Impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on scientific research and implications for clinical academic training - A review

Microbial communities and fatty acid markers across acidification and eutrophication extremes in a river influenced by mining activities

Microbial communities in combination with fatty acid and isotopic markers were studied seasonally to assess the effects of acid mine drainage (AMD) and nutrient loads in the Spree river. Negative values of δ15N, the bacterial and detrital markers 18: 1(n-7) and 18:1(n-9), pH values ∼3 and bacteria of the genera Ferrovum, Thiomonas, Acidocella, Acidiphilum, Syderoxydans and Galionella were characteristic of the AMD extreme. Potential iron-oxidizers may produce ferric ions and their precipitates may influence biogeochemical processes, while potential sulfur-oxidizers may contribute to elevated sulphate concentrations and challenge drinking water production in the Spree catchment. In this river, eutrophication was linked with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enrichment and not with PUFA depletion as occurs in other freshwater systems. Elevated concentrations and proportions of PUFA as well as higher relative sequence abundance of cyanobacteria were characteristic of the highly eutrophic station, particularly during the phytoplankton bloom. The 18:5(n-3) from flagellates or dinoflagellates may indicate lipid anabolism and trophic upgrading processes. The dominance of the classes Bacteroidia, Gammaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria suggested eutrophic and changing hydrological conditions in the river. The microbial communities were better markers of seasonality than the biogeochemical markers and their combination offers an excellent resolution for the study of the ecology and biogeochemistry of water courses. The expected decreased runoff under climate-driven scenarios may worsen the AMD pollution and eutrophication problems and signify a considerable challenge for water management.

Global trends and collaborations in bortezomib-induced neurotoxicity research: a bibliometric analysis (2002-2024)

Objectives

Hematological malignancies pose significant health challenges, with bortezomib emerging as a key therapeutic agent. However, its use is complicated by neurotoxicity, a side effect that urgently requires mitigation strategies. This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the intellectual structure, historical trends, and emerging research fronts in the field of bortezomib-induced neurotoxicity.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in the Web of Science Core Collection, capturing literature from 2002 to 2024. Articles written in English were selected for analysis. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R 4.3.3 to visualize collaborations, keyword co-occurrences, and bibliographic coupling.

Results

The overview of this study reveals a rich tapestry of academic engagement encompassing 745 publications. The USA and China were the most productive countries, with Harvard University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute leading in institutional contributions. The New England Journal of Medicine stood out as the most influential journal. Prominent authors like Richardson Paul G. showcased the highest impact, with central research themes focusing on therapeutic approaches and peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis provides a detailed overview of the research landscape in bortezomib-induced neurotoxicity, identifying the USA and China as leading contributors and highlighting the central focus on therapeutic strategies and peripheral neuropathy management. These findings emphasize the need for global collaboration to develop effective mitigation strategies for neurotoxicity and improve patient outcomes. Insights from this study can guide future research efforts and inform clinical practices in managing bortezomib-related side effects.

Integrative Management of Cancer Pain: A Scoping Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related pain is common and debilitating. Patients frequently use integrative medicine therapies to manage this, though safety and efficacy evidence is incomplete. This scoping review aims to characterize the state of integrative cancer pain therapy (ICPT) and identify priorities for future research.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane for ICPT studies published between January 1, 1975 and May 26, 2022. Study findings were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Interventions were categorized as follows: Whole Systems of Medicine (WSM); Mind-body Medicine (MBM); Botanicals and Supplements (BAS); and Manual Therapies (MT). Quality appraisal was performed using the Downs and Black checklist. Efficacy was "positive" if there were statistically significant differences between study arms (p < 0.05) favoring ICPT.

RESULTS

Among 1246 studies reviewed, 151 met inclusion criteria; 63.5% were excellent or good quality, and 68.9% were RCTs; 122 studies (80.7%) were published since 2010. Studies occurred in 24 countries, in variable settings, among participants with a wide range of cancers, disease status, and age ranges. Studies investigating WSM and MBM interventions were most frequent (35.7% for each), MT (20.59%), and BAS (7.9%). Overall, of the included studies, 127 (84.1%) found that the ICPT intervention reduced pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies on ICPT are increasingly common, and the majority of ICPT interventions demonstrated a positive impact on cancer pain. Future rigorous research should compare efficacy across integrative and biomedical interventions and explore how to incorporate evidence-based ICPT into standard cancer treatment.

A bibliometric mapping of advancements and trends in genome editing in pigs

Researchers have widely undertaken targeted genome editing in pigs to optimize pig productivity, disease tolerance and for biomedical research. The present study aimed to investigate research advancements, focus areas, gaps, and challenges in genome editing in pigs using bibliometric analysis. The bibliographic information of publications on genome editing in pigs from 2010 to 2023 was retrieved from the Scopus database. Bibliometric parameters, such as coauthorship, keyword co-occurrence, citation, bibliographic coupling, and cocitation, was analyzed using VOSviewer. Literature mining was conducted to evaluate the emerging areas and challenges in the development of genome-edited pigs. We found 725 documents on genome editing in pigs, 407 of which were research articles authored by 2826 researchers from 1359 research organizations across 40 countries. The two countries, China and the United States, account for more than 50% of the research publications on genome editing in pigs. Investigations on the optimization of the procedure, delivery methods, editing efficiency, and reducing off-target effects dominated the early phase of research, which has shifted to its application for generating knockout (KO) or knockin (KI) pigs in recent years. Areas such as xenotransplantation, disease resistance, higher muscling, and disease models have dominated the research horizon for genome editing in pigs. Emerging areas in gene editing include base editing, CRISPR-based screens, diagnostics, and therapeutics. However, investigations on reducing heat stress and environmental footprint through genetic alterations need more attention from scientists. Challenges such as off-target effects and regulatory, ethical and societal issues related to channelizing gene-edited pigs from lab to land and then from farm to fork continue to restrain this field.

Bibliometric Analysis of Orbital Surgery Using Web of Science Database

AIM

There are more than 100 different clinical pathologies that affect the orbit, originating from the orbit or surrounding structures. Various surgical approaches have been described to solve this number of lesions. To date, there have been few evaluations of research productivity in the field of orbital surgery. The aim of this study is to analyze the research productivity of articles on orbital surgery.

METHODS

On October 20, 2024, using the advanced search section in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database, a search was made about orbital surgery. From 1980 to November 20, 2024, research articles in the relevant field were analyzed. Language restrictions are not used. The filter was "Topic=Orbital Surgery OR Orbit Surgery OR Oculoplastic OR Oculoplastics OR Oculoplasty OR Orbitotomy OR Orbital Tumor Surgery OR Optic Nerve Surgery OR Orbital Decompression OR Orbital Reconstruction OR Orbital Exenteration OR Orbital Implant Surgery (Should - Search within topic)." Filters were applied, and as a result, 4590 publications were included in this study. VOSviewer software was used to perform bibliometric analyses.

RESULTS

The number of publications and citations for each year mostly increases until 2021. Among the countries with the most documents and citations, the United States ranks first in both rankings. Also, the organization with the most publications is the University of California, Los Angeles. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the journal that publishes the most documents and receives the most citations. The most cited 3 document is about Graves orbitopathy. The most recurring keywords were related to treatment and disease management.

CONCLUSIONS

This study would provide a novel perspective to the studies about orbital surgery and contribute to the researchers about the limits of the topic, and being aware of the active journals that publish the papers on this issue would facilitate the work of the researchers.

Bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping of diabetes mellitus combined with tuberculosis research: trends from 1995 to 2023

Background

The synergistic epidemic of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis (DM-TB) has created a dual disease burden, challenging global health systems with complex pathophysiological interactions and suboptimal treatment outcomes. To decode the evolving research landscape, this study presents the latest comprehensive bibliometric analysis mapping the intellectual architecture of DM-TB research over three decades.

Methods

We systematically analyzed 791 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection (1995-2023) using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix. Advanced metrics including co-citation networks, keyword burst detection, and institutional collaboration patterns were employed to identify paradigm-shifting trends.

Results

Three distinct growth phases were observed: initial stagnation (1995-2007, <10 annual publications), exponential growth (2008-2019), and research diversification (2020-2023). The United States dominated scientific output (27.3% of total publications), while the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine emerged as the central hub for international collaborations (TLS=176). Keyword evolution revealed three transformative phases: (1) Pathomechanistic exploration (1995-2016): Focused on hyperglycemia-immunity interplay and epidemiological surveillance; (2) Translational innovation (2017-2020): Shifted to preclinical models, pharmacokinetic optimization, and multidrug resistance; (3) Precision medicine era (2021-2023): Emerging hotspots in latent TB screening (burst strength=6.82), metformin-mediated immunomodulation, and AI-driven diagnostic biomarkers.

Conclusion

Beyond delineating historical trajectories, this study identifies critical knowledge gaps in inflammation-resolution mechanisms and insulin resistance pathways, proposing a roadmap for targeted biomarker discovery and global health policy formulation. The constructed knowledge framework empowers strategic resource allocation for combating the DM-TB syndemic.

Building Resilient and Responsive Health Research Systems:Responses and the Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the crucial role of robust health research systems (HRSs) in supporting effective public health responses. Understanding the responses and lessons learned from HRS during the pandemic is vital for future preparedness.

METHODS

This environmental scan examined high income Countries with a HRS that responded to the COVID-19 pandemic using both academic and grey literature sources to gather comprehensive insights into these areas. The analysis was structured using an organizing framework to facilitate systematic extraction and synthesis of relevant information. A total of 5336 sources were identified of which 3609 were screened following duplicate removal. A total of 117 full-text sources were reviewed leading to 65 being included.

FINDINGS

Effective interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations significantly enhanced the capacity to respond to the pandemic. Clear and streamlined governance structures were essential for coordinated efforts across various entities, facilitating swift decision-making and resource allocation. The robustness of pre-existing research infrastructures played a crucial role in the rapid mobilization of resources and execution of large-scale research projects. Knowledge mobilization efforts were vital in disseminating research findings promptly to inform public health responses. Continuous tracking and evaluation of health research activities enabled real-time adjustments and informed decision-making. Rapid identification and funding of research priorities, including vaccine and therapeutic development, were critical in addressing urgent public health needs. Effective resource allocation and capacity-building efforts ensured focused and accelerated research responses. Comprehensive strategic planning, involving stakeholder engagement and robust monitoring tools, was essential for aligning research efforts with health system needs.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the necessity of flexible funding mechanisms, enhanced data-sharing practices and robust strategic planning to prepare for future health emergencies. Policy implications emphasize the need for sustained investments in health policy and systems research (HPSR) and the development of comprehensive governance frameworks. Research implications highlight the importance of community engagement and interdisciplinary partnerships. For decision-makers, the study stresses the importance of rapid response mechanisms and evidence-based policy making. Health research systems must prioritize maintaining adaptable infrastructures and strategic planning to ensure effective crisis response. Despite potential biases and the rapidly evolving context, this comprehensive analysis provides valuable lessons for strengthening HRSs to address future public health challenges.

Has the Clock Drawing Test been left aside with the replacement of analog clocks by smartphones?

The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a widely used tool for dementia screening, assessing executive functions by drawing an analog clock. With the rise of smartphones, many individuals have transitioned from their traditional watches to checking hours digitally. This raises questions about whether difficulties in CDT performance are linked to cognitive decline or lack of familiarity with analog clocks. A potential decline in the number of studies using the CDT may reflect concerns regarding this issue.

Objective

To investigate whether the number of studies using CDT has been affected over the years by the predominance of smartphones over analog clocks.

Methods

This bibliometric study analyzed 1,298 articles published in PubMed over the past 30 years (1994-2023). Data included year of publication region and methodological design. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Significance was set at 5%.

Results

The number of studies using CDT has increased over the past 30 years, from 118 (1994-2003) to 405 (2004-2013) and 775 (2014-2023). Most studies were conducted in Europe (37.6%), Asia (27.7%), and North America (21.0%). The primary focus of the studies was diagnosis (82.2%), followed by treatment (11.5%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of smartphones over analog clocks has not affected the number of studies that have used CDT. Although analog clocks are no longer a part of daily life for many people, this trend does not currently pose an obstacle to the use of the CDT.

Predicting Escalation of Care for Childhood Pneumonia Using Machine Learning: Retrospective Analysis and Model Development

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in children aged <5 years. While machine learning (ML) has been applied to pneumonia diagnostics, few studies have focused on predicting the need for escalation of care in pediatric cases. This study aims to develop an ML-based clinical decision support tool for predicting the need for escalation of care in community-acquired pneumonia cases.

Objective

The primary objective was to develop a robust predictive tool to help primary care physicians determine where and how a case should be managed.

Methods

Data from 437 children with community-acquired pneumonia, collected before the COVID-19 pandemic, were retrospectively analyzed. Pediatricians encoded key clinical features from unstructured medical records based on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness guidelines. After preprocessing with Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique-Tomek to handle imbalanced data, feature selection was performed using Shapley additive explanations values. The model was optimized through hyperparameter tuning and ensembling. The primary outcome was the level of care severity, defined as the need for referral to a tertiary care unit for intensive care or respiratory support.

Results

A total of 437 cases were analyzed, and the optimized models predicted the need for transfer to a higher level of care with an accuracy of 77% to 88%, achieving an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.88 and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.96. Shapley additive explanations value analysis identified hypoxia, respiratory distress, age, weight-for-age z score, and complaint duration as the most important clinical predictors independent of laboratory diagnostics.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying ML techniques to create a prognostic care decision tool for childhood pneumonia. It provides early identification of cases requiring escalation of care by combining foundational clinical skills with data science methods.

The legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic on critical care research: A descriptive interview study

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged both research and clinical teams in critical care to collaborate on research solutions to new clinical problems. Although an effective, nationally coordinated response helped facilitate critical care research, reprioritisation of research efforts towards COVID-19 studies had significant consequences for existing and planned research activity in critical care.

Aims

Our aim was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic research prioritisation policies and practices on critical care research funded prior to the pandemic, the conduct of pandemic research, and implications for ongoing and future critical care research.

Methods

We undertook a descriptive qualitative study recruiting research-active clinician researchers and research delivery team members working in critical care. We conducted digitally recorded, semi-structured interviews in 2021-2022. Framework Analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

We interviewed 22 participants comprising principal investigators, senior trial coordinators and research delivery nurses from across the UK. Six themes were identified: Unit, organisational and national factors; Study specific factors; Resources; Individual/clinician factors; Family/patient factors; Contextual factors. These themes explained how a nationally coordinated response during the pandemic affected individuals, studies and wider organisations in managing the research response in critical care, highlighting future implications for critical care research.

Conclusion

Harnessing the collective response seen in the COVID-19 pandemic in critical care could better support integration of research activity into routine critical care activities. Future endeavours should focus on workforce preparations, contingency planning, strategies for study prioritisation and integration of research as part of the continuum of clinical care.

Acute Sarcopenia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Its Incidence and Muscle Parameter Shifts During Hospitalisation

BACKGROUND

Acute sarcopenia is sarcopenia lasting less than 6 months, typically following acute illness or injury. It may impact patient recovery and quality of life, advancing to chronic sarcopenia. However, its development and assessment remain poorly understood, particularly during hospitalisation. This systematic review aimed to elucidate the incidence of acute sarcopenia and examine changes in muscle parameters during hospitalisation.

METHODS

Eighty-eight papers were included in the narrative synthesis; 33 provided data for meta-analyses on the effects of hospitalisation on handgrip strength (HGS), rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA) and various muscle function tests. Meta-regressions were performed for length of hospital stay (LoS) and age for all meta-analyses; sex was also considered for HGS.

RESULTS

Acute sarcopenia development was assessed in four studies with a pooled incidence of 18% during hospitalisation. Incidence was highest among trauma patients in intensive care (59%), whereas it was lower among medical and surgical patients (15%-20%). Time of development ranged from 4 to 44 days. HGS remained stable during hospitalisation (SMD = 0.05, 95% CI = -0.18:0.28, p = 0.67) as did knee extensor strength. LoS affected HGS performance (θ = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.001:0.09, p = 0.045) but age (p = 0.903) and sex (p = 0.434) did not. RFCSA, reduced by 16.5% over 3-21 days (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI = -0.92:-0.43, p < 0.001); LoS or time between scans did significantly predict the reduction (θ = -0.04, 95% CI = -0.077:-0.011, p = 0.012). Indices of muscle quality also reduced. Muscle function improved when assessed by the short physical performance battery (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.03:1.69, p = 0.046); there was no change in 6-min walk (p = 0.22), timed up-and-go (p = 0.46) or gait speed tests (p = 0.98). The only significant predictor of timed up-and-go performance was age (θ = -0.11, 95% CI = -0.018:-0.005, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment and understanding of acute sarcopenia in clinical settings are limited. Incidence varies between clinical conditions, and muscle parameters are affected differently. HGS and muscle function tests may not be sensitive enough to identify acute changes during hospitalisation. Currently, muscle health deterioration may be underdiagnosed impacting recovery, quality of life and overall health following hospitalisation. Further evaluation is necessary to determine the suitability of existing diagnostic criteria of acute sarcopenia. Muscle mass and quality indices might need to become the primary determinants for muscle health assessment in hospitalised populations.

Scientific knowledge about gene expression in ruminants under heat stress - A scientometric review

Heat stress can alter the expression of genes in the individual's molecular response. The identification of these genes makes it possible to better understand the molecular response, identifying biomarker genes and indirect response pathways that can help with genetic improvement studies, animal welfare, separating more thermotolerant varieties and mitigating the effects of heat stress. The aim of this scientometric review was to characterize the state of the art of scientific research into gene expression in ruminants under heat stress, to define the most studied species, biology systems and genes, as well as the related biological pathways and processes. The articles for the dataset were compiled in the Web of Science database, refined individually and analyzed using the CiteSpace, RStudio, Excel and GraphPad Prism programs and the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database. The publications formed a data set containing 271 articles and an H-index of 37. The number of publications increased from 2011. The countries with the highest frequency of publications are India, the United States, China and Brazil, the ruminant species are cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats, all zootechnical interest, and biology systems was reproduction, blood and lactation, due to the economic importance of the quality and quantity of production, to the ease of collecting and possibility of studies in vitro. Cattle have been extensively studied in comparison to other ruminants. The HSP70 gene has been the most studied, followed by the HSP family, HSF, BAX, TLR and BCL-2, these genes can be molecular markers of heat stress. The main pathways and biological processes of genes were in cattle the cancer pathway; in goats the Mixed, incl. myd88-dependent toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and lipopolys; in sheep the oxidoreductase; and in buffalo it was the BCL-2 family. The molecular responses are still recent and have not been established.

Global research hotspots and trends of iodinated contrast agents in medical imaging: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Objective

This study employs bibliometric methods to explore the global research dynamics of iodine contrast agents in medical imaging. Through the visualization of knowledge maps, it presents research progress and reveals the research directions, hotspots, trends, and frontiers in this field.

Methods

Using Web of Science Core Collection database, CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed to conduct a visual analysis of the global application of iodine contrast agents in medical imaging over the past four decades. The analysis focused on annual publication volume, collaboration networks, citation characteristics, and keywords.

Results

A total of 3,775 studies on the application of iodine contrast agents in medical imaging were included. The earliest paper was published in 1977, with a slight increase in publications from 1991 to 2004, followed by a significant rise after 2005. The United States emerged as the leading country in publication volume. Harvard University was identified as a globally influential institution with 126 publications. Although a large author collaboration cluster and several smaller ones were formed, most collaborations between authors were relatively weak, with no high-density integrated academic network yet established. Pietsch Hubertus was the most prolific author, while Bae KT was the most highly co-cited author. The most highly cited journal was Radiology, with 2,384 citations. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that the top three keywords by frequency were "agent," "CT," and "image quality." Keyword clustering analysis showed that the top three clusters were "gadolinium," "gold nanoparticles," and "image quality." The timeline analysis indicated that clusters such as "gadolinium," "gold nanoparticles," "image quality," and "material decomposition" exhibited strong temporal continuity, while the keyword with the highest burst value was "digital subtraction angiography" (19.38). Burst term trend analysis suggested that recent research has been focusing on areas like "deep learning," "risk," "radiation dosage," and "iodine quantification."

Conclusion

This study is the first to systematically reveal the global trends, hotspots, frontiers, and development dynamics of iodine contrast agents in medical imaging through the use of CiteSpace and VOSviewer. It provides a novel perspective for understanding the role of iodine contrast agents in imaging and offers valuable insights for advancing global research in medical imaging.

Temporal research trends in parathyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

Progress has been observed in the pathophysiology of calcium homeostasis, localization studies, and intraoperative adjuncts in parathyroid surgery. The aim of this study is to gain a comprehensive perspective on the research landscape of parathyroid surgery over time.

METHODS

A search of the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to identify publications on parathyroid surgery from 1985 to 2024. Keywords were manually curated, and their frequencies were calculated based on the publication year.

RESULTS

Publications on secondary hyperparathyroidism have decreased in recent years, but those on calcimimetics, tertiary hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroid cancer have increased. Publications related to sestamibi scans have decreased, while research on four-dimensional computed tomography and positron emission tomography has increased. Research on fluorescence and ablation treatment has recently been on the rise. The citation count per publication was positively correlated with the number of contributing institutions.

CONCLUSION

We provide an overview of contemporary research themes and emerging topics related to parathyroid surgery. The endocrine surgery community could benefit from more inter-institutional partnerships to foster scientific progress.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' future online education behaviour

Background

The COVID-19-related pandemic has affected education hugely, particularly in terms of the massive shift towards online teaching and learning. Higher education students and professors have faced new challenges, which might improve future online education behaviour, based on online education experience and learning, and pedagogical strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective/Aim

The aim of this paper is to explore the views of Romanian students towards a possible future online education, highlighting their perceptions regarding the efficacy of digital online learning/pedagogical strategies and of the technological infrastructure, using as support theory the Input-Environment-Outcomes (I-E-O) model.

Methods/Instruments

An empirical quantitative-based investigation was implemented; data being collected from almost 800 students in business and economics. Based on the proposed conceptual model, data were analysed with structural equations modelling via SmartPLS 3.0.

Results

The novelty of the paper is that it tries to address students' perceptions regarding the future of online education, by using a few constructs, some of them validated in the literature, in order to establish pertinent links between these and the future of digital education. Results reveal that Romanian students prefer face-to-face teaching rather than online courses.

Conclusions/implications

In crisis situations, digital education might be the proper solution for future education, as it ensures effective education through efficient teaching-learning strategies and an advanced technological infrastructure.

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

BACKGROUND

Self-management programs can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop strategies to address their disease-related problems. However, accessibility to traditional self-management programs is often limited.

PURPOSE

This study was developed to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a smartphone-delivered self-management program application (app) for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

A two-arm (intervention vs. control) randomized controlled trial was used. Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited from the rheumatology departments of a medical center. Study enrollment capabilities were limited by current pandemic restrictions. The patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate (N = 46) were enrolled as participants and randomly assigned either to the intervention group (n = 25), which received instructions on the use of a smartphone app designed to facilitate the self-management of rheumatoid arthritis, or to the control group (n = 21), which received instructions on related self-management only. The outcome variables were assessed at baseline and at 8 and 12 weeks. Differences in between-group outcomes over time were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Feasibility and acceptability were also evaluated. Data were collected between August 1, 2020, and July 31, 2022.

RESULTS

At baseline, no differences were detected between the two groups in terms of the demographic and disease characteristics of concern. Outcome measures for the intervention group improved significantly more than the control group for self-efficacy of pain at 8 weeks (B = 6.39, p < .05) and for both of self-efficacy of pain and self-management behavior at 12 weeks (B = 9.16, p < .05, and B = 4.25, p < .001, respectively). Factors related to app ease of use included limiting pop-ups and windows and having no time restrictions. Most of the participants reported the app as acceptable and easy to use, although challenges relating to using technology limited the usability of the app for some.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The smartphone app was shown to improve self-efficacy of pain and self-management behaviors. However, an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of the app and generalizability of the findings is limited by the smaller-than-desired sample size due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technological challenges. A greater understanding of how to overcome technological challenges is needed to optimize the delivery of self-management programs via smartphone-based apps. Studies reevaluating this app on a larger sample size should be conducted.

A 15-Year Bibliometric Analysis of Sports Medicine Studies in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: A Systematic Review

Background

Orthopaedic sports medicine is among the most popular subspecialties. Understanding the trends in sports medicine research over time can offer insight into progress and innovation within the field. The purpose of this study was to assess both the quality of the current literature and trends in gender diversity and inclusion by evaluating publishing characteristics of sports medicine studies in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume (JBJS-A) from 2007 to 2021.

Methods

Sports medicine studies in JBJS-A from 2007 to 2021 were identified using JBJS subspeciality tags for "sports medicine" articles and organized by study type, number of authors, sex of the authors, academic degree(s) of the first and last authors, level of evidence, country of publication, citations, and use of patient-reported outcomes (PROM).

Results

A total of 784 studies were reviewed, and 513 met inclusion criteria. Clinical therapeutic studies were the most common publication (48%). There was an increase in the publication of clinical prognostic studies (17%-25%, p = 0.037) and a significant increase in the use of PROM measures over time (13%-47%, p < 0.001). The total number of authors increased over the study period (4.8-6.3), but there was no significant increase in female authorship. Only 15% of the 784 studies included a female author, with an average of 0.8 female authors per article (range 0-8) compared with 4.6 males (range 1-14).

Conclusion

The significant increase in the use of PROMs in sports medicine studies indicates that the quality of research has improved over the 15-year period. The gender disparity in authorship has remained stagnant. Only 11% of all first authors and 9% of senior authors were female. The number of included international studies improved over time; however, the United States remains the most prolific publisher. Despite these areas of growth, this study suggests that there is room for improvement of authorship gender diversity in orthopaedic sports medicine research.

Level of Evidence

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Parkinson's Disease Treatment: A Bibliometric Analysis

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor symptoms like bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. Patients also experience non-motor symptoms that greatly affect their quality of life. The global prevalence of PD is increasing, especially among the elderly, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This review provides an overview of the current treatment modalities for PD, including pharmacological and surgical interventions, and employs a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the trends and impact of scientific research in this field. A comprehensive search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was conducted on July 12, 2024, yielding 3,724 publications related to PD treatment. Bibliometric analysis was performed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to assess publication trends, impact, and collaborative networks. Metrics such as the number of publications, citations, h-index, and country/institutional contributions were analyzed to identify key areas of focus and influential research in PD treatment. The analysis revealed a significant increase in PD research output from 2000 onwards, peaking between 2011 and 2016. The United States led in research production, followed by China, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Key researchers included Lang AE, Okun MS, and Lozano AM, with the University of Toronto, University of California System, and Harvard University being the top contributing institutions. The study identified major trends in pharmacological treatments, such as dopamine replacement therapy and deep brain stimulation (DBS) as the most common surgical intervention. Bibliometric analysis highlighted significant international collaborations and identified influential studies shaping the current understanding and treatment of PD. This bibliometric analysis elucidated the trends and impacts of scientific contributions, emphasizing the prolific output from leading countries and institutions in relation to the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Take-home messages for the conclusion of our study are as follows: (1) this study found a substantial increase in Parkinson's disease (PD) research output from 2000 onwards, peaking around 2017-2018, (2) noted a decline in publication output post-2020, (3) the United States had the highest research output, followed by significant contributions from countries like China, Canada, and the United Kingdom, (4) international collaborations played a vital role in advancing PD research, (5) key researchers in the field were Lang AE, Okun MS, and Lozano AM, (6) and established institutions like the University of Toronto, Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University made substantial contributions to the field, emphasizing the role of leading academic centers in driving PD research.

Performance of triggers in detecting hospitalizations related to drug-induced respiratory disorders in older adults: A pilot cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There is no gold-standard trigger for detecting drug-induced respiratory disorders, a type of Adverse Drug Event (ADE) with high morbimortality, particularly in older people.

OBJECTIVE

To propose and evaluate the performance of triggers for detecting hospitalizations related to drug-induced respiratory disorders in older people.

METHODS

A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted with older people (age ≥ 60) admitted to a Brazilian hospital. Electronic chart documentation was screened using ICD-10 codes; Global Trigger Tool (GTT); and drugs potentially associated with respiratory disorders. A chart and medication review were conducted to perform the causality assessment using the instrument developed by the World Health Organization. The performance of triggers was evaluated by the Positive Predictive Value (PPV), with values ≥ 0.20 indicating good performance.

RESULTS

Among 221 older people, 72 were eligible. Potential drug-induced dyspnea and/or cough were detected in six older people (6/72), corresponding to a prevalence of 8.3 %. The overall PPV of the triggers was 0.14, with abrupt medication stop (PPV = 1.00), codeine (PPV = 1.00), captopril (PPV = 0.33), and carvedilol (PPV = 0.33) showing good performance. Two triggers were proposed for detecting therapeutic ineffectiveness associated with respiratory disorders: furosemide (PPV = 0.23) and prednisone (PPV = 0.20).

CONCLUSION

The triggers enabled the identification that one in 12 hospitalizations was related to drug-induced respiratory. Although good performance was observed in the application of triggers, additional investigations are needed to assess the feasibility of incorporating them into clinical practice for the screening, detection, management, and reporting of these ADEs, which are considered to be underreported and difficult to detect.

Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery: a survey among the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons

OBJECTIVES

Digital transformation has drastically changed the surgical sector, but few is known about its impact on thoracic surgical practice. The aim of this paper is to report the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) survey results, assessing the impact of and the need for Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery.

METHODS

A 23-item survey was designed by the ESTS Digital Transformation Working Group to assess the impact of and the need for Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery. All ESTS members (1668) were invited to complete the survey between 13 March and 21 May 2022 anonymously. Data analysis was descriptive calculating frequencies and percentages. Group comparison was done using chi-square test.

RESULTS

The response rate was 6.3%. Surgeons from 26 European countries participated of which more than 80% were based in academic hospitals. The impact of digital transformation was rated very important (43.8%) and fundamental (22.7%) in more than two-thirds of the cases, regardless of surgeons' age. None of the participants felt that digital transformation was of no importance and more than 85% had implemented digital platforms in their direct patient care. Almost 90% of the surgeons, currently not using digital platforms for training and education, would consider introducing them. About 70% were at least 'somewhat satisfied' with their current engagement in Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital transformation seems to play a major role across European Thoracic Surgery departments in direct patient care, professional networking and surgical training. However, overall satisfaction with the current status of Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery was rather reserved, implying the need to increase the implementation of digital solutions in the latter.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Academic Productivity in Oncology: A Journal-, Conference- and Author-Level Analysis

This study assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on academic productivity in oncology, measured by conference abstracts, journal publications and individual authorship trends, using a reference time frame of 2018 to 2022. To assess overall academic productivity, data was obtained on the number of abstracts and articles submitted and published from a selection of oncology conferences and journals. To assess individual authorship patterns, 200 articles were randomly selected from 2018, and for the first or last authors, publications were tracked over subsequent years. Factors assessed included gender, continent, specialty, MD vs. non-MD and career status (early vs. late). The number of submitted and published conference abstracts trended downward over time between 2018 and 2022 (p=0.11 and p=0.16 respectively). Journal submissions increased to a peak in 2020 and then declined thereafter, but this did not translate into changes in the number of papers published. For the author-level analysis, factors significantly predictive of increasing publication rates in multivariable analysis were late career status (vs. early), clinician status (vs. non-clinician), surgery or public health/epidemiology specialty, and author located in Asia. Further research is needed to help ameliorate the impact of these disparities.

"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research activities: A survey of the largest Italian academic community"

PURPOSE

The aim of the present work is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research activities in a vast multidisciplinary academic community to identify the most critical issues.

METHOD

To this purpose we planned a survey addressed to the entire academic research staff at "Sapienza" University of Rome, which represents the largest Italian academic community. A questionnaire consisting of both open and closed-ended questions was delivered to 4118 individuals in April 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 544 responses were collected. All academic roles were sufficiently represented in the study cohort. The median number of critical issues experienced by academic research staff was three. Among these, the three most frequently reported were related to: "Access to libraries / laboratories / research sites" (21.9%), "Limitation to stay abroad / study / research periods" (17.6%), "Progress of experimental work" (14.7%), with variable prevalence according to academic position and gender. Older subjects reported issues with "Projects' financial reporting" and "Expiration of acquired consumable material more frequently". The most common critical aspects reported in relation to the economic burden were: being "Unable to allocate funds" (31.4%), a "Reduction in clinical and scientific activity" (26.3%) and experiencing "Increased expenses (comprising private costs)" (21.2%) with no differences between genders. Researchers in Applied Sciences and Natural Sciences reported a higher frequency of problems in clinical and scientific activities, whereas increased expenses were reported also by researchers operating in the Humanities field. As a possible solution aimed at improving these issues, most subjects, especially those aged >45 years, indicated "Economic aid" (22.6%), "Reduction in bureaucracy" (19.9%) or "Enhancement of the scientific and clinical activities", whereas those aged ≤45 years felt that an increased duration and better access to PhD programs were to be prioritized.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the most critical issues related to research activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large academic community. The information achieved may be useful to identify researchers' needs and to design appropriate policies aimed at preparing research institutions for unexpected catastrophic events and limiting the negative impact on academic research activities.

Fathers Nutrition Knowledge and Child Feeding Practices Associated with Childhood Overweight and Obesity: A Scoping Review of Literature From 2000 to 2023

Objective. Childhood overweight/obesity is a serious global public health issue, demanding parental involvement to reverse trends. Despite fathers' crucial parenting roles, research on fathers and childhood overweight/obesity is limited. This scoping review examines the literature on fathers' nutrition knowledge and feeding practices with childhood overweight/obesity. Methods. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework, multiple databases were searched. Eligible father-child related studies focused on fathers' nutrition knowledge, feeding practices, and childhood overweight/obesity. Results. Of 26 eligible articles, 52% originated from the United States, and 44% focused on father-child dyads. Most studies were cross-sectional (64%) and survey-based (68%). Further, 11.5% assessed fathers' nutrition knowledge, and child feeding practices (53.4%). Conclusion. Literature on fathers' nutrition knowledge and feeding practices concerning childhood overweight/obesity is limited. Scaling-up fathers' inclusion in childhood nutrition research is encouraged for the design of holistic interventions.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Scientific Production of Physical Education Researchers: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant changes in society's dynamics, particularly affecting the landscape of education. Research in several areas may have been affected during periods of social restrictions. This study analyzed the curricula of 558 researchers across 27 graduate programs in physical education in Brazil to investigate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientific publications. Researchers' production from 2018 to 2022 underwent a comprehensive analysis, considering the total number of publications, Qualis rank, and journal impact factor. Data were analyzed using chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Significance was set at 5%. Overall, the analyzed researchers published a total of 17,932 manuscripts from 2018 to 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decline of 16.4% in the number of articles published (p = 0.001). This decline was similar between men and women (p = 0.603) and was associated with a worsening in Qualis rank (p = 0.001). The number of studies published in journals with impact factors was also affected (p = 0.001). The findings suggest a potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the scientific production of Brazilian researchers in the field of physical education. Funding agencies should consider the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic before evaluating researchers and programs.

The most common skin symptoms in young adults and adults related to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection

Scientists from various areas of the world indicate in their studies that skin lesions occur in the course of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This article is a review of the most frequently described cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and the potential pathophysiology of their development, as well as information on abnormalities in histopathological tests. The article describes the impact of some factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the exacerbation of chronic dermatological diseases. This work was constructed on the basis of 142 research studies, reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing on the methods and materials used in individual works as well as the results and conclusions resulting from them. Some skin lesions may be a potential prognostic marker of the course of the disease and may also be a prodromal symptom or the only symptom of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate some chronic dermatological diseases. A correlation was observed between the type of skin lesions and the patient's age. The occurrence of skin diseases may also be influenced by drugs used to treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. A relationship was observed between the patient's ethnic origin and skin lesions occurring in the course of COVID-19. There is a need to further diagnose the cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to learn the detailed pathomechanism of their occurrence in order to better understand the essence of the disease and find an appropriate treatment method.

An Overview of SARS-CoV-2 Potential Targets, Inhibitors, and Computational Insights to Enrich the Promising Treatment Strategies

The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has emphasized the urgent need for effective therapies to combat COVID-19. Investigating the potential targets, inhibitors, and in silico approaches pertinent to COVID-19 are of utmost need to develop novel therapeutic agents and reprofiling of existing FDA-approved drugs. This article reviews the viral enzymes and their counter receptors involved in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells, replication of genomic RNA, and controlling the host cell physiology. In addition, the study provides an overview of the computational techniques such as docking simulations, molecular dynamics, QSAR modeling, and homology modeling that have been used to find the FDA-approved drugs and other inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of virus-based and host-based druggable targets from a structural point of view, together with the reported therapeutic compounds against SARS-CoV-2 have also been presented. The current study offers future perspectives for research in the field of network pharmacology investigating the large unexplored molecular libraries. Overall, the present in-depth review aims to expedite the process of identifying and repurposing drugs for researchers involved in the field of COVID-19 drug discovery.

An Epidemiologic Study of Bacterial Culture and Antibiotic Susceptibility Analyses in Captive Macaques and Marmosets at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing public health threat that arises at the interface between animal, human, and environmental health. Although the pathways promoting the development of AMR are well characterized in human health settings, data within the veterinary medical world are less abundant, particularly from fields focusing on nontraditional species, such as nonhuman primates (NHPs). The purpose of this study was to describe trends in sample submission for bacterial culture, characterize patterns of microbial growth and any changes in AMR and susceptibility over time, and inform best practices for veterinary antimicrobial stewardship in a captively-housed, indoor NHP colony. Electronic health records from the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center were analyzed across a 10-y period using SAS Studio. There was an increasing pattern of sample submissions for culture and susceptibility analyses, with no corresponding increases in resistance to relevant antibiotics for potential zoonotic pathogens, such as Escherichia coli or Shigella species. Trends are suggestive of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship practices that were responsive to the medical needs of Wisconsin National Primate Research Center animals, as well as the needs of the larger research community at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These findings can inform veterinary professionals working with NHPs and contribute to the growing body of literature surrounding AMR in nontraditional species.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pediatric infectious disease landscape

This narrative review aims to present an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on the landscape of pediatric infectious diseases. While COVID-19 generally results in mild symptoms and a favorable prognosis in children, the pandemic brought forth significant consequences. These included persistent symptoms among infected children ("long COVID"), a profound transformation in healthcare utilization (notably through the widespread adoption of telemedicine), and the implementation of optimization strategies within healthcare settings. Furthermore, the pandemic resulted in alterations in the circulation patterns of respiratory pathogens, including influenza, RSV, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The possible reasons for those changes are discussed in this review. COVID-19 effect was not limited to respiratory infectious diseases, as other diseases, including urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections, have displayed decreased transmission rates, likely attributable to heightened hygiene measures and shifts in care-seeking behaviors. Finally, the disruption of routine childhood vaccination programs has resulted in reduced immunization coverage and an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy. In addition, the pandemic was associated with issues of antibiotic misuse and over-prescription.     Conclusion: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound and multifaceted impact on the landscape of pediatric infectious diseases, ranging from the emergence of "long COVID" in children to significant changes in healthcare delivery, altered circulation patterns of various pathogens, and concerning disruptions in vaccination programs and antibiotic usage. What is Known: • COVID-19 usually presents with mild symptoms in children, although severe and late manifestations are possible. • The pandemic resulted in a dramatically increased use of health care services, as well as alterations in the circulation patterns of respiratory pathogens, decreased rates of other, non-respiratory, infections, disruption of routine childhood vaccination programs, and antibiotic misuse. What is New: • Possible strategies to tackle future outbreaks are presented, including changes in health care services utilization, implementation of updated vaccine programs and antibiotic stewardship protocols. • The decline in RSV and influenza circulation during COVID-19 was probably not primarily related to NPI measures, and rather related to other, non-NPI measures implementation, including specific pathogen-host interactions on the level of the biological niche (the nasopharynx).

GPAD: a natural language processing-based application to extract the gene-disease association discovery information from OMIM

BACKGROUND

Thousands of genes have been associated with different Mendelian conditions. One of the valuable sources to track these gene-disease associations (GDAs) is the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. However, most of the information in OMIM is textual, and heterogeneous (e.g. summarized by different experts), which complicates automated reading and understanding of the data. Here, we used Natural Language Processing (NLP) to make a tool (Gene-Phenotype Association Discovery (GPAD)) that could syntactically process OMIM text and extract the data of interest.

RESULTS

GPAD applies a series of language-based techniques to the text obtained from OMIM API to extract GDA discovery-related information. GPAD can inform when a particular gene was associated with a specific phenotype, as well as the type of validation-whether through model organisms or cohort-based patient-matching approaches-for such an association. GPAD extracted data was validated with published reports and was compared with large language model. Utilizing GPAD's extracted data, we analysed trends in GDA discoveries, noting a significant increase in their rate after the introduction of exome sequencing, rising from an average of about 150-250 discoveries each year. Contrary to hopes of resolving most GDAs for Mendelian disorders by now, our data indicate a substantial decline in discovery rates over the past five years (2017-2022). This decline appears to be linked to the increasing necessity for larger cohorts to substantiate GDAs. The rising use of zebrafish and Drosophila as model organisms in providing evidential support for GDAs is also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

GPAD's real-time analyzing capacity offers an up-to-date view of GDA discovery and could help in planning and managing the research strategies. In future, this solution can be extended or modified to capture other information in OMIM and scientific literature.

Single-Molecule Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Double-Stranded Polynucleotides Using Solid-State Nanopore with AI-Assisted Detection and Classification: Implications for Understanding Disease Severity

This study utilized solid-state nanopores, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), to analyze the double-stranded polynucleotides encoding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, receptor-binding domain, and N protein, important parts of SARS-CoV-2 infection. By examining ionic current signals during DNA translocation, we revealed the dynamic interactions and structural characteristics of these nucleotide sequences and also quantified their abundance. Nanopores of sizes 3 and 10 nm were efficiently fabricated and characterized, ensuring an optimal experimental approach. Our results showed a clear relationship between DNA capture rates and concentration, proving our method's effectiveness. Notably, longer DNA sequences had higher capture rates, suggesting their importance for potential disease marker analysis. The 3 nm nanopore demonstrated superior performance in our DNA analysis. Using dwell time measurements and excluded currents, we were able to distinguish the longer DNA fragments, paving the way for a DNA length-based analysis. Overall, our research underscores the potential of nanopore technology, enhanced with AI, in analyzing COVID-19-related DNA and its implications for understanding disease severity. This provides insight into innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Spatial summation of pain is associated with pain expectations: Results from a home-based paradigm

The purpose of this study was to reproduce the previously observed spatial summation of pain effect (SSp) using non-laboratory procedures and commercial equipment. An additional aim was to explore the association between expectations and SSp. The Cold Pressor Task (CPT) was used to induce SSp. Healthy participants (N = 68) immersed their non-dominant hands (divided into 5 segments) into cold water (CPT). Two conditions were used 1) gradual hand immersion (ascending condition) and 2) gradual hand withdrawal (descending condition). Pain intensity was measured on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Psychological factors, such as the participants' expectations of pain intensity were also measured on a VAS. Results showed significant SSp (χ2(4) = 116.90, p < 0.001), reproduced with non-laboratory equipment in a home-based set-up. Furthermore, two novel findings were observed: i) there was a significant correlation between expectations and perceived pain, indicating a link between pain expectations and SSp, ii) spatial summation increased with the increase in duration exposure to the noxious stimulus (Wald χ2(8) = 80.80, p < 0.001). This study suggests that SSp is associated with pain expectations and can be formed by a mixture of excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms potentially driven by temporal characteristics of neural excitation. Moreover, this study proposes a new feasible way to induce SSp using a home-based set-up.

The Use of Tele-Education in Medicine, During and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Commentary

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged initially as an isolated illness in December 2019 and later progressed to a global pandemic. Hard-hit areas were lockdown, massively disrupting medical education activities. Tele-education, previously used as a means of long-distance education emerged as a solution in the field of medical education. Tele-rotations for medical students, journal clubs and lectures via Microsoft teams, medical conferences via zoom, residency, and fellowship interviews online, all emerged during this pandemic. Some medical students and trainees found it enjoyable, cost-effective, time saving, feasible, unbiased, and preferred mode of education. Challenges related to supervision, availability, affordability, diminished communication, disturbance of streaming, or distractions due to environment. Tele-education has had a boom in the era of COVID-19. Research is needed further on effective mentoring and supervision of trainees via tele educational teaching models.

E-learning and research experience exchange in the online setting of student peer mentor network during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A laboratory case study

For close to 2 years, we have witnessed the impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on research at several different levels. Among the list, limited access to laboratory-based training for undergraduate students prevented this cohort from gaining exposure to the realities of a research laboratory at a critical time in training when they may have found motivation in this area as a career. COVID exposed a weakness in our training pipeline; an extreme dependency on face-to-face training that threatened to create a void in the research talent needed to replenish the scientific community every year. In the classroom, we witnessed a revolution of e-learning based approaches that could be rapidly implemented based on existing footprints. Out of necessity, our laboratory developed and implemented an e-learning model of an undergraduate peer mentor network that provides a knowledge and experience exchange platform between students with different levels of research experience. Implementation of the platform was to aid students with gaining knowledge in multiple aspects of scientific research and hands-on work in a research laboratory. The collaboration between the students of the network was aimed at not only advancing the theoretical and practical research experience, but also at developing feedback implementation and practicing "soft skills" critical for teamwork and leadership. Herein, we present an overview of the model along with survey responses of the students participating in the peer mentor network. We have found that peer delivery of practical benchwork both via scientific presentations and visualized experiments, reduced the time of training and the amount of staff assistance needed when students returned to the bench. Furthermore, this model accelerated student independence in laboratory work and increased research interest overall. In summary, the model of a peer mentor network has the potential to serve as a training platform and as a customized tool, supplementing research laboratory training at the undergraduate level beyond the pandemic.

Research integrity during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives of health science researchers at an Academic Health Science Center

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a complex mix of political pressure, social urgency, public panic, and scientific curiosity has significantly impacted the context of research and development. The goal of this study is to understand if and how researchers are shifting their practices and adjusting norms and beliefs regarding research ethics and integrity. We have conducted 31 interviews with Health Science Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch which were then analyzed using integrated deductive and inductive coding. We categorized participant views into four main areas: 1) limitations to the research design, 2) publication, 3) duplication of studies, and 4) research pipeline. Although certain researchers were in keeping to the status quo, more were willing to modify norms to address social need and urgency. Notably, they were more likely to opt for systemic change rather than modifications within their own research practices.

Evaluation of remote teaching in master programs in the Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazilian multicentric study

BACKGROUND

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to adopt online teaching methods in a generalized and sudden way, a situation that led to unprecedented changes in the routine of post-graduate students and research development. This study aimed to analyze the evaluation of remote teaching by graduates of master's degrees and advisors in master's programs in the Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine who needed to adapt to a remote teaching methodology in the pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This quantitative study evaluated the remote teaching in the perception of master's graduates and advisors from postgraduate programs in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine. Data were collected through an online Google forms® questionnaire.

RESULTS

Participated in the study 14 master graduates and 14 master's advisors. Master graduates evaluated that the professors had a good performance (p=0.001), that the duration of the classes was adequate (p=0.015), that the interaction with professors was satisfactory (p=0.007), that they had good interaction with the advisor (p=0.001), that they were satisfied with the remote guidance process (p=0.038) and that face-to-face practical activities were missed (p=0.002). Master's advisors reported satisfaction with remote teaching, good adaptation (p=0.018) and motivation for remote teaching (p=0.016), they evaluated that students were cooperative in activities (p=0.019) and that face-to-face practical activities were missed (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the difficulties, remote teaching proved to be an effective alternative to face-to-face teaching.

Integrating research in health professions education: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Integrating teaching and research may boost students' learning and improve future clinical practice when incorporated into education. Explorations of health professions students' involvement in the research processes and their learning outcomes are sparse. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review is to explore the existing scientific literature on courses involving students from health professions education in research activities. The research questions are: Which parts of the research process are the health professions students involved in, and what are the students' main learning outcomes related to the research process reported to be?

METHODS

A scoping review following the six-step approach of Arksey and O'Malley was undertaken. We searched four electronic databases to identify studies focusing on research-based teaching in health professions education. Inspired by content analysis, we identified key concepts relating to the research process and learning outcomes.

RESULTS

We screened 1084 abstracts, reviewed 95 full-text reports, and included 24 for analysis. Overall, the students were more involved in conducting and disseminating research than in the planning phases. Learning outcomes were most frequently reported as specific research skills, such as conducting literature reviews, writing academically, and presenting results, but also as improved understanding of research in general as well as improved motivation and confidence in conducting research.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterogeneity of educational programs, study designs, and measures makes it difficult to draw conclusions across the studies included in the review. More research is needed to conclude whether health professions students who actively engage in research gain a better understanding of the research process, become more likely to pursue research in their practice, or are more motivated to choose an academic career.

COVID-19-related disruptions in implementation of a randomized control trial: An autoethnographic report

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The SARS-Cov-2 virus (COVID-19) has not only threatened the health of the world's population but also presented challenges for conducting human subject research studies. Although many institutions have now established guidelines for conducting research during the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of the practical experiences of researchers are limited. This report presents the challenges nurse researchers encountered when conducting a randomized controlled trial to develop an arthritis self-management application during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan and how researchers responded to the challenges.

METHODS

Qualitative data from five nurse researchers were collected from August 2020 to July 2022 at a rheumatology clinic in northern Taiwan. This collaborative autoethnographic report was drawn from data comprised of detailed field notes and weekly discussions regarding research challenges we were confronting. Data were analyzed to determine successful strategies employed to overcome the challenges and allow for completion of the study.

RESULTS

Minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus for researchers and participants resulted in four major challenges to conducting our research: patient screening and recruitment, delivery of the intervention, obtaining follow-up data, and unanticipated budget increases.

CONCLUSIONS

Challenges reduced sample size, altered intervention delivery, increased time and money beyond what was originally budgeted, and delayed completion of the study. Adapting to a new healthcare environment required flexibility for recruitment, alternate means of providing intervention instructions, and an awareness of disparities in participants' internet proficiency. Our experiences can serve as an example for other institutions and researchers faced with similar challenges.

Research trends within aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage from 2017 to 2021: a bibliometric study

Bibliometric analyses are a well-established strategy for understanding the dynamics of publications. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a hot topic in neurology and neurosurgery research. To perform a bibliometric analysis of recent publications within aSAH. Articles addressing aSAH published between 2017 and 2021 were included and had their information extracted from Scopus. A total of 2177 articles were included. The mean number of citations was 6.18 (95%CI = 5.77-6.59). 2021 and 2020 were the most prolific years. World Neurosurgery (N = 389/2,177 articles; 17,87%) was the leading publisher, and American Journal of Neuroradiology had the highest number of citations per article (14.82) among journals with ≥ 10 publications. Primary research (N = 1624/2177) predominated, followed by case reports (N = 434/2,177). Among secondary studies, systematic reviews (N = 78/119) surpassed narrative reviews (N = 41/119). USA led the number of publications (N = 548/2,177 articles; 25.17%), followed by China (N = 358/2,177 articles; 16.44%). High-income countries had a higher number of publications (N = 1624/2177) and more citations per article (6.84) than middle-income countries (N = 553/2177 and 4.25, respectively). There were zero articles from low-income countries. European and North American institutions had the greatest research impact. There was an increase in the number of published articles in the last few years (2020 and 2021). Many studies had a low level of evidence, whereas interventional studies were uncommon.

The recent Nipah virus outbreak in Bangladesh could be a threat for global public health: A brief report

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection that can potentially be transmitted from person to person as well as through ingesting contaminated food. It has a high fatality rate, and no treatment or cure at present. Several nations in South Asia have reported Nipah virus outbreaks occurred during a particular season of the year. Since it was first found in Bangladesh in 2001, there have been a total of 335 people infected with it, and 237 of those people have passed away as a result of their infection. With increased public awareness, community engagement, and preventative measures, this potentially fatal virus has been suppressed. Yet, following a pandemic and a considerable increase in the health burden, the transmission rate continuously increased over a few years, indicating that there is a growing possibility to become a global public health concern. Without effective vaccines and reliable treatment options, its capacity for human-to-human transmission and potential to spread throughout the area could result in a disastrous public health emergency worldwide.

[Health Services research in Germany in Times of COVID-19: How Does the Pandemic Influence Research Processes, Methods and the Personal Situation of Researchers? An Online Survey]

The COVID-19 pandemic has a massive impact on social life, the healthcare system, and also on health services research. However, the effects of the pandemic on research processes, methods, and the personal situation of researchers has not been investigated so far. Guided by the question of how research processes and methods are adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and how researchers perceive the impact of the pandemic on their personal situation, an online survey of health services researchers was conducted from June to July 2021. The results showed that a large proportion of research projects have had delays due to recruitment and/or data collection issues. Two-thirds of the respondents who had already collected data since the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020) were unable to collect data in the originally planned form and relied primarily on digital data collection methods. The analysis of the open-ended survey responses showed that the pandemic had a massive impact on all phases of the research process: key challenges included difficult field access, problems in achieving planned sample sizes, and concerns about data quality. Regarding their personal situation, researchers perceived the reduction of personal contacts, and the resulting lack of visibility as negative, while at the same time they benefited from the easy digital contact possibilities. Overall, the study provides an initial assessment of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected health services research and researchers. It shows that after the initial "shock" of the first lockdown in March 2020, pragmatic and often innovative ways were found to carry out projects under the pandemic conditions. However, the increased use of digital communication forms and data collection methods brings numerous challenges, but also methodological impulses.

The impact of COVID-19 on clinical research at Australian and New Zealand universities: A qualitative study

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the implementation of social distancing measures, travel restrictions, and infection control measures that introduced a myriad of disruptions in the conduct of clinical research worldwide. As a result, many aspects of clinical research were variably impacted.

Aim

To explore the impact of the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research across accredited nursing, pharmacy, and medicine program providers in Australian and New Zealand universities.

Methods

Representatives from all program providers across Australian and New Zealand universities, with publicly available contact information, were invited to participate in this qualitative study, whereby semi-structured interviews were completed with participants who held senior research or leadership positions within their institution. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Interviews were conducted with 16 participants between August and October 2021. Two major themes were identified (Immediate Research Impact and Broader Research Impact) with six subthemes: Prioritisation, Continuation, and Dissemination of Research; Modifications to Research; Funding and Changes to Research Focus; Collaboration; Research Workforce; Context-specific Impacts.

Discussion

The impact on clinical research in Australian and New Zealand universities included changes to data collection methods, a perceived decreased quality of research, changes to collaboration, neglect of basic disease research, and loss of the research workforce.

Conclusion

This study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research within the Australian and New Zealand university context. Implications of these impacts should be considered to ensure long-term sustainability of research and preparedness for future disruptions.

A national qualitative investigation of the impact of service change on doctors' training during Covid-19

BACKGROUND

The Covid-19 crisis sparked service reconfigurations in healthcare systems worldwide. With postgraduate medical education sitting within these systems, service reconfigurations substantially impact trainees and their training environment. This study aims to provide an in-depth qualitative understanding of the impact of service reconfiguration on doctors' training during the pandemic, identifying opportunities for the future as well as factors that pose risks to education and training and how these might be mitigated.

METHODS

Qualitative parallel multi-centre case studies examined three Trusts/Health Boards in two countries in the United Kingdom. Data were collected from online focus groups and interviews with trainees and supervisors using semi-structured interview guides (September to December 2020). A socio-cultural model of workplace learning, the expansive-restrictive continuum, informed data gathering, analysis of focus groups and coding.

RESULTS

Sixty-six doctors participated, representing 25 specialties/subspecialties. Thirty-four participants were male, 26 were supervisors, 17 were specialty trainees and 23 were foundation doctors. Four themes described the impact of pandemic-related service reconfigurations on training: (1) Development of skills and job design, (2) Supervision and assessments, (3) Teamwork and communication, and (4) Workload and wellbeing. Service changes were found to both facilitate and hinder education and training, varying across sites, specialties, and trainees' grades. Trainees' jobs were redesigned extensively, and many trainees were redeployed to specialties requiring extra workforce during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid and unplanned service reconfigurations during the pandemic caused unique challenges and opportunities to doctors' training. This impaired trainees' development in their specialty of interest, but also presented new opportunities such as cross-boundary working and networking.

Time from submission to publication in urology journals: A look at publication times before and during Covid-19

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted scientific publishing, though it's effect on publication times in urology literature is unknown. The objective of our study were to determine and compare acceptance and publication times in general and specific urology journals, and to quantify these times before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods

We identified all original articles published in seven urology journals in 2019 and 2021, and extracted data on submission, acceptance, online, and in-print publication times. Differences between groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

A total of 2880 articles were included, comprising 1601 articles published in 2021 and 1279 in 2019. Less experimental/animal studies were published in 2021 compared to 2019 (197 vs. 289). Time between submission and online publication was longer in 2021 (median 4.4 vs 3.3 months, p < 0.001), though acceptance times were not different (median 3.3 vs 3.3 months, p = 0.25). Prostate (median: 2.8 months, Neurourology and Urodynamics (median: 2.8 months) and Word Journal of Urology (median 2.9 months) had the shortest acceptance time in 2021. Time between submission and in-print publication ranged from 4.6 months (IQR: 3.6-6.8) for Prostate to 11.9 months (IQR: 9.8-13.2) for World Journal of Urology. Acceptance times were significantly longer in 2021 compared to 2019 for Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, Journal of Sexual Medicine, and Prostate. Moreover, time between submission and in print publication was longer in 2021 compared to 2019 for Journal of Sexual Medicine and Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations, and shorter for Neurourology and Urodynamics. The median time to in print publication was lower for publications from US institutions (median 7.0 vs. 7.7 months in 2019 and 8.7 months vs 9.1 months in 2021).

Conclusions

We identified journal specific acceptance and publication times and observed substantial differences between urology journals for the years 2019 and 2021.

Systematic review of MCDM approach applied to the medical case studies of COVID-19: trends, bibliographic analysis, challenges, motivations, recommendations, and future directions

When COVID-19 spread in China in December 2019, thousands of studies have focused on this pandemic. Each presents a unique perspective that reflects the pandemic's main scientific disciplines. For example, social scientists are concerned with reducing the psychological impact on the human mental state especially during lockdown periods. Computer scientists focus on establishing fast and accurate computerized tools to assist in diagnosing, preventing, and recovering from the disease. Medical scientists and doctors, or the frontliners, are the main heroes who received, treated, and worked with the millions of cases at the expense of their own health. Some of them have continued to work even at the expense of their lives. All these studies enforce the multidisciplinary work where scientists from different academic disciplines (social, environmental, technological, etc.) join forces to produce research for beneficial outcomes during the crisis. One of the many branches is computer science along with its various technologies, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, decision support systems (DSS), and many more. Among the most notable DSS utilization is those related to multicriterion decision making (MCDM), which is applied in various applications and across many contexts, including business, social, technological and medical. Owing to its importance in developing proper decision regimens and prevention strategies with precise judgment, it is deemed a noteworthy topic of extensive exploration, especially in the context of COVID-19-related medical applications. The present study is a comprehensive review of COVID-19-related medical case studies with MCDM using a systematic review protocol. PRISMA methodology is utilized to obtain a final set of (n = 35) articles from four major scientific databases (ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Web of Science). The final set of articles is categorized into taxonomy comprising five groups: (1) diagnosis (n = 6), (2) safety (n = 11), (3) hospital (n = 8), (4) treatment (n = 4), and (5) review (n = 3). A bibliographic analysis is also presented on the basis of annual scientific production, country scientific production, co-occurrence, and co-authorship. A comprehensive discussion is also presented to discuss the main challenges, motivations, and recommendations in using MCDM research in COVID-19-related medial case studies. Lastly, we identify critical research gaps with their corresponding solutions and detailed methodologies to serve as a guide for future directions. In conclusion, MCDM can be utilized in the medical field effectively to optimize the resources and make the best choices particularly during pandemics and natural disasters.

Patient Advocates' Perspectives on the Care of Sexual Assault Survivors in Chicago-Area Emergency Departments

Emergency departments (EDs) providing care and forensic examinations for sexual assault (SA) survivors are often supported by SA patient advocates. This study explored advocates' perspectives regarding problems and potential solutions in SA patient care through a focus group with 12 advocates. Thematic analysis identified two major themes: provider-patient interactions and ED-hospital systems. Challenging aspects of provider-patient interactions included (a) provider attitudes and (b) disempowering behaviors. Within ED-hospital systems, themes included time constraints, efficiencies, and hospital preparation. Advocates surveyed were optimistic about an increased presence of SA nurse examiners and enhanced protocols and provider training to improve survivors' experiences.

COVID-19 and the scientific publishing system: growth, open access and scientific fields

We model the growth of scientific literature related to COVID-19 and forecast the expected growth from 1 June 2021. Considering the significant scientific and financial efforts made by the research community to find solutions to end the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented volume of scientific outputs is being produced. This questions the capacity of scientists, politicians and citizens to maintain infrastructure, digest content and take scientifically informed decisions. A crucial aspect is to make predictions to prepare for such a large corpus of scientific literature. Here we base our predictions on the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing models using the Dimensions database. This source has the particularity of including in the metadata information on the date in which papers were indexed. We present global predictions, plus predictions in three specific settings: by type of access (Open Access), by domain-specific repository (SSRN and MedRxiv) and by several research fields. We conclude by discussing our findings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11192-022-04536-x.