Relevant Studies Research Articles

Impact of dietary inflammatory index on gestational diabetes mellitus in normal and overweight women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

To systematically investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with a focus on the role of BMI in this relationship. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL Complete, Chinese Periodical Full-text Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China Wanfang Database for rele-vant observational studies published up to August 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The pooled effect size was calculated using a random-effects model. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The study included 54,058 participants from 10 studies. Pregnant women with a higher DII, indicating a pro-inflammatory diet, had a significantly increased risk of GDM compared to those with a lower DII, indicating an anti-inflammatory diet (pooled OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.36; I²=70%, p <0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association in normal weight stratification (OR: 1.25, 95%CI: 1.04-1.51), case-control studies (OR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.03-2.05), Asia (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.10-1.43), Europe (OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.09-1.48), 3-day dietary record as a dietary assessment tool (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.16-1.46), physical activity adjustment (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.13-1.46), and energy intake adjustment (OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.19-1.48). Meta-regression analysis confirmed that geographical region significantly influenced heterogeneity between studies (p <0.05). An elevated DII is independently linked to a higher risk of GDM, especially in women of normal weight.

Nuclear Imaging Modalities in the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Cancer.

In this review we have brought forward various nuclear imaging modalities used in the diagnosis, staging, and management of thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, accounting for approximately 3% of all new cancer diagnoses. Nuclear imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of thyroid cancer, and the use of radioiodine imaging, FDG imaging, and somatostatin receptor imaging are all valuable tools in the management of this disease. Radioiodine imaging involves the use of Iodine-123 [I-123] or Iodine-131 [I-131] to evaluate thyroid function and detect thyroid cancer. I-123 is a gamma-emitting isotope that is used in thyroid imaging to evaluate thyroid function and detect thyroid nodules. I-131 is a beta-emitting isotope that is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer. Radioiodine imaging is used to detect the presence of thyroid nodules and evaluate thyroid function. FDG imaging is a PET imaging modality that is used to evaluate the metabolic activity of thyroid cancer cells. FDG is a glucose analogue that is taken up by cells that are metabolically active, such as cancer cells. FDG PET/CT can detect primary thyroid cancer and metastatic disease, including lymph nodes and distant metastases. FDG PET/CT is also used to monitor treatment response and detect the recurrence of thyroid cancer. Somatostatin receptor imaging involves the use of radiolabeled somatostatin analogues to detect neuroendocrine tumors, including thyroid cancer. Radiolabeled somatostatin analogues, such as Indium-111 octreotide or Gallium-68 DOTATATE, are administered to the patient, and a gamma camera is used to detect areas of uptake. Somatostatin receptor imaging is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of metastatic thyroid cancer. Methods: A comprehensive search of relevant literature was done using online databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library using the keywords "thyroid cancer," "nuclear imaging," "radioiodine imaging," "FDG PET/CT," and "somatostatin receptor imaging" to identify relevant studies to be included in this review. Conclusion: Nuclear imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of thyroid cancer. The use of radioiodine imaging, thyroglobulin imaging, FDG imaging, and somatostatin receptor imaging are all valuable tools in the evaluation of thyroid cancer. With further research and development, nuclear imaging techniques have the potential to improve the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer and other endocrine malignancies.

Maternal Dietary Intakes and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review

Background: The loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy is known as spontaneous abortion (SA). Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the results of previous studies about the dietary intake of mothers who suffered from SA. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search in the Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus databases to collect relevant published studies between 1990 and November 2022. The data from case-control and cohort studies that had assessed dietary intakes before and during pregnancy of women with SA were included. Results: High consumption of butter increases the risk of SA, but a very low intake of olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of SA. In addition, an adequate intake of high-quality proteins and calcium from dairy products and enough intake of fiber and phytochemicals from chocolate, fresh fruits, and vegetables can reduce the risk of SA. A number of mechanisms, such as providing essential nutrients for fertilization and implantation, promoting fetal growth, reduction of inflammatory conditions, and insulin resistance, have been proposed to explain the protective effects of these food groups against SA. Conclusion: An unhealthy diet and eating sufficient amounts of these food groups will be helpful and recommended.

Interventions to improve nurse-family communication in the emergency department: A scoping review.

To determine and describe what interventions exist to improve nurse-family communication during the waiting period of an emergency department visit. Communication between nurses and families is an area needing improvement. Good communication can improve patient outcomes, satisfaction with care and decrease patient and family anxiety. Scoping Review. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institution methodology: (1) identify the research question, (2) define the inclusion criteria, (3) use a search strategy to identify relevant studies using a three-step approach, (4) select studies using a team approach, (5) data extraction, (6) data analysis, and (7) presentation of results. Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychInfo and grey literature were searched on 3 August 2022. The search yielded 1771 articles from the databases, of which 20 were included. An additional seven articles were included from the grey literature. Paediatric and adult interventions were found targeting staff and family of which the general recommendations were summarised into communication models. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions using a standardised scale, understanding the specific needs of families, and exploring the communication models developed in this review. Communication models for triage nurses and all emergency department nurses were developed. These may guide nurses to improve their communication which will contribute to improving family satisfaction. PRISMA-ScR. Protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework, registration number 10.17605/OSF.IO/ETSYB. No patient or public contribution.

Trimester-specific diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detection of placenta accreta spectrum: systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) during the first trimester of pregnancy and compare it with the accuracy of second- and third-trimester ultrasound examination in pregnancies at risk for PAS. PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception until 10 March 2023. Inclusion criteria were cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies that evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound examination performed at < 14 weeks of gestation (first trimester) or ≥ 14 weeks of gestation (second/third trimester) for the diagnosis of PAS in pregnancies with clinical risk factors. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of sonography in detecting PAS in the first trimester, compared with the accuracy of ultrasound examination in the second and third trimesters. The secondary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of each sonographic marker individually across the trimesters of pregnancy. The reference standard was PAS confirmed at pathological or surgical examination. The potential of ultrasound and different ultrasound signs to detect PAS was assessed by computing summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and positive and negative likelihood ratios. A total of 37 studies, including 5764 pregnancies at risk of PAS, with 1348 cases of confirmed PAS, were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that ultrasound had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 78-92%) and specificity of 63% (95% CI, 55-70%) during the first trimester, and a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI, 84-91%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI, 85-96%) during the second/third trimester. Regarding sonographic markers examined in the first trimester, lower uterine hypervascularity exhibited the highest sensitivity (97% (95% CI, 19-100%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity demonstrated the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 96-100%)). In the second/third trimester, loss of clear zone had the highest sensitivity (80% (95% CI, 72-86%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity exhibited the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 97-100%)). First-trimester ultrasound examination has similar accuracy to second- and third-trimester ultrasound examinations for the diagnosis of PAS. Routine first-trimester ultrasound screening for patients at high risk of PAS may improve detection rates and allow earlier referral to tertiary care centers for pregnancy management. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Food waste warriors: Indonesian communities engage through workshops and social media education

Food waste is food appropriate for human consumption but discarded in the retail or consumption process. In 2022, food waste accounts for 40.9% of Indonesia’s waste composition. Therefore, food waste community education is critical for reducing food waste. Community education can reach the young generation through workshops and social media. This research aims to evaluate various workshops and social media content in educating teenagers about food waste through community. The PRISMA guidelines become the foundation as a contribution to Sustainable Development Goals. We utilized databases such as EBSCO Host, SAGE, Taylor &amp;amp; Francis, and Wiley Online Library to search for relevant studies. This study’s approach is normative research including secondary data, comprehensive literature review such as workshops, social media, and food waste education journals in Indonesia. This systematic review examines food waste education content of workshops and social media in Indonesia also further content recommendations. This systematic review collected 52 papers, including journals and proceedings. The community education content in Indonesia focuses on recycling with 28.57%. Seminars/online campaigns dominate the education form with sustainable development goals (SDGs) achieved: climate action and zero hunger. This systematic review showed that it is essential to add actions toward food waste in the form of actual activities.

Lean Six Sigma Studies in Türkiye: A Literature Review

The literature in the field of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is developing in Türkiye as well as over the world. However, theses and papers written in Turkish are waiting to be disseminated. This paper aims to investigate LSS in the Turkish context with the purpose of identifying the current state, gaining insight and exploring future directions. This paper implements the systematic literature review methodology to identify and review all relevant studies in Turkish literature. This paper covers the literature on LSS in Türkiye from 2004 to 2021. As a result, a total of 32 theses and 29 papers were investigated in detail. This paper not only focuses on years, sectors, areas etc. of the studies, but also analyses the contents of papers in relation to enterprise size, project prioritization, and quality tools used in DMAIC phases, and improvements after implementation in terms of descriptive and content analysis. The results show that, although there are many LSS implementations in Turkish context, they could not be shared with global academic area due to the national language usage. LSS implementations have an increasing trend in last years and highly focused on manufacturing sector and large companies. The lack of structured way of applying LSS, especially not using project prioritization and selection methodology takes attention. This paper shows the gaps and future directions in Türkiye for researchers and provides a groundwork to develop a roadmap for Turkish organizations.

Effect of Artificial Aging on Translucency of Zirconia Reinforced Lithium Silicate and Lithium Disilicate Ceramics: A Systematic Review.

Digital dentistry and advanced ceramic materials have been widely used but which material has a better esthetically durable outcome needs to be evaluated. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the difference in the translucency of CAD zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate and CAD lithium disilicate glass ceramics after being subjected to artificial aging. Two independent reviewers searched the MEDLINE/ PubMed, Embase, and EBSCO databases and the Google Scholar search engine for in-vitro studies published from January 2010 to May 2023 to identify relevant studies measuring the translucency of CAD ZLS and CAD lithium disilicate glass ceramics after being subjected to different artificial aging conditions using the coffee solution, 4% acetic acid, distilled water and UV aging. For qualitative synthesis, 10 studies were included. A statistically significant difference was observed between CAD zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate and CAD lithium disilicate glass ceramics (P⟨0.05, mean difference=-0.25 [-0.38,-0.11]). Translucency of CAD ZLS was less than CAD lithium disilicate glass ceramics. Artificial aging has decreased the translucency of glass ceramics. For fixed prosthetic rehabilitation clinicians can opt for CAD lithium disilicate glass-ceramic as a more esthetically pleasing and durable material in oral environment.

Epigenetics of Fear, Anxiety and Stress - Focus on Histone Modifications.

Fear-, anxiety- and stress-related disorders are among the most frequent mental disorders. Given substantial rates of insufficient treatment response and often a chronic course, a better understanding of the pathomechanisms of fear-, anxiety- and stress-related disorders is urgently warranted. Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications - positioned at the interface between the biological and the environmental level in the complex pathogenesis of mental disorders - might be highly informative in this context. The current state of knowledge on histone modifications, chromatin-related pharmacology and animal models modified for genes involved in the histone-related epigenetic machinery will be reviewed with respect to fear-, anxiety- and stress-related states. Relevant studies, published until 30th June 2022, were identified using a multi-step systematic literature search of the Pub- Med and Web of Science databases. Animal studies point towards histone modifications (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K9me1/2/3, H3K27me2/3, H3K9ac, H3K14ac and H4K5ac) to be dynamically and mostly brain region-, task- and time-dependently altered on a genome-wide level or gene-specifically (e.g., Bdnf) in models of fear conditioning, retrieval and extinction, acute and (sub-)chronic stress. Singular and underpowered studies on histone modifications in human fear-, anxiety- or stress-related phenotypes are currently restricted to the phenotype of PTSD. Provided consistent validation in human phenotypes, epigenetic biomarkers might ultimately inform indicated preventive interventions as well as personalized treatment approaches, and could inspire future innovative pharmacological treatment options targeting the epigenetic machinery improving treatment response in fear-, anxiety- and stressrelated disorders.

Targeting Cysteine Proteases and their Inhibitors to Combat Trypanosomiasis.

Trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the Trypanosoma genus, remains a significant health burden in several regions of the world. Cysteine proteases play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Trypanosoma parasites and have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of cysteine proteases in trypanosomiasis and their potential as therapeutic targets. We discuss the biological significance of cysteine proteases in Trypanosoma parasites and their involvement in essential processes, such as host immune evasion, cell invasion, and nutrient acquisition. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies and research articles on the role of cysteine proteases and their inhibitors in trypanosomiasis. The selected studies were critically analyzed to extract key findings and provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. Cysteine proteases, such as cruzipain, TbCatB and TbCatL, have been identified as promising therapeutic targets due to their essential roles in Trypanosoma pathogenesis. Several small molecule inhibitors and peptidomimetics have been developed to target these proteases and have shown promising activity in preclinical studies. Targeting cysteine proteases and their inhibitors holds great potential for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs against trypanosomiasis. The identification of potent and selective cysteine protease inhibitors could significantly contribute to the combat against trypanosomiasis and improve the prospects for the treatment of this neglected tropical disease.

Gender disparities and potentials in STEM approach in Jordan and Saudi Arabia – An analytical literature review

AbstractIn recent years, the integrated approach of STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has been adopted in the Middle East to improve students' scientific capacities and their formative thinking. Nevertheless, this approach encounters complications in the application, including many due to gender differences. Middle Eastern women's life and education is affected by conservative constraints and social norms where gender stereotypes and culture impact shared views about specific domains. Research regarding gender has frequently emphasized gender imbalance in virtually all STEM study fields and professions. This study explores STEM education's conceptual framework in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Likewise, it provides an overview of STEM teachers' practices and their gender perspectives in the classrooms. We investigate the implementations and gender differences in STEM education by scrutinizing relevant literature and studies in the selected countries. The conclusions indicate a shortage of teachers' knowledge in applying STEM education in classrooms and a need for more development programs that qualify teachers for STEM education applications. In addition, the results show that gender disparities are promoted by the education system and teachers who teach STEM subjects in schools because social norms and gender stereotypes influence them.

Shadowing School Principals – What Do We Learn (Anew)?

ABSTRACT Shadowing has been used for decades in educational leadership and management research. Yet, there appears to be little academic discussion of shadowing and its related forms or anal-yses of the method itself. This contribution attempts to further a reflection on shadowing by providing insights into its use as well as its pitfalls and merits. For this purpose, relevant stud-ies from 2017 until 2023 making use of shadowing were analyzed. The results indicate that although the use of shadowing in educational leadership research has increased, methodolog-ical discussion and reflection of the method has been only limited.

Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-effectiveness of Bezlotoxumab in Preventing Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection : Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains a global health challenge. Bezlotoxumab (BEZ) is a monoclonal antibody against C. difficile toxin B. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), MODIFY I and II, confirmed BEZ efficacy in preventing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). However, there are safety concerns about its use in patients with a history of congestive heart failure. Observational studies have since been conducted, and it is important to explore the consistency of BEZ efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and its safety utilizing these real-world data. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to pool the rate of rCDI in patients receiving BEZ and explore its efficacy and safety in preventing rCDI compared with control. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from inception through April 2023 for relevant RCTs or observational studies assessing BEZ in preventing rCDI. Single-arm studies describing experience with BEZ in preventing rCDI were also included for proportion meta-analysis. A proportion meta-analysis with a random-effects model was used to pool the rCDI rate with its corresponding 95% CI. In a meta-analysis of efficacy, we generated the relative risk (RR) to compare BEZ versus control in preventing rCDI. Thirteen studies including 2 RCTs and 11 observational studies totaling 2337 patients, of which 1472 received BEZ, were included in the analysis. Of the constituent studies, 5 (1734 patients) compared BEZ versus standard-of-care (SOC). Pooled rate of rCDI in patients receiving BEZ was 15.8% (95% CI: 14%-17.8%), and was 28.9% (95% CI: 24%-34.4%) in the SOC. BEZ significantly reduced rCDI risk compared with SOC [RR=0.57 (95% CI: 0.45-0.72, I2 =16%)]. There was no difference in the overall mortality or heart failure risk. Of the 9 included cost-effectiveness analyses, 8 demonstrated BEZ+SOC cost-effectiveness compared with SOC alone. Our meta-analysis comprising real-world data revealed lower rCDI in patients receiving BEZ and supported its efficacy and safety when added to SOC therapy. The results were consistent across various subgroups. Available cost-effectiveness analyses mostly support BEZ+SOC cost-effectiveness compared with SOC alone.

A review of sustainable project management practices in modern LNG industry initiatives

This paper presents a comprehensive review of sustainable project management practices within the modern LNG industry, aiming to analyze the strategies, challenges, and opportunities associated with sustainable development in LNG initiatives. The literature review encompasses an examination of sustainable project management principles, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability in LNG projects. Case studies from various LNG initiatives worldwide are analyzed to identify best practices and frameworks for integrating sustainability into project management methodologies. These studies highlight innovative approaches such as carbon footprint reduction, community engagement programs, and economic diversification strategies, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of sustainable project management in the LNG sector. Methodologically, this review adopts a systematic approach, utilizing established criteria for selecting and analyzing relevant literature and case studies. Data collection methods include extensive literature searches and case study analysis to gather insights into the implementation and effectiveness of sustainable project management practices in the LNG industry. The findings reveal a growing trend towards the adoption of sustainable practices in LNG projects, driven by regulatory requirements, investor preferences, and stakeholder expectations. However, several challenges persist, including technological limitations, regulatory complexities, and cost implications. Nonetheless, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and collaboration, fostering the development of new technologies and strategies to enhance sustainability in LNG project management. In conclusion, this review underscores the importance of sustainable project management in the modern LNG industry, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address environmental, social, and economic concerns while meeting energy demands. The insights provided offer valuable guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers seeking to advance sustainability objectives in LNG initiatives.

Reviewing predictive analytics in supply chain management: Applications and benefits

Supply chain management (SCM) is a critical component of modern business operations, and the integration of predictive analytics has emerged as a transformative force in enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and overall performance. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the applications and benefits of predictive analytics in supply chain management, exploring its role in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain visibility. The literature review provides a historical perspective on the evolution of predictive analytics in SCM, delving into key concepts and definitions. Drawing upon existing research, the paper analyzes real-world applications, case studies, and successful implementations in areas such as demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain visibility. Methodologically, the paper outlines the criteria for selecting relevant studies, details the search strategies employed, and highlights the sources contributing to the comprehensive understanding of predictive analytics in SCM. The exploration of applications focuses on how predictive analytics is revolutionizing demand forecasting, optimizing inventory levels, and enhancing supply chain visibility. Through case studies and examples, the paper illustrates the practical implications of implementing predictive analytics in these key areas. Real-world examples and data-driven insights underscore the transformative impact of predictive analytics on SCM processes. Despite its numerous advantages, challenges and limitations exist in the implementation of predictive analytics. This paper examines common hurdles and proposes strategies to overcome these challenges, offering a balanced perspective on the practical implications of integrating predictive analytics into supply chain management. Looking towards the future, the paper discusses emerging trends and technologies in predictive analytics, anticipating advancements that will further shape the landscape of SCM analytics. It summarizes key findings, outlines implications for practitioners and researchers, and suggests avenues for future research in the dynamic field of predictive analytics in supply chain management.

Health technology assessment of video otoscopy for the diagnosis of otitis media in children in comparison to conventional otoscopy in primary healthcare settings in India

ObjectiveThis Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was undertaken to assess the clinical-effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and operational feasibility of using otoscopes in primary healthcare settings in India, for diagnosing otitis media in children. MethodsWe undertook a three-step process sequentially determining (i) clinical effectiveness of video as well as conventional otoscopy (compared to otic microscope as the reference standard); (ii)cost-effectiveness analysis of the video otoscope; and (iii)operational feasibility and health equity considerations. The systematic review for clinical effectiveness involved literature search across five databases, screening and inclusion of relevant studies, and data synthesis. Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using data from published literature, specialist interviews, and cost assumptions if neither was available. The Progress Plus tool was used to explore health equity and operational feasibility was taken into account. ResultsThe systematic review on clinical effectiveness include three relevant studies from a total of 1361 identified. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of video otoscope were 0.70 (95%CI 0.60, 0.84) and 0.92 (CI95% 0.89, 0.95) to be 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84 to 0.91). The cost-effectiveness analysis identified the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (compared to conventional otoscope) as INR 1008.4 per QALY, with an overall gain of 413 QALYs per year. This was well below the willingness-to-pay threshold for India. There was potential of enhancing health equity and no insurmountable operational barriers, to the use of video otoscope in primary healthcare settings. ConclusionThis HTA concluded that video otoscope is clinically effective, cost-effective, and operationally feasible in Indian primary health settings, for diagnosing otitis media in children.

Evaluation of the External Soft Tissue Changes Following the Correction of Class II Skeletal Malocclusion in the Adolescence Period Using Removable and Fixed Functional Appliances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of functional treatment with both removable and fixed appliances to normalize the external soft tissue for skeletal class II adolescent individuals. We performed a broad electronic search to retrieve relevant studies from nine databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that investigated soft tissue changes following functional treatment and evaluated the changes using 2D lateral cephalometric radiographsand 3D-optical surface laser scanning. A total of three RCTs and eight CCTs were included. Ages ranged from 11 to 16 years with the fixed functional appliances, and from eight to 12 years with the removable ones, including 689 skeletal class II patients. Version 2 of Cochran's risk-of-bias (RoB2), and the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBIN-I) were used to assess the risk of bias for the included papers. Of the 11 eligible studies, three studies were included in the meta-analysis to assess the upper and lower lip position in relation to the E-line (Ricketts's aesthetic line) in addition to the nasolabial angle. The meta-analysis showed that the upper lip retracted after functional treatment with Twin-block in relation to E-line (mean difference (MD) = -1.93; 95% CI: -2.37, -1.50; p < 0.00001; χ² = 5.43; p = 0.07; I2 = 63%), while the lower lip position did not change after functional treatment with Twin-block in relation to E-line (MD = 0.03; 95% CI: -0.56, 0.61; p = 0.92; χ² = 1.74; p = 0.42; I2 = 0%). The nasolabial angle increased after Twin-block treatment (MD = 5.75; 95% CI: 4.57, 6.93;p < 0.00001; χ² = 6.77; p = 0.03; I2 = 70%). The mentolabial angle and Z-angle also increased after functional therapy, where the facial convexity angle decreased, regardless of the functional devices used. On the other hand, using the 3D-optical surface laser scanning showed that the upper lip length and the commissural width did not change following therapy, but the lower lip increased in length, as well as the total face height. More high-quality RCTs are required to obtain accurate evidence in this field.

Applications of Autonomous Navigation Technologies for Unmanned Agricultural Tractors: A Review

The development of unmanned agricultural tractors (UAT) represents a significant step towards intelligent agricultural equipment. UAT technology is expected to lighten the workload of laborers and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mechanized operations. Through the investigation of 123 relevant studies in the literature published in recent years, this article reviews three aspects of autonomous navigation technologies for UATs: perception, path planning and tracking, and motion control. The advantages and deficiencies of these technologies in the context of UATs are clarified by analyzing technical principles and the status of current research. We conduct summaries and analyses of existing unmanned navigation solutions for different application scenarios in order to identify current bottleneck issues. Based on the analysis of the applicability of autonomous navigation technologies in UATs, it can be seen that fruitful research progress has been achieved. The review also summarizes the common problems seen in current UAT technologies. The application of research to the sharing and integrating of multi-source data for autonomous navigation has so far been relatively weak. There is an urgent need for high-precision and high-stability sensing equipment. The universality of path planning methods and the efficiency and precision of path tracking need to be improved, and it is also necessary to develop highly reliable electrical control modules to enhance motion control performance. Overall, advanced sensors, high-performance intelligent algorithms, and reliable electrical control hardware are key factors in promoting the development of UAT technology.

Exploring Academic Writing Needs and Challenges Experienced by ESL Learners: A Literature Review

The review paper aims to identify the challenges and academic writing needs faced by the students, specifically in English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts. The paper systematically reviews, analyzes, and summarizes relevant studies, categorizing the identified challenges and demands of students in academic writing. The central finding is that students often struggle with academic writing due to a lack of enthusiasm and insufficient practice in this skill. The paper emphasizes the formal writing style, scholarly voice, and intellectual values inherent in academic writing. The study employs a comprehensive approach, including a thorough review of the literature, an examination of academic papers and these as examples, and a detailed analysis of each paper’s components. The sections include an analysis of the title, an assessment of the abstract, and a description of the introductory section, covering issues, purpose, recommendations, and appendices, along with conclusions. Importantly, the review paper extends its focus beyond the university context, aiming to contribute to graduate students and society by addressing these challenges, which are crucial for enhancing academic writing proficiency and benefiting both students and society.

Association of Vitamin D Levels with Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

Emerging evidence suggests the potential relationship between vitamin D deficiency and risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. To what extent the excess risk of dementia conferred by vitamin D deficiency is less clear. We summarized the current evidence from several aspects and further quantified these associations. We collected relevant prospective cohort studies by searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane up to July 2023. The pooled relative risks (RR) were evaluated by random-effects models. Dose-response analyses were conducted by the method of two-stage generalized least squares regression. Of 9,267 identified literatures, 23 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analyses, among which 9 and 4 literatures were included in the dose-response analyses for the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Vitamin D deficiency exhibited a 1.42 times risk for dementia (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21-1.65) and a 1.57-fold excess risk for AD (95% CI = 1.15-2.14). And vitamin D deficiency was associated with 34% elevated risk with cognitive impairment (95% CI = 1.19-1.52). Additionally, vitamin D was non-linearly related to the risk of dementia (pnonlinearity = 0.0000) and AD (pnonlinearity = 0.0042). The approximate 77.5-100 nmol/L 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was optimal for reducing dementia risk. And the AD risk seemed to be decreased when the 25(OH)D level >40.1 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency was a risk factor for dementia, AD, and cognitive impairment. The nonlinear relationships may further provide the optimum dose of 25(OH)D for dementia prevention.