Mesh Research Articles

Global Research Evidence on Anxiety and Intellectual Disability: A Bibliometric Analysis

ABSTRACT People with intellectual disabilities are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety than the general population; however, this relationship is complex and not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to map and evaluate, from a bibliometric perspective, the scientific production related to anxiety and intellectual disabilities. The Web of Science database was used, along with search terms related to the study theme validated by Medical Subject Headings. The findings reveal an annual growth rate of 5.41% in publications, with the highest production year being 2019. The majority of the documents were research articles and review articles. The United Kingdom emerged as the leading country in terms of authorship frequency, while the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research proved to be the most active journal, and Lund University was the leading institution. The VOSviewer clustering algorithm was employed for keyword analysis, identifying mental health, comorbidity, social anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, high functioning autism, intervention, and psychotherapy as emerging and current research trends. The main collaboration networks were found in Europe and Anglophone countries. These findings can serve as a foundation to understand the structure of the literature and promote collaborations, as well as to identify emerging trends in research on anxiety and intellectual disability.

Improving laser directed energy deposition with wire feed-stock through beam shaping with a deformable mirror

This study explores the uncharted territory of beam shaping through a novel deformable mirror system in directed energy deposition laser wire, an emerging area in Additive Manufacturing. While beam shaping has shown substantial benefits in laser processes like welding and powder bed fusion, its potential in this specific domain remains unexploited. The research investigates the influence of three near-elliptical Gaussian beam shapes on melt pool and bead geometries during deposition with stainless-steel wire. The study reveals three distinct processing modes achievable at the same total power through beam shaping, with significant modifications observed in melt pool and bead structures. Reduced bead geometry variation and enhanced process stability were achieved with the beam shape with major axis along the wire feeding direction, and with highest average power density and intermediate peak power density. The findings underscore the potential of beam shaping to enhance robustness and increase energy utilization and productivity in this process.

Enhancing Shear Strength in RC Beams: A Synergistic Approach with Steel Chips and Wire Mesh

This study explores a hybrid approach aimed at enhancing the shear performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The methodology involves the incorporation of industrial steel chips having length 75mm to 100mm in combination with varying widths of wire mesh reinforcement. Comprehensive shear tests were conducted on precisely prepared beam specimens measuring 150mm×150mm×900mm to assess shear strength, crack patterns, and failure modes. The study induces steel chips into the concrete mix at a rate of 0.9% by weight and comprises eight sets of specimens,including a control sample without any mesh reinforcement, along-with specimens reinforced with wire mesh strips ranging from 12.5mm to 87.5mm in width. Notably, the inclusion of steel chips and wire mesh enhances the shear behavior of concrete beams across all samples. As the steel chips and wire mesh acts like small-diameter bars, contributing to the enhancement of shear by improving the interlocking of concrete constituents and eff ectively distributing stresses throughout the beam’s cross-section, leading to distinctive diagonal crack patterns on the beam surfaces. The study unveils that with the increasing width of the wire mesh, there is an increase in the number of cracks while the crack widths decreases. The test outcome reveals that percentages increase of 13.66, 22.89, 31.37, 46.50, 55.00, 66.80 and 78.60 respectively, demonstrating the effective enhancement of shear strength through the utilization of wire mesh and steel chips.

Global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundToxoplasmosis in pregnancy is associated with serious and irreversible maternal and fetal detrimental consequences. Also, different seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnancy is reported in many countries. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to determine the global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women.MethodsThis study was conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 criteria. Initial searching was conducted using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings)-based keywords with no time limitation (by August 1, 2024). Collected papers were transferred to Citation Management Software (EndNote). Duplicate studies were merged and primary and secondary screenings were applied based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Validation was considered to find high-quality assessments. Finally, eligible extractable papers were enrolled for data collection. Data was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (v.2) The random effects model was used in case of I2 index above 50%.In order to investigate the factors affecting the heterogeneity of studies, meta-regression tests were used to examine factors such as sample size and year of study.ResultsOne hundred thirty-eight eligible studies with a total sample size of 135,098 pregnant women individuals were selected for data extraction and analysis. The heterogeneity index was found high (I2:98.9) and the random effect model was used for analysis. The egger test revealed the absence of publication bias in collected studies (p:0.088). Thus, the global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women was reported at 36.6% (95%CI:33.7–39.6). the highest prevalence reported based on meta-analysis was reported in South America with 52.8% (95% CI:46.6–59), while only 15 studies were reviewed in this continent, most of which were in Brazil. Therefore, after the continent, the highest prevalence reported was reported in Africa with 46.8% (95% CI:39.5–54.3). Also, the lowest prevalence reported based on meta-analysis was in North America with 19.7% (95% CI:8.4–39.6) and Europe with 24.6% (95% CI:17.8–32.9).ConclusionThis study revealed a high level of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women worldwide. This value mostly depends on the individual's age, lifestyle, and disease awareness regarding toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. Thus, public awareness, along with comprehensive health programs regarding the detrimental effects of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, seems necessary for prevention or even early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.

Prevalence and factors associated with newborn care practices among caregivers: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis in sub-Saharan Africa

IntroductionBetween 1990 and 2022, the global under-five and neonatal mortality rates decreased by 62% and 56%, respectively. However, neonatal mortality is still on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the WHO essential newborn care package to improve newborn care practices and reduce neonatal mortality, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted newborn care practices globally. After the pandemic, ascertaining the magnitude of newborn care practices and factors associated with these practices among caregivers is essential. However, no systematic reviews or meta-analyses on this topic in SSA have been published since 2021. This paper reviews the prevalence and determinants of newborn care practices among caregivers in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods and analysisThe PRISMA-P guidelines will be used to report the systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. An online search on electronic databases such as CIHNAL, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AJOL will be conducted from January 2021 to present to identify relevant academic, peer-reviewed quantitative studies published in English Language. Medical Subject Headings will aid in identifying keywords pertinent to the study's concepts, combined with Boolean operators to obtain suitable articles. Two independent authors will review the articles’ abstracts and titles and conduct full article screening for inclusion. Data will be analyzed using narrative synthesis for nonhomogeneous data while homogenous data will be analyzed using meta-analysis including odds ratios and confidence intervals.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for systematic reviews. Results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Systematic review registrationThis systematic review and meta-analysis is registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews with the registration number CRD42024510159.

Posterior fossa ring-enhancing lesions in the adult immunocompetent host: illustrative cases, systematic review, and proposed diagnostic algorithm.

Posterior fossa ring-enhancing lesions (PFREL) in the adult immunocompetent hosts pose a diagnostic challenge. We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of PFREL etiologies and propose a diagnostic algorithm. This study involved a retrospective analysis of PFREL cases from our institution (January 2023 to April 2024) and a systematic literature review conducted using Embase and PubMed databases following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Clinical and radiological features from these cases formed the basis of a diagnostic algorithm, which was further refined via an additional comprehensive literature review, and finally validated on an independent set of PFREL cases. The systematic review (467 studies, 56 selected after inclusion/exclusion criteria) revealed that PFREL etiology was infectious in 52%, tumoral in 38% and inflammatory in 2% of cases. At initial presentation, mean age was 48 years and 36% of patients had multiple PFREL. Headache was the most common symptom (46%). Among those with reported outcomes, 36% showed complete resolution of symptoms, 29% showed improvement with residual symptoms, and 16% died. The diagnostic algorithm was created from a total of 116 PFREL cases (10 from our institutional series, 56 from the systematic literature review and 50 supplementary cases found in the literature) and included 29 possible PFREL etiologies. In the validation set (16 patients), the algorithm provided the correct diagnosis in each case. PFREL in immunocompetent adults encompass a broad differential diagnosis. Our algorithm integrates clinical and radiologic data to assist in identifying the underlying cause of PFREL, potentially reducing the need for neurosurgical biopsy. This approach aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, leading to better treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes. ADEM = acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; CLL = chronic lymphocytic leukemia; CSF = cerebrospinal fluid; DLBCL: diffuse large B cell lymphoma; FLAIR = fluid attenuated inversion recovery; MeSH = medical subject headings; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; NIHSS = National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; NMOSD = neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder; PFREL = posterior fossa ring enhancing lesion; PRISMA = Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses; SUV max = maximum standardized uptake value.

Fabrication and multi-aspect characterization of polymer composite reinforced with differently stacked flax-fiber and steel-wire meshes

This study focuses on developing a new type of multi-fiber reinforced multi-layer polymer composite using natural and metal fibers. Flax fiber has shown potential as a fairly good reinforcement, but its mechanical weaknesses have led researchers to explore hybridization in composites for better performance. The paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of a unique kind of hybrid composite that uses the advantages of stainless steel along with flax fiber, resulting in a lightweight material suitable for engineering uses. In this research, SS-304 wire mesh is used along with flax fibers to make three different composites, with varying stacking arrangements. Experimental results indicate that, although the inclusion of steel wire mesh slightly reduces interlaminar shear strength, significant improvements are observed in tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness and impact resistance. Stereo-microscopy is utilized to analyze surface features and stacking sequences, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals fracture surfaces in tensile and flexural specimens. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping helps to identify the elemental compositions present in the composites. This study demonstrates that metal reinforcement can enhance the mechanical properties of flax-reinforced polymer composites, providing a lightweight and sustainable solution for engineering applications.

Long term abdominal drains as a therapeutic option in refractory ascites – a systematic review

Introduction: Refractory ascites (RA) is the most common complication of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) with a significant burden in terms of symptoms and overall quality of life (QoL). There are limited therapeutic options available for this population and most ultimately undergo serial large-volume paracentesis (LVP). Long-term abdominal drains (LTAD) are commonly used for malignant ascites drainage but not for ascites related to ESLD, due to concerns about kidney injury and infection. Objectives: This review aims to describe the safety, effectiveness, and impact on the QoL of LTAD in ESLD-related ascites. Methods: Using systematic review methodology, PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published between January 1, 2001, to June 1, 2024, combining medical subject headings (MeSH) [(«cirrhosis» OR «chronic liver disease») AND «refractory ascites» AND («permanent-tunneled peritoneal catheter» OR «tunneled catheter» OR «indwelling catheter» OR «long-term abdominal drains»)]. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the results. Results: One hundred thirty-nine studies were identified, with 16 deemed eligible for final analysis, including three randomized clinical trials. The studies varied in design, included different types of LTAD, and were generally of low quality, with many lacking statistical power due to small sample sizes. In terms of effectiveness, technical success was 100%, and as long as LTAD remains in situ, no need for additional LVP is required. Overall, the catheters remained in situ for periods ranging from 3 to 436 days. In terms of safety, kidney injury occurred in 17 to 50% of patients, but only if >1.5 liters/day were drained. Infections including cellulitis and peritonitis, occurred in 7 to 58% of patients and were generally resolved with antibiotic therapy and/or device removal. LTAD do not appear to have a negative impact on mortality. Regarding QoL, the data are contradictory with most studies reporting an overall neutral effect. Conclusion: LTAD should be considered as an option in RA from ESLD in the future, but more quality studies are needed to confirm their safety and benefits in controlling symptoms. This could be an important step in terms of improving the palliative needs of this population.

Offshore Submerged Aquaculture Flow-Net Interaction Simulation: A Numerical Approach for the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Nets Produced from Different Materials

The mechanical and hydrodynamic characteristics of single-piece nets are key to the design and optimization of offshore aquaculture net cages. A numerical approach for offshore submerged aquaculture net materials based on the Morison equations and finite element is proposed, simulating the hydrodynamic characteristics of single-piece nets under varying parameters such as wire diameter, mesh size, and flow velocity, and simulating the impact of marine organism attachment on nets by modifying the drag coefficient. The simulation results of nets made from materials such as Copper–Zinc Alloy (Cu-Zn), Zinc–Aluminum Alloy (Zn-Al), Semi-Rigid Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) are compared, which provides a theoretical basis for optimizing design parameters and selecting materials for nets based on force conditions and hydrodynamic characteristics. The simulation results indicate that the current force on the net is positively correlated with flow velocity; the maximum displacement of the net is also positively correlated with the flow rate. Compared to other materials, the Cu-Zn net is subjected to the greatest water flow force, while the UHMWPE net experiences the greatest displacement; the larger the diameter of the netting twine, the greater the current force on the net; the mesh size is inversely related to the current force on the net. With increasing drag coefficient, both the maximum displacement of the net and the current force experiences increase, and UHMWPE material nets are more sensitive to increases in the drag coefficient, which indicates a greater impact from the attachment of marine organisms. The density and elastic modulus of the netting material affect the rate of increase in force on the net. The research results can provide a basis for further research on material selection and design of deep-sea aquaculture nets.

Markers of Prognosis for Acute Esophageal Necrosis: A Systematic Review.

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare and lethal condition that may progress to sepsis and perforations. Most related literature comes from case reports; however, a few small reviews have been published. We conducted a large systematic review of AEN using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase to organize data into one consolidated manuscript, find potential prognosticators of illness, and determine possible treatment guidelines for AEN. Advanced searches were performed of all English case reports from 1990 to 2021 using medical subject heading (MeSH) terms. Data on patient age, sex, comorbidities, initial presentation, management, progression of illness, and hospital survival were collected. Our study included 226 articles, encompassing 319 cases. 32.3% of patients had diabetes, 26.6% had hypertension, and 19.7% had alcohol use disorder. 66.5% presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed and 21.9% developed sepsis or esophageal perforation. 60.9% of patients were reported to have survived their illness, but 16.6% of cases did not have their discharge status documented. Interestingly, patients presenting with pain or ketoacidosis demonstrated improved survival. AEN becomes more prevalent as patients age and develop cardiovascular disease, which increases the risk of developing a hypoperfusive state and mucosal injury to the distal esophagus. Early fluid resuscitation, acid-reducing agents, and bowel rest may serve as potential lifesaving interventions, and antibiotics should be considered if there is concern for infection. Patients require close follow up in anticipation of impending stricture.

Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Diseases

This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough overview of the vital role that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play in endothelial dysfunction, particularly emphasizing how physiological factors—such as sex and aging—along with significant cardiovascular risk factors, influence this process. The review covers studies ranging from the first description of EVs in 1945 to contemporary insights into their biological roles in intercellular signaling and endothelial dysfunction. A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles and reviews indexed in the PubMed database was conducted to compile the information. Initially, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms included keywords aimed at providing general knowledge about the role of EVs in the regulation of endothelial signaling, such as “extracellular vesicles”, “endothelium”, and “intercellular signaling”. Subsequently, terms related to the pathophysiological implications of EV interactions with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease were added, including “cardiovascular disease”, “sex”, “aging”, “atherosclerosis”, “obesity”, and “diabetes”. Additionally, the potential applications of EVs in cardiovascular disease were explored using the MeSH terms “extracellular vesicles”, “cardiovascular disease”, “biomarker”, and “therapeutic strategy”. The results of this bibliographical review reveal that EVs have the capacity to induce various cellular responses within the cardiovascular system and play a significant role in the complex landscape of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. The composition of the EV cargo is subject to modification by pathophysiological conditions such as sex, aging, and cardiovascular risk factors, which result in a complex regulatory influence on endothelial function and neighboring cells when released from a dysfunctional endothelium. Moreover, the data suggest that this field still requires further exploration, as EV biology is continuously evolving, presenting a dynamic and engaging area for research. A deeper understanding of the molecular cargo involved in EV–endothelium interactions could yield valuable biomarkers for monitoring cardiovascular disease progression and facilitate the development of innovative bioengineered therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Risk Factors for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Before 3 Months of Age

Two meta-analyses published in 2012 found breech presentation, family history of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), female sex, and primiparity to increase the risk of DDH. However, the DDH definition, reference tests, and the age of the examined children varied considerably, complicating the translation of those findings to current screening guidelines. To evaluate the association of previously proposed risk factors with the risk of sonography-verified DDH. A literature search strategy used MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms and text words associated with DDH and prognostic studies or risk factors. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched on November 23, 2023, to identify the cohort. Criteria included articles that were in English and published from January 1, 1980, to November 23, 2023. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials and cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies that involved participants younger than 3 months in whom a diagnosis of DDH was made by hip ultrasonography using the criterion standard Graf method, reported information on 1 or more of the proposed risk factors, and reported the final diagnosis. Collected variables included an evaluated risk factor, the number of infants with a risk factor, the number of infants without risk factors, and the number of infants with and without DDH in the at-risk group and in the no-risk group. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines. The main outcome measures were risk of DDH (using odds ratios [ORs]) for each of the risk factors. Of 5363 studies screened, 20 studies comprising 64 543 infants were included. Breech presentation (OR, 4.15 [95% CI, 2.62-6.57]), family history of DDH (OR, 3.83 [95% CI, 2.05-7.15]), female sex (OR, 2.50 [95% CI, 1.74-3.59]), oligohydramnios (OR, 3.76 [95% CI, 1.66-8.53]), and high birth weight (OR, 2.00 [95% CI, 1.60-2.49]) were associated with a significant increased risk of DDH. Cesarean delivery, primiparity, multiple births, low birth weight, and prematurity were not associated with DDH risk. Heterogeneity was high (I2 > 70.00%) in all of the tested factors except high birth weight (I2 = 0%). The subgroup analysis was performed to investigate these heterogeneities. The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that family history and breech presentation were associated with a significant increase in the risk of sonography-verified DDH in infants younger than 3 months, and a DDH risk increase of female sex was found to be lower than previously reported. A risk increase was detected for oligohydramnios, which has not been included in many screening programs and might also be considered as a referral criterion for hip ultrasonography.

Bridging the continuity: Practice-enhancing publications about the ambulatory care medication-use process in 2023.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. This article identifies, summarizes, and prioritizes published literature on the ambulatory care medication-use process (ACMUP) from 2023 that can describe ambulatory pharmacy practice. The medication-use process is the foundational system that provides the framework for safe medication utilization within the healthcare environment. The ACMUP is defined in this article as having the following components: transitions of care, prescribing, access, dispensing, adherence, and evaluating. Articles evaluating at least one step of the ACMUP were assessed for their usefulness toward practice improvement. A PubMed search was conducted in January 2024 for the publication year 2023 using targeted Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords and the table of contents of selected pharmacy journals, providing a total of 2,903 articles. A thorough review identified 52 potentially practice-enhancing articles: 6 for transitions of care, 11 for prescribing, 5 for access, 6 for dispensing, 8 for adherence, and 16 articles for evaluating. Trends gleaned from the highest-impact articles are described. It is important to routinely review the published literature and to incorporate significant findings into daily practice. This article continues a series of articles defining and evaluating the currently published literature around the ACMUP. As healthcare continues to advance and care shifts to ambulatory settings, the ACMUP will continue to be a crucial process to evaluate.

What are family caregivers' experiences of coordinating end-of-life care at home? A narrative review.

People with life-limiting diseases, who are no longer receiving active or curable treatment, often state their preferred place of care and death as the home. This requires coordinating a multidisciplinary approach, using available health and social care services to synchronize care. Family caregivers are key to enabling home-based end-of-life support; however, the 2 elements that facilitate success - coordination and family caregiver - are not necessarily associated as being intertwined or one and the same. This narrative review explores family caregiver experiences of coordinating end-of-life care in the home setting. Studies were identified systematically following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of 5 databases (CINAHL, AMED, MEDLINE, Joanna Briggs Institute for Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Database) was conducted using Medical Subject Headings search terms and Boolean operators. Seven hundred and eighty papers were screened. Quality assessment was conducted using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Characteristics of included studies were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) extraction tool. Ten qualitative studies were included. A meta-aggregative approach was used to assemble findings and categories extracted from the included papers, which led to identification of 3 overall themes: (1) family caregiver identity, (2) strategies for care, and (3) practicalities of care. Research suggests there should be a designated care coordinator to support people nearing the end of life at home. However, this review shows that family caregivers intrinsically take on this role. Their experiences, frequently share commonalities across different cultures and regions, highlighting the universal nature of their challenges. Difficulties associated with providing home-based care are evident, but the undertaking of care coordination by relatives highlights a need for a change in approach. Future studies could explore the impact of having a designated "facilitator" or single point of contact for families, as well as the development of tailored communication strategies.

Systemic photobiomodulation: an integrative review of evidence for intravascular laser irradiation of blood and vascular photobiomodulation.

Currently, clinical practice has demonstrated various applications for systemic laser photobiomodulation (PBM). In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been highlighted in the literature; however, they differ in their application methods, which can be intravenous, referred to as ILIB (intravascular laser irradiation of blood), or transdermally, recently termed VPBM (vascular photobiomodulation). This review aimed to compile all findings on these techniques and critically discuss their results. A search for articles was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to select descriptors with the boolean operators "AND/OR." After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 37 articles were selected. Of these, 19 studies discussed the use of systemic PBM with intravenous application, and 7 studies reported transcutaneous application. Regarding clinical studies, 28 studies addressed the application of the techniques in respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions. For preclinical studies, 9 articles primarily discussed the application of systemic PBM in pulmonary and musculoskeletal conditions. Despite the promising results, methodological limitations, and variabilities in studies on systemic laser PBM prevent the categorical assertion of its efficacy. It is essential to conduct rigorous new studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action and determine the technique's efficacy.

Impact of COVID-19 on Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities in Hospitalised Children: A Scoping Review.

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to the healthcare system. The rapid spread of the virus, laboratory burn-out, exhausted staff, diagnostic uncertainty and lack of guidelines cumulatively disrupted hospital antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. This scoping review evaluated how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the implementation of AMS, particularly within the context of clinical audits. An initial trend analysis was performed using a database search from 2000 to 2022. This review was developed following PRISMA-Scr guidelines. Databases such as Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and CINAHL were searched using Medical Subject Headings and free text for 'Children', 'antimicrobial stewardship' and 'COVID-19'. Primary studies that reported data on antimicrobial use among hospitalised children during COVID-19 from December 2019 to December 2022 were considered. Paediatric AMS-related research output changed annually by -4.94% in 2022 compared to 14.44% in 2019. Of 677 articles, 15 were included, with 3 added through snowballing technique. All the studies were observational and from countries of all income levels. A quantitative measure of antibiotic use was the commonly assessed sub-category of AMS, while three studies performed the audit for a reason for antibiotic use, microbiological cultures, and surgical prophylaxis. Most studies reported antimicrobial use as prevalence, while two reported the days of therapy, and two used the AWaRe classification and the antibiotic spectrum index (ASI). Paediatric AMS activities were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. A basic quantitative measure of antibiotic use was the only measure of assessment, with other AMS components unreported. A robust paediatric-focused AMS resilient to future pandemics and evidence-informed stewardship approachis needed.

Hybrid structure design of expanded steel mesh to enhance the tensile performance of fiber‐reinforced composites

AbstractMetal hybrid structures with fiber‐reinforced composites optimize strength, weight, toughness, and durability while minimizing cracks and retaining structural integrity. The present investigation evaluates the tensile performance of hybrid composites manufactured from expanded steel wire meshes and fiber‐reinforced epoxy versus pure glass fiber (GE). Hybrid specimens were fabricated with steel mesh of varying pattern sizes inserted at two different positions within the composites and exposed to two loading layouts. The results indicated that replacing GE layers with steel mesh decreased specimen density by 6.25% while increasing ductility and energy absorption. Medium‐size mesh provided the most effective performance, enhancing tensile strength, peak load, energy absorption, and stiffness by an average of 18.9% over other sizes. The outer layer configuration was superior to the inner layer, improving peak strength, failure strain, stiffness, and absorbed energy by up to 25.6%. Moreover, vertical loading boosted overall performance by an average of 28.5% compared with horizontal loading. The SO2 configuration was selected via Grey Relational Analysis to be the most effective arrangement.Highlights Insight into the impact of using expanded steel mesh in GE composites. Analyzing the effect of mesh size and laminating order on tensile performance. Effect of loading layouts on the overall performance of the hybrid composites. Examining damage morphologies to assess the interlayers interaction. Superior results in terms of peak load, failure strain, and toughness.

Analysing media portrayals of people with substance use disorder and addiction: A scoping review

Stigma about substance use disorders (SUDs) is a barrier to treatment and care. Media portrayals of SUDs influence public perceptions of people with SUDs and form the foundation for societal opinions and perspectives. For this reason, it is crucial to evaluate how the media portrays SUDs. This paper examines how the mass media portrays individuals with SUDs and how these portrayals reinforce negative stereotypes. It also evaluates the influence of media portrayals and the intersection of skin colour with these depictions. Additionally, this paper advocates for communication strategies that aim to destigmatize SUDs to enhance public education and encourage treatment-seeking behaviour. We used a scoping review approach, searching PubMed for medical subject heading (MeSH) terms ‘(addiction) and (portrayal)’ ( n = 58) and ‘(addiction) and (portrayal) and (media)’ ( n = 37). The search yielded 58 unique peer-reviewed articles (duplicates removed; n = 37). Of these, 42 did not meet our topic criteria, leaving 16 articles for analysis. Inductive thematic coding was performed on the 16 articles and uncovered eight portrayal themes: (1) positive endorsement ( n = 8, 50.0%), (2) violent or dangerous ( n = 7, 43.8%), (3) criminal ( n = 6, 37.5%), (4) risky behaviours ( n = 6, 37.5%), (5) policy-making ( n = 5, 31.3%), (6) unreliable, unstable or uncontrollable ( n = 3, 18.8%), (7) interventions or treatments ( n = 3, 18.8%), and (8) celebrity ( n = 3, 18.8%). These themes were observed in four types of media: entertainment media ( n = 9), social media ( n = 1), news media ( n = 7) and marketing media ( n = 5). The findings show that media portrayals of individuals with SUDs continue to reinforce negative stereotypes. Effective campaigns to counter this portrayal with anti-stigmatizing communication of addiction-related topics require collaboration between patients as partners, experts in addiction science and science communicators.

Radiographical impact of photobiomodulation therapy on bone regeneration in clinical studies: a systematic review.

Bone regeneration is a complex process influenced by inflammation and pathological conditions. Efforts to enhance this process include chemical and physical interventions, with PBMT therapy showing promise in improving bone regeneration. Despite conflicting findings in existing literature, this review aims to synthesize clinical evidence on using therapy (PBMT) in bone regeneration and explore its potential clinical applications. A systematic search was performed on electronic databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed from the beginning until May 2024 for randomized clinical trials that reported the result of PBMT on bone regeneration. The search strategy involved using a mix of relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and pertinent keywords such as photobiomodulation therapy, low-level laser therapy, bone, regeneration, PBMT, and LLLT. From an initial search identifying 1920 articles, this review centered on 13 articles for analysis, predominantly utilizing radiographical or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) assessments. Among these, 7 studies indicated that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) did not have a significant impact on bone regeneration. Conversely, 4 studies showed a substantial enhancement in bone density and regeneration with PBMT. Furthermore, 2 studies investigated the impact of varying laser characteristics on case and control groups, concluding no significant difference. In spite of the conflicting results from studies mentioned above, it appears that photobiomodulation has shown positive effects on bone reconstruction. However, further research is necessary to optimize the selection of physical parameters of laser such as wavelength, energy density, and power, as they are crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of photobiomodulation for clinical use.

Unlocking the Potential of RNA Sequencing in COVID-19: Toward Accurate Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine.

COVID-19 has caused widespread morbidity and mortality, with its effects extending to multiple organ systems. Despite known risk factors for severe disease, including advanced age and underlying comorbidities, patient outcomes can vary significantly. This variability complicates efforts to predict disease progression and tailor treatment strategies. While diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are still under debate, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) has emerged as a promising tool to provide deeper insights into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and guide personalized treatment. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and relevant keywords to identify studies that explored the role of RNAseq in COVID-19 diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. RNAseq has proven instrumental in identifying molecular biomarkers associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19. It allows for the differentiation between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals and sheds light on the immune response mechanisms that contribute to disease progression. In critically ill patients, RNAseq has been crucial for identifying key genes that may predict patient outcomes, guiding therapeutic decisions, and assessing the long-term effects of the virus. Additionally, RNAseq has helped in understanding the persistence of viral RNA after recovery, offering new insights into the management of post-acute sequelae, including long COVID. RNA sequencing significantly improves COVID-19 management, particularly for critically ill patients, by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment, and predicting therapeutic responses. It refines patient stratification, improving outcomes, and holds promise for targeted interventions in both acute and long COVID.