Rapid Narrative Review Research Articles

Directed acyclic graph helps to understand the causality of malnutrition in under-5 children born small for gestational age

ObjectivesSmall-for-gestational age (SGA) is a causal factor for malnutrition (undernutrition). The available evidence on this causal relationship is based on observational studies and suffers from confounding and collider biases. This study aimed to construct a theoretical causal model to estimate the effect of SGA on malnutrition in children aged less than 5 years. MethodsFor the causal model, we designated term-SGA status as the exposure variable and malnutrition at 6 months to 5 years of age (diagnosed by World Health Organization criteria) as the outcome variable. Causal estimands were formulated for three stakeholders. A “rapid narrative review” methodology was adopted for literature synthesis. Studies (observational and randomized) listing the causal factors of malnutrition in children aged less than 5 years from the Indian subcontinent were eligible. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest) were searched and restricted to the last 10 years (search date: December 15, 2023). Information about the causal factors (covariates) of malnutrition and study characteristics was extracted from the article abstracts. Next, a causal model in the form of a directed acyclic graph (DAG) (DAGitty software) was constructed by connecting exposure, outcome, and covariate nodes using the sequential causal criteria of temporality, face validity, recourse to theory, and counterfactual thought experiments. ResultsThe search yielded 4818 records, of which 342 abstracts were included. Most of the studies were conducted in India (39%) and Bangladesh (27%). The literature synthesis identified 81 factors that were grouped into 17 nodes, referring to 5 domains: socioeconomic, parental, child-related, environmental, and political. The DAG identified 12 different minimal sufficient adjustment sets (conditioning sets for regression analysis) to estimate the total effect of SGA on malnutrition. ConclusionWe offer an evidence-based causal diagram that will minimize bias due to improper selection of factors in studies focusing on malnutrition in term-SGA infants. The DAG and adjustment sets will facilitate the design and data analysis of future studies.

Psychological flexibility and celiac disease in adolescents: Understanding adherence and well-being for enhanced care. A rapid narrative review

Abstract Background Psychological flexibility (PF) has been approached as a mediator between health conditions and outcomes by promoting positive responses and healthier behavior repertoires. Purpose This rapid narrative review examines studies exploring the role of PF in influencing celiac disease outcomes among adolescents, with a particular focus on adherence to dietary management practices. Method Online databases were searched for studies exploring possible connections between PF, celiac manifestation, and management presented by adolescents. Selected articles have entered the analysis to highlight whether PF mediates or affects celiac-related outcomes in adolescents. Conclusions Adolescents demonstrate a greater capacity to organize their daily routines effectively while adhering to gluten-free diets. However, the emphasis on PF can significantly impact their social interactions. Although there is much research to be conducted on this possible connection, there are still primary assumptions that support the idea that PF can also be a factor in helping adolescents with celiac disease navigate the challenges of their illness and maintain a quality of life. Healthcare professionals can find value in incorporating elements from supporting therapies, health literacy programs, and health promotion strategies. Furthermore, insights from the review suggest the importance of standardizing interventions and measurements including counseling practices at the primary care level.

Getting Up to Speed: Rapid Pathogen and Antimicrobial Resistance Diagnostics in Sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Time to receive effective therapy is a primary determinant of mortality in patients with sepsis. Blood culture is the reference standard for the microbiological diagnosis of bloodstream infections, despite its low sensitivity and prolonged time to receive a pathogen detection. In recent years, rapid tests for pathogen identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, and sepsis identification have emerged, both culture-based and culture-independent methods. This rapid narrative review presents currently commercially available approved diagnostic molecular technologies in bloodstream infections, including their clinical performance and impact on patient outcome, when available. Peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topic were searched through PubMed, and manufacturer websites of commercially available assays identified were also consulted as further sources of information. We have reviewed data about the following technologies for pathogen identification: fluorescence in situ hybridization with peptide nucleic acid probes (Accelerate PhenoTM), microarray-based assay (Verigene®), multiplex polymerase chain reaction (cobas® eplex, BioFire® FilmArray®, Molecular Mouse, Unyvero BCU SystemTM), matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Rapid MBT Sepsityper®), T2 magnetic resonance (T2Bacteria Panel), and metagenomics-based assays (Karius©, DISQVER®, Day Zero Diagnostics). Technologies for antimicrobial susceptibility testing included the following: Alfed 60 ASTTM, VITEK® REVEALTM, dRASTTM, ASTar®, Fastinov®, QuickMIC®, ResistellTM, and LifeScale. Characteristics, microbiological performance, and issues of each method are described, as well as their clinical performance, when available.

Air quality and mental illness: role of bioaerosols, causal mechanisms and research priorities.

Poor air quality can both trigger and aggravate lung and heart conditions, as well as affecting child development. It can even lead to neurological and mental health problems. However, the precise mechanisms by which air pollution affect human health are not well understood. To promote interdisciplinary dialogue and better research based on a critical summary of evidence on air quality and health, with an emphasis on mental health, and to do so with a special focus on bioaerosols as a common but neglected air constituent. A rapid narrative review and interdisciplinary expert consultation, as is recommended for a complex and rapidly changing field of research. The research methods used to assess exposures and outcomes vary across different fields of study, resulting in a disconnect in bioaerosol and health research. We make recommendations to enhance the evidence base by standardising measures of exposure to both particulate matter in general and bioaerosols specifically. We present methods for assessing mental health and ideal designs. There is less research on bioaerosols, and we provide specific ways of measuring exposure to these. We suggest research designs for investigating causal mechanisms as important intermediate steps before undertaking larger-scale and definitive studies. We propose methods for exposure and outcome measurement, as well as optimal research designs to inform the development of standards for undertaking and reporting research and for future policy.

Harnessing Health Education: An Overview of Strategies and Impact During the COVID-19 Era

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic, a multifaceted crisis, affected all dimensions of human health, necessitating a multifaceted intervention to direct and modify public behavior. Purpose This study aimed to explore the role of health education in achieving this goal during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a Rapid Narrative Review using a quantitative lens to evaluate the impact of health education research and modeling in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. Five databases – PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, SCOPI, and MEDLINE – were searched for articles published from 2019 to 2022. Results Throughout the pandemic, Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) have been pivotal, dynamically adjusting their roles to the evolving situation. Their contributions can be divided into three main phases: the initial outbreak, the vaccine development period, and the post-pandemic recovery stage. The Health Belief Model (HBM) emerged as the predominant theory employed to encourage preventive behaviors. Discussion In the face of global threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, health education is a critical ally to other medical and clinical disciplines, providing vital leadership and guidance. Translation to Health Education Practice This study provides valuable insights for health educators, helping them select more effective models and strategies for their intervention programs.

Evaluation of the effects of essential oils on the reduction of stress: a rapid narrative review

The present narrative review focuses on exploring the role of essential oils as a significant intervention in stress management. Stress, defined as an adaptive response to challenging stimuli, manifests in various spheres, with its approach being essential for the preservation of physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils present themselves as bioactive agents whose impact occurs on the nervous system through olfactory and cutaneous pathways, directly influencing emotional processes, memories, mood, and behavior. Notable among these essential oils are lavender, chamomile, and bergamot, recognized for their anti-stress properties. The application of these essential oils, whether through inhalation or cutaneous administration, demonstrates efficacy in promoting beneficial physiological and psychological effects. Individualization of treatment is emphasized, considering synergies, affinities, and personal preferences. The diversity of products, including diffusers and creams, amplifies application options, offering a flexible and personalized approach. In the clinical realm, the inclusion of essential oils in the stress management protocol is supported by their ability to modulate emotional responses and promote states of relaxation. In summary, essential oils emerge as a prominent and customizable strategy in stress treatment, contributing significantly to the promotion of physical and emotional balance in individuals.

Health System Enablers and Barriers to Continuity of Care for First Nations Peoples Living with Chronic Disease.

Failings in providing continuity of care following an acute event for a chronic disease contribute to care inequities for First Nations Peoples in Australia, Canada, and Aotearoa (New Zealand). A rapid narrative review, including primary studies published in English from Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central, concerning chronic diseases (cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and related complications), was conducted. Barriers and enablers to continuity of care for First Nations Peoples were explored considering an empirical lens from the World Health Organization framework on integrated person-centred health services. Barriers included a need for more community initiatives, health and social care networks, and coaching and peer support. Enabling strategies included care adapted to patients' cultural beliefs and behavioural, personal, and family influences; continued and trusting relationships among providers, patients, and caregivers; and provision of flexible, consistent, adaptable care along the continuum. The support and co-creation of care solutions must be a dialogical participatory process adapted to each community. Health and social care should be harmonised with First Nations Peoples' cultural beliefs and family influences. Sustainable strategies require a co-design commitment for well-funded flexible care plans considering coaching and peer support across the lifespan.

Epidemiology, clinical profiles, and prognostic value of COVID-19-related cutaneous manifestations in African populations: a rapid narrative review.

Skin manifestations' true prognostic value, and clinical and epidemiological pictures in SARS-CoV-2 infection in African populations are poorly described and understudied. More familiarity with COVID-19 cutaneous manifestations may aid in early clinical diagnosis or guide prognosis. In this literature review, we looked for potential studies published from December 2019 to March 2023 on COVID-19 cutaneous lesions in African populations. Our key questions were focused on the prognostic values of cutaneous manifestations related to COVID-19. Our findings show that cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 vary by country and severity of COVID-19, primarily multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). Significant differences were also found between various dermatological lesions, primarily MIS, erythema multiforme-like, livedoid, vesicular, or varicella-like rashes, urticarial, maculopapular or morbilliform rashes, and chilblain-like or pernio-like rashes. There were 47.5% (115/242) of MIS cases reported in nine published African studies. Our findings also revealed that MIS may be diagnosed in 2-7 days due to early onset rash. Advanced age, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV, tuberculosis, asthma, atopic disease, underweight, malnutrition, and malignancy were found to be associated with COVID-19 cutaneous manifestations in African populations. COVID-19-related skin manifestations in African populations are important as a driving force in COVID-19 prognosis.

Air quality and mental health: evidence, challenges and future directions.

Poor air quality is associated with poor health. Little attention is given to the complex array of environmental exposures and air pollutants that affect mental health during the life course. We gather interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge across the air pollution and mental health fields. We seek to propose future research priorities and how to address them. Through a rapid narrative review, we summarise the key scientific findings, knowledge gaps and methodological challenges. There is emerging evidence of associations between poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors, and poor mental health more generally, as well as specific mental disorders. Furthermore, pre-existing long-term conditions appear to deteriorate, requiring more healthcare. Evidence of critical periods for exposure among children and adolescents highlights the need for more longitudinal data as the basis of early preventive actions and policies. Particulate matter, including bioaerosols, are implicated, but form part of a complex exposome influenced by geography, deprivation, socioeconomic conditions and biological and individual vulnerabilities. Critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed to design interventions for mitigation and prevention, reflecting ever-changing sources of air pollution. The evidence base can inform and motivate multi-sector and interdisciplinary efforts of researchers, practitioners, policy makers, industry, community groups and campaigners to take informed action. There are knowledge gaps and a need for more research, for example, around bioaerosols exposure, indoor and outdoor pollution, urban design and impact on mental health over the life course.

Using the Medicine Wheel as theory, conceptual framework, analysis, and evaluation tool in health research

The Medicine Wheel is used in many Indigenous communities across Turtle Island (North America) with many different teachings and symbolisms. The Medicine Wheel is a circle with four equal quadrants representing vast teachings, which are specific to local First Nations, which can used as the conceptual framework as well as theory. Through a rapid narrative review of literature on the Medicine Wheel and associated uses as well as the authors’ Anishinaabe teachings, we examine four research uses of the Medicine Wheel in academics and with Indigenous community research to apply it as a theory, conceptual framework, analysis, and evaluation practices. The Medicine Wheel ontologies and epistemologies lend the teachings to be used as a conceptual framework (visual representation of a research project), evaluation framework (as a methodology for conducting research), a data analysis tool (providing a method to see patterns, themes, and connections not easily seen in linear research methods), and the multi-layered knowledge within the Medicine Wheel can be seen as a theory for examining Indigenous research with an Indigenous lens instead of western worldviews or theories. We provide examples of how the Medicine Wheel can be used through the Anishinaabe teachings of the Medicine Wheel. It is possible to expand our abilities to see patterns, themes, connections, and wholism by looking beyond linear positivistic methods through many ways to use Medicine Wheel teachings.

The unfulfilled promises of electronic health records.

We provide a brief update on the current evidence on electronic health records' benefits, risks, and potential harms through a rapid narrative review. Many of the promised benefits of electronic health records have not yet been realised. Electronic health records are often not user-friendly. To enhance their potential, electronic health record platforms should be continuously evaluated and enhanced by carefully considering feedback from all stakeholders.

24-hour Movement Behaviours and Bone Mineral Density in Older Adults - A Rapid Narrative Review

Introduction: Understanding daily movement patterns (i.e., the relative proportion of time spent on Sedentary behaviour (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep) to establish links with chronic diseases is a contemporary topic. Little research has looked at the effects of 24-hour movement behaviour on bone health (particularly bone mineral density (BMD)) despite investigation on other health parameters. The aim of this rapid narrative review was to build on previous work published on the association between SB and BMD in older adults by investigating the association of the more holistic 24- hour movement behaviours in relation to BMD. Methods: A database search of Web of Science and NIH PubMed was conducted using broad MeSH terms (older adults, sedentary, and bone). Searches were limited from the year 2019 onward. Results/Discussion: Five published articles were reviewed, and there are discrepancies amongst the findings which could be attributed to the different measurement methods (Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) versus Dual-energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)) and the sites of measured BMD. There are also notable differences between genders, with BMD in men appearing to be most reliant on time spent in MVPA, compared to women who appear to see benefit to BMD with replacement of SB with LPA and not require more time spent in MVPA. This highlights the complexity of movement behaviours and requires further research.

The Forms, Challenges and Strength of the Monkeypox Surveillance System in Nigeria

Monkeypox is now a disease of global public health concern, making it cut across boundaries into different countries, continents and spread worldwide. However, it originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a human pathogen in 1970, with the first case reported in Nigeria in 1971. The World Health Organization recently declared Nigeria the country with the highest burden of monkeypox-confirmed cases and deaths in Africa for the current outbreak. This study aimed to identify forms, challenges, strengths, and ways to further strengthen the surveillance system of monkeypox in Nigeria. We conducted a rapid narrative review of articles published in English on monkeypox between January 2018 and October 2022. Google Scholar and PubMed were searched with the following terms: "Monkeypox", "Surveillance system", "Strengthening", "Challenges" "Nigeria" and relevant publications were reviewed. The forms of surveillance systems in Nigeria include Indicator-based and Event-based surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory-based surveillance, sero-surveillance, and mortality surveillance. Shortage of highly skilled staff in public health interventions, insufficient testing capacities, power instability, poor healthcare systems and stigmatization from communities with misinformation, and co-epidemic surveillance burden in Nigeria are some of the challenges contributing to weak surveillance in the country. The Nigerian governments must focus on investing in surveillance systems and bolster preparedness to stem the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Strengthening the surveillance system in the country as a response intervention for monkeypox is no longer a matter of option in Nigeria but of necessity to prevent the forecasted effect the incidence portends.

SnacktivityTM, Giant Games and Immersive Virtual Reality Exercises: A Rapid Narrative Review of These New Physical Activity Practices among Older People Living in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities.

In developed countries, the increasing number of older adults raises many public health challenges. Physical activity can enable healthy aging, as it is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Despite this, not all older adults engage in physical activity or have access to it. To counteract this, new physical practices such as SnacktivityTM, giant games and immersive virtual reality exercises are being developed. The main objective of this rapid narrative review is to summarize the effects of SnacktivityTM, giant games and immersive Virtual Reality (VR) exercise among older adults living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. A scientific review was performed using the search engines PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science on 7 July 2022. Fifty-nine items are identified in total, and five items are included in the literature review. Synthesis of the studies shows that immersive virtual reality and giant games improve the motivation and enjoyment of older adults and are beneficial for their functional abilities. Furthermore, no interventional studies have tested the effect of SnacktivityTM in older adults. This review suggests that future studies should be conducted to further explore the effects of these new physical activity practices in older adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Transmission and Control of SARS-CoV-2 in the Food Production Sector: A Rapid Narrative Review of the Literature.

This review aimed to provide an overview of the literature assessing the extent of COVID-19 transmission in the food processing sector along with the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection/mortality rates in this setting, and the preventive measures used to reduce transmission. An electronic search was conducted using scientific databases, including Web of Science, OVID, PubMed and MedRxiv. The search strategy identified 26 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Six of these studies were based in the UK and the country with the most papers was the USA, with a total of nine papers. Findings showed some evidence of a high transmission level of SARS-CoV-2 within some areas of the food production sector. Risk factors associated with the spread included ethnicity, poor ventilation, lack of social distancing and lack of sick pay. The preventative measures included/recommended were social distancing, testing, adequate ventilation, cleaning regimes and access to PPE. Additional research focusing on the food production sector could show the potential variations in transmission and risk between each sub-sector. Future research focusing on the application of various preventative measures and their efficacy by sub-sector would be beneficial, while further qualitative research could help provide in-depth information regarding knowledge gaps.

Subject Review on Some Analytical Methods for Determination of Fosfomycin Drugs

Medicines comprising fosfomycin are prescribed for urinary tract infections. These drugs are available for oral use as tromethamine and calcium, while fosfomycin-sodium and disodium are given for intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM). Many quantitative analytical methods have been reported to estimate Fosfomycin in blood, urine, plasma, serum, and pharmaceutical dosage formulations. Some techniques were spectrophotometric, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and electrochemical methods. Here we perform a rapid narrative review that discusses and comparison between them of various analytical methods for the determination of Fosfomycin-containing drugs.

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Mental Health Outcomes among Youth: A Rapid Narrative Review.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has affected not only physical health but also mental health and psychological wellbeing. This narrative review aimed to map the literature on the psychological impact on the young generation of the COVID-19 pandemic, social restrictions, and extraordinary measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE through PubMed and Web of Science [Science Citation Index Expanded, SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)] of all scientific literature published from May 2020 until 15 March 2021. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 15 articles were included. We conducted a narrative review. The reviewed articles suggested the impact of the pandemic and lockdown measures on young persons for several mental symptoms as well as anxiety, stress, depression, event-specific distress, decrease in psychological wellbeing, and changes in sleep habits. Psychological symptoms were related to the experience of several stressors, such as risk for reduction of academic perspectives, massive e-learning adoption, economic issues, social restrictions, and implications for daily life related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This narrative review points out the negative psychological impact of the pandemic outbreak and the high vulnerability of the young in the development of psychological distress, highlighting the relevant focus on the mental health of young people during the pandemic and the need for structured and tailored psychological support and interventions focused to the improvement of Quality of Life of university students after the pandemic experience.

Associated risks of smoking and possible benefits of cessation in Covid-19: a rapid narrative review

To describe the possible risks associated to smoking in the spread and complications of Covid-19, em-phasizing in the benefits of quitting smoking. The narrative review methodology and the established process for Cochrane rapid reviews were used. The scientific evidence related to smoking and Covid-19 remains limited. However, there is an already documented trend in cross-sectional, clinical studies and meta-analyses on the increased risk of adverse outcomes with Covid-19 associated with tobacco use. It is necessary to issue a warning that persons who smoke would have greater risks in the Covid-19 pandemic, which add to the many already known risks of tobacco use. Thus, quitting smoking becomes a relevant preventive measure to better confront SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review.

As the world continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), there is a larger hidden threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) lurking behind. AMR remains worrisome in that the pathogens causing resistant infections to thrive in hospitals and medical facilities, putting all patients at risk, irrespective of the severity of their medical conditions, further compounding the management of COVID-19. This study aims to provide overview of early findings on COVID-19 and AMR as well as to provide recommendations and lesson learned toward improving antimicrobial stewardship. We conducted a rapid narrative review of published articles by searching PubMed and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance with predetermined keywords. Secondary bacterial infections play crucial roles in mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19. Research has shown that a minority of COVID-19 patients need antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Current evidence reiterates the need not to give antibiotic therapy or prophylaxis to patients with mild COVID-19 or to patients with suspected or confirmed moderate COVID-19 illness unless it is indicated. The pandemic has also brought to the fore the deficiencies in health systems around the world. This comes with a lot of lessons, one of which is that despite the advances in medicine; we remain incredibly vulnerable to infections with limited or no standard therapies. This is worth thinking in the context of AMR, as the resistant pathogens are evolving and leading us to the era of untreatable infections. There is a necessity for continuous research into understanding and controlling infectious agents, as well as the development of newer functional antimicrobials and the need to strengthen the antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Which functional outcome measures can we use as a surrogate for exercise capacity during remote cardiopulmonary rehabilitation assessments? A rapid narrative review.

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen many cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services delivering programmes remotely. One area of concern is how to assess exercise capacity when a supervised exercise test is not possible. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between functional exercise tests and recommended exercise tests for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.MethodsA rapid narrative review was carried out. Searches were conducted by two of the study authors. The study had the following features. Participants: adults, all with long-term conditions; intervention: any/none; outcome: Duke activity status index (DASI), sit to stand (STS, 30 s, 1 min and 5 repetitions), short physical performance battery (SPPB), 4-metre gait speed (4MGS) or step test (Chester/others) AND directly compared to one of the recommended exercise tests for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation: 6-min walk test (6MWT), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) or cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in terms of reporting agreement/correlation; Study design: primary research only, controlled trials or observational studies.ResultsSixteen articles out of 249 screened were included (n=2271 patients). Overall, there were weak–strong correlations for the included tests with a recommended exercise test (r=0.38–0.85). There were few reported issues with feasibility or safety of the tests. However, all tests were supervised in a clinical setting. The test that had the highest correlation with the field walking test was the 4MGS with the ISWT (r=0.78) and with the 6MWT (r=0.85).DiscussionThe 4MGS has the highest correlation with routine measures of exercise tolerance. However, it may be difficult to standardise in a remote assessment or to prescribe exercise from. Clinicians should strive for face-to-face standardised exercise tests where possible to be able to guide exercise prescription.