Time Restrictions Research Articles

A worldwide bibliometric analysis on euthanasia

Introduction: Euthanasia, which allows individuals with an incurable disease to end their lives in an honourable way, is a long-debated practice. It is related to various issues such as culture, philosophy, religion, ethics, public value, and efficient use of health resources. While some advocate for the right of individuals to choose euthanasia, others criticize it on ethical, legal, and religious grounds. Methods: In this study bibliometric analysis was used and the data were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database on July 26, 2024. Only English publications and articles were included using keywords such as "euthanasia," "end-of-life decisions," "medical assistance in dying," "physician-assisted death," and "physician-assisted suicide" without time restrictions. VOSviewer software was used to create network and density graphs, and SciMAT software was used to create strategic diagrams. Results: A total of 2,230 studies published between 1980 and 2024 were analyzed. The author with the most publications is Deliens, L, with 86 studies. The majority of studies were published in the USA, Netherlands, and Canada (692, 336, 225 respectively). The most frequently used keywords are euthanasia, palliative care, and ethics. The highest number of publications (149) was in the year 2021. In the strategic diagram for the first period (between 1980 and 2001), the themes of care and ethics were prominent, while for the second period (between 2002 and 2024), the clusters of nurse and shared decision-making were notable. Conclusion: After its legalization in the Netherlands, euthanasia has been accepted and implemented in some countries over the years, with variations in scope. Some countries, like the Netherlands and Belgium, also accept health problems related to old age and mental illness as euthanasia requests. The discussion around euthanasia often revolves around the principles of medical ethics, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Studies have focused on the role of physicians and nurses in the process, as well as end-of-life decision-making by patients. Recently, Canada defined the role of nurses in the euthanasia process, marking a significant development.

The impact of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on the recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis seeks to investigate the effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors on the recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, this study conducted a comprehensive online search across various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane, without time restrictions. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts based on predetermined criteria, resolving any discrepancies through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. The quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Cochrane's tool for evaluating risk of bias in randomized controlled trials. Six studies aligned with the study objectives were included after a systematic search across 6 databases. The RAAS inhibitors group comprised 404 participants, while the control or placebo group included 1828 participants. Analysis for publication bias using the Egger test indicated no bias in the studies (P = 0.151). The odds ratio for cSDH recurrence with RAAS inhibitor use compared to non-use was reported as OR = 1.06; confidence interval 0.6-1.893, p-value = 0.818, showing no significant association between RAAS inhibitor use and cSDH recurrence. The results suggest no significant link between RAAS inhibitor use and cSDH recurrence. However, due to the limited number and design of studies, as well as the lack of clinical trials, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this treatment.

Prevalence, Reasons, and Prevention for Drug Related Death After Release from Prisons: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context: Drug-related mortality is a major concern in public and global health discussions. Objectives: Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, causes, and prevention of death after individuals are released from prison. Methods: This study was conducted systematically using MeSH keywords with no language or time restrictions. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were extensively searched for observational studies from 1980/1/1 to 2023/12/30, following the PRISMA checklist. Fourteen research studies were ultimately included in the systematic review process. The CRD code is CRD42024571756. Results: The two-week period following release, with an 18% prevalence, was identified as the time when most overdose deaths occurred. The leading causes of death included prior heroin use, previous experiences with drug withdrawal, drug injection, and sedative use within six months before death. Compared to other unnatural causes of death, there was an increased risk of fatal drug overdose for individuals who died within the first two months of release. Men had higher death rates from all causes compared to women. Most studies reported that substance abuse treatment during imprisonment and providing take-home naloxone for emergencies protected against mortality from all causes. Conclusions: In conclusion, evidence from these systematic investigations highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address substance use disorders and overdose prevention among individuals recently released from prison. Efforts to bridge the gap between incarceration and community reintegration should prioritize comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs to reduce the heightened risk of mortality in this vulnerable population.

Orna face analysis

Aim: Facial aesthetics is a dynamic field requiring precise professional assessment, considering beauty concepts, variability in cultural and ethnic facial features, and patient perception. This study aimed to develop the Orna Face Analysis (OFA), an integrated tool for detailed facial evaluation to improve the planning of aesthetic treatments. Methods: The OFA integrates multiple analysis methods, considering key aspects such as youthfulness, average appearance, symmetry, and dimorphic features to create a comprehensive evaluation protocol based on a critical review of the scientific literature searched through PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus databases without language or time restrictions. Results: The OFA was designed as an electronic form that can generate a printed file, allowing for a deep understanding of patients faces by highlighting these essential aspects. This approach enables detailed and personalized diagnostics essential for effectively planning facial aesthetic treatments and meeting patient expectations. The OFA emerges as a complementary and integrative tool in facial aesthetics, promoting a personalized and evidence-based approach to facial harmonization. After constructing the OFA prototype in electronic and printed formats, the tool was tested in a clinical setting (TRL 6 – technology readiness level) to assess its objectivity, clarity, coherence, precision, and usability. TRL 6 indicates that the system has been demonstrated in a relevant environment but requires further testing for full validation. Conclusion: A preliminary evaluation by a facial harmonization specialist confirmed that the OFA enables the creation of highly personalized treatment plans, accurately reflecting a range of aesthetic outcomes. Further validation will solidify its applicability across diverse patient populations and settings.

Costs and benefits of item reduction: The abridgment of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ)

Shortening existing instruments is a highly required procedure, as short scales may have several advantages over the long versions, especially in time and/or resources restrictions. However, abbreviated forms may be weaker than their parent versions from both content coverage and psychometric robustness. Also, the abridgment of instruments is often lacking in methodological strictness, and the potential drawbacks of the shortened scales are rarely reported. The current study aims to describe the whole process of scale shortening, emphasizing the potential costs and benefits, in terms of balance between time-resource savings and loss of validity and reliability. We shortened the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), involving a sample of 459 participants (53.2% males). Item reduction was driven by searching to preserve the content breadth of the construct and scale's psychometric quality. Our results supported the two-factor structure of the measure (Cognitive Reappraisal and Expressive Suppression), χ2(8) = 11.357 ns, CFI = 0.995, TLI = 0.990, RMSEA = 0.030 (0.000–0.067), SRMR = 0.031, and three items were selected for each subscale. The two intended factors showed good levels of reliability (α > 0.710). A latent variable model was performed to evaluate how the original ERQ and our proposed short version (ERQS) were related to depression, anxiety, and stress: A similar pattern of associations was found, with Cognitive Reappraisal (negatively) and Expressive Suppression (positively) reporting significant but weak associations. The ERQ-S can be beneficial over the original version, as it effectively assesses the two emotion regulation strategies with a trivial loss in reliability and predictive validity.

Association between malnutrition status and total joint arthroplasty periprosthetic joint infection and surgical site infection: a systematic review meta-analysis

BackgroundMalnutrition is a state resulting from lack of intake or uptake of nutrition. Investigating the association between malnutrition and postoperative complications is essential for enhancing patient outcomes in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of malnutrition on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following TJA.MethodsThe data were searched from databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library inception through July 19 2023, without time restrictions. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining malnutrition as a risk factor for SSIs and PJIs postarthroplasty, providing sufficient data for calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale, and statistical analyses were executed in Stata version 17.ResultsA total of 1,025 articles were screened, and 9 studies satisfying the predefined inclusion criteria were consequently selected for this meta-analysis. Studies indicated that malnutrition is significant factor to the heightened incidence of both SSIs and PJIs following TJA procedures. Our pooled results yielded aggregated ORs of 2.60 for SSIs and 3.44 for PJIs, with respective 95% CIs of 2.10–3.10 and 2.35–4.53. The heterogeneity of malnutrition as a risk factor for postoperative SSI was I2 = 0.0% (p = 0.592), and for PJI was I2 = 0.0% (p = 0.422). Egger’s linear regression test showed no significant publication bias (p > 0.05).ConclusionsMalnutrition is a significant risk factor for SSIs and potentially PJIs in patients undergoing TJA. Preoperative optimization strategies targeted at malnourished patients are suggested to minimize postoperative complications clinically.

A Systematic Review on the Neuropsychological Assessment of Patients with LBP: The Impact of Chronic Pain on Quality of Life

Background and objective: Low back pain (LBP) is most common pain syndrome in Europe, affecting approximately 50% of European citizens. LBP is a complex condition that negatively affects many aspects of an individual’s life such as work productivity, mobility, and mental health. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of pain associated with chronic LBP on patients’ quality of life. Methods: Clinical studies reviewed in our search with no time restrictions were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Of the initial 1929 studies, only 15 met inclusion criteria. Results: Results of our study indicate that chronic pain has a negative impact on numerous functions and areas in which the individual is involved and that this condition leads to reduced performance. Conclusions: LBP is a debilitating condition for patients, negatively affecting quality of life. Future studies should focus on validating a standardized assessment that examines all aspects affected by LBP through a customized questionnaire.

The Benefits and Applications of Lactobacillus plantarum in Food and Health: A Narrative Review

Lactobacillus plantarum is a type of gram-positive lactic acid bacteria. This bacterium is considered a safe probiotic and, many applications and benefits including prolonging food shelf-life, enhancing antioxidant activity, improving food flavor characteristics and antimicrobial activities in the food industry, and application as a potential starter for dairy products have been attributed to it. Various studies have also emphasized its health-giving properties. As a result, the features and wide application of this bacterium, as well as the safety of L. plantarum and its strains, have made it a popular probiotic in the food and medical industries. Thus, in the present study keywords including L. plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum along with application, benefits, food, health, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-depression were searched in databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Sience direct and Google Scholar with no time restriction. Then, important features, benefits, and uses of L. plantarum were categorized and discussed. The ability of L. plantarum on the food such as prolonging food shelf-life, enhancing antioxidant activity, improving food flavor characteristics and antimicrobial activities in the food industry, and as a potential starter for dairy products is effective. In addition, several studies have emphasized of L. plantarum health-giving properties

Bridging Data Models in Health Care With a Novel Intermediate Query Format for Feasibility Queries: Mixed Methods Study.

To advance research with clinical data, it is essential to make access to the available data as fast and easy as possible for researchers, which is especially challenging for data from different source systems within and across institutions. Over the years, many research repositories and data standards have been created. One of these is the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard, used by the German Medical Informatics Initiative (MII) to harmonize and standardize data across university hospitals in Germany. One of the first steps to make these data available is to allow researchers to create feasibility queries to determine the data availability for a specific research question. Given the heterogeneity of different query languages to access different data across and even within standards such as FHIR (eg, CQL and FHIR Search), creating an intermediate query syntax for feasibility queries reduces the complexity of query translation and improves interoperability across different research repositories and query languages. This study describes the creation and implementation of an intermediate query syntax for feasibility queries and how it integrates into the federated German health research portal (Forschungsdatenportal Gesundheit) and the MII. We analyzed the requirements for feasibility queries and the feasibility tools that are currently available in research repositories. Based on this analysis, we developed an intermediate query syntax that can be easily translated into different research repository-specific query languages. The resulting Clinical Cohort Definition Language (CCDL) for feasibility queries combines inclusion criteria in a conjunctive normal form and exclusion criteria in a disjunctive normal form, allowing for additional filters like time or numerical restrictions. The inclusion and exclusion results are combined via an expression to specify feasibility queries. We defined a JSON schema for the CCDL, generated an ontology, and demonstrated the use and translatability of the CCDL across multiple studies and real-world use cases. We developed and evaluated a structured query syntax for feasibility queries and demonstrated its use in a real-world example as part of a research platform across 39 German university hospitals.

Study on the Application of Learning Community in Translation Teaching for English Majors

Learning Communities(LCs) have been applied widely in teaching due to their potential impact on learning outcomes and motivation. Driven by the need for highly qualified and skilled future professional translators, translation teaching for English majors has always been the research focus in the research community. However, traditional translation teaching modes have time, assessment, and outcomes restrictions. In this context, this study drafted an appropriate design of LCs in translation teaching for English majors and explored its feasibility and effectiveness. It adopted tests, questionnaires, and interviews to examine the effects of LCs on students' translation proficiency, knowledge of translation, and perceptions of LCs. Employing group comparisons of tests and questionnaires as well as a summary of interviews, this study found that translation teaching in LCs enhanced learners' translation proficiency and knowledge of translation. Meanwhile, the learners’ satisfaction with the experimental teaching was quite high. Also, this study offers a range of recommendations for optimizing the application of LCs. These recommendations serve as valuable guidance for harnessing the full potential of LCs to achieve educational goals.

The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Reports of Domestic Violence Against Women in the Context of a Middle-Income Country: The Case of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The city of Belo Horizonte is a state capital in Brazil with 2.7 million people. The city is remarkable for its stubbornly high and stable levels of domestic violence, and for having implemented very restrictive responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using 260 weeks of data between 2017 and 2021, we used an Interrupted Time Series model to estimate the effect of the restrictive orders and their subsequent relief on reports of domestic violence against women. Results show that restrictive orders had a large and negative immediate impact on reports of domestic violence against women, which was immediately followed by a gradual increase towards their original level. The subsequent relief had no impact, as the series had already resumed its earlier trend by the time restrictions ended. We engage with theory and extant research from middle-income countries to consider why reports declined and why this decline was momentary. Findings contrast with research in high-income countries, which generally found increases in reports of domestic violence after implementing pandemic-related restrictions. However, results align with a single other study in Mexico, a medium-income country similar to Brazil. In light of our data's context and literature, we considered that reports of domestic violence may have declined not necessarily because of a reduction in actual incidents, but because the restrictions may have exacerbated the isolation of women in vulnerable domestic arrangements, limiting their ability to report their victimization. A stable trend in reports of domestic violence against women, which resumed even after a global pandemic, suggests that current policies have been ineffective and that addressing domestic violence requires a better understanding of related issues and evidence-based strategies. Our study also highlights the importance of considering the consequences of hastily implemented policies during a crisis. While necessary, such policies can inadvertently exacerbate issues such as social isolation.

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF NURSES WORKING IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Nursing is often described as the art of caring, providing holistic patient assistance without time restrictions. However, due to this nature of work, it is common for these professionals to present symptoms of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. This results in a reduction in the quality of life at work, directly affecting the efficiency of care provision. This study aimed to verify the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the index of quality of life at work among nurses working in the inpatient sector of public hospitals in the city of Aracaju. Among the 128 professionals included in the sample, 46.1% presented anxiety symptoms and 30.5% depression symptoms, according to the HADS scale. Additionally, 66.4% of nurses reported an unsatisfactory quality of life at work index (QLWI). The majority of professionals who presented symptoms of both diseases were female; 17.2% had two employment bonds, and 19.5% reported an unsatisfactory QLWI. Therefore, it is possible to infer that the accumulation of employment bonds and the reduction in quality of life at work may have been determining factors for the development of these symptoms. It is concluded that it is extremely important to improve working conditions, safety, and remuneration, as well as increase the institutional appreciation and recognition of nursing professionals. This would contribute to raising the quality of life indices at work and reducing the need for multiple employment bonds.

Assessment of Employees' Ergonomic Issues in The Workplace in Terms of Occupational Health and Safety Practices: A Meta-Analysis Study

Purpose: This study is a meta-analysis aimed at evaluating ergonomic issues in workplaces in terms of occupational health and safety practices. Materials and Methods: This study is of a meta-analytic nature. Data used in the meta-analysis were obtained through searches on databases such as Google Scholar, YÖK Thesis, EBSCO, and Web Of Science without any time restrictions between January and March 2024. A total of 15 research studies were included in the search results. The data obtained were synthesized using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis methods. The total sample size of the studies used in this study is 65,160. Results: In this meta-analysis study, it was found that the practices implemented for addressing ergonomic issues faced by employees in the workplace were effective (SMD: 0.367, 95% CI: 0.055-0.679; Z = 2.305, p = 0.021, I2 = 97.761%, Q = 625.169). The variance among studies is statistically significant according to the analysis results (p < 0.05). It is believed that challenges related to the structure of work in workplaces lead to various discomforts in employees, and therefore, ergonomic practices can minimize physical strains on employees, contribute to work efficiency, and enhance employee health and safety.

Evaluating the Crash Risk and Traffic Offenses of Motorized Two-Wheelers: A Study Specific to Food Delivery Riders

Food delivery riders (FDRs) rely on motorized two-wheelers that are innately unstable, resulting in safety risks. FDRs perform several traffic violations because of delivery time restrictions that result in concern for road safety. In this study, the available Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) is modified by considering the opinion of focus groups, to study the riding behavior of FDRs using a sample of 431 participants. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor solution loaded with 31 items. This research emphasizes that the risky behavior of FDRs is influenced by surrounding traffic and the road environment, in addition to their individual riding behavior. The self-reported crash, near crash, and traffic offenses data of FDRs showed a higher variance when compared with the mean (i.e., over-dispersed). Therefore, the relationship between the target variables—crash in past year, near crash in past year, and penalized traffic offenses in past year—and MRBQ factor scores were established using negative binomial regression analysis. Negative binomial regression analysis shows that the surrounding traffic factor has the highest incidence rate ratio, proving it to be the most significant predictor of crash risk for FDRs in addition to their own aberrant riding behavior. Based on this research, the enforcement of road safety policies can be effective in reducing aberrant riding behavior performed by FDRs such as traffic violation. The risky driving behavior of surrounding traffic can be properly dealt with by imposing hefty penalties and strict enforcement measures, and by spreading awareness.

Virtual simulation for teaching cardiology in nursing: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionVirtual simulation (VS) can be an effective learning strategy in the context of nursing education on cardiovascular disease; however, its use in teaching cardiology in nursing is less studied. The...

Neonatal outcomes after in utero exposure to antipsychotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adverse neonatal outcomes following in utero antipsychotic exposure remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate associations between in utero first- and second-generation antipsychotic exposure and various neonatal outcomes. The primary outcome was small for gestational age. Secondary outcomes included other birth weight-related measures, prematurity and neonatal outcomes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for on 8th July 2023. Two reviewers independently selected studies reporting associations between exposure and neonatal outcomes (all designs were eligible, no language or time restriction) and extracted data. ROBINS-I was used for risk of bias assessment. Meta-analyses were performed. Measures of association were odds ratios and mean differences. Thirty-one observational studies were included. Regarding small for gestational age < 10th percentile, meta-analysis was only performed for second-generation antipsychotics and showed no evidence for an association (OR 1.31 [95%CI 0.83; 2.07]; I²=46%; phet=0.13, n = 4 studies). First-generation antipsychotics were associated with an increased risk of small for gestational age < 3rd percentile (OR 1.37 [95%CI 1.02; 1.83]; I²=60%; phet=0.04, n = 5) and a lower mean birthweight (MD -135g [95%CI -203; -66]; I²=53%; phet=0.07, n = 5). Second-generation antipsychotics were associated with large for gestational age > 97th percentile (OR 1.56 [95%CI 1.31; 1.87]; I²=4%; phet=0.37, n = 4) and Apgar score < 7 (OR 1.64 [95%CI 1.09; 2.47]; I²=47%; phet=0.13, n = 4). Both types of antipsychotics were associated with increased risks of preterm birth and neonatal hospitalization. Despite potential confounding in the studies, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that newborns of mothers using antipsychotics during pregnancy are potentially at risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov. Prospero Registration Number CRD42023401805.

Effects of a Smartphone App-Based Intervention on Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Management Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Background Self-management programs can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop strategies to address their disease-related problems. However, accessibility to traditional self-management programs is often limited. Purpose This study was developed to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a smartphone-delivered self-management program application (app) for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods A two-arm (intervention vs. control) randomized controlled trial was used. Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited from the rheumatology departments of a medical center. Study enrollment capabilities were limited by current pandemic restrictions. The patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate (N = 46) were enrolled as participants and randomly assigned either to the intervention group (n = 25), which received instructions on the use of a smartphone app designed to facilitate the self-management of rheumatoid arthritis, or to the control group (n = 21), which received instructions on related self-management only. The outcome variables were assessed at baseline and at 8 and 12 weeks. Differences in between-group outcomes over time were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Feasibility and acceptability were also evaluated. Data were collected between August 1, 2020, and July 31, 2022. Results At baseline, no differences were detected between the two groups in terms of the demographic and disease characteristics of concern. Outcome measures for the intervention group improved significantly more than the control group for self-efficacy of pain at 8 weeks (B = 6.39, p &lt; .05) and for both of self-efficacy of pain and self-management behavior at 12 weeks (B = 9.16, p &lt; .05, and B = 4.25, p &lt; .001, respectively). Factors related to app ease of use included limiting pop-ups and windows and having no time restrictions. Most of the participants reported the app as acceptable and easy to use, although challenges relating to using technology limited the usability of the app for some. Conclusions/Implications for Practice The smartphone app was shown to improve self-efficacy of pain and self-management behaviors. However, an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of the app and generalizability of the findings is limited by the smaller-than-desired sample size due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technological challenges. A greater understanding of how to overcome technological challenges is needed to optimize the delivery of self-management programs via smartphone-based apps. Studies reevaluating this app on a larger sample size should be conducted.

Minimal change glomerular disease associated with solid neoplasms: a systematic review.

Paraneoplastic minimal change disease (MCD) has been associated with hematological malignancies, whereas solid malignancies are commonly associated with membranous glomerulonephritis. In this systematic review of the literature, we describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome of MCD associated with solid neoplasms. We performed a systematic review of the MEDLINE, COCHRANE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases, including case reports of adult patients with biopsy-proven MCD and solid malignancy, without language or time restrictions. Sixty-seven papers were included, presenting 86 cases with a mean age of 57.8 ± 14.7years; 41.0% were women. Nephrotic syndrome was the initial presentation in 96.2% of patients; 67.2% had kidney function impairment, and 21.2% required kidney replacement therapy. The most frequent malignancies were malignant thymoma (34.9%), kidney (14.0%), lung (12.8%), and gastrointestinal tumors (12.8%). In 40.7% of cases, the neoplasm diagnosis preceded MCD by 33.8 ± 46.1months, while in 31.4%, it followed diagnosis ofMCD by 12.4 ± 22.6months. In 27.9%, the neoplasm and kidney disease were diagnosed simultaneously. Immunosuppressive therapy was started in 79.1% of cases and tumor-specific treatment in 83.7%. Remission of MCD was achieved in 80.2% of patients: 38.2% responded to immunosuppressive treatment alone and 29.6% to oncological treatment alone. The association between MCD and solid neoplasms is well-documented. Immunosuppressive therapy alone induced nephrotic syndrome remission in over one-third of cases; most others responded to tumor-specific treatment. Solid tumor screening should be considered in MCD independently of the steroid response, though more data on solid tumor-associated MCD prevalence are needed for a definitive statement. CRD42024521854.

Reducing Contract Disputes: A Comparative Analysis of FIDIC and GCC Standard General Conditions of Contract for Construction Projects

Contractors working in foreign countries face challenges and disputes due to differences between customized general contract conditions and the standard conditions of Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC) contracts. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, these conditions are primarily FIDIC-based but customized to local laws and practices. This study addresses the gap in understanding how these customizations impact contract administration and aims to minimize conflicts. The research compares FIDIC clauses on "Commencement, Delay, and Suspension," "Variation and Adjustments," and "Claims, Disputes, and Arbitration" with GCC standard clauses, focusing on party roles, time restrictions, repercussions, and entitlements. Using a comparative analysis methodology, the study examines contract documents and legal frameworks across GCC countries. Key findings reveal that late commencement notices can lead to significant delays and damages, with varied implications across Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Additionally, contractors might incur costs for engineering services during delays. Variation and dispute procedures vary, with Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia favoring litigation, while Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE prefer arbitration. This research enhances understanding of the key differences between adopted and standard contract provisions, offering insights to better manage construction projects in the GCC region.

Students’ Intention to Adopt E-learning Platform for College English Study: Mediating Effect of Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs

E-learning platform (ELP) provides economic and efficient channels to share and learn knowledge online without time and location restrictions. Earlier studies have identified determinants that impact students’ intention to use new technologies in different learning contexts, yet few have tried to investigate the effect of students’ satisfaction of basic psychological needs during the adoption process. Based on the framework of UTAUT2, this study has tested the mediating role of satisfaction of basic psychological needs to better comprehend the relationships between the antecedents and intention. The partial least square structural equation modeling was used for data analysis, findings indicate that performance expectancy, learning value, hedonic motivation, and habit significantly impact students’ willingness to adopt ELP for college English study. As for the mediating effect of students’ satisfaction of basic psychological needs, it fully mediates the relationship between effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and intention while partially mediating the relationship between performance expectancy, learning value, hedonic motivation, habit, and intention. The study aids in grasping the key factors to increase students’ adoption of ELP and offers recommendations to increase students’ participation, learning efficiency, and their satisfaction of basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness during college English study with ELP.