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Search Results (1,457)

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43 pages, 4995 KiB  
Review
Experiential Graphic Design: Informing, Inspiring, and Integrating People in Physical Spaces—A Review
by Gorana Petković, Suzana Pasanec Preprotić and Anamarija Kozjan Cindrić
Buildings 2025, 15(11), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111862 - 28 May 2025
Abstract
Experiential graphic design (XGD) has increased in importance over the past decade, with technological advances and a focus on user engagement. While the acronym XGD has been used for years, many practitioners prefer the older acronym, EGD, which stands for environmental graphic design. [...] Read more.
Experiential graphic design (XGD) has increased in importance over the past decade, with technological advances and a focus on user engagement. While the acronym XGD has been used for years, many practitioners prefer the older acronym, EGD, which stands for environmental graphic design. XGD, however, more accurately reflects the field’s scope, which combines multiple design disciplines to enhance user experience through the visual interpretation of ideas in physical spaces. The objective of this study was to perform an extensive bibliometric analysis of the existing literature on XGD topics across a wide range of spatial contexts, with particular emphasis on open public spaces and enclosed architectural environments, structured around four research questions related to the following: (1) foundational studies and the evolution of the literature, (2) the main keywords and research trends, (3) XGD application environments, and (4) XGD’s key roles. The methodology involved analyzing 245 records on the XGD topic from the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, this study offers a general overview of XGD, exploring its applications across different built environments. In addition, it pairs theoretical concepts with practical examples to demonstrate XGD’s key roles, highlighting current trends, future developments, and the need to establish educational frameworks in the XGD field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
72 pages, 7480 KiB  
Systematic Review
Synthesis of Iron-Based and Aluminum-Based Bimetals: A Systematic Review
by Jeffrey Ken B. Balangao, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Theerayut Phengsaart, Joshua B. Zoleta, Takahiko Arima, Ilhwan Park, Walubita Mufalo, Mayumi Ito, Richard D. Alorro, Aileen H. Orbecido, Arnel B. Beltran, Michael Angelo B. Promentilla, Sanghee Jeon, Kazutoshi Haga and Vannie Joy T. Resabal
Metals 2025, 15(6), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15060603 - 27 May 2025
Abstract
Bimetals—materials composed of two metal components with dissimilar standard reduction–oxidation (redox) potentials—offer unique electronic, optical, and catalytic properties, surpassing monometallic systems. These materials exhibit not only the combined attributes of their constituent metals but also new and novel properties arising from their synergy. [...] Read more.
Bimetals—materials composed of two metal components with dissimilar standard reduction–oxidation (redox) potentials—offer unique electronic, optical, and catalytic properties, surpassing monometallic systems. These materials exhibit not only the combined attributes of their constituent metals but also new and novel properties arising from their synergy. Although many reviews have explored the synthesis, properties, and applications of bimetallic systems, none have focused exclusively on iron (Fe)- and aluminum (Al)-based bimetals. This systematic review addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of conventional and emerging techniques for Fe-based and Al-based bimetal synthesis. Specifically, this work systematically reviewed recent studies from 2014 to 2023 using the Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and was registered under INPLASY with the registration number INPLASY202540026. Articles were excluded if they were inaccessible, non-English, review articles, conference papers, book chapters, or not directly related to the synthesis of Fe- or Al-based bimetals. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the research trends on the synthesis of Fe-based and Al-based bimetals. Based on the 122 articles analyzed, Fe-based and Al-based bimetal synthesis methods were classified into three types: (i) physical, (ii) chemical, and (iii) biological techniques. Physical methods include mechanical alloying, radiolysis, sonochemical methods, the electrical explosion of metal wires, and magnetic field-assisted laser ablation in liquid (MF-LAL). In comparison, chemical protocols covered reduction, dealloying, supported particle methods, thermogravimetric methods, seed-mediated growth, galvanic replacement, and electrochemical synthesis. Meanwhile, biological techniques utilized plant extracts, chitosan, alginate, and cellulose-based materials as reducing agents and stabilizers during bimetal synthesis. Research works on the synthesis of Fe-based and Al-based bimetals initially declined but increased in 2018, followed by a stable trend, with 50% of the total studies conducted in the last five years. China led in the number of publications (62.3%), followed by Russia, Australia, and India, while Saudi Arabia had the highest number of citations per document (95). RSC Advances was the most active journal, publishing eight papers from 2014 to 2023, while Applied Catalysis B: Environmental had the highest number of citations per document at 203. Among the three synthesis methods, chemical techniques dominated, particularly supported particles, galvanic replacement, and chemical reduction, while biological and physical methods have started gaining interest. Iron–copper (Fe/Cu), iron–aluminum (Fe/Al), and iron–nickel (Fe/Ni) were the most commonly synthesized bimetals in the last 10 years. Finally, this work was funded by DOST-PCIEERD and DOST-ERDT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Extractive Metallurgy)
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35 pages, 1014 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Global Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Parasitic Coinfection in People Living with Viruses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Yan Ge, Huaman Liu, Ningjun Ren, Abdul Qadeer, Ian Kim B. Tabios, Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla, Lydia R. Leonardo, Banchob Sripa and Guofeng Cheng
Pathogens 2025, 14(6), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14060534 - 27 May 2025
Abstract
Coinfection with parasites and viruses can exacerbate disease transmission, outcomes and therapy. This study searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and JSTOR databases for publications on the prevalence of parasitic coinfection in people living with viruses from 1 January 2005 to 30 [...] Read more.
Coinfection with parasites and viruses can exacerbate disease transmission, outcomes and therapy. This study searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and JSTOR databases for publications on the prevalence of parasitic coinfection in people living with viruses from 1 January 2005 to 30 April 2022, and 356 studies were included and systematically reviewed. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the global prevalence of and factors potentially associated with parasitic infection (helminths and protozoa) in virus-infected people, and the infection burden was estimated. A variety of parasites (29 families, 39 genera, and 63 species) and viruses (8 kinds) were identified. The prevalence of parasitic coinfection in (all) virus-infected people was estimated to be 21.34% (95% CI 17.58–25.10, 5593 of 29,190 participants) and 34.13% (95% CI 31.32–36.94, 21,243/76,072 participants) for helminths and protozoa, respectively. Specially, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people, the global prevalence was 19.96% (95% CI 16.18–23.74) for helminths and 34.18% (95% CI 31.33–37.03) for protozoa, respectively. The global prevalence of protozoa was 41.79% (95% CI 15.88–67.69) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected people and 17.75% (95% CI 3.54–31.95) in DENV-infected people, respectively. The global burden of parasitic infections in HIV-infected people was 7,664,640 for helminths and 13,125,120 for protozoa, respectively, and that in HBV- and dengue virus (DENV)-infected people was 137,019,428 and 629,952, respectively. The prevalence of parasitic coinfection at the family, genus, and species levels in virus- or HIV-infected people were comprehensively estimated and further analyzed by subgroups. Among the most commonly identified parasites, the five helminth genera with the highest prevalence in HIV-infected people were Schistosoma (12.46%, 95% CI 5.82–19.10), Ascaris (7.82%, 95% CI 6.15–9.49), Strongyloides (5.43%, 95% CI 4.11–6.74), Trichuris (4·82%, 95% CI 2.48–7.17) and Ancylostoma (2.79%, 95% CI 1.32–4.27), whereas the top five protozoan genera were Toxoplasma (48.85%, 95% CI 42.01–55.69), Plasmodium (34.96%, 95% CI 28.11–41.82), Cryptosporidium (14.27%, 95% CI 11.49–17.06), Entamoeba (12.33%, 95% CI 10.09–14.57) and Blastocystis (10.61%, 95% CI 6.26–14.97). The prevalence of parasitic coinfection in virus-infected people was associated with income level. The findings provide valuable global epidemiological information for informing normative guidance, improving surveillance, and developing public healthcare strategies. Full article
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27 pages, 4035 KiB  
Article
From Meta SAM to ArcGIS: A Comparative Analysis of Image Segmentation Methods for Monitoring Refugee Camp Transitions
by Noor Marji and Michal Kohout
Geomatics 2025, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics5020022 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 112
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive evaluation of image segmentation methods for monitoring morphological changes in refugee camps, comparing five distinct approaches: ESRI Landviewer clustering, K-means clustering, U-Net segmentation, Meta’s Segment Anything Model (SAM) and ArcGIS segmentation. Using high-resolution satellite imagery from Al-Azraq refugee [...] Read more.
This article presents a comprehensive evaluation of image segmentation methods for monitoring morphological changes in refugee camps, comparing five distinct approaches: ESRI Landviewer clustering, K-means clustering, U-Net segmentation, Meta’s Segment Anything Model (SAM) and ArcGIS segmentation. Using high-resolution satellite imagery from Al-Azraq refugee camp in Jordan (2014–2023) as a case study, this research systematically assesses each method’s performance in detecting and quantifying settlement pattern changes. The evaluation framework incorporates multiple validation metrics, including overall accuracy, the Kappa coefficient, F1-score and computational efficiency. The results demonstrate that ArcGIS’s ISO clustering and classification approach achieves superior performance, with 99% overall accuracy and a Kappa coefficient of 0.95, significantly outperforming the other tested methods. While Meta SAM shows promise in object detection, its performance degrades with aerial imagery, achieving only 75% accuracy in settlement pattern recognition. The study establishes specific parameter optimization guidelines for humanitarian contexts, with spectral detail values of 3.0–7.0 and spatial detail values of 14.0–18.0, yielding optimal results for refugee settlement analysis. These findings provide crucial methodological guidance for monitoring refugee settlement evolution and transition, contributing to more effective humanitarian response planning and settlement management through integrating remote sensing and machine learning technologies. Full article
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15 pages, 975 KiB  
Systematic Review
Efficacy and Safety of TROP-2-Targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugate Treatment in Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Reconstructed Patient Data
by Sara Stumpo, Andrea Carlini, Francesco Mantuano, Alessandro Di Federico, Barbara Melotti, Francesca Sperandi, Valentina Favorito and Andrea De Giglio
Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1750; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111750 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
Background: Docetaxel is the standard of care for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after platinum-based chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy but is associated with modest clinical outcomes and considerable toxicity. Sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan are trophoblast cell surface antigen (TROP)-2-directed antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) [...] Read more.
Background: Docetaxel is the standard of care for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after platinum-based chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy but is associated with modest clinical outcomes and considerable toxicity. Sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan are trophoblast cell surface antigen (TROP)-2-directed antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) that showed encouraging activity in pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC. This systematic review and pooled analysis aims to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of anti-TROP-2 ADCs compared to docetaxel in pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: A systematic search through PubMed and EMBASE before 31 January 2025 was performed to identify eligible studies. Randomized controlled phase III trials comparing an anti-TROP-2 regimen to docetaxel in patients with pretreated advanced NSCLC were included. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were extracted from the identified trials. A pooled analysis of reconstructed patient data and meta-analysis employing the random-effect model were used to summarize the efficacy and safety outcomes. Results: Across the two trials included, 1207 patients were enrolled, 598 in the TROP-2 ADC arm and 609 in the docetaxel arm. Anti-TROP-2 treatment did not produce significant improvements in OS (HR: 0.90; 95% CI, 0.78–1.03; P = 0.13) and PFS (HR: 0.84; 95% CI, 0.68–1.02; P = 0.08), compared to docetaxel, even in patients with a nonsquamous histology (OS HR: 0.86; 95% CI, 0.73–1.01; P = 0.06; PFS HR: 0.76; 95% CI, 0.52–1.12; P = 0.17). Across the subgroup analyses, a statistically significant improvement in OS was observed in patients with actionable genomic alterations (AGAs) (HR: 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41–0.95; P = 0.03). Compared to docetaxel, the anti-TROP-2 regimen demonstrated a lower risk of developing grade ≥ 3 TRAEs (RR: 0.76; 95% CI, 0.55–1.05; P = 0.09). Conclusions: The anti-TROP-2 regimen showed a better safety profile but failed to demonstrate a relevant clinical improvement over docetaxel. Anti-TROP-2 ADCs could find a role in the management of patients with AGAs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapeutic Targets for Metastatic Lung Cancer)
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17 pages, 1195 KiB  
Systematic Review
Online Occupational Therapy as a Rehabilitation Intervention for Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematized Review
by Antigoni Kountoura, Thomas Tegos, Marianthi Arnaoutoglou and Magdalini Tsolaki
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(6), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15060098 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 151
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in addressing functional limitations and promoting independence in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. OT interventions target motor skills, daily activities, and engagement in meaningful tasks. Telehealth, the remote delivery of healthcare services, has expanded access to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in addressing functional limitations and promoting independence in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. OT interventions target motor skills, daily activities, and engagement in meaningful tasks. Telehealth, the remote delivery of healthcare services, has expanded access to rehabilitation, including OT for PD. While several studies have examined the benefits of online OT, a comprehensive assessment of its impact on functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) is needed. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of online OT interventions on functional outcomes and QoL of patients with PD. Methods: This review employed a systematized approach, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, though it did not constitute a full systematic review or meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases between August 2023 and September 2024. The search targeted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating telerehabilitation interventions in OT for individuals with PD. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English, did not employ an RCT design, or lacked a focus on telerehabilitation within the scope of occupational therapy for PD. Additionally, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, qualitative studies, and studies without measurable outcomes were excluded. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, with four involving occupational therapists directly and five evaluating interventions within the scope of OT practice. Results: The primary outcomes of this review focused on mobility improvements in PD patients, assessed through gait metrics such as gait speed, stride length, and gait variability. Secondary outcomes evaluated the impact of telerehabilitation on QoL, using tools such as the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and other disease-specific instruments. The findings demonstrated that online OT interventions significantly improved motor skills, cognitive function, and activities of daily living in PD patients. Furthermore, these interventions enhanced overall well-being and QoL. The remote format fostered sustained engagement and adherence to therapy, contributing to better long-term outcomes. Conclusions: Online OT interventions show promising potential for improving functional outcomes and QoL in PD patients. These findings underscore the potential of telehealth to expand access to OT services, thereby enhancing long-term rehabilitation outcomes for this population. Full article
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18 pages, 1362 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness of Surface Treatments on the Bond Strength to 3D-Printed Resins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Rim Bourgi, Olivier Etienne, Ahmed A. Holiel, Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Suárez, Louis Hardan, Tatiana Roman, Abigailt Flores-Ledesma, Mohammad Qaddomi, Youssef Haikel and Naji Kharouf
Prosthesis 2025, 7(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7030056 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 165
Abstract
Objectives: The widespread adoption of three-dimensional (3D)-printed resins in restorative dentistry has introduced significant challenges in establishing strong and lasting bonds with resin-based cements. Despite the development of numerous surface treatment techniques designed to improve adhesion, a clear consensus on the most effective [...] Read more.
Objectives: The widespread adoption of three-dimensional (3D)-printed resins in restorative dentistry has introduced significant challenges in establishing strong and lasting bonds with resin-based cements. Despite the development of numerous surface treatment techniques designed to improve adhesion, a clear consensus on the most effective approach remains elusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis critically examined the impact of various surface treatment protocols on the bond strength of 3D-printed resins. By comparing treated versus untreated surfaces, the study aimed to determine the most reliable strategies for enhancing adhesion, ultimately offering evidence-based guidance to inform clinical decision-making. Methods: This review identified relevant studies through a comprehensive search of MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, supplemented by manual reference checks, to identify in vitro studies published up to February 2025. Studies assessing the bonding of 3D-printed resins following various surface treatments and bonding protocols were included. Data on bond strength outcomes, such as shear bond strength, microtensile bond strength, and microshear bond strength, were extracted. Data extraction included study details, type of 3D-printed resin and printing technology, surface treatment protocols, bond strength testing methods, storage conditions, and results. The quality of included studies was assessed using the ROBDEMat tool. Meta-analyses were performed using the Review Manager Software (version 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Statistical heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the Cochran Q test and the I2 inconsistency test. Results: Nine studies met the criteria for qualitative analysis, with eight included in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed that surface treatment protocols significantly enhanced the immediate bond strength to 3D-printed resins (p = 0.01), with only sandblasting and silane demonstrating a statistically significant effect (p < 0.007). Similarly, after aging, surface treatments continued to improve bond strength (p = 0.01), with sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid being the only methods to produce a significant increase in bond strength values (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This meta-analysis underscores the importance of combining mechanical and chemical surface treatments, especially sandblasting and silane application, to achieve reliable and durable bonding to 3D-printed resins. Full article
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30 pages, 625 KiB  
Review
Examining Factors Associated with Attrition, Strategies for Retention Among Undergraduate Nursing Students, and Identified Research Gaps: A Scoping Review
by Rohangez Lida Sheikoleslami, Daisy Michelle Princeton, Linda Iren Mihaila Hansen, Sezer Kisa and Alka Rani Goyal
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(6), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15060182 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 135
Abstract
Background/Objectives: High-quality healthcare delivery relies on a on a sustainable nursing workforce. However, rising attrition rates and declining enrollment in nursing programs pose a significant challenge. A comprehensive synthesis of these factors for student attrition alongside effective retention strategies is needed to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: High-quality healthcare delivery relies on a on a sustainable nursing workforce. However, rising attrition rates and declining enrollment in nursing programs pose a significant challenge. A comprehensive synthesis of these factors for student attrition alongside effective retention strategies is needed to guide interventions. The aim of this scoping review is to map and synthesize existing evidence on the factors contributing to attrition among bachelor’s nursing students and to identify strategies that have been implemented or proposed to improve student retention in undergraduate nursing programs. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) Checklist and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Ovid. This review included peer-reviewed, English-language empirical studies (2010–December 2024) on attrition, dropout, or retention among bachelor-level nursing students, excluding non-nursing, non-bachelor programs, and unpublished studies or studies without primary data. A structured content analysis approach was used to synthesize findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies. Results: After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 19 articles were found eligible for inclusion. Analyses of the included studies revealed four key themes contributing to nursing student attrition: academic factors, institutional and social support, personal factors, and economic challenges. Retention strategies were categorized into two overarching themes: academic and non-academic approaches. Conclusions: Bachelor’s nursing programs should adopt retention strategies that enhance institutional and social support to reduce attrition. Strengthening supportive environments alongside curricular reform is key to building a resilient nursing workforce and ensuring quality care. Full article
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37 pages, 2396 KiB  
Review
A Review of Hierarchical Control Strategies for Lower-Limb Exoskeletons in Children with Cerebral Palsy
by Ziwei Kang, Hui Li, Yang Wang and Hongliu Yu
Machines 2025, 13(6), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13060442 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 267
Abstract
In recent years, with the deepening research on exoskeletons for children with cerebral palsy, increasing evidence has highlighted their unique characteristics. Unlike adult exoskeletons, pediatric exoskeletons cannot be simply realized by scaling down adult designs; instead, special attention must be given to their [...] Read more.
In recent years, with the deepening research on exoskeletons for children with cerebral palsy, increasing evidence has highlighted their unique characteristics. Unlike adult exoskeletons, pediatric exoskeletons cannot be simply realized by scaling down adult designs; instead, special attention must be given to their unique training requirements. Although current studies have incorporated specific design adaptations and summarized the distinct features of these devices, a comprehensive review of control strategies remains lacking. This study adopts a structured narrative review approach, referencing the PRISMA framework to enhance transparency in the literature selection. Relevant publications were identified based on clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, but no formal systematic review or meta-analysis was conducted. The exoskeleton control strategies from the 106 selected articles are classified using a hierarchical framework, dividing them into the supervision layer, action layer, and execution layer, with a further categorization into 12 specific control methods. Findings indicate that the supervision level primarily employs finite state machines and linear phase estimation, while the action level predominantly utilizes position trajectory control, torque trajectory control, and impedance control. At the execution level, closed-loop torque control and position control are commonly adopted. Overall, existing studies still face challenges in personalized adaptation, real-time control, and application scenarios. With advancements in controller hardware and the introduction of novel actuators, emerging technologies such as machine learning, virtual constraints, and sliding mode control may offer promising directions for future pediatric exoskeleton control design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Medical and Rehabilitation Robots)
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21 pages, 2319 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effect of Thermal-Softened Endotracheal Tubes on Postoperative Sore Throat and Other Complications—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Hui-Zen Hee, Chen-Hsi Chiu and Cheng-Wei Lu
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3620; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113620 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Background: Endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation during general anesthesia (GA) is commonly associated with postoperative sore throat. This study aimed to evaluate whether thermal-softened ETTs reduce the postoperative sore throat incidence in patients undergoing elective surgery under GA. Methods: We conducted a [...] Read more.
Background: Endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation during general anesthesia (GA) is commonly associated with postoperative sore throat. This study aimed to evaluate whether thermal-softened ETTs reduce the postoperative sore throat incidence in patients undergoing elective surgery under GA. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of thermal-softened ETTs on postoperative sore throat in patients undergoing elective surgeries under GA. The primary outcome was postoperative sore throat incidence, while secondary outcomes included hoarseness, vocal cord lesions, and time to intubation. Data were extracted independently by two authors, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk of bias tool (version 2.0). A meta-analysis was then performed using the random-effects model, with the results expressed as risk ratios (RRs) and mean difference (MDs). Results: Eight studies, with a total of 970 participants, were included. Thermal-softened ETTs significantly reduced postoperative sore throat incidence (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.82, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed no difference for single-lumen tubes (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.45 to 1.26, p = 0.28), but remained significant for double-lumen tubes (RR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.65, p < 0.00001). No significant difference was found in hoarseness (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.17, p = 0.34), but a lower incidence of vocal cord lesions (RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.68, p < 0.00001) was observed. No difference was found in the time to intubation (MD: −6.51, 95% CI: −20.04 to 7.02, p = 0.35). Conclusions: Thermal-softened ETTs may reduce the incidence of postoperative sore throat and vocal cord lesions but have no significant effect on hoarseness or intubation time. Full article
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19 pages, 2589 KiB  
Systematic Review
Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision Making Among Registered Nurses in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Nur Hidayah Zainal, Md Asiful Islam, Nur Syahmina Rasudin, Zakira Mamat, Tengku Muhammad Hanis, Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani and Kamarul Imran Musa
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050175 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Background: Critical thinking is fundamental for registered nurses (RNs) when making clinical decisions, which impact patient outcomes. This review aimed to identify studies on critical thinking and clinical decision making among nurses in clinical practice and synthesize their findings based on the regional [...] Read more.
Background: Critical thinking is fundamental for registered nurses (RNs) when making clinical decisions, which impact patient outcomes. This review aimed to identify studies on critical thinking and clinical decision making among nurses in clinical practice and synthesize their findings based on the regional area, observed findings, and predictive factors, and to assess the measurement tools used. Methods: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and SCOPUS databases up to December 2024 was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of included studies. Studies with similarly themed components were grouped for narrative synthesis. A meta-analysis of random-effects model calculations was performed. Results: This review included forty studies (twenty-four on CT, twelve on CDM, four on both) from various WHO regions, revealing diverse findings on observed skills. Ten CT and four CDM measurement tools were identified. Many studies also explored individual and group-level predictive factors for these skills. Meta-analyses of four common tools (CCTDI, NCT4P, CDMNS, and NDMI) showed significant heterogeneity, with statistically significant pooled mean scores. Conclusions: The synthesis highlights the global research on nurses’ critical thinking and clinical decision making, including the exploration of various predictive factors. However, the significant heterogeneity in the findings from meta-analyses of commonly used measurement tools underscores a need for more standardized measurement and analytical approaches, such as multilevel modeling, to better account for the hierarchical nature of potential predictive factors (individual and group levels), which would allow for more reliable comparisons and stronger conclusions in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breakthroughs in Nursing: Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making)
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15 pages, 1873 KiB  
Systematic Review
Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance in Russia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Dmitrii N. Andreev, Alsu R. Khurmatullina, Igor V. Maev, Dmitry S. Bordin, Andrey V. Zaborovskiy, Sayar R. Abdulkhakov, Yury A. Kucheryavyy, Filipp S. Sokolov and Petr A. Beliy
Antibiotics 2025, 14(5), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14050524 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the temporal changes in Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in Russia based on studies published over the past 15 years. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, the [...] Read more.
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the temporal changes in Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in Russia based on studies published over the past 15 years. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, the Russian Science Citation Index, and Google Scholar, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Our meta-analysis was pre-registered in PROSPERO (CRD 420251025636). The inclusion criteria included original research, published in English or Russian in 2011–2024, involving antibiotic susceptibility testing in treatment-naive Russian adults using validated diagnostic methods. Two independent researchers selected studies and extracted data using standardized procedures, with methodological quality assessed via the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled resistance rates were calculated using fixed/random-effects models in MedCalc 23.1.5 and Python 3.9.21, with meta-regression investigating temporal trends and subgroup analyses examining regional and methodological variations. Results: We identified 16 studies comprising 1206 H. pylori isolates. The pooled analysis of studies (2011–2025) revealed an overall clarithromycin resistance rate of 15.236%, with a significant temporal increase from 11.903% pre-2015 to 21.024% in 2020–2024 (p = 0.0049). Metronidazole showed consistently high pooled resistance (33.309%), while amoxicillin (1.828%), levofloxacin (19.014%), tetracycline (1.328%), and rifampicin (5.803%) maintained low resistance rates, and dual clarithromycin–metronidazole resistance was observed in 2.793% of isolates. Regional disparities were notable in the two largest cities of Russia, with 18.763% clarithromycin resistance in Moscow versus 28.540% in Saint-Petersburg. Conclusions: Russia surpasses the Maastricht VI Consensus resistance threshold for clarithromycin (15%), necessitating revision of empirical treatment strategies. The significant increase in clarithromycin resistance, potentially exacerbated by antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the urgent need for resistance-guided therapies and ongoing national surveillance programs to optimize H. pylori management. Full article
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16 pages, 896 KiB  
Systematic Review
Association Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Risk of Overall and Site-Specific Cancers (Pancreatic, Liver, Thyroid, Lung): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Lv Tian, Yixuan Wen, Chuanwang Liu, Tao Li and Jun Fan
Life 2025, 15(5), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050808 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder during pregnancy. However, current studies have not reached a consensus on the correlation between GDM and the risk of developing cancers. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to [...] Read more.
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder during pregnancy. However, current studies have not reached a consensus on the correlation between GDM and the risk of developing cancers. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the association between GDM and the risk of overall cancer and cancers at specific sites (pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer). Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from the establishment of the databases to 16 January 2025. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and extracted relevant data. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 17.0. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of 8 studies involving 1,936,836 participants. We calculated the pooled hazard ratio (HR) to evaluate the association, and the results showed that the pooled HR for overall cancer risk was 1.16 (95%CI: 1.04–1.28), indicating a significant increase in the risk of overall malignancies among patients with GDM. GDM was also significantly associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer (HR = 2.80; 95%CI: 1.20–6.55), thyroid cancer (HR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.08–1.36), and liver cancer (HR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.10–1.61). Additionally, the association between GDM and lung cancer was close to being statistically significant (HR = 1.19; 95%CI: 0.98–1.44). Conclusion: Our study suggests that GDM is associated with an increased risk of overall cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and liver cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
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19 pages, 888 KiB  
Article
Sweet Taste Receptors’ Genetic Variability in Advanced Potential Targets of Obesity
by Sonia Wagner-Reguero, Lara P. Fernández, Gonzalo Colmenarejo, Silvia Cruz-Gil, Isabel Espinosa, Susana Molina, María Carmen Crespo, Elena Aguilar-Aguilar, Helena Marcos-Pasero, Rocío de la Iglesia, Viviana Loria-Kohen, Ricardo Ramos Ruiz, Moisés Laparra-Llopis, Ana Ramírez de Molina and Marta Gómez de Cedrón
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101712 - 18 May 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
Background: Obesity, mainly visceral obesity, causes a low-grade of chronic inflammation (meta-inflammation), associated with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Precision Nutrition aims to understand the bidirectional crosstalk between the genome and diet to improve human health. [...] Read more.
Background: Obesity, mainly visceral obesity, causes a low-grade of chronic inflammation (meta-inflammation), associated with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Precision Nutrition aims to understand the bidirectional crosstalk between the genome and diet to improve human health. Additionally, by leveraging individual data, Precision Nutrition seeks to predict how people will respond to specific foods or dietary patterns, with the ultimate goal of providing personalized nutritional recommendations tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle factors, including poor dietary habits (e.g., high intake of sugar or saturated fatty acids, alcohol consumption, etc.) and sedentary habits, exacerbate obesity in genetically predisposed individuals. Genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors can play a crucial role during obesity. Objective: To investigate the effects of genetic variability in sweet taste receptors and their downstream signaling pathways in the gut–brain axis on anthropometry, biochemistry, and lifestyle variables. Methods: A sample of 676 volunteers (mean age of 42.22 ± 12 years, ranging from 18 to 73 years) from the database of the GENYAL platform for nutritional trials at the IMDEA Food Institute were included in this study. We present a first-in-class genetic chip, Glucosensing, designed to interrogate 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in genes encoding sweet taste receptors and components of downstream signaling pathways. These include elements of the gut–brain axis and its associated metabolic networks, enabling a comprehensive analysis of individual variability in sweet taste perception and metabolic responses. Results: Several significant associations were found after correction for multiple comparisons, representing potential targets for personalized interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gene–Diet Interactions and Obesity)
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16 pages, 1035 KiB  
Review
Spread Through Air Spaces (STAS) as a Predictive and Prognostic Factor in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—Systematic Review
by Mikołaj Herba, Sylwia Boczek, Wiktoria Smyła-Gruca, Katarzyna Kost, Damian Czyżewski and Mateusz Rydel
Cancers 2025, 17(10), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17101696 - 18 May 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in the general population and the third most prevalent among women. STAS (Spread Through Air Spaces) is a term used in pathology, particularly in lung cancer. It refers to the spread of tumor cells [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in the general population and the third most prevalent among women. STAS (Spread Through Air Spaces) is a term used in pathology, particularly in lung cancer. It refers to the spread of tumor cells through air spaces in the lung tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of STAS as a predictive and prognostic factor, as well as to assess the impact of STAS detection on subsequent surgical and pharmacological treatment decisions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, PMC, and Google Scholar between June and September 2024. Search terms included ‘STAS’, ‘lung cancer’, ‘NSCLC’, ‘SCLC’, ‘PET and STAS’, ‘histopathological STAS’, ‘treatment methods for STAS’, and ‘STAS prognosis’. A diverse range of study designs was included in our analysis—encompassing meta-analyses, case-control studies, literature reviews, cross-sectional studies, and prospective longitudinal studies. Results: Lobectomy remains standard, whereas sublobar resection significantly increases recurrence risk in STAS-positive patients. CT, PET/CT, and frozen section analysis offer emerging, reliable predictive markers, supporting optimized treatment selection; however, histopathological examination continues to serve as the standard method for confirming STAS. Conclusions: One of the most significant limitations of our work is the limited number of available studies addressing the topic of STAS, which is the reason why statistical analysis was not provided. To conclude, the presence of STAS is identified as a negative prognostic factor amongst patients with NSCLC; however further research is needed to establish specific treatment guidelines when STAS is identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Tumor Microenvironment)
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