Prior study in healthy subjects has shown a reduction of partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) by -1.60 kPa/kilometre of altitude gain. However, the association of altitude-related change in PaO2 and altitude-related adverse health effects (ARAHE) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain unknown.

To provide an effect size estimate for the decline in PaO2 with each kilometre of altitude gain and to identify ARAHE in relation to altitude in patients with COPD. www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero: CRD42020217938.

A systematic search of PubMed and Embase was performed from inception to May 30, 2023.

Peer-reviewed and prospective studies in patients with COPD staying at altitudes >1500 m providing arterial blood gases within the first 3 days at the target altitude.

Aggregate data (AD) on study characteristics were extracted, and individual patient data (IPD) were requested. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Relative risk estimates and 95 % confidence intervals for the association between PaO2 and altitude in patients with COPD.

Thirteen studies were included in the AD analysis, of which 6 studies (222 patients, 45.2 % female) provided IPD, thus were included in the quantitative analysis. The estimated effect size of PaO2 was -0.84 kPa [95 %CI, -0.92 to -0.76] per 1000 m of altitude gain (I2=65.0 %, P < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, COPD severity, baseline PaO2, age and time spent at altitude were predictors for PaO2 at altitude. Overall, 37.8 % of COPD patients experienced an ARAHE, whereas older age, female sex, COPD severity, baseline PaO2, and target altitude were predictors for the occurrence of ARAHE (area under ROC curve: 0.9275, P < 0.001).

This meta-analysis, providing altitude-related decrease in PaO2 and risk of ARAHE in patients with COPD ascending to altitudes >1500 m, revealed a lower altitude-related decrease in PaO2 in COPD patients compared with healthy. However, these findings might improve patient care and facilitate decisions about initiating preventive measures against hypoxaemia and ARAHE in patients with COPD planning an altitude sojourn or intercontinental flight, i.e. supplemental oxygen or acetazolamide.

Sub-Saharan Africa shoulders much of the global burden of neonatal mortality. Quality postnatal care is often lacking due to availability, accessibility, mistrust of health systems, and socio-economic barriers, yet delays in care-seeking contribute to avoidable neonatal deaths. Research highlights the urgent need for improved health education about neonatal illness; however, contextual factors are rarely considered, and few interventions have been implemented.

To critically examine the literature on parents' knowledge of neonatal illness and care-seeking behaviour and evaluate interventions supporting parental understanding in sub-Saharan African Great Lakes countries.

Systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Global Health, the Cochrane Library, and thesis repositories. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were critically analysed using Whittemore and Knafl's framework, and quality was assessed with Hawker et al.'s tool, following PRISMA guidelines.

Seventy studies (48 quantitative, 14 qualitative, eight mixed methods) were reviewed. The first theme, "poor knowledge of neonatal illness", showed parents struggled to recognise illness, with knowledge affected by maternity and socio-economic factors. The second theme, "sub-optimal healthcare-seeking behaviour", highlighted delayed care-seeking due to cultural, social, and economic factors. Finally, "strategies to support parents' understanding" emphasised the roles of community workers, health education phone calls, SMS, and videos, and neonatal monitoring systems.

Parental knowledge of neonatal illness is generally low, and care-seeking is influenced by beliefs, trust in healthcare, and logistical challenges. While community health workers and multi-media interventions appear effective, health education efforts must address contextual barriers and beliefs to improve recognition and care-seeking for neonatal illness.

Some adipose-related parameters exhibit distinct prognostic value in patients with cirrhosis. However, the magnitude and direction of the association between individual adipose parameter and mortality in patients with cirrhosis are unclear.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between individual adipose parameter and mortality in patients with cirrhosis using the meta-analysis method.

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China Biological Medicine, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched from inception through December 15, 2023, to identify eligible studies. The impact of each adipose parameter on mortality was assessed by the pooled unadjusted or adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the random effects model.

A total of 33 studies involving 9626 patients were included in our analysis, with 11 adipose parameters evaluated. The pooled prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SO) and myosteatosis in patients with cirrhosis was 15.5% and 34.4%, respectively. In adjusted analysis, each unit increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI) (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.00) or muscle attenuation (MA) (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98) and each unit decrease in visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (VSR) (HR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.45-2.54) showed an independent association with a decreased risk of mortality. However, concurrent myosteatosis (HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.48-2.40) or SO (HR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.95-3.93) significantly increased the risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Decreased SATI or MA, increased VSR, and concurrent myosteatosis or SO were independently associated with a higher risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common oral health issue that affects both maternal and fetal health. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal treatment in preventing pregnancy gingivitis, preterm birth, and low birth weight through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed/Medline databases from 2000 to the present. Study selection and data extraction were independently carried out by two reviewers. Statistical analyses, including heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment, were conducted using RevMan 5.4 and R software.

A total of 13 studies were included. The meta-analysis indicated that periodontal treatment might have a potential effect on preventing pregnancy gingivitis, but this was not statistically significant (OR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.68, 1.06], I2 = 51%). Subgroup analysis revealed that periodontal treatment significantly reduced the rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in lower-quality studies, but no significant effects were observed in higher-quality studies. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias tests confirmed the stability and reliability of the results.

While lower-quality studies suggest that periodontal treatment may positively impact pregnancy gingivitis, preterm birth, and low birth weight, these effects were not supported by higher-quality evidence. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and ensure their reliability. Periodontal treatment could potentially be considered as part of prenatal care to improve maternal oral health and pregnancy outcomes.

This study aimed to evaluate and rank the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for managing dyspnea severity, anxiety, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with advanced cancer.

A comprehensive search of PUBMED, HINARI, CENTRAL, and ResearchGate was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to March 2024. Network meta-analysis was performed to compare interventions, calculating mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). P-scores were used to rank the interventions. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool, and the quality of evidence (QOE) was evaluated using the GRADE framework.

A total of 42 RCTs, encompassing 3,832 patients, were included in the analysis. Among the evaluated interventions, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) demonstrated the most significant improvement in dyspnea relief (SMD = -1.91; 95% CI: -3.32 to -0.49; QOE: moderate), followed by acupressure/reflexology (SMD = -1.04; 95% CI: -2.02 to -0.06; QOE: very low). Activity rehabilitation was the only intervention that significantly reduced anxiety compared to the control group (SMD = -0.64; 95% CI: -0.97 to -0.32; QOE: very low). While all interventions showed trends of improving exercise capacity, none reached statistical significance. Notably, acupressure/reflexology significantly enhanced HRQoL (SMD = 1.55; 95% CI: 0.22 to 2.88; QOE: moderate).

Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly HFNC and acupressure/reflexology, were more effective than pharmacological approaches in improving dyspnea relief and HRQoL. However, the low quality of evidence underscores the need for high-quality, large-scale trials to confirm these findings and refine treatment strategies for dyspnea management in advanced cancer patients.

PROSPERO CRD42023479041.

To systematically assess the efficacy of digital health interventions (DHIs) for improving treatment adherence among dialysis patients through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Five databases were systematically searched from inception to April 2024. Meta-analyses were performed to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for adherence outcomes. Evidence quality was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

Seventeen RCTs involving 1,438 dialysis patients were analyzed. DHIs significantly improved overall adherence (SMD 1.88 [95% CI: 0.46-3.29]; 4 trials, low-certainty evidence). Specifically, DHIs demonstrated large improvements in medication adherence (SMD 1.45 [95% CI 0.38-2.52]; 4 trials, 300 patients; low-certainty evidence) and dialysis treatment adherence (SMD 1.88 [95% CI 0.46-3.29]; 4 trials, 245 patients; low-certainty evidence). Moderate improvements were observed in dietary adherence (SMD 0.58 [95% CI 0.25-0.91]; 4 trials, 344 patients; moderate-certainty evidence) and fluid management adherence (SMD -0.36 [95% CI -0.64 to -0.07]; 7 trials, 619 patients; moderate-certainty evidence).

Digital health interventions effectively enhance multiple dimensions of treatment adherence in dialysis patients, underscoring their value for incorporation into routine clinical practice.

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis has limited noninvasive and effective treatment, and we present the use of sofpironium bromide as a promising treatment option. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of sofpironium in patients with primary hyperhidrosis.

We systematically searched the databases for Studies that assessed sofpironium bromide in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Methodological quality was determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool and Newcastle-Ottowa scale.

Five studies were included (752 patients). They used 5% sofpironium, except for one study that used 5%, 10%, and 15% sofpironium. Studies have shown a significant difference in the incidence of patients with an HDSS score of 1 or 2 ranging from 53.9% to 86.7% and reported a greater reduction in the mean change in the DLQI score in the sofpironium group. They also noted a more significant reduction in the total gravimetric weight of sweat in the sofpironium group. A 1.5 point or greater improvement in HDSM-Ax score ranged from 48.2% to 69.1%. Serious adverse events were not observed in the intervention group.

Sofpironium gel provides notable improvements in symptom severity, sweat reduction, and quality of life, with mostly mild localized adverse events.Hyperhidrosis is relatively common, affecting 4.8% of the US population and negatively affects physical, social, and psychological well-being.Sofpironium bromide is recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosisSofpironium bromide showed promising results in terms of safety and efficacy for treating hyperhidrosisWe systematically assessed the use of sofpironium gel reported in five studies (752 patients)Sofpironium gel provides notable improvements in symptom severity, sweat reduction and quality of life, with mostly mild localized adverse events.

This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of minoxidil alone versus minoxidil with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for androgenic alopecia.

systematic review and meta-analysis.

An online search of PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE was conducted. Randomized clinical trials comparing minoxidil monotherapy with minoxidil and LLLT combination therapy were included based on predefined criteria. The Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2.0) tool was used for quality assessment.

From 38 identified studies, 34 remained after excluding 4 duplicates. Further exclusions left 4 eligible studies comparing minoxidil alone with minoxidil and LLLT. The meta-analysis found no statistically significant differences in hair counts between the two groups at baseline, 12 weeks, and 8 weeks post-treatment [mean difference = -0.04, 95% CI -1.22 to 1.14, p = .95, I² = 0%]. Similarly, hair diameter showed no significant differences at the same time points [mean difference = 0.00, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.00, p = .98, I² = 38%].

The combination of minoxidil and LLLT does not significantly improve outcomes compared to minoxidil alone for treating androgenic alopecia.

Globally, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has one of the lowest rates of equitable access to safely managed drinking water. This systematic literature review assessed the effectiveness of infrastructure interventions to provide equitable access to safely managed drinking water in LAC on the burden of diarrhoea in children <5 years. The review was conducted in February 2024 using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and the Cochrane Library with inclusion criteria: quantitative study designs of intervention effectiveness on burden of diarrhoea in children; conducted in LAC; studies published since 1 January 2000; and full-text available in English. Study quality was assessed via the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale. Reported quantitative data for diarrhoea burden of disease were extracted, and thematic analysis informed a narrative synthesis. Six studies from three countries in LAC with >110,000 data-points were included. Water supply infrastructure interventions were effective at reducing the burden of diarrhoea in children <5 years. Household level, rather than community level, access to a piped water supply, a continuous reliable service with <1 day of service interruption per month, and cash transfer programs for environmental public health programs, were identified as key contributors to water infrastructure intervention effectiveness. Previous water supply infrastructure interventions which include the provision of a safe drinking water supply are effective in reducing burden of diarrhoea in children. Future studies are needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique features which contribute to water infrastructure effectiveness.

Advancing the understanding of the pathophysiology of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) and other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) has spurred research into targeted biological therapies, while the conclusive therapeutic efficacy of biologics remains uncertain. In this review, we conducted a meta-analysis of all RCTS of biologics in the treatment of EoE to evaluate their efficacy and safety and discussed their treatment of non-EoE EGIDs.

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing biologics with placebo in patients with EoE and non-EoE EGIDs were collected and further screened for inclusion and exclusion. The caliber of the included literature was evaluated using the Cochrane risk assessment tool findings. Data extraction and meta-analysis were conducted using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0. Clinical response and histological remission were the major endpoints.

Our search retrieved 3,237 articles. There were seven trials in total, comprising 792 people with EoE. Key outcomes of this meta-analysis include the following: Anti-IL-5 biologics exhibited statistically significant benefits in histological remission (RR 2.03 [CI 1.45-2.85]; p < 0.0001) compared to the placebo, but there was no significant difference in symptom relief (RR 1.06 [CI 0.88 to 1.28]; p = 0.53); anti-IL-4/13 biologics had significant effects on histologic improvement (RR 10.48 [CI 5.54-19.82]; p < 0.00001) and symptom related score reduction (RR 1.44 [CI 1.08-1.93]; p = 0.01), with a better outcome for endoscopic remission than with placebo (SMD-1.06 [CI-1.26-0.86], p < 0.00001); no statistically significant differences in adverse effects were observed between the intervention and control groups.

Our findings suggest that the biologics currently being investigated are considered safe and effective treatments for EoE, while their efficiency varies. However, the discussion of biologics in non-pharyngitis EGID is hampered by a lack of research, necessitating more research in high-quality trials.

We aim to identify how the seasonal IVRs have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies to statistically examine IVRs before and after the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population and HCWs in Saudi Arabia. The meta-regression analysis showed a significant correlation among the general population was observed between the IVR and the timing of the study, with a mean effect size estimate of 14.3 (95% CI = 5.7-22.9; p < .001). Among HCWs, no significant relationship was observed between the IVR and the timing of the study, with a mean effect size estimate of 6.7 (95% CI = -19.3-32.7; p = .5). COVID-19 might have contributed to a rise in IVR among HCWs, whereas the general population has seen a decline in IVR.

The epidemiological profile of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the population in Asia-Pacific countries might help in planning for improved future care and research direction.

We aimed to estimate the pooled incidence and pooled prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in Asia-Pacific countries.

We conducted and reported the systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement of 2020. Databases searched include PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and ProQuest, and hand searching, with a focus on publications from 1 January 2000 to 31 July 2023.

A total of 456 records were identified from the searches, 10 articles were included for review: six reported the incidence of SSc; nine reported the prevalence of SSc. We noted considerable heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses categorized by the period of study before and after the launch of the 2013 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for SSc demonstrated that both incidence and prevalence of SSc were significantly different between subgroups. The incidence of SSc before and after the launch was 1.85 per 100,000 (4 studies, I2 = 100%, 95%CI 0.53-6.40) and 9.61 per 100,000 (2 studies, I2 = 100%, 95%CI 4.90-18.85), respectively. The prevalence of SSc before and after the launch was 6.47 per 100,000 (6 studies, I2 = 97%, 95%CI 5.09-8.21) and 18.48 per 100,000 (3 studies, I2 = 100%, 95%CI 7.19-47.50), respectively.

The epidemiology of SSc varied widely across the Asia-Pacific region depending on the study methodology and study period. The incidence of SSc in the Asia-Pacific region was estimated to be higher after the launch of the new classification criteria.

This review aims to examine the effectiveness of interventions in increasing faecal occult blood test (FOBT) uptake rates among older adults with an average-risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to identify essential components of such interventions based on current evidence.

Five databases were included in a systematic literature search for studies reporting randomized controlled trials (RCT) and interventions aimed at increasing FOBT uptake rates among average-risk individuals aged 50-75. Review Manager 5.4.1 was used for conducting meta-analyses and subgroup analyses.

A meta-analysis of the 20 included studies demonstrated that health promotion interventions led to significant increases in FOBT uptake rates (odds ratio [OR] ​= ​1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) ​= ​1.30-1.85; I 2 ​= ​95%). Provision of information, mailing of FOBT outreach, and reminders were identified as core components of promotion interventions to increase FOBT uptake rates. Among the different significant reminder strategies, a digital message (via text) plus telephone calls (automated and navigator-initiated) had a larger effect size than a telephone call alone. In addition, there was no significant evidence that financial incentives were associated with FOBT uptake. Most studies included a diverse mixture of components, but only a few studies utilized theoretical framework-based interventions.

Future studies with rigorous methodologies are warranted to examine the effectiveness and understand the mechanisms of theoretical framework-based multi-component educational programmes aimed at increasing FOBT uptake rates.

PROSPERO CRD42024520859.

Despite limited breakthroughs in COPD pharmacotherapy, recent trials have shown promising results for biologics in COPD patients. However, robust evidence synthesis in this area is currently lacking.

We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to July 17, 2024, to identify randomized trials of biologic medications in patients with COPD. We performed a random effects frequentist network meta-analysis and present the results using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used the GRADE framework to rate the certainty of the evidence. Outcomes of interest included exacerbations, change in FEV1, change in quality of life, and serious adverse events.

Dupilumab reduced exacerbations as compared to placebo (RR 0.68 [95% CI 0.59 to 0.79]) (high certainty). Benralizumab (RR 0.89 [95% CI 0.78 to 1]), itepekimab (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.61 to 1.07]) and tezepelumab (RR 0.83 [95% CI 0.61 to 1.12]) may reduce exacerbations as compared to placebo (all low certainty). Dupilumab probably reduced exacerbations more than mepolizumab (RR 0.74 [95% CI 0.62 to 0.89]) (moderate certainty). Dupilumab may reduce exacerbations more than tezepelumab (RR 0.82 [95% CI 1.14]) (low certainty). For all patients, no treatment improved FEV1 above the pre-specified minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 0.1 L. Dupilumab probably has no meaningful effect on FEV1 compared to placebo (MD 0.07 [95% CI 0.02 to 0.13]) (moderate certainty). However, in the subgroup of patients with blood eosinophils ≥300/mcL, both tezepelumab (MD 0.15 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.26]) and dupilumab (MD 0.13 [95% CI 0.06 to 0.19]) probably improved FEV1 above the MCID.

Dupilumab is effective at improving patient-relevant outcomes in COPD with higher eosinophil levels. Other biological therapies, including tezepelumab, have no important effect on patient-relevant outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the significance of the human-animal interface in the emergence of zoonotic diseases, with wildlife serving as an important source of infection. A better understanding of the specific pathogens and mechanisms involved is vital to prepare against future outbreaks, especially in Southeast Asia, a hotspot for zoonotic diseases. This paper reviews the published literature on wildlife zoonoses in this region from 2012 to 2022. The results show a diverse range of potential zoonotic pathogens and the widespread occurrence of zoonotic diseases from wildlife. Drivers of zoonotic pathogen spillover include (i) environmental factors (e.g. animal habitat disruption, environmental conditions, exposure to contaminated water/food/soil), (ii) animal factors (e.g. movement patterns, age-related susceptibility), (iii) human factors (e.g. lack of awareness, poor hygiene practices, age, gender and income) and (iv) human-animal-environmental interface factors (e.g. close contact between humans and animals, exposure through visiting animals and presence of vectors). The diverse drivers of zoonoses in Southeast Asia put its communities at risk for infection. To mitigate these risks, global health efforts should consider adopting a One Health approach to foster collaboration across human, animal, and wildlife health sectors. This could involve educating communities on safe animal interactions and improving disease surveillance.

Dynamic cancer control is a current health system priority, yet methods for achieving it are lacking. This study aims to review the application of system dynamics modeling (SDM) on cancer control and evaluate the research quality.

Articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from the inception of the study to 15 November 2023. Inclusion criteria were English original studies focusing on cancer control with SDM methodology, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and palliative care. Exclusion criteria were non-original research, and studies lacking SDM focus. Analysis involved categorization of studies and extraction of relevant data to answer the research question, ensuring a comprehensive synthesis of the field. Quality assessment was used to evaluate the SDM for cancer control.

Sixteen studies were included in this systematic review predominantly from the United States (7, 43.75%), with a focus on breast cancer research (5, 31.25%). Studies were categorized by WHO cancer control modules, and some studies may contribute to multiple modules. The results showed that included studies comprised two focused on prevention (1.25%), ten on early detection (62.50%), six on diagnosis and treatment (37.50%), with none addressing palliative care. Seven studies presented a complete SDM process, among which nine developed causal loop diagrams for conceptual models, ten utilized stock-flow charts to develop computational models, and thirteen conducted simulations.

This review's macrofocus on SDM in cancer control missed detailed methodological analysis. The limited number of studies and lack of stage-specific intervention comparisons limit comprehensiveness. Detailed analysis of SDM construction was also not conducted, potentially overlooking nuances in cancer control strategies.

SDM in cancer control is underutilized, focusing mainly on early detection and treatment. Inconsistencies suggest a need for standardized SDM approaches. Future research should expand SDM's application and integrate it into cancer control strategies.

The utilization of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer immunotherapy frequently leads to the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), making it generally not recommended for patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis on safety and efficacy of ICIs in cancer patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases to provide further insights. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched until December 20, 2024. The main summary measures used were pooled rate and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidential interval (CI), which were analyzed using R statistic software. A total of 52 articles were included in the study. When cancer patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases received ICIs treatment, the overall incidence was 0.610 (95% CI: 0.531-0.686) for any grade irAEs, 0.295 (95% CI: 0.248-0.343) for flares, 0.325 (95% CI: 0.258-0.396) for de novo irAEs, 0.238 (95% CI: 0.174-0.309) for grade ≥3 irAEs, and 0.143 (95% CI: 0.109-0.180) for discontinuation due to immunotoxicity. Compared with those without autoimmune diseases, cancer patients with autoimmune diseases experienced a higher risk of any-grade irAEs (RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12-1.35) and discontinuation due to immunotoxicity (1.40, 95% CI: 1.11-1.78). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of grade ≥3 irAEs, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups. During ICIs treatment, irAEs are common among cancer patients with autoimmune diseases, but severe irAEs is relatively low. ICIs are effective in this population, but should be strictly monitored when used to avoid immunotoxicity.

This study aimed to identify the optimal strategy for patients with autoimmune diseases by comparing the immunoreaction and effectiveness of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines between healthy individuals and patients.

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies on effectiveness and immunoreaction to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with autoimmune diseases published until October 07, 2022. The quality of each included study was evaluated by independent reviewers using National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tool, and the STATA 15.0 software was used for all statistical analyses.

A total of 84 publications were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis, favoring healthy controls regarding serological response (risk ratio, RR=0.88, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.86-0.91), antibody response (RR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.87-0.94), and incidence of seropositive immunoglobulin G (IgG) (RR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.69-0.80) than patients post-vaccination. Patients with autoimmune diseases developed lower IgG (standard mean difference, SMD=-0.64 95%CI: -0.84 to -0.43) and antibody titer level (SMD=-1.39, 95%CI: -2.30 to -0.49) than healthy individuals in AU/ml. Stratified analyses were conducted further according to various potential factors in full-text studies.

Patients who are immunocompromised and received more vaccines demonstrated poorer humoral responses and seropositive incidence after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination than healthy individuals. Despite the lack of observable favor for patients with autoimmune diseases, the trend of effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is close to that for healthy populations. Patients who are immunocompromised should be provided a better SARS-CoV-2 vaccination schedule, considering various vaccine subtypes, dose(s), variants of concern, and immunoassays.

With the refinement of catheter technology, distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs) are now viewed as amenable to endovascular treatment (EVT) but its efficacy and safety remains unclear in AIS patients with DMVO.

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase databases and Cochrane Library up to December 2023 using keywords to identify studies comparing EVT versus BMT in AIS with DMVOs. The assessed clinical outcomes were excellent functional outcome, good functional outcome, 90-day mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and early neurological improvement (ENI) after treatment.

Overall, 31 studies were included. There were no significant differences in excellent functional outcome (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.99-1.47), good functional outcome (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.82-1.30) and 90-day mortality (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.84-1.62). Additionally, EVT led to higher sICH (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.09-2.47) and better ENI (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02-2.19) compared to BMT. In individuals with M2 occlusion receiving EVT showed better excellent functional outcomes (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.07-2.03). Those patients with PCA occlusion showed no significant difference in functional outcomes. In individuals with ACA occlusion, EVT resulted in reduced functional independence (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.98). For NIHSS < 6, BMT achieved better functional independence compared to EVT (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51-0.98) and EVT showed higher sICH (OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.42-8.31).

For patients with AIS and DMVO occlusion, EVT fails to improve functional prognosis while increasing sICH incidence. More randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to confirm these results.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKinibs) are effective for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their cardiovascular safety is inconclusive. We aim to assess the cardiovascular risks associated with JAKinibs in IBD patients.

Systematic searches of seven databases and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to February 2024 were conducted. Outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), venous thromboembolism events (VTE) and cardiovascular events (CVE), which were separately evaluated based on whether or not the dose was considered. P-score was applied to rank interventions.

A total of 26 trials involving 10,537 IBD patients were included, and results showed no significantly increased risk of MACE, VTE and CVE was associated with JAKinibs. However, when the dose was considered, Tofacitinib 5 mg BID (versus placebo) showed a trend towards an increased risk of MACE [odds ratio (OR)=1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23-4.82], as well as Upadacitinib 30 mg QD (versus placebo) showed a trend towards increased risks of VTE (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 0.23-8.03) and CVE (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 0.24-4.85), and ranked higher than placebo for the risk of VTE [P-score=0.766 (versus 0.722)]. Notably, Deucravacitinib ranked lowest for all cardiovascular risks, and significantly decreased the risks of VTE (OR=0.03, 95% CI: 0.00-0.87) and CVE (OR=0.03, 95% CI: 0.00-0.87) compared with placebo.

Although a trend of increased cardiovascular risks was found considering dose, no significantly increased cardiovascular risk was associated with JAKinibs in IBD patients, and Deucravacitinib significantly decreased the risks of VTE and CVE.

The purpose of this meta-ethnography is to integrate and synthesize nurses' and nurse leaders' perspectives on a health-promoting work environment to enhance understanding of its essential aspects.

A meta-ethnographic approach developed by Noblit and Hare was conducted.

Line of argument synthesis led to the development of an overarching tree metaphor: "cultivating a flourishing environmental tree rooted in values, held stable by leadership, and nurtured by safe working conditions." This metaphor illustrates that a health-promoting work environment is imbued with three interdependent aspects: 1) core values as the roots of the tree, including respect, recognition, community, and engagement 2) value-conscious leadership as the trunk of the tree, meaning a leader who is conscious of their power position and responsibilities and 3) safe working conditions as fertile soil for the tree, comprising the physical and administrative dimensions of the work environment.

Collaboration between nurses and leaders is crucial for cultivating a health-promoting work environment. However, nurse leaders, due to their influential positions, have the responsibility to facilitate this environment. Consequently, leaders need to receive adequate resources and support from their superiors to foster an environment that enhances nurses' health and job satisfaction.

Antimicrobial resistance renders conventional therapy, demanding the need for alternative therapeutic techniques. A potential strategy for treating infections caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria is using bacteriophages, viruses that only multiply and infect specific bacteria. This review aims to evaluate the findings of clinical studies on phage therapy for bacterial illnesses.

A comprehensive search method was utilized to identify 11 appropriate trials, which were then assessed for safety, efficacy, and treatment outcomes. The Joann-Briggs-Institute checklist and PRISMA criteria were used to evaluate these studies thoroughly. The results were summarized by extracting and analyzing data on trial design, treatment outcomes, safety profiles, and therapeutic effectiveness.

Phage treatment had a strong safety profile, with few side effects recorded across many routes, including oral, intravenous, and topical. Clinical studies demonstrated its effectiveness in lowering bacterial loads, resolving infections, and destroying biofilms. However, diversity in trial designs hampered the generalizability of the findings.

This study emphasizes the promise of phage therapy as a safe and efficient treatment for bacterial-illnesses. Despite its potential, there are still significant gaps in clinical application, long-term efficacy assessment, and trial standardization. Addressing these issues is critical to developing phage therapy as an effective alternative treatment for multidrug-resistant-illnesses.

Fear of side effects is the main motive for vaccine refusal. However, before the COVID-19 pandemic, little attention had been paid to the actual experience of adverse events and its relationship with vaccine hesitancy. This scoping review aimed to analyze the impact of VH on EAE and vice versa. We reviewed 55 articles. Most of the studies focused on COVID-19 vaccination and employed cross-sectional surveys with self-reported indicators. These studies identified significant correlations between EAE and VH. Social cognitive models shed some light on the influence of EAE on VH, while the converse is usually explained by the nocebo effect that predominately accounts for the converse. This emerging research field is hampered by significant inconsistencies in theoretical explanations, assessments of the relationship, and measurements of these two phenomena. A more comprehensive consideration of individual experience, both objective and subjective, would help develop more effective vaccine communication strategies and improve pharmacological surveillance.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses play a pivotal role in evidence-based medicine, including nephrology, by consolidating findings from multiple studies. To maximize their utility, rigorous quality assessment during peer review is essential. Challenges such as heterogeneity, bias, and methodological flaws often undermine these studies, necessitating a structured appraisal process.

This guide outlines a framework for nephrologists on appraising systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Key areas include heterogeneity assessment using the I2 statistic, interpretation of forest plots for pooled effect estimates, and the use of funnel plots with Egger's test to identify potential publication bias. Risk of bias is evaluated using RoB 2 for randomized controlled trials and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses, along with meta-regression, address heterogeneity and examine the robustness of findings.

The I2 statistic quantifies heterogeneity by estimating the proportion of variability in a meta-analysis. Funnel plots and Egger's test help detect publication bias. Major biases, such as selection, performance, detection, and publication bias, are identified using structured tools like AMSTAR 2, Cochrane RoB 2, and ROBINS-I. The GRADE framework further assesses the overall certainty of the evidence. Emphasis is placed on PRISMA compliance, protocol pre-registration, and transparent reporting of statistical analyses, subgroup, and sensitivity assessments. The inclusion of grey literature remains optional.

By focusing on key areas such as heterogeneity, risk of bias, and robust statistical methods, this guide enables nephrologists to critically appraise systematic reviews and meta-analyses, fostering better clinical decision-making and improved patient care in nephrology.

The aim of this study is to systematically examine the role of the pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) serum biomarker in the first trimester screening of preeclampsia (PE).

A systematic search of the literature was conducted on PubMed via Medline, and Cochrane Library up to 8 November 2022, for prospective studies evaluating PAPP-A serum levels in first trimester pregnant women as a screening biomarker for PE. Eligible were all prospectively designed case-control or cohort studies, published in English. Two investigators independently examined the studies and the studies' characteristics were extracted. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for case-control and cohort studies were applied to assess the risk of bias. For the quantitative analysis of the studies, a meta-analysis was also performed.

A total of 22 studies including 33,651 pregnant women were assessed, of whom, 2001 were diagnosed with PE. A meta-analysis was performed, showing that PAPP-A levels in the first trimester were significantly lower in early onset preeclamptic women (MD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.37, -0.11, p = .0002), late onset (MD: -0.15, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.05, p = .03), and total preeclamptic cases (MD = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.23, -0.11, p < .00001) when compared with controls.

Our results suggest that PAPP-A can be a promising predictor in early screening for PE; hence, women at risk can be diagnosed early in their pregnancy stage and benefit from individualized PE treatment before it progresses.

Low-level viraemia (LLV) following antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLWH) has not received sufficient attention. To the determine the prevalence of LLV and its association with virological failure (VF), we systematically reviewed evidence-based interventions for PLWH. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to 22 May 2024. Cohorts with samples sizes smaller than 1000 in size were excluded. Data from 16 cohort studies, encompassing 13,49,306 PLWH, revealed a pooled prevalence of LLV of 13.81%. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) identified the following risk factors for LLV: viral load (VL) ≥ 105 copies/mL at baseline (1.79, 1.11-2.88), AIDS-defined illness at baseline (1.24, 1.10-1.40), and protease inhibitor-based regimen at ART initiation (1.53, 1.45-1.62) are the risk factors for LLV. Conversely, CD4 count ≥200 cells/μL at baseline (0.90, 0.82-0.98), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimen (0.81, 0.68-0.96) and the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimen (0.60, 0.42-0.85) were associated with a reduced risk of LLV. Pooling the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and the 95% CI, we found that LLV increased the risk of VF with rising VL among 96,711 PLWH (aHR 2.77, 95% CI 2.03-3.76) and increased the risk of all-cause mortality at high VL levels among 14,229 PLWH (aHR 1.66, 95% CI 1.16-2.37). Therefore, the prevalence of LLV in PLWH should not be overlooked. This study aims to guide better management strategies to improve clinical outcomes in patients with LLV.

Cases of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) often present with life-threatening levels of hemoglobin requiring red blood cell (RBC) transfusion support.

This literature review assessed the occurrence, safety, effectiveness, and hospitalization burden of RBC transfusions in the management of patients with wAIHA.

Electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE) were searched from inception to December 2021 along with additional searches conducted up to March 2024.

Of the 1478 articles screened, 17 observational studies and reviews were included. These studies demonstrated the use of 1-50 red blood cell transfusions to reach clinically acceptable hemoglobin levels in patients with wAIHA. In general, pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels were 6 g/dL and increased by an average 1.2 g/dL following a transfusion. Approximately 50% of patients with primary or secondary wAIHA suffered relapses. No data was available to distinguish between RBC transfusions used at initial presentation versus during relapse. Five studies found no increase in hemolysis or serious adverse reactions following transfusions and two studies reported mild transfusion-related adverse effects. Limited data was available regarding the hospitalization burden of RBC transfusion. Patients with wAIHA requiring transfusions had a median hospital stay from 15 to 17 days, which is considerably higher than all causes hospitalization of 4.5 days for 2023 U.S.

In patients with wAIHA, data supports wide variability in occurrence, but relative safety and effectiveness of RBC transfusions as supportive therapy. Additional studies are needed to assess the occurrence, safety, and hospitalization burden of RBC transfusions relative to other therapies in chronic relapsing wAIHA.

This systematic literature review summarizes the evidence across 56 publications and pre-prints (January 2020-July 2023) with low-risk of bias based on JBI critical appraisal, that report adjusted estimates for the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) by timing of vaccination relative to infection or PCC-onset. Comparisons of adjusted vaccine effectiveness (aVE) against ≥1 PCC (vs. unvaccinated) across study characteristics known to impact PCC burden or VE against other COVID-19 endpoints were possible for 31 studies where vaccination preceded infection. Seventy-seven percent of pre-infection aVE estimates were statistically significant (range: 7%-95%). Statistically significant pre-infection aVE estimates were slightly higher for mRNA (range: 14%-84%) than non-mRNA vaccines (range: 16%-38%) and aVE ranges before and during Omicron overlapped. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination before SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces the risk of PCC regardless of vaccine type, number of doses received, PCC definition, predominant variant, and severity of acute infections included.

Chitosan nanoparticles have been extensively utilised as polymeric drug carriers in nanoparticles formulations due to their potential to enhance drug delivery, efficacy, and safety. Numerous toxicity studies have been previously conducted to assess the safety profile of chitosan-based nanoparticles. These toxicity studies employed various methodologies, including test animals, interventions, and different routes of administration. This review aims to summarise research on the safety profile of chitosan-based nanoparticles in drug delivery, with a focus on general toxicity tests to determine LD50 and NOAEL values. It can serve as a repository and reference for chitosan-based nanoparticles, facilitating future research and further development of drugs delivery system using chitosan nanoparticles. Publications from 2014 to 2024 were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria.The ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines were employed to evaluate the quality and risk-of-bias in the in vivo toxicity studies. The results demonstrated favourable toxicity profiles, often exhibiting reduced toxicity compared to free drugs or substances. Acute toxicity studies consistently reported high LD50 values, frequently exceeding 5000 mg/kg body weight, while subacute studies typically revealed no significant adverse effects. Various routes of administration varied, including oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, inhalation, and topical, each demonstrating promising safety profiles.

To compare the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with antrum preservation (AP) and antrum resection (AR) on weight loss and postoperative complications.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) followed PRISMA guidelines. The databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase Medline, and the Cochrane Library up to October 2022. Extracted data included operation time, hospital stay, excess weight loss, total weight loss, body mass index (BMI), weight, and complications.

Eleven RCTs were included with 843 patients: 422 with AR and 421 with AP. The AR group exhibited higher total weight loss at 3 months (p = 0.02), 6 months (p < 0.001), and 1 year (p < 0.001) postoperatively. They also showed greater excess weight loss at 6 months (p < 0.001), 1 year (p < 0.001), and 2 years (p = 0.03). BMI reduction was more significant in the AR group at 3 (p = 0.007) and 6 months (p < 0.001). The AR group lost weight more rapidly at 3 months (p = 0.05), 6 months (p = 0.04), and 1 year (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in operation time, hospital stay, bleeding, staple line disruption, Clavien-Dindo complications, or remission rates of diabetes, hypertension, arthritis/back pain, hyperlipidemia, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (p > 0.05).

LSG with AR offers better short-term weight loss than AP without increasing surgical complications, but the long-term effects and complications need further investigation in larger RCTs.

This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different interventions used on the palatal donor area in the treatment of postoperative pain after free gingival graft and connective tissue graft techniques, and their impact in the oral-health related quality of life (OHRQOL). This study was conducted according to PRISMA. A search was conducted in four electronic databases and the grey literature. The interventions found were grouped according to biological plausibility and mechanisms of action: Mechanical Barriers; Topical Drugs; Hemostatic Agents; Other Therapies (photobiomodulation, ozonotherapy and others). Fifty-four studies were included and 43 different interventions were reported. The most commonly reported intervention was collagen hemostatic sponge, either alone or combined with other interventions, followed by platelet-rich fibrin and photobiomodulation. Postoperative pain evaluation using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) generally indicated that interventions improved pain over time. However, comparing the superiority of interventions is challenging, as studies often combine different interventions with different mechanisms of action. OHRQOL also showed improvement over time, but the comparison between interventions is limited, since few studies used a validated tool. The methodological diversity among studies is considerable, requiring a cautious interpretation of individual studies.

The objective of this study was to assess the burden of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) on healthcare systems and patients across ten countries.

A multi-methodological approach was taken to estimate the burden of hospital-acquired VTE across five key clinical specialties and ten countries (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom). Surveys with healthcare professionals (surgeons, hematologists, and hospital management) were conducted to identify clinical specialties of interest. A systematic literature review and interviews were conducted to identify data for incidences and costs. A health-economic model was developed, using a decision tree and Markov model to estimate 1-year costs. Costs are presented in 2022 USD.

Orthopedics, oncology, long-term ICU, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynecology were identified as the clinical specialties of interest. The total cost burden of hospital-acquired VTE was estimated to be $41,280 million, which equals $503 per patient at risk. Expressed as a share of 2022 GDP, an average spending per country of 0.05% to 0.18% was observed. The VTE-associated mortality was substantial, accounting for 150,081 deaths in a 74.2 million population, translating into an average mortality rate of 2.02 (0.64-3.05) per 1,000 patients at risk.

There were limited data available concerning VTE incidences in some countries and clinical specialties. Where data were available, there was heterogeneity of incidence definitions across the identified studies. Generalizations, imputations, and the country-agnostic structure of the model might have contributed to biases.

The burden of hospital-acquired VTE is substantial both from an economic and from a patient perspective in all countries evaluated.

Rotavirus, a leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in children, is largely preventable through immunization with two internationally licensed oral rotavirus vaccines (RVVs) included in national programs across over 100 countries. These RVVs are administered in either two (Rotarix™; 2D-RV) or three (RotaTeq®; 3D-RV) doses. We aimed to assess the global coverage, completion, and compliance of 2D-RV and 3D-RV in various settings, and to identify factors influencing vaccine coverage. We conducted a systematic review of PubMed and Embase for articles published between 2006 and 2021. We included 74 publications across 31 countries. RVV coverage rates and the factors associated with coverage varied widely among countries based on income level, RVV used, and the year of vaccination. Due to market bias and insufficient studies, valid RVVs coverage comparisons couldn't be made. However, 2D-RV had better completion/compliance rates than 3D-RV in Italy, Mexico, and the US.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine the association of metabolic syndrome (METS) in women with and without overactive bladder (OAB).

PRISMA guidelines were followed and the protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42024606398). We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and LILACS databases to obtain relevant articles for studies reporting METS outcomes related to OAB published through October 2024. A meta-analysis was performed of available studies using random effect models. Results are reported as mean difference (MD), standardized MD (SMD), or odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was described with the I2 statistic. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Of the 108 non-duplicated retrieved citations, after successive selection, four case-control studies with low or moderate risk of bias reported information about the association of METS in women assessed with the 8-item OAB Symptom Bother Scale. OAB patients displayed higher body mass index (BMI, MD: 3.27, 95% CI: 2.12, 4.43), waist circumference (MD: 7.96, 95% CI: 4.41, 11.52), fasting blood glucose (SMD: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.18, 2.34), triglycerides (SMD: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.47), and LDL-cholesterol (SMD: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.54) levels. In addition to low HDL-cholesterol levels (SMD: -0.40, 95% CI: -0.74, -0.06) compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in circulating total cholesterol levels and rates of hypertension, hysterectomy, postmenopausal status, and constipation in women with and without OAB.

Women with OAB display associations with age, BMI, waist circumference, and METS factors.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the detection rate of genetic abnormalities in cases of foetal gallbladder (FGB) size abnormalities to determine whether these abnormalities justify prenatal diagnosis.

Two hundred and twenty-seven foetuses with gallbladder (GB) size anomalies who underwent prenatal diagnosis between January 2015 and June 2024 were included in the study. All these patients underwent chromosomal microarray and/or karyotyping, and 37 cases also underwent whole exome sequencing (WES). Two hundred and eight cases were followed up for postnatal outcomes. Then, we reviewed the literature of FGB anomalies cases with confirmed chromosomal results.

The study included 227 foetuses, comprising 60 cases with isolated GB size anomalies and 167 cases with non-isolated GB size anomalies. Non-isolated GB size anomalies were associated with findings such as hyperechogenic bowel, ventriculomegaly, foetal growth restriction (FGR), cardiac anomalies, renal dysplasia and single umbilical artery. The overall diagnostic yield of genetic tests was 10.57% (24/227). Aneuploidies were identified in seven foetuses. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) were found in nine foetuses, and α0-thalassemia in five foetuses. Additionally, three pathogenic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) were detected through WES. Foetuses with non-isolated GB size anomalies showed a higher rate of detecting genetic abnormalities compared to those with isolated GB size anomalies, with a significant difference in statistical analysis (13.2% vs. 3.3%, p = .033, Chi-square test). A total of eight studies, involving 407 cases met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Overall, 28 foetuses were identified to have chromosomal abnormalities (6.9%, 28/407).

This study indicates that parents of foetuses with GB size anomalies should be informed about the potential for aneuploidy, pathogenic CNVs and SNVs, and genetic testing should be recommended in cases of non-isolated foetal GB size anomalies.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men. Despite advancements in clinical interventions and improvements in public health outreach, a multi-dimensional lack of understanding of the lived experiences of men diagnosed with PCa continues. Improving the quantity and quality of knowledge about this subject could guide clinical decisions and interventions for this group.

This paper reviews qualitative studies focusing on PCa patients using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool (CASP), synthesizes the data, and maps the overarching themes through a systematic meta-synthesis.

The authors identified 3546 manuscripts, of which 103 met the inclusion criteria. Six themes were identified that addressed: support needs, diagnosis, and treatment experiences, lived experiences, information accessibility, care, and threats to masculinity.

Treatment side-effects caused a re-configuration and re-evaluation of masculine ideologies. Men mainly relied on close family and support groups to cope with their feelings of stigma, uncertainty, and recovery. Professional healthcare and consultation quality eased their anxiety concerning long-term treatment and other factors associated with their condition. The studies were socio-demographically heterogeneous. Thus, researchers could use qualitative research to explore knowledge gaps in the following interconnected themes: masculinity care, masculinity support, masculinity information, and incorporating a more diverse socio-demographical sample.

To compare the diagnostic value of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) by a method of meta-analysis.

Studies on TVS and MRI for CSP were collected from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database) until April 1, 2024. Stata 15.0 software was used for data analysis. Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to compare the diagnostic efficiency of the TVS and MRI groups.

Nine articles with 713 subjects were involved in this review. The pooled sensitivity (0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.97), specificity (0.90, 95%CI: 0.84-0.94), and DOR (197.28, 95%CI: 99.71-390.31) in the MRI group were higher than those (Sensitivity = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.77-0.87; Specificity= 0.74, 95%CI: 0.63-0.83; DOR = 13.66, 95%CI: 7.84-23.79) in the TVS group. The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of the MRI group were 9.56 (95%CI: 8.82-15.72) and 0.05 (95%CI: 0.03-0.07), while those of the TVS group were 3.21 (95%CI:2.18-4.74) and 0.24 (95%CI: 0.18-0.31), respectively. In the MRI and TVS groups, the area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic was 0.9497 and 0.86, respectively. The results of Mann-Whitney U-tests of the two groups showed significant differences in the pooled sensitivity (Z= -3.311, p < 0.001), specificity (Z= -2.123, p = 0.034), and DOR (Z= -3.272, p = 0.001).

Both MRI and TVS can effectively diagnose CSP. However, compared with TVS, MRI has better diagnostic accuracy for CSP, with higher sensitivity and specificity. Considering the good diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, patients with ultrasound suspicion of CSP should be sent to a reference center where MRI can express its full diagnostic potential regarding depth, topography of invasion and myometral residue, which is useful for subsequent management.

Background: Women report higher rates of trauma-related disorders compared to men. With women being disproportionately impacted by the consequences of natural hazards, this gender disparity may increase in their aftermath.Objective: This meta-analysis aimed at quantifying gender gaps in mental disorder prevalence following natural hazards, considering both the recent and long-term aftermath of natural hazards, the developmental status of affected countries, and type of hazard.Method: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science in February 2024. Random effects models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) based on point prevalences. OR adjusted for covariates were also descriptively reported.Results: In total, 141 reports (N = 3,726,153 independent participants) were included. The prevalence for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression (MD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) within the first year after the hazard were 24.95%, 8.11%, and 14.24%, respectively. More than one-year post-natural hazard the prevalence for PTSD and MD were 22.89% and 13.51%, respectively. Women had significantly higher odds for PTSD (OR = 1.85) and MD (OR = 1.52) within the first year after the hazard, as well as in later assessments (OR = 1.83 for PTSD, OR = 1.41 for MD). Only four studies reported on GAD gender differences in the recent aftermath of natural hazards, resulting in a non-significant OR of 1.85. Subgroup analyses indicated no differences between developmental status of affected countries and adjusted OR showed no systematic variations upon the inclusion of covariates. Gender differences were larger in the aftermath of earthquakes.Conclusions: Significant gender differences for mental disorders following natural hazards exist, although these differences appear similar to other contexts. Gender-sensitive disaster response plans for mental health are essential.

Narcolepsy, a central hypersomnolence disorder, disrupts sleep regulation. Sodium oxybate, a CNS (central nervous system) depressant, is widely used as a treatment, but there are surprisingly very few rigorous studies comparing its effectiveness to placebo in adults.

To measure the comparative efficacy of sodium oxybate at a dosage regimen of 9 g versus placebo in improving nighttime sleep quality, reducing nocturnal arousals and sleep stage shifts, and enhancing the overall refreshed nature of sleep in adult patients with narcolepsy.

The methodology included a literature review of PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov, retrieving 53 randomized controlled trials (RCT) after removing 14 duplicates. Four studies met the criteria for gauging the efficacy of sodium oxybate compared to placebo in the adult population with narcolepsy. The primary efficacy outcome was improved sleep quality, whereas secondary outcomes were reduced nocturnal arousals and sleep stage shifts with an overall refreshed sleep nature. Analyses used RevMan 5.3 software, and SMD (standardized mean differences) with 95 % CI (confidence intervals) were calculated. Risk and publication biases were measured with Cochrane risk of bias tools and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Evidence certainty was measured using GRADEpro.

Four RCT involving 1079 participants were analyzed for said outcomes, and relevant forest plots were generated. Statistical analysis showed a substantial improvement in sleep quality [SMD = 0.74(95%Cl:0.53,0.95; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0 %; (high certainty)] and refreshing nature of sleep [SMD = 0.81(95%CI:0.51,1.11; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0 %; (moderate certainty)], reduction in nocturnal arousals [SMD = -0.62(95%CI: 0.92,-0.32; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0 %; (moderate certainty)] and sleep stage shifts [SMD = -1.22(95%CI: 1.46,-0.98; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0 %; (high certainty)]. The risk of bias was located high for one study. Symmetrical funnel plots and Egger's regression intercepts testified to no significant publication bias.

The results showed that sodium oxybate considerably improved the quality of nocturnal sleep, resulting in substantial restorative advantages as well as a decrease in nocturnal arousals and sleep stage transitions. Significant results with low heterogeneity and p-values <0.05, showing consistent effects, were obtained from the analysis. However, overall reliability may be impacted by a high risk of bias in one study.

Flavones, the key active components in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have demonstrated antidepressant activity. Given the numerous animal studies conducted, a systematic analysis is essential to provide a valuable reference for future research.

This study investigated the antidepressant activity of flavones based on animal models and summarized the underlying mechanisms.

We systematically searched 7 bibliographic Databases as of August 12, 2023, such as Web of Science, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, etc. The meta-analysis was performed using either the random or fixed-effect model, supplemented by trial sequential analysis (TSA). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence.

A total of 25 studies involving 458 mice were included, identifying five flavones (baicalin, baicalein, apigenin, luteolin, vitexin) with antidepressant activity. Compared to the control group, flavones significantly reduced immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Flavones also decreased serum and hippocampal levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Relative to the positive group, flavones raised IL-6, sucrose preference rate, and corticosterone (CORT) levels, with no significant differences in other factors. The TSA showed the efficacy of flavones for treating depression with adequate 'information size' for the primary outcome.

The results demonstrate that flavones exert protective effects against depression in mice, primarily by stimulating neurotrophic factors and modulating inflammatory pathways. These findings emphasize their potential as promising candidates for the development of novel antidepressant therapies.