Protocol Registration Research Articles

Adherence to PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines and scope of systematic reviews published in nursing: A cross-sectional analysis.

Systematic reviews are considered the highest level of evidence that can help guide evidence-informed decisions in nursing practice, education, and even health policy. Systematic review publications have increased from a sporadic few in 1980s to more than 10,000 systematic reviews published every year and around 30,000 registered in prospective registries. A cross-sectional design and a variety of data sources were triangulated to identify the journals from which systematic reviews would be evaluated for adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 reporting guidelines and scope. Specifically, this study used the PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines to assess the reporting of the introduction, methods, information sources and search strategy, study selection process, quality/bias assessments, and results and discussion aspects of the included systematic reviews. Upon review of the 215 systematic reviews published in 10 top-tier journals in the field of nursing in 2019 and 2020, this study identified several opportunities to improve the reporting of systematic reviews in the context of the 2020 PRISMA statement. Areas of priority for reporting include the following key areas: (1) information sources, (2) search strategies, (3) study selection process, (4) bias reporting, (5) explicit discussion of the implications to policy, and lastly, the need for (6) prospective protocol registration. The use of the PRISMA 2020 guidelines by authors, peer reviewers, and editors can help to ensure the transparent and detailed reporting of systematic reviews published in the nursing literature. Systematic reviews are considered strong research evidence that can guide evidence-based practice and even clinical decision-making. This paper addresses some common methodological and process issues among systematic reviews that can guide clinicians and practitioners to be more critical in appraising research evidence that can shape nursing practice.

Enhancing secure financial transactions through the synergy of blockchain and artificial intelligence

Blockchain and artificial intelligence are innovative technologies that can securely process and share data across unreliable networks. Due to data leakage from user information, it is critical to keep the data confidential and completely protected because criminals are looking for this information to attack the system or steal information in the banking sector. To address this issue, this paper suggests an Integrated Blockchain and Artificial intelligence (IBAI) Framework for secure financial transactions. A blockchain can store every customer's data in one place, while AI-driven algorithms can speedily examine that data and make an unbiased decision. The rising blockchain technology provides a decentralized architecture that enables the secure sharing of data and resources to the different networks and is promoted for removing centralized control and resolving the problems of AI. When suspicious behaviour happens, alerts can be triggered to avert theft. Furthermore, registration protocols based on AI are utilized to keep this data in comprehensive security. The numerical results show that the suggested IBAI model enhances the suspicious behaviour detection ratio and increases accuracy up to 98% compared to other models.

Using a Cloud-Based Electronic Signature System for Organizing Electronic Voting

The article is devoted to the research on the issues of voter authentication in electronic voting systems and the creation of a description of a system model that is designed to organize electronic voting using a cloud signature system as a reliable authentication method. Within the framework of the study, the concept of electronic voting is formalized and a list of stages. The shortcomings of existing voter authentication systems are noted. The advantages of an electronic digital signature as the most reliable method of authentication are substantiated, the disadvantages of this approach are indicated and possible ways to eliminate them are proposed. The components of the cloud signature system are described and a diagram of the signature activation protocol, which is used in the process of generating an electronic digital signature, is provided. A description of the developed voter registration protocol in the electronic voting system is presented. The possibility of using a cloud signature system as part of the voter registration protocol in the electronic voting system is demonstrated. An analysis of the resistance of the proposed protocol to known attacks is carried out.

Risk factors and mortality outcomes of COVID-19 in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study was performed to reveal the risk factors associated with mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV) who were diagnosed with COVID-19. Studies reporting deaths among PLHIV and infected with SARS-CoV-2 were investigated. After protocol setup and registration, the extracted sources were categorized and assessed for quality. This study examined ten articles with a total of 46,136 patients. Patients aged ≥ 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.617, 3.050; p < 0.001), male (HR = 1.668; 95% CI: 1.179, 2.361; p = 0.004), and people with diabetes (risk ratio [RR] = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.45, 7.68; p = 0.005) were at higher risk of death. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduced mortality risk (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.98; p = 0.02). Patients in the survival groups showed a statistically significant lower mean of C-reactive protein (mean difference = 114.08; 95% -74.05, 154.10; p < 0.001). Deceased patients showed higher mean levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Chronic respiratory disorders, hypertension, oxygen requirement, admission to an intensive care unit, D-dimer levels, and HIV viral load < 50 copies RNA/mL before admission did not show statistically significant differences between the deceased and survival groups. ART therapy reduced mortality risk (RR = 0.90; 95% 0.83, 0.98; p = 0.02). Identifying PLHIV at higher mortality risk could improve the outcomes of COVID-19 by stratifying these patients to the most effective treatment in a timely fashion.

Hand grips strength in athletic and non-athletic girls at different phases of menstrual cycle: an observational case–control study

BackgroundThere are a significant number of female athletes competing at the highest levels of sport. But, women are still largely underrepresented in scientific literature. The female menstrual cycle is characterized by variations in circulating hormone levels, which may have an impact on performance.AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of hormonal changes through different menstrual cycle phases on hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength of athletic and non-athletic girls.MethodsAn observational case control study was conducted on forty post-pubertal girls, their ages ranged from 16 to 22 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups: athletic group of twenty basketball and tennis players recruited from basketball and tennis teams at Mena Garden City Club, 6 October Club, and Shooting Club October and non-athletic group of twenty non-sportive undergraduate students from Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology. Hand grip strength was evaluated by Jamar hand dynamometer, while pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength were evaluated by Jamar pinch gauge through three different menstrual cycle phases (follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases).ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength in non-athletic group. Also, there was a significant increase in three fingers pinch strength and lateral pinch strength in athletic group during the ovulatory phase across the menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). But, there was a significant difference across menstrual phases in handgrip strength and pulp pinch strength in athletic group (p > 0.05).ConclusionHormonal changes during menstrual cycle phases do not alter handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength performance for athletic girls. But, they alter hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers, and lateral pinch grip strength performance for non-athletic girls.Trial registrationThe protocol of the study was registered in clinical trials.gov PRS (Protocol Registration and Result System (registration No.NCT06086262), Registered on 17 October 2023). The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University prior to its beginning (approval No P.T.REC/012/003358) .

Effectiveness of family centred interventions for family caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To examine the effectiveness of family-centred interventions among family caregivers. Family-centred interventions are an emerging form of intervention that can be effective at improving physical and mental health outcomes for patients and family caregivers. To date, no reviews have examined the effectiveness of family-centred interventions for family caregivers. A systematic review, including a meta-analysis, was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) checklist. Seven English and two Chinese electronic databases were compressively searched from the outset to March 2023. Two researchers independently reviewed the abstracts and full texts, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias independently by using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias assessment tool'. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 20 articles. The results of the meta-analysis showed that family-centred interventions could significantly improve caregiver burden (p=0.003), quality of life (p=0.007), depression (p=0.0002), and stress (p<0.0001) but not anxiety or family functioning. According to our subgroup analysis, the family-centred empowerment model (p=0.009) was superior to the other family intervention (p=0.004) in reducing caregiver burden. Family-centred interventions are more effective at reducing the burden of caregiving on family caregivers of adolescent patients (SMD=-0.79, 95% CI[-1.22,-0.36], p=0.0003) than on adult patients (SMD=-0.37, 95% CI [-0.61,-0.12], p=0.004). Family-centred interventions could enhance family caregivers' burden, quality of life, stress and depression but had no significant impact on anxiety or family functioning. Family-centred interventions have the potential to improve the health status and caregiving burden of family caregivers. Rigorous and high-quality evidence is needed to confirm the long-term effects of these interventions on family caregivers. The protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (Protocol registration ID: CRD42023453607).

Experiences, prevalence and drivers of disrespect and abuse of adolescents during facility-based childbirth in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionAdolescents are more likely to experience disrespect and abuse (D&A) by skilled health personnel during facility-based childbirth. However, research evidence on the experiences, prevalence and drivers of D&A of adolescents...

Cognitive, behavioral, and affective mechanisms underlying the efficacy of Applied Relaxation in reducing psychopathological symptoms: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study examined the cognitive, behavioral, and affective mechanisms underlying the efficacy of Applied Relaxation (AR) in reducing psychopathological symptoms. AR is a cognitive-behavioral technique that allows for rapid relaxation at the first sign of stress or tension in daily life. MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted in 277 adults (18–55 years) with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress but without a 12-month DSM-5 mental disorder at study entry. Participants were randomized to an intervention group receiving AR training (10 weeks, N = 139) and an assessment-only control group (N = 138). Mental health outcomes (depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) and potential cognitive (self-efficacy, perceived control), behavioral (coping behaviors) and affective (positive and negative affect) mediators of the intervention efficacy were assessed at baseline and post-assessment in both groups. ResultsStructural equation models indicated that baseline to post reductions in psychopathological symptoms due to AR partially passed through less avoidance-oriented and less other dysfunctional coping (proportion of total effect mediated; ratio of indirect to total effect: resignation: 55.0%, rumination: 27.9%, escape: 27.4%, aggression: 21.3%), less negative affect (46.3%), more positive affect (41.8%), lower external control beliefs (14.5%), and higher self-efficacy (13.3%). ConclusionsOur results suggest that improvements in cognitive, behavioral, and affective mediator variables partially explain the intervention efficacy of AR in improving mental health. Trial registration and data statementThe study protocol has been pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03311529). The study protocol, minimum dataset, and analysis codes are available at OpARA - Open Access Repository and Archive. Supplementary materials (e.g., the course manual and additional training materials) are available on request from the last author (katja.beesdo-baum@tu-dresden.de).

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive function recovery in patients with depression following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for depressive disorder. However, the use of ECT is limited by its cognitive side effects (CSEs), and no specific intervention has been developed to address this problem. As transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and useful tool for improving cognitive function, the main objective of this study was to explore the ability to use tDCS after ECT to ameliorate the cognitive side effects.Methods60 eligible participants will be recruited within two days after completing ECT course and randomly assigned to receive either active or sham stimulation in a blinded, parallel-design trial and continue their usual pharmacotherapy. The tDCS protocol consists of 30-min sessions at 2 mA, 5 times per week for 2 consecutive weeks, applied through 15-cm2 electrodes. An anode will be placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and a cathode will be placed over the right supraorbital cortex. Cognitive function and depressive symptoms will be assessed before the first stimulation (T0), after the final stimulation (T1), 2 weeks after the final stimulation (T2), and 4 weeks after the final stimulation (T3) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).DiscussionWe describe a novel clinical trial to explore whether the administration of tDCS after completing ECT course can accelerates recovery from the CSEs. We hypothesized that the active group would recover faster from the CSEs and be superior to the sham group. If our hypothesis is supported, the use of tDCS could benefit eligible patients who are reluctant to receive ECT and reduce the risk of self-inflicted or suicide due to delays in treatment.Trial registration detailsThe trial protocol is registered with https://www.chictr.org.cn/ under protocol registration number ChiCTR2300071147 (date of registration: 05.06.2023). Recruitment will start in November 2023.

Dual antiplatelet therapy after intravenous thrombolysis for patients with minor ischemic stroke：A meta-analysis

ObjectiveIntravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has been shown to effectively decrease both the disability rate and mortality associated with acute ischemic stroke, however, there is also a risk of vascular re-occlusion. Antiplatelet therapy can mitigate this risk. Nevertheless, there are no relevant guidelines recommending whether the administration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel can be performed following thrombolysis. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis utilizing multiple studies in order to assess the effectiveness and safety of DAPT after IVT in cases of acute mild ischemic stroke (AMIS). MethodsA comprehensive search on English literature published was performed on databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane up until September 1, 2023. All cases were ischemic stroke patients who underwent IVT within a 4.5-hour timeframe and had a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≤5 (or 3) upon admission. The primary efficacy endpoint is the 90-day Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score (MRS score 0–1), while the primary safety endpoint encompassed the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) and 90-day mortality. The study's secondary objective is the recurrence of any type of stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic) within a 90-day period. The included studies underwent an evaluation of bias risk using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Risk ratios (RRs) and CIs were calculated using a random effects model, and the findings and heterogeneity among the included studies were visually presented on a forest plot. (There was a protocol registration (PROSPERO):). ResultsOut of the 1081 studies that were obtained, only 3 met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis (657 patients in total). The findings indicate that, there was a significant difference in the mRS of 0–1 between single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with only aspirin or clopidogrel and DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel ((RR,1.11[95%CI,0.99–1.24];P=0.07;I2=55%), and no significant difference in stroke recurrence after 90 days or 1 year ((RR,0.94[95%CI,0.41–2.16];P=0.89;I2=30%); Regarding safety evaluation, the results showed no significant difference in the SICH (RR,0.65[95%CI,0.11–3.97];P=0.64;I2=0%) and the incidence of mortality (RR,0.97[95%CI,0.19–4.96];P=0.97;I2=0%) between the two groups. ConclusionsFor patients with acute mild ischemic stroke (AMIS), in conjunction with DAPT after IVT can improve the 90-day prognosis, without increasing the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. However, it cannot reduce the risk of stroke recurrence.

Predicting residual cholesteatoma with the Potsic staging system still lacks evidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeTo investigate the rate of residual disease in the Potsic staging system for congenital cholesteatomas.MethodsA protocol registration was published on PROSPERO (CRD42022383932), describing residual disease as a primary outcome and hearing improvement as secondary. A systematic search was performed in four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) on December 14, 2022. Articles were included if cholesteatomas were staged according to the Potsic system and follow-up duration was documented. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. In the statistical synthesis a random effects model was used. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using I2.ResultsThirteen articles were found to be eligible for systematic review and seven were included in the meta-analysis section. All records were retrospective cohort studies with high risk of bias. Regarding the proportions of residual disease, analysis using the χ2 test showed no statistically significant difference between Potsic stages after a follow-up of minimum one year (stage I 0.06 (confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.33); stage II 0.20 (CI 0.09–0.38); stage III 0.06 (CI 0.00–0.61); stage IV: 0.17 (CI 0.01–0.81)). Postoperative and preoperative hearing outcomes could not be analyzed due to varied reporting. Results on cholesteatoma location and mean age at staging were consistent with those previously published.ConclusionNo statistically significant difference was found in the proportions of residual disease between Potsic stages, thus the staging system’s applicability for outcome prediction could not be proven based on the available data. Targeted studies are needed for a higher level of evidence.

Bayesian evaluation of diverging theories of episodic and affective memory distortions in dysphoria

People suffering from dysphoria retrieve autobiographical memories distorted in content and affect, which may contribute to the aetiology and maintenance of depression. However, key memory difficulties in dysphoria remain elusive because theories disagree how memories of different valence are altered. Here, we assessed the psychophysiological expression of affect and retrieved episodic detail while participants with dysphoria (but without a diagnosed mental illness) and participants without dysphoria relived positive, negative, and neutral memories. We show that participants with dysphoria retrieve positive memories with diminished episodic detail and negative memories with enhanced detail, compared to participants without dysphoria. This is in line with negativity bias but not overgeneral memory bias theories. According to confirmatory analyses, participants with dysphoria also express diminished positive affect and enhanced negative affect when retrieving happy memories, but exploratory analyses suggest that this increase in negative affect may not be robust. Further confirmatory analyses showed that affective responses to memories are not related to episodic detail and already present during the experience of new emotional events. Our results indicate that affective memory distortions may not emerge from mnemonic processes but from general distortions in positive affect, which challenges assumptions of memory theories and therapeutics. Protocol registration: The Stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on the 18rd of March 2021. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14605374.v1.

The methodological and reporting quality of randomized controlled trials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for advanced differentiated thyroid cancer: Meta-research study.

Clinical trials on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) treatment have shown an improvement in overall and progression-free survival in patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer. However, it is necessary to evaluate these studies to assess methodological biases and inconsistencies that may impact the effects. To map and assess the methodological quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) regarding randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, and selective reporting bias. RCTs assessing the efficacy and safety of TKI for the treatment of advanced differentiated thyroid cancer were included. The search was performed in the MEDLINE database. The included RCTs were assessed for the adequacy of the methodological steps, as recommended by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Nine studies were analyzed, of which 77.7% were classified as low risk of bias regarding selective reporting and 33.3% as high risk of reporting bias. The mean time between protocol registration and study publication was approximately 5.11 years. Moreover, 66.7% were classified as low risk of bias for randomization and allocation concealment, and 33.3% did not specify the randomization process and allocation concealment in a way that would allow the identification of occurrences of bias. Concerning blinding of participants and outcome assessors, 77.8% of the RCTs reported adequate blinding and were classified as having a low risk of bias, 11.1% had a high risk of bias, and 11.1% had insufficient information and were classified as having unclear risk of bias. Regarding the blinding of the outcome assessors, 33.3% did the blinding correctly, 11.1% did not blind, and 55.6% did not provide enough information. Overall, the assessed RCTs were predominantly at low risk of bias. The critical evaluation of these studies is essential to have confidence in the treatment estimated effect that will support clinical decision-making and provide information to preclude future clinical study flaws.

Structured Counselling and Regular Telephonic follow up to improve Referral flow and compliance in Nepal for Diabetic Retinopathy(SCREEN-D Study): a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundDiabetic Retinopathy (DR) is an emerging public health issue, leading to severe visual impairment or blindness. Early identification and prompt treatment play a key role in achieving good visual outcomes. The objective of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of SCREEN package on improving referral compliance from peripheral centres to a tertiary eye centre in Nepal.MethodsIn this facility-based cluster-randomized trial, ten out of 19 referring centres of the tertiary eye care centre in Lumbini zone, Nepal were randomized into intervention and control groups. A SCREEN packagewereprovided as intervention for DR patients who require advanced treatment in the tertiary centres and was compared with the current practice of the control arm, where structured counselling and follow-up mechanism are absent. Compliance was estimated by a weekly follow-up between the referring centre and the referred hospital.ResultsWe recruited 302 participantsof whom 153 were in the intervention arm. The mean age of the participants was 57.8 years (Standard deviation [SD]±11.7 years). With implementation of SCREEN package71.2% (n=109) in the intervention group and 42.9% (n=64) in the control group were compliant till three months of follow-up (Difference 28.3%, 95% CI: 17.6- 39.0, p<0.05). Compliance was 43% (n=66) with counselling alone, and 66% (n=103) with first telephonic follow-up in the intervention arm. The mean duration to reach the referral centre was 14.7 days (SD± 9.4 days) and 18.2 days (SD± 9.1 days) in the intervention and the control arm, respectively (Difference 3.5 days, 95% CI: 0.7 to 6.4 days).ConclusionsCounselling& follow-up to patients is the key factor to improve the utilization of the health services by patients with DR. Health systems must be strengthened by optimizing the existing referral structure in Nepal.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04834648, 08/04/2021.

Can robotic gastric bypass be considered a valid alternative to laparoscopy? Our early experience and literature review.

Robotic bariatric surgery serves as an alternative to laparoscopy. The technology provides the surgeon with an accurate three-dimensional view, allowing complex maneuvers while maintaining full control of the operating room. We report our experience with this innovative surgery compared with laparoscopy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to demonstrate its safety and feasibility. The aim of this study is to evaluate potential differences between the robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Our study retrospectively identified 153 consecutive obese patients who underwent either laparoscopic or robotic gastric bypass (RGB) procedures over a 2-year period at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia. Data on demographics, operative time, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected and compared between two groups of patients: 82 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures and 71 who underwent robotic procedures. We analyzed 153 patients who underwent gastric bypass with a mean age of 42.58 years, of whom 74 were female; 71 were treated with a robotic approach and 82 with a laparoscopic approach. The mean operative time was 224.75 ± 10.4 min for RGB (including docking time) and 101.22 min for laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) (p < 0.05), which is statistically significant. The median length of stay was 4.1 days for the RGB group and 3.9 days for the LGB group (p = 0.89). There is only one conversion to laparoscopy in the RGB group. We observed only one case of postoperative complications, specifically one episode of endoluminal bleeding in the laparoscopic group, which was successfully managed with medical treatment. No mortality was observed in either group. The statistical analysis shows to support the robotic approach that had a lower incidence of complications but a longer operative duration. Based on our experience, the laparoscopic approach remains a technique with more haptic feedback than the robotic approach, making surgeons feel more confident.This study has been registered on ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System with this ID: NCT05746936 for the Organization UFoggia (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05746936).

Endorsement of open science practices by dental journals: A meta-research study

ObjectivesThis study evaluates the endorsement of open science practices by dental journals. Materials and methodsThis was a meta-research study that included journals listed in the 2021 Journal Citation Reports under Dentistry. A comprehensive evaluation was performed by accessing journal websites to ascertain the availability of publicly accessible instructions to authors in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. A researcher extracted information from the "Instructions for Authors" section, encompassing the journal's impact factor, mention of any reporting guidelines, details on data sharing, acceptance of articles in preprint format, and information regarding study protocol registration. Descriptive data analysis was conducted using the Stata 14.0 program, and an Open Science Score (OSS) (ranging from 0 to 100 %) was calculated for each journal by considering five open science practices. Pearson's correlation test was conducted to determine the relationship between the OSS score and journal impact factor. ResultsNinety journals were included in the study. Most journals (70 %) indicated the mandatory use of reporting guidelines, while 60 % recommended data sharing. Conversely, 46.7 % did not provide information on study protocol registration, and 44.4 % stipulated them as mandatory for authors. Regarding preprints, 50 % of the journals did not provide any information, but 46.7 % confirmed their acceptance. The mean OSS was 52.9 % (standard deviation 26.2). There was a weak correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.221) between the journal impact factor and OSS (P-value=0.036). ConclusionThis study found varying degrees of endorsement of open science practices among dental journals. Clinical significanceDental practitioners rely on high-quality, evidence-based research for informed decision-making. By assessing the endorsement of open science practices, our study contributes to improving the quality and reliability of dental research, ultimately enhancing the evidence base for clinical practice.

Reliability of evidence supporting the role of electrical stimulation in the treatment of pressure ulcers

AbstractTo systematically appraise the evidence from overlapping systematic reviews/meta‐analyses (SRs/MAs) on electrical stimulation for pressure ulcers. A thorough search of public databases was conducted to collect SRs/MAs on electrical stimulation for pressure ulcers. Two independent authors used the AMSTAR‐2 tool, the PRISMA checklists and the GRADE system to appraise the methodological quality, reporting quality and evidence quality of eligible SRs/MAs. Ten eligible SRs/MAs were included. The methodological quality of two SRs/MAs were determined to be high, six were determined to be very low and two were assessed as being of low quality. For PRISMA checklists, potential factors that undermined the quality of reporting were the lack of reporting on the registration of protocols, search, additional analysis of methodology and additional analysis of results. With GRADE, the evidence quality of two outcomes were determined to be moderate, six were determined to be low and two were assessed as being of very low quality. Electrical stimulation appears to be an adjunctive therapy that may promote the healing of pressure ulcers, but the available evidence suggests caution in recommending electrical stimulation widely for the treatment of pressure ulcers. Large‐scale trials are the focus of future research to find out how electrical stimulation affects all important outcomes.

Cephalometric and digital model analysis of dentoskeletal effects of infrazygomatic miniscrew vs. Essix- anchored Carriere Motion appliance for distalization of maxillary buccal segment: a randomized clinical trial

Trial designParallel.ObjectiveTo compare skeletally anchored Carriere Motion appliance (CMA) for distalization of the maxillary buccal segment vs. Essix anchored CMA.MethodsThirty-two class II malocclusion patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups. One group was treated with infrazygomatic (IZC) miniscrew- anchored CMA (IZCG) and the other group treated with Essix retainer- anchored CMA (EXG). Two lateral cephalograms and two digital models for upper and lower arches were taken for each patient: immediately before intervention and after distalization had been completed.ResultsDistalization period was not significantly different between the two groups. In contrast to EXG, IZCG showed insignificant difference in ANB, lower incisor proclination, and mesial movement of the lower first molar. There was significant rotation with distal movement of maxillary canine and first molar in both groups.ConclusionIZC anchored CMA could eliminate the side effects of class II elastics regarding lower incisor proclination, mesial movement lower molars with a more significant amount of distalization of the maxillary buccal segment but with significant molar rotation.Trial registrationThe ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) has this RCT registered as (NCT05499221) on 12/08/2022.

Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of quercetin in the treatment of Covid-19: a systematic review

Background: With the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for pharmacological and clinical studies in the search for substances with anti-inflammatory action became evident. To perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of quercetin as a treatment and prevention option for COVID-19 in humans relative to an active comparator, placebo, or standard care alone. Methods: The search for studies was carried out in the following databases: Medline via PubMed, LILACS, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus via Capes periodicals with the descriptors: “Quercetin” AND ''COVID-19” AND “randomized controlled trial”. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Protocol registration number in the PROSPERO database: CRD42022359842, available: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022359842.Results: 455 articles were found, and after reading the titles, abstracts, and full text, only 8 randomized clinical trials were included. According to the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, most included studies have some concerns about the risk of bias. The use of quercetin in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 contributed to the rapid evolution of patients compared to standard treatment and protected them against the development of COVID-19 compared to placebo. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: It is inferred that drug supplementation with quercetin can help in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, reducing recovery time, laboratory parameters and symptom manifestation, when compared to standard treatment. Thus, further research is needed to confirm the relationship between quercetin in the immune system and the development of COVID-19 in its most severe form. A systematic review carried out with randomized clinical trials for quercetin in COVID-19 is not yet available in the indexes, and this work is unprecedented.

People living with Alzheimer's disease: Understanding the emerging phenomenon of retrograde plunge with the story theory-An inquiry method.

This study aims to (1) introduce the emergent concept of the retrograde plunge experienced by people living with Alzheimer's disease and (2) illustrate how nurses can accompany those experiencing this phenomenon, as well as their family and formal carers, using the seven-phase inquiry process proposed by Smith and Liehr. Discursive paper. After describing the phenomenon and the Story Theory, the 7-phase Inquiry Process presents the fictional story of Mrs. Lurie, a nursing home resident. Story theory allows nurses to accompany Mrs. Lurie. The emergent concept of retrograde plunge is explained. Different tools such as genograms, story paths and eco-maps are presented. This discussion demonstrates how some perspectives can contribute to a better description of the retrograde plunge phenomenon. The narrative care approach can help give voices to people experiencing retrograde phenomena. The adoption of a perspective that considers embodied language could help to better understand the needs of a person. There is a lack of consistency and uniformity regarding the understanding of the retrograde phenomenon. This impacts the quality of care for people and the scientific knowledge, research and education of healthcare professionals. This issue should be addressed in future studies. This article shows how story theory helps nurses accompany those facing a retrograde plunge phenomenon, helps them tell their own stories and finds a way to resolve the situation. This article paves the way for further developments that must now be realized by the international community of experts involved in the care of people with Alzheimer's disease, from practical, academic and research perspectives. No patient or public was involved in the design or drafting of the discursive paper. WHAT PROBLEM DID THE STUDY ADDRESS?: The retrograde plunge is a phenomenon in which people living with Alzheimer's disease return to their past lives and re-experience with certain events. The retrograde plunge is a well-known concept that is poorly described in scientific literature and is sometimes misunderstood by families and professional caregivers. This discursive article explains the retrograde plunge phenomenon experienced by people living with Alzheimer's disease. WHAT WERE THE MAIN FINDINGS?: This article demonstrates how story theory helps nurses and families support people with retrograde plunges. This highlights the lack of consistency and uniformity in this phenomenon, which has implications for the quality of care, education and research. Story theory and the seven-phase inquiry process proposed by Smith and Liehr (in Middle-range theory for nursing, Springer Publishing Company, 2023) help to better understand and explain the retrograde plunge phenomenon. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: This article advances nurses' knowledge in the different fields of practice, teaching and research. This article proposes links among the retrograde plunge phenomenon, embodied language and narrative care approach; this could offer further ways to develop nursing knowledge. This study has the potential to advance the knowledge of practice and education and offers new opportunities for research. There was no trial or protocol registration as this article is a discussion.