Non-systematic Review Article Research Articles

Assessing the potential role of ChatGPT in spine surgery research.

Since its release in November 2022, Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 3.5 (ChatGPT), a complex machine learning model, has garnered more than 100 million users worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine how well ChatGPT can generate novel systematic review ideas on topics within spine surgery. ChatGPT was instructed to give ten novel systematic review ideas for five popular topics in spine surgery literature: microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, kyphoplasty and disc replacement. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane. The number of nonsystematic review articles and number of systematic review papers that had been published on each ChatGPT-generated idea were recorded. Overall, ChatGPT had a 68% accuracy rate in creating novel systematic review ideas. More specifically, the accuracy rates were 80%, 80%, 40%, 70% and 70% for microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, kyphoplasty and disc replacement, respectively. However, there was a 32% rate of ChatGPT generating ideas for which there were 0 nonsystematic review articles published. There was a 71.4%, 50%, 22.2%, 50%, 62.5% and 51.2% success rate of generating novel systematic review ideas, for which there were also nonsystematic reviews published, for microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, kyphoplasty, disc replacement and overall, respectively. ChatGPT generated novel systematic review ideas at an overall rate of 68%. ChatGPT can help identify knowledge gaps in spine research that warrant further investigation, when used under supervision of an experienced spine specialist. This technology can be erroneous and lacks intrinsic logic; so, it should never be used in isolation. Not applicable.

Surgical Management of Periprosthetic Joint Infections in Hip and Knee Megaprostheses.

Periprosthetic joint infection is a feared complication after the megaprosthetic reconstruction of oncologic and non-oncologic bone defects of including the knee or hip joint. Due to the relative rarity of these procedures, however, optimal management is debatable. Considering the expanding use of megaprostheses in revision arthroplasty and the high revision burden in orthopedic oncology, the risk of PJI is likely to increase over the coming years. In this non-systematic review article, we present and discuss current management options and the associated results focusing on studies from the last 15 years and studies from dedicated centers or study groups. The indication, surgical details and results in controlling infection are presented for debridement, antibiotics, irrigation and retention (DAIR) procedure with an exchange of the modular components, single-stage implant exchange, two-stage exchanges and ablative procedures.

Dissociation in mothers with borderline personality disorder: a possible mechanism for transmission of intergenerational trauma? A scoping review

BackgroundDissociation is a feature of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but rarely a focus for research, particularly in the perinatal literature. BPD partly has its aetiology in childhood and is characterised by emotional changes and difficulty with self-coherence that impacts on the processes of caregiving.MethodsA scoping review was conducted to synthesise current perspectives on the effect of dissociation in caregivers with BPD, particularly regarding the impact of caregiver dissociation on the interactional quality of relationship within parent–child dyads. Studies were included if they explicitly mentioned dissociation in the target population, or if dissociation was implied. A thematic analysis was conducted.Results20 studies were included; 10 experimental or quasi-experimental; 2 presenting case material; and 8 non-systematic review articles. 4 studies used the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) to measure dissociation, while 2 studies included a ‘dissociative behaviour’ subscale as part of an observational measure. The remaining studies did not measure dissociation but referenced directly or indirectly a concept of dissociation.ConclusionsFindings suggested there was some evidence that dissociation plays a unique role in BPD caregivers’ interactions with their offspring, however any findings should be interpreted with caution as the concept has been poorly operationalised and defined.

The Influence of Sex, Age, and Race on Coronary Artery Disease: A Narrative Review.

Cardiovascular disease has remained one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. The basic pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) is a reduction of the blood flow in coronary vessels, leading to restricted blood flow to the heart muscle. Both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors contribute to its multifactorial etiology. The clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to typical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and left arm or jaw pain. The purpose of this review is to investigate and analyze the variation of CAD depending on the biological sex, age, race, or ethnicity and how it might differ in the studied population while comparing the symptoms and prognosis of CAD. For this research, PubMed's database was used. A total of 926 articles were selected using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 74 articles eligible to be included in the narrative review. Studies were selected from the general population of patients with CAD, regardless of their severity, stage of diagnosis, and treatment plan. The scale for the assessment of non-systematic review articles (SANRA) was used to assess the quality of the study. As humans age, the incidence of CAD increases, and people over 75 are more likely to have multiple-vessel CAD. It has been observed that South Asians have the highest rate of CAD at 24%, while the White population has the lowest at 8%. The prevalence of CAD also depends on race, with the White population having the lowest rate at 3.2%, followed by Hispanics at 5%, Black women at 5.2%, and Black men at 5.7%. Younger Black women tend to have more chest pain. Men with CAD commonly experience chest pain, and women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms. Modifiable risk factors such as smoking and alcoholism are more commonly observed in young men than in young women. Coronary artery disease in the elderly, female, minority, and Black patients is associated with a higher mortality rate. Acknowledging the prevalence of certain risk factors, signs, results, and responses to treatment in certain socio-demographic groups, as well as the provision and accessibility of diagnosis and treatment, would lead to a better outcome for all individuals. The impact of this shift can range from an earlier diagnosis of CAD to a faster and more customized treatment plan tailored to each patient's individual requirements.

Stunting incident prevention: a systematic literature review

Introduction. Stunting incident prevention is important to ensure the quality of the future generation. With excellent future generations, Indonesia can compete with other nations and survive future challenges. Unfortunately, some provinces in Indonesia still had high stunting incident prevalence. The aim of this study is to provide information about the influential contributors of stunting incidents qualitatively and quantitatively and to provide recommendations for stunting incident prevention. Materials and Methods. The researchers applied for a systematic literature review with a modified PRISMA procedure. The third criterion was that the articles had to be non-systematic literature review articles, published from 2017 until 2022. Results. This process eventually led to 20 relevant articles: 15 quantitative articles and 3 qualitative articles. From the reviewed quantitative and qualitative research articles, the researchers found twelve influential factors of stunting incidents. Among these twelve factors, the reviewing results found two top factors with OR values more than 12 times. They were family income, the number of children and the ages of the children. Conclusions. The researchers found that the most prominent factors of stunting incidents during the observations in qualitative research were parent education, early marriage, dietary system, economic and social status. Although statistically, the top influential factors were family income and the number of children, and ages of children, the minor contributors must be considered. On the other hand, the efforts to improve parent education require interventions from the government.

MP48-11 A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER GENDER-AFFIRMING PELVIC SURGERY IN TRANSGENDER PATIENTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP48-11 A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER GENDER-AFFIRMING PELVIC SURGERY IN TRANSGENDER PATIENTS Kevin Hakimi, Cathrine Keiner, Kyle Okamuro, Isabella Dolendo, and Jennifer Anger Kevin HakimiKevin Hakimi More articles by this author , Cathrine KeinerCathrine Keiner More articles by this author , Kyle OkamuroKyle Okamuro More articles by this author , Isabella DolendoIsabella Dolendo More articles by this author , and Jennifer AngerJennifer Anger More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003294.11AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: With new legislation put forth targeting the ability of transgender individuals to seek gender-affirming care, we sought to explore outcomes of bottom surgery (phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty) and its effect on health-related quality of life. METHODS: Utilizing Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) criteria, we performed a search of major biomedical databases for all relevant literature published from 1995 to 2021. Inclusion criteria were original research articles, studies of transgender patients receiving pelvic gender affirming surgery, and use of the SF-36 survey. We excluded case reports, analyses of clinical outcomes following non-pelvic gender-affirming surgery, or nonsystematic review articles. Following this, data were pooled where appropriate. Data was compiled using a comprehensive meta-analysis software (Revman). RESULTS: Our literature search identified 56 titles and 7 full articles that were included in the final review. Three studies provided SF-36 data scores including the general population and transgender patients without bottom surgery. Our analysis of 11,186 patients showed SF-36 scores were significantly higher in the general population in comparison to transgender patients without a history of gender-affirming surgery [0.25 (CI 0.17, 0.33), p<0.001). Seven studies provided SF-36 data scores including the general population and transgender patients after bottom surgery, with our analysis of 16,450 patients showing no significant difference in SF-36 scores between the general population and transgender patients post gender-affirming pelvic surgery [0.02 (CI -0.05, 0.09; p=0.55]. Lastly, of these studies, four provided SF-36 data on transgender patients before and after gender-affirming pelvic surgery. Our meta-analysis of 677 participants showed that bottom surgery resulted in significant improvements in overall SF-26 scores [-0.39 (CI -0.51, -0.27); p<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Gender-affirming surgery was associated with significant improvements in mental and physical health outcomes. Our meta-analysis supports the role of bottom surgery in improving health-related quality of life back to normal range. Source of Funding: UC San Diego School of Medicine Research Award © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e659 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kevin Hakimi More articles by this author Cathrine Keiner More articles by this author Kyle Okamuro More articles by this author Isabella Dolendo More articles by this author Jennifer Anger More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Role of Gut Microbiome in Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review.

The gut microbiome helpsmaintainhomeostasis in the body, but what if the gut experiences imbalance? It would lead to dysbiosis - which is involved in multiple diseases, including but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, the most common cause of mortality around the globe. This research paper aims to explain all the possible mechanisms known linking the gut microbiome to the contribution of worsening cardiovascular events. PubMed and Google Scholar were thoroughly explored to learn the role of the gut microbiome in cardiovascular events. A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to analyze the possible pathways and the metabolites included in the study. Thirteenreview articles were selected based on the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR) and the scale for the assessment of non-systematic review articles (SANRA) checklist scores. In this article, we have discussed the role of the gut microbiome in atherosclerosis, hypertension, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, coronary artery disease, etc. Various pathways tomodifythe gut microbiome are also discussed, along with the use of probiotics. Finally, we discussed the role of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiome metabolite, as a biomarker for the prognosis of various diseases. This study concluded that the gut microbiome does play a crucial role in the worsening of cardiovascular diseases and the metabolites of which can be used as biomarkers in the prognosis of cardiovascular events.

A Comprehensive Review on the Effects of Humor in Patients With Depression.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Although there are known, effective treatments for depression, people in low- and middle-income areas experience multiple barriers which limit their ability to receive adequate treatment. Some known barriers to effective care include a lack of resources, lack of trained healthcare providers, and social stigma associated with mental disorders and this creates gaps in mental health care and the need for more treatment modalities and adjuvant therapies to address these gaps. This review article was conducted using the scale for the assessment of non-systematic review articles (SANRA). We searched three databases; EMBASE, PubMed (MEDLINE), and Google Scholar using specified search terms. We had a total of nine articles with sample sizes ranging from 37 to 1551, and the age of participants ranged from 23 to 93 years. Articles were diverse in race and geographical locations. The articles were derived from cross-sectional studies, randomized studies, and experimental studies, and they focused on the relationship between humor and depression, and the reduced risk of depression in the study population. The articles identified different aspects of the relationship between humor and depression. The willingness of patients with depression to recognize or participate in humor could be defective resulting in abnormal social interactions such as withdrawal. However, there was some significant influence of humor or its styles on patients with depression either mitigating depressive symptoms or having no impact at all.

NON-SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: IMPACT OF OBESITY PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN THE SEVERITY OF COVID-19

Covid-19 disease is a worldwide pandemic outbreak involving severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Obesity is known as one of the risk factors at the severity in Covid-19 patients. This is evidenced in the provision of intensive care (ICU) in hospitals or in health care institutions filled with obese patients with a BMI of &gt;25 kg / m2. The impact of obesity often jack up the jeopardy of non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes melitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and this often comes together from each individual. This is a non-systematic literature review article created with the collection of various recent scientific articles related to obesity, hypertension, and Covid-19 disease. A search for this article was obtained from NCBI, Web of Science and Google Scholar with keywords used: "Obesity and Covid-19", "Morbid Obesity", "Hypertension", "Comorbidities" and a combination of these keywords. There were 14 core articles. Obesity has been correleted to adaptive immunity dysregulation and failure in antibody formation after infection or vaccination. Thus, the effect of obesity on a person's immunity is said to be important in the severity of the Covid-19 disease

Therapeutic potential of dehydroepiandrosterone for Parkinson's disease: scoping review protocol

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Its treatment is symptomatic and shows limited efficacy. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced in the brain. Several studies have reported beneficial effects of the steroid in experimental models of PD and various human diseases, but its potential for PD is inconclusive. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate current evidence to determine the therapeutic potential of DHEA administration for PD since it could be an effective and low-cost treatment. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the therapeutic potential of dehydroepiandrosterone administration in patients with PD. Inclusion criteria: Studies describing patients with PD receiving DHEA, and reporting an outcome --on disease course, severity, or adverse effects-- compared to either placebo, an inactive treatment or standard treatment. PD experimental models reporting an effect of DHEA treatment on measures of neuroprotection (cell death, motor activity, oxidative stress). Exclusion criteria: Studies written in languages different than Spanish or English that could not be appropriately translated, or whose full-text files could not be retrieved. Information sources: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and author's collections. Data charting: Data will be extracted by one researcher and verified by another using a pilot-tested predefined format. Non-systematic review articles (narrative, scoping or similar) will only be considered for narrative synthesis. This protocol complies with PRISMA 2020 statement and its main related extensions (PRISMA-A, PRISMA-P, PRISMA-Scr). It also complies with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Manual for Evidence Synthesis.

Therapeutic potential of dehydroepiandrosterone for Parkinson's disease: scoping review protocol

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Its treatment is symptomatic and shows limited efficacy. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced in the brain. Several studies have reported beneficial effects of the steroid in experimental models of PD and various human diseases, but its potential for PD is inconclusive. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate current evidence to determine the therapeutic potential of DHEA administration for PD since it could be an effective and low-cost treatment. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the therapeutic potential of dehydroepiandrosterone administration in patients with PD. Inclusion criteria: Studies describing patients with PD receiving DHEA, and reporting an outcome --on disease course, severity, or adverse effects-- compared to either placebo, an inactive treatment or standard treatment. PD experimental models reporting an effect of DHEA treatment on measures of neuroprotection (cell death, motor activity, oxidative stress). Exclusion criteria: Studies written in languages different than Spanish or English that could not be appropriately translated, or whose full-text files could not be retrieved. Information sources: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and author's collections. Data charting: Data will be extracted by one researcher and verified by another using a pilot-tested predefined format. Non-systematic review articles (narrative, scoping or similar) will only be considered for narrative synthesis. This protocol complies with PRISMA 2020 statement and its main related extensions (PRISMA-A, PRISMA-P, PRISMA-Scr). It also complies with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Manual for Evidence Synthesis.

A Vicious Circle of Clonal Haematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential and Cardiovascular Disease.

Clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) represents a recently identified overlap between cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CHIP develops as a result of certain acquired somatic mutations that predispose to leukaemia, but clinically even more prevalent, associate with increased risk for CVD and CVD-related death. Experimental studies suggest a causal role for CHIP aggravating inflammatory processes in CVD, and recent epidemiologic and genetic studies indicate that classical CVD risk factors may increase the risk of acquiring CHIP driver mutations, thus fuelling a vicious circle. The potential mechanism underlying the associative link between CHIP and CVD and mortality has been the focus of a few recent excellent experimental and observational studies which are summarized and discussed in this concise non-systematic review article. These data support a pathomechanistic view of a spiralling vicious circle in which CHIP aggravates the inflammatory immune response in CVD, and CVD-driven elevated haematopoietic activity promotes CHIP development.

Optimal management of older people with frailty non-weight bearing after lower limb fracture: a scoping review.

BackgroundPatients with lower limb fractures who are non-weight bearing are at risk of the complications of the associated immobility and disability, particularly people with frailty, but there is lack of clarity about what constitutes optimal care for such patients. A scoping literature review was conducted to explore what evidence is available for the management of this patient group.MethodsMEDLINE (PubMed) CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases of published literature and the HMIC and SIGLE sites for grey literature were searched for primary research studies and expert reports, using an iterative approach initially including the key term ‘non-weight bearing’. All study types were included. Analysis was by narrative synthesis.ResultsNo papers were identified from a search using the key phrase ‘non-weight bearing’. With this term removed, 11 indirectly relevant articles on lower limb fractures were retrieved from the searches of the electronic databases comprising three observational studies, five non-systematic review articles, a systematic review, an opinion piece and a survey of expert opinion that had relevance to restricted weight bearing patients. The observational studies indicated depression, cognition and nutrition affect outcome and hence have indirect relevance to management. The non-systematic reviews articles emphasised the importance of maintaining strength and range of movement during immobilisation and advised an orthogeriatric model of care. Fourteen UK and 97 non-UK guidelines relevant to fragility fractures, falls and osteoporosis management were found in the grey literature, but none made specific recommendations regarding the management of any period of non-weight bearing.DiscussionThese findings provide a summary of the evidence base that can be used in the development of a clinical guideline for these patients but is not sufficient. We propose that, a guideline should be developed for these patients using an expert consensus process.

HPV and Other Microbiota; Who's Good and Who's Bad: Effects of the Microbial Environment on the Development of Cervical Cancer-A Non-Systematic Review.

Cervical cancer is responsible for around 5% of all human cancers worldwide. It develops almost exclusively from an unsolved, persistent infection of the squamocolumnar transformation zone between the endo- and ecto-cervix with various high-risk (HR) human papillomaviruses (HPVs). The decisive turning point on the way to persistent HPV infection and malignant transformation is an immune system weakened by pathobionts and oxidative stress and an injury to the cervical mucosa, often caused by sexual activities. Through these injury and healing processes, HPV viruses, hijacking activated keratinocytes, move into the basal layers of the cervical epithelium and then continue their development towards the distal prickle cell layer (Stratum spinosum). The microbial microenvironment of the cervical tissue determines the tissue homeostasis and the integrity of the protective mucous layer through the maintenance of a healthy immune and metabolic signalling. Pathological microorganisms and the resulting dysbiosis disturb this signalling. Thus, pathological inflammatory reactions occur, which manifest the HPV infection. About 90% of all women contract an HPV infection in the course of their lives. In about 10% of cases, the virus persists and cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) develops. Approximately 1% of women with a high-risk HPV infection incur a cervical carcinoma after 10 to 20 years. In this non-systematic review article, we summarise how the sexually and microbial mediated pathogenesis of the cervix proceeds through aberrant immune and metabolism signalling via CIN to cervical carcinoma. We show how both the virus and the cancer benefit from the same changes in the immune and metabolic environment.

From little adults to pediatric patients: quality improvement in pediatric anesthesia

The concept of quality improvement (QI) embraces a systematic approach using specific techniques to improve quality. The objective of this non-systematic review article is to present one concept of QI in healthcare and its application in pediatric anesthesia. As can be shown, QI is well established in pediatric anesthesia. ‘Plan-Do-Study-Act’ cycles, an approach for improvement in health care in which one learns from taking action, are considered a feasible tool. Quality improvement models do not replace clinical research and scientific publishing, but promote the implementation of new findings into clinical practices.

Downregulation of Membrane-bound Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Receptor has a Pivotal Role in COVID-19 Immunopathology.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is becoming the major health issue in recent human history with thousands of deaths and millions of cases worldwide. Newer research and old experience with other coronaviruses highlighted a probable underlying mechanism of disturbance of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that is associated with the intrinsic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we aimed to describe the intimate connections between the RAS components, the immune system and COVID-19 pathophysiology. This non-systematic review article summarizes recent evidence on the relationship between COVID-19 and the RAS. Several studies have indicated that the downregulation of membrane-bound ACE2 may exert a key role for the impairment of immune functions and for COVID-19 patients' outcomes. The downregulation may occur by distinct mechanisms, particularly: (1) the shedding process induced by the SARS-CoV-2 fusion pathway, which reduces the amount of membrane-bound ACE2, stimulating more shedding by the high levels of Angiotensin II; (2) the endocytosis of ACE2 receptor with the virus itself and (3) by the interferon inhibition caused by SARS-CoV-2 effects on the immune system, which leads to a reduction of ACE2 receptor expression. Recent research provides evidence of a reduction of the components of the alternative RAS axis, including ACE2 and Angiotensin-(1-7). In contrast, increased levels of Angiotensin II can activate the AT1 receptor in several organs. Consequently, increased inflammation, thrombosis and angiogenesis occur in patients infected with SARS-COV-2. Attention should be paid to the interactions of the RAS and COVID-19, mainly in the context of novel vaccines and proposed medications.

Trichotillomania: a psychopathological perspective and the psychiatric comorbidity of hair pulling

Trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, is classified as an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder and is seen predominantly in females. This is a non-systematic review article focusing on the psychopathological features of hair pulling. It is speculated that hair pulling may function to provide short-term relief from stress and other unwanted emotional states, thus serving as a method of emotion regulation. The prevalence of trichotillomania ranges from 1 to 3%. The most targeted site is the scalp, and other common areas include pubic hair and facial regions such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard. Individuals suffering from this disorder tend to avoid social environments due to embarrassment regarding their appearance and fears of being judged by peers. Trichotillomania is associated with significant functional impairment and increased risks of comorbid psychiatric disorders such as other body-focused repetitive behaviors, depression, anxiety, and addictive disorders. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and psychopathology of trichotillomania with an emphasis on psychopathology and psychiatric comorbidity.

A Systematic Review of International Entrepreneurship Special Issue Articles

This paper investigates the body of international entrepreneurship knowledge to identify key trends, research directions and emerging research topics. First, 21 systematic and 6 non-systematic review articles published between 1998 and 2018 are reviewed. The analysis of these 27 review articles explores the trends and directions of development in the field, and provides a set of dimensions for evaluating the body of literature. A systematic review of 126 special issue articles using these dimensions proceeds with an assessment of the breadth and depth of international entrepreneurship special issue literature, and provides validation for the key areas and directions of development for international entrepreneurship research. Trends identified include the convergence between international business and entrepreneurship literatures, the focus on SME internationalization and various forms of international new ventures and born globals. Later years show the emergence of comparative international entrepreneurship and comparative entrepreneurial internationalization as research topics, emphasizing the importance of integrating empirical evidence between countries and contexts. There is a gap in the body of knowledge regarding emerging and transitional country contexts. There is also more room for comparative research that could also support the adaptation and development of context specific theories, providing a future direction for international entrepreneurship researchers.

Inert gas washout: background and application in various lung diseases.

Multiple breath inert gas washout (MBW) is a lung function technique to measure ventilation inhomogeneity. The technique was developed more than 60 years ago, but not much used for many decades. Technical improvements, easy protocols and higher sensitivity compared with standard lung function tests in some disease groups have led to a recent renaissance of MBW. The lung clearance index (LCI) is a common measure derived from MBW tests, and offers information on lung pathology complementary to that from conventional lung function tests such as spirometry. The LCI measures the overall degree of pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity. There are other MBW-derived parameters, which describe more regional airway ventilation and enable specific information on conductive or acinar ventilation inhomogeneity. How this specific ventilation distribution is exactly related to different disease processes has not entirely been examined yet. MBW measurements are performed during tidal breathing, making this technique attractive for children, even young children and infants. These benefits and the additional physiological information on ventilation inhomogeneity early in the course of lung diseases have led to increasing research activities and clinical application of MBW, especially in paediatric lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). In these patients, LCI detects early airway damage and enables monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. Guidelines for the standardisation of the MBW technique were recently published. These guidelines will, hopefully, increase comparability of LCI data obtained in different centres or intervention trials in children and adults. In this non-systematic review article, we provide an overview of recent developments in MBW, with a special focus on children. We first explain the physiological and technical background to this technique with a short explanation of several methodological aspects that are important for understanding the principle behind the technique and enable high quality measurements. We then provide examples of MBW application in different lung diseases of children and adults, with regards to both clinical application and research activities. Lastly, we report on ongoing clinical trials using MBW as outcome and give an outlook on possible future developments.

Central venous catheterization: An updated review of historical aspects, indications, techniques, and complications

Central venous catheterization has become an indispensable procedure in various situations in the intensive care unit, emergency room and operation room. There are many applications such as invasive hemodynamic monitoring, parenteral nutrition support, dialysis, chemotherapy, fluid resuscitation and drug administration, though there are some complications associated with catheter placement. There are some articles that discuss the security and advantages of the anatomic landmark technique and ultrasound (US) guidance technique. In this non-systematic review article we searched the current data in Pubmed library.