Relevant Keywords Research Articles

Impact of Self-Care Practices on the Prognosis of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Developing Countries: A Narrative Review

Introduction: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a type of diabetes with increasing prevalence in lower- and middle-income countries. Diabetes self-care practices (SCPs) are non-pharmacological treatments essential in maintaining health and well-being and improving the quality of life among DM patients. Objective: To highlight the diabetes SCPs and their impact on diabetes prognosis in developing countries. Methods: A comprehensive literature search on Africa Journals Online, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, from year 2000 to 2023, using relevant keywords. Results: The review highlighted the self-care practices for adequate DM care, including physical activity, diet (healthy eating), self-monitoring of blood glucose, medication adherence, foot care, general body care, and follow-up. The review documented from previous studies that adequate SCPs positively correlated with good glycaemic control, reduction of complications, and improved quality of life among DM patients. Conclusion: Healthcare systems and policy-makers in developing countries must prioritise and support the integration of SCPs into diabetes management strategies. This will improve DM prognosis and overall well-being for individuals living with diabetes.

Gender Equality Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends in Turkey

Gender disparity persists in both developed and developing nations, despite several attempts to achieve gender parity. This paper explores the evolution and importance of gender equality research, with a focus on Turkey, through bibliometric analysis. It also examines significant subjects, patterns, and academic contributions in the discussion of gender equality using a dataset of 12,539 publications from the fields of business, economics, and management published between 2000 and 2023. Advanced bibliometric methods such as text mining and social network analysis have revealed a discernible increase in gender-related publications over the last 20 years. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden have all made significant contributions. The research provides a list of relevant research publications and keywords related to gender equality, women's representation, and gender differences in work. In addition, it highlights the departure from formal theories of equality and the shift towards more nuanced perspectives that consider the complex interplay among social, economic, and cultural factors. Coordinating gender equality with wider development agendas, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a crucial point of guidance for academics, practitioners, and policymakers, as the paper makes clear. In the twenty-first century, gender inequality poses many complicated problems that require interdisciplinary collaboration and continued research into understudied areas including the intersections of gender with other social identities.

Eye-tracking technology in Vietnam: A comprehensive review of its application and acceptance across various fields

This paper presents a literature review of the application and acceptance of eye tracking technology in Vietnam across various fields, including education, consumer behavior, and medical research. Eye tracking has gained prominence due to its ability to provide objective insights into visual attention, cognitive processes, and decision-making. The study aims to evaluate the scope of existing research, assess the technology's effectiveness in Vietnamese contexts, and highlight areas for future development. The review focuses on research published up to 2023, specifically on studies that utilized eye tracking technology to explore various research areas. A systematic search using relevant keywords in both English and Vietnamese was conducted across academic databases. Initially, nine relevant articles were identified, with four selected for detailed examination. These studies applied eye tracking technology to different domains, such as consumer behavior, gender differences, environmental influences on children, and brand awareness. For instance, research in consumer behavior used eye-tracking to investigate Vietnamese preferences in food and beverage choices. Meanwhile, studies focusing on dioxin exposure in children explored gender-specific visual patterns and cognitive effects. These findings suggest that eye tracking is a valuable method for examining consumer preferences and environmental impacts on cognitive behavior, especially in Vietnam. However, this review also identifies limitations in the existing research, particularly regarding sample representation and diversity. To advance the field, future research should focus on including more diverse populations and integrating additional physiological measures. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior in Vietnam, thereby enhancing the applicability and relevance of eye tracking studies across various disciplines. Addressing these limitations could significantly contribute to the growth and development of research using eye tracking technology in Vietnam.

Development of a Machine Learning Framework for Real-Time PMI (Post-Mortem Interval) Estimation in Field Forensics

Accurate estimation of the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) is critical in forensic investigations, aiding in determining the time of death. However, traditional PMI estimation methods, often reliant on physiological observations and environmental factors, face significant limitations in accuracy and efficiency, especially in field conditions. This paper presents the development of a machine learning (ML) framework designed for real-time PMI estimation, integrating multimodal sensor data to address the challenges encountered in field forensics. Our framework utilizes environmental and physiological features, including body temperature, ambient humidity, and biochemical decomposition markers, to predict PMI with high precision. The ML model, trained on historical forensic data, is deployed on a real-time processing platform, enabling rapid analysis and decision-making in resource- constrained environments. The system is optimized for field operations, incorporating low-power hardware and edge computing capabilities to provide forensic investigators with reliable PMI estimates on-site. Through a series of controlled experiments simulating forensic scenarios, our framework demonstrates a significant improvement in PMI accuracy compared to traditional methods, while maintaining low latency for real-time applications. This research highlights the potential of machine learning to revolutionize forensic practices, offering a scalable and adaptive solution for time-sensitive investigations. Here are some relevant keywords for the development of a machine learning framework for real-time PMI (Post- Mortem Interval) estimation in field forensics: Keywords: Field Forensics, Real-Time Machine Learning, Body Decomposition Stages, Machine Learning in Forensic Science, Artificial Intelligence for PMI Analysis, Sensor Data in PMI Estimation, Deep Learning for PMI Estimation, Automated Forensic Analysis, Data Acquisition in Field Forensics.

Evaluating the Current Landscape of Epidermolysis Bullosa Treatments: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) encompasses a group of rare blistering disorders that affect both the skin and mucous membranes. There is currently no cure for EB, and only supportive treatment is available to manage symptoms of pruritus and wounds. This paper analyzes the current treatment modalities of epidermolysis bullosa and provides a comprehensive review. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed using relevant keywords and MeSH terms. Inclusion criteria included manuscripts published in the English language and must include a control group. Two independent reviewers will assess study eligibility based on predetermined criteria. Data extraction will cover study characteristics, participant demographics, treatment outcomes, and relevant findings. Results: 21 articles were identified which examined the effects of various interventions for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa. Gene therapy studies demonstrated promising results, specifically those transducing the COL7A1 gene into patients showed significant wound healing. Topical therapies with bermagene geperpavec, diacerin, and b-vec showed promising results, while oleogel S-10 and SD-101 had mixed results. Oral therapies, including those with tetracycline, mycophenolate mofetil, serlopitant, and ECG showed limited results in improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: The current literature shows a wide range of investigated therapies for the treatment and management of epidermolysis bullosa. Treatment modalities identified in this literature review were categorized into gene, oral, or topical therapies. While gene therapy stood out as an effective intervention in improving wound healing and patient reported outcomes, challenges were persistent amongst studies including small sample sizes and limited follow-up, warranting cautious optimism.

Role of Lung Ultrasound in the Detection of Lung Sequelae in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies demonstrated the effectiveness of lung ultrasound (LUS) as a frontline tool in diagnosing and managing acute SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. However, its role in detecting post-COVID-19 lung sequelae remains to be fully determined. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of LUS in identifying lung parenchymal damage, particularly fibrotic-like changes, following COVID-19 pneumonia, comparing its performance to that of CT. Methods: Relevant studies published before July 2024 were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library. The search terms were combinations of the relevant medical subject heading (MeSH) terms, key words and word variants for "lung", "post-COVID", "long-COVID", and "ultrasound". The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve were used to examine the accuracy of CEUS. The selected works used different thresholds for the detection and counting of B-lines by ultrasound. This led to dividing our analysis into two models, the first based on the lower thresholds for detection of B-lines found in the works, and the second on data obtained using a higher detection threshold. Results: In terms of the diagnostic accuracy of LUS in detecting residual fibrotic-like changes in patients post-COVID-19 infection, a low-threshold model displayed a pooled sensitivity of 0.98 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-0.99] and a pooled specificity of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.49-0.59). The DOR was 44.9 (95% CI: 10.8-187.1). The area under the curve (AUC) of SROC was 0.90. In the second analysis, the model with the higher threshold to detect B-lines showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.94) and a pooled specificity of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.91). The DOR was 50.4 (95% CI: 15.9-159.3). The AUC of SROC was 0.93. Conclusions: In both analyses (even using the high threshold for the detection of B-lines), excellent sensitivity (98% in model 1 and 90% in model 2) is maintained. The specificity has a significant variation between the two models from 54 (model 1) to 87% (model 2). The model with the highest threshold for the detection of B-lines displayed the best diagnostic accuracy, as confirmed by the AUC values of the SROC (0.93).

Directional deep brain stimulation electrodes in Parkinson’s disease: meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature

BackgroundSince their introduction in 2015, directional leads have practically replaced conventional leads for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Yet, the benefits of directional DBS (dDBS) over omnidirectional...

Role of Mandukparni (Centella asiatica Linn Urban) in neurological disorders: Evidence from ethnopharmacology and clinical studies to network enrichment analysis

Centella asiatica Linn Urban (C. asiatica), aka Mandukparni, is one of the flagship herbs used in traditional medicines to effectively manage neurological problems. Although this plant has a wealth of comprehensive preclinical pharmacological profiles, further clinical research and execution of its molecular mode of action are still required. We searched electronic databases (Google Scholar, SciFinder, MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Direct, and PubMed) using relevant key words to retrieve information pertaining to C. asiatica till June 2023 and performed network pharmacology to understand the mechanism related to their neurobiological roles. This study extensively analyses its pharmacological properties, nutritional profile, ethnomedical uses, safety, and mechanistic role in treating neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, a network pharmacology study was performed which suggests that its phytomolecules are involved in different neuroactive ligand-receptor pathways, glial cell differentiation, gliogenesis, and astrocyte differentiation. Hopefully, this report will lead to a paradigm shift in medical practice, research, and the creation of phytopharmaceuticals derived from C. asiatica that target the central nervous system.

Design of Advertising Strategy Through Google Ads to Increase Export Sales of PT Kian Eka Cipta

This era of globalization makes increasing the competitiveness of local products in the international market significant, especially for SME companies such as PT Kian Eka Cipta which is engaged in exporting furniture and handicrafts. Despite having high-quality products, the company faces challenges finding international buyers and marketing its products effectively. This research aims to design an advertising strategy through Google Ads to increase PT Kian Eka Cipta's export sales. The method used is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. SWOT analysis and keyword analysis were applied to identify the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and determine relevant keywords for advertising. The results showed that the potential market that can be developed through Google Ads is the United States. The strategy is focused on targeting specific audiences based on location, demographics, and interests. It is expected that the implementation of this strategy can increase PT Kian Eka Cipta's export sales by the predetermined targets.

Prevalence of COVID-19 in prison population: a meta-analysis of 35 studies

PurposeCOVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considering the restricted and enclosed nature of prisons and closed environments and the prolonged and close contact between individuals, COVID-19 is more likely to have a higher incidence in these settings. This study aims to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among prisoners.Design/methodology/approachPapers published in English from 2019 to July 7, 2023, were identified using relevant keywords such as prevalence, COVID-19 and prisoner in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. For the meta-analysis of the prevalence, Cochrane’s Q statistics were calculated. A random effect model was used due to the heterogeneity in COVID-19 prevalence across included studies in the meta-analysis. All analyses were performed in STATA-13.FindingsThe pooled data presented a COVID-19 prevalence of 20% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.26] and 24% [95%CI: 0.07, 0.41], respectively, in studies that used PCR and antibody tests. Furthermore, two study designs, cross-sectional and cohort, were used. The results of the meta-analysis showed studies with cross-sectional and cohort designs reported 20% [95%CI: 0.11, 0.29] and 25% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.38], respectively.Originality/valueThrough more meticulous planning, it is feasible to reduce the number of individuals in prison cells, thereby preventing the further spread of COVID-19.

The Relationship between Using Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors with Mortality of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a highly prevalent cardiac arrhythmia associated with increased mortality in affected persons. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) have been suggested as potential therapeutic agents for cardiovascular and renal diseases. However, the relationship between RASIs and mortality in AFib patients remains uncertain. Therefore, the present study was designed and implemented for this purpose. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for studies published until 12 February 2024 with relevant keywords. We included studies that reported mortality outcomes in AFib patients treated with RASIs and non-users. The data extraction and quality assessment processes were conducted, and subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were done. The data were analyzed by Stata 15 using statistical tests, such as Chi-square and I2 tests. A total of 15 studies (2007-2024; n=2,178,565 patients) examined the association between RASI drugs and mortality of patients with AFib. The results indicated that compared to the control group, the odds of AFib mortality in the group receiving RASIs were equal to 0.81(95% CI: 0.71-0.92; P-value ≤0.001). The study results did not indicate publication bias (Pvalue= 0.733). During the meta-regression analysis, none of the study variables demonstrated a significant relationship with the observed heterogeneity (P-value > 0.20). Cumulative OR results showed that from 2022 onwards, there was enough evidence to confirm the relationship using RASIs with mortality of patients with AFib. Therefore, this meta-analysis suggests that the use of RASI drugs is associated with reduced AFib mortality. However, the authors emphasize the need for further high-quality studies and large-scale randomized clinical trials to validate these findings.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors on Colorectal Cancer Prevention in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant health burden in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, necessitating a deeper understanding of modifiable risk factors. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of dietary and lifestyle factors on the prevention of CRCin GCC countries. Studies were identified through electronic searches and reviewed based on relevant keywords. Databases searched included Ovid's MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, covering titles and abstracts published between January 1, 2000and July 25, 2024. The search strategy encompassed four thematic areas: "colorectal cancer,""adults above 18," "risk factors," and "GCC countries." The primary focus was on dietary and lifestyle factors. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts to determine whether the inclusion criteria were met. A total of 1,883 records were identified across these databases. After removing 513 duplicate records, 1,370 records were screened based on titles and abstracts. Of these, 1,284 records were excluded, leaving 86 full-text articles for assessment. Eight studies were ultimately included in the final systematic review, consisting of seven case-control studies and one cross-sectional study. In GCC countries, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber has shown protective effects against CRC, while high red meat and refined carbohydrate intake may increase risk. Regular physical activity reduces CRC risk, though the impact of smoking remains inconclusive. Evidence regarding dairy products is contradictory. There is a shortage of high-quality longitudinal studies, highlighting gaps in current research and underscoring the need for larger studies with consistent methodologies.

Disability inclusion studies in the construction industry: a mixed review approach

People with disabilities are an important part of our society and are acknowledged as a wonderful piece of human variety. However, their involvement in the building business is mostly unknown. This report aims to give a critical assessment of disability inclusion studies in the construction industry and identify areas for further research. The Scopus search engine aided in the literature review search, where 253 publications were discovered using relevant keywords. After carefully reviewing the titles, abstracts, keywords, and full texts of the publications, a total of 55 relevant publications were selected. A scientometric study was undertaken to chart the landscape of disability inclusion studies within the construction industry and identify primary areas of research focus within this domain. The top five countries that are actively researching disability in the construction industry include the UK, the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Australia. The emerging areas in disability inclusion research in the construction industry focused on social value, social innovation, social procurement, employment, disability management, policies, discrimination, and disability management maturity model. The study highlighted the essential knowledge areas crucial for enhancing the integration of persons with disabilities in the construction sector to industry practitioners and other stakeholders.

The Potential Role of Curcumin as a Regulator of microRNA in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Curcumin is known as a bioactive component that is found in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Curcumin is well known for its chemo-preventive and anticancer properties. However, its anticancer mechanism in colorectal cancer treatment is unclear, and some studies have shown that many microRNAs (miRs) could be potential targets for curcumin in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, so there is a need for their integration and clarification. We systematically searched international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, until July 2021 by using some relevant keywords. The search resulted in 87 papers, among which there were 18 related articles. Curcumin was found to cause the upregulation of miR-497, miR-200c, miR-200b, miR-409-3p, miR-34, miR-126, miR-145, miR-206, miR-491, miR-141, miR-429, miR-101, and miR-15a and the downregulation of miR-21, miR-155, miR-221, miR-222, miR-17-5p, miR-130a, miR-27, and miR-20a. The present review study suggests that curcumin may be useful as a novel therapeutic agent for CRC by altering the expression level of miRs.

Effects of Student Choice on Intrinsic Motivation and Language Proficiency in High School L2 Education

This literature review investigates the impact of student choice on intrinsic motivation and language proficiency in high school second language (L2) classrooms. The study addresses the existing gap in comprehensive research regarding how the implementation of student autonomy influences these educational outcomes. A systematic review of empirical studies, teaching practices, and peer-reviewed articles was conducted. Relevant keywords were used to search journals from different academic databases. The identified studies were evaluated based on their methodology, relevance, and quality. This review finds that providing students with autonomy in selecting learning materials and activities could enhance their intrinsic motivation. Increased autonomy fosters greater interest, engagement, and enjoyment in learning. However, the impact of autonomy on language proficiency is mixed. Some studies demonstrate improved proficiency due to personalised learning experiences, while others indicate that excessive autonomy without adequate instructional support can hinder language development. The review highlights the necessity of balancing autonomy with teacher guidance and considers the developmental stage of high school students. While student autonomy in high school L2 classrooms generally increases intrinsic motivation, its impact on language proficiency necessitates carefully combining autonomy with appropriate instructional support. This review underscores the need for longitudinal research to better understand the long-term effects of autonomy on motivation and proficiency, the development of sophisticated tools for measuring intrinsic motivation, and the implementation of practical strategies for integrating student choice in educational practices.

The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 criterion in patients with major depressive disorder without psychotic features: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies

AimIn line with the publication of clinical information related to the therapeutic process of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and the updating of relevant treatment guidelines, the present meta-analysis study was designed and conducted to determine the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) criterion in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) without psychotic features.MethodsIn this study, a systematic search was conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed [Medline], Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials. gov using relevant keywords. The search period in this study was from January 2000 to January 2022, which was updated until May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that determined the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) criterion in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) without psychotic features were included in the analysis. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias checklist. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA (Version 16) and RevMan (Version 5).ResultsFollowing the combination of results from 16 clinical trial studies in the present meta-analysis, it was found that the mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) decreases by an average of 1.46 units (SMD: -1.46; % 95 CI: -1.65, -1.27, I square: 45.74%; P heterogeneity: 0.56). Subgroup analysis results indicated that the standardized mean difference of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) varied based on the number of treatment sessions: patients receiving 10 or fewer repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sessions showed a mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) reduction of 2.60 units (SMD: -2.60; % 95 CI: -2.86, -2.33, I square: 55.12%; P heterogeneity: 0.55), while those receiving 11 to 20 sessions showed a mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) reduction of 0.28 units (SMD: -0.28; % 95 CI: -0.65, -0.09, I square: 39.91%; P heterogeneity: 0.89).ConclusionIn conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in reducing depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. The complex results of subgroup analysis revealed insight on the possible benefits of a more focused strategy with fewer sessions, as well as the impact of treatment session frequency. These findings add to our understanding of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a therapeutic intervention for the treatment of major depressive illnesses.

Off-pump vs. on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with chronic kidney disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease is found to be the primary cause of mortality, and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), their prognosis deteriorates. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing off-pump CABG versus on-pump CABG in CKD patients. We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, using relevant keywords. We included studies comparing off-pump CABG with on-pump CABG in patients with chronic kidney disease, which was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60ml/min per 1.73m2. Effect estimates were synthesized using a random-effects model and expressed as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our primary outcome was short-term mortality. A total of 25 studies, of which 23 were observational and 2 were RCTs, were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 234,585 patients (66,591 in the off-pump group and 167,994 in the on-pump group). Our meta-analysis showed that there was a significantly higher mortality rate in the on-pump CABG group as compared to the off-pump CABG group (RR: 0.73, 95% CI [0.61, 0.88]; P = 0.0006, I2 = 60%). Compared with OPCAB, short-term mortality was significantly higher in ONCAB.

Assessment of Acrocentric Chromosome Association/Satellite Associations in the Human Health Conditions and Exposure to Genotoxic Agents: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of both conventional and molecular studies focusing on acrocentric chromosome association/satellite association (ACA/SA) research for assessing human health conditions including cancer as well as in evaluating exposure to genotoxic agents. It is well documented that the ACA/SA frequency in lymphocytes of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal and breast cancer has been evaluated by many workers. Literature was searched using various combinations of keywords in different databases. The articles that appeared till March 2023 were considered depending on their relevance, and relevant information was extracted by two independent reviewers. A total of 97 studies were selected based on our criteria describing the relevant keywords, 46 studies described SAs/acrocentric association with different diseases, 35 studies demonstrated effects of genotoxic agents, 8 studies were on characteristics and general aspects of ACA/SA phenomenon, and 8 studies described the molecular mechanisms of acrocentric chromosomes. Thus, ACA/SA was crucial in assessing human health conditions, including genetic disorders and cancer, as well as in evaluating exposure to genotoxic agents. The information collected would help to promote a deeper understanding of the impact of ACA/SA on human health including cancer and emphasize the importance of integrating molecular approaches into genotoxic exposure studies. Continued research in this field will undoubtedly contribute to the advancements in medical genetics and improved patient care.

The effect of consuming nuts on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Results from clinical trials investigating the effect of nuts consumption on cognition are conflicting. We decided to conduct the current meta-analysis to summarize all available evidence on the effect of consuming nuts on cognition scores. We conducted a comprehensive search in the online databases using relevant keywords up to June 2024. We included all the published Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of nuts, compared to control, on cognition scores. Overall, 5 trials were included with a total sample size of 928 adults. Based on 6 effect sizes from these 5 trials, we did not find a significant effect of nuts on cognition function [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD): 0.27, 95% CI: -0.65 to 1.19, p = 0.57]. Our review could not find a significant effect of nuts on cognition function. Future high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes should be conducted to shed light on the impact of nuts on cognition.

Influence of Reading or Writing Activities Shared with Others on Older Adults: Results From a Scoping Study.

This study aimed to provide integrated knowledge on the influence of shared reading or writing activities, that is, recreational occupations involving dynamic relationships based on personal development, on adults aged 55 and older. Using a scoping study framework, six databases were searched with 25 relevant keywords for papers, theses, and scientific reports published in 2001-2023. Based on the Human Development Model-Disability Creation Process, the content analysis of 20 documents showed that shared reading or writing activities mostly benefited aging adults' behavioral capabilities like positive affect, their intellectual capacities, such as developing new perspectives on life, their interpersonal relationships, and social support. Negative instances, such as frustration, were often mentioned at the beginning of the activities but decreased over time. These results suggest the importance of shared reading or writing activities for healthy aging and the necessity to better support these activities for more inclusive and caring aging societies.