Appraising systematic reviews: a comprehensive guide to ensuring validity and reliability

Systematic review of factors influencing household food waste behaviour: Applying the theory of planned behaviour

Globally, household food waste alone accounts for about $700 billion in environmental costs owing to the resources expended in producing discarded or uneaten food, along with social costs reaching approximately $900 billion. Reducing this waste by 25% could potentially feed 821 million chronically undernourished individuals. This systematic review examines household food waste behaviour using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed and EMBASE using Elsevier supplemented by additional articles from the reference lists. The procedure followed the PRISMA flowchart. A descriptive analysis was conducted to summarize the characteristics of the 42 included studies from 17 countries. Significantly, 95% of these articles were published between 1 January 2010 and 19 April 2024, in Scimago Q1 ranked journals. The findings demonstrate an intersection of TPB components in explaining household food waste behaviour. This study suggests that a holistic strategy targeting attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control is essential for effectively reducing household food waste. Additionally, tailored interventions that consider demographic and socioeconomic factors are necessary to address the diverse needs of different populations. The study concludes that public education targeting mindful consumption, effective policies and community initiatives can significantly reduce food waste.

Ergonutrition Supplementation and Recovery in Water Polo: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Water polo (WP) is a high-intensity team sport that requires a combination of physical endurance, muscular strength, speed, and specific technical skills. Due to the demanding and prolonged nature of this sport, adequate and balanced nutrition plays a fundamental role in athletes' performance, recovery, and overall health maintenance.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compile all available information on the importance of ergonutrition and supplementation in the recovery of WP players. This will help in understanding this sport's specific challenges and requirements, enabling players and coaches to design more effective recovery plans to optimize performance, achieve goals, and successfully cope with intense training and competition.

METHOD

English-language publications were searched in databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO Citation Index, Medline (PubMed), KCI Korean Journal Database, and Current Contents Connect using a series of keywords such as WP, nutrition, recovery, and ergogenic aids individually or in combination.

RESULTS

In the field of ergonutritional recovery in WP, certain supplements such as whey protein, beta-alanine, L-arginine, spirulina, and copper can be beneficial for improving performance and recovery. In some cases, WP athletes may consider using ergogenic supplements to further improve their performance and recovery process. However, it is important to bear in mind that any supplement should be carefully evaluated under the supervision of a health professional or a sports nutritionist, as some supplements may present side effects or unwanted interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate ergogenic nutrition adapted to the needs of WP players is essential not only to optimize their athletic performance but also to ensure effective recovery and maintain their long-term health and general well-being. The application of these strategies should be evidence-based and tailored to the individual needs of the players and the specific demands of the sport. Future experimental research that can confirm our results is essential.

Salvage Radiotherapy Following Nonradiotherapy Ablative Techniques for Primary Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The treatment landscape for localized prostate cancer has evolved with the increasing use of nonradiotherapy ablative interventions (NRAIs) such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy. These minimally invasive therapies promise fewer side effects and quicker recovery but come with a higher risk of recurrence, often necessitating salvage treatments. Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) is a potential option, but its efficacy and safety following NRAIs remain uncertain. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of SRT in patients with recurrent prostate cancer after NRAI. The primary objective was SRT safety in terms of acute and late gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities. The secondary objectives were SRT efficacy in terms of biochemical relapse rates according to prior NRAI type (HIFU vs cryotherapy).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to August 2023. Studies were included if they assessed SRT outcomes in patients with prostate cancer recurrence after NRAI, focusing on GI and GU toxicities and biochemical relapse. Data were extracted and pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model to estimate the incidence of acute and late toxicities and biochemical recurrence rates. Statistical analysis included assessments of heterogeneity and publication bias.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Twenty-one studies involving 817 patients were included. The pooled rate for acute SRT grade 1-2 GI toxicity was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10-34%; p < 0.01) and was higher for prior HIFU versus cryotherapy. The pooled rate for acute SRT grade 1-2 GU toxicity was 37% (95% CI 22-52%) and was higher for prior HIFU. The incidence of late grade 1-2 toxicity was 12% (95% CI 5-19%; p < 0.01) for GI and 26% (95% CI 12-39%; p < 0.01) for GU toxicity. Grade ≥3 toxicities were rare, occurring in less than 5% of patients. The biochemical relapse rate after SRT was ∼20% (95% CI 14-26%; p < 0.01) for both HIFU and cryotherapy, indicating similar efficacy. The odds ratio for biochemical relapse was 0.19 (95% CI 0.12-0.26; p < 0.01) for HIFU and 0.22 (95% CI 0.10-0.35; p < 0.01) for cryotherapy. There was evidence of publication bias and high heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

SRT following NRAI for localized prostate cancer has low toxicity rates, particularly following cryotherapy, and reasonable biochemical control. Despite these findings, short follow-up and variability in treatments for patients with varying risk profiles highlight the need for further studies to refine SRT protocols and establish more definitive long-term outcomes.

Associations between adverse childhood experiences and subjective cognitive decline: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Long-term health effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include cognitive decline that occurs later in life. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), recognized as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease, may present an essential period for intervention in populations with ACEs.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to explore the associations between ACEs and SCD, while examining the potential moderating effects of sociodemographic factors METHODS: A systematic search of four databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was conducted from inception to July 2024. Eligible studies included adults with a history of ACEs and self-reported SCD. In total, twelve studies were included, primarily using U.S.-based samples, with sample sizes ranging from 46 to over 195,000 participants.

RESULTS

The evidence of a dose-response relationship highlights the link between ACEs and SCD. The risk of SCD increases among adults over 65, lower-income groups, and sexual minorities. However, gender differences were inconsistently observed across studies. Mental health conditions, particularly depression is a significant risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Early screening and intervention for SCD among individuals with high ACE exposure may help delay the progression to severe cognitive impairment. However, the reliance on cross-sectional studies and high risk of bias limit causal inferences. Future research should explore longitudinal studies with diverse populations to clarify causal pathways and the role of sociodemographic factors in the ACE-SCD relationship.

A Systematic Review of all Published Systematic Reviews (SRs) on Multiligament Knee Injuries (MLKIs)

Introduction

Multiligament knee injuries are an uncommon and heterogeneous group of injuries and standardizing reporting on these injuries is a challenge. Given the complexity of multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) and the ongoing debate regarding optimal management strategies, a comprehensive understanding of the current evidence is essential to guide evidence-based decision-making and improve patient care.

Aim

In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the systematic reviews and meta-analyses on MLKIs and synthesize their findings. This will enable us to identify areas where the current evidence is strong and where further research is needed.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library identified 36 eligible systematic reviews. AMSTAR 2 criteria were used to assess the methodological quality. For agreement between the raters, the inter-rater reliability Cohen's kappa was used.

Results

Most of the systematic reviews assessed with AMSTAR 2 criteria had a critically low level of evidence (n = 26), with the rest being low (n = 8), moderate (n = 3), and one high, indicating caution in interpreting findings.

Discussion

This study highlights the scarcity of high-quality systematic reviews (SRs) on multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs), largely due to the diversity in injury patterns, management protocols, and reporting standards.

Conclusion

Most research on these injuries are of low quality, and recommendations have been made to improve reporting. Many areas of these injuries require further studies to improve the outcomes.

Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease due to diabetes mellitus type 2 from 1990 to 2021, with projections to 2036: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has emerged as a significant global health burden, with rising incidence and prevalence rates observed over the past decades.

Methods

We utilized the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. Firstly, we reported the number of incidence, prevalence, deaths, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributed to CKD due to T2DM, accompanied by their respective Age-Standardized Rates (ASRs), for the year 2021. This analysis encompassed a global perspective and was further stratified by various subtypes. Moreover, we examined trends globally and within specified sub-types to investigate the temporal dynamics of the ASRs. We estimated the percentage change in ASRs, providing a quantitative measure of the rate of change in the burden over the study period. Moreover, we utilized the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model to forecast the future burden.

Results

Globally, the ASRs of CKD due to T2DM all have witnessed a notable rise except for age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR). The trends observed in both sexes and nearly all age groups were found to be congruent with those of the overall population. The increase in disease burden being greatest in the middle and lower SDI regions. The predicted results showed that the ASRs would still increase from 2022 to 2036.

Conclusion

This study highlights the critical importance of addressing the growing burden of T2DM-related CKD on global health. Effective prevention and management strategies, including improvements in diabetes care, renal health promotion, and access to healthcare services, are urgently needed to mitigate the future impact of T2DM-related CKD.

Effectiveness of self-management programmes for athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review

Background

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common condition that can severely hinder an athlete's ability to perform and compete at their full potential and overall well-being. The emergence of self-management programmes presents a potential treatment avenue for athletes with PFPS. Self-management programmes aim to empower patients through education, symptom monitoring, tailored exercises, and gradual activity progression while respecting pain thresholds. Despite their potential benefits, limited data evaluates the effectiveness of self-management programmes specifically tailored for athletes with PFPS.

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of self-management programmes in improving pain and functional ability among athletes with PFPS.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials comparing self-management interventions to other treatments or control groups for improving pain and functional ability among athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome were included. Studies including athletes with PFPS (defined as pain persisting for ≥12 weeks) were eligible. Four reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

Results

Three trials involving 139 participants met the eligibility criteria. Identified self-management programmes comprised exercises, mindfulness training, and educational programmes tailored to athletes. Two of the eligible studies identified found that exercise consisting of the combination of mindfulness and/or dry needling reported an enhanced recovery rate in the studied population with regards to PFPS. The other study reported no added benefit whether exercise or education was used as a modality for the self-management of PFPS.

Conclusion

While some studies showed promising results for self-management programmes involving exercises and mindfulness in managing patellofemoral pain syndrome among athletes, the overall evidence could be more extensive and consistent. High-quality controlled trials with consistent methodology and athletic populations are needed to identify the most effective self-management approaches for patellofemoral pain syndrome in athletes.

Understanding literature reviews: a guide for enhancing nursing practice globally

BACKGROUND

Literature reviews are essential in nursing for integrating research into practice, informing clinical guidelines and shaping health policy. They comprehensively synthesise the available evidence, supporting nurses in making informed decisions that improve patient care. It is therefore crucial when researchers are selecting the method most appropriate for investigating their clinical questions that they understand the different types of literature review.

AIM

To explore the characteristics, strengths and limitations of narrative, systematic and scoping reviews, as well as highlight their significance in nursing practice globally.

DISCUSSION

Narrative reviews provide broad, flexible overviews of topics; however, they lack methodological rigour, which can potentially result in bias. Systematic reviews provide high-quality, reliable evidence by using a structured approach to synthesising data from multiple studies; this makes them valuable for clinical decision-making and the development of guidelines. Scoping reviews map the scope of research onto emerging topics, identifying gaps and future research priorities, though they do not typically assess the quality of included studies.

CONCLUSION

Literature reviews are vital tools for nurses worldwide. Understanding the differences between types of literature review enables nurses to effectively use the one most appropriate to their needs. This is essential for evidence-based practice, informs clinical and policy decisions, and supports high-quality patient care, as well as contributing to nurses' professional development.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses who engage with literature reviews can stay informed about the latest research, improve patient outcomes and participate in the advancement of nursing knowledge globally.

Paediatric dental trauma: insights from epidemiological studies and management recommendations

Dental trauma is common in all age groups, although, epidemiologically, it is more common in children with studies that indicate that 15% of preschoolers and 20-25% of school-age children experience it. These injuries, which frequently call for immediate attention, can affect the hard tissues and supporting components of the teeth, and, because dental damage in deciduous teeth occurs frequently and affects speech, nutrition, and oral development, it is particularly worrying. After searching three databases, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and PubMed, and removing duplicates, 3,630 articles were screened, and 12 publications were included in the qualitative analysis. Due to their busy lifestyles, children are particularly susceptible to oral trauma and in certain areas and lower socioeconomic groups, the incidence is higher. From little fractures in the enamel to serious dislocations and avulsions, injuries vary and must be treated promptly in order to avoid consequences and to prevent long-term issues. Furthermore, a conservative treatment strategy is recommended to preserve tooth vitality and prevent extractions. Reducing the occurrence of dental injuries requires the implementation of preventive measures including mouthguard use and educational campaigns. In summary, this review emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, immediate management, and long-term care, by synthesizing existing knowledge on the prevalence, types, management, complications, and prevention of dental trauma in deciduous teeth. Finally, it's important to underscore the need for continued research to refine treatment approaches.

A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Barriers and Facilitators of the Reintegration of Men Convicted of a Sexual Offense From Prison or Secure Care into the Community

This article is the first qualitative systematic review of studies examining the barriers and facilitators to male sex offenders reintegration from prison or secure care into the community. A search of 16 electronic databases produced 14,218 potential sources, which, after screening, resulted in 79 articles for inclusion. Papers were included if they used qualitative research methods about the barriers, facilitators, perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward community reintegration from prison or secure care for men convicted of sexual offenses. Included papers were critically appraised and the findings were thematically synthesized. The findings identified that formal and cultural aspects of reintegration, such as probation services, stigmatization, and registration, were the three largest barriers that men faced upon their release, with stability aspects, such as positive relationships, religion, and support groups, being key facilitators to their successful reintegration. The implications for future research, and policy and practice, including prioritizing risk assessment and management, offering appropriate and timely treatment and rehabilitation, educating the community, better access to housing and employment, and services adopting a collaborative approach, are discussed.

Exploring alternative practice placement models in occupational therapy and physiotherapy: perspectives and experiences of learners and practice educators: a qualitative systematic review

Within physiotherapy and occupational therapy practice placements, there is a predominance of the one-to-one supervision model which creates limitations for placement capacity expansion. Alternative placement models must be explored to meet training requirements for these professions and ensure the availability of a future workforce. The aim of this review is to explore the experiences and perceptions of practice educators and learners regarding alternative placement models, to inform future planning and the adoption of these opportunities. This qualitative systematic review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, PsycINFO), covering the period from January 2010 to December 2022. Meta-aggregation was used to synthesise the findings from the included studies. A total of 16 articles were included within this review. The learner voice was represented in 14 categories aggregated to five synthesised findings: professional growth and development, personal and psychological adaptation, alliances within collaborative learning, educational and learning process, and managing professional relationships. The practice educator voice was represented in 11 categories aggregated into four synthesised findings: providing the right support; professional identity; peer relationships and levels of satisfaction. This review highlights positive aspects associated with skill development, personal growth, and the formation of professional identity following alternative placement experiences. However, it also reveals concerns including uncertainty and anxiety related to role clarity, expectations, and the structure within these environments. This understanding of the perceptions and experiences of both learners and practice educators can inform the development of targeted support and guidance from universities, addressing these challenges and enhancing overall satisfaction. Further adoption of alternative placement models has the potential to expand practice placement capacity for learners offering a promising environment for healthcare education. These models provide learners with invaluable experiences and skills essential for their future careers.

Meta-analysis accelerator: a comprehensive tool for statistical data conversion in systematic reviews with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Systematic review with meta-analysis integrates findings from multiple studies, offering robust conclusions on treatment effects and guiding evidence-based medicine. However, the process is often hampered by challenges such as inconsistent data reporting, complex calculations, and time constraints. Researchers must convert various statistical measures into a common format, which can be error-prone and labor-intensive without the right tools.

IMPLEMENTATION

Meta-Analysis Accelerator was developed to address these challenges. The tool offers 21 different statistical conversions, including median & interquartile range (IQR) to mean & standard deviation (SD), standard error of the mean (SEM) to SD, and confidence interval (CI) to SD for one and two groups, among others. It is designed with an intuitive interface, ensuring that users can navigate the tool easily and perform conversions accurately and efficiently. The website structure includes a home page, conversion page, request a conversion feature, about page, articles page, and privacy policy page. This comprehensive design supports the tool's primary goal of simplifying the meta-analysis process.

RESULTS

Since its initial release in October 2023 as Meta Converter and subsequent renaming to Meta-Analysis Accelerator, the tool has gained widespread use globally. From March 2024 to May 2024, it received 12,236 visits from countries such as Egypt, France, Indonesia, and the USA, indicating its international appeal and utility. Approximately 46% of the visits were direct, reflecting its popularity and trust among users.

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-Analysis Accelerator significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of meta-analysis of systematic reviews by providing a reliable platform for statistical data conversion. Its comprehensive variety of conversions, user-friendly interface, and continuous improvements make it an indispensable resource for researchers. The tool's ability to streamline data transformation ensures that researchers can focus more on data interpretation and less on manual calculations, thus advancing the quality and ease of conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Diagnostic Accuracy of [18F]FDG PET/MRI in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

This study evaluates the diagnostic utility of PET/MRI for primary, locoregional, and nodal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through systematic review and metaanalysis. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus to identify studies on the diagnostic accuracy of PET/MRI for HNSCC. The search included specific terms and excluded nonhybrid PET/MRI studies, and those with a sample size of fewer than 10 patients were excluded. Results: In total, 15 studies encompassing 638 patients were found addressing the diagnostic test accuracy for PET/MRI within the chosen subject domain. Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx was the most observed HNSCC subtype (n = 198). The metaanalysis included 12 studies, with pooled sensitivity and specificity values of 93% and 95% per patient for primary disease evaluation, 93% and 96% for locoregional evaluation, and 89% and 98% per lesion for nodal disease detection, respectively. An examination of a subset of studies comparing PET/MRI against PET/CT or MRI alone for evaluating nodal and locoregional HNSCC found that PET/MRI may offer slightly higher accuracy than other modalities. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: PET/MRI has excellent potential for identifying primary, locoregional, and nodal HNSCC.

Surgical Technique and Fertility Outcomes: A Comprehensive Review of Open and Laparoscopic Cystectomy in Women of Reproductive Age

Cystectomy, the surgical removal of ovarian tissue, is commonly performed in women of reproductive age to address conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and tumors. The choice of surgical technique, open versus laparoscopic, has significant implications for postoperative recovery and long-term fertility outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the current literature on the effects of these two surgical approaches on fertility in women of reproductive age. Open cystectomy, while effective, is associated with larger incisions, increased trauma to surrounding reproductive structures, and a higher incidence of postoperative complications, which may negatively impact future fertility. In contrast, laparoscopic cystectomy offers a minimally invasive option that generally results in less postoperative pain, quicker recovery, and potentially improved fertility outcomes due to reduced damage to surrounding tissues. However, the literature reveals a complex interplay between surgical technique, underlying medical conditions, and individual patient factors that can influence reproductive potential. This review synthesizes key studies comparing the fertility outcomes of both surgical methods, highlighting the need for individualized surgical planning based on each patient's unique circumstances and reproductive goals. Additionally, it discusses the importance of preoperative counseling and multidisciplinary approaches to optimize patient outcomes. Future research is essential to further clarify the long-term fertility implications of open and laparoscopic cystectomy and to refine surgical techniques to enhance reproductive health. This review contributes to the growing body of evidence guiding clinicians in making informed decisions that prioritize the effective treatment of ovarian pathology and fertility preservation.

Complex intertwined association between breastfeeding practices and household food insecurity: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Breastfeeding offers ideal food and nutrition for infants; however, structural barriers may amplify breastfeeding inequities. We aimed to identify whether household food insecurity (HFI) is associated with exclusive and continued breastfeeding (EBF and CBF) as recommended by the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, literature searches using 'breastfeeding', 'food insecurity' and 'infant' terms were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health and LILACS from inception through November 2023, without language restrictions, yielding 1382 publications (PROSPERO:CRD42022329836). Predetermined eligibility criteria yielded the 12 included studies (nine cross-sectional and three cohorts). The risk of bias was assessed through the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Meta-analysis was performed for studies assessing EBF (n = 10), and metaregression was used to explore heterogeneity across studies. Prevalence of EBF ranged from 1.6% to 85.3%, with a lower prevalence among HFI. The pooled effect of the association between HFI and EBF presented an odds ratio (OR) of 0.61 (95% CI = 0.49-0.76) with consistent results across marginal (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55-0.94), moderate (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.41-0.84) and severe HFI (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.76). High heterogeneity was found only when HFI was dichotomized. The prevalence of CBF ranged from 35.4% to 78.0%, with inconsistent prevalence among HFI; a meta-analysis was not performed due to the low number of studies (n = 3). We concluded that HFI levels are associated with lower odds of EBF. Integrating service and policy-level strategies, such as screening, referrals, skilled breastfeeding counseling and access to comprehensive nutrition and social programs, could reduce structural inequities and promote adherence to the World Health Organization/UNICEF breastfeeding recommendations among food-insecure families.

A Systematic Review of Aphantasia: Concept, Measurement, Neural Basis, and Theory Development

People with aphantasia exhibit the inability to voluntarily generate or form mental imagery in their minds. Since the term "aphantasia" was proposed to describe this, it has gained increasing attention from psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and clinicians. Previous studies have mainly focused on the definition, prevalence, and measurement of aphantasia, its impacts on individuals' cognitive and emotional processing, and theoretical frameworks synthesizing existing findings, which have contributed greatly to our understanding of aphantasia. However, there are still some debates regarding the conclusions derived from existing research and the theories that were constructed from various sources of evidence. Building upon existing endeavors, this systematic review emphasizes that future research is much needed to refine the definition and diagnosis of aphantasia, strengthen empirical investigations at behavioral and neural levels, and, more importantly, develop or update theories. These multiple lines of efforts could lead to a deeper understanding of aphantasia and further guide researchers in future research directions.

Interventions to enhance mental health and wellbeing among international college students: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BACKGROUND

International students contribute significantly to both the economy and the intellectual and cultural landscape of host countries. Their interactions with domestic students foster personal, socioeconomic, and political development, promopting a broader understanding of diverse cultures and values. This highlights how crucial international education is for staying competitive globally. However, international students often face challenges such as poor mental health, linguistic and cultural barriers, acculturative stress, and limited health literacy. Therefore, supporting their academic success and well-being on college campuses is essential. This protocol aims to describe strategies used to evaluate the effect of interventions on international students' mental health and wellbeing and propose directions for future research based on the evidence.

METHODS

We will conduct an extensive search in several databases including CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, PsyInFO, ERIC, and Google Scholar with no date limits. Two reviewers will independently screen the literature and extract data. We will then conduct meta-analyses of the extracted data.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first systematic review with meta-analysis focusing on interventions to enhance mental health and wellbeing among international college students. This study will provide most updated empirical evidence on the effects of interventions aimed to improve international students' mental health and wellbeing. The findings from this study will summarize the importance of a range of interventions being available to international students who experience psychological distress and the effectiveness of each intervention. This study will also highlight the gap for researchers to focus on for future studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024528767.

Optimizing Glioma Resection Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guidance in Neurosurgery

This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in enhancing glioma resection outcomes within neurosurgical procedures. Given the complexity and variability of gliomas, achieving precise and safe resections is challenging, necessitating the use of advanced imaging techniques like iMRI. This technology provides real-time, high-resolution insights during surgery, allowing for adaptations based on surgical dynamics and brain shifts. Our comprehensive search across multiple databases selected five significant studies that collectively demonstrate the beneficial impact of iMRI. These studies highlight its role in significantly improving the extent of tumor resection and suggest potential enhancements in both immediate and long-term patient outcomes. The findings indicate that iMRI facilitates more aggressive yet safe resections, particularly in high-risk glioma cases. However, the implementation of iMRI in clinical practice requires careful consideration of training, resource allocation, and the potential variability in outcomes due to study design heterogeneity. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials to better understand the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of iMRI, promoting its wider adoption in neurosurgical settings.

Interventions through Art Therapy and Music Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Language Disorders, and Learning Disabilities in Pediatric-Aged Children: A Systematic Review

Traditional pharmacological treatments, although effective, often carry potential side effects, which positions art therapy and music therapy as promising non-pharmacological alternatives to alleviate symptoms and improve social, cognitive, and emotional skills without the associated risks. Through a review in the SCOPUS and WOS databases following the PRISMA protocol, a total of 80 articles were analyzed through a series of determined categories and subcategories of analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate and synthesize the existing evidence on the efficacy and applicability of art therapy and music therapy in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hyperactivity disorder (HSDD), developmental language disorders, and language learning difficulties, identifying best practices and key areas for future research. Among the main findings is that art therapy and music therapy have a significant impact on symptomatology, behavior, and communication as well as social, cognitive, and emotional skills in the pediatric populations studied. These therapies are highly valued by the participants with a large majority recognizing their adaptability to different educational and clinical contexts. It is concluded that these therapies have a high potential as viable alternatives or complements to traditional pharmacological treatments, justifying their application and further study in broader therapeutic contexts.

A systematic review of the impacts of oil spillage on residents of oil-producing communities in Nigeria

Oil spillage is common in oil-producing communities of Nigeria, and it impacts negatively on the residents of these communities. This study analysed available research data on oil spillage incidents in these communities to determine their main causes and impacts on the residents. This study highlights the immediate and long-term consequences of oil spills on residents of oil-host communities in Nigeria. A systematic review of published studies was carried out, and 22 studies were identified from the literature search. The main causes of oil spills were identified as sabotage (87%), leakage from corroded pipelines (62%), and equipment failure (45%). Others were mystery spills and operational failures. Unemployment, abject poverty, marginalization, and inaction of government regulatory agencies are enabling factors for sabotage and vandalism of oil pipelines. It was found that exposure to oil spills impacts directly and indirectly on residents of oil-host communities, with accompanying health, socioeconomic, and environmental implications. Oil spills in these communities impact on all facets of their life, thereby infringing on their rights to existence and survival. The major interventions were targeted at improving health services, education, infrastructure, skill acquisition, and employment. These in turn reduced the occurrence of violence, insurgency, and human trafficking in the oil-producing communities. It is recommended that government regulatory agencies should be revamped and repositioned to effectively perform their duties. Interventions should be targeted at addressing the causes of agitation by indigenes by involving them in the decision-making process. Also, appropriate remediation strategies should be adopted to clean up the oil spills.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Sleeping Paralysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP is unknown, and its prevalence varies among the studies. We aim to identify SP's global prevalence, the affected population's characteristics, and the SP's clinical picture. We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS)) using a unique search strategy to identify eligible studies. All observational studies identifying the prevalence or frequency of sleeping paralysis were included. No exclusions are made based on country, race, or questionnaire. The analysis was performed using the latest version of R software (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). The analysis included 76 studies from 25 countries with 167,133 participants. The global prevalence of SP was 30% (95% CI (22%, 39%)). There were similar frequencies of isolated SP and SP (33%, 95% CI (26%, 42%), I2 = 97%, P <0.01; 31%, 95% CI (21%, 43%), I2 = 100%, P = 0, respectively). A subgroup analysis showed that the majority of those who experienced SP were psychiatric patients (35%, 95% CI (20%, 55%), I2 = 96%, P <0.01). The prevalence among non-psychiatric patients was among students (34%, 95% CI (23%, 47%), I2 = 100%, P = 0). Auditory and visual hallucinations were reported in 24.25% of patients. Around 4% had only visual hallucinations. Meta-regression showed no association between the frequency of SP and sex. Publication bias was detected among the included studies through visual inspection of funnel plot asymmetry. Our findings revealed that 30% of the population suffered from SP, especially psychiatric patients and students. The majority of SP cases lacked associated hallucinations, while a noteworthy proportion experienced combined visual and auditory hallucinations.