Peer-reviewed Articles Research Articles (Page 1)

Despite informing on the location of functionally relevant white matter tracts, diffusion MRI tractography is not routinely used to guide neurosurgical procedures. The potential of tractography to help avoid postoperative neurologic deficits is not yet fully established. The objective of our study was to assess whether surgeries that incorporated tractography, either alone or in conjunction with other modalities, are associated with a lower risk of long-term postoperative neurologic deficits in patients undergoing resective/ablative intracranial procedures. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis, searching through EMBASE and PubMed databases for all peer-reviewed articles published in English up until December 2024. Studies were included if they reported on intracranial resective or ablative surgeries, if they compared tractography-assisted against non-tractography-assisted approaches, and if they assessed new postoperative neurologic deficits. No restrictions were placed on the age of patients. Studies were assessed for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers, and disagreements were settled by a third. Data extraction was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, quality of studies was evaluated using the GRADE framework, and risk of bias was assessed through a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for Cohort Studies. Data were pooled using a random-effects model with a Mantel-Haenszel method for estimating risk ratios. The primary outcome consisted in any neurologic deficits present at the last follow-up (≥3 months). Of 5,335 studies initially identified, 8 were included after all stages of review, all of which consisted of resective surgeries. A meta-analysis of 629 patients revealed a 55% risk reduction of postoperative neurologic deficits when tractography was incorporated in the neurosurgical workflow. This benefit was consistent when assessing studies where tractography was exclusively used preoperatively. Furthermore, the incorporation of tractography into intraoperative neuronavigation systems was associated with lower proportions of postoperative neurologic deficits, compared with exclusively preoperative tractography. These benefits were found to be present in several additional subgroup and sensitivity analyses. The addition of tractography is associated with a reduced risk of postoperative neurologic deficits in intracranial resective surgeries. Tractography can complement gold standard brain mapping methods such as direct electrical stimulation during awake surgeries or serve as a helpful alternative when electrical stimulation is contraindicated.

Purpose This research systematically investigates the main themes in international marketing and management (IMM) literature published between 1983 and March 2025. Drawing on a comprehensive review of academic publications, it uncovers prevailing research trends and outlines a future agenda, with special attention to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the field. A distinctive feature of this review is its focus on international selling, which serves as the lens for examining how AI is reshaping IMM theory, practice and research development. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on a dataset of 450 peer-reviewed articles sourced from 38 top-tier (Q1) marketing journals. These articles were selected through a keyword-based search strategy targeting titles and keywords explicitly related to IMM. The study employed a hybrid systematic review combining bibliometric analysis and qualitative content analysis, utilizing KH Coder 3.0. Techniques such as multidimensional scaling and co-occurrence network analysis were applied to extract thematic structures and research patterns. Findings The findings indicate a notable shift in IMM research over time, reflected in evolving topics, methods and theoretical approaches. Four main themes and eleven sub-themes were identified. These include (1) international management strategies; (2) market entry strategies – covering cultural distance, strategic alliances, Chinese market contexts, international joint ventures and cross-border acquisitions; (3) digital marketing strategies, with emphasis on platform-based sales and online retail and (4) internationalization and global expansion, informed by transaction cost theory, institutional environments and the roles of small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations. Five emerging themes in the application of AI contribute to enhanced customer satisfaction, stronger engagement and loyalty, more effective co-creation processes, refined market entry strategies, deeper insights into consumer behavior and technological trends and improved performance in omnichannel retailing. Originality/value Unlike prior reviews that examine digitalization and international marketing in isolation, this study uniquely positions international selling as the central lens to explore how AI is transforming research themes, theoretical foundations and managerial practices in IMM.

ABSTRACT Bite-Sized Learning (BSL), characterised by the delivery of content in brief, targeted segments, has emerged as a pedagogical strategy within increasingly digital and flexible higher education landscapes. This systematic literature review, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, synthesises findings from ten peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025 to examine BSL’s reported effects, benefits, challenges, and research gaps. Analysis indicates that BSL is associated with improved short-term knowledge retention, heightened learner engagement, and support for personalised learning, particularly in disciplines such as medicine, ICT, and technical training. Nevertheless, limited evidence exists regarding its long-term efficacy, and its pedagogical value in abstract, discussion-intensive fields remain insufficiently examined. By employing Cognitive Load Theory and Constructivist Learning Theory as interpretive frameworks, the review offers a theoretically grounded account of BSL’s instructional potential and constraints. The findings inform future inquiry into design strategies, disciplinary relevance, and learner-centred implementations of BSL across diverse educational contexts.

Background Marginalised and socially excluded groups face discrimination, multiple health risk factors, and barriers to accessing care, leading to poor health outcomes and substantial inequalities.Aim This scoping review synthesises evidence on the oral health of socially vulnerable populations in the United Kingdom, including people experiencing homelessness, prisoners, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, looked-after children, sex workers, and asylum seekers and refugees.Methods A systematic search of quantitative studies published between January 2000 and December 2021 was conducted, including clinical and subjective measures of oral health, as well as oral health-related behaviours and dental service use. Peer-reviewed articles were searched using Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Grey literature was also included.Results Of the 22 included studies, most focused on homeless and prisoner populations. Overall, studies reported a high prevalence of caries (61-67%), periodontal disease (56-92%), and poor self-reported oral health (71-87%), as well as overall low and mainly symptomatic dental attendance. Studies were predominantly local and based on small samples. The search did not identify any publications for sex workers, asylum seekers and refugees.Conclusions Socially vulnerable groups in the United Kingdom experience significant oral health inequalities. There is a need for more comprehensive research and targeted policies to address these inequalities.

The growing demand for organizational effectiveness has intensified interest in the integration of quality management (QM) and performance appraisal (PA). Yet, their relationship remains fragmented in both theory and practice. While QM emphasizes continuous improvement, customer focus, and operational efficiency, PA is primarily concerned with evaluating employee contributions and aligning them with organizational goals. The problem addressed in this study is the lack of consolidated insights into how these two domains intersect, particularly in terms of enhancing both organizational performance and employee engagement. This study aims to critically review the literature to identify consistent and emerging themes that define the relationship between QM and PA, as well as the associated challenges and future directions. The study employed a systematic literature review approach, synthesizing peer-reviewed research articles, conceptual papers, and case studies across management and organizational performance domains. Findings reveal three consistent themes: the enduring influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) on organizational performance, the role of performance management systems in employee motivation, and the adoption of innovative appraisal methods. In addition, two rising themes were identified: the integration of QM with innovation performance, and the expansion of QM systems in specialized industries such as healthcare and automotive. The implications of this study are both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it bridges QM and PA as mutually reinforcing processes within organizational performance frameworks. Practically, it highlights the need for hybrid models that align QM practices with modern, technology-driven appraisal systems, offering pathways for sustainable growth, innovation, and employee engagement.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial-like tissue, with emerging evidence highlighting a significant genetic contribution to its etiology. While genome-wide association studies have identified multiple common variants associated with sporadic endometriosis, the contribution of rare variants in familial endometriosis remains understudied. This scoping review aims to collate the published literature on familial endometriosis and systematically curate the genetic findings reported for familial endometriosis, including details of genetic variants, gene functions, and their associated biological pathways, to explore the monogenic inheritance of this disorder. This scoping review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews and was registered on the OSF (Open Science Framework). A comprehensive search was conducted across four major literature databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. The Population, Concept, Context (PCC) framework of JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) guidance was utilized for eligibility, where the population included participants with a familial history of endometriosis. The concept comprised studies focusing on the identification of genes and genetic variants for familial endometriosis. Context included English language and peer-reviewed primary research articles involving research on the genetics of familial endometriosis from all over the world. Data was extracted on the study design, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of patients, family history, identified genes/variants, their location, detection methods, and other details. Further investigation into the biological relevance of the identified genes in terms of their functions and pathways was done using various bioinformatic tools, including Gene Ontology, Pathway Enrichment, and Gene-Pathway Network. Eight studies comprising 16 families with familial endometriosis met the inclusion criteria, which identified variants within 18 genes, including CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1, CDKN2BAS, FN1, WNT4, UGT2B28, USP17L2, TNFRSF1B, CIITA, NPSR1, CRABP1, GEN1, ADGRG7, TFG, FGFR4, NALCN, and NAV2. The identified variants spanned coding as well as non-coding regions. The identified genes were implicated in key biological roles in endometriosis-relevant pathways such as estrogen metabolism, inflammation, immune regulation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and neurogenic signaling. This scoping review collated 18 genes implicated in familial endometriosis from across the literature, suggesting monogenic causes with rare, potentially deleterious genetic variants underlying the origin of the disease in families. Further research and functional validation on these potential candidate genes is necessary to understand the genetics of familial endometriosis, which could potentially pave the way for personalized risk prediction and targeted therapeutic strategies.

The resurgence of MPOX (formerly known as Monkeypox) across African countries has highlighted longstanding deficiencies in epidemic preparedness, vaccine access, and healthcare infrastructure on the continent. Despite bearing a significant disease burden, African nations continue to face delays in vaccine acquisition and distribution, reflecting more profound structural and historical inequities. This systematic review synthesizes literature published between 2016 and 2024, including peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and institutional reports. The review aims to explore the dynamics of MPOX outbreaks in Africa, patterns of vaccine inequity, and the systemic limitations that hinder local response capacity. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to analyze data relating to vaccine access, production capacity, regulatory environments, and structural determinants of health. The findings reveal Africa's continued dependency on external vaccine sources, shaped by colonial legacies and weak local pharmaceutical systems. During the 2022 global MPOX outbreak, high-income countries swiftly secured vaccine supplies, while African nations experienced significant delays despite high transmission rates. Although efforts to establish local manufacturing are emerging, they are constrained by limited infrastructure, fragmented regulatory systems, shortages of skilled workers, and restrictive intellectual property regimes. Furthermore, the review identifies a need for harmonized regulatory frameworks and sustainable investment in regional manufacturing capabilities. Addressing MPOX and future health threats in Africa demands a shift toward decolonized health systems that emphasize South-South collaboration, indigenous knowledge, and local ownership. Strategic interventions, such as regulatory harmonization, equitable technology transfer, and capacity-building, are essential to reduce external dependency. Coordinated short-term actions and long-term investments are crucial for fostering resilient, self-sustaining health systems that can respond effectively to emerging infectious diseases.

ABSTRACT This paper responds to an ongoing dialogue amongst policy makers and academics regarding how an urban innovation district can act as a cauldron and catalyser of innovative activities and drive urban regeneration and economic growth. A systematic review of the literature on district creation and thematic analysis is conducted on peer-reviewed articles in the business and management discipline, identifying 64 of the most relevant publications in the field and the topics of interest. A literature classification framework is developed, focusing on how urban innovation districts are conceptually framed and methodologically studied, with particular attention to the strategies and theoretical foundations that inform their development. The literature is classified into three major categories based on the main focus of each article: ‘Policy’, ‘Place’ and key ‘Actors’ who drive the development of a district. From the analysis, it is argued that relational proximity, local interaction and synergistic relationships are essential components in enhancing knowledge spillover and innovation creation in urban innovation districts. However, relatively few articles are published on the interactions between key Actors, and the dynamics underlying these interactions. Our main contributions are the development of an inductively derived framework that organises the literature into three categories and highlights dominant conceptual and methodological patterns; and the identification of prominent research gaps across these categories, accompanied by methodological and implementation-oriented suggestions to inform future scholarly and practical work.

This study aimed to identify the prospects of green librarianship in academic settings. It also intended to reveal best practices for the adoption of green libraries. A systematic literature review methodology was incorporated to address the study's objectives. Twenty-two studies (peer-reviewed research articles and conference papers) published in 11 reputable digital databases were selected to conduct the investigation. The study revealed five critical prospects for green librarianship within academia: advocacy, innovation, institutional devotion, sociocultural empowerment, and transformative education. Initiatives like institutional planning, resource acquisition, community development, infrastructure and environmental education were found to be most useful in adopting green libraries. The study contributes to theory and practice by formulating specific managerial, methodological, and social implications.

Financial Technology (FinTech) is fundamentally reshaping the accounting profession, accelerating the shift from routine transactional activities to more strategic, data-driven functions. This transformation demands advanced digital competencies, yet the scholarly understanding of these skills remains fragmented. To provide conceptual and analytical clarity, this study defines FinTech as an ecosystem of enabling technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain, that collectively drive this professional transition. Addressing the lack of systematic synthesis, the study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, complemented by bibliometric analysis, to map the intellectual landscape. The review focuses on peer-reviewed journal articles published between January 2020 and June 2025, thereby capturing the accelerated digital transformation of the post-pandemic era. The analysis identifies four dominant thematic clusters: (1) the professional context and digital transformation; (2) the educational response and curriculum development; (3) core competencies and their technological drivers; and (4) ethical judgement and professional responsibilities. Synthesising these themes reveals critical research gaps in faculty readiness, curriculum integration, ethical governance, and the empirical validation of institutional strategies. By offering a structured map of the field, this review contributes actionable insights for educators, professional bodies, and firms, and advances a forward-looking research agenda to align professional readiness with the realities of the FinTech era.

Background/Objectives: Research on restaurants has traditionally emphasized business operations. Considering restaurants’ growing role in shaping dietary patterns and public health outcomes, this study aimed to map the scope, trends, and gaps in scholarly research addressing food-related aspects of restaurants, excluding business-oriented topics. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Search terms encompassed multiple restaurant categories, including fast food, fast casual, casual dining, and fine dining. After screening, 956 peer-reviewed English-language journal articles were included. Descriptive performance metrics were calculated, and keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted. Results: Findings revealed that nutrition-related studies dominate the literature, particularly research linking fast food consumption to obesity and the impact of menu labeling policies on consumer behavior. Food science research was comparatively limited and concentrated primarily on food safety and uses for degraded frying oil. The analysis also highlighted a strong research focus on fast food, while fast casual and fine dining restaurants were notably underrepresented. Conclusions: Future studies should move beyond short-term, cross-sectional designs and incorporate longitudinal approaches to better capture how policy interventions, such as menu labeling and reformulation incentives affect consumer food choices and restaurant offerings over time. Understanding how to reduce restaurants’ contribution to the incidence of diet-related noncommunicable disease risk factors such as obesity and hypertension will require research trials that jointly manipulate key factors such as economic (prices and incentives), structural (recipes, assortment, and operations), and behavioral (choice architecture). Research could also investigate strategies to reduce allergen risks by evaluating standardized training programs and integrated menu/POS disclosure systems. In addition, examination of consumer acceptance of sustainable ingredient substitutions and packaging methods is needed.

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders, causing progressive cognitive and motor decline. High rates of new diagnoses, coupled with increasing evidence linking gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction to neurodegeneration, highlight the significance of understanding the gut-brain axis (GBA). Changes in gut microbiota composition are associated with amyloid-beta accumulation in AD and α-synuclein aggregation in PD, suggesting that gut dysbiosis and inflammation may worsen disease pathology. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed primary research articles published between 2014 and 2025. Articles were selected based on their relevance to GI inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Studies involving human participants and relevant animal models were prioritized. Databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and SpringerLink. Results: Gut dysbiosis was consistently associated with increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation, and neuroinflammatory responses in AD and PD. Specific microbial imbalances correlated with accelerated disease progression and cognitive decline. Animal studies demonstrated that fecal microbiota transplantation from diseased individuals worsened motor and mental symptoms, while interventions targeting gut health, such as probiotics and dietary modifications, reduced neuroinflammation and improved outcomes. Discussion: Findings support the GBA’s critical role in mediating neurodegeneration through immune activation and inflammatory pathways. Dysbiosis-induced changes in microbial metabolite production, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tryptophan derivatives, further contribute to neuroinflammatory processes. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges remain in translating gut-targeted therapies to clinical use due to variability in individual microbiomes and limited longitudinal human data. Conclusion: This review emphasizes the gut microbiota as a modifiable factor in the pathogenesis of AD and PD. Targeting GI inflammation and restoring microbial balance may offer novel therapeutic strategies for slowing disease progression. Future research should focus on validating gut-derived biomarkers, personalizing microbiome-based treatments, and conducting longitudinal clinical trials to optimize gut-brain interventions in neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract Water scarcity threatens global health and development, prompting increased adoption of recycled water. However, recycled water introduces potential health risks due to pathogenic microorganisms. Aerosol-generating applications of recycled water are particularly concerning yet understudied. This systematic literature review examined the human health risks associated with aerosols generated from non-potable applications of recycled water. Ten peer-reviewed articles from the United States, France, China, and Israel assessed infection risk using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). These studies focused on aerosolised exposure to four pathogens: Legionella pneumophila , Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and norovirus genogroup I and II through inhalation and dermal contact. Infection risks for L. pneumophila and E. coli from toilet flushing ranged from 2.95 × 10 −6 to 8.52 × 10 −5 and 8.8 × 10 –15 to 8.3 × 10 –11 infections per person-year (ippy), respectively, all within the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limit of 10 −4 ippy. For irrigation, risks for L. pneumophila ranged from 1 × 10 –12 to 1.3 × 10 −2 ippy and for norovirus from 1 × 10 −3 to 8.1 × 10 −3 ippy. Other applications included fountains (≥ 7.96 × 10 −4 ), cooling towers (1 × 10 −4 − 1 × 10 −2 ), dust control (1.71 × 10 −5 − 8.78 × 10 −4 ), and S. aureus through dermal contact (2.7 × 10 −7 ). Most studies estimated aerosol dose indirectly using source water pathogen concentrations and exposure scenarios, contributing to variability in predicted risks. These findings highlight the need for microbial risk assessment models incorporating direct exposure measurements to estimate pathogen concentrations in aerosols across applications.

Purpose This study develops a theoretically grounded understanding of Industry 5.0 (IR5) and proposes an integrative framework to clarify its organisational implications for leading change in digitally transforming socio-technical environments. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a structured integrative review of 160 peer-reviewed articles and seven institutional reports, guided by socio-technical systems theory, to inform the analysis. Findings This study offers a new, concise definition of Industry 5.0 (IR5) as a socially constructed framework that reconfigures industrial systems by embedding the principles of human-centricity, sustainability and resilience into advanced digitalisation. It introduces the IR5 CPC model (conditions-processes-consequences), a comprehensive framework identifying key enabling conditions (e.g. visionary leadership and digital readiness), three digitalisation logics (resilience, sustainability and well-being-driven) and dual outcomes (benefits and risks) across organisational, economic, societal and environmental domains. Research limitations/implications This study encourages empirical research on how AI- and ERP-based (enterprise resource planning) standard operating procedures (SOPs) facilitate IR5-aligned transformation. It also recommends multi-theoretical approaches to capture its socio-technical complexity. Practical implications This study facilitates change leaders in designing phased, ethically aware digital strategies and supports policymakers in aligning incentives and regulations with sustainable, inclusive digitalisation. Originality/value This is the first study to provide a theoretically integrated definition and framework of IR5, bridging fragmented literature and advancing future inquiry.

There has been an unprecedented progress in the field of fertility preservation (FP) beginning in the late 1990s. Specifically, technological innovations, refinements in the protocols, and a deeper understanding of reproductive physiology have collectively contributed the increased success and utilization of FP methods. The objectives of this review are: (i) to identify the most recent and significant advances in FP, and (ii) based on evidence, to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date source of contemporary FP management approaches to guide clinicians in critical decision-making. In addition to cancer treatments, the indications for FP have expanded to include various systemic conditions such as haematological, metabolic, genetic, and immunological disorders, as well as gonadal surgery and a wish to delay childbearing. Due to the introduction of random start ovarian stimulation protocols and use of anti-oestrogen agents along with ovarian stimulation drugs, coupled with increased success with oocyte cryopreservation, improvements in ovarian tissue cryopreservation and refinements of transplantation techniques, women can now benefit from various FP options through an individualized approach. We searched for peer-reviewed articles in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases containing the key words: FP, ovarian ageing, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and in vitro follicle growth, in the English-language literature from inception to May 2025. Cryopreservation of embryos have long been performed successfully in the field of ART. With the advent and widespread of use vitrification, the experimental tag was removed and oocyte cryopreservation was defined as a standard technique of FP. The applicability, success, and safety of random start ovarian stimulation protocols have been demonstrated in many studies including meta-analyses. Improvements in ovarian tissue cryopreservation outcomes have been reported with robotic surgery, use of neovascularizing extracellular matrix, and adjuvant pharmacotherapy. The use of GnRH analogues along with chemotherapy has been trialled as a way of avoiding the need for FP. Although the rate of premature ovarian insufficiency was reported to be lower in some patient populations treated this way, no improvements in live birth rates have been demonstrated. Among the emerging and future options are the use of ovarian tissue freezing and pharmacological approaches to delay menopause and reproductive ageing, non-suppressive gonadoprotective pharmacotherapy, in vitro gametogenesis and in vitro purging of cancer cells from ovarian tissue for cryopreservation. Animal studies have reported success with in vitro follicle growth, and progress is being made with human ovarian tissue. The evolution of FP techniques has profound implications for clinical practice, not only for individuals facing fertility-compromising treatments or conditions, but also for the potential deferral of reproductive ageing. The advent of in vitro primordial follicle growth and gametogenesis may further revolutionize the landscape of reproductive medicine and FP. N/A.

The emergence of STEAM education, which integrates the Arts into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), reflects a growing recognition of the need to develop both technical proficiency and creative capacity in learners. This shift emphasizes the importance of preparing students to tackle complex, real-world problems through innovative and interdisciplinary thinking. Drawing on an integrative review of 108 scholarly articles, from Scopus, ERIC, and Web of Science, we included peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024; this paper traces the conceptual evolution of STEAM education and examines its pedagogical implications for the psychomotor domain. It critically explores how incorporating the Arts reshapes traditional understandings of skill acquisition by highlighting hands-on, embodied, and creative approaches to problem-solving. The article, therefore, explores the concept of psycho-productive competency to capture the interplay between psychomotor skills and cognitive–emotional dimensions of learning. Findings underscore the need for teaching strategies and learning environments that move beyond technical demonstration to foster creativity, innovation, and holistic development. This re-examination of the psychomotor domain positions educational practice in line with the demands of a rapidly changing, knowledge-driven world.

Objectives This narrative review evaluates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, summarizing its historical evolution, current applications across medical and surgical specialties, and implications for allied health professions and biomedical research. Methods We conducted a structured literature search in Ovid MEDLINE (2018–2025) using terms related to AI, machine learning, deep learning, large language models, generative AI, and healthcare applications. Priority was given to peer-reviewed articles providing novel insights, multidisciplinary perspectives, and coverage of underrepresented domains. Key findings AI is increasingly applied to diagnostics, surgical navigation, risk prediction, and personalized medicine. It also holds promise in allied health, drug discovery, genomics, and clinical trial optimization. However, adoption remains limited by challenges including bias, interpretability, legal frameworks, and uneven global access. Contributions This review highlights underexplored areas such as generative AI and allied health professions, providing an integrated multidisciplinary perspective. Conclusions With careful regulation, clinician-led design, and global equity considerations, AI can augment healthcare delivery and research. Future work must focus on robust validation, responsible implementation, and expanding education in digital medicine.

The participation of children with disabilities in early childhood education and care (ECEC) is not only a fundamental right, but also important for their development and well-being. However, the conceptualization of participation and the individual experiences of children in inclusive ECEC remain insufficiently understood. This systematic review aimed to investigate (1) how participation is defined and operationalized in empirical research and (2) the extent to which children with disabilities participate in inclusive ECEC. A search of peer-reviewed articles identified 28 relevant studies, which were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. Although the studies referenced similar conceptual frameworks, they used varied definitions of participation and related constructs. Most studies operationalized participation in terms of levels of involvement or engagement, assessed through observation tools or questionnaires. Findings suggest that children with disabilities participate less in ECEC activities and peer interactions than their peers without disabilities, with first indications to important influencing factors. The review underscores the need for further research into underlying mechanisms and the development of effective interventions.

In recent years, public discourse on pesticide impacts has increasingly recognized institutional and structural racism as key drivers of health disparities in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. While pesticides are vital for crop protection from causing yield losses, extensive research highlights their adverse effects on environmental quality and human health. These impacts disproportionately burden BIPOC populations, making pesticides a major environmental justice (EJ) concern like many other environmental pollutants. Despite progress in understanding these effects and advancing EJ, significant technical, social, and policy gaps remain. The objective of this review is to systematically examine critical gaps in technical, social, and policy dimensions, as well as the environmental and human health impacts of pesticide exposure on BIPOC communities in the United States, through the lens of environmental justice. This review synthesizes 128 sources peer-reviewed articles, books, reports on pesticides, EJ, and BIPOC communities in the U.S. Key findings reveal uneven distribution of pesticide-related health and environmental burdens along racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. Non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican Americans exhibit higher pesticide biomarkers and greater exposure risks than non-Hispanic Whites. Structural racism and classism, rooted in historical systems, perpetuate these inequities, compounded by regulatory failures and power imbalances. In addition, the EPA has flagged 31 pesticide manufacturing facilities for “Significant Violations” of key environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. These systemic issues underscore urgent needs for transparency, accountability, and equitable policy reform. An EJ framework exposes critical knowledge gaps and calls for structural changes to ensure equal protection and responsive policies for the most affected communities.

Background/Objectives: This exploratory systematic review aims to analyze the influence of isolated muscle flexibility training on the reduction of chronic pain symptoms in older adults aged 65 years or more. Articles were selected from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, using the EndNote software for reference management. The selection process followed the PICOS framework and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. Methods: The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials with participants aged 65 or older, evaluating the effect of flexibility training as a standalone intervention on chronic pain, and published in English or Portuguese. Studies were excluded if they involved multimodal training, did not specify participants’ ages, evaluated only acute or postoperative pain, or were not peer-reviewed articles. Results: From an initial pool of 1390 articles, only three met all criteria and were included in the final analysis. These studies—conducted in China (n = 2) and the United States (n = 1)—showed moderate methodological quality (PEDro score = 7/10). Two trials applied Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in participants with knee osteoarthritis, while the third compared a flexibility-based program to combined strength and aerobic training in a healthy elderly population. All studies reported significant reductions in chronic pain symptoms following flexibility training interventions. Conclusions: The reviewed evidence suggests that muscle flexibility training, particularly using techniques like PNF, may be a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate specific chronic pain-related symptoms in older adults, particularly reductions in joint stiffness, movement discomfort, and pain intensity associated with osteoarthritis. However, the limited number of high-quality trials and heterogeneity in protocols and pain assessment tools highlight the need for further research.