Google Scholar Research Articles

Chromium dynamics in soil and detoxification of chromite belts using rhizospheric soil-plant interface.

The chromium-contaminated soil expresses its severe eco-toxicity on living organisms of the locality and adjoining regions. This review has focused on the chemical interactions of chromium variants in soil and the sequestration of chromium using the soil-plant interface in the rhizosphere. The application of plant hyper-accumulators on chromium-contaminated soil for chromium sequestration is an attempt to minimize chromium toxicity of mining and industrial belts. This review utilized the PRISMA 2009 systematic review methodology. The literature screening was conducted by searching databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science up to 2025using specific keywords. In countries like Kazakhstan, South Africa, and India, more than 90% of world shipping-grade mine reserves of chromium are present. The mining and metallurgy of chromium can threaten the environmental quality and the region's public health. The Sukinda chromite mines in India are globally known for their rich chromite mining, metallurgy, and eco-toxicity. The present article analyzes the ecological challenges and searches for possible interactions of chromium variants in soil. The solution to mitigate chromium toxicity is possible using the rhizospheric soil-plant interface. This article's findings and discussion section help solve ecological challenges and strive for healthy soil at chromium-polluted sites. This review article can contribute to sustainable soil quality improvement at mining and industrial belts. Further research on the isotopic tracer technique is recommended to enhance the understanding of chromium dynamics in soil.

Anthropomorphic Head MRI Phantoms: Technical Development, Brain Imaging Applications, and Future Prospects.

Compared to traditional phantoms, anthropomorphic head phantoms offer greater advantages in mimicking real human experimental scenarios. Thanks to continuous advancements in 3D printing technology and ongoing development of tissue-mimicking materials, significant achievements have been made in the production of anthropomorphic head phantoms. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using Google Scholar as the primary database for literature retrieval. Specific search terms were employed to identify studies on anthropomorphic head MRI phantoms, excluding digital phantoms or animal models. Retrieved literature was then categorized and organized based on the physical properties simulated by phantoms, summarizing preparation methods for anthropomorphic head phantoms and presenting their application examples in MRI. There are two manufacturing options for producing anthropomorphic head phantoms with 3D printing, namely direct and indirect manufacturing, both demonstrating unique merits. Based on physical properties simulated by phantoms, quantitative comparisons between measured values and actual values were conducted, revealing notable discrepancies between them. During phantom fabrication, challenges such as long-term stability, bubble formation, and susceptibility-matching issues are identified. This paper also summarizes optimized strategies addressing these problems. Future head phantoms will achieve multidimensional simulations, replicating not only anatomical structures and physical properties but also physiological activities and functional behaviors. This advancement aims to accelerate the clinical translation of novel, efficient imaging technologies and methodologies. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 5. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Comparison of short-term treatment with atorvastatin versus rosuvastatin for preventing contrast-associated acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary angiography/percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The effect of atorvastatin compared with rosuvastatin on the prevention of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been heterogeneous in different studies, which may be due to the small size of the initial studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effect of atorvastatin versus rosuvastatin on preventing CA-AKI in patients undergoing PCI. The databases PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched by two independent investigators from 2000 to 2024 to find articles that evaluated the effect of atorvastatin versus rosuvastatin on the prevention of CA-AKI in cardiac patients undergoing PCI. An absolute increase of serum creatinine (SCr) ≥0.3 mg/dl or an increase of ≥50% from baseline within 48 to 72 hours after contrast exposure was defined as CA-AKI. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Eight studies involving 3,998 Patients who underwent PCI were included. A pooled estimate of 8 studies showed that the overall incidence of CA-AKI after PCI in patients receiving statins, regardless of type, was 8.5 % (95% CI: 7.6, 9.3%). Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of CA-AKI in patients receiving atorvastatin and rosuvastatin was 8.5% and 8.7%, respectively. The protective effect of atorvastatin on preventing CA-AKI in cardiac patients undergoing PCI was similar to that of rosuvastatin. Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin similarly reduced the overall incidence of CA-AKI in patients undergoing PCI. The effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on preventing CA-AKI after PCI were also similar.

Developing organosulfur compounds in Allium as the next-generation flavor and bioactive ingredients for food and medicine.

Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) are sulfur-containing compounds in Allium vegetables that possess multiple therapeutic effects and distinctive flavor characteristics. Clinical and pharmacological data on their efficacy as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective agents are increasing. Due to the growing concern about the future impact of climate change on traditional agricultural practices, our environment, crop yield, and global food security, continued reliance on chemical synthesis or solvent extraction for the commercial production of OSCs has become unsustainable. This review provides insights into strategies for developing OSCs as sustainable flavor-active and bioactive ingredients for food and medicine. The articles used for this study were sourced from Google Scholar and Academia.edu, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Modern extraction and processing technologies to enhance the quality of OSCs obtained from Allium vegetables are discussed in detail. Strategies for developing novel analytical technologies for robust use in the standardization and quality control of OSCs in Allium products are illustrated. Updates on the growing number of new Allium-derived organosulfur products and compelling evidence of their efficacy as medicinal ingredients and food preservatives are provided. Critical information to guide the drafting of regulatory frameworks for the growing number of Allium-derived organosulfur products is also highlighted. Modern biotechnology tools to decipher OSC biosynthetic pathways in Allium and to express ACSOs biosynthetic genes in food-grade microbes are discussed.

Alcohol-induced facial erythema in patients treated with dupilumab: A case series and systematic review.

Dupilumab-associated head and neck dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis has been extensively documented. A distinctive short-lived facial erythema after alcohol ingestion in patients treated with dupilumab has recently emerged. Characterize alcohol-induced facial erythema on dupilumab. We conducted a systematic review based on PubMed and Google Scholar searches for publications on alcohol-induced facial erythema on dupilumab.A case-series from our center was added to this review. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics and a narrative review. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA reporting guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024571723). Seven publications describing nine patients and five more from our case-series were included. All were adults treated for atopic dermatitis (9 males; mean age 33 years). Six patients applied concomitant topical calcineurin-inhibitors. At a median of six months from dupilumab initiation, patients exhibited facial erythema/flushing within minutes of alcohol consumption, resolving spontaneously in an hour. No patient discontinued dupilumab. One patient reported successful prophylaxis with H2-blockers. Alcohol-induced facial erythema/flushing on dupilumab has only been described in atopic dermatitis and is characterized by an acute onset and rapid resolution. Topical calcineurin-inhibitors application did not account for most cases. While seemingly an uncommon phenomenon, its social media presence suggests that is under-reported and troublesome to patients.

Photobiomodulation associated with physical exercise in shoulder impingement syndrome. Systematic review with meta-analysis.

To present the use of PBM associated with physical exercise in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome, with its different parameters. The following databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Lilacs. The gray literature included Google Scholar, Open Grey, LIVIVO, and the Brazilian Library of Theses and Dissertations. Ten randomized clinical trials were included. Pain intensity was improved with PBM compared to control [MD = -0.89, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.40), I2 46%, p = 0.0004]. The 3 different times of assessment (at rest, activity, and at night) of pain intensity were not statistically significant and likewise, the combined effect size [SMD = -0.16; 95% CI (-0.43, 0.12), I2 63%, p = 0.26]. A significant improvement in ROM was seen in the PBM group compared to the control [MD = 12.24, 95% CI (7.64, 16.84), I2 85%, p < 0.00001]. The combined effect estimate showed no significant improvement in functionality in the PBM group compared to the control [MD = -1.47, 95% CI (-7.34, 4.41), I2 58%, p = 0.62]. PBM therapy combined with physical exercise is effective in reducing pain and improving the range of motion in individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Strategies and challenges for maintaining the continuity of essential health services during a pandemic: a scoping review

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on health systems worldwide, resulting in disruptions to essential health service delivery, such as routine immunizations, maternal and child health, and treatment for communicable and noncommunicable diseases. These services have been disrupted due to the diversion of resources towards the COVID-19 response. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review was to identify the strategies and challenges associated with maintaining the continuity of essential health services during a pandemic.MethodsThis scoping review study was conducted in 2023 using the proposed Arksey and O’Malley framework. We conducted searches on PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science using relevant keywords. Additionally, we searched Google Scholar, hand-searched reference lists of included studies, and reviewed organizational reports, websites, and other sources of information. Content analysis was employed to summarize the themes from the selected articles.ResultsOur search of major databases yielded 3,732 results. After the screening process, 47 articles were included in the scoping review. The extracted interventions were classified into six groups based on the building blocks of the World Health Organization health system: leadership and governance, access to essential medicines, health systems financing, the health workforce, health service delivery, and health information systems.ConclusionsThe implementation of effective strategies and interventions can help ensure the provision of essential health services during a pandemic. These strategies include leveraging technology for remote care, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients, strengthening supply chains, and establishing flexible and adaptive healthcare systems.

The impact of ongoing armed conflict on Sudan’s healthcare system: narrative review

BackgroundThe ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, which began on April 15, 2023, has severely impacted the nation's health care system, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new public health challenges. Objective: This rapid review aims to assess the impact of this conflict on health services and evaluate the health consequences for Sudan's population.MethodsA rapid review protocol guided the search and defined the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Global Health) were searched for relevant articles from April 2023 to November 2024. Articles focusing on the impact of armed conflict on health care services were included. Data extraction and narrative synthesis were used to report the findings. Results: Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria. Key findings include the closure of 70% of healthcare facilities in war-affected states, severe shortages of medical supplies, and significant disruptions in essential health services. This conflict has increased the risk of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues. Violations of humanitarian corridors have impeded aid delivery, and the healthcare financing system is strained by reduced government contributions and rising out-of-pocket expenses. The humanitarian crisis has led to increased displacement, with over six million internally displaced persons and 1.57 million refugees in neighboring countries. ConclusionThe conflict in Sudan has critically undermined the healthcare system, resulting in severe public health challenges. There is an urgent need for coordinated international intervention to strengthen health systems, ensure essential services, and address the root causes of conflict. Sustainable solutions must focus on immediate relief and long-term resilience, leveraging lessons from other conflict-affected regions to support Sudan’s healthcare recovery and reform.

The Effect of Early Warning Systems for Sepsis on Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign strongly recommends that all hospitals screen for sepsis as part of performance improvement. The effect of screening for sepsis on mortality, time to antibiotics, and length of stay is uncertain. A systematic literature search was conducted using Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection from earliest entry to June 1, 2024. We included all randomized controlled studies of any type of alert system to screen adult patients for sepsis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Outcomes were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Strength of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. In total, we found 7 studies of 3409 patients with sepsis. The pooled odds ratio for mortality for patients randomized to early warning systems was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.60, 1.18). The average time to antibiotics was reported in 4 studies and found to be 0.08h faster in the screening group (95% CI, - 0.44, 0.28). Length of stay was reported in 4 studies and found to be 0.27days less in the screening group (95%, - 1.21, 0.66). All differences were non-significant. Overall strength of evidence was low due to risk of bias and imprecision. Based on the current body of randomized controlled studies, there is insufficient evidence to recommend screening for sepsis. Guidelines should reconsider current recommendations for screening for sepsis. CRD42024563222.

Enhancing athletic performance: the critical role of oral health in sports.

Ferreira R O, Frazão D R, Ferreira M K M et al. Periodontal disease and sports performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Sports Med. 2024; https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2023.2235048 . A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LILACS, supplemented by gray literature searches using OpenGrey and Google Scholar. The search strategy combined MeSH terms and free-text keywords related to "athletes" or "exercise," and "periodontitis," "periodontal disease," or "gingivitis," along with "sports performance," adjusted for each database's syntax References were managed using EndNote X9, with duplicates removed. Eligibility screening excluded opinion papers, technical articles, guidelines, and animal studies. Full texts of relevant articles were reviewed, and additional articles were identified through citation tracking. Two reviewers independently performed the selection, with disagreements resolved by a third examiner. The study selection in this systematic review involved identifying observational studies that compared professional athletes with periodontal disease (the case group) to those with a healthy periodontium (the control group). The studies included in the review were required to focus on the effects of periodontal disease on sports performance, with no restrictions on the type of sport. Specifically, the researchers developed a PECO statement and conducted searches in online databases for relevant studies published until April 2022, eventually including cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies that met their eligibility criteria. For each selected publication, data was collected on various characteristics, including publication year, study design, participant demographics (source and sample size), participants' ages, periodontal assessment methods, sports performance assessment, and outcomes. If necessary, study authors were contacted via email to obtain missing data. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's checklist for prevalence studies. Each study was assessed based on criteria such as the clarity of sample inclusion criteria, detailed descriptions of study subjects and settings, validity and reliability of exposure measurements, identification of confounding factors, and appropriateness of statistical analyses. Data analysis for this study was conducted using RevMan software to determine the relationship between periodontal disease and self-perceived sports performance, measured through Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaires; a meta-analysis was conducted using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), comparing the presence of periodontal disease in performance-affected (case) and unaffected (control) groups. A random-effects model was applied when methodological heterogeneity existed, and heterogeneity was assessed via the I² index along with sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of individual studies on the overall findings. A funnel plot was generated where appropriate to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the influence of individual studies or groups of studies on the pooled results. The overall evidence quality was evaluated using the GRADE approach, which considered factors such as risk of bias, inconsistency, and indirectness. Out of 793 references identified, 14 were selected for full-text evaluation following the application of eligibility criteria, leading to eight articles being included in the meta-analysis. The studies predominantly included cross-sectional designs and involved athletes whose ages ranged from 16 to 47 years. Various sports were represented, including track and field, boxing, and soccer. Six studies indicated a significant relationship between periodontal disease and self-perceived sports performance, while two studies found no association. The meta-analysis showed a 1.5-fold increased risk of sports performance decline associated with periodontal disease, as measured by the OIDP questionnaire. Specifically, the odds ratio was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.04 to 2.31), indicating with moderate certainty that athletes with periodontal disease are more likely to report a decline in performance. It can be concluded from this systematic review and meta-analysis that there is a significant association between periodontal disease and reduced self-perceived sports performance in athletes. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining good oral health. Athletes should prioritize periodontal health by engaging in effective oral hygiene practices and seeking timely treatment for periodontal issues to optimize their performance.

Steroid-Induced Ocular Hypertension in Children: A Review on Risk Factors.

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension is poorly understood in children, despite its frequent occurrence. Significant knowledge voids exist in steroid responsiveness, especially in the pediatric population. Therefore, highlighting the most critical risk factors in pediatric patients can help ophthalmologists identify who is at increased risk of developing a high steroid response. A manual search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar in search of relevant articles on the steroid-induced glaucoma subtopic. Key risk factors for high steroid response include glaucoma family history, previous glaucoma diagnosis, young age, steroid type, administration route, and diseases such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and uveitis. Clinically, it presents similarly to primary glaucoma, except for steroid usage history. Steroid cessation or reduction can normalize intraocular pressure (IOP) levels; however, in some cases, pressure-lowering drugs are necessary for treatment. Topical ocular steroids are frequently used by pediatricians and ophthalmologists alike. Understanding the importance of risk factors allows for a timely diagnosis of steroid response and adequate treatment before glaucomatous vision loss can occur.

Prescribing direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C treatment: a scoping review of factors that influence primary care providers

BackgroundHepatitis C is a significant public health challenge in Australia, particularly in diagnosis, treatment access, and ongoing care among people who inject drugs. Despite the availability of highly effective direct-acting antivirals and government subsidisation, treatment uptake has declined among this population in recent years, beyond what would be expected from the initial treatment of easier-to-reach patients.ObjectivesThis rapid scoping review aimed to identify barriers and enablers affecting primary care providers in prescribing direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C treatment.Eligibility criteriaStudies were included if they: were published after 2014, focused on DAA treatment, included primary care provider perspectives, contained primary data, identified barriers/enablers to treatment, and were conducted in high-income countries.Sources of evidenceTwo databases (Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed articles. Primary care stakeholders were consulted through an online survey (n = 10) and telephone interviews (n = 7) to contextualise and validate findings.Charting methodsData were charted using a standardised form capturing author, year, location, aim, participants, study details, and main findings. Analysis used a deductive approach to identify key themes.ResultsTwenty-three articles, mostly quantitative studies, were included in the review. The analysis identified four key domains influencing direct-acting antiviral prescription: provider characteristics, healthcare systems and service delivery, models of care, and societal and structural issues.ConclusionsThis review provides insights into contemporary challenges in hepatitis C care delivery models and highlights critical structural, sociocultural, and interpersonal factors affecting testing and treatment, particularly for people who inject drugs. These findings have implications for improving direct-acting antiviral prescription rates in primary care settings.

Extended reality (XR) impacts on real estate market and economic-financial project management of residential built environments: systematic review and analysis

PurposeExtended reality (XR) technologies are increasingly used in project management and, more recently, in real estate transactions to enhance customization, collaboration, and transparency in decision-making processes. However, the impact of XR on residential real estate market dynamics, including value estimates and economic management of housing projects, has never been explored through systematic reviews providing an integrated perspective. This paper aims to fill this gap by conducting a systematic review of scientific literature.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Records were sourced from Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar. Based on defined inclusion criteria, 90 scientific papers were thoroughly analysed. A scientometric analysis was implemented, which allowed, among other outcomes, the classification of contributions into two main categories: (1) economic-financial management of housing projects and (2) residential real estate market studies, further subdivided into quantitative and qualitative analyses of XR impacts.FindingsThe results obtained answer three research questions. First, it is shown that XR technologies influence project economics by enhancing customisation and collaboration, resulting in reduced construction costs. In real estate valuation, it emerges that XR boosts transparency, accelerating and positively conditioning the decision-making process. Second, the following key parameters are identified from the literature: purchase price, time on market (TOM), purchase intention, construction cost, and life cycle cost (LCC). Third, the challenges and opportunities of XR application in the analysis fields are defined. XR adoption is challenged by infrastructural barriers and costs but offers opportunities to improve customer engagement and sustainability. Mixed reality (MR) remains underexplored, and significant gaps in correlating key variables persist.Originality/valueThis is the first review exclusively focused on the impacts of XR on residential real estate valuation and the economic management of housing projects. It provides valuable insights for scholars, researchers, and practitioners while highlighting critical gaps and future research directions.

Capoeira and Its Effects on Health-Related Outcomes-A Systematic Review.

Objective: Capoeira is an Afro-Brasilian martial art as well as a music- and dance-based cultural practice. This article aims to establish a foundational framework for future research endeavors in the domain of Capoeira by conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature focused on the relationship between Capoeira and physical as well as mental health aspects. Methods: PubMed, PsychArticle, and Google Scholar were searched from January 01, 2012, until July 15, 2022. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Study selection and risk-of-bias judgments were performed by two authors independently. Only articles written in German or English language were eligible for this review. Geographical restrictions with regard to social status or gender were not made. Results: A total of 19 relevant studies meeting predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified for analysis. While robust studies specifically addressing the intersection of Capoeira and physical and mental health are currently lacking, this review reveals mixed findings. The impact of Capoeira on physical health (cardiovascular variables, flexibility, balance, bone density) appears inconclusive, contrasting with the more discernible positive effects observed on mental health outcomes (general health behavior/lifestyle, executive functions, conscious attention control, social skills, prosocial behavior, self-efficacy, self-confidence, resilience, anger, and aggressive behavior/aggression). Discussion: The concentration of studies within the Portuguese-speaking region raises the possibility of a geographic bias. Despite this limitation, this review suggests that Capoeira holds promise as a psychotherapeutic intervention. However, the need for further studies to establish its solid effectiveness is underscored. Conclusion: This review provides a synthesis of existing literature on Capoeira and its effects on physical and mental health. The observed trends warrant additional research, particularly in diverse geographic settings, to validate and extend our understanding of Capoeira's potential as a psychotherapeutic intervention.

The Effect of Fulvic Acid on Alzheimer's Disease - A Systematic Review

Introduction and aim of the study: Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, represent a significant health challenge. Therapies are being sought that could delay the development of these diseases and also mitigate their course. Fulvic acid, which is an organic humic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has attracted increasing interest in the context of treating neurodegenerative diseases. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of fulvic acid on neurodegenerative diseases, mainly Alzheimer's disease, and to determine its therapeutic potential. Materials and methods: The paper is based on an analysis of studies available in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and other scientific databases. Clinical trials, preclinical studies, and review papers on the use of fulvic acid in the context of Alzheimer's disease were searched. Conclusions: Fulvic acid, due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective abilities, shows promising potential in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, especially in terms of slowing down the loss of cognitive function and protecting against neurodegeneration. It is advisable to conduct further studies aimed at a more thorough evaluation of the efficacy and safety of fulvic acid in the context of the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Global knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards antimicrobial resistance among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health challenge. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a pivotal role in combating AMR by implementing effective preventive strategies and adhering to good practices. This study aimed to evaluate the global knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HCWs towards AMR.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for English-language articles published up to August 2024. Inclusion criteria were observational studies reporting KAP data among HCWs related to AMR. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Statistical analyses, including heterogeneity (I² statistic, Cochran Q), were conducted using STATA version 14. Random-effects models were applied for pooled estimates, and subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Publication bias was assessed via Egger’s test and adjusted using the trim-and-fill method. Geographical distribution was analyzed with ArcGIS 10.3 software, and evidence certainty was evaluated using the GRADE framework.ResultsA meta-analysis of 108 studies involving 29,433 HCWs assessed their knowledge of AMR. Additionally, 51 studies with 13,660 HCWs evaluated attitudes, and 43 studies with 10,569 HCWs examined practices regarding AMR. The pooled proportion of HCWs with good knowledge of AMR was 56.5% (95% CI: 50.4–62.6%, I² = 99.5%), with the highest prevalence in Europe (70.3%) and the lowest in the Western Pacific (45.9%). Positive attitudes towards AMR were reported in 60.4% (95% CI: 48.5–72.3%, I² = 99.8%), with the highest prevalence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (64.5%) and among those with less than five years of experience (77.8%). Good practices were observed in 48.5% (95% CI: 36.5–60.5%, I² = 99.7%), with the highest adherence in Europe (56.6%) and the lowest in Africa (39.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed that younger HCWs (under 30 years) showed better KAP scores across all domains.ConclusionThe findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCWs regarding AMR. Priority should be given to designing and implementing robust training programs tailored to the specific needs of HCWs in resource-constrained settings. Strengthening AMR-related education and practice among HCWs is crucial for combating the global AMR crisis effectively.

Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists on weight management and metabolic parameters in PCOS women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) when compared to metformin and placebo in the management of body weight, glucose homeostasis and hormone levels in women polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A systematic search of “PubMed”, “EMBASE”, “Cochrane Library”, “Web of Science” and “Google Scholar” was conducted up to October 2024 for randomized controlled trials involving adult women with PCOS treated with GLP-1RAs compared to metformin or placebo. The primary outcomes were changes in body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and abdominal girth (AG). Secondary outcomes included glucose homeostasis (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, OGTT results and HOMA-IR), hormone levels (DHEAS, SHBG, total and free testosterone and FAI), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides) and safety. GLP-1RAs significantly reduced BMI, body weight, WC, WHR and AG (P < 0.0001 in all cases). For glucose homeostasis, GLP-1RAs significantly reduced fasting insulin, glucose level at 2 h after OGTT, and HOMA-IR. There was also a reduction in HDL. All the other parameters measured were unchanged. In addition, GLP-1RAs increased nausea (P = 0.02), vomiting (0.04) and dizziness (0.03). GLP-1RAs effectively reduced body weight, BMI and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS, although they were accompanied by nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Further studies are needed to explore their long-term effects on glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles.

Solid Tumor Incidence and Patterns in Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit a distinct pattern of solid tumor occurrence. However, the incidence of specific solid tumors remains inconsistent. We aimed to assess the burden of solid tumors in individuals with DS and compare it to the general population. We conducted a systematic literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify cohort studies reporting the incidence of solid tumors in individuals with DS. Statistical analyses were performed using random-effects model, along with subgroup analyses, heterogeneity evaluation, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses. The systematic search identified 8049 records. Fourteen studies were included, representing 34,561 individuals with 452,409.72 person-years of follow-up. The pooled incidence rate of solid tumors in individuals with DS was 95 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42-170). Compared to the general population, individuals with DS exhibited a significantly lower incidence rate of solid tumors (standardized incidence ratio [SIR]: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51-0.94), with significantly lower rates observed for female genital organ (SIR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.99), breast (SIR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.73), skin (SIR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11-0.50), and lung (SIR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.62) cancers. In contrast, higher incidences were identified for testicular (SIR: 4.28, 95% CI: 2.61-7.03) and liver (SIR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.09-12.75) tumors. This study provides a comprehensive overview of solid tumor epidemiology in individuals with DS, emphasizing the need for population-specific screening measures.

Effectiveness of mobile applications in enhancing adverse drug reaction reporting: a systematic review

BackgroundAdverse drug reactions (ADRs) have a significant impact on the healthcare system worldwide. Underreporting of ADRs is identified as a main issue in pharmacovigilance. Mobile applications(apps) have been introduced as a solution for the underreporting of ADRs. This systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy of the mobile applications in enhancing ADR reporting.MethodologyThe review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Google Scholar databases were used to retrieve papers published between 1983 – 2023 by using advanced search strategies and keywords in the computerized searches. A total of 1955 articles were found, and six articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study.ResultsThe six studies comprised in this systematic review showcased six distinct mobile apps designed for reporting ADRs: VigiBIP (France), My eReport France (France), MedWatcher (United States of America), ADR reporting app© (App©-India), the WEB-RADR project containing three separate apps; Yellow Card (UK), LAREB (Netherlands), HALMED (Croatia), and Med Safety (13 African countries, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and others). All the apps have helped to increase the rate and magnitude of reporting ADRs. The efficacy was determined using both the quantity and quality of the reports received. The apps; MedWatcher, VigiBIP (p = 0.01), My eReport France (p = 0.002), and WEB-RADR apps {Yellow Card (p < 0.01), LAREB (p = 0.5), HALMED (p < 0.01)} revealed better reporting rates among patients compared to conventional methods. The completeness and characteristics of Med Safety App reports (missing information: 0%) were higher when compared with the paper-based ADR reporting forms {(Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) form (missing information: -29.6%)}. The average completeness score of the ADR reporting app© (App©) was significantly better than the traditional paper-based system on the Wilcoxon two-sample test (p < 0.001) and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (p < 0.001). Furthermore, MedWatcher indicated a high vigigrade completeness score (averaging 0.80), which was considered 55.9% as well documented. My eReport France demonstrated a high clinical quality score in the ClinDoc tool and was considered 36% as well documented, indicating better quality when compared to their control groups.ConclusionsMobile apps were implemented to address the issue of underreporting. The quality of reporting was better when ADRs were reported through mobile apps compared to manual methods. However, reporting rates can benefit from further enhancement. Mobile apps hold the potential to increase ADR reporting, requiring more studies to explore a conclusive assessment of efficacy.

Single Cell RNA Sequencing: An Emerging Tool in the Field of Plant Research

Cells that appear phenotypically identical can exhibit significant differences in behavior throughout their lifespan. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology represents a significant advancement in the exploration of RNA transcript heterogeneity and complexity at the individual cell level. High-throughput transcriptomics techniques, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), have revolutionized the examination of transcriptional activity in response to developmental and environmental stimuli. Currently, the application of single-cell gene expression analyses in plants remains limited. This limitation is largely attributed to the presence of the plant cell wall, which poses challenges for the separation and acquisition of individual cells. The current body of research on single-cell gene expression in plants has predominantly focused on a relatively small sample size. However, there is a growing acknowledgment of the significant advantages that large-scale single-cell transcriptome analyses could offer in the field of plant biology. Future directions include the integration of scRNA-seq with large-scale genetic screening to deepen insights into stress-response gene expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms in plants. For the present study genuine search engines including Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate and other credible online resources were considered. The primary aim of this review is to inform future researchers about the potential of scRNA seq and the limitations of this technique in the field of plant research. Additionally, it encompasses recent studies on specific crop plants and their findings, which will be beneficial for future researchers to understand the prevailing trends in the field of plant biology.