ISI Databases Research Articles

A Review of Conventional and Environmentally Sustainable Glitter

ABSTRACTPlastics offer several benefits, such as durability, versatility, and cost‐effectiveness, which have led to their pervasive use in nearly every aspect of modern life. However, their widespread use has led to significant environmental concerns. One of the major issues is their persistence in the environment, where they accumulate and cause contamination. This problem is particularly severe with plastic packaging and microparticles used in cosmetic products. As a result, the cosmetics industry started producing environmentally sustainable glitter. “Biodegradable” glitter is available in distinct compositions, mainly with a central base composed of a biodegradable material. This review focuses on academic research and patents related to glitter and biodegradable glitter, aiming to classify and compare commercially available options. Furthermore, this review analyzes scientific research on conventional glitter and its conclusions regarding environmental impact. For this, we used the keywords “glitter,” “biodegradable glitter,” “eco‐friendly glitter,” “natural glitter,” and “sustainable glitter” in the databases of Wiley, Science Direct, Springer, and Clarivate Analytics ISI—Web of Science. We also performed a bibliometric analysis using the keyword “glitter” in the Web of Science database to obtain a bibliometric map of publication trends in the field using VOSviewer software. The products identified in the search were analyzed for their components and biodegradation potential. These products were classified as “biodegradable” if they were composed entirely of biodegradable constituents and as “eco‐friendly” if only a portion of their constituents was biodegradable. We observed that several glitter products are incorrectly classified as biodegradable, demonstrating the need for standardized terminology that accurately reflects the composition of the glitter particles. Patent applications indicate a growing interest in developing environmentally safe glitter particles in recent years. Studies on conventional glitter mainly focus on its environmental impact or discuss analyzes for the identification and classification of glitter particles. The data gathered highlight the gaps in the field, mainly related to glitter production methods and the standardization of biodegradable glitter. Thus, studies in this direction are highly necessary.

A Systematic Review of Structured Exercises and Music Therapy on the Functional Status of Stroke Survivors

Background: Stroke, a leading cause of disability worldwide, often leaves survivors grappling with functional impairments that significantly impact their daily lives. Enhancing the functional status of stroke survivors is not only a personal achievement but also a critical public health concern. Aim: A systematic review of literature was conducted to identify the various forms of structured exercises and music therapy used in enhancing the functional status of stroke survivors, and the various outcome measures used in measuring the functional status of the stroke survivors. Design: A systematic review Data Sources: A systematic literature search was performed for publications using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, CINAHL, ISI, and ScienceDirect Databases. Eligibility Criteria: The review included published studies which reported use of structured exercises and Music therapy in enhancing the functional status of stroke survivors aged 18 years and above, and published in English between June 2012 and June 2022. Data Extraction: The titles and abstracts of articles were screened and studies that did not meet the eligibility criteria were excluded. Full texts of eligible studies were further scrutinized. The results were interpreted and reported with respect to their level of evidence, design, sample size, duration, quality appraisal and risk of bias. Result: A total of 2,427 studies were identified through initial search of the databases. Additional 8 records were identified through other sources making it a total of 2,435 records. 2,350 duplicate studies were removed after screening. The remaining 85 full-text articles were screened for eligibility criteria and further reduced to 26. Of these 26 studies, 17 were Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), 7 quasi-experimental studies, 1 case series, and 1 case study. Hand function exercise (23.0%) was the most used form of structured exercise while music-supported therapy (29.1%) was the most used music therapy intervention. Motor function (41.6%) was the most investigated construct of functional status. The most used outcome measures were Box and Blocks Test (BBT) (10.4%) and 9 Hole Pegboard Test (9HPT) (10.4%) which were used for measuring motor function of the stroke survivors. Conclusion: Various forms of structured exercises and music therapy were found to improve the functional status of stroke survivors. Also, various outcome measures for measuring the functional status of the stroke survivors were reported as well. Clinicians and researchers should choose the appropriate outcome measures for the right constructs in the course of their practice and research programmes.

A systematic review of assisted and third-party reproduction guidelines regarding management and care of donors

BackgroundGamete and embryo donors face complex challenges affecting their health and quality of life. Healthcare providers need access to well-structured, evidence-based, and needs-based guidance to care for gamete and embryo donors. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize current assisted and third-party reproduction guidelines regarding management and care of donors.MethodsThe databases of ISI, PubMed, Scopus, and websites of organizations related to the assisted reproduction were searched using the keywords of “third party reproduction”, “gamete donation”, “embryo donation”, “guidelines”, “committee opinion”, and “best practice”, without time limit up to July 2023. All the clinical or ethical guidelines and best practice statements regarding management and care for gamete and embryo donors written in the English language were included in the study. Quality assessment was carried using AGREE II tool. Included documents were reviewed and extracted data were narratively synthesized.ResultsIn this systematic review 14 related documents were reviewed of which eight were guidelines, three were practice codes and three were committee opinions. Five documents were developed in the United States, three in Canada, two in the United Kingdom, one in Australia, and one in Australia and New Zealand. Also, two guidelines developed by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology were found. Management and care provided for donors were classified into four categories including screening, counseling, information provision, and ethical considerations.ConclusionWhile the current guidelines include some recommendations regarding the management and care of gamete/embryo donors in screening, counseling, information provision, and ethical considerations, nevertheless some shortcomings need to be addressed including donors’ psychosocial needs, long-term effects of donation, donors’ follow-up cares, and legal and human rights aspects of donation. Therefore, it is needed to conduct robust and well-designed research studies to fill the knowledge gap about gamete and embryo donors’ needs, to inform current practices by developing evidence-based guidelines.

Comparison of bond strength of self-adhesive and self-etch or total-etch resin cement to zirconia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to systematically compare the bond strength of self-adhesive and self-etch or total-etch resin cement to zirconia. The PubMed, ISI (all), and Scopus databases were searched for the selected keywords up to November 1, 2021, without date or language restrictions. In vitro studies comparing the bond strength of self-adhesive and self-etch or total-etch resin cement to zirconia were eligible for inclusion in the study. The selected articles were divided into four groups based on the type of resin cement and the storage time. Statistical analysis was performed using the Biostat Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 2 (α = 0.05). The effect of conventional cement ( Glass Ionomer (GI), Resin Modified Glass Ionomer (RMGI) and zinc phosphate) was analyzed using descriptive analysis. The initial search yielded 376 articles, of which 26 were selected after a methodological assessment. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The results showed that the immediate or delay bond strength of the self-adhesive resin cement to zirconia has no significant difference with the bond strength of self-etch resin cement to zirconia. The immediate and delay bond strength of total-etch cement-zirconia was significantly lower than that of self-adhesive cement-zirconia (P = 0.00). A descriptive analysis of the selected articles showed that the bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to zirconia was significantly higher than total-etch cement. The results of the meta-analysis showed that both self-adhesive and self-etch resin cement (if applied according to their manufacturer's instruction) are suitable for bonding to zirconia.

A systematic review of the childbearing needs of single-child couples

BackgroundNowadays, the challenge of having single child is spreading in many countries. Only- child family is prevalent in 26% of families in Canada, 21% in the United States, 47.5% in Europe and 20% in Iran, which can lead to fertility below replacement level. Therefore, the current review was conducted to identify the needs of single-child couples.MethodsThe PRISMA checklist was used to prepare this systematic review report. English and Persian articles published between 2000 and April 2023 were searched in the English databases of ISI, PubMed, Cochrane library and Google Scholar search engine as well as Persian databases of SID and Magiran using keywords of only child, needs assessment and Reproductive behavior. All cross-sectional and correlational studies that addressed the needs of single-child couples were included in the study. The quality assessment of the articles was done by the STROBE checklist. Data extraction was done by two independent researchers using a self-structured checklist. To analyze the data, following tabulating the extracted data, the process of qualitative synthesis was done for systematic review taking into account ethical considerations.ResultsOut of 1,581 articles found, 17 articles were included in the systematic review. The needs of single-child couples were divided into four general areas included 1) Financial needs, 2) Cultural needs, 3) Educational needs, and 4) Supportive needs. The support needs included two kinds of social and family support.ConclusionSolving financial needs, creating a culture of positive values of childbearing and men's participation in household affairs, considering women's preferences in order to increase education and employment, childbearing training and counseling and creating social and family support in line with work and family harmony and quality care of children, as the most important needs of single-child couples, should be incorporated in the formulation of childbearing incentive programs.

Effect of Early Amniotomy on Delivery Outcome with/without Cervical Ripening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although shorter labors are the benefits of Early Amniotomy (EA), it may lead to risks such as non-reassuring fetal testing and cesarean delivery. Also, the effect of cervical ripening to induce labor before amniotomy is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of EA on the delivery outcome with or without cervical ripening. Bibliographic search was conducted without time limit until June 2020. PubMed, Scopus SID Magiran, Cochrane Library Science website, and ISI databases were searched with English and Farsi keywords, including amniotomy, delivery, induced, and pregnancy outcome. The meta-analysis on ten clinical trials showed that the incidence of cesarean section was lower (0.89% VS 0.94; relative risk, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-1.30) compared to the group without cervical ripening, and the time to induce labor was approximately 55 minutes (mean difference, 0.91 hour; 95% confidence interval, -1.43 to - 0.33). If EA is performed in women after cervical ripening, the incidence of cesarean section will not increase, and the duration of labor will be reduced. A shorter delivery time is associated with perinatal benefits and greater maternal satisfaction. Furthermore, EA with cervical ripening may reduce monitoring time in busy hospitals with limited medical staff.

UNDERSTANDING EXPERIMENT-BASED SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP LITERATURE

Purpose- This study aims to analyze experimental methodology-based publications in social entrepreneurship, offering insights for researchers planning to undertake investigations in this area. Methodology- A thorough content analysis was conducted on 39 articles related to social entrepreneurship research. These articles, which employed experimental design, were identified through comprehensive searches of the ISI and Scopus databases. Findings- The findings reveal a growing interest in experimental design within social entrepreneurship research, focusing on topics such as donation and funding, sonsumer attitudes and behavior, intention and motivation and education and training. Conclusion- This study contributes to a better understanding of the experimental design research landscape in social entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for continued investigation and methodological advancements. Future research should address identified gaps and opportunities, such as the exploration of novel experimental techniques and the application of interdisciplinary perspectives to further enrich our understanding of social entrepreneurship. Keywords: Social entrepreneurship, experimental design, content analysis JEL Codes: L26, C90, A13

Efficacy of high-fidelity simulation in advanced life support training: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundSimulation is an increasingly used novel method for the education of medical professionals. This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy of high-fidelity (HF) simulation compared with low-fidelity (LF) simulation or no simulation in advanced life support (ALS) training.MethodsA comprehensive search of the PubMed, Chinese Biomedicine Database, Embase, CENTRAL, ISI, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of HF simulation in ALS training. Quality assessment was based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.0.1. The primary outcome was the improvement of knowledge and skill performance. The secondary outcomes included the participants’ confidence and satisfaction at the course conclusion, skill performance at one year, skill performance in actual resuscitation, and patient outcomes. Data were synthesized using the RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsAltogether, 25 RCTs with a total of 1,987 trainees were included in the meta-analysis. In the intervention group, 998 participants used HF manikins, whereas 989 participants received LF simulation-based or traditional training (classical training without simulation). Pooled data from the RCTs demonstrated a benefit in improvement of knowledge [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.59, P = 0.0003, I2 = 70%] and skill performance (SMD = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.21–1.04, P = 0.003, I2 = 92%) for HF simulation when compared with LF simulation and traditional training. The subgroup analysis revealed a greater benefit in knowledge with HF simulation compared with traditional training at the course conclusion (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.20–0.83, P = 0.003, I2 = 61%). Studies measuring knowledge at three months, skill performance at one year, teamwork behaviors, participants’ satisfaction and confidence demonstrated no significant benefit for HF simulation.ConclusionsLearners using HF simulation more significantly benefited from the ALS training in terms of knowledge and skill performance at the course conclusion. However, further research is necessary to enhance long-term retention of knowledge and skill in actual resuscitation and patient’s outcomes.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Death Anxiety During COVID-19 Pandemic.

This systematic review was conducted to estimate the pooled score of death anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. All eligible articles from January 2020 to May 2022 reporting the death anxiety score were included in the analysis b.y searching the Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and ISI databases. The standard score of death anxiety in the COVID-19 pandemic was 50%. The highest score of death anxiety was related to patients with COVID-19 (59.4%), other chronic patients (58.9%), and the elderly (56.4%). The lowest death anxiety score was related to the general population (42.9%) and health care workers (48.2%). The death anxiety score in the studies whose data was collected in 2020 and 2021 was 51% and 62%, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people experienced high death anxiety, which had terrible effects on their lives. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide training courses to deal with death anxiety for other possible pandemics.

Artificial intelligence in hospitality and tourism. State of the art and future research avenues

ABSTRACT The hospitality and tourism industry has recently undergone a profound transformation driven by information and communication technologies developments thanks to innovations in Artificial Intelligence and its tools. However, although the literature on AI and tourism is growing, scientific research on these themes is still fuzzy and fragmented. This article aims to explore the current state of the art and possible future developments of AI and its tools in tourism. The study develops a bibliometric analysis using the ISI database and applies social network analysis to map its intellectual structure. Then, the study develops a qualitative literature review to investigate the main research themes and propose future research avenues. The findings identify some main research strands such as: Big Data for demand forecasting and customer satisfaction; Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for co-creation processes; the COVID-19 pandemic, social distances issues and service robots; and the smart tourism trends.

Involvement of Faculty in Research and Community Extension

The academic world is full of scientific surprises because education is changing so rapidly because of its alignment with various sectoral fields. One of the requirements to be called a lecturer is to be involved in three fields: teaching, research, and involvement in community outreach; and has been published in peer-reviewed reputable journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, ISI, and other high-impact databases. The purpose of this research was to analyze Most of the universities experienced difficulties requiring their faculty to be actively involved in research and community outreach, and several factors influenced their willingness to pursue such initiatives. The type of research method used is a qualitative research method, which will identify how to motivate lecturer involvement in research and community service. The results showed that the majority of respondents or 85.7% preferred the reward system to encourage faculty involvement in research and community outreach, while the remaining 24 respondents preferred awards, which could range from other collaborations with research with other universities and colleges in the Philippines. Figure 2 shows that the majority of respondents prefer the formation of open research working groups with a total of 50 respondents, 100%, which means strengthening research collaboration will strengthen faculty motivation to engage in research, development, and counseling.

Thymus vulgaris, a natural pharmacy against COVID-19: A molecular review

IntroductionA worldwide pandemic infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a deadly disease called COVID-19. Interaction of the virus and the Angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor leads to an inflammatory-induced tissue damage. Thymus vulgaris L. (TvL) is a plant with a long history in traditional medicine that has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. Thymol and Carvacrol are two important biological components in Thyme that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This study is a molecular review on the potential effects of TvL and its active compounds on SARS-COV2 infection. MethodThis is a narrative review in which using PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Google scholar, and Arxiv preprint databases, the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic and protective effects of TvL and its active compounds have been discussed regarding the molecular pathogenesis in COVID-19. ResultsThyme could suppress TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other inflammatory cytokines. It also enhances the anti-inflammatory cytokines like TGF-beta and IL-10. Thyme extract acts also as an inhibitor of cytokines IL-1-beta and IL-8, at both mRNA and protein levels. Thymol may also control the progression of neuro-inflammation toward neurological disease by reducing some factors. Thyme and its active ingredients, especially Thymol and Carvacrol, have also positive effects on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and intestinal microbiota. ConclusionsAccordingly, TvL and its bioactive components may prevent COVID-19 complications and has a potential protective role against the deleterious consequences of the disease.

Cryoablation for the Palliation of Painful Bone Metastasis: A Systematic Review.

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat painful bone metastases in patients with cancer. We designed a systematic review to understand the safety and effects of cryoablation on the pain and quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. We searched PubMed, ISI, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases using the keywords "Cryoablation," "Pain," and "Bone metastasis." Inclusion criteria were: (1) Original studies published until September 8, 2022; (2) studies on patients over 18years and affected by bone metastasis; (3) bone metastasis treated with stand-alone cryoablation; (4) studies reporting patients' pain before and at least one time-point following cryoablation; and (5) English-language studies. We screened 696 articles. Fifteen studies on 376 patients were included. Time points for pain assessment ranged from 1day to 6months. Spine was the most frequent treated location. All studies reported a significant pain reduction between 1day and 6months after the cryoablation procedure. The highest mean difference between pre- and post-procedure scores was 5.8 (VAS scale) after 4 weeks. The overall rate of minor and major complications was 12.74%. Cryoablation improved the QoL of cancer patients and decreased the need for analgesics. Cryoablation is a safe and useful procedure for palliating painful bone metastasis and increasing the QoL of cancer patients. Future studies should adopt a standardized pain reporting scale to allow for meta-analysis.

Poor Care: A Walker and Avant Concept Analysis

Introduction: Care is the fundamental fact of nursing. In recent years, poor care is discussed frequently in articles and newspapers, however health care providers do not have a common understanding of this concept. Therefore the purpose of this paper was to clarify the concept of poor care in nursing and highlight the importance of tackling this issue. Methods: The concept was analyzed using the 8-step Walker and Avant's method. The SCOPUS, PubMed, ISI, and Embase databases were searched with the keywords "poor care" and "poor nursing care" in the titles and abstracts of articles. Of 550 sources found in the initial survey, 32 articles were finally included in the study. Results: Poor care attributes include poor evaluation, inadequate or inappropriate patient management, and delay, treating, and referring patients to other departments. These attributes are caused by antecedents of nursing workload, the complexity of patient conditions, inappropriate interactions, insufficient workforce, and educational and organizational factors. Conclusion: Poor care is a general concept that includes undesirable and unacceptable standards for receiving or providing clinical and interpersonal health services. Poor care includes eliminating planned activities or performing unplanned activities that are experienced by the patient, health care workers, or caregivers.

Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation improves physical performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Abstract Background Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3, PUFA) show promise for improving muscle mass, strength and measures of physical performance that may ameliorate sarcopenia. Purpose To perform an updated meta-analysis of n-3 interventions with detailed subgroup analysis on physical performance/strength and muscle mass, with sub-group analysis on duration, age, BMI, sex, and location, amongst others. Methods We followed The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) –checklist for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Literature was searched (ISI, Scopus and PubMed databases up to October 2021) with terms related to n-3 (alpha linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, fish oil etc.) muscle mass, strength and physical performance (using the 30 s Chair Stand Test [30CST] for muscle strength and endurance and the Timed Up an Go Test [TUG] for physical performance; both are useful and simple tools that can be used to assess sarcopenia). Human n-3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included and assessed for methodological quality (Cochrane quality assessment tool). Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and random-effect model analysis, and I-squared (I2) statistic were used to assess outcomes and heterogeneity respectively. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed, and Begg's and Egger's tests evaluated publication bias. Statistical analysis used STATA 11 software and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The primary meta-analyses for functional performance (TUG, 7 RCTs, 8 interventions, n=259) and strength (30CST, 5 RCTs, 6 interventions, n=180), favoured n-3 PUFA (p<0.001). TUG (weighted mean change (WMD): −0.35 s; 95% CI: −0.53, −0.18; I2=0.0%) (Figure 1A) and 30CST (WMD: 2.23 repetitions; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.32; I2=67.6%) (Figure 1B). Subgroup analysis for TUG was significant for female sex (WMD: 2.92 reps; 95% CI: 2.37, 3.46; I2=33.1%), BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (WMD: −0.36 s; 95% CI: −0.58, −0.17; I2=16.9%), and for 30CST by duration ≥16 weeks (WMD: 2.60 reps; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.83; I2=0.0%) (all p<0.001). There were no significant effects on muscle mass and handgrip strength, and subgroup analysis showed negligible influence. Publication bias was minimal and sensitivity analysis did not influence findings. Conclusions We showed novel favourable effects of n-3 PUFA on specific measures of strength and physical performance in some populations but not on measures of muscle mass and other strength tests. The beneficial effects of n-3 on these measures may be due to various mechanisms that regulate muscle quality (rather than quantity). Further studies are needed to elucidate the dose, duration and other influential variables. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Effects of Buprenorphine on Liver Enzymes in Patients without a History of Liver Disease

Background & Objective: Buprenorphine (BUP), a synthetic opioid, treats pain and opioid use syndrome. The potential of BUP to cause liver toxicity has not been fully evaluated. The present literature review was designed to investigate the impact of BUP treatment on liver function in patients without a previous history of liver diseases.
 Materials & Methods: A literature review was implemented within databases of Scopus, PubMed, ISI, and Cochran until February 2022. Studies published in English were included in this study. Retrieved citations were screened and data were extracted by at least two independent reviewers.
 Results: Of the 1853 studies screened citations, 14 research reports were eligible. Overall, among the randomized controlled trial, four studies reported hepatotoxicity in patients who had a history of hepatitis C or hepatitis B seroconversion under BUP treatment.
 Conclusion: No strong evidence was found for hepatotoxicity of BUP in this study. Elevation in the liver enzyme levels in some patients may be related to other factors such as infectious diseases, illicit drugs, alcohol consumption, environmental pollutants, and chronic diseases. More experimental and clinical studies should be conducted to address this question.

Synopsis of Biomarkers of Atheromatous Plaque Formation, Rupture and Thrombosis in the Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Acute coronary syndrome is the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and early diagnosis is a challenge for clinicians. Though cardiac Troponin, the most commonly used biomarker, is the gold standard for myocardial necrosis, it is blind for ischemia without necrosis. Therefore, ideal biomarkers are essential in the care of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of cardiac ischemia. The ideal biomarker or group of biomarkers of atheromatous plaque formation, rupture and thrombosis for timely and accurate diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome is a current need. Therefore, we discuss the existing understanding and future of biomarkers of atheromatous plaque formation, rupture and thrombosis of acute coronary syndrome in this review. Keywords were searched from Medline, ISI, IBSS and Google Scholar databases. Further, the authors conducted a manual search of other relevant journals and reference lists of primary articles. The development of high-sensitivity troponin assays facilitates earlier exclusion of acute coronary syndrome, contributing to a reduced length of stay at the emergency department, and earlier treatment resulting in better outcomes. Although researchers have investigated biomarkers of atheromatous plaque formation, rupture and thrombosis to help early diagnosis of cardiac ischemia, most of them necessitate validation from further analysis. Among these biomarkers, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and endothelial cell-specific molecule- 1(endocan) have shown promising results in the early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome but need further evaluation. However, the use of a combination of biomarkers representing varying pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac ischemia will support risk assessment, diagnosis and prognosis in these patients and this is the way forward.

Association of Body Mass Index and Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background: Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is a commonly occurring disorder in reproductive age women with different proposed risk factors, including body mass index. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index and dysmenorrhea using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods: Academic databases Scopus, PubMed CENTRAL, Embase, ProQuest, Science Direct, and ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar- were searched systematically from inception until the end of February 2020. Original researches published in English with observational designs were included to examine the association of body mass index and dysmenorrhea as the primary outcome. Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Due to the variation of reported data across studies, all data were converted to Pearson correlation coefficient and corrected by transforming to fisher’s Z score. Then meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with Der-Simonian and Laird method. Results: A total of 61 studies with 57,079 participants, of which 25,044 reported having dysmenorrhea, were included. While publication bias was probable, results were corrected using the fill & trim method. The updated results based on this method showed that pooled Fisher’s z-score for the association of body mass index and dysmenorrhea was 0.04 (95% CI: -0.009; 0.085). The pooled estimated effect size of correlation showed a trivial to slight correlation between body mass index and dysmenorrhea with corrected fisher’s z score of 0.12 (95% CI: 0.08; 0.17, I2=95%). Conclusion: No association was found between body mass index and dysmenorrhea. But this finding should be interpreted with caution considering the included studies' limitations.

SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MODELS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Our structured literature review reveals the current state-of-the-art supply chain performance evaluation models (SCPEMs) from the last 21 years of research. Seventy related papers from the 2000 to 2021 time period were found to contribute by using ISI and SCOPUS databases. This paper has classified SCPEMs in terms of focus area and the perspective considered (financial and non-financial). With the analysis, these models’ applicability in today’s business environment pinpointed the most usable models and their current shortcomings. Findings disclose current SCPEMs limitations and misalignments with the emerging disruptive technologies observed in today’s supply chains. Given the findings, this study has highlighted the lack of overall supply chain performance evaluation and the failure to underline the underperforming decision criteria in the SC network. Therefore, to tackle these gaps, the authors have suggested visibility, leagility, collaboration, digitalization, sustainability, and integration as SCM characteristics to be considered in the future when developing a novel SCPEM. Finally, this study can be used as guidance for future studies.

Preditores de resposta à terapia cognitivo-comportamental em pacientes com transtorno de estresse pós-traumático: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent and disabling disorder. Even when treated with the first-line intervention, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 45% of the patients continue suffering from this disorder. Therefore, knowing the factors that could foresee who will respond to CBT would be of great value to the treatment of these patients. Thus, we have systematically reviewed the literature to identify the variables that could predict response to CBT in patients suffering from PTSD. Methods Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched the electronic databases ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and PTSDpubs until November 2021. Two authors have independently conducted study selection and data extraction. Studies that examined possible predictors of response to therapy on a sample of adults (18-65 years), both genders, with and without comorbidities were considered eligible. The characteristics of the studies were synthesized in a table. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias quality assessment tool. Results Twenty-eight studies comprising 15 variables were selected. Among those, eight showed a low risk of bias, 19 showed some concerns, and one showed a high potential risk of bias. The therapeutic relationship was the only variable considered to be a predictor of a good response to therapy. All other variables showed conflicting results. Conclusions The most promising variable, although scientifically weak, is the therapeutic relationship. Additional randomized clinical trials should be conducted to clarify the role of this variable as a predictor of response to CBT in patients with PTSD.