with a universal component, to improve social–emotional and mental health outcomes in primary school children—regardless of evaluation methods or location. Key data and results were extracted from included studies for descriptive and narrative synthesis. Extracted costs were converted to International Dollars (Int$) and inflated to the year 2021. The reporting quality of included studies was appraised using the 2022 CHEERS checklist. Our review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020190148) and funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ES/T005149/1). A total of 25 economic evaluations were included for analysis in our review. Full economic evaluations combining both costs and outcomes comprised 20 of the 25 evaluations, of which 16 used comparable outcomes. The remaining five economic evaluations were cost analyses (partial). Study quality varied substantially and was higher amongst full economic evaluations. Evaluated interventions consisted primarily of programmes and curricula (n = 9) and universal interventions combining a targeted component (n = 5), amongst other intervention types such as teacher practices (n = 3). Average annual costs per child varied substantially (Int$18.7-Int$83,656) across intervention types. Universal interventions combining a targeted component were the least costly (Int$26.9-Int$66.8), along with an intervention designed to improve school operational culture (Int$46.0), and most of the programmes and curricula evaluated (Int$21.4-Int$396). All except for one of the 16 full economic evaluations using comparable outcomes found interventions were cost-effective (cost-saving–Int$25,463/QALY) relative to country cost-effectiveness thresholds or yielded positive returns on investment (Int$1.31–11.55 for each Int$1 invested) compared with usual practice. We identified several low-cost interventions that likely provide good value for money and should be considered by policymakers in high-income countries. However, there is a need for more economic evaluations in low- and middle-income countries, and a need to improve study reporting quality and better value outcomes more generally.

Exploring the intersections of TAM and TRI models in middle school VR technology acceptance

BackgroundIn recent years, the attitudes of middle school principals toward virtual reality (VR) have received much attention from the educational technology community. As VR continues to gain popularity in education, researchers have begun to explore middle school principals’ perceptions of VR using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use) and Technology Readiness Index (TRI) (optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity) models to explore middle school principals’ perceptions of VR. This helps to reveal the influencing factors of middle school principals’ acceptance of VR, which in turn provides theoretical support and guidance for promoting the application of VR in education.MethodsTo explore the factors influencing the acceptance of VR by middle school principals. We searched several databases such as Google, Scopus, and Elsevier. We focused on peer-reviewed English-language publications on VR, TAM, TRI, and middle school education from 2013 to 2023.ResultsThrough the literature review, we found that middle school principals’ intention to use VR was significantly influenced by the TAM (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use) and TRI (optimism, innovation, discomfort, and insecurity) models. In addition, there was some degree of intersection between the dimensions of the TRI and TAM models.ConclusionVR has been widely recognized by middle school principals as an educational tool. By providing an immersive and interactive experience, VR can be effective in improving the efficiency of school operations to a great extent.

Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Dissociative identity disorder(DID),commonly known as multiple personality disorder (MPD), is a contentious mental health condition that typically arises as a result of traumatic events to help people avoid unpleasant memories. To completely comprehend the complexity and nuance of DID, this study investigates its symptomatology, diagnostic criteria, therapeutic modalities, and historical controversies. Patients with DID frequently have two or more distinct personality identities, each with its memories, characteristics, and attributes. Ten personality disorders are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), but DID, formerly known as MPD, is not one of those personality disorders. Nevertheless, myths and misunderstandings cloud our knowledge of the disease, and some critics attribute the condition's emergence to therapy rather than trauma. This study emphasizes the possibilities for recovery and fulfilling life for persons affected by DID by attempting to provide a comprehensive understanding of DID, debunk myths and misconceptions, and throw light on effective therapy methods. It accomplishes this by carefully examining the body of literature and existing studies. The DIDstudy used a systematic strategy to obtain a thorough grasp of the causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and therapies of the disorder. It employed precise keywords and Boolean operators across four databases, prioritized current peer-reviewed English-language publications, and enforced strict exclusion standards. While admitting potential biases and limits in the databases used, the research intended to maintain methodological transparency and robustness, helping to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of DID.

What evidence exists on the impact of climate change on real estate valuation? A systematic map protocol

BackgroundAs natural disasters increase in both frequency and magnitude because of climate change, assets, such as buildings and infrastructure, are exposed to physical climate risk. In addition, as our societies transition towards a greener economy, the transitional climate risk will manifest itself in different forms: reputational issues, market solutions that may drive out those that do not comply, technological disruptions and policy initiatives. How both risks, physical and transitional, impact the economic value of real estate assets is not well understood and will be investigated as the main scope of this systematic map.Methodwe use systematic mapping to collate and configure existing evidence on how climate risk has affected the economic value of real estate assets. After designing a search string, English language peer-reviewed publications will be retrieved from the two largest and most popular scientific research databases, as well as a database containing policy documents. This corpus will be tested for comprehensiveness using a benchmark of 50 highly relevant articles. Once the comprehensiveness test is passed, a consistency test will be carried out on the screening of a randomly selected list of 200 articles by three reviewers. If a kappa score of at least 0.6 is achieved, one of the reviewers will carry out the remainder of the screening, with another reviewer quality assuring 10% of the screening. The retained corpus will then be distributed over the three reviewers, who will carry out the extraction of metadata according to an agreed coding strategy. The final output of the coding will consist of a heat map, showcasing where substantial evidence is available, and research gaps, providing recommendations for further research. In addition, the results will provide insight into the methodology to quantify the impact of climate risk on real estate value. Figures and tables will be designed to make it easy to comprehend the results of the mapping.

Genetic Variation and Sickle Cell Disease Severity

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disorder, yet clinical outcomes are influenced by additional genetic factors. Despite decades of research, the genetics of SCD remain poorly understood. To assess all reported genetic modifiers of SCD, evaluate the design of associated studies, and provide guidelines for future analyses according to modern genetic study recommendations. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched through May 16, 2023, identifying 5290 publications. At least 2 reviewers identified 571 original, peer-reviewed English-language publications reporting genetic modifiers of human SCD phenotypes, wherein the outcome was not treatment response, and the comparison was not between SCD subtypes or including healthy controls. Data relevant to all genetic modifiers of SCD were extracted, evaluated, and presented following STREGA and PRISMA guidelines. Weighted z score meta-analyses and pathway analyses were conducted. Outcomes were aggregated into 25 categories, grouped as acute complications, chronic conditions, hematologic parameters or biomarkers, and general or mixed measures of SCD severity. The 571 included studies reported on 29 670 unique individuals (50% ≤ 18 years of age) from 43 countries. Of the 17 757 extracted results (4890 significant) in 1552 genes, 3675 results met the study criteria for meta-analysis: reported phenotype and genotype, association size and direction, variability measure, sample size, and statistical test. Only 173 results for 62 associations could be cross-study combined. The remaining associations could not be aggregated because they were only reported once or methods (eg, study design, reporting practice) and genotype or phenotype definitions were insufficiently harmonized. Gene variants regulating fetal hemoglobin and α-thalassemia (important markers for SCD severity) were frequently identified: 19 single-nucleotide variants in BCL11A, HBS1L-MYB, and HBG2 were significantly associated with fetal hemoglobin (absolute value of Z = 4.00 to 20.66; P = 8.63 × 10-95 to 6.19 × 10-5), and α-thalassemia deletions were significantly associated with increased hemoglobin level and reduced risk of albuminuria, abnormal transcranial Doppler velocity, and stroke (absolute value of Z = 3.43 to 5.16; P = 2.42 × 10-7 to 6.00 × 10-4). However, other associations remain unconfirmed. Pathway analyses of significant genes highlighted the importance of cellular adhesion, inflammation, oxidative and toxic stress, and blood vessel regulation in SCD (23 of the top 25 Gene Ontology pathways involve these processes) and suggested future research areas. The findings of this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of all published genetic modifiers of SCD indicated that implementation of standardized phenotypes, statistical methods, and reporting practices should accelerate discovery and validation of genetic modifiers and development of clinically actionable genetic profiles.

Bibliometric Analysis of Spinopelvic Alignment in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Postoperative dislocation of unclear etiology remains a concern after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Interest is growing in the importance of spinopelvic alignment on stability in THA. The purpose of this study was to analyze publication trends, areas of interest, and future research direction of spinopelvic alignment in THA. Articles on the topic of spinopelvic alignment in THA published between 1990 and 2022 were obtained through Web of Science Core Collection of Clarivate Analytics (WSCCA). Results were screened by title, abstract, and full text. The inclusion criterion was English-language peer-reviewed journal publications on the clinical topic of spinopelvic alignment in THA. Bibliometric software was used to characterize publication trends. We screened 1,211 articles, yielding 132 meeting the inclusion criterion. From 1990 to 2022, published articles have steadily increased, peaking in 2021. Countries that have been the most productive in contributions to research are those in which THA is the most prevalent. Our analysis of keyword frequency showed increasing interest in "pelvic tilt," "anteversion," and "acetabular component" position. Our study identified that increasing attention is being given to spinopelvic mobility and PT in the setting of THA. The United States and France produced the most studies related to spinopelvic alignment.

Challenges and Limitations in Distributional Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: A Systematic Literature Review.

Cost-effectiveness is a tool to maximize health benefits and to improve efficiency in healthcare. However, efficient outcomes are not always the most equitable ones. Distributional cost-effectiveness analysis (DCEA) offers a framework for incorporating equity concerns into cost-effectiveness analysis. This systematic review aims to outline the challenges and limitations in applying DCEA in healthcare settings. We searched Medline, Scopus, BASE, APA Psych, and JSTOR databases. We also included Google Scholar. We searched for English-language peer-reviewed academic publications, while books, editorials and commentary papers were excluded. Titles and abstract screening, full-text screening, reference list reviews, and data extraction were performed by the main researcher. Another researcher checked every paper for eligibility. Details, such as study population, disease area, intervention and comparators, costs and health effects, cost-effectiveness findings, equity analysis and effects, and modelling technique, were extracted. Thematic analysis was applied, focusing on challenges, obstacles, and gaps in DCEA. In total, 615 references were identified, of which 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of these studies were published after 2017. DCEA studies were mainly conducted in Europe and Africa and used quality health-adjusted measurements. In the included studies, absolute inequality indices were used more frequently than relative inequality indices. Every stage of the DCEA presented challenges and/or limitations. This review provides an overview of the literature on the DCEA in healthcare as well as the challenges and limitations related to the different steps needed to conduct the analysis. In particular, we found problems with data availability, the relative unfamiliarity of this analysis among policymakers, and challenges in estimating differences among socioeconomic groups.

Peaces of music: understanding the varieties of peace that music-making can foster

ABSTRACT This article offers a new conceptual and theoretical model for researching music-based peacebuilding, an emerging interdisciplinary field that is characterised by heterogeneity of practices, concepts, and analytical approaches. Drawing upon findings from a scoping study of 62 peer-reviewed English language publications that describe music-based peacebuilding practices, it presents a typology of six varieties of peace that this work can foster. Each peace is constituted by a combination of four key variables in approaches to practice and implementation: intergroup encounter; intentional engagement with the extant conflict or politics that drive the need for peace-promoting work; sociality and opportunities for independent social interactions and affective ties; and the projection of the peace message to an external audience. The typology brings needed coherence to this diverse field, providing a nuanced framework for articulating the peacebuilding potential of music and for engaging critically with the possibilities, limitations, and complexities of creative contributions to peacebuilding.

Pain and Fatigue Improvements in Patients Treated with Repository Corticotropin Injection Across Five Indications: A Narrative Review.

Repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in 19 indications, including for the treatment of selected patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), symptomatic sarcoidosis, uveitis, and keratitis. Despite treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, many patients with RA, SLE, and other chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases continue to be affected by severe pain and fatigue, indicating a need for other therapies. To examine the clinical data regarding the impact of RCI treatment on pain and fatigue in selected populations, this review included English-language peer-reviewed publications of clinical trials of any size and cohort studies with more than 10 patients that included pain and/or fatigue based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and/or physician-assessed measures in adults following treatment with RCI for RA, SLE, symptomatic sarcoidosis, uveitis, or keratitis. Literature searches identified eight studies that met these criteria. Four studies (reported in five publications) were in patients with RA or SLE, two in patients with sarcoidosis, one in patients with uveitis, and one in patients with noninfectious keratitis. Across the different types of studies assessed (clinical trials, chart reviews, real-world evidence), the results were consistent with respect to the impact of RCI treatment on improving pain and fatigue. As summarized in this review, data from patient- and physician-reported outcome measures in eight studies demonstrate that, in addition to improving more traditional efficacy measures, RCI may also improve pain and fatigue in patients with RA, SLE, symptomatic sarcoidosis, uveitis, and noninfectious keratitis.

Randomised controlled trials of occupational therapy interventions for adults with a mental health condition or dementia: A systematic review of study methods and outcome measurement

Introduction High-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions are essential for determining whether an intervention is effective. However, many RCTs that examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for adults with mental health conditions or dementia have methodological limitations that reduce confidence in their results. We aimed to systematically review the quality of methods and outcome measures used in RCTs of occupational therapy interventions for adults with a mental health condition or dementia. This will inform future research in this area and enable practitioners to appraise the evidence when selecting interventions. Method We searched peer-reviewed English language publications from 2000 to 2021 in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ASSIA, CINAHL and e-thos, and hand-searched 12 journals. We included papers that met pre-specified inclusion criteria, appraised quality using a validated tool and extracted data. We conducted a narrative synthesis. Results Of thirty-three included papers, 26 reported full or pilot RCTs, two reported secondary analysis or secondary outcomes of included RCTs, three reported process evaluations and two reported economic evaluations. Methodological limitations were found in many studies and outcome measures varied in their psychometric quality. Conclusion High-quality RCTs of occupational therapy interventions are needed for adults with mental health conditions and dementia. Researchers should follow international guidelines for rigorously developing and evaluating interventions and reporting studies. Practitioners should critically apply RCT evidence when selecting occupational therapy interventions.

Creating an operational definition for prolonged postoperative opioid use through the use of concept analysis

AimTo develop an evidence-based operational definition for Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use (PPOU). BackgroundIn the United States, opioids are a mainstay of postoperative pain management, and are prescribed to over 90% of patients following surgery. Recent literature has highlighted the risk for prolonged postoperative opioid use (PPOU) after many surgical procedures. However, reported rates of PPOU vary greatly across studies, due in part to inconsistent operational definitions. Recent literature identified 29 distinct definitions for PPOU, which resulted in incidence ranging from 0.01% to 14.7% when applied to the same cohort of opioid naïve patients. MethodsWe followed the eight-step method described by Walker & Avant, using an iterative literature search process with the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar. English-language peer-reviewed publications through August 2020 were included in the analysis. ResultsThe four defining attributes of PPOU are (1) use of opioids greater than 90 days following surgery, (2) treatment of postoperative (non-cancer) pain, (3) in opioid-naïve patients, (4) with legal prescription use. We identified four antecedents and four consequences to PPOU. ConclusionThe definition of PPOU in current literature varies greatly and has had significant impact on the interpretation and reliability of research findings. We propose the following working definition: PPOU is the legal prescription use of any opioid for greater than 90 days following surgery, for the purposes of treating post-operative pain, by a patient who opioid naïve in the year prior to surgery.

The Unified Medical Language System at 30 Years and How It Is Used and Published: Systematic Review and Content Analysis.

BackgroundThe Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) has been a critical tool in biomedical and health informatics, and the year 2021 marks its 30th anniversary. The UMLS brings together many broadly used vocabularies and standards in the biomedical field to facilitate interoperability among different computer systems and applications.ObjectiveDespite its longevity, there is no comprehensive publication analysis of the use of the UMLS. Thus, this review and analysis is conducted to provide an overview of the UMLS and its use in English-language peer-reviewed publications, with the objective of providing a comprehensive understanding of how the UMLS has been used in English-language peer-reviewed publications over the last 30 years.MethodsPubMed, ACM Digital Library, and the Nursing & Allied Health Database were used to search for studies. The primary search strategy was as follows: UMLS was used as a Medical Subject Headings term or a keyword or appeared in the title or abstract. Only English-language publications were considered. The publications were screened first, then coded and categorized iteratively, following the grounded theory. The review process followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.ResultsA total of 943 publications were included in the final analysis. Moreover, 32 publications were categorized into 2 categories; hence the total number of publications before duplicates are removed is 975. After analysis and categorization of the publications, UMLS was found to be used in the following emerging themes or areas (the number of publications and their respective percentages are given in parentheses): natural language processing (230/975, 23.6%), information retrieval (125/975, 12.8%), terminology study (90/975, 9.2%), ontology and modeling (80/975, 8.2%), medical subdomains (76/975, 7.8%), other language studies (53/975, 5.4%), artificial intelligence tools and applications (46/975, 4.7%), patient care (35/975, 3.6%), data mining and knowledge discovery (25/975, 2.6%), medical education (20/975, 2.1%), degree-related theses (13/975, 1.3%), digital library (5/975, 0.5%), and the UMLS itself (150/975, 15.4%), as well as the UMLS for other purposes (27/975, 2.8%).ConclusionsThe UMLS has been used successfully in patient care, medical education, digital libraries, and software development, as originally planned, as well as in degree-related theses, the building of artificial intelligence tools, data mining and knowledge discovery, foundational work in methodology, and middle layers that may lead to advanced products. Natural language processing, the UMLS itself, and information retrieval are the 3 most common themes that emerged among the included publications. The results, although largely related to academia, demonstrate that UMLS achieves its intended uses successfully, in addition to achieving uses broadly beyond its original intentions.

Differentiating research and quality improvement activities: A scoping review and implications for clinical scholarship.

Differentiating activities that are research or quality improvement (QI) is challenging. Compare tools that distinguish research from QI and evaluate the utility of tools to determine whether institutional review board (IRB) approval is required for a test-project. Scoping review of the literature to identify tools that distinguish QI from research. Two reviewers independently screened records in PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and Google Scholar and extracted information from tools. Inclusion criteria were English language peer-reviewed publications or publicly available tools with scoring systems to differentiate between research and QI. The reporting of this review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We then applied a test-project to evaluate the utility of the tools. One-hundred forty sources were reviewed; 13 met inclusion criteria. Tools consistently used project intent/purpose, design and intervention as differentiating criteria; additional criteria varied. Five studies described tool development, and one reported that the tool had been tested. Our application of a test-project proved challenging as tools commonly presented research and QI as discrete activities. Based on the core criteria common across tools to distinguish research from QI, we propose a simple four-criteria decision tool for assessing the need for IRB submission.

Perceived psychosocial impacts of legalized same-sex marriage: A scoping review of sexual minority adults' experiences.

A growing body of literature provides important insights into the meaning and impact of the right to marry a same-sex partner among sexual minority people. We conducted a scoping review to 1) identify and describe the psychosocial impacts of equal marriage rights among sexual minority adults, and 2) explore sexual minority women (SMW) perceptions of equal marriage rights and whether psychosocial impacts differ by sex. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework we reviewed peer-reviewed English-language publications from 2000 through 2019. We searched six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, JSTOR, and Sociological s) to identify English language, peer-reviewed journal articles reporting findings from empirical studies with an explicit focus on the experiences and perceived impact of equal marriage rights among sexual minority adults. We found 59 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Studies identified positive psychosocial impacts of same-sex marriage (e.g., increased social acceptance, reduced stigma) across individual, interpersonal (dyad, family), community (sexual minority), and broader societal levels. Studies also found that, despite equal marriage rights, sexual minority stigma persists across these levels. Only a few studies examined differences by sex, and findings were mixed. Research to date has several limitations; for example, it disproportionately represents samples from the U.S. and White populations, and rarely examines differences by sexual or gender identity or other demographic characteristics. There is a need for additional research on the impact of equal marriage rights and same-sex marriage on the health and well-being of diverse sexual minorities across the globe.

Genetic predisposition for aggressive behaviour related with dopamine and serotonin pathways – an overview

Introduction Aggression is a pervasive condition in human civilisation that sometimes emerge in human actions and consists in physical and verbal actions with the intention of causing harm to others. The term aggression can be divided in two types. Expressive aggression appears by provocation and it is usually driven by anger. Otherwise, instrumental aggression is performed as a premeditated mean to obtain something [1]. Aggressive behaviour is a complex process that involves the interaction between diverse factors, including genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the several studies that have identified genetic alterations that may influence the behaviour of individuals. In terms of aggression, research is focussed on signalling pathways, especially involving dopamine and serotonin [2]. Materials and methods Searches were made in the PubMed and B-on online databases. Search terms included “Genetic variants” combined with “Aggression” or “Aggressive behaviour”. The search was limited to articles published on or after the 1st of January 2000 and in English-language peer-reviewed journal publications. Papers focussed on genetic variants that did not relate to the dopamine and serotonin pathways were excluded. Further literature sources were identified by following up internal citations and references. After articles analysis, 24 studies were considered in this literature review. Results The search for genes involved in impulsivity and aggression traits identified different candidate genes belonging to dopamine and serotonin pathways, of which MAO-A, COMT, SLC6A4, SLC6A3, HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A, HTR2C, HTR6, DRD2, DRD4, TPH1 and DBH genes [3,4]. Results revealed the presence of 18 variants. The majority of these variants were SNPs, except 5 VNTR and 1 InDel. Discussion and conclusions Some studies found associations between several genetic variants and aggression. However, in many others such associations were unclear [2,3]. The fusion of genetics and psychology into these studies is essential. Notwithstanding, this literature review showed that all previous studies applied a limited psychological assessment of the subjects, leading to partial characterisation of the problem [4]. As such, it is critical to get a deeper insight into the association between aggressive behaviour and putative genetic factors by redefining the methodological strategies used for the psychological assessment.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ В ОБЛАСТИ НЕЙРОХИРУРГИИ ТЯЖЁЛЫХ ЧЕРЕПНО-МОЗГОВЫХ ТРАВМ

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in those aged under 40 years. Therefore, research in this area of neurosurgery is highly relevant. The review presents insights on current trends in TBI neurosurgery, emphasising severe forms management. Literature review of English and Russian language peer-reviewed publications relating to various forms of TBI showed three main research areas: 1) evolution of surgical techniques with the development toward minimally invasive approaches with equipment and materials modification/development; 2) search for reliable assessment tools to predict the patient's condition in the early and remote postoperative periods; 3) evaluation of the effectiveness of multimodal approaches for diagnosing brain pathology. Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, TBI, severe TBI, surgery, neurosurgery, methods, biomarkers.

Validated scales for substance use disorders in the geriatric population: A scoping review

Substance use disorders in the elderly population can be assessed through scales and questionnaires. These scales are used for not only screening for substance use disorders but also for assessment for improvement with time and/or intervention. Validity parameters of these scales help us know how do they perform during application in the clinical or community setting. The objective of the review was to (1) review available validated screening tools for substance use disorders, (2) summarize elderly-focused studies, and (3) provide recommendations for use in clinical care. We aimed to review the validated scales of substance use disorders in the geriatric population. We looked at PubMed and Web of Science databases for identifying English language peer-reviewed publications that reported at least one validity parameter for scale in geriatric patients with substance use disorders. We identified 22 studies, with majority of them focusing on alcohol use disorder. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-Opener Questionnaire (CAGE) were the most common scales used in the population. While most of the studies reported acceptable area under receiver operator curve, sensitivity, and specificity, some of the studies reported lower sensitivity/specificity at optimal cutoff. Validity parameters of various scales have been assessed in the geriatric population. Using suitable cutoffs, they can be useful in the screening of elderly individuals with substance-related problems, so that due evaluation and care can be provided. More instruments need to be assessed for validity to diagnose tobacco use disorders, benzodiazepine use disorders, and other substance use disorders.

Disparities in Palliative and Hospice Care and Completion of Advance Care Planning and Directives Among Non-Hispanic Blacks: A Scoping Review of Recent Literature.

Objectives:Published research in disparities in advance care planning, palliative, and end-of-life care is limited. However, available data points to significant barriers to palliative and end-of-life care among minority adults. The main objective of this scoping review was to summarize the current published research and literature on disparities in palliative and hospice care and completion of advance care planning and directives among non-Hispanc Blacks.Methods:The scoping review method was used because currently published research in disparities in palliative and hospice cares as well as advance care planning are limited. Nine electronic databases and websites were searched to identify English-language peer-reviewed publications published within last 20 years. A total of 147 studies that addressed palliative care, hospice care, and advance care planning and included non-Hispanic Blacks were incorporated in this study. The literature review include manuscripts that discuss the intersection of social determinants of health and end-of-life care for non-Hispanic Blacks. We examined the potential role and impact of several factors, including knowledge regarding palliative and hospice care; healthcare literacy; communication with providers and family; perceived or experienced discrimination with healthcare systems; mistrust in healthcare providers; health care coverage, religious-related activities and beliefs on palliative and hospice care utilization and completion of advance directives among non-Hispanic Blacks.Discussion:Cross-sectional and longitudinal national surveys, as well as local community- and clinic-based data, unequivocally point to major disparities in palliative and hospice care in the United States. Results suggest that national and community-based, multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary, theoretical-based, resourceful, culturally-sensitive interventions are urgently needed. A number of practical investigational interventions are offered. Additionally, we identify several research questions which need to be addressed in future research.