Systematic Review Research Articles

Prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Malaysia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The incidence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide. National surveys in Malaysia have shown similar trends. This review aimed to increase our understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of childhood overweight, obesity, and excess weight in Malaysia. A systemat-ic review and meta-analysis were conducted of studies reporting the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Malaysian children aged < 18 years. Systematic searches were conducted in Oc-tober 2023 and repeated in March 2024 of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The grey literature was also included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessments were conducted by paired independent researchers. A meta-analysis of prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model and heterogeneity (I2) was calculated. Publication bias was investigated using Egger's test. This review included 33 studies (N=273,710) conducted between 1996 and 2022. Overall, the childhood overweight, obesity and excess weight prevalence was 13.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.0-14.8%), 11.8% (95% CI, 10.9-12.8%), and 24.0% (95% CI, 22.3-25.7%), respectively. Boys had a significant-ly higher proportion of obesity (12.5% [95% CI, 11.1-14.1%] vs. 9.1% [95% CI, 8.1-10.1%]) and excess weight (25.7% [95% CI, 23.5-28.1%] vs. 20.7% [95% CI, 18.8-22.8%]) than girls. Sarawak natives had a higher prevalence of obesity (17.7% [95% CI, 16.0-19.5%]). Annually, the obesity prevalence increased by 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1-0.6%; p=0.006) and excess weight prevalence increased by 0.6% (95% CI, 0.3-1.0%; p=0.002). Heterogeneity was high (I2>90%), and publication bias was possible (p<0.001). Variability was not significantly affected by the critical appraisal score or sample size. In conclusion, the prevalence of childhood overweight, obesity, and excess weight in Malaysia doubled over 26 years. Future studies of the prevalence of childhood excess weight should follow a standardized reference for body mass index by age to ease interstudy comparisons.

A Systematic Review on the Potential Applications of Theranostic Nanoparticles in Diabetes and its Associated Complication Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Diabetes neuropathy is a frequent ailment that has a substantial impact on patients by increasing the risk of falls and causing discomfort. The lower extremities are where diabetic neuropathy patients first feel pain. This discomfort could seem like a pinprick, an electric shock, or something else. Objective: Here, we give a comprehensive overview of this quickly developing theranostic appli-cation that includes all relevant imaging, diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring elements for the management of diabetes and diabetes neuropathy. Methods: The data for the current study was gathered by searching PubMed and Google Scholar. Several research and review publications from various publishers, including Springer Nature, Bentham Science, PLOS one, MDPI, and ACS Publishing Centre, were evaluated to compile the data. Result: Recent developments in theranostics have shown promise as alternate management ap-proaches for diabetes and ailments linked to diabetes. Numerous nanotechnology-built biosen-sors, including multiwalled carbon nanotubes, copper nanowires, zinc oxide tetrapods, and nano-particle-embedded contact lenses, offer benefits in monitoring diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion: The potency, usability, and dependability of insulin substitutes have been demon-strated by a variety of innovative methods for the management of diabetes, which includes nano-technology approaches using Gene-Based Nanoparticles (siRNA), Liposomes, Exo-somes/Extracellular Vesicles, Neuromodulation, and Inhalable Nanoparticles. Over the past few years, the development of various theranostic nanoparticles for Diabetic neuropathy has experi-enced an unprecedented expansion. Even though much work needs to be done to precisely evalu-ate the genuine benefits provided by these particles, such as issues with nanotoxicity, theranostic nanoparticles will have a significant impact on the field of nanomedicine.

Schema Extraction in NoSQL Databases: A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction: Nowadays, NoSQL databases have taken on an increasingly important role in the storage of massive data within companies. Due to a common property called schema-less, NoSQL databases offer great flexibility, particularly for the storage of data in different formats. However, despite their success in data storage, schema-less databases are a major obstacle in areas requiring precise knowledge of this schema, especially in the field of data integration. Method: This study presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to explore, evaluate, and discuss relevant existing research and endeavors using novel schema extraction approaches. Furthermore, we conducted this study using a well-defined methodology to examine and study the problem of schema extraction from NoSQL databases. Results: Our research results highlight and emphasize the scheme extraction approaches and provide knowledge to researchers and practitioners by proposing schema extraction approaches and their limitations, which contributes to inventing new, more efficient approaches. Conclusion: In our future work, inspired by the recent advances in quantum computing and the emergence of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), we aim to propose a schema extraction approach that blends cutting-edge technologies with a strong focus on database security.

Immunological reactivity and natural resistance in patients with tuberculosis, toxocariasis and tuberculosis associated with toxocariasis

Introduction. Parasitic diseases continue to affect the population of many countries of the world. About 2 billion people on the planet are infected with helminths, including Toxocara canis. Invasion with Toxocara canis represents a strong endogenous factor in the formation of the regulatory imbalance of the immune system. The integral evaluation of these indices serves as an important criterion in the diagnosis of toxocarosis and the effectiveness of the applied therapy. In the context of the above, information about research on immune reactivity and natural resistance of tuberculosis patients in association with toxocariasis is of interest. Material and methods. This article is a systematic review of the relevant literature between the year 2001 and 2022. The material for the study was electronic sources published through the web Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus and Web of science; PubMed; crossref; Google Scholar and others. The following keywords were used “immunological reactivity”, “natural resistance”, “parasitic diseases”, “toxocara canis”, “tuberculosis and toxocariasis”, “immunity”, “helminthiasis”, “toxocariasis”. Bibliographic resources have been systematized by subject and content. The results were grouped and systematized according to the relevant criteria and the level of scientific evidence. Results. Parasites, in particular, Toxocara canis and M. tuberculosis use different mechanisms to alter the immune response, but these mechanisms can interact with significant consequences for the immunological reactivity of each infection. Chronic helminthic infection causes a wide range of changes in the immune system. Conclusion. The immune reactivity and natural resistance of tuberculosis patients in association with toxocarosis is insufficiently elucidated.

Evolutionary Stress Detection Framework through Machine Learning and IoT (MLIoT-ESD)

Background: Life nowadays is full of stress due to lifestyle changes and the modernera race. Almost everyone around us is suffering from stress and anxiety. Mostly, stress identification is done by medical practitioners in a very late stage in which suitable help measures cannot be provided and hence result in suicides or early age deaths due to cardiac arrest, etc. One major reason behind the delay is the time required in stress identification by traditional approaches, and above that, the amount of time and financial support expected is always not feasible to be available. Hence, in this paper, we proposed an evolutionary research framework for stress identification by the usage of both machine learning and IoT. Here, we also conducted a pilot study on 83 records available over the decade since 2014 using PRISMA guidelines, and a bibliographic network visualization was also performed using VOS viewer. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a stress detection framework using Machine Learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) as technology advanced over a decade. Methods: More than 80 research papers from honorable repositories like Scopus and Web of Science were gathered according to the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) 2020, and the VOSviewer tool was further applied to construct the bibliographic depictions. Various datasets and methods used over ten years with their performance were also discussed. Results: This research was conducted to gather various types of stressors, the impact of various Machine Learning and IoT algorithms and concepts on various datasets and their respective results. Conclusion: Various available datasets and results with multiple algorithms were discussed in a crisp tabular form for better understanding. A methodology based on an amalgamation of Machine Learning and IoT was also proposed due to various research gaps available so that stress detection could be done in a cost-effective way.

Predicting the long-term effects of electronic cigarette use on population health: a systematic review of modelling studies

ObjectiveTo systematically review and synthesise the findings of modelling studies on the population impacts of e-cigarette use and to identify potential gaps requiring future investigation.Data source and study selectionFour databases...

Empathising and Defining the Strategy Development Process Adoption of Industrial 4.0 in SMEs

The advent of Industry 4.0 has become an integral part of the manufacturing industry, playing a crucialrole in boosting competitiveness and enhancing productivity within companies. Small and MediumEnterprises (SMEs), which contribute significantly to the national economy, must inevitably embracethe adoption of Industry 4.0 technology. However, the implementation of this technology at the SMEfaces numerous obstacles. To address these challenges and facilitate the transformation to Industry4.0 in SMEs, this research aims to construct a comprehensive adoption strategy. Currently in itspreliminary stage, the strategy development process primarily involves identifying stakeholders, theirneeds, and the goals they aim to achieve. Design thinking, specifically the empathize and define phase,is employed as the methodological approach. The information utilized in this study originates fromsystematic literature reviews conducted using PRISMA. The analysis of the gathered data hasidentified several stakeholders, including government entities, IT experts, management personnel, andemployees. However, for the purpose of creating user personas, the focus is narrowed down tomanagement and employees. User personas are instrumental in understanding the goals and potentialobstacles faced by these individuals. The culmination of this stage is the formulation of a problemstatement, which will be further refined in subsequent phases of the design thinking process.

Timing of induction of labor in suspected macrosomia: retrospective cohort study, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Large-for-gestational age (LGA) is associated with several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although many studies have found that early induction of labor (IOL) in case of a LGA fetus reduces the incidence of shoulder dystocia, no current guidelines recommend this particular clinical strategy, owing to concerns about increased rates of Cesarean delivery (CD) and neonatal complications. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the timing of IOL in LGA fetuses affected maternal and neonatal outcomes in a single center, and to combine these results with evidence reported in the literature. This study comprised two parts. The first part was a retrospective cohort study that included consecutive patients with a singleton pregnancy and an estimated fetal weight ≥ 90th percentile on ultrasound between 35 + 0 and 39 + 0 weeks' gestation, who were eligible for normal vaginal delivery. The second part of the study was a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, including the results of our cohort study as well as those of previous studies that compared IOL with expectant management in patients with a LGA fetus. The perinatal outcomes of the study were CD, operative vaginal delivery, shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus palsy, anal sphincter injury, postpartum hemorrhage, Apgar score, umbilical artery pH, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, use of continuous positive airway pressure, intracranial hemorrhage, need for phototherapy and bone fracture. Of the 547 patients included in this retrospective cohort study, 329 (60.1%) underwent IOL and 218 (39.9%) experienced spontaneous labor. Following covariate balancing, the odds of CD were significantly higher in the IOL group compared with the spontaneous-labor group. This difference only became apparent beyond 40 weeks' gestation (hazard ratio, 1.90; P = 0.030). The difference between the IOL and spontaneous-labor groups for the rate of shoulder dystocia was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 1.57; P = 0.200). Seventeen studies, in addition to our own results, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, giving a total population of 111 300 participants. Although there was no significant difference in the rate of CD between IOL and expectant management after pooling the results of included studies, the risk for shoulder dystocia was significantly lower in the IOL group (odds ratio (OR), 0.64 (95% CI, 0.42-0.98); I2 = 19% from 12 studies) when considering only IOL performed before 40 + 0 weeks. When the studies in which IOL was carried out exclusively before 40 + 0 weeks were removed from the analysis, the risk for CD in the remaining studies was significantly higher in the IOL group (OR, 1.46 (95% CI, 1.02-2.09); I2 = 56%). There were no statistically significant differences between the IOL and expectant-management groups for the remaining perinatal outcomes. Nulliparity, history of CD and low Bishop score, but not method of induction, were independent risk factors for intrapartum CD in patients that underwent IOL for LGA. The timing of IOL in patients with suspected macrosomia significantly impacts on perinatal adverse outcomes. IOL has no impact on rates of shoulder dystocia but increases the odds of CD when considered irrespective of gestational age; in contrast, IOL may decrease the risk of shoulder dystocia without increasing the risk of other adverse maternal outcomes, in particular CD, when performed before 40 + 0 weeks (GRADE: low/very low). © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Current Understanding, Motivations, and Barriers Towards Implementing Sustainable Initiatives in the Hospitality Industry in the Age of Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Background:: Sustainability concerns are rapidly being acknowledged as a key concern for hospitality sectors worldwide. Sustainable initiatives immediately contribute to improved organizational performance in terms of utility consumption, waste management, and regulatory compliance, resulting in cost-effectiveness and competitive advantage through distinctiveness. Objective:: The purpose of the study is to analyze and summarize the motivations, indicators, and barriers towards applications of sustainable initiatives and modern technologies in the hospitality industry using the existing literature to develop a current understanding of the subject and know the way the current industry is thinking about it. Method:: This study is a combination of systematic and bibliometric review, where the systematic review was based on selected articles from reputed journal databases, and the bibliometric review was conducted using VOS viewer and web of science database for a period of 20 years (2002- 2022) Seven research questions were framed and answered for the systematic review. Result:: By describing the motivations, barriers, and impacts of implementing sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning in the hospitality sector, the study helps practitioners and academics understand its present state for robust research. The current condition of such implantations in the hospitality sector is also discussed. Conclusion:: This study adds value by shedding light on the perspective of sustainability in the hospitality industry by considering the recommendations and practical advice for hotel management suggested in the existing literature about the application of current sustainability innovations and effective sustainability initiatives in hotel management.

Herbs for the Therapy of Diabetes Mellitus: A Thorough Analysis with Particular Emphasis on Preclinical, Clinical Trials, and their Hypothesised Mechanisms

Background: In recent times, herbal medicines have experienced an expansion in both developing and developed countries due to their natural origin and low incidence of adverse effects. A systematic review was performed to gather information regarding herbal plants used to treat diabetes mellitus. Objective: The aim of this article was to review evidence from preclinical and clinical trials and the proposed mechanism of herbal drugs in diabetes mellitus. Methods: A literature survey was carried out mainly focused on scientific papers published in recent years. The search strategy involved interrelated keywords, like “Diabetes mellitus,” “Herbs,” “Hyperglycaemia,” and other uniterms. Electronic databases used were Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Elsevier. Results: Twenty studies, including preclinical and clinical trials, were selected for evaluating the mechanism of the anti-hyperglycaemic effect of herbal drugs in diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Through clinical and preclinical research as well as an analysis of the mechanism of action of herbs, the current review provides preliminary evidence for possible anti-diabetic benefits of herbal medicines.

Systematic Review on Herbal Preparations for Controlling Visceral Hypersensitivity in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Visceral hypersensitivity (VH) is an overreaction of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to various stimuli and is characterized by hyperalgesia and/or allodynia. VH contributes to the etiology of many GI dysfunctions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although the exact mechanisms underlying VH are yet to be found, inflammation and oxidative stress, psychosocial factors, and sensorimotor alterations may play significant roles in it. In this review, we provide an overview of VH and its pathophysiological function in GI disorders. Adverse effects of synthetic drugs may make herbal agents a good candidate for pain management. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the efficacy of herbal agents in the management of VH with a focus on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials. Data were extracted from clinical and animal studies published in English between 2004 and June, 2020, which were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Overall, Radix, Melissia, Glycyrrhizae, Mentha, and Liquorice were the most efficient herbals for VH management in IBS and dyspepsia, predominantly through modulation of the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) and suppression of 5- hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) or the serotonin receptors. Considering the positive effects of herbal formulations in VH management, further research on novel herbal and/or herbal/chemical preparations is warranted.

Performance Analysis of Authentication System: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Data authentication is vital nowadays, as the development of the internet and its applications allow users to have all-time data availability, attracting attention towards security and privacy and leading to authenticating legitimate users. Methods: We have diversified means to gain access to our accounts, like passwords, biometrics, and smartcards, even by merging two or more techniques or various factors of authentication. This paper presents a systematic literature review of papers published from 2010 to 2022 and gives an overview of all authentication techniques available in the market. Results: Our study provides a comprehensive overview of all three authentication techniques with all performance metrics (Accuracy, Equal Error Rate (EER), False Acceptance Rate (FAR)), security, privacy, memory requirements, and usability (Acceptability by user)) that will help one choose a perfect authentication technique for an application. Conclusion: In addition, the study also explores the performance of multimodal and multifactor authentication and the application areas of authentication.

Feasibility of Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Treatment of Depression

The objective of this review is to assess the potential inclusion of animal-assisted therapy practices in the treatment of depression. Given the documented rise in the incidence of depression in recent years, there is a recognized significance in exploring innovative approaches to depression treatments. While previous studies and systematic reviews have investigated animal-assisted therapy in general or in relation to topics like anxiety, no specific study detailing the impact of animal-assisted therapy practices on depression treatment was identified. Consequently, this review was undertaken to fill this gap. The review focused on studies conducted between 2011 and 2022, evaluating a total of 6 randomized controlled studies. The findings from these studies suggest that integrating animal-assisted therapy practices into the depression treatment process can yield positive effects. Despite the observed benefits, it is important to note that systematic application of animal-assisted therapy reveals certain deficiencies. Therefore, there is a recognized need for additional studies to address and refine the systematic implementation of animal-assisted therapy in the context of treating depression.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes for women with endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed at assessing the adverse outcomes of pregnancy in women with endometriosis. The Cochrane, Embase and PubMed databases were searched for identifying the required studies published before June 2019. Meta-analyses of relative risk (RR) were performed under the random-effects model to estimate the risk of selected adverse outcomes of pregnancy in females with endometriosis. Twenty-eight studies (53,141 women with and 2,355,923 women without endometriosis data) were selected for meta-analysis. Endometriosis bearing females had a significantly higher risk placenta previa (RR 3.92 [95% CI 2.48-6.20]), miscarriage (RR 1.31 [95% CI 1.06-1.61), gestational hypertension (RR 1.30 [95% CI 1.02-1.65]), cesarean section (RR 1.48 [95% CI 1.33-1.65]) and preeclampsia (RR 1.18 [95% CI 1.09-1.28]). The incidence of placental abruption was not statistically significant between the groups (RR 3.62 [95% CI [0.99-13.28]). Women suffering from endometriosis are at higher risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, gestational hypertension, placenta previa, cesarean section, and preeclampsia.

Development of the Reporting Infographics and Visual Abstracts of Comparative studies (RIVA-C) checklist and guide

People often use infographics (also called visual or graphical abstracts) as a substitute for reading the full text of an article. This is a concern because most infographics do not...

Review of emerging trends and projection of future developments in large language models research in ophthalmology

BackgroundLarge language models (LLMs) are fast emerging as potent tools in healthcare, including ophthalmology. This systematic review offers a twofold contribution: it summarises current trends in ophthalmology-related LLM research and...

Supplementation with Folic Acid or 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review.

Background: Folic acid (FA), which in its chemical form is pteroylglutamic acid, is the fully oxidised, water-soluble, monoglutamic form of vitamin B9. This compound is part of the folate group but with higher bioavailability, and it is found in vitamin supplements and fortified foods and drugs. Folate metabolism is complex and associated with various metabolic pathways, all of which confer protection on the cell and allow its survival. Methods: We conducted a non-systematic search of articles published in English and Spanish including controlled trials, cohort studies, systematic re-views, and meta-analyses were included, as well as key studies in animal models related to pharmacokinetic studies. Search terms encompassed: "folic acid", "folates", "5-metyltetrahydrofolate", "5-MTHF", "neural tube defects", "supplementation", "fortification", AND "homocysteine" Results: A crucial role demonstrated for FA is to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). However, more studies are definitely still needed to establish 5-MTHF as a safe and effective therapeutic approach comparable with FA. Moreover, there is a lack of clinical studies that evaluate the efficacy of 5-MTHF supplementation in the prevention of NTDs. The present evidence-based narrative review discusses differences between FA and 5-MTHF in terms of structure, metabolism, bioavailability, clinical efficacy, and safety. Conclusions: Despite the potential value of 5-MTHF as an alternative to FA, clinical studies would be urgently needed to support the efficacy, dosage, timing, and/or safety of its use as a supplement.

Resective epilepsy surgery and its impact on depression in adults: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and implications for future research

BackgroundHow epilepsy surgery influences the bidirectional relationship of epilepsy and depression remains poorly defined.MethodFor a better understanding of this question, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk ratio...

Drivers and obstacles on refugee entrepreneurship. The host country perspective

Refugee entrepreneurship encompasses the enterprising endeavors undertaken by individuals forced to flee their home countries. This research area has gained scholarly traction due to its profound relevance in the socio-economic perspective. To provide a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon, a thorough systematic literature review was conducted, drawing upon the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The review scrutinized a corpus of 57 scholarly articles, which were analyzed and categorized into two main themes: the profile of refugees regarding their entrepreneurial intentions, and the contextual factors within the host countries that either facilitate or impede their entrepreneurial pursuits. Refugee entrepreneurship is associated with the necessity-driven perspective, as individuals often embark on entrepreneurial ventures due to the shortage of viable employment opportunities in their host countries. However, there exists a nuanced perspective wherein some refugees leverage their innate entrepreneurial traits, finding resonance between the economic landscapes of their home and host countries. Nevertheless, the inception of entrepreneurial endeavors is invariably accompanied by some obstacles, spanning legal, financial, and socio-economic domains. These obstacles do not deter the entrepreneurial spirit ingrained within many refugees. Instead, they serve as catalysts for resilience and innovation, prompting the formulation of adaptive strategies to surmount barriers and carve out pathways to success, underscoring the economic activity of displaced individuals and exemplifying their capacity to effectuate positive change amidst adversity.

Wine Festivals and Events: A Systematic Review

There has been a growing interest in wine festivals and events globally. This is due to the perceived positive benefits wine festivals and events bring to cities, towns, regional locations, and wine regions. To identify gaps in wine tourism research, a systematic literature review on wine festivals and events was undertaken to identify any research themes. The findings of the study suggest future directions for wine festivals and events research, and highlight important implications for the tourism industry, gastronomy practitioners, and policymakers regarding artificial intelligence, climatechange, and innovative entrepreneurship practices.