Full-text Assessment Research Articles

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Corticotomy and Piezocision on Canine Retraction: A Systematic Review

Background: In order to reduce the prolonged duration of orthodontic treatment, several surgical techniques have been proposed over the years. Corticotomy and piezocision are the two most widely used techniques, and, given the lack of consensus in the literature, along with the renewed interest in these approaches in recent years, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate their effectiveness in accelerating canine retraction in patients requiring extraction of the upper first premolar and, as a secondary objective, to assess if there is a worsening of periodontal health and how the surgical approach is perceived by the patient. Methods: An electronic search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to 30 November 2024. The PRISMA statement was adopted for the realization of the review, and the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2) was used to assess the studies’ quality. Results: After full text assessment, fifteen randomized clinical trials (14 split mouth design, 1 single-blind, single-center design) covering 326 patients (mean age 20, 19 years) were included. The data collected reveal that corticotomy accelerates canine retraction by 1.5 to 4 times, while piezocision achieves retraction 1.5 to 2 times faster, making corticotomy the most effective technique. No statistically significant adverse effects on periodontal ligament, molar anchorage loss, or root resorption were observed following the two surgical techniques. In addition, patients reported experiencing mild to moderate pain. Conclusions: Corticotomy and piezocision are effective techniques for accelerating upper canine retraction in extraction cases, significantly reducing the overall duration of orthodontic treatment.

Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review

BackgroundAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder which poses challenges for the individuals with the disorder and their families. While stimulant medications are effective, a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial and behavioral interventions, is recommended. There is a growing body of research exploring the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents through a systematic review of relevant studies.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, our systematic review searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Psycinfo, and Scopus from January 2000 to August 2022. We included studies focusing on mindfulness for pediatric ADHD, comprising various study designs with a minimum 8-week duration. Descriptive statistics summarized results, while risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB and ROBANS tools. The quality of RCTs was further evaluated using the Correlation of Quality Measures tool.ResultsIn the initial search, 450 records were identified, and after removing duplicates, 339 underwent screening. Forty-one studies underwent full text assessment for eligibility, with 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including seven RCTs, two Quasi RCTs, and three cohort studies. These studies, conducted in five countries, involved participants aged 7 to 18 years. Six studies showed improvement in hyperactivity/inattentive symptoms, and five studies showed improvement in impulsivity.ConclusionsThis systematic review demonstrates the potential benefits of mindfulness programs on ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. This study emphasizes the need for high-quality research to explore mindfulness-based interventions for ADHD management in younger populations.PROSPERO registration number: IDCRD42024520800

Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: Treatment and Interventions.

Introduction: Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is a condition affecting newborns and involves damage to the nerve fibers compromising the brachial plexus during birth. Although most newborns recover spontaneously, a large subset require surgery to regain function, and others will have permanent disability despite intervention. Deciding when to pursue surgical intervention remains a challenge for clinicians treating BPBI. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases. A total of 24 primary and secondary sources were chosen for inclusion following full-text assessments. All sources were analyzed to provide a comprehensive review on the development of BPBI treatments and interventions over time. Results: Spontaneous recovery can be achieved in many cases of BPBI, but most patients require physical therapy and other forms of treatment to avoid muscle imbalance and prevent contracture formation. In addition to physical therapy, the most common non-surgical interventions include botulinum toxin injections and splinting. In cases requiring surgery, clinicians may use several tests and diagnostic imaging to aid in decision making. Common surgical interventions for BPBI include nerve grafting, nerve transfers, and muscle and tendon transfers. Conclusion: Most newborns recover from BPBI within the first 3 months of life. However, some require treatment to restore optimal function. In general, non-surgical interventions should be the primary course of treatment, and surgery should be avoided unless the patient is deemed unable to recover with any other treatment.

Oncologic and cosmetic outcomes of oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery after neoadjuvant systemic therapy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) prevents compromise of breast aesthetics following large breast cancer excisions. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the outcomes (oncologic, surgical, cosmetic) of OBCS versus standard breast-conserving surgery (SBCS) and mastectomy post-neo-adjuvant systemic therapy. Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched up to 24/08/2024. English language peer-reviewed RCTs or observational/cohort studies with ≥ 18-year-old women treated for breast cancer with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and/or hormonal therapy comparing OBCS to SBCS and/or mastectomy were included. Of 6794 articles, 32 underwent full-text assessment and eleven met the inclusion criteria. The review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias (Newcastle-Ottowa Scale). Meta-analysis using a random-effects model were performed where data allowed. Eleven cohort studies (n = 4594) included OBCS (n = 912), SBCS (n = 1122) and mastectomy (n = 2560) after NACT. Post-NACT tumour size was 20(9-44)mm, 13(0-23)mm [SMD 0.62, 95%CI(-0.24,1.48), p = 0.16] and 20(10-31)mm [SMD 0.05, 95%CI(-0.53,0.63), p = 0.86] in the OBCS, SBCS and mastectomy groups respectively. The margin re-excision rate was significantly lower in OBCS than in SBCS [2.9%(0-11.1%) vs. 6.1%(0-18.5%); OR 0.35, 95%CI(0.15,0.80), p = 0.01]. All other oncologic outcomes, including positive margin rate, and overall survival, were not statistically different between the groups. Cosmetic outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures were marginally in favour of OBCS [OBCS 50-66% vs SBCS 37.6-55% very satisfied]. OBCS after NACT appears oncologically safe and a potential alternative in patients with partial or poor tumour response to NACT. Further studies are required, directly comparing well-matched OBCS with SBCS and mastectomy patients after NACT.

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation using Customized Zirconia Membranes: A Systematic Review

Background Since the inception of intraosseous implants, the significance of alveolar bone volume has become crucial in formulating treatment plans for dental implants. Various barrier membranes have been extensively employed in alveolar ridge reconstruction, highlighting their efficacy. Recent advancements include the fabrication of customized barrier membranes using multiple materials, with titanium and zirconia being prominent choices. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review of all clinical studies, case reports, and case series that utilized customized zirconia membranes for alveolar ridge augmentation. Methods An electronic literature search was performed to find relevant clinical studies, case reports, and case series published in English up to August 2024. The following keywords used in the search were customized zirconia membrane, alveolar ridge augmentation, Guided bone regeneration, zirconia sheet, ceramic sheet, and Personalized membrane. The quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist specific to each type of study. Results The electronic search initially yielded 539 articles. Following deduplication, 263 unique articles remained. Subsequent manual screening of titles and abstracts led to the exclusion of 250 articles, resulting in 13 remaining articles. After conducting a thorough full-text assessment of these 13 articles to verify adherence to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 6 articles were further excluded, leaving a total of 7 articles included in this review. Conclusion While all studies included in this review were case series or case reports, customized zirconia membranes have demonstrated effectiveness in the literature for alveolar ridge augmentation, facilitating the placement of dental implants in all cases with relatively low complication rates, particularly membrane exposure. There is currently no literature evidence supporting the superiority of zirconia over other materials used in customized fabrication, nor is there evidence of superior design or preferred bone grafting under these membranes.

Definitions of Incidental [18F]FDG PET/CT Findings in the Literature: A Systematic Review and Definition Proposal.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were (1) to systematically review the currently used definitions of incidental 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings (IPFs) in the literature and (2) to propose an IPF definition. Methods: A systematic search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The search was guided by the question "How is IPF defined?" and was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The retrieved studies were reviewed and analyzed. The definitions of IPFs in the included studies were compiled into two sets of categories based on the description of FDG uptake and the specification of clinical factors in defining IPFs. Results: The systematic literature search identified 4852 publications accessible for title-abstract screening, which yielded 395 studies for full-text assessment. Sixty-five studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Sixty-two percent mentioned "FDG uptake" in their definition. In 40% of the definitions, "Focal FDG uptake" was specified, while "FDG uptake in the surrounding tissue" was included in 15%. Fifty-seven percent stated that IPFs were "Unrelated to PET/CT indication". Thirty-four percent specified IPFs as "Present in other organ than PET/CT indication", whereas 20% included "No known disease related to IPF". Seventeen percent of the definitions comprised a "New finding", while 15% and 11% encompassed a "Clinical asymptomatic patient" and "Not a metastasis", respectively. Finally, 5% of the definitions included "Potential clinical significance". Conclusions: No generally accepted definition of IPFs currently exists. We propose an IPF definition based on explicit FDG uptake and clinical patient-related factors.

HIV-related outcomes among migrants living in Europe compared with the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Compared with the general population, international migrants arriving in Europe face severe socioeconomic challenges that result in higher HIV prevalence and limited access to health care, potentially leading to negative outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the incidence of HIV-related outcomes among international migrants arriving in Europe compared with the incidence among the general population. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify studies investigating HIV-related outcomes in migrants and the general population living with HIV in Europe. Six authors (EDV, VP, VS, SDG, MC, and RN) independently searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception until July 22, 2023 (with an update on March 3, 2024), then screened titles and abstracts of all potentially eligible articles. Studies were included if they were observational studies; investigated clinical, virological, or immunological outcomes in migrants living with HIV; were conducted in Europe; had at least one control group of non-migrants living in a European country; and were in English. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility followed by a full-text assessment by two authors (EDV, VP, VS, SDG, MC, or RN). Data were extracted from articles using a structured Redcap form. Primary outcomes of our systematic review were (1) mortality, (2) AIDS-defining condition, (3) combined outcome of AIDS or death, (4) treatment discontinuation, (5) rate of loss to follow-up, (6) virological failure, and (7) immunological failure. Data were reported as relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios with their 95% CIs. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42024501191. Of the 1316 articles identified (1297 in the initial search and 19 in the updated search), 19 were included in our systematic review, consisting of 104 676 participants who were followed up for a mean of 79·3 months. The meta-analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that migrants present similar mortality risk (RR 0·88, 95% CI 0·75-1·04), but higher risk for AIDS-defining conditions (1·23, 1·14-1·34), treatment discontinuation (2·39, 1·49-3·29), loss to follow-up (2·53, 1·41-4·53), virological failure (1·80, 1·25-2·60), and immunological failure (3·70, 2·17-12·50) compared with the general population. In subanalyses for WHO regions, people originally from the African region had higher risk for HIV-related adverse outcomes. Compared with the non-migrant population, migrants living in Europe with HIV face higher risks for progression to AIDS, loss to follow-up, treatment discontinuation, and virological and immunological failure. Interventions aimed to improve HIV care among migrants living in Europe are urgently needed. None.

Considerations of equity in the development of tools that identify and respond to end-of-life carer support needs: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionInformal caregivers are essential in supporting end-of-life patients at home but are often ill-prepared for the carer role. There is growing interest in the development of tools to assess caregiver...

Identifying potential predictors of surgical site infection risk following cardiac surgery: a scoping review.

This scoping review was undertaken to identify risk predictions models and preoperative predictors of surgical site infection (SSI) in adult cardiac surgery. A particular focus was on the identification of novel predictors that could underpin the future development of a risk prediction model to identify individuals at high-risk of SSI, and therefore guide a national SSI prevention strategy. A scoping review to systematically identify and map out existing research evidence on preoperative predictors of SSI was conducted in two stages. Stage 1 reviewed prediction modelling studies of SSI in cardiac surgery. Stage 2 identified primary studies and systematic reviews of novel cardiac SSI predictors. The search identified 7887 unique records; 7154 studies were excluded at abstract screening and 733 studies selected for full-text assessment. Twenty-nine were included for Stage 1 and reported the development (n = 14), validation (n = 13), or both the development and validation (n = 2) of 52 SSI risk prediction models including 67 different preoperative predictors. The remaining 703 studies were re-assessed for Stage 2; 49 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 56 novel preoperative predictors not yet assessed in models were identified. This review identified 123 preoperative predictors of SSI risk following cardiac surgery, 56 of which have not been previously included in the development of cardiac SSI prediction models. These candidate predictors will be a valuable resource in the future development of risk prediction scores and may be relevant to SSI risk prediction in other surgical specialities.

Which novel teaching strategy is most recommended in medical education? A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AimThere is no conclusive evidence which one is the optimal methodology for enhancing the quality and efficacy of learning for medical students. Therefore, this systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to evaluate and prioritize various teaching strategies in medical education, including simulation-based learning (SBL), flipped classrooms (FC), problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), case-based learning (CBL), and bridge-in, objective, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment, and summary (BOPPPS).MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and some key medical education journals up to November 31, 2023. The following keywords were searched in MeSH: (“medical students”) AND (“problem-based learning” OR “problem solving”) AND (“Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic”). Two authors independently carried out data extraction and quality assessment from the final selection of records following a full-text assessment based on strict eligibility criteria. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were then applied to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) using a random-effects model. Statistical analysis was performed by R software (4.3.1) and Stata 14 software.ResultsA total of 80 randomized controlled trials with 6,180 students were included in the study. Compared to LBL, CBL (SMD = 1.19; 95% CI 0.49–1.90; p < 0.05; SUCRA = 89.4%), PBL (SMD = 3.37; 95% CI 1.23–5.51; p < 0.05; SUCRA = 93.3%), and SBL (SMD = 2.64; 95% CI 1.28–4.00; p < 0.05; SUCRA = 96.2%) were identified as the most effective methods in enhancing theoretical test scores, experimental or practical test scores, and students’ satisfaction scores, respectively. Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated that CBL (SUCRA = 97.7%) and PBL (SUCRA = 60.3%) were the most effective method for enhancing learning effectiveness within clinical curricula.ConclusionsAmong the six novel teaching strategies evaluated, CBL and PBL are more effective in enhancing the quality and efficacy of learning for medical students; SBL was determined to offer a superior learning experience throughout the educational process. However, this analysis revealed only minor differences among those novel teaching strategies.

Exploring the Caregiver Experiences of Symptom Management in Children With Cancer: A Qualitative Systematic Review

ABSTRACTAlthough caregivers of children with cancer play an instrumental role in managing their child's symptoms, the impact of their own experiences or perspectives is under‐explored. Understanding these factors is essential as they influence caregiving behaviors and overall well‐being. This qualitative systematic review addresses this knowledge gap by synthesizing existing research on caregiver's experiences. The review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Two reviewers utilized Rayyan to screen titles and abstracts retrieved from comprehensive keyword searches of five databases including CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE. Databases and bibliographies were hand‐searched for additional articles. One reviewer completed full text assessment and data were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet. The Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies tool was used to appraise included studies. Thematic content analysis was used to synthesize findings, which are presented narratively. Twelve articles are included, representing the experiences of 597 caregivers, most of which (83%) were undertaken in high‐income nations. Quality appraisal scores indicated all studies were of moderate to robust quality. Three main themes were identified including: (1) caregivers as protectors in their role, (2) normalization of symptoms yet they remain disrupting, and (3) communication between the caregiver and child. Findings emphasize the importance of formalized information provision and education to better support caregivers in managing their child's cancer‐related symptoms. Nurses are uniquely positioned to provide this essential support thereby improving the quality of life for both caregivers and children.

School-based eating disorder prevention programmes and their impact on adolescent mental health: systematic review.

Growing evidence indicates an association between disordered eating and a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation. This study aimed to explore whether reducing risk factors for eating disorders, such as body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, through school-based programmes can enhance adolescent mental health. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science from the date of inception to 15 October 2023. Data were synthesised by using a systematic narrative synthesis framework, and formal assessments were conducted to assess the quality of the included studies. After title/abstract screening and full-text assessment, 13 articles met the pre-specified inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 14 studies (n = 5853). Notably, three studies encompassed multiple programmes, leading to the identification of 17 eating disorder prevention programmes. Among these programmes, seven (41%) employed dissonance-based approaches. Topics covered in the programmes included psychoeducation, body acceptance, sociocultural issues, nutrition and physical activities, self-esteem and stress coping. Ten (59%) of the programmes were effective in improving adolescent mental health. Six of the 14 studies (43%) did not specify follow-up time, and quality assessments found the majority to be of either high (five studies, 36%) or fair (eight studies, 57%) quality. The findings from the ten effective programmes consistently support the use of body acceptance strategies in improving the mental health of adolescent students. Brief interventions delivered by trained, non-licensed facilitators appear good for the sustainable implementation of in-school psychological services to support well-being among adolescents.

The Impact of Pandemic-Induced Separation and Visitation Restrictions on the Maternal-Infant Dyad in Neonatal Units: A Systematic Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the maternal-infant dyad, especially due to visitation restrictions in neonatal units. These changes may impact the psychological, physical, and developmental health of mothers and newborns. This systematic review evaluates the impact of enforced separation and restrictive visitation policies in neonatal units during the pandemic, focusing on the maternal-infant dyad. Data sources include CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, Academic Search Ultimate, and Embase, covering studies published between 2020 and 2024. A detailed search was conducted using terms related to COVID-19, maternal and neonatal health, and visitation restrictions in neonatal units. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed, written in English, and focused on the impact of visitation restrictions on maternal and neonatal health. The data extraction process began with 789 references. After removing duplicates, we screened titles and abstracts. We then conducted a full-text assessment of the remaining studies, selecting 14 that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis showed significant emotional, psychological, and developmental impacts on mothers and newborns due to pandemic-induced separation and inconsistent policies. It highlighted depressive symptoms, stress, bonding disruptions, and the effectiveness of virtual bonding. The review emphasizes the need for family-centered care, coping strategies, and virtual bonding in neonatal units. It calls for culturally sensitive policies to support mothers and infants during crises. The review also highlights the importance of studying the long-term effects of pandemic-induced separations and improving support for future health emergencies.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Models for Type 1 Diabetes: A Narrative Review.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that promotes insulin secretion, delays gastric emptying, and inhibits glucagon secretion. The GLP-1 receptor agonists have been developed as adjunctive therapies for type 2 diabetes to improve glucose control. Recently, there has been an interest in introducing GLP-1 receptor agonists as adjunctive therapies in type 1 diabetes alongside automatic insulin delivery systems. The preclinical validation of these systems often relies on mathematical simulators that replicate the glucose dynamics of a person with diabetes. This review aims to explore mathematical models available in the literature to describe GLP-1 effects to be used in a type 1 diabetes simulator. Three databases were examined in the search for GLP-1 mathematical models. More than 1500 works were found after searching for specific keywords that were narrowed down to 39 works for full-text assessment. A total of 23 works were selected describing GLP-1 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. However, none of the found models was designed for type 1 diabetes. An analysis is included of the available models' features that could be translated into a GLP-1 receptor agonist model for type 1 diabetes. There is a gap in research in GLP-1 receptor agonists mathematical models for type 1 diabetes, which could be incorporated into type 1 diabetes simulators, providing a safe and inexpensive tool to carry out preclinical validations using these therapies.

Update/Refinement of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Indication: A Scoping Review of Applications for Non-Amputees

Background: Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) was originally developed to enhance prosthetic control in amputees. However, it has also serendipitously demonstrated benefits in reducing phantom pain and neuromas. As a result, it has emerged as a secondary treatment for chronic neuromas in amputees and holds promise for managing neuropathic pain in non-amputee patients, particularly those with neuromas. This review synthesizes the current literature on TMR indications for non-amputee patients, highlighting its potential to address chronic peripheral nerve pain and neuromas beyond its original application in amputation. Methods: A thorough search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases up to January 2024 was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials reporting TMR outcomes in non-amputees. Results: Of 263 articles initially identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria after screening and full-text assessment. The articles were all case series with varied sample sizes and mainly focused on neuroma treatment (n = 6) and neuropathic pain management (n = 2) for both upper and lower extremities. Clinical studies included TMR efficacy for sural nerve neuromas in the lower extremities and hand neuromas, showing pain relief and improved function. Key findings were encouraging, showing successful pain relief, patient satisfaction, and psychosocial improvement, with only rare occurrences of complications such as motor deficits. Conclusions: In non-amputee patients, TMR appears to be a promising option for the surgical management of neuropathic pain, demonstrating favorable patient satisfaction and psychosocial outcomes along with low morbidity rates. Although functional improvements in gait recovery and range of motion are encouraging, further research will be important to confirm and expand upon these findings.

Risk factors for antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacterales in dogs: a systematic review.

Identifying risk factors associated with the carriage of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in dogs is crucial to understanding their epidemiology and for developing and refining targeted control measures. However, relevant data is scattered and conflicting findings have been reported. This systematic review aimed to compile risk factors associated with the carriage of AMR-Enterobacterales in dogs worldwide and to identify relevant knowledge gaps for directing future research. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, CABi, and Scopus databases for studies reporting risk factors for acquiring AMR-Enterobacterales in dogs. After screening peer-reviewed, English-language studies by title/abstract, eligible studies were subjected to a full-text assessment, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and qualitative synthesis. In the initial search, 774 articles were identified, including 274 duplicates. After screening by title/abstract, 77 articles were subjected to full-text review, from which 40 were eventually selected for data extraction, including 29 cross-sectional, six cohort, and five case-control studies. The most frequently investigated risk factors for AMR-Enterobacterales carriage in dogs were antimicrobial use (28 of 40), age (24), sex (22), hospitalization (19), and feeding raw diet (14). Of these, antimicrobial use was the most common risk factor significantly associated with AMR-Enterobacterales (19/28), followed by raw diet (9/14) and hospitalization (8/19). Our synthesis emphasized the importance of increasing awareness regarding the prudent use of critically important antimicrobials (CIAs), such as fluoroquinolones, in companion animal practices, strengthening infection prevention and control procedures in veterinary clinics and hospitals and educating caregivers about the potential risks of feeding raw diets in order to reduce the burden of AMR-bacteria in dogs.

Strengthening Health Security at Ground Border Crossings: Key Components for Improved Emergency Preparedness and Response-A Scoping Review.

Background: Ground crossing borders are considered a threat to health security due to their complex and challenging environments. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the main themes crucial for implementing effective health management at ground crossing borders to maintain health security. Methods: This scoping study was conducted following the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Documents published from January 2005 to December 2023 were searched for using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and UN databases. Two reviewers screened and reviewed eligible studies in three stages: duplicate identification and elimination, title and abstract screening, and full-text assessment. Data were charted and grouped into themes, the frequency of each theme and its percentage was calculated, and then thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Areas of research were grouped into eight themes: "Infection Prevention and Control measures (IPC) (17%)", "Collaboration, Coordination, and Partnership (17%)", "Research and Data Sharing (15%)", "Build Border Health Capacity (13.5%)", "Planning (13.5%)", "Communication (13%)", "Legislations and Frameworks (7%)", and "Services and Assistance for At-Risk Groups (4%)". Through this scoping review, we found that the eight themes are interconnected, and are crucial for implementing effective health management at the ground crossing borders and for better emergency preparedness responses among countries.

Developing Mobile Health Applications for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Features and Technologies.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require lifelong treatment, which significantly impacts their quality of life. Self-management of this disease is an effective factor in managing chronic conditions and improving patients' quality of life. The use of mobile applications is a novel approach to providing self-management models and healthcare services for patients with IBD. The present systematic review aimed to identify the features and technologies used in the development of IBD disease management applications. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases up to August 8, 2023, which included initial searches, screening studies, assessing eligibility and risk of bias, and study selection. The data extraction form was based on the study objectives, including bibliographic information from articles, such as the first author's name, year of publication, country of origin, and details related to mobile health applications, such as the name of the application, features and technologies used, advantages and disadvantages, main outcomes, and other results. The content of the research was analyzed according to the research objectives. In the initial review of four databases, a total of 160 articles were retrieved and subsequently entered into EndNote. After removing duplicates and irrelevant studies based on title, abstract, and full-text assessments, 12 articles were finally selected. The studies were conducted between the years 2015 and 2024. 100% of the applications designed for patients with IBD were aimed at treatment, 83% were for self-management of the disease, and 33% of the applications were intended for disease diagnosis. The features of IBD management applications were categorized into four groups: education, monitoring, counseling, and diagnosis and treatment. Various mobile applications have been developed for the management of IBD, each differing in features and technologies used. While current IBD applications have limited capabilities in diagnosing disease severity, they still hold significant potential in empowering patients through education, counseling, and monitoring. The integration of artificial intelligence and decision support systems may enhance the effectiveness and reliability of these applications.

Traditional healing and medicine in dementia care for Indigenous populations in North America, Australia, and New Zealand: Exploring culturally-safe dementia care policy from a global perspective.

In 2018, the World Health Organization recognized traditional healers as community stakeholders in dementia care. This scoping review aimed to summarize the existing dementia care literature regarding strategies for the integration of traditional healing in dementia care and the roles of traditional healers. A group of Indigenous Elders from Northern Ontario, Canada, guided, reviewed, and validated the research process and findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute approach was applied to a structured search strategy across the CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases. A title and abstract screening were completed, followed by a full-text assessment of the identified manuscripts. A total of 143 full manuscripts were reviewed, of which two studies fully met the community-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The integration of traditional healing practices into dementia care offers a pathway to culturally-safe care for people with dementia. The findings identified policy advocacy as key to engage, educate, and empower traditional healers. The WHO recognized traditional healers as community stakeholders in dementia care and prevention worldwide in 2018; however, traditional healers are underrepresented and marginalized in healthcare systems due to the lack of culturally-safe dementia care (CSDC) policies at community and national levels globally.Community-based CSDC models were critically reviewed and validated by local Indigenous community stakeholder consultations.The result is a call to action to assist the WHO and Alzheimer's Disease International in developing guidelines for CSDC policy improvements with the global Indigenous community for the engagement and empowerment of traditional healers to navigate dementia care and to implement the WHO Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia (2017-2025).Integration of Western biomedical and Indigenous traditional healing and medicine in dementia care in the healthcare system can reduce health disparities and empower traditional healers on a global scale. Indigenous-led models that include traditional healers in dementia care are critical for improving equity gaps in dementia care for Indigenous Peoples.

Quality of patient Care with new Privatized Healthcare system: A Systematic Review of Technology Integration and Health Insurance"

Background: The quality of patient care is effective for new privatized healthcare system. For providing the effective services to the patients’ technology tools play important role. Also, new privatized healthcare organizations introduce the healthcare insurance. The aim of current systematic review is to explore the quality of patient care with new privatized healthcare system in the context of technology integration and health insurance. Method: A thorough search of databases, including Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, was conducted in order to categorize relevant research that was published between 2020 and 2024. The inclusion criteria for this research were English-language papers that focused on exploring the quality of patient care with new privatized healthcare system in the context of technology integration and health insurance.Following an initial screening and quality evaluation, eleven studies were included in the synthesis. Results: The study database was searched through electronic databases, identifying 1679 records. 15 unique records were assessed for eligibility based on titles and abstracts. After initial screening, 11 studies were selected for full-text assessment. After independent review, 11 studies met criteria and were included in the systematic review. The selected studies were conducted between 2020-2024 and varied in design. The PRISMA flowchart illustrates the selection process. Quality evaluation involves peer-reviewed journals, overall assessment, and quality management. Conclusion: As the SR concluded that advanced technologies like electronic health records, telemedicine, and predictive analytics can improve patient care and treatment accuracy. However, challenges like rising costs, complex insurance plans, and data security need to be addressed. Effective training for healthcare providers, clear insurance plans, and robust information security systems are crucial for maximizing profits.