Farmland biodiversity monitoring through citizen science: A review of existing approaches and future opportunities

Biodiversity monitoring in agricultural landscapes is important for assessing the effects of both land use change and activities that influence farmland biodiversity. Despite a considerable increase in citizen science approaches to biodiversity monitoring in recent decades, their potential in farmland-specific contexts has not been systematically examined. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive review of existing citizen science approaches involving biodiversity monitoring on farmland. Using three complementary methods, we identify a range of programmes at least partially covering farmland. From these, we develop a typology of eight programme types, reflecting distinctions in types of data collected and nature of volunteer involvement, and highlight their respective strengths and limitations. While all eight types can make substantial contributions to farmland biodiversity monitoring, there is considerable scope for their further development-particularly through increased engagement of farmers, for whom receiving feedback on the effects of their own practices could help facilitate adaptive management.

Perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding labour induction and augmentation: A qualitative systematic review

BACKGROUND

Labour induction and augmentation procedures are commonly used in maternity units with or without medical indications. Research shows that healthcare professionals play a significant role in women's childbirth decisions.

AIM

To consolidate healthcare professionals' perceptions about labour induction and augmentation.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates till January 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Global. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Sandelowski and Barroso's guidelines guided this review. Included studies' quality was appraised by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool. Data were thematically synthesised. Review findings were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach.

FINDINGS

Three main themes were identified from the 17 included studies: 1) Making sense of the phenomenon, 2) Two sides of the coin, and 3) The enlightened path ahead.

DISCUSSION

Healthcare professionals' labour induction and augmentation decisions were affected by personal (knowledge and moral philosophies), and external factors (women, community members, colleagues, and healthcare institutions). Some clinicians were unfamiliar with the proper labour induction/augmentation procedures, while others were worried about their decisions and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Suggestions for improvement include conducting labour induction/augmentation training for clinicians, having sufficient resources in facilities, and developing appropriate labour induction/augmentation clinical guidelines. Women and their partners, community members, and traditional healers could benefit from receiving labour induction/augmentation education. To improve health outcomes, healthcare professionals could deliver woman-centred care and collaborate.

Biomarkers of fatigue in oncology: A systematic review

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing side effect of cancer and treatment, affecting both patients during active treatment and survivors, negatively impacting quality of life. While its exact cause remains uncertain, various mechanisms such as immune dysfunction, HPA-axis dysfunction, and treatment toxicity are proposed. Inflammatory biomarkers of CRF have been explored in previous research, but non-inflammatory markers have not been comprehensively studied. This systematic review analysed 33 studies to identify non-inflammatory peripheral blood biomarkers associated with CRF. Promising markers included Hb, blood coagulation factors, BDNF, tryptophan, GAA, mtDNA, platinum, CA125, and cystatin-C. Inconsistent findings were observed for other markers like VEGF, leptin, and stress hormones. Most studies focused on adults. Research in pediatrics is limited. This review showed partial evidence for the inflammaging hypothesis (neurotoxicity due to neuro-inflammation) laying at the basis of CRF. Further research, especially in pediatrics, is needed to confirm this hypothesis and guide future biomarker studies.

Emotional culture and humor in organizations: A social-functional approach

Adopting a social-functionalist theoretical lens, this review examines emotional culture and its relation to discrete emotions such as joviality and humor-supportive or "joking" organizational cultures. We propose four primary pathways through which humor influences emotional culture in organizations and social units: (1) creating and defining emotional culture through "bottom-up" affective mechanisms, (2) a "top-down" normative function that promotes or inhibits humor through cultural values, norms, and traditions of organizational life, (3) a maintenance function, whereby humor corrects emotional culture norm violations, and (4) a link to positive work outcomes via a reciprocal feedback loop. We also describe negative consequences of humor for emotional culture, highlight unanswered questions in the literature, and suggest future research opportunities, including a comprehensive new framework.

Is antiviral treatment at the acute phase of COVID-19 effective for decreasing the risk of long-COVID? A systematic review

PURPOSE

Preliminary evidence suggests a potential effect of antiviral medication used during the acute COVID-19 phase for preventing long-COVID. This review investigates if having received pharmacological treatment during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may reduce the risk of long-COVID.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, as well as medRxiv/bioRxiv preprint servers were searched up to July 15th, 2023. Articles comparing the presence of long-COVID symptoms between individuals who received or not a specific medication, particularly antivirals, during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane's Risk of Bias (Rob) tool.

RESULTS

From 517 studies identified, 6 peer-reviewed studies and one preprint met all inclusion criteria. The sample included 2683 (n = 4) hospitalized COVID-19 survivors and 307,409 (n = 3) non-hospitalized patients. The methodological quality was high in 71% of studies (n = 5/7). Two studies investigating the effects of Nirmaltrevir/Ritonavir and three studies the effect of Remdesivir reported conflicting results on effectiveness for preventing long-COVID. Three studies investigating the effects of other medication such as Dexamethasone (n = 2) or Metformin (n = 1) found positive results of these medications for preventing long-COVID.

CONCLUSION

Available evidence about the effect of medication treatment with antivirals during acute COVID-19 and reduced risk of developing long-COVID is conflicting. Heterogeneous evidence suggests that Remdesivir or Nirmaltrevir/Ritonavir could have a potential protective effect for long-COVID. A limited number of studies demonstrated a potential benefit of other medications such as Dexamethasone or Metformin, but more studies are needed.

A narrative commentary about interoperability in medical devices and data used in diabetes therapy from an academic EU/UK/US perspective

People living with diabetes have many medical devices available to assist with disease management. A critical aspect that must be considered is how systems for continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps communicate with each other and how the data generated by these devices can be downloaded, integrated, presented and used. Not only is interoperability associated with practical challenges, but also devices must adhere to all aspects of regulatory and legal frameworks. Key issues around interoperability in terms of data ownership, privacy and the limitations of interoperability include where the responsibility/liability for device and data interoperability lies and the need for standard data-sharing protocols to allow the seamless integration of data from different sources. There is a need for standardised protocols for the open and transparent handling of data and secure integration of data into electronic health records. Here, we discuss the current status of interoperability in medical devices and data used in diabetes therapy, as well as regulatory and legal issues surrounding both device and data interoperability, focusing on Europe (including the UK) and the USA. We also discuss a potential future landscape in which a clear and transparent framework for interoperability and data handling also fulfils the needs of people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals.

Elucidating the link between thyroid cancer and mercury exposure: a review and meta-analysis

Mercury (Hg) is a widely distributed and bioavailable metal of public health concern, with many known human toxicities, but data regarding mercury's influence on thyroid cancer (TC) is scarce. Mercury is known to impact several molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis, and its proclivity for bioaccumulation in the thyroid suggests a potential modulatory effect. We conducted a literature/systematic review of studies between 1995-2022 intending to define better and establish relationships between these two entities, congregate the evidence for mercury's potential role in thyroid carcinogenesis, and identify populations of interest for further study. Insufficient evidence precludes definitive conclusions on dietary mercury as a TC risk factor; however, several common mechanisms affected by mercury are crucial for TC development, including biochemical, endocrine, and reactive oxygen species effects. Quantitative analysis revealed associations between TC risk and mercury exposure. In three mercury studies, average urine levels were higher in TC patients, with a mean difference of 1.86 µg/g creatinine (95% CI = 0.32-3.41). In two studies investigating exposure to elevated mercury levels, the exposed group exhibited a higher risk of developing TC, with a relative risk of 1.90 (95% CI = 1.76-2.06). In three thyroid tissue studies, mercury levels (ppm) were higher in TC patients, averaging 0.14 (0.06-0.22) in cancerous cases (N = 178) and 0.08 (0.04-0.11) in normal thyroids (N = 257). Our findings suggest an association between mercury exposure and TC risk, implying a possible predisposing factor. Further research is necessary to reveal the clinical relevance of dietary and environmental mercury exposures in TC pathogenesis.

Clinical outcome assessment in patients with epilepsy: The value of health-related quality of life measurements

This narrative review provides an overview of the current knowledge on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), a relevant clinical outcome in patients with epilepsy. It shows that the most important factor determining HRQOL in this patient group is seizure frequency. In particular, seizure-freedom is associated with better HRQOL scores. Many other factors may impact perceived HRQOL aspects, but their interrelation is complex and requires further research. Novel analytical approaches, such as hierarchical cluster and symptom network analyses might shed further light on this, and may result in recommendations for interventions on the most 'central' factors influencing different aspects of HRQOL in patients with epilepsy. Next, an overview of the HRQOL tools and analytical methods currently used in epilepsy care, with a focus on clinical trials, is provided. The QOLIE-31 is the most frequently applied and best validated tool. Several other questionnaires focusing on specific aspects of HRQOL (e.g., mood, social impact) are less frequently used. We show some pitfalls that should be taken into account when designing study protocols including HRQOL endpoints. This includes standardized statistical analysis approaches and predefined reporting methods for HRQOL in epilepsy populations. It has been shown in other patient groups that the lack of such standardisation negatively impacts the quality and comparability of results. We conclude with a number of recommendations for future research.

Biomechanical design optimization of proximal humerus locked plates: A review

BACKGROUND

Proximal humerus locked plates (PHLPs) are widely used for fracture surgery. Yet, non-union, malunion, infection, avascular necrosis, screw cut-out (i.e., perforation), fixation failure, and re-operation occur. Most biomechanical investigators compare a specific PHLP configuration to other implants like non-locked plates, nails, wires, and arthroplasties. However, it is unknown whether the PHLP configuration is biomechanically optimal according to some well-known biomechanical criteria. Therefore, this is the first review of the systematic optimization of plate and/or screw design variables for improved PHLP biomechanical performance.

METHODS

The PubMed website was searched for papers using the terms "proximal humerus" or "shoulder" plus "biomechanics/biomechanical" plus "locked/locking plates". PHLP papers were included if they were (a) optimization studies that systematically varied plate and screw variables to determine their influence on PHLP's biomechanical performance; (b) focused on plate and screw variables rather than augmentation techniques (i.e., extra implants, bone struts, or cement); (c) published after the year 2000 signaling the commercial availability of locked plate technology; and (d) written in English.

RESULTS

The 41 eligible papers involved experimental testing and/or finite element modeling. Plate variables investigated by these papers were geometry, material, and/or position, while screw variables studied were number, distribution, angle, size, and/or threads. Numerical outcomes given by these papers included stiffness, strength, fracture motion, bone and implant stress, and/or the number of loading cycles to failure. But, no paper fully optimized any plate or screw variable for a PHLP by simultaneously applying four well-established biomechanical criteria: (a) allow controlled fracture motion for early callus generation; (b) reduce bone and implant stress below the material's ultimate stress to prevent failure; (c) maintain sufficient bone-plate interface stress to reduce bone resorption (i.e., stress shielding); and (d) increase the number of loading cycles before failure for a clinically beneficial lifespan (i.e., fatigue life). Finally, this review made suggestions for future work, identified clinical implications, and assessed the quality of the papers reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying biomechanical optimization criteria can assist biomedical engineers in designing or evaluating PHLPs, so orthopaedic surgeons can have superior PHLP constructs for clinical use.

Shifting Perspectives on the Challenges of Shared Decision Making in Mental Health Care

Although shared decision making (SDM) has become the most preferable way in doctor-patient communication, it is not fully implemented in mental health care likely due to the complex nature of psychiatric syndromes and treatments. In this review we provide a systematic overview of all perceived and reported barriers to SDM in the literature, acknowledging field-specific challenges, and offering perspectives to promote its wider use. We conducted a systematic search of the wider literature in different databases and included all publications mentioning specified barriers to SDM in psychiatric care. Relevant data and opinions were categorised into micro-, meso- and macro-level themes and put into clinical perspective. We derived 20 barriers to SDM from 100 studies and reports. Eight were on micro-level care delivery, seven involved meso-level issues, five concerned macro-level themes. The multitude of perceived and actual barriers to SDM underline the challenges its implementation poses in mental health care, some of which can be resolved while others are inherent to the nature of the care, with its long-term relationships, complex dynamics, and social consequences, all requiring a flexible approach. We present four perspectives to help change views on the potential of SDM in mental health care.

Paradigms in trauma laparoscopy for anterior abdominal stab wounds: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASW) are a heterogeneous presentation with evolving management over time and heterogenous practice between centres. The aim of this scoping review was to identify, characterise and classify paradigms for trauma laparoscopies for AASW.

METHODOLOGY

Studies were screened from Embase, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science from 1 January 1947 until 1 January 2023. Extracted data included indications for trauma laparoscopies vs laparotomies, and criteria for conversion to an open procedure.

RESULTS

Of 72 included studies, 35 (48.6 %) were published in the United States, with an increasing number from South Africa since 2014. Screening tests to determine an indication for surgery included local wound exploration, computed tomography, and serial clinical examination. Two studies proposed no absolute contraindications to laparoscopy, whereas most papers supported trauma laparoscopies over laparotomies in hemodynamically stable patients with positive or equivocal screening tests. However, clinical decision trees were used inconsistently both between and within many hospital centres. Triggers for conversion to laparotomy were diverse. Older studies typically reported conversion if peritoneal breach was identified. More recent studies reported advances in technical skills and technology allowed attempt at laparoscopic repair for organ and/or vascular injury.

CONCLUSION

This review emphasises that there are many different paradigms of practice for AASW laparoscopy, which are evolving over time. Significant heterogeneity of these studies highlights that meta-analysis of outcomes for trauma laparoscopy is not appropriate unless the included studies report homogenous treatment paradigms and patient cohorts. The decision to perform a trauma laparoscopy should be based on surgeon/hospital experience, patient factors, and resource availability.

Barriers to and Recommendations for Equitable Access to Healthcare for Migrants and Refugees in Aotearoa, New Zealand: An Integrative Review

The health system in Aotearoa New Zealand is predicated on equity in access to health services as a fundamental objective yet barriers to equitable access for migrant and refugees continue to exist. There is a paucity of studies that synthesise the experiences and realities of migrants, refugees and healthcare providers that hinder access to healthcare and provide recommendations to improve services. This review synthesised these barriers and recommendations, with an aim to improve equitable access to healthcare to migrants and refugees. An integrative review of 13 peer-reviewed research studies from EBSCOhost research databases published between January 2016 and September 2022. Studies included: (i) related to Aotearoa; (ii) had a focus on equitable delivery of healthcare to migrants and refugees; and (iii) had a full English text available. The PRISMA framework guided the reporting of the review. The findings were thematically analysed and presented using a narrative empirical synthesis. The findings were organised into three broad themes: attitudinal barriers, structural barriers, and recommendations. Attitudinal barriers included the lack of culturally competent healthcare providers, discrimination by healthcare providers, and personal, social, and cultural attributes. Structural barriers referred to policies and frameworks that regulated the accessibility of health services such as the cost of healthcare, accessibility and acceptability of interpreter services, length of allocated appointments and long waiting times for an appointment, difficulties navigating the health system, and logistical barriers. Recommendations focused on promoting a sense of belonging, enabling a whole-of-society approach that brings together all sectors involved in providing health care for collective impact, and advocating for government policies to create a system that addresses the core health service access needs. This review provides rich context-specific findings on the barriers to equitable access to healthcare and proposed interventions to enhance equitable health outcomes for migrants and refugees in Aotearoa. The review contributes to relevant policy decisions and has practical implications to build responsive health systems which are inclusive, equitable and best address the health needs of populations from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Association between prediabetes and breast cancer: a comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer accounts for up to 30% of cancer cases in women in the US. Diabetes mellitus has been recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer. Some studies have suggested that prediabetes may also be associated with breast cancer whereas other studies have shown no or an inverse association; thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the risk of breast cancer in prediabetes.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Scopus to identify studies that reported breast cancer risks in patients having prediabetes compared to normoglycemic patients. Binary random-effects model was used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We analyzed 7 studies with 24,586 prediabetic and 224,314 normoglycemic individuals (783 and 5739 breast cancer cases, respectively). Unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for breast cancer was 1.45 (95% CI = 1.14, 1.83); adjusted OR was 1.19 (95% CI = 1.07, 1.34) in prediabetes. Subgroup analysis revealed a higher breast cancer risk in individuals aged less than 60 years (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.39, 2.49) than in those aged 60 years or more (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.97, 1.18). Subgroup analysis by median follow-up length indicated a higher risk of breast cancer for follow-ups of less than or equal to 2 years (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.85, 2.95) than in those of over 10 years (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.99, 1.23) and 6 to 10 years (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.88, 1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, individuals with prediabetes have higher risk of developing breast cancer than those with normoglycemia, especially younger prediabetes patients. These individuals may benefit from early identification, monitoring, and interventions to reverse prediabetes.

Research Progress on the Antitumor Molecular Mechanism of Ginsenoside Rh2

Cancer has evolved into a substantial public health concern as the second-leading cause of mortality globally. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have been the two most widely used cancer therapies in recent years; however, both have drawbacks. Therefore, the focus has shifted to the creation of herbal medicines, the extraction of active ingredients, replacement therapy, and the adverse effects of these medications. Ginsenoside Rh2, which is extracted from ginseng, has been identified in many cancer cells. The immune system of the body is strengthened by ginsenoside Rh2, which can also cause the proliferation, death, and differentiation of tumor cells through various pathways. For instance, it inhibits the expression of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway and induces cell apoptosis, affects the expression levels of mitochondrial apoptosis proteins Bcl-2 and Bax, and cooperates with the PD-1 blockade to reactivate T cells to promote an antitumor immune response. Furthermore, ginsenosides Rh2 has the effect of reversing the toxic effect of chemotherapy drugs on normal cells, reducing myocardial damage, and relieving bone marrow function suppression. For clinical applications, it is mainly used as an adjuvant drug for preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and rescue treatment of advanced cancer. This paper summarizes the pharmacological action and mechanism of ginsenosides Rh2 in all kinds of cancer and looks forward to its future development and application.

Relationship between objectively measured physical activity and subclinical cardiovascular disease: a systematic review

Introduction

The association of physical activity (PA) with subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unclear. Clarifying this relationship may inform cardiovascular prevention strategies.

Methods

We performed a systematic review (CRD42021226089) using Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane (1 January 2000 to 1 September 2023). Studies published with adult populations exploring the relationship between objectively measured PA and subclinical CVD were included. Subclinical CVD was assessed using: ankle-brachial index (ABI); arterial stiffness; carotid artery disease; coronary artery atherosclerosis; endothelial function; and measures of cardiac structure and function. The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and Cochrane Risk of Bias tools were used for quality review.

Results

Of 68 included studies, most supported an inverse relationship between PA and subclinical CVD. Arterial stiffness was the most common outcome (n=40), and 33 studies suggested that less sedentary behaviour (SB), increased PA and/or higher intensity PA was associated with less arterial stiffness. Ten studies of carotid artery disease (total n=18), six of endothelial function (n=10), two of coronary artery disease (n=3) and all of ABI (n=6) suggested that PA or less SB is associated with less subclinical disease. Five studies assessing cardiac structure/function (n=6) suggested alterations in structure/function with PA.

Conclusions

PA reduces the risk of CVD events, and this systematic review demonstrates that some of the benefits may be mediated by an inverse association between PA and subclinical CVD. Interventions to increase PA are important for CVD prevention, so we provide a comprehensive overview of which surrogate outcome measures may be most useful to assess future CVD prevention interventions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021226089.

Audit tools for culturally safe and responsive healthcare practices with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a scoping review

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia face disparities in accessing culturally safe and appropriate health services. While current cultural safety and responsiveness frameworks set standards for improving healthcare practices, ensuring accountability and sustainability of changes, necessitates robust mechanisms for auditing and monitoring progress. This study examined existing cultural safety audit tools, and facilitators and barriers to implementation, in the context of providing culturally safe and responsive healthcare services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This will assist organisations, interested in developing tools, to assess culturally responsive practice. A scoping review was undertaken using Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Informit and PsychInfo databases. Articles were included if they described an audit tool used for healthcare practices with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Selected tools were evaluated based on alignment with the six capabilities of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Cultural Responsiveness in Action Framework. Implementation barriers and facilitators were identified. 15 papers were included. Audit tools varied in length, terminology, domains assessed and whether they had been validated or evaluated. Seven papers reported strong reliability and validity of the tools, and one reported tool evaluation. Implementation facilitators included: tool comprehensiveness and structure; effective communication; clear organisational responsibility for implementation; commitment to prioritising cultural competence; and established accountability mechanisms. Barriers included: the tool being time-consuming and inflexible; responsibility for implementation falling on a small team or single staff member; deprioritising tool use; and lack of accountability for implementation. Two of the six IAHA capabilities (respect for the centrality of cultures and inclusive engagement) were strongly reflected in the tools. The limited tool evaluation highlights the need for further research to determine implementation effectiveness and sustainability. Action-oriented tools, which comprehensively reflect all cultural responsiveness capabilities, are lacking and further research is needed to progress meaningful change within the healthcare system.

Non-invasive ventilation in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with palliative care needs: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could have palliative care (PC) needs because of unmet needs such as dyspnoea. This may lead to anxiety and may have an impact on patients' ability to perform daily activities of living. PC can be started when patients with COPD have unmet needs and can be provided alongside disease-modifying therapies. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) could be an important measure to manage dyspnoea in patients with COPD in need of PC. A scoping review was conducted to gain an overview of the existing research and to identify knowledge gaps. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically map published studies on the use of NIV in patients with COPD with PC needs, including the perspectives and experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

METHODS

This review was conducted following the framework of Arksey and O'Malley. The reporting of the review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The review protocol was published. AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PEDro, and PsycInfo were searched from inception to November 14, 2022. The included studies had to report the perspectives and experiences of COPD patients, relatives, and HCPs regarding NIV in the care of patients with COPD with PC needs. In pairs, the authors independently assessed studies' eligibility and extracted data. The data were organised thematically. The results were discussed in a consultation exercise.

RESULTS

This review included 33 papers from 32 studies. Four thematic groupings were identified: preferences and attitudes towards the use of NIV; patient participation in the decision-making process of NIV treatment; conflicting results on the perceived benefits and burdens of treatment; and heterogenous clinical outcomes in experimental studies. Patients perceived NIV as a 'life buoy' to keep them alive. Many patients wanted to take part in the decision-making process regarding NIV treatment but expressed varying degrees of inclusion by HCPs in such decision-making. Conflicting findings were identified regarding the perceived benefits and burdens of NIV treatment. Diversity in heterogeneous clinical outcomes were reported in experimental studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for more studies designed to investigate the effectiveness of NIV as a palliative measure for patients with COPD with PC needs using comprehensive outcomes. It is especially important to gain more knowledge on the experiences of all stakeholders in the use of home-based NIV treatment to these patients.

Characteristics and associated factors of health information-seeking behaviour among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the digital era: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Health Information-Seeking Behaviour (HISB) is necessary for self-management and medical decision-making among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With the advancement of information technology, health information needs and seeking are reshaped among patients with IBD. This scoping review aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of HISB of people with IBD in the digital age.

METHODS

This scoping review adhered to Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews frameworks (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and three Chinese databases from January 1, 2010 to April 10, 2023. Employing both deductive and inductive content analysis, we scrutinized studies using Wilson's model.

RESULTS

In total, 56 articles were selected. Within the information dimension of HISB among patients with IBD, treatment-related information, particularly medication-related information, was identified as the most critical information need. Other information requirements included basic IBD-related information, daily life and self-management, sexual and reproductive health, and other needs. In the sources dimension, of the eight common sources of information, the internet was the most frequently mentioned source of information, while face-to-face communication with healthcare professionals was the preferred source. Associated factors were categorized into six categories: demographic characteristics, psychological aspects, role-related or interpersonal traits, environmental aspects, source-related characteristics, and disease-related factors. Moreover, the results showed five types of HISB among people with IBD, including active searching, ongoing searching, passive attention, passive searching, and avoid seeking. Notably, active searching, especially social information seeking, appeared to be the predominant common type of HISB among people with IBD in the digital era.

CONCLUSION

Information needs and sources for patients with IBD exhibit variability, and their health information-seeking behaviour is influenced by a combination of diverse factors, including resource-related and individual factors. Future research should focus on the longitudinal changes in HISB among patients with IBD. Moreover, efforts should be made to develop information resources that are both convenient and provide credible information services, although the development of such resources requires further investigation and evaluation.

Role of micronucleus-activated cGAS-STING signaling in antitumor immunity

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling is a significant component of the innate immune system and functions as a vital sentinel mechanism to monitor cellular and tissue aberrations in microbial invasion and organ injury. cGAS, a cytosolic DNA sensor, is specialized in recognizing abnormally localized cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and catalyzes the formation of a second messenger cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which initiates a cascade of type Ⅰ interferon and inflammatory responses mediated by STING. Micronucleus, a byproduct of chromosomal missegregation during anaphase, is also a significant contributor to cytoplasmic dsDNA. These unstable subcellular structures are susceptible to irreversible nuclear envelope rupture, exposing genomic dsDNA to the cytoplasm, which potently recruits cGAS and activates STING-mediated innate immune signaling and its downstream activities, including type Ⅰ interferon and classical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways lead to senescence, apoptosis, autophagy activating anti-cancer immunity or directly killing tumor cells. However, sustained STING activation-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, activated chronic type Ⅰ interferon and nonclassical NF-κB signaling pathways remodel immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, leading to immune evasion and facilitating tumor metastasis. Therefore, activated cGAS-STING signaling plays a dual role of suppressing or facilitating tumor growth in tumorigenesis and therapy. This review elaborates on research advances in mechanisms of micronucleus inducing activation of cGAS-STING signaling and its implications in tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies of malignant tumors.

Cancer Pain Management with Traditional Chinese Medicine: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Cancer pain, especially the moderate-to-severe pain experienced by patients with advanced cancer, is still one of the most challenging clinical problems. The current mainstream pharmacological treatment for cancer pain involves applying opioid medications and other pain-killing drugs. However, analgesic drugs have many adverse effects such as addiction, tolerance, and other formidable clinical and social issues. Thus, finding a new therapeutic approach to treat cancer pain is essential. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been increasingly applied in clinical practice because of its good efficacy and few side effects. However, its mechanisms of action in treating pain are still under investigation. The most important mechanism of cancer pain is that a large amount of pain-causing substances are secreted from cancer cells and promote their growth and invasion. The physical and chemical stimulations of these substances exist along with the cancer growth, leading to constantly increased pain sensation. Whether cancer pain can be alleviated by inhibiting cancer cells from releasing the substances and changing the microenvironment around the cancer mass, or even by eliminating pain-causing substances, is largely unknown. Based on TCM theory, this study reported that the aforementioned approach could effectively manage different cancer pains by tonifying qi, clearing and activating channels and meridians, and strengthening body resistance. The TCM therapies activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and nourish the heart. Commonly used Chinese herbal drugs include Corydalis yanhusuo, Angelica dahurica, and Ligusticum chuanxiong. Instead of using conventional analgesics to reduce pain, we should focus on using TCM modalities to alleviate cancer pain and increase the quality of life in patients suffering from cancer pain. TCM should provide us with a new strategy for managing cancer pain.

Updates on WHO classification for small round cell tumors: Ewing sarcoma vs. everything else

The WHO Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours currently recognizes four categories of undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma, round cell sarcoma with EWSR1-non-ETS fusions including NFATc2 and PATZ1, CIC-rearranged sarcoma, and sarcoma with BCOR genetic alterations. These neoplasms frequently pose significant diagnostic challenges due to rarity and overlapping morphologic and immunohistochemical findings. Further, molecular testing, with accompanying pitfalls, may be needed to establish a definitive diagnosis. This review summarizes the clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of these neoplasms. In addition, differential diagnosis and areas of uncertainty and ongoing investigation are discussed.

Research progress on mechanism of acupuncture in treating functional constipation

Acupuncture treatment for functional constipation (FC) is characterized by precise efficacy, rapid onset of action in the early stages, long-term stable effects, and overall regulation. This paper reviews recent literatures on acupuncture treatment for FC, indicating that acupuncture acts from multiple perspectives and pathways, including promoting intestinal motility, regulating intestinal microbiota, modulating the brain-gut axis, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and improving rectal hyposensitivity. Future research could delve into the mechanical sensation conduction mechanisms of acupuncture in improving rectal hyposensitivity, identify key intestinal microbiota genera and metabolic characteristics regulated by acupuncture, explore the network relationships among different mechanisms, and clarify the differential mechanisms of various acupuncture treatment protocols to optimize clinical therapy and enhance the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for FC.

A journey through the labyrinth of terminology, preparation, and application: a comprehensive review

The surgical management of macular holes is undergoing continuous evolution, with recent focus on the utilization of platelet concentrates as a promising adjunctive intervention. Currently, they present a valid surgical approach for achieving anatomical and functional success with a non-inferiority comparably to the alternative surgical techniques. Nonetheless, the utilization of varied platelet concentrates terminologies, coupled with the lack of standardization in their preparation methodologies, engenders both lexical confusion and challenges in comparing scientific studies published up until now. In this review, we summarized the published evidence concerning the application of platelet concentrates in macular holes surgery, aiming to clarify the terminology and methodologies employed and to establish a common consensus facilitating further development and diffusion of this promising technique.

Clinical phenotyping of children with nocturnal enuresis: A key classification to improve the approach

INTRODUCTION

The literature shows that nocturnal enuresis is not an isolated phenomenon of urinary loss during sleep, but encompasses a set of systemic clinical manifestations that significantly influence children's quality of life and development. However, the understanding of the clinical and physiological relationship of these systemic manifestations remains a clinical challenge. The recognition of these manifestations and their subsequent categorisation, may provide better insights into integrated clinical manifestations, facilitating the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, and promote increased assertiveness in the assessment and the selection of appropriate therapies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop a phenotyping model for children with nocturnal enuresis based on evidence.

METHODS

This study presents a clinical phenotyping model for children with nocturnal enuresis based on an analytical and methodological review of the literature, about nocturnal enuresis and its associated clinical manifestations. There was a bibliometric analysis carried out to better analyse outcomes. After reading and analysing the literature, the clinical manifestations were categorised into domains and submitted to the validation of an expert committee with extensive experience in their specific area of expertise. A visual representation of the categorised model was developed to make the phenotyping concept easily understandable to all professionals.

RESULTS

The clinical manifestations related to nocturnal enuresis have been categorised according to frequency and relation found in the literature and validation by an expert committee and the development of the phenotyping model for children with nocturnal enuresis was completed.

CONCLUSION

The present study developed an evidence-based phenotyping model for children with nocturnal enuresis.

Advances in the study of endocannabinoid receptors in experimental acupuncture analgesia

The endocannabinoid system, an important biological network for maintaining and balancing various functions of the human body, is involved in many physiological functions such as pain, emotion, learning and memory, etc. Among which the endocannabinoid receptors ［including type I (CB1) and type II (CB2) receptors］ play an important role in the regulation of pain and have become an important target in the mechanism research of acupuncture analgesia. CB1 is mainly distributed in the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, cerebral cortex, amygdala, insular cortex, and basal ganglia, etc. CB2 is mainly distributed in peripheral immune tissues, such as spleen, bone, skin, etc. In the central and peripheral nervous systems, acupuncture can activate CB1 and CB2 receptors respectively, which is involved in the transmission of central nociceptive signals and related transmitters as well as the peri-pheral pro-nociceptive inflammatory response, thereby alleviating the nociceptive hypersensitivity in animal models. In this paper, we systematically summarize the roles of the above mechanisms in different types of animal models (inflammatory pain, neuropathological pain, visceral pain, etc.), so as to provide new ideas for the study of the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.

Advances of research on mechanisms of acupuncture underlying improvement of ischemic stroke by regulating neuronal mitochondria

Acupuncture has a positive effect in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). A number of studies have confirmed that the role of acupuncture in the treatment of IS, which is closely related to its functions of regulating mitochondrial functions. In the present article, we review the mechanisms of acupuncture underlying improvement of mitochondria in the treatment of IS from 4 aspects： 1) protecting mitochondrial structure integrity, 2) regulative effect on mitochondrial functional activities, including regulating energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, suppressing calcium overload, and regulating mitochondrial membrane potential changes, 3) regulating mitochondrial quality control system, including promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis, regulating mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis, and 4) regula-ting mitochondria-related apoptosis pathways. All of these may provide a theoretical basis for acupuncture in the treatment of IS and a reference for further research.

Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators for heart failure: a network meta-analysis and subgroup analyses of reduced and preserved ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators have been investigated for heart failure (HF) in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, its place in the management guidelines of either HFrEF or HfpEF is still inconclusive.

METHODS

We conducted a network meta-analysis synthesizing RCTs investigating sGC for HF management, which were retrieved by systematically searching five databases until January 24th, 2023. Dichotomous outcomes were pooled using risk ratio (RR) along with confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Eight RCTs with a total of 7307 patients were included. Vericiguat 10 mg significantly reduced the composite cardiovascular (CVS) mortality and HF hospitalization in HF (RR: 0.88, 95% CI [0.79; 0.98]) and in HFrEF (RR: 0.87, 95% CI [0.78; 0.97]); however, it was not effective in HFpEF (RR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.15; 3.05]). Also, vericiguat 10 mg showed no difference compared to placebo regarding the incidence of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.96, 95% CI [0.84; 1.10]), any adverse events (AEs) (RR: 0.94, 95% CI [0.83; 1.07]), any serious AEs (RR: 0.91, 95% CI [0.81; 1.01]), and any AEs leading to drug discontinuation (RR: 1.14, 95% CI [0.92; 1.40]).

CONCLUSION

Vericiguat 10 mg was effective in reducing the composite CVS mortality and HF hospitalization, with an acceptable safety profile. This was only observed in HFrEF patients, but not in HFpEF patients. However, our data regarding other agents (riociguat and praliciguat) and HFpEF can be underpowered, warranting further RCTs to clarify vericiguat 10 mg place in HFrEF management guidelines and to investigate sGC stimulators for HFpEF in large-scale trials.

Integrating international policy standards in the implementation of postnatal care: a rapid review

INTRODUCTION

International legal and political documents can assist policy-makers and programme managers in countries to create an enabling environment to promote maternal and newborn health. This review aimed to map and summarise international legal and political documents relevant to the implementation of the WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience.

METHODS

Rapid review of relevant international legal and political documents, including legal and political commitments (declarations, resolutions and treaties) and interpretations (general comments, recommendations from United Nations human rights treaty bodies, joint United Nations statements). Documents were mapped to the domains presented in the WHO postnatal care (PNC) recommendations; relating to maternal care, newborn care, and health systems and health promotion interventions, and by type of human right implied and/or stated in the documents.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine documents describing international legal and political commitments and interpretations were mapped, out of 45 documents captured. These 29 documents, published or entered into force between 1944 and 2020, contained content relevant to most of the domains of the PNC recommendations, most prominently the domains of breastfeeding and health systems interventions and service delivery arrangements. The most frequently mapped human rights were the right to health and the right to social security.

CONCLUSION

Existing international legal and political documents can inform and encourage policy and programme development at the country level, to create an enabling environment during the postnatal period and thereby support the provision and uptake of PNC and improve health outcomes for women, newborns, children and families. Governments and civil society organisations should be aware of these documents to support efforts to protect and promote maternal and newborn health.

Epidemiology of horse trauma: a literature review

PURPOSE

Horses are used for many recreational and occupational activities. They are large, strong, temperamental, and unpredictable animals and people involved with them are at risk for injuries, from minor abrasions to severe injuries that may lead to death. This review reports on horse trauma in relation to the characteristics of injured equestrians, characteristics of horse trauma, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted from health-related electronic databases to identify studies from 2018 to 2023. The search returned 115 relevant full-text articles but after screening and assessment for eligibility, 39 were included in this review for a detailed examination of horse trauma epidemiology. Most studies were undertaken in the USA and the most used method was a retrospective review of hospital or trauma registry data.

RESULTS

There have only been very slight changes in horse trauma numbers and outcomes over the past 5 years. Most injuries often follow falls and kicks. Females in their late-20 s to mid-30 s who are recreational equestrians are the group most represented in the data. The commonest injuries include fractures, and head, thoracic, and abdominal trauma. Most individuals with horse trauma were treated in the Emergency Department and discharged. For the equestrians who were admitted to hospital, around one-third required surgery. Mortality rates are very low.

CONCLUSION

The popularity of occupational and recreational horse activities does not seem to wane and horse trauma continues to represent a significant concern for the health system. Health care workers need to be cognizant of the scope of trauma presentations as the mechanisms of injury can be complicated putting the equestrian at a high risk of associated injuries that may be life-threatening.

Advancements in stone classification: unveiling the beauty of urolithiasis

PURPOSE

Urolithiasis has become increasingly prevalent, leading to higher disability-adjusted life years and deaths. Various stone classification systems have been developed to enhance the understanding of lithogenesis, aid urologists in treatment decisions, and predict recurrence risk. The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview of different stone classification criteria.

METHODS

Two authors conducted a review of literature on studies relating to the classification of urolithiasis. A narrative synthesis for analysis of the studies was used.

RESULTS

Stones can be categorized based on anatomical position, size, medical imaging features, risk of recurrence, etiology, composition, and morphoconstitutional analysis. The first three mentioned offer a straightforward approach to stone classification, directly influencing treatment recommendations. With the routine use of CT imaging before treatment, precise details like anatomical location, stone dimensions, and Hounsfield Units can be easily determined, aiding treatment planning. In contrast, classifying stones based on risk of recurrence and etiology is more complex due to dependencies on multiple variables, including stone composition and morphology. A classification system based on morphoconstitutional analysis, which combines morphological stone appearance and chemical composition, has demonstrated its value. It allows for the rapid identification of crystalline phase principles, the detection of crystalline conversion processes, the determination of etiopathogenesis, the recognition of lithogenic processes, the assessment of crystal formation speed, related recurrence rates, and guidance for selecting appropriate treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognizing that no single classification system can comprehensively cover all aspects, the integration of all classification approaches is essential for tailoring urolithiasis patient-specific management.

[Research Progress in the Role of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Human Cancer]

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a reversible process, during which biological macromolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, condense into liquid membraneless organelles under the influence of weak multivalent interactions. Currently, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching is the primary method used to detect the phase separation of biological macromolecules. Recent studies have revealed the link between abnormal LLPS and the pathogenesis and development of various human cancers. Through phase separation or abnormal phase separation, tumor-related biological macromolecules, such as mRNA, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and tumor-related proteins, can affect transcriptional translation and DNA damage repair, regulate the autophagy and ferroptosis functions of cells, and thus regulate the development of various tumors. In this review, we summarized the latest research findings on the mechanism of LLPS in the pathogenesis and progression of tumors and elaborated on the promotion or inhibition of autophagy, tumor immunity, DNA damage repair, and cell ferroptosis after abnormal phase separation of biomolecules, including mRNA, lncRNA, and proteins, which subsequently affects the pathogenesis and progression of tumors. According to published findings, many biological macromolecules can regulate transcriptional translation, expression, post-transcriptional modification, cell signal transduction, and other biological processes through phase separation. Therefore, further expansion of the research field of phase separation and in-depth investigation of its molecular mechanisms and regulatory processes hold extensive research potential.

[Hot Topics and Emerging Trends in Mechanobiology Research]

Mechanobiology focuses on a series of important physiopathological processes, such as how cells perceive different mechanomechanical stimuli, the process of intracellular mechanotransduction, and how mechanical signals determine the behavior and fate of cells. From the initial stage of embryogenesis, to developmental biology and regenerative medicine, or even through the whole life process, mechanical signaling cascades and cellular mechanical responses in mechanobiology are of great significance in biomedical research. In recent years, research in the field of mechanobiology has undergone remarkable development. Several scientific consortia around the world have been analyzing mechanobiological processes from different perspectives, aiming to gain insights into the regulatory mechanisms by which mechanical factors affect cell fate determination. In this article, we summarized and reviewed the topics that have attracted more research interests in recent years in the field of mechanobiology, for example, arterial blood vessels, stem cell, and ion channel. We also discussed the potential trends that may emerge, such as nuclear deformation, fibrous extracellular matrix, tumor mechanobiology, cellular mechanotransduction, and piezo ion channels. In addition, we put forward new ideas concerning the limitations of mechanism research and the importance of big data analysis and mining in this field, thereby providing objective support and a systematic framework for grasping the hot research topics and exploring new research directions in the field of mechanobiology.

[Current Status of Research on COVID-19 Patients With Concomitant Hyperglycemia and the Management Strategies of Hyperglycemia]

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to human health, leading to a relatively high mortality in patients with severe or critical conditions in particular. Hyperglycemia is one of the high-risk factors for poor prognosis in these patients. Patients with COVID-19 are more likely to develop hyperglycemia, regardless of whether there is a previous history of diabetes mellitus. Glucocorticoid therapy is an important part of the anti-inflammatory regimen for COVID-19. However, the use of glucocorticoid significantly increases the occurrence of hyperglycemic events in COVID-19 patients, ultimately leading to poor prognosis. Timely monitoring of blood glucose and early intervention for hyperglycemia contribute to the improvement in the outcome of COVID-19 patients. In this paper, we comprehensively reviewed the potential mechanisms of COVID-19 and concomitant hyperglycemia. We reviewed the latest findings on the blood glucose management strategies for COVID-19 patients with concomitant hyperglycemia, aiming to optimize the management of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients and improve the outcome of the disease.

[Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Derived Exosomes: Key Players in Intercellular Communication Within the Tumor Microenvironment]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Due to the insidious onset and rapid progression and a lack of effective treatments, the prognosis of patients with HCC is extremely poor, with the average 5-year survival rate being less than 10%. The tumor microenvironment (TME), the internal environment in which HCC develops, can regulate the oncogenesis, development, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. During the process of cancer progression, HCC cells can regulate the biological behaviors of tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated immune cells, and other cells in the TME by releasing exosomes containing specific signals, thereby promoting cancer progression. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and the roles of exosomes in the specific cellular regulation of these processes are not fully understood. Herein, we summarized the TME components of HCC, the sources and the biological traits of exosomes in the TME, and the impact of mechanical factors on exosomes. In addition, special attention was given to the discussion of the effects of HCC-exosomes on different types of cells in the microenvironment. There are still many difficulties to be overcome before exosomes can be applied as carriers in clinical cancer treatment. First of all, the homogeneity of exosomes is difficult to ensure. Secondly, exosomes are mainly administered through subcutaneous injection. Although this method is simple and easy to implement, the absorption efficiency is not ideal. Thirdly, exosome extraction methods are limited in number and inefficient, making it difficult to prepare exosomes in large quantities. It is important to ensure that exosomes are used in sufficient quantities to trigger an effective tumor immune response, especially for exosome-mediated tumor immunotherapy. With the improvement in identification, isolation, and purification technology, exosomes are expected to be successfully used in the clinical diagnosis of early-stage HCC and the clinical treatment of liver cancer.

[Research Progress in the Effect of Exercise Intervention on Sleep Disorders and the Mechanisms Involved]

Sleep disorders, a common concern in modern society, seriously affect people's physical and mental health. Reported findings suggest that both acute exercise intervention and long-term regular exercise intervention can improve the disrupted sleep structure and normalize the duration and proportion of the different phases of sleep. Moreover, exercise intervention has a positive effect on the endocrine functions, the metabolic functions, the immune response, the autonomic nervous system, and cardiac functions during sleep. It is a non-medicative therapeutic strategy for improving sleep disorders. The specific type of exercise intervention (aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or meditative movement) adopted is one of the moderating variables of exercise intervention programs. Different types of exercise improve sleep disorders by way of different mechanisms. Exercise volume and intensity are another moderating variable of exercise intervention programs. The optimal amount and intensity of exercise for different individuals to improve sleep disorders may vary. Exercise interventions implemented at the different times throughout a day can also have varying degrees of impact on sleep disorders and there is no consensus on the optimal exercise time for improving sleep quality at present. Herein, we summarized the mechanisms by which exercise intervention improves sleep disorders from four perspectives, including epigenetics, hyperarousal, human circadian rhythm, and body temperature regulation. In addition, we discussed the current gaps and prospects of research in this field, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of exercise prescriptions for sleep disorders.

[Advances in Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms of Jaw Repair and Reconstruction]

Jawbone injuries resulting from trauma, diseases, and surgical resections are commonly seen in clinical practice, necessitating precise and effective strategies for repair and reconstruction to restore both function and aesthetics. The precise and effective repair and the reconstruction of jawbone injuries pose a significant challenge in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, owing to the unique biomechanical characteristics and physiological functions of the jawbone. The natural repair process following jawbone injuries involves stages such as hematoma formation, inflammatory response, ossification, and bone remodeling. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and other growth factors play crucial roles in promoting jawbone regeneration. Cytokines such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor play dual roles in regulating inflammatory response and bone repair. In recent years, significant progress in molecular biology research has been made in the field of jawbone repair and reconstruction. Tissue engineering technologies, including stem cell therapy, bioactive scaffolds, and growth factor delivery systems, have found important applications in jawbone repair. However, the intricate molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in the complex jawbone repair and reconstruction methods are not fully understood and still require further research. Future research directions will be focused on the precise control of these molecular processes and the development of more efficient combination therapeutic strategies to promote the effective and functional reconstruction of the jawbone. This review aims to examine the latest findings on the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the repair and reconstruction of jawbone injuries and the therapeutic strategies. The conclusions drawn in this article provide a molecular-level understanding of the repair of jawbone injuries and highlight potential directions for future research.

[Research Progress on the Influence of Tumor Extracellular Matrix Mechanic Properties on Nanodrug Delivery]

Nanodrugs are widely utilized in the biomedical fields, exhibiting immense potential in cancer therapy in particular. However, tumors exist in an extremely complicated microenvironment where substances like collagen are continuously deposited and remodeled, leading to significant alterations in the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during tumor development. Previous research has primarily focused on the specific physicochemical properties of nanodrugs, such as particle size, electric charge, shape, surface chemistry, etc., and their effects on cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Limited studies have been done to explore the impact of ECM mechanical properties on nanodrug delivery. In this review, we systematically summarized the relevant research findings on this topic from the perspective of the characteristics and testing methods of tumor ECM mechanics. Additionally, we made a thorough discussion of the potential mechanical and biological mechanisms involved in nanodrug delivery. We proposed several noteworthy research directions. Regarding the overall strategy, there is a need to emphasize targeted delivery that combines ECM mechanics and nanomechanics to achieve precise drug delivery. Regarding the spatial aspect, attention should be given to the nonlinear spatial mechanical heterogeneity within the interior of solid tumors and the construction of mechanic microenvironment-adaptive nanocarriers to improve the delivery efficiency. Regarding the temporal aspect, emphasis should be placed on the dynamic development and changes in the mechanical microenvironment during solid tumor growth and treatment processes. Based on the stromal mechanical characteristics of the tumor tissues of individual patients, personalized treatment strategies can be formulated, which will enhance treatment specificity and efficacy. In addition, issues such as mechanically targeted nanodrug delivery, degradation, and metabolism under dynamic ECM mechanical conditions warrant further investigation.

[Latest Findings on Phase Separation of Cytomechanical Proteins]

The cellular response to mechanical stimuli depends largely on the structure of the cell itself and the abundance of intracellular cytomechanical proteins also plays a key role in the response to the stimulation of external mechanical signals. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is the process by which proteins or protein-RNA complexes spontaneously separate and form two distinct "phases", ie, a low-concentration phase coexisting with a high-concentration phase. According to published findings, membrane-free organelles form and maintain their structures and regulate their internal biochemical activities through LLPS. LLPS, a novel mechanism for intracellular regulation of the biochemical reactions of biomacromolecules, plays a crucial role in modulating the responses of cytomechanical proteins. LLPS leads to the formation of highly concentrated liquid-phase condensates through multivalent interactions between biomacromolecules, thereby regulating a series of intracellular life activities. It has been reported that a variety of cytomechanical proteins respond to external mechanical signals through LLPS, which in turn affects biological behaviors such as cell growth, proliferation, spreading, migration, and apoptosis. Herein, we introduced the mechanisms of cytomechanics and LLPS. In addition, we presented the latest findings on cytomechanical protein phase separation, covering such issues as the regulation of focal adhesion maturation and mechanical signal transduction by LIM domain-containing protein 1 (LIMD1) phase separation, the regulation of intercellular tight junctions by zonula occludens (ZO) phase separation, and the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis by cytomechanical protein phase separation of the Hippo signaling pathway. The proposition of LLPS provides an explanation for the formation mechanism of intracellular membraneless organelles and supplies new approaches to understanding the biological functions of intracellular physiology or pathology. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LLPS drives focal adhesions and cell-edge dynamics are still not fully understood. It is not clear whether LLPS under in vitro conditions can occur under physiological conditions of organisms. There are still difficulties to be overcome in using LLPS to explain the interactions of multiple intracellular molecules. Researchers should pursue answers to these questions in the future.

Immunological pathways in viral hepatitis-induced hepato-cellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious neoplastic disease with increasing incidence and mortality, accounting for 90% of all liver cancers. Hepatitis viruses are the major causative agents in the development of HCC. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) primarily causes acute infections, which is associated with HCC to a certain extent, as shown by clinicopathological studies. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections lead to persistent liver inflammation and cirrhosis, disrupt multiple pathways associated with cellular apoptosis and proliferation, and are the most common viral precursors of HCC. Mutations in the HBV X protein (HBx) gene are closely associated with the incidence of HCC, while the expression of HCV core proteins contributes to hepatocellular lipid accumulation, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. In the clinical setting, hepatitis D virus (HDV) frequently co-infects with HBV, increasing the risk of chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) usually causes acute infections. However, chronic infections of HEV have been increasing recently, particularly in immuno-compromised patients and organ transplant recipients, which may increase the risk of progression to cirrhosis and the occurrence of HCC. Early detection, effective intervention and vaccination against these viruses may significantly reduce the incidence of liver cancer, while mechanistic insights into the interplay between hepatitis viruses and HCC may facilitate the development of more effective intervention strategies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of hepatitis viruses and reviews recent advances in research on aberrant hepatic immune responses and the pathogenesis of HCC due to viral infection.

Advancements in tyrosine kinase-mediated regulation of innate nucleic acid sensing

Innate nucleic acid sensing is a ubiquitous and highly conserved immunological process, which is pivotal for monitoring and responding to pathogenic invasion and cellular damage, and central to host defense, autoimmunity, cell fate determination and tumorigenesis. Tyrosine phosphorylation, a major type of post-translational modification, plays a critical regulatory role in innate immune sensing pathway. Core members of nucleic acid sensing signaling pathway, such as cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), and TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), are all subject to activity regulation triggered by tyrosine phosphorylation, thereby affecting the host antiviral defense and anti-tumor immunity under physiological or pathological conditions. This review summarizes the recent advances in research on tyrosine kinases and tyrosine phosphorylation in regulation of nucleic acid sensing. The function and potential applications of targeting tyrosine phosphorylation in anti-tumor immunity is disussed to provide insights for understanding and expanding new anti-tumor strategies.

Association between shortened dental configurations and health outcomes: a scoping review

This study mapped definitions of shortened dental configurations and health outcomes employed in association studies. A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO and Cochrane databases. Two trained researchers selected studies and extracted data. Studies that investigated the association between shortened dental configurations (exposure) and person-centered outcomes (general and oral health) related to health behavior (dietary patterns). Clinical outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO). Shortened dental configurations were defined as at least 20/21 teeth or the position of the teeth, including esthetics, dental occlusion and periodontal status (Eichner Index, Shortened Dental Arches, Functional Dentition Classification System, Posterior Occluding Pairs, Functional Tooth Units). The initial search resulted in 12,525 records in English, Portuguese and Spanish, 432 of which addressed the association of interest. General health (n = 203) and oral health (n = 201) were addressed in a similar number of studies. Most outcomes were related to general health (n = 184), the most frequent of which were endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases (n = 57) and mental functions (n = 26). Person-centered measures were addressed in 153 studies, most of which were about oral health and oral health-related quality of life (n = 62). Oral health outcomes were predominantly related to intake functions (n = 44) and diseases or disorders of the orofacial complex (n = 24). Dietary patterns (n = 43) and mortality (n = 38) were also studied. The cross-sectional design (n = 257) and non-probabilistic sampling (n = 218) were more frequent. The shortened dental configurations defined by the WHO were the most frequent in the studies (n = 206). The effects of shortened dental configurations have been investigated mainly in relation to endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases and measures of oral health-related quality of life. The findings point to a diversity of health outcomes assessed and substantial methodological variability.

Is Neurodevelopmental Assessment in Early Childhood Predictive of Performance Assessed Later in Childhood and Adolescence in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Most neurodevelopmental tests used to assess child development in sub-Saharan Africa were developed in western or high-income countries, raising the question of their usefulness with African children.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review identified and synthesized key findings from studies measuring development in children in Sub-Saharan Africa in early childhood and again at school age, to assess neurocognitive associations longitudinally from infancy through middle childhood.

METHODS

The study was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method, selecting articles referenced in the PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase databases using the following inclusion criteria: published between 2000 and 2022, written in French or English, and presenting results dealing with the objective assessment of child's neurodevelopment. All articles were registered in the Zotero reference manager and analyzed by title, abstract, and full text.

RESULTS

Several of the seven selected studies confirmed that attention and working memory in infancy can predict children's neurocognitive performance, including mathematical ability, at school age. In two of the studies, children with poor mental development at 1 year of age are more likely to present with poorer behavioral development at school age, including learning difficulties in school and risk for grade repetition.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive ability assessed in early childhood is strongly associated with performance at school age in cohorts of African children followed longitudinally. Even with assessments adapted cross-culturally, infants and preschoolers at risk for poor developmental outcomes can be identified to better receive strategic early interventions to enhance their development.

Conducting co-creation for public health in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review and key informant perspectives on implementation barriers and facilitators

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in the use of co-creation for public health because of its claimed potential to increase an intervention's impact, spark change and co-create knowledge. Still, little is reported on its use in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). This study offers a comprehensive overview of co-creation used in public-health-related interventions, including the interventions' characteristics, and reported implementation barriers and facilitators.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review within the Scopus and PubMed databases, a Google Scholar search, and a manual search in two grey literature databases related to participatory research. We further conducted eight interviews with first authors, randomly selected from included studies, to validate and enrich the systematic review findings.

RESULTS

Through our review, we identified a total of twenty-two studies conducted in twenty-four LMIC countries. Majority of the interventions were designed directly within the LMIC setting. Aside from one, all studies were published between 2019 and 2023. Most studies adopted a co-creation approach, while some reported on the use of co-production, co-design, and co-development, combined either with community-based participatory research, participatory action research or citizen science. Among the most reported implementation barriers, we found the challenge of understanding and accounting for systemic conditions, such as the individual's socioeconomic status and concerns related to funding constraints and length of the process. Several studies described the importance of creating a safe space, relying on local resources, and involving existing stakeholders in the process from the development stage throughout, including future and potential implementors. High relevance was also given to the performance of a contextual and/or needs assessment and careful tailoring of strategies and methods.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a systematic overview of previously conducted studies and of reported implementation barriers and facilitators. It identifies implementation barriers such as the setting's systemic conditions, the socioeconomic status and funding constrains along with facilitators such as the involvement of local stakeholders and future implementors throughout, the tailoring of the process to the population of interest and participants and contextual assessment. By incorporating review and interview findings, the study aims to provide practical insights and recommendations for guiding future research and policy.

Corticosteroid-resistant immune-related adverse events: a systematic review

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment has become an important therapeutic option for various cancer types. Although the treatment is effective, ICI can overstimulate the patient's immune system, leading to potentially severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis and myocarditis. The initial mainstay of treatments includes the administration of corticosteroids. There is little evidence how to treat steroid-resistant (sr) irAEs. It is mainly based on small case series or single case reports. This systematic review summarizes available evidence about sr-irAEs. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed. Additionally, we included European Society for Medical Oncology, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology Guidelines for irAEs in our assessment. The study population of all selected publications had to include patients with cancer who developed hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis or myocarditis during or after an immunotherapy treatment and for whom corticosteroid therapy was not sufficient. Our literature search was not restricted to any specific cancer diagnosis. Case reports were also included. There is limited data regarding life-threatening sr-irAEs of colon/liver/lung/heart and the majority of publications are single case reports. Most publications investigated sr colitis (n=26), followed by hepatitis (n=21), pneumonitis (n=17) and myocarditis (n=15). There is most data for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to treat sr hepatitis and for infliximab, followed by vedolizumab, to treat sr colitis. Regarding sr pneumonitis there is most data for MMF and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) while data regarding infliximab are conflicting. In sr myocarditis, most evidence is available for the use of abatacept or anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) (both with or without MMF) or ruxolitinib with abatacept. This review highlights the need for prompt recognition and treatment of sr hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis and myocarditis. Guideline recommendations for sr situations are not defined precisely. Based on our search, we recommend-as first line treatment-(1) MMF for sr hepatitis, (2) infliximab for sr colitis, followed by vedolizumab, (3) MMF and IVIG for sr pneumonitis and (4) abatacept or ATG (both with or without MMF) or ruxolitinib with abatacept for sr myocarditis. These additional immunosuppressive agents should be initiated promptly if there is no sufficient response to corticosteroids within 3 days.

FSC forest certification effects on biodiversity: A global review and meta-analysis

FSC is a worldwide recognized forest certification scheme, that aims to promote the environmentally responsible management and conservation of the world's forests. Despite its broad application, there is little evidence of its effect on biodiversity. To address this important knowledge gap, here we conducted a systematic review and a hierarchical meta-analysis of the effects of FSC on biodiversity worldwide. Our review yielded 57 studies spanning 2004-2022. Most studies were in the Americas and Europe (31 % and 28 %, respectively), and largely focused on vascular plants (41 %). Half (51 %) of the studies aimed to determine the effect of FSC certification on biodiversity. There were 15 studies with sufficient information for meta-analysis, resulting in 231 effect sizes for mammal, bird, and vascular plant abundance and 10 for vascular plant richness. Overall, there is a neutral effect of certification on taxa abundance, with only a positive effect on mammal assemblages. Responses varied considerably between mammals' traits. Threatened species, individuals with reduced body weight, and omnivorous species benefit from management under the FSC scheme. Vascular plant richness exhibited significantly higher values in FSC-certified areas. Moreover, the abundance of vascular plants also differs among traits, with shrubs and adult trees benefiting from FSC certification. Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed strong variation in biodiversity responses to FSC, and major geographic and taxonomic knowledge gaps. The overall neutral effect and the divergent responses of taxa and species traits suggest that taxa/species-specific management and improvement of FSC criteria are required.

Recent advances in the mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in wound healing in diabetes

Wound healing difficulties in diabetes continue to be a clinical challenge, posing a considerable burden to patients and society. Recently, exploration of the mechanism of wound healing and associated treatment options in diabetes has become topical. Of note, the positive role of hydrogen sulfide in promoting wound healing has been demonstrated in recent studies. Hydrogen sulfide is a confirmed gas transmitter in mammals, playing an essential role in pathology and physiology. This review describes the mechanism underlying the role of hydrogen sulfide in the promotion of diabetic wound healing and the potential for hydrogen sulfide supplementation as a therapeutic application.

Cell-to-cell communications of cGAS-STING pathway in tumor immune microenvironment

Targeting cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a promising strategy for tumor treatment. The pattern recognition receptor cGAS identifies dsDNA and catalyzes the formation of a second messenger 2'3'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP), activating the downstream interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines through the adaptor protein STING. Notably, in tumor immune microenvironment, key components of cGAS-STING pathway are transferred among neighboring cells. The intercellular transmission under these contexts serves to sustain and amplify innate immune responses while facilitating the emergence of adaptive immunity. The membrane-based system, including extracellular vesicles transport, phagocytosis and membrane fusion transmit dsDNA, cGAMP and activated STING, enhances the immune surveillance and inflammatory responses. The membrane proteins, including a specific protein channel and intercellular gap junctions, transfer cGAMP and dsDNA, which are crucial to regulate immune responses. The ligand-receptor interactions for interferon transmission amplifies the anti-tumor response. This review elaborates on the regulatory mechanisms of cell-to-cell communications of cGAS-STING pathway in tumor immune microenvironment, explores how these mechanisms modulate immunological processes and discusses potential interventions and immunotherapeutic strategies targeting these signaling cascades.