Institute For Scientific Information Research Articles

GO FAIR Brazil: A Challenge for Brazilian Data Science

The FAIR principles, an acronym for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable, are recognised worldwide as key elements for good practice in all data management processes. To understand how the Brazilian scientific community is adhering to these principles, this article reports Brazilian adherence to the GO FAIR initiative through the creation of the GO FAIR Brazil Office and the manner in which they create their implementation networks. To contextualise this understanding, we provide a brief presentation of open data policies in Brazilian research and government, and finally, we describe a model that has been adopted for the GO FAIR Brazil implementation networks. The Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology is responsible for the GO FAIR Brazil Office, which operates in all fields of knowledge and supports thematic implementation networks. Today, GO FAIR Brazil-Health is the first active implementation network in operation, which works in all health domains, serving as a model for other fields like agriculture, nuclear energy, and digital humanities, which are in the process of adherence negotiation. This report demonstrates the strong interest and effort from the Brazilian scientific communities in implementing the FAIR principles in their research data management practices.

Políticas de autoarquivamento em repositórios institucionais brasileiros: estudo analítico do metadado assunto

This study aims to analyze the self-archiving policies registered by the Brazilian institutional repositories, with emphasis on the guidelines established for subject representation. Therefore, exploratory-descriptive research was carried out in order to obtain the current scenario on the situation of self-archiving in Brazilian institutional repositories. It appears that most of the 108 Brazilian institutional repositories listed in the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology (IBICT) do not have a self-archiving policy that includes the subject representation. The seven identified policies reveal that only one has explicit indications about the quality of metadata, while the others point out the concern to follow the national and international metadata standards, or with some kind of validation before the deposit, but without mentioning the subject metadata.

Screen Time Activities and Aggressive Behaviors Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Background:Aggressive behaviors have increasing trend in children and adolescents all over the world. This study aimed to perform a systematic review on the association between screen time activities and aggressive behaviors.Methods:A systematic search was conducted through PubMed, Institute of Scientific Information (ISI), and Scopus, until 2017. Moreover, related unpublished studies (grey literature, thesis project and congress paper), considered for further data availability. Data extraction and quality assessment conducted by two independent experts.Results:Through searching processes, 4381 publications were found, from them. 483 papers were from PubMed database and others were from ISI/WOS (1724) and Scopus (1938). Following the excluding of non-relevant and duplicated studies, 19 studies remained for further analyzing. Findings of the present study showed that children and adolescents who share most of their time for watching of television are at greater risk for violent behaviors including physical fighting, victim and bully.Conclusion:This review found that children and adolescents who share most of their time for watching of television are at greater risk for violent behaviors including physical fight, victim and bully.

Hyalinization and Molecular Pathways Involved in Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To systematically review the hyalinization of experimental tooth movement in humans and animals. Material and Methods: The electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Institute for Scientific Information, and Google Scholar were searched for performing a systematic review of the related literature published until 2019. Moreover, Endnote X9 software was utilized to manage electronic titles. The searches were fulfilled using keywords of “hyalinization,” “orthodontic tooth movement” OR “OTM” AND “periodontal ligament” OR “PDL,” “molecular pathways,” AND “mechanical cell.” Therefore, this systematic review was conducted based on the key consideration of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Forces ranged between 2.3 and 50 CN had been applied. According to the research design, incisors had been included in two experiments, whereas maxillary molars had been displaced by tipping forces in another rat examination. However, a majority of investigations had stated that hyalinization had firstly appeared within the first 24 hours. Moreover, the amount of prostaglandin-end peroxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) had been positively related to force term and size utilizing Western blotching. As PTGS2 had been included in the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) metabolism, the up-regulation of PTGS2 gene expression could be connected with that of PGE2 emission. Conclusion: Gene expression in connection with force term and size and also the first signalling pathways were recognized utilizing protein-protein interactions (PPIs).

Suicidal right ventricle in children and adults: Trends, triggers, and treatment: A systematic review of a rare but catastrophic event

Background: Suicidal right ventricle (SRV) is defined as a dynamic right ventricular outflow obstruction with a clinical hemodynamic significance. This is a rare and dangerous event in cardiology practice. Objectives: This systematic review is aimed at ascertaining different scenarios that can precipitate SRV in cardiology practice. Methods: Data for the systematic review was retrieved from Cochrane database, Google Scholar, PubMed review, Institute for Scientific Information “Web of Science,” and Medline. The search engine yielded 164 items on SRV. 148 articles were excluded thereafter because they did not meet the criteria for SRV with 16 articles left. The remaining 16 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were further assessed for eligibility and 9 were excluded further, because they did not strictly fulfill the criteria for SRV. Finally, 7 research articles were included in the systematic review and quantitative synthesis. Results: Valvar pulmonary stenosis is the most common diagnosis warranting balloon pulmonary valvotomy (BPV). There is no gender predilection for SRV; 7 males and 6 females. The age range is 5–28 years with a mean of 19.8 ± 6.6 at 95 CI. The most common etiology of SRV was caused by a prior supra systemic right ventricle. In one study, 108 patients had balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, but only 0.92% (1/108) of the patients who was >5 years developed SRV. Furthermore, out of six patients in another study who had BPV, only one (16.6%) had SRV. The commonest clinical presentation of SRV is cardiovascular collapse, the SRV was relieved in some cases by removing the offending agent (catheter) while some were treated with volume expanders and Beta-blockers. Conclusion: This review has shown that SRV is a rare abnormality in children and adults. It normally occurs during balloon valvotomy or surgical valvotomy.

How Often Are Study Design and Level of Evidence Misreported in the Pediatric Orthopaedic Literature?

Observational studies are the most commonly used study designs in the pediatric orthopaedic literature. The differences between observational study designs are important but not widely understood, leading to potential discrepancies between the reported and actual study design. Study design misclassification is associated with a potential for misreporting level of evidence (LOE). The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of study design and LOE misclassification in the pediatric orthopaedic literature. The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science was queried to identify all pediatric orthopaedic observational studies published from 2014 to 2017. Reported study design and LOE were recorded for each study. The actual study design and LOE were determined on the basis of established clinical epidemiological criteria by reviewers with advanced epidemiological training. Studies with a discrepancy between reported versus actual study design and LOE were identified. The following covariates were recorded for each study: subspecialty, inclusion of a statistician coauthor, sample size, journal, and journal impact factor. χ test was used to identify factors associated with study design and LOE misreporting. In total, 1000 articles were screened, yielding 647 observational studies. A total of 335 publications (52%) did not clearly report a study design in the abstract or manuscript text. Of those that did, 59/312 (19%) reported the incorrect study design. The largest discrepancy was in the 109 studies that were reported to be case series, among which 30 (27.5%) were actually retrospective cohort studies. In total, 313 publications (48%) did not report a LOE. Of those that did, 95/334 (28%) reported the incorrect LOE. In total, 33 studies (19%) reported a LOE that was higher than the actual LOE and 62 (35%) under-reported the LOE. The majority of observational pediatric orthopaedic studies did not report a study design or reported the wrong study design. Similarly, the majority of studies did not report or misreported their LOE. Greater epidemiological rigor in evaluating observational studies is required on the part of investigators, reviewers, and editors. Level II.

Impact of Resistance Therapy on Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cerebral palsy is one of the main causes of disability in childhood. Resistance therapy shows benefits in increasing strength and gait in these patients, but its impact on motor function is not yet clear. The objective was to analyze the impact of resistance therapy on the improvement in the motor function using a review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature research was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Knowledge, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) in relation to clinical trials in which resistance therapy was used and motor function was assessed. Twelve controlled clinical trials and three non-controlled clinical trials (only one intervention arm) studies were identified. In terms of pre–post difference, the overall intra-group effect was in favor of resistance therapy intervention: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21 to 0.52, p < 0.001 (random-effects model), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 59.82%). SMDs were also positive by restricting to each of the analyzed scales: SMD = 0.37, 1.33, 0.10, and 0.36 for Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Lateral Step Up (LSU), Time Up and Go (TUG), and Mobility Questionnaire (MobQue) scales, respectively. Regarding the difference between groups, the results showed a high heterogeneity (I2 < 99%), with the mean difference (MD) also favorable for the GMFM scale: MD = 1.73, 95% CI = 0.81 to 2.64, p < 0.001 (random-effects model). Our results support a positive impact of resistance therapy on motor function. Further studies should delve into the clinical relevance of these results.

Aquatic macrophytes and trophic interactions: a scientometric analyses and research perspectives.

Aquatic macrophytes have a recognized role in ecosystem structuring and an important position in trophic cascades interactions, whose understanding is to improve water quality. In recent years, the number of studies on the role of aquatic macrophytes in trophic webs and interactions has increased, but South America has made little progress in research in the area. In this study, we investigated the main gaps and perspectives for future studies on macrophytes and trophic interactions, analyzing global publications, especially those conducted by South American researchers. We accessed publications using an international database (Thomson Reuters ISI-Web of Knowledge-(formerly Institute for Scientific Information)) from 1980 to 2015. We ranked each article by ecosystem and study approach, biological organization and interacting taxonomic groups (phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, fish and birds), countries publishing in cooperation and affiliations. The results showed that published studies (n = 242) emphasizing aquatic plants in trophic interactions increased in 35 years. Comparing the contributions of the 32 countries investigated, those from South America as first affiliation, had few publications (n = 26) and in cooperation (n = 7). The largest volume of articles indexed by the researchers dealt with the dynamics and structure of aquatic assemblages, webs and trophic interactions. Ecosystems such reservoirs and wetlands have received little attention. Large numbers of studies have encompassed community-wide aquatic approaches, including in South American studies, the interactions between macrophytes, zooplankton and phytoplankton were the second most studied interactions of all indexed articles. Knowledge about trophic cascade and interactions has been successfully enhanced in several countries with the purpose of restructuring communities and restore water quality of many ecosystems. In summary, we conclude that studies in the area of trophic interactions mediated by macrophytes may be directed in a way to attenuate international asymmetries, encouraging the increase of scientific productivity in South America.

Effects of medicinal herbs on osteoporosis: a systematic review based on clinical trials

Osteoporosis is rapidly turning into a global epidemic, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality due to the resulting complications such as osteoporotic fractures in older people. Therefore, this review investigated the findings of clinical trials regarding the effects of medicinal herbs on osteoporosis. To this end, several keywords were used to search for relevant articles indexed in the Institute for Scientific Information and PubMed, including "Osteoporosis" or "Bone loss" AND "medicinal plant" or "phyto*" or "herb*". Finally, 43 articles were included in the review. There are several mechanisms for anti-osteoporosis effects. Estrogen-like effects, especially soy phytoestrogenic compounds and other herbal compounds and formulations, can enhance bone formation markers, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, while decreasing bone resorption biomarkers. Therefore, they can be used as complementary medicine for osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal older women. However, for more reliable evidence, further studies are still needed because most studies have addressed soy, and the number of randomized controlled trials conducted on other herbal drugs is small. The plants possess the androgen-like properties that play an important role in the promotion of bone health. In addition, herbal treatments are supportive and slow-acting and thus such treatments are suggested for prevention and maintenance purposes rather than fast-acting treatments.

Effect of egg consumption on inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

There is little evidence about whether eggs affect inflammation. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the effects of egg consumption on inflammation. A systematic search of online databases (Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Scopus, Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane) was used to gather clinical trials that assessed the effect of egg consumption on circulating inflammatory biomarkers. Using a random-effects model, pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) and corresponding standard deviations (SD) were calculated. Of the 21 eligible studies found, nine trials were eligible for analysis. Eight trials assessed high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), four trials assessed interleukin-6 (IL-6), and five trials assessed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Egg consumption did not affect hs-CRP (WMD 0.24 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.43, 0.90; I2 =53.8; P = 0.48), IL-6 (WMD 0.20 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.71, 1.11; I2 = 69.3; P = 0.50), and TNF-α (WMD: -0.38 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.87, 0.10; I2 = 0.00; P = 0.12) relative to controls. Overall, this meta-analysis revealed that egg consumption had no significant effect on serum biomarkers of inflammation in adults. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors has been increasing worldwide. The results of reported studies on the effects of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors are unequivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors. A systematic search was conducted through international databases (PubMed/Medline, Institute of Scientific Information, and Scopus) until December 2018 to include all randomized controlled trials (RCT), quasi-RCT, and controlled clinical trials which assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors including lipid profile, glycemic indices, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices. Random- or fixed-effects meta-analysis method was used to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 20 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which included a total of 1141 participants in the intervention group. Meta-analysis showed that zinc supplementation significantly decreased plasma levels of triglyceride (SMD - 0.66, 95% CI - 1.27, - 0.06), very-low-density lipoprotein (SMD - 1.59, 95% CI - 2.86, - 0.31), and total cholesterol (SMD - 0.65, 95% CI - 1.15, - 0.15). Similarly, zinc supplementation significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (SMD - 0.52, 95% CI - 0.96, - 0.07) and HbA1c (SMD - 0.64, 95% CI - 1.27, - 0.02). The effects of zinc supplementation on blood pressure and anthropometric indices were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Zinc supplements had beneficial effects on glycemic indices and lipid profile. Thus, it appeared that zinc supplementation might be associated with a decrease in cardiometabolic risk factors contributing to a reduction in risk of atherosclerosis.

Triple helix and its evolution: a systematic literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the most extensively studied topics with respect to the triple, quadruple and quintuple helix models developed to explain these links. The review also focusses on ascertaining future trends within this field.Design/methodology/approachRelevant documents obtained from a search in the Institute for Scientific Information’s Web of Science were submitted to bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software.FindingsThe results of this systematic review illustrate that, despite growing concern about society and the environment, issues related to the three helixes of universities, industries and governments continue to be the most often studied. However, an additional focus on research on the quadruple and quintuple helix models has emerged in the more specialised literature. An analysis of co-citations also identified four clusters of research such as, innovation and knowledge policies; entrepreneurial universities; business innovation strategy; and triple helix stakeholders in innovation, knowledge and regional development.Originality/valueSome policies are needed. Polices that undergo the mapping of the universities’ specialisations, the industry/society necessities and financial measures could foster the relations between all the stakeholders.

Effectiveness of medicinal herbs on psychological indices before and after surgeries

Psychological complications appear to be significant disorders which need prolonged recovery period. They cause disability and impose hospitalized costs on patients. This systematic review was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of medicinal herbs on psychological indices in patients undergoing surgeries. The keywords such as anxiety, depression, aggressive, impulsive, stress, delirium and cognitive in combination with surgery and medicinal plants search terms such as medicinal plant or phyto or herb were used to search for relevant publications indexed in the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Scopus and PubMed using EndNote software. A total of 1231 studies with mentioned keywords were added to the bank of the study and after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 human studies were reviewed. Some medicinal plants such as Passiflora incarnata L., Valeriana officinalis L., Melissa officinalis L., Crocus sativus L., and Rosa damascena Mill. and some herbal formulas like Hochu-ekki-to and Yokukansan and also some phytochemicals such as ?-6 PUFA and Gastrodin reduce the psychological symptoms in several ways in the patients undergoing operation. Most of the clinical studies were carried out on aromatherapy and the others were based on oral administration. Taken together, using medicinal herbs in medical settings before and after surgery is an effective alternative way for alleviating some psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, aggressive and impulsive behavior, stress, delirium and cognitive dysfunction. However, the surgeons and anesthesiologists must be aware of their interaction and possible complications.

La investigación en las instituciones de educación superior: Vinculación con el sector gobierno e industria (1981-2011)

The goal of this research is to analyze the link between government entities and the industrial sector through research (published articles) generated jointly with researchers who have belonged to the National System of Researchers (SNI) in area VII (Engineering) at least one year and are attached to an HEI in Mexico in public and private sector. This study used a series of data from the Science and Social Sciences Ciatation Index developed by the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) (ISI, 2012) today Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge and correspond to two decades of Mexican scientific research. Based on this information, a database of publications and citations of all scientific articles that have at least one author with an address in Mexico, published in the period from 1981 to 2011, was prepared. The results of this research show that of the 26758 articles published by researchers during the study period, only 8% of HEI research is generated jointly with government entities while the tiny amount of 1.2% is generated in collaboration with the business sector and 80% is generated between the same HEIs or with international institutions.

Eugene Garfield’s Ideas and Legacy and Their Impact on the Culture of Research

Eugene Garfield advanced the theory and practice of information science and envisioned information systems that made the discovery of scientific information much more efficient. The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), which he founded in Philadelphia in 1960, developed innovative information products that have revolutionized science. ISI provided current scientific information to researchers all over the world by publishing the table of contents of key scientific journals in the journal Current Contents (CC). Garfield introduced the citation as a qualitative measure of academic impact and propelled the concepts of “citation indexing” and “citation linking”, paving the way for today’s search engines. He created the Science Citation Index (SCI), which raised awareness about citations; triggered the development of new disciplines (scientometrics, infometrics, webometrics); and became the foundation for building new important products such as Web of Science. The journal impact factor (IF), originally designed to select journals for the SCI, became the most widely accepted tool for measuring academic impact. Garfield actively promoted English as the international language of science and became a powerful force in the globalization of research. His ideas changed how researchers gather scientific information, communicate their findings, and advance their careers. This article looks at the impact of Garfield’s ideas and legacy on the culture of research.

GESTÃO ESCOLAR: CONTEXTO E CONSTRUÇÃO

The present study constitutes a cut of the research titled in the Director's and Teachers' Perspective: Case Study in a Public Institution of Professional and Technological Education, developed with the Graduate Program in Education of the University do Oeste Paulista - UNOESTE / SP. The main objective of the present study was to identify and analyze how the director of the public institution of the federal network of professional and technological education comprises the school management. The methodology used to carry out this research was based on the knowledge produced in the texts obtained, based on the survey of scientific publications developed in Brazil, in the last 19 years, between 2000 and 2018, in the database of Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online) And in the database of IBICT (Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology). These data were articulated with the data obtained by a semistructured interview with the director of a public institution of the federal network of professional and technological teaching. The main results showed that school management based on democratic management is not understood as a finished process, but in construction, since the pedagogical actions that occur in the school context are still in process. Keywords: School Management; Management Models; Democratic Management.

Injectable local anaesthetic agents for dental anaesthesia.

Data sources The following traditional databases were searched until January 2018; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); the Cochrane Library; Issue 1, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, CINHAL Plus and the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science. In addition, five more databases (IndMED, KoreaMED, Panteleimon, ANZCTR and Ingenta Connect) and bibliographies. References lists were also searched until January 2018 as well as handsearching of multiple relevant journals and potential sources of unpublished studies.Study selection All included studies were randomised controlled trials comparing different agents, different dosage or different concentration of local anaesthetics in clinical procedures or simulated scenarios using parallel or cross-over design with no language or year of publication restrictions. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently selected, reviewed and extracted data using a standardised form. Risk of bias was also assessed by two authors. Quality of the evidence was evaluated by the GRADE approach. Treatment effect was presented as odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for binary data, while mean differences (MD) with 95% CI was used for continuous data. Statistical heterogeneity was calculated by the 'Q' statistic and I2. 'Summary findings' tables were created for eight comparisons. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the tissue anaesthetised.Results From the 123 studies (19,223 participants) on dental anaesthesia using commercially available formulations that met the inclusion criteria, 68 studies with 6615 participants were included for quantitative analysis. The comparison of 4% articaine, 1:100.000 adrenaline with 2% lidocaine, 1:100.000 adrenaline was reported as the main comparison and included the results of four studies with 203 participants with irreversible pulpitis during endodontic access and instrumentation. For the primary outcome of success, as measured by the absence of pain, the calculated RR of 1.60 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.32) favoured articaine with low heterogeneity. No evidence of difference was observed on pain during injection (MD 4.74 mm, 95% CI -1.98 to 11.46 mm) or following injection (MD 6.41 mm CI 95% 1.01 to 11.80 mm) based on three cross-over studies comparing the same formulations used for the evaluation of success.Conclusions The authors concluded there is no sufficient high quality evidence to determine which formulation is more effective. Four percent, 1:100,000 adrenaline was superior to lidocaine 2%, 1:100,000 epinephrine when measuring success on posterior teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Two percent lidocaine, 1:100,000 epinephrine was superior to 3% prilocaine 0.03 IU felypressin during surgical procedures and 4% prilocaine plain during surgical and periodontal treatment.

Phytotherapy as a Complementary Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurologic disability in adults worldwide. Two main issues have caused MS patients to face several problems. One issue is that the definite cause of MS has not yet been determined and the other issue is the lack of a definite treatment for this disease. The people with MS, therefore, seek out complementary and alternative medications to manage the symptoms of this disease. Meanwhile, medicinal plants have been demonstrated to have possible positive pharmacological effects in treating MS in different models. The reliable articles indexed in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Central, PubMed, Scientific Information Database, and Institute for Scientific Information were retrieved and analyzed to conduct this review. Medicinal plants and plant compounds caused decreases in the neurologic deficits due to MS. Clinical evidence has demonstrated the clinical potential of Cannabis sativa extract, cannabinoids, Ginkgo biloba, beta-phytosterol, and Lippia citriodora extract to improve MS symptoms. These plants and compounds can also improve spasticity, muscle spasm, neuropathic pain, and urinary tract complications in at least some of these patients. Nanocurcumins and Punica granatum L. peel extract have exhibited positive effects in animal models and can decrease neurologic deficits by reducing inflammation. Medicinal plants and their compounds can serve as new sources of MS drugs because they can improve MS symptoms.

Catastrophic healthcare expenditures among Iranian households: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Protecting households against financial risks of healthcare services is one of the main functions of health systems. The purpose of this paper is to provide a pooled estimate of the prevalence of catastrophic healthcare expenditures (CHE) among households in Iran. Design/methodology/approach Both international (PubMed, Scopus and Clarivate Analytics (previously known as the Institute for Scientific Information)) and Iranian (Scientific Information Database, Iranmedex and Magiran) scientific databases were searched for published studies on CHE among Iranian households. The following keywords in Persian and English language were used as keywords for the search: “catastrophic healthcare costs,” “catastrophic health costs,” “impoverishment due to health costs,” “fair financial contribution,” “prevalence,” “frequency” and “Iran” with and without “health system”. The I2-test and χ2-based Q-test suggested heterogeneity in the reported prevalence among the qualified studies; thus, a random-effects model was used to estimate the overall prevalence of CHE among households in Iran. Findings A total of 24 studies with a cumulative sample of 301,097 households were included in the study. The estimated pooled prevalence of CHE among households was 7 percent (95 percent confidence interval: 6–8 percent). Meta-regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of CHE was inversely related to the sample size (p&lt;0.05). The results did not suggest a significant association between the prevalence of CHE and the year of data collection. Originality/value The findings revealed that the prevalence of CHE among Iranian households is significantly higher than 1 percent, which is the goal set out in Iran’s fourth five-year development plan. This warrants further policy interventions to protect households from incurring CHE in Iran.

A Conversation with Robert E. Kass

Rob Kass has been been on the faculty of the Department of Statistics at Carnegie Mellon since 1981; he joined the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC) in 1997, and the Machine Learning Department (in the School of Computer Science) in 2007. He served as Department Head of Statistics from 1995 to 2004 and served as Interim Co-Director of the CNBC 2015–2018. He became the Maurice Falk Professor of Statistics and Computational Neuroscience in 2016. Kass has served as Chair of the Section for Bayesian Statistical Science of the American Statistical Association, Chair of the Statistics Section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, founding Editor-inChief of the journal Bayesian Analysis and Executive Editor of Statistical Science. He is an elected Fellow of the American Statistical Association, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has been recognized by the Institute for Scientific Information as one of the 10 most highly cited researchers, 1995–2005, in the category of mathematics. Kass is the recipient of the 2017 Fisher Award and lectureship by the Committee of the Presidents of the Statistical Societies. This interview took place at Carnegie Mellon University in November 2017.