Scientific Search Engines Research Articles

India’s Health Diplomacy as a Soft Power Tool towards Africa: Humanitarian and Geopolitical Analysis

India and Africa have been sharing a multidimensional relationship of cooperation and friendship since the ancient civilizations. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new possibilities and opportunities for India to leverage its soft power diplomacy towards Africa. The paper’s main focus is to analyze how India has made soft power part of its foreign policy and examine India’s relationship with the African continent through health diplomacy. A literature search was done in major databases, such as Web of Science, Medicine/PubMed, Scopus, OVID, and Google Scholar search engine to gather relevant information. Through humanitarian assistance and geopolitical influence, India had won the support and heart of Africans. Besides, India has become a global healthcare provider in the African continent through its global health diplomacy and vaccine diplomacy. India has achieved impressive gains through its soft power diplomacy and has become a compassionate and benevolent actor in the African continent.

Natural preparations supporting the treatment of coronary heart disease: a narrative review

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is currently the most common cause of death in the world. Diet plays a significant role in the treatment of CHD. The purpose of this review is to present the current knowledge on natural products, including soybeans, garlic, black coffee, tea, and monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as components of the Mediterranean diet and Portfolio diet in supporting the treatment of CHD. A literature search was carried out in a scientific search engine database. Combinations of the following terms were used: “coronary heart disease”, “ischemic heart disease”, and “natural preparation of CHD”. Scientific publications were systematically examined to identify both direct and indirect evidence that met the aims of this review. Only articles that considered human subjects were included. After the selection process, a total of 28 articles were included in the review. The main findings were as follows: Garlic ameliorates the function of the endothelium, blood pressure parameters, and lipid profiles. Coffee improves glucose metabolism and shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea ameliorates the lipid profile. Monounsaturated fatty acids show antioxidant properties. The Mediterranean diet has antihypertensive and antioxidant properties and reduces inflammation. The Portfolio diet shows lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties. Diet in CHD is an extremely important factor supporting treatment and can significantly modify the parameters of cardiovascular risk. However, there is still a need for more research on the properties of natural products and their health effects.

A Review of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Blockchain Technology Applications in Medicine and Global Health

Artificial intelligence (AI) programs are applied to methods such as diagnostic procedures, treatment protocol development, patient monitoring, drug development, personalized medicine in healthcare, and outbreak predictions in global health, as in the case of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Machine learning (ML) is a field of AI that allows computers to learn and improve without being explicitly programmed. ML algorithms can also analyze large amounts of data called Big data through electronic health records for disease prevention and diagnosis. Wearable medical devices are used to continuously monitor an individual’s health status and store it in cloud computing. In the context of a newly published study, the potential benefits of sophisticated data analytics and machine learning are discussed in this review. We have conducted a literature search in all the popular databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. This paper describes the utilization of concepts underlying ML, big data, blockchain technology and their importance in medicine, healthcare, public health surveillance, case estimations in COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics. The review also goes through the possible consequences and difficulties for medical practitioners and health technologists in designing futuristic models to improve the quality and well-being of human lives.

Spontaneous Renal Rupture During Pregnancy: A Contemporary Literature Review and Guide to Management.

Spontaneous renal rupture is a rare pregnancy complication, which requires a high index of suspicion for a timely diagnosis to prevent a poor maternal or fetal outcome. This review highlights risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and complications of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy. A literature search was carried out by research librarians using the PubMed and Web of Science search engines at 2 universities. Fifty cases of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy were identified and are the basis of this review. The first case of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy was reported in 1947. Rupture occurs more commonly on the right side and during the third trimester. Pain was a reported symptom in every case reviewed. Treatment usually consists of stent or nephrostomy tube placement. Conservative management has been reported. When diagnosed early and managed appropriately, maternal and fetal outcomes are favorable. Preterm delivery is the most common complication. Our aim is to increase the awareness of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy and its associated complications in order to improve an accurate diagnosis and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Artemisinin-based combination therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mali: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundArtemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) was deployed in 2005 as an alternative to chloroquine and is considered the most efficacious treatment currently available for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. While widespread artemisinin resistance has not been reported to date in Africa, recent studies have reported partial resistance in Rwanda. The purpose of this study is to provide a current systematic review and meta-analysis on ACT at Mali study sites, where falciparum malaria is highly endemic.MethodsA systematic review of the literature maintained in the bibliographic databases accessible through the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science search engines was performed to identify research studies on ACT occurring at Mali study sites. Selected studies included trials occurring at Mali study sites with reported polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-corrected adequate clinical and parasite response rates (ACPRcs) at 28 days. Data were stratified by treatment arm (artemether–lumefantrine (AL), the first-line treatment for falciparum malaria in Mali and non-AL arms) and analysed using random-effects, meta-analysis approaches.ResultsA total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a risk of bias assessment carried out by two independent reviewers determined low risk of bias among all assessed criteria. The ACPRc for the first-line AL at Mali sites was 99.0% (95% CI (98.3%, 99.8%)), while the ACPRc among non-AL treatment arms was 98.9% (95% CI (98.3%, 99.5%)). The difference in ACPRcs between non-AL treatment arms and AL treatment arms was not statistically significant (p = .752), suggesting that there are potential treatment alternatives beyond the first-line of AL in Mali.ConclusionsACT remains highly efficacious in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Mali. Country-specific meta-analyses on ACT are needed on an ongoing basis for monitoring and evaluating drug efficacy patterns to guide local malaria treatment policies, particularly in the wake of observed artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia and partial resistance in Rwanda.

Systematic Review on White Spot Lesions Treatments

The difference in refractive index between the healthy enamel and the demineralized area generates a lesion with a milky white opaque appearance, clearly distinguishable from the surrounding healthy enamel. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate if the infiltration technique is the most efficient treatment to resolve a white spot lesion when compared with remineralization and microabrasion techniques. The Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome question investigated: “in enamel WS lesion, the infiltration treatment compared to remineralization or microabrasion treatments is more or less effective in the camouflage effect?.” The research was performed on electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and web of science. The search was conducted up to April 1, 2020. The scientific search engines produced 324 results. Only 14 were screened after screening. Based on the articles analyzed in this systematic review, the resin infiltration technique seems to be the most effective and predictable treatment for the aesthetic resolution of WSLs.

The impact of eSports and online video gaming on lifestyle behaviours in youth: A systematic review

BackgroundESports has evolved into a hyper-competitive genre of video gaming. Emerging evidence has linked its intense engagement with mental health problems, with implications on youth development. We aim to summarise the impact of eSports and online video gaming on lifestyle outcomes. MethodWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in journals published in the English language since 2011. We searched PubMed, Web of Science (WoS) and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE) using search strings related to eSports or video-gaming and lifestyle behaviours. ResultsWe identified 3694 studies, 36 of which met the inclusion criteria. The studies reported associations between online video gaming (including eSports participation and consumption) and poor lifestyle outcomes:physical activity-related (decreased levels of physical activity, increased body mass index (BMI) and sedentary behaviour)nutrition-related (poorer diet, sweetened beverage consumption) and sleep-related outcomes (decreased quality/duration, increased sleepiness/sleep deprivation). One study investigated physical lifestyle-related outcomes (eye strain, wrist pain, neck pain) Results indicate a widening breadth of research investigating associations between lifestyle outcomes and online video gaming. ConclusionLifestyle outcomes associated with engagement in eSports and video gaming are important to consider. This emphasizes the need for longitudinal studies which examine characteristics of gaming that may increase young people's risk of practicing unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. The accessibility of eSports to a wide digital audience highlights the need for this sector to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours among consumers and gamers.

The complex relationship between infertility and female genital tract cancer: A review.

The link between female infertility and gynecological cancer has always been a debated and challenging topic. Although cervical cancer has the worst impact on female fertility, as it is usually diagnosed in patients of reproductive age, endometrial and ovarian cancer are also diagnosed and treated often in relatively younger patients in which fertility preservation is a relevant issue. The aim of this review is to highlight the correlation between therapy for female infertility and the developing cancer's risk and to describe the fertility sparing treatments in gynecological oncology. A systematic review of the literature through the main scientific search engines (PubMed and Google Scholar) was performed. We selected the most relevant articles based on the largest case series and the latest updates. All selected documents have been listed in the references. Fifty-six relevant articles published between 1996 and 2019 were identified.Results from the available evidence report no significant increased risk of endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer in patients having infertility treatments.In young patients diagnosed with gynecological cancer, preservation of fertility is a personalized choice depending on several factors (type, stage, age and desire to conceive, safety of the treatment, and feasibility of fertility sparing surgery). For ovarian cancer FIGO stage IA G1, IA G2 (grade), and IC G1; for endometrial adenocarcinoma grade 1 with no lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) or myometrial invasion and for early-stage cervical cancer (FIGO stage 2018: IA1-IB1), fertility sparing treatment is possible. The role of fertility sparing treatment with the increase of personalization of therapies therapy is always a theme of discussion and research. At present data regarding the risk of gynecological cancers after infertility treatments are reassuring. Careful evaluation of female fertility-sparing options in young women interested by ovarian, endometrial, or cervical tumors should be carried out involving a multidisciplinary team and ensuring safety and efficacy.

COVID-19 and Online Education in Iran’s Universities of Medical Sciences: A Narrative Review

Context: With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid growth of online education, Iranian universities of medical sciences began to hold online classes for students. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine different aspects of online education in medical universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This narrative review study was to review studies on online education during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran’s universities of medical sciences. To this end, the PubMed and Sciencedirect databases as well as the Google Scholar scientific search engine were searched on April 20, 2021 using the following keywords: ‘online education,’ ‘virtual education,’ ‘virtual learning,’ ‘e-learning,’ ‘COVID-19,’ and ‘Iran’. Results: The present findings revealed Navid, Adobe Connect, and SkyRoom platforms as the most popular online teaching tools in Iran’s universities of medical sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main challenges in online education in Iranian universities of medical sciences was students’ non-equal accessibility to appropriate hardware, software, and communication tools, students and professors’ insufficient knowledge and unfamiliarity with information technology tools and e-learning, lack of proper interactions between professors and students, and the lack of a suitable platform for practical clinical training and internships. Conclusions: Educational simulation systems and online education support systems are useful in teaching clinical, practical, and internship courses to students and promoting interactions between teachers and students.

Methodological approaches to the valuation of forest ecosystem services: An overview of recent international research trends

Forests represent the most important source of ecosystem services (ES) on a global level both for the production of goods and for the provision of services and externalities, nevertheless scientific research in the economic field is lacking. Currently the number of documents relating to ES is 16 673, of which only 1 379 concern the forestry sector. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of scientific research trends in the field of economic evaluation of forest ecosystem services (FES). To this end, an on-line bibliographic survey was carried out on the main scientific search engines, which made it possible to quantify the works and at the same time to detect the main evaluation methods used for the different FES. This survey allowed to collect 93 articles meeting the search criteria: the most active continents were Europe and Asia, whereas most of the articles focused on the joint evaluation of provisioning, regulation and cultural services, even if a good number of them only concerned cultural services. The most widely used valuation methodologies were the contingent valuation among the stated preference techniques and the market price among direct observation criteria.

Use of herbal formulations for the treatment of circumcision wounds in Eastern and Southern Africa

Medicinal plants used to treat and manage circumcision wounds have remained an integral part of traditional practice in Eastern and Southern Africa. This study reviews the traditional usage of medicinal plants to treat and manage circumcision wounds in Eastern and Southern Africa. Drawing on data from Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania, information was collected from different sources including books, theses and electronic scientific search engines such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciFinder and Google Scholar. A literature search was also undertaken focusing on medicinal plants used against circumcision wounds that demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in in vitro studies. Twenty-eight medicinal plants from 15 families are recorded as traditional therapies for circumcision wounds following an extensive literature search. These species used to treat and manage circumcision wounds, and as dressing after circumcision to prevent serious inflammation are mainly (64.3%) members of Amaryllidaceae, Asparagaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae families. Three quarters (75.0%) of these species including Acalypha ornata, Achyranthes aspera, Asparagus africanus, Boophone disticha, Brunsvigia grandiflora, Burkea africana, Colophospermum mopane, Datura stramonium, Dichrostachys cinerea, Helichrysum appendiculatum, H. foetidum, H. longifolium, H. nudifolium, H. pedunculatum, Lippia javanica, Maesa lanceolata, Ptaeroxylon obliquum, Ricinus communis, Searsia natalensis, Triumfetta rhomboidea and Vachellia nilotica have shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in a set of in vitro models. Further studies are needed such as isolation of phytochemical compounds, in vivo activities, clinical and toxicological studies.

Baccharis genistelloides (Lam.) Pers. "carqueja": a review of uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical composition and pharmacological studies

Background: Baccharis genistelloides (Lam.) Pers. "carqueja" is a species native to South America. The best-known synonyms are B. trimera and B. crispa, used mainly against diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal and liver problems. The objective of this review is to collect information on its uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological studies.Method: 104 papers, 5 books and 11 theses were obtained from different scientific databases and search engines, referring to Baccharis genistelloides and 13 synonyms, between 1996 and 2020, mainly in English.Results: B. genistelloides is traditionally used in diabetes and obesity. More than 107 compounds have been found in its essential oil, with carquejil acetate as the main compound. 12 flavonoids, 8 clerodan diterpenes and 5 derivatives of caffeoylquinic acid have been reported. The most studied pharmacological activities are the antioxidant capacity and the antibacterial effect.Conclusions: Carquejil acetate is the phytochemical marker for B. genistelloides. Rutin, quercetin, β-pinene, α-humulene and trans-caryophyllene have pharmacological activity. It is necessary to carry out pharmacological studies to support its traditional use in diabetes and obesity.Keywords: Traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, Baccharis genistelloides, Baccharis trimera, Baccharis crispa.

Prevalence and meta-analysis of episiotomy in the Middle East

Introduction: Routine use of episiotomy is not recommended for women giving birth naturally. However, several studies in the Middle East have reported that it has high prevalence, but there is no general estimate. This study was performed with aim to review the prevalence and met-analysis of episiotomy in the Middle East based on studies conducted in this field. Methods: To search for articles, the databases of SID, Magiran, Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest and google scholer search engines using the keywords of prevalence, epidemiology, frequency, incidence, rate and episiotomy in both languages of Persian and English and all possible combinations were searched with AND and OR operators. Calculation of heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated using I2 index and Bag test was used to examine the bias. Results: Twelve articles with a sample size of 69171 were reviewed. The overall prevalence of episiotomy was 67% (95% CI: 55-78). Using the random effect model, the risk of episiotomy in primiparous women was two times than multiparous women, which was statistically significant (RR = 2.01, 95% CI: 0.87-4.63, p <0.001; I2 = 99.99). Oxytocin use was also associated with an 80% (60-95%) prevalence of episiotomy. Conclusion: Due to the high rate of episiotomy in the Middle East, despite the standard set by the World Health Organization, there is an urgent need for planning to reduce this rate. Therefore, it is recommended to use effective methods to reduce the need for episiotomy in primiparous women and to avoid unnecessary clinical interventions such as using oxytocin.

Ageratum conyzoides L. and Its Secondary Metabolites in the Management of Different Fungal Pathogens.

Ageratum conyzoides L. (Family—Asteraceae) is an annual aromatic invasive herb, mainly distributed over the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It owns a reputed history of indigenous remedial uses, including as a wound dressing, an antimicrobial, and mouthwash as well as in treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, skin diseases, etc. In this review, the core idea is to present the antifungal potential of the selected medicinal plant and its secondary metabolites against different fungal pathogens. Additionally, toxicological studies (safety profile) conducted on the amazing plant A. conyzoides L. are discussed for the possible clinical development of this medicinal herb. Articles available from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed in detail to exhibit recent appraisals of the antifungal properties of A. conyzoides. Efforts were aimed at delivering evidences for the medicinal application of A. conyzoides by using globally recognized scientific search engines and databases so that an efficient approach for filling the lacunae in the research and development of antifungal drugs can be adopted. After analyzing the literature, it can be reported that the selected medicinal plant effectively suppressed the growth of numerous fungal species, such as Aspergillus, Alternaria, Candida, Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Pythium, owing to the presence of various secondary metabolites, particularly chromenes, terpenoids, flavonoids and coumarins. The possible mechanism of action of different secondary metabolites of the plant against fungal pathogens is also discussed briefly. However, it was found that only a few studies have been performed to demonstrate the plant’s dosage and safety profile in humans. Considered all together, A. conyzoides extract and its constituents may act as a promising biosource for the development of effective antifungal formulations for clinical use. However, in order to establish safety and efficacy, additional scientific research is required to explore chronic toxicological effects of ageratum, to determine the probability of interactions when used with different herbs, and to identify safe dosage. The particulars presented here not only bridge this gap but also furnish future research strategies for the investigators in microbiology, ethno-pharmacology, and drug discovery.

Pharmacologic activities of phytosteroids in inflammatory diseases: Mechanism of action and therapeutic potentials.

Natural products and their derivatives are known to be useful for treating numerous diseases since ancient times. Because of their high therapeutic potentials, the use of different medicinal plants is possible to treat varied inflammation-mediated chronic diseases. Among natural products, phytosteroids have emerged as promising compounds mostly because they have diverse pharmacological activities. Currently, available medications exert numerous systemic toxicities, including hypertension, immune suppression, osteoporosis, and metabolic abnormalities. Thus, further research on phytosteroids to subside these complications is of significant importance. In this study, the information on phytosteroids, their types, and actions against inflammation, and allergic complications was collected by a systematic survey of literature on several scientific search engines. The literature review suggested that phytosteroids exhibit antiinflammatory action via different modes through transrepression or selective COX-2 enzymes. Also, in silico ADMET analysis was carried out on available phytosteroids to uncover their pharmacokinetic properties. Our analysis has shown that eight compounds: withaferin A, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, guggulsterone, diosgenin, sarsasapogenin, physalin A, and dioscin, -isolated from medicinal plants show similar pharmacokinetic properties as compared to dexamethasone, commercially available glucocorticoid. These phytosteroids could be useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, systematic research is required to explore potent phytosteroids with lesser side effects, which might substitute the current medications.

LGBTI Sexualities and intersectional research

We examine testimonies pertaining to the integration of a gender perspective beyond the dichotomy man-woman into practices of affective-sexual adult learning and education (ALE). We are interested in inclusive practices able to expand voices from specific vulnerable groups against discriminations and multiple oppressions among the aged when belonging to LGBTI Communities. The framework is based on post-feminist contributions, to allow for a democratic understanding of gender equality as well as to integrate population sectors suffering from different types of gender-based violence, such as non-heterosexual, trans and intersex people. The narrative literature review method was chosen, and international scientific search engines and databases were consulted to find literature in Portuguese, Spanish and English. A total of 25 educational interventions were selected for analysis. To discuss the data, we resorted to Barragán’s (1996) theoretical models. The results show a small number of internationally documented experiences on affective-sexual education with the elderly and adults

Chemical Compounds and Pharmacological Activities of Cucumis genus

Cucumis genus is one of the genera from the Cucurbitaceae family. Cucumis genus plants have many health benefits. They are known as traditional medicinal plants in several countries in Asia, including Indonesia. This literature review discusses the topic of traditional use, phytochemical compounds, nutritional content, pharmacological activity, genotoxicology, and toxicity tests of the Cucumis genus plants based on data obtained from scientific databases and search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Cucumis genus plants contain many chemical compounds, such as cucurbitacin, phenolic compounds, vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and fatty acids. Several studies have shown that Cucumis genus plants exhibited some pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiwrinkle, and anticancer activity. Cucumis genus plants also have useful therapeutic effects for osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and wound healing. Each part of Cucumis genus plants contains phytochemical compounds that are different from one another. Their pharmacological activities are also different, depending on the phytochemical compounds and Cucumis genus plants' plant parts. However, more recent studies are needed regarding the genotoxicology and toxicity of the Cucumis genus plants.

Hematological Implications of Schistosomiasis: Experimental and Clinical Review

This review aimed to explore the deleterious effects of Schistosoma infection on the blood picture of infected hosts. International and local scientific search engines were navigated from till April 2021 for systematic reviews, clinical trials and experimental studies that address the hematological profile of the schistosomiasis-infected patients. Anemia and eosinophilia are the characteristic hematological findings of schistosomiasis but controversy was found regards the effects of schistosomal infection on other blood cells which may be due to discrepancy in infected hosts, Schistosomes strains, various laboratory methodologies or phase of the disease.

Enabling Food Environment in Kindergartens and Schools in Iran for Promoting Healthy Diet: Is It on the Right Track?

Enabling policies related to kindergarten and school food environments can be effective approaches in preventing childhood obesity. This study investigated policies and/or programs with direct or indirect effects on the food environment in kindergartens and schools in Iran. In this scoping review, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of science, as well as Iranian scientific search engines, including Scientific Information Database and Magiran from January 1990 to October 2020, to identify literature on policies/programs affecting the food environment in kindergartens and schools in Iran. A total of 30 studies and policy documents were included in this review relevant to eight policies/programs. These programs have helped to control food availability in schools, increase nutritional awareness, positively influence physical function and school performances, and reduce malnutrition in rural kindergartens. However, improving the food environment in schools and kindergartens requires proper revisions and local adaptation of many of these policies, strengthening of cross-sectoral collaborations, provision of necessary financial and human resources, and ensuring regular monitoring and evaluation. Reflecting on Iran’s health policies and interventions provides insight into the progress achieved and challenges faced. Lessons can benefit the country itself, as well as other countries with similar contexts.

Earthen blocks with Synthetic Fibres – A Review

In recent times, sustainability in daily routine aspects is gaining momentum, which increases use of earthen material as a building material and it plays a vital role in the construction of any buildings, when it is enhanced with the fibres(PET, polythene, polypropylene etc.). This study presents the comprehensive review of earthen blocks reinforced with the synthetic fibres like (polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, glass fibres, steel fibres, nylon fibres, polyvinyl alcohol) and discussed about the physical and mechanical properties of the earthen blocks reinforced with these fibres. The literature search was performed with the google scholar and web of science search engines. Polypropylene fibre, PET fibres, Polyethylene fibres have good strength when it is reinforced with earthen blocks. The soil and the fibres are stabilized with cement and chemicals respectively to makeearthen blocks. The treatment of fibre before adding as a reinforcing agent and some tests are missing in many studies. Future studies can be conducted on the effect of fibre treatment and the performance of the synthetic fibre reinforced earthen block.