Search

If properly used, condoms can serve as an effective family planning method and preventive tool towards sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Despite its anticipated effectiveness, there are different myths and misconceptions which have been observed as hindrances to both its use and effectiveness. This review examines the myths and misconceptions of condom use among youths and explores challenges in condom usage in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). A narrative review was employed of which different journal articles were reviewed. The search words/phrases were "condom use in SSA, condom use among youths in SSA, myths and misconceptions on condom use among youths in SSA." A total of 1074 studies were identified, 93 were relevant to the topic, and only 71 suited the review. The identified myths and misconceptions of condom use include that males were the ones to decide on the use of condoms during sexual intercourse, economic power determines the use of condoms, condom use reduces sexual pleasure, condom use relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and condom use is against God's will. Other identified myths and misconceptions of condom use include that the use of condoms is a sign of lack of trust associated with fornication and adultery, also the use of condoms is only for family planning purposes. The challenges identified were breakage of condom during sexual intercourse, condom slippage, condom leakage, incorrect storage, and reuse of condoms. The identified myths and misconceptions lead to low knowledge of condom use within communities. There is a need for collaboration between governments, researchers, and NGOs to provide education on condom use to communities, particularly youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Paediatric patients in Australia experience lengthy wait times for Primary and Allied Healthcare Service (PAHCS) appointments. This results in a lack of satisfaction and adverse health outcomes. However, very few studies have explored wait times for appointments with PAHCSs in Australia. This study explored the length of wait time and associated barriers to timely access to paediatric PAHCSs in Australia. Methods. The scoping review followed PRISMA‐ScR guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. We comprehensively searched for relevant studies from five databases, including Scopus, Emcare, Medline (via Ovid), CINAHL, and Google Scholar in August 2023 without any time limitations. Studies that reported qualitative findings on the wait times and associated barriers to timely accessing to PAHCSs were selected in this scoping review. We performed a reflexive thematic analysis using NVivo software in this review. Results. A total of seven studies out of ninety‐one retrieved records were eligible to be included in this review. Studies show that Australian children, in general, had to wait more than one year for health assessments and interventions in PAHCSs. The long waiting times were perceived as frustrating and worrying by caregivers of children. Several overarching themes related to the barriers of timely accessing to paediatric PAHCSs in Australia were identified, such as strict appointment criteria for children, disparity between demand and provision, parental unawareness, and inadequate public funding in rural PAHCSs. Conclusion. Australian paediatric patients are severely burdened with long wait times for appointments with PAHCSs, primarily, due to the poor government initiatives in rural PAHCSs. This study suggested that the criteria for booking an appointment in PAHCSs need to be simplified. Besides, adequate public health funding and the provision of resources are required in rural PAHCSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Despite existing evidence on the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), programs are underutilized. Factors affecting referral and enrolment in hospital‐based CR were identified; however, research into factors affecting referral and enrolment in community‐based CR is lacking. Aim. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and synthesize facilitators and challenges in the transition of patient care from hospital to community healthcare services and how they influence CR referral and enrolment. Method. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant publications. The data were analysed using thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. The study followed the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute's model. Result. In total, 36 studies were included in this analysis. The results show that facilitators and challenges for referral and enrolment in CR form a complex interaction. Factors influencing referral and enrolment may be setting‐dependent or ‐independent. However, each setting may influence the entire transition. Conclusion. The patient decision‐making process regarding CR may begin in the hospital, indicating that this period is the right time to encourage CR enrolment. To support patient transition, healthcare professionals at hospitals require knowledge of CR and the ability to prioritize patient support. Offering an initial meeting at a local site may decrease patient prejudice and facilitate enrolment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Patients with hormone receptor‐positive (HR+), HER2‐negative (HER2−) breast cancers have the lowest response to neoadjuvant therapy of all subtypes. The role of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) in clinically node‐positive (cN+), HR+, HER2− patients is evaluated in this meta‐analysis. Methods. This study was performed between January 2010 and August 2022. We evaluated the node pathologic complete response (pCR) and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) rates after neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET). Results. 18,037 HR+, HER2−, cN+ stage II and stage III breast cancer patients within eleven studies received neoadjuvant treatments. 3,707 (20.6%) patients received NET and 14,330 (79.4%) received NAC. The average age of the NET patients was higher than that of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) patients (64.1 versus 47.6 years old, p < 0.001). 45.0% and 26.9% of the NET and the NAC groups underwent a lumpectomy. The pooled estimates of node pCR in NET and NAC groups were 8.9% and 14.9%, and the pooled proportion of ALND was 39.1% and 58.5%, respectively. Conclusion. The rate of node pCR was lower among cN+ patients who received NET compared to the NAC group. The rate of ALND among cN+ NET patients was lower than the NAC group, revealing more patients with residual nodal disease do not get ALND in the NET group. Further prospective studies are required to compare survival outcomes as a more reliable surrogate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Increased life expectancy leads to consequent long-term care needs, where informal caregivers may experience overload and strain associated with caregiving, influencing the well-being and health of individuals and eventually leading to an effort to fulfill their role. Within this context, a condition called caregiver role strain has been identified. Objective. To investigate the clinical indicators of the nursing diagnosis caregiver role strain as described in the literature. Materials and Methods. This study is a systematic review of diagnostic accuracy conducted in October 2023, following the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The review protocol was registered and approved in the Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews under registration number CRD42022377411. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias and quality of the studies. The databases included SciVerse Scopus (Elsevier), MEDLINE/PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), CINAHL with Full Text (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (APA), with 48 articles included for quantitative synthesis. Results. Fourteen defining characteristics were identified from the literature, with a predominance of the following indicators: depressive symptoms (45.8%), anxiety (41.6%), physical decline (31.2%), fatigue (22.9%), disturbed sleep pattern (20.8%), emotional disturbance, and irritability (16.6%). The findings suggest that, within the defined circumstances and limitations of the study, examining defining characteristics for the diagnosis caregiver role strain holds potential for advancing scientific knowledge regarding human responses to the challenges experienced by caregivers. Evidence for Practice. The study aligns with clinically relevant indicators crucial for refining and updating the diagnosis, thereby enhancing its level of evidence and clinical accuracy. Simultaneously, it supports addressing the gap in caregiver support and standardized nursing care plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with disabilities in out-of-home care (OOHC) are an overrepresented group in Australia, yet little is known about their circumstances, needs, and experiences within OOHC. Utilising a systematic scoping review methodology, we explored the state of knowledge about the experiences of children and young people with a disability in out-of-home care in Australia. Findings in this review speak to the unmet needs and challanges that children with disabilities face in child welfare systems and how systemic failures can lead to institutional pipelines of further maltreatment, adversity, and marginalisation. The review discusses the key themes in the literature, including (i) compounding trauma and placement failures, (ii) concerns of safety, stability, and neglect, (iii) limited control and choice, and (iv) disability and multisystem involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a highly potent chemotherapy drug. But its nephrotoxicity poses a significant limitation to its use. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been proposed to play a role in drug-induced nephrotoxicity. This systematic review (SR) sought to identify the link between CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity and the RAS pathway. In this SR, relevant keywords were employed to explore databases such as PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus (Elsevier), and Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science up to October 2023. Nine studies were selected based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The findings support the involvement of the RAS in the CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity model, along with the activation of inflammatory mediators, lipid peroxidation, and changes in markers of kidney tissue damage. Furthermore, physiology and pathology of RAS-related interventions in CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity models have involved the factors such as human organic cation transporter 2 (hOCT2), organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B1 (OATP1B1) and 1B3, kallikrein-kinin system, and bradykinin receptors. CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity has been found to be substantially influenced by both classic and nonclassic RAS axes. Angiotensin II exacerbates renal damage induced by CDDP. Conversely, inhibiting the pressor arm of RAS in males mitigates this damage. However, activation of the renal vasodepressor arm of RAS exacerbates CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity in females. These findings underscore gender differences in renal function and response to RAS-related interventions in the presence of CDDP. This SR provides insights into both beneficial and adverse interventions associated with RAS in the CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, offering valuable considerations for researchers and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing formal care and support in the home has many benefits. Applying a human rights-based approach places the person and their human rights at the centre of all that a health and social care service does. There is a paucity of evidence on how to apply a human rights-based approach in practice when providing homecare. Increasing knowledge and understanding of human rights will empower health and social care practitioners to protect and promote human rights in formal homecare. The aim of this narrative review was to identify and describe human rights-based approaches in homecare, in order to promote awareness and understanding of a human rights-based approach. Five bibliographic databases were searched. Primary research studies pertaining to the delivery of formal homecare that included a human rights-based approach were eligible for inclusion. Sixteen articles were identified for inclusion. Quality appraisal and data extraction were conducted on included studies. A deductive framework analysis was used and concepts of a human rights-based approach that emerged from the literature as relevant to homecare were as follows: dignity and respect, autonomy, equality, participation, and communication. We found that homecare planning and delivery requires the integration of human rights, using approaches, such as person-centred care, partnerships in decision-making, supporting independence, and acknowledging a person's beliefs and cultures, in everyday practice. Findings from this review can support and enable service providers to apply human rights in everyday practice, ultimately for the benefit of people using homecare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In addition to the usual difficulty of managing human capital in any organization, healthcare institutions have other problems to solve arising from the circumstances and the very nature of the work they perform, such as the ethical pressure on staff, emotional exhaustion, the distribution of work shifts, or the general shortage for nurses. In many cases, this situation has an impact on the quality of care. Objective. The main objective of this research is to compile, in a single document, human resource practices that help health centre managers improve results in terms of performance and quality of care, as well as avoid the intention of abandoning the job, specifically related to the work of nurses. Methods. To this end, a systematic literature review has been performed based on 229 papers published in the Web of Science database, from which the practical implications for nurses proposed by these authors have been extracted. Results. The main results suggest that developing affective commitment helps to improve organizational performance and enhance patient safety culture. Furthermore, improving communication and meaningfulness of work, recognition by superiors, or job flexibility would improve the quality of outcomes, for the work of nurses. Conclusions and Implications for Nursing. Stimulating normative commitment, reducing excessive control, and paying attention to job burnout and job stress help combat the intention of voluntary turnover or leaving the job, especially in the case of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Many COVID-19 patients display adverse symptoms, such as reduced physical ability, poor quality of life, and impaired pulmonary function. Therefore, this systematic review is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of physical exercise on various psychophysiological indicators among COVID-19 patients who may be at any stage of their illness (i.e., critically ill, hospitalized, postdischarge, and recovering). Methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 2019 to 2021. Twenty-seven studies, which assessed a total of 1525 patients, were included and analysed. Results. Overall, data revealed significant improvements in the following parameters: physical function, dyspnoea, pulmonary function, quality of life (QOL), lower limb endurance and strength, anxiety, depression, physical activity level, muscle strength, oxygen saturation, fatigue, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), lymphocyte, leukocytes, and a fibrin degradation product (D-dimer). Conclusions. Physical training turns out to be an effective therapy that minimises the severity of COVID-19 in the intervention group compared to the standard treatment. Therefore, physical training could be incorporated into conventional treatment of COVID-19 patients. More randomized controlled studies with follow-up evaluations are required to evaluate the long-term advantages of physical training. Future research is essential to establish the optimal exercise intensity level and assess the musculoskeletal fitness of recovered COVID-19 patients. This trial is registered with CRD42021283087. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Healthcare organisations need to define the role of the nurse manager in light of recent global health developments. For this purpose, several core competencies essential for each hierarchical management level need to be assessed. Different measurement instruments have been developed to assess nurse managers' competencies. This systematic review summarises the characteristics and psychometric properties of existing instruments measuring first-, middle-, and top-level nurse managers' competencies. Methods. Following PRISMA guidelines for reporting and COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines, 789 articles were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and APA PsycINFO databases with no time limitation. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023425854). Results. Ten tools were identified, assessing one or more competencies among nurse managers: Competency Elements for Nurse Managers of Tertiary General Hospitals, NICA-NL, HCCI, I-FLNMMCS, NMCI, Chase Nurse Manager Competency Questionnaire, CASHN, Questionnaire for Head Nurses' Managerial Competencies, Nurse Manager EBP Competency Scale, and the Home Healthcare Nurse Manager Assessment Tool. Conclusion. Following the COSMIN assessment, the Chase Nurse Manager Competency Instrument was the most comprehensive among the included instruments, and the CASHN questionnaire scored highest on methodological quality and level of evidence. These instruments can be used in clinical practice to evaluate competencies and as a basis for developing managerial training courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To systematically map and identify key knowledge on organizational support for nurses' career planning and development. Design. Scoping review. Methods. Systematic electronic searches were carried out with the CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in May 2022. The searches were limited to scientific, peer-review papers that were published in English from January 2012 to May 2022. Data were extracted and synthetized and are presented in tables and text. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results. We identified 1,400 papers and 28 met the inclusion criteria. Organizations recognized nurses' career planning and development in relation to the individual's professional development and the organization's need to promote high-quality services and workforce engagement. The organizational support included strategic work to ensure there were adequate resources and purposeful vacancies and a structured framework based on objective qualification criteria and equal assessment. Organizations focused on sharing knowledge, structured career planning, and interpersonal support. Support within the nursing profession and multilayered interprofessional collaboration were also important. Conclusion. Nurses' career planning and development was linked to their personal development and the organization's aims and required support from both fellow nurses and other professionals. Implications for the Nursing Management. Identifying the organizational structures and methods that are needed to support nurses' career planning and development can help nursing management to evaluate and develop strategies that improve the attractiveness of a nursing career and nurses' engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. This umbrella review aims to comprehensively synthesize and analyze the findings of available systematic reviews on the effectiveness of individual-based strategies for reducing nurse burnout occurring in hospital-based settings. Methods. Following JBI guidelines, an umbrella review was conducted to integrate the effectiveness of various strategies to reduce burnout. Systematic reviews were searched in the Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane Library, CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, and WOS databases. Inclusion criteria included studies published in any language from database inception to April 2023. Eligibility assessment involved two independent reviewers who evaluated titles, abstracts, and full texts. The systematic reviews were critically evaluated using JBI SUMARI. The results were narratively synthesized and grouped by strategy. Results. Eleven systematic reviews were included, covering the years 2012 to 2021. The appraisal tools varied, though all included reviews were of high quality. The strategies were categorized into three domains: mental health (51%), physical activities (26%), and professional competence (13%). The interventions most identified were mindfulness-based stress reduction for mental health, yoga for physical activities, and professional competence education. These individual-based strategies were shown to effectively eliminate emotional exhaustion (72.7%), depersonalization (44%), and occupational stress (78%) among nurses in hospital-based settings. Conclusion. Mental health, physical activities, and professional competence are strategies to reduce nurse burnout. Implementing these approaches in healthcare settings can improve emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and occupational stress of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) programs are essential in encompassing not only the affected children but also their family system and the healthcare and educational professionals involved. Despite the field's significance, there is a notable scarcity in current literature, which underscores the pressing need for further research into the attributes of PPC programs that effectively enhance the quality of life (QoL) for pediatric patients. This study particularly emphasizes the pivotal role of schools as key community resources within this framework, highlighting the crucial aspect of educational integration in PPC. Through a systematic review of relevant literature and applying stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified pertinent studies across various databases. Of these, 30 articles met our criteria and were subject to a thorough qualitative analysis. Our findings indicate that while PPC programs may vary in their methodologies, they consistently share certain core elements that significantly boost the QoL for pediatric patients. These include a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual facets of care; encourages the active involvement of the patient in decision-making processes; and ensures timely access to PPC services. Importantly, our analysis identified the critical role of educational settings in enhancing QoL, shedding light on the vital need for educational inclusion and the integration of schools into the broader spectrum of PPC services. The distinct individual perceptions of QoL and the varied international practices in PPC underscore the imperative to tailor successful strategies to specific local contexts, thereby fostering the global well-being of pediatric palliative care patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There is a high prevalence of homeless people with psychotic disorders and supported housing is often required. However, there is little evidence about supported housing services, especially in low-middle income countries. This rapid review synthesizes evidence about the experiences of users and providers of community-based accommodation services for people living with serious mental illness internationally to understand priorities for policy and practice. Methods. PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and reference lists were searched to identify 1344 studies. The inclusion criteria specified qualitative studies about users' and/or providers' views of the accommodation services for adults aged 18+ years with serious mental illness. Title, abstract, and full-text screening were conducted in duplicate, and quality appraisal was conducted using the standard for reporting qualitative research tool. Data extraction was conducted using both Excel and Word documents, and we used thematic analysis to report findings. Results. Only 43 studies were identified for inclusion. Service users' and providers' experiences of accommodation services from high income countries and low-middle income countries were similar. Both the service providers and users appreciated housing, and service providers mentioned it was not a sufficient step towards independent living. Shortage of resources in low-middle income countries made it challenging for some service providers to provide care because they had to choose between buying medicine or food. While service users needed greater availability of service providers, providers were at risk of burnout. Although some service providers were trained to respond to stigmatizing events, some users continued to experience stigma from their family members, society, and service providers. Conclusions. People living with serious mental illness and service providers value the housing provision but globally their experience of this provision is relatively poor compared to mainstream society, suggesting people living with serious mental illness remain disadvantaged. Further research should explore low-cost housing options that will provide quality person-centered care for people living with serious mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Lung cancer (LC) patients suffer from multiple cooccurring symptoms. Interventions that have the potential to impact more than one symptom within a symptom cluster should be identified. The aim of this review was to examine nonpharmacological interventions that were effective in the management of one or more of the following symptoms in LC patients: dyspnea, fatigue, physical functioning (PF), and role functioning (RF). Methods. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used for reporting this systematic review. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (using the PubMed interface), Embase (using the embase.com interface), and Web of Science were used as electronic databases. Randomized controlled studies were included if they assessed the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on dyspnea, fatigue, PF, and/or RF in patients with LC. Studies were evaluated with the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and relevant data were extracted and narratively summarized. Results and Conclusions. In total, 89 articles were included. Search results (until April 2023) show that most evidence was found for exercise interventions, followed by multicomponent, psychoeducational, diet, acupuncture, and other interventions. Studies that had an effect on multiple symptoms were observed to have the most frequent instances of positively affecting dyspnea, followed by PF, fatigue, and RF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Income support programs (ISPs) are important social policy measures to reduce the risk of poverty among older adults. Over the years, developing countries including South Asian countries have introduced various ISPs to support the older population. This scoping review will provide information on ISPs for older adults in South Asia and will map the evidence available on the impact of these programs. This scoping review uses the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) methodology. Older adults living in South Asia were included, and ISPs were considered as the "concept." Eight electronic databases and organizational/governmental websites were searched for English language publications from January 2000 to May 2021. Four authors independently screened and extracted the data and analyzed it by descriptive statistics. A total of 115 studies provided information on ISPs for older adults and 25 on the impact of these programs. The identified studies covered all types of ISPs; however, government-sponsored or pillar 0 (ISP classification) programs were the most common. They also covered a vast spectrum of all types of study designs. The most common schemes are social pensions that work towards sustainable development goals (Goal 1.3) of social protection for all. Future research should focus on studying the impact of ISPs and expanding the ISPs for older adults in low-coverage countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary healthcare for those experiencing mental illness requires healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to effectively incorporate the prescription of exercise in their treatment, in accordance with clinical guidelines. However, there has been a lack of effective implementation of such recommendations. The purpose of this review was to identify barriers to exercise prescription in the treatment of people diagnosed with mental illness as perceived by HCPs. APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published in the period from January 2005 to September 2023. A total of 18 papers were included for thematic synthesis. Four key themes were identified across the qualitative (8), quantitative (6), and mixed method (4) papers, including a lack of knowledge and confidence of HCPs in prescribing exercise; role and responsibility; HCPs' misconceptions of client barriers; and systemic issues impacting exercise prescription practices. A lack of knowledge or confidence was the most common barrier. Some HCPs indicated a desire to develop their skills in exercise prescription, while others indicated a preference for an exercise professional to take responsibility for this aspect of treatment. Systemic barriers were spread across a range of issues, with lack of time, excessive workload, and difficulties accessing qualified staff most commonly cited. This review provides further insight into the barriers to exercise prescription faced by HCPs and makes recommendations regarding how to address these barriers in order to better implement clinical guidelines and thus improve the quality of treatment provided to people diagnosed with a mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public services have increasingly sought to use lay assessors (often known as "experts by experience") as members of inspection teams in health, social care, and education settings. This involvement has been credited as giving more influence to users over how services ought to run. Yet, little is known about the process or outcome of engaging with lay assessors. We conducted a systematic review to understand the benefits and challenges of involving lay assessors in the inspection of public services. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched the literature in English using five bibliographic databases with the date of publication limited to 2000 onward. Across 27 eligible studies, results suggest that including diverse views and perspectives is a strength, yet little consideration is given to issues of "representativeness" of lay assessors or the power differentials within mixed groups that can shape which perspectives gain dominance. Despite a frequent rehearsal of the many benefits of involving lay assessors in inspections as a potential force to drive up the quality of inspections and inspected services, the impact of including lay assessors in inspections in terms of improving services was hard to determine. When designing training for lay assessors, services needed to carefully consider the tension between maintaining the assessor's "naive eye" versus becoming "professionalised." It was also apparent that expectations are often not clearly shared over how lay perspectives could be included in final inspection reports, thus risking disengagement. Involving lay assessors is still a fairly novel, yet rich and meaningful way to improve services, yet a lack of clear expectations, and typical exclusion of lay assessors in setting standards for regulation, can still act as barriers to meaningful involvement, preventing lay views from being heard and acted upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The MRSA colonization of neonates, attributed to various sources, including mothers, healthcare workers, and environmental surfaces, can lead to severe infection, prolonged hospital stays, and even death, imposing substantial economic burdens. Given the pressing need to mitigate MRSA spread in these vulnerable environments, further examination of the subject is warranted. This systematic review is aimed at synthesizing available evidence on MRSA carriage proportions among mothers of newborns, healthcare workers, and environmental surfaces in NICUs. Methodology. We included observational studies published in English or French from database inception to March 21, 2023. These studies focused on MRSA in nonoutbreak NICU settings, encompassing healthy neonate mothers and healthcare workers, and environmental surfaces. Literature search involved systematic scanning of databases, including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health, and Global Index Medicus. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Hoy et al. critical appraisal scale. The extracted data were summarized to calculate the pooled proportion of MRSA positives, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) based on the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Results. A total of 1891 articles were retrieved from which 16 studies were selected for inclusion. Most of the studies were from high-income countries. The pooled proportion of MRSA carriage among 821 neonate mothers across four countries was found to be 2.1% (95% CI: 0.3-5.1; I 2 = 76.6 %, 95% CI: 36.1-91.5). The proportion of MRSA carriage among 909 HCWs in eight countries was determined to be 9.5% (95% CI: 3.1-18.4; I 2 = 91.7 %, 95% CI: 87.1-94.6). The proportion of MRSA carriage among HCWs was highest in the Western Pacific Region, at 50.00% (95% CI: 23.71-76.29). In environmental specimens from five countries, a pooled proportion of 16.6% (95% CI: 3.5-36.0; I 2 = 97.7 %, 95% CI: 96.6-98.4) was found to be MRSA-positive. Conclusion. With a significant heterogeneity, our systematic review found high MRSA carriage rates in neonate mothers, healthcare workers, and across various environmental surfaces in NICUs, posing a potential risk of nosocomial infections. Urgent interventions, including regular screening and decolonization of MRSA carriers, reinforcing infection control measures, and enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures within NICUs, are crucial. This trial is registered with CRD42023407114. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Sexuality in residential aged care is a complex and often overlooked aspect of aged care. The attitudes of both staff and residents significantly influence how sexuality is perceived and addressed in these settings. This scoping review aims to compile, analyse, and identify gaps in the existing research concerning the attitudes of residents and staff towards sexuality within the context of residential aged care. Methods. The scoping review involved a systematic search across eight databases, yielding 469 unique articles, with 29 included studies. Results. Thematic synthesis within the selected studies disclosed three themes: hollow attitudes, postsexual residents, and organizational setbacks. Discussion. The results emphasize the significance of treating sexuality as a fundamental right, emphasizing that it should be not only acknowledged in theory but also implemented in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As modern nursing advances at an astounding rate, existential advocacy (EA) is vital for delivering patient care in line with wellness goals and personal values. This concept analysis aims to define EA within the context of nursing and align the concept with Jean Watson's Unitary Caring Science (UCS) and her 10 Caritas Processes. A comprehensive literature search identified 12 relevant publications from the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and CINAHL. Subsequently, utilizing Walker and Avant's method for concept analysis, a standardized structure to identify EA's defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents emerged. Antecedents for EA are patient vulnerability, nurse-patient rapport, nurse autonomy to act as an advocate, and patient request for advocacy. Defining attributes of EA include the following: supporting patient self-determination, caring-trusting nurse-patient relationship, promoting individualized meaning of health and wellness, and encouraging values-based problem-solving. The optimal consequence of EA is patients' awareness of their current health status, leading to individualized care and decision-making based on a patient's values. EA is a nurse's effort to support and promote their patients' right to self-determination by helping them discern their holistic health and wellness situation and then clarify their values within that reality. Watson's UCS and 10 Caritas Processes align with EA to facilitate nurse-patient transpersonal caring occasions. EA explicates the care and advocacy nurses provide into a defined concept while highlighting nurses' essential role in patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With EA better defined, the concept can be assessed, measured, and implemented within the discipline of nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health services research is important in improving health systems' and providers' efficiency and effectiveness. This may require health services to intervene at an individual and community level to address people's complex social issues. An important issue is social connections, which have been identified as a social determinant of health and can help buffer stressful life events. Social support networks can be visualized using eco-maps, a tool that originated in child welfare practices and has been adopted widely by clinicians and researchers. This paper aims to understand where and how eco-maps have been used in health services research. To answer the research questions, this scoping review used the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews. In total, 70 studies were included in the scoping review. The authors found that social support denoted in an eco-map does not guarantee the provision of support; however, the dialogue needed to create an eco-map could facilitate conversations about care expectations, identification of vulnerable points or risk factors, and actions to improve family and individual functioning. A significant gap remains in the knowledge and use of eco-maps in identifying population service and resource gaps and how to bridge the knowledge-to-action chasm better. Further exploration is needed to examine how to optimize the application of eco-mapping in the health services context, including generating guidelines, templates, or instructions for implementation. Therefore, addressing this gap is vital for ensuring eco-mapping informs future service design and policy changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Metformin is commonly prescribed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, but in some cases, it may not be effective even at high doses or may cause intolerable side effects. Therefore, recent studies have examined the impact of combining metformin with other antidiabetic medications. Methods. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to 30 June 2023. All interventional studies that assessed the efficacy of different antidiabetic agents were included. Results. Among the 3488 records found in the primary search, 16 papers were included. Our study showed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) had the most significant impact on glycemic profile, while thiazolidinediones (TZDs) had the most influence on lipid levels. However, it was observed that patients taking only metformin experienced a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively modified various anthropometric measurements, such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. The effects of different antidiabetic drugs on hormone levels were inconclusive, although testosterone levels were more affected by GLP1RA, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and TZDs. None of the combined therapies showed a significant change in blood pressure. Conclusion. Since PCOS is a metabolic disorder, choosing the best combination of antidiabetic drugs in the clinical course of PCOS patients will be very important. Today, it seems that we need a new metabolic approach for better treatment of the metabolic aspects of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alongside formal agencies and specialist services, informal and social networks play a pivotal role in responding to domestic abuse in the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbours are uniquely placed to recognise domestic abuse, respond to victim-survivors, and refer to wider services. Yet, informal networks may not know how to respond and feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped to offer support. This mixed method systematic review examined the role of training for equipping and enabling informal supporters to respond to disclosures of abuse. To do so, four bibliographic databases, alongside specialist repositories and websites, were searched for empirical studies of educational programmes tailored towards informal networks. Nine included studies were subject to data extraction and quality appraisal by two members of the review team. A thematic synthesis of qualitative data was undertaken to identify the characteristics of training deemed important by informal supporters. The findings focused on engaging informal supporters in the issue of domestic abuse, training content, materials, and delivery. The themes were translated into ten recommendations and juxtaposed with studies reporting quantitative evidence of effectiveness. The resulting matrix was used to identify five characteristics of successful training for informal supporters. These included training content that covered (a) warning signs and nature of domestic abuse, (b) impacts of abuse, and (c) how to respond/local resources. Tailoring training to the context/audience and the use of nontext formats were also evidenced by included studies. The review highlights the potential of educational programmes for enabling community responses to victim-survivors. Such interventions offer opportunities for formal agencies to collaborate with informal networks and strengthen the societal-wide response to domestic abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RUNX2, known as the core-binding factor subunit alpha-1 (Cbfa1), is a protein-coding gene recognized and responsible for its involvement in bone development and osteoblast differentiation. However, its dysregulation and aberrant expression have been linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This review highlights the significance of the RUNX2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Objectives. To review the contribution of the RUNX2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its implication on clinical diagnosis and treatments. Materials and Methods. A systematic scoping review was conducted to elucidate the role of RUNX2 in OSCC. A framework of five stages for scoping reviews outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) was adopted for the current study. Results. The review showed that RUNX2 plays a role in the development and progression of OSCC, a common form of head and neck cancer. Conclusion. RUNX2 is an essential player in the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and its dysregulation promotes tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, making it a potential target therapy for future research aimed at developing novel therapies for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical Relevance. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which RUNX2 contributes to OSCC pathogenesis can lead to target treatment for this challenging form of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To analyze the literature on nursing administrative actions related to patient education to inform healthcare organizations for the development of patient education and identify the knowledge gaps for future research. Background. Patient education is a patient's right, yet numerous organizational factors can hinder the effective delivery of patient education. Nursing administrative actions can mediate these factors, but little is known about nursing administration in patient education. Evaluation. A systematic integrative review was conducted in October 2022 on five databases (CINAHL (Ebsco), PubMed, Web of Science, ABI/Inform, and Business Source Complete). No time limitations were set. Empirical research articles reporting nursing administrative actions related to educational actions as a main topic were screened and evaluated. The data analysis was based on a constant comparison method. Key Issues. There were 3,110 studies identified, of which five quantitative and four qualitative studies were included. Three main themes were generated from the data describing nursing administrative actions related to patient education: (1) strengthen the commitment to patient education, (2) ensure the necessary resources for patient education, and (3) enhance patient education policies. Conclusion. This review provides insights into nursing administration in patient education, focusing on commitment, resources, and policies. It not only highlights the critical role of nurse administrators but also calls for further research to assess the impact of these actions. Implications for Nursing Management. The findings of this review will be useful for nurse administrators by providing knowledge about nursing administrative actions in patient education and underlining the need for them to pay more attention to it. The implications for nursing management also include supporting further research in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's health is the foundation of society's health and it can be achieved only by addressing all aspects of their health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the prevalence of social health of Iranian women and related factors. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used for reporting; the terms "social health," "women," "Iran," and related keywords were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsychoInfo, ProQuest and local databases, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Elmnet, and Noormags up to August 2022. The published English or Persian quantitative primary studies which were conducted in Iran and reported social health or its dimensions among Iranian women were included. The studies were assessed by quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies developed by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. From the 786 studies retrieved, 22 studies were finally included surveying different groups of women. Age, marital status, education, employment, socioeconomic status, social support, social participation, social trust, social security, communication skills, and self-esteem were the factors affecting women's social health. Five studies entered meta-analysis and mean score of social health was 98.54 (95% CI: 87.56–109.51) and it was the lowest among women who were the head of households. Since women's social health has been less considered in the society and research studies, further policies, legislations, and capacity building in mentioned fields are necessary. As social health is an important aspect of health, it is necessary for governments to address the known determinants of women's social health in order to plan and promote the health of women, family, and finally society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To review the scientific literature related to human microbiota and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Methodology. An exploratory and systematic review of the articles retrieved from the bibliographic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus, published in the last 10 years with the following descriptors: "lymphoma, T-cell, cutaneous," "microbiota," "Mycosis Fungoides," "Sézary Syndrome," "lymphoma, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell," "Lymphomatoid Papulosis" and "Microbiota," "microbiota," "Microbial Community," and "Microbial Communities." Results. Of the 87 references retrieved, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected. Most studies linking cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and the microbiota focus on the cutaneous microbiome, with Staphylococcus aureus being the main related agent. Skin colonization by this bacterium could be involved in the hyperactivation of the STAT3 inflammatory pathway and in the overproduction of IL-17, both of which are widely related to the development of more aggressive and advanced forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. We also found evidence of a possible relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and the development of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, observing a decrease in taxonomic variability and an increase in certain genera such as Prevotella in the intestinal microbiome of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The possible etiopathogenic mechanism underlying this relationship could be explained by an increase in systemic cytokine release, promoting the hyperactivation of STAT3 at the skin level. Conclusion. There appears to be a relationship between cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and the cutaneous and intestinal microbiome, as well as a possible pathophysiological pathway involved. The possible modulation of the cutaneous and intestinal microbiome or the action on the signaling inflammatory pathway, using pharmacological tools such as JAK inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors in the latter case, could open the possibility for future therapeutic studies for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation. Trust is the central part of leadership and organizational culture and can often go unnoticed until it decreases. There is a lack of a comprehensive concept analysis of trust in the healthcare setting. Research Purpose. The research aim was to gather, assess, and synthesize previous empirical evidence from the field of healthcare about the concepts of trust in the leader and trust in the organization. Motivation for the Study. To create a comprehensive and generic concept analysis of trust in the leader and organization for the healthcare sector based on recent empirical studies. Research Design and Method. A concept analysis, which followed the method presented by Walker and Avant, was conducted as a systematic review that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of eight databases were searched for relevant literature and 42 articles were included. Main Findings. The definitions of trust in the leader and the organization were based on emotion and cognition. Trust in the leader emerged as a core feature of collaborative leader-employee relationships, whereas trust in the organization was a key construct of organizational functioning. Trust in the leader and the organization contributed to commitment, increased work production, enhanced collaboration, and improved workplace well-being. Defense mechanisms were identified as a new contrary concept, while justice was found to be a related concept. Contribution. Both trust in the leader and trust in the organization positively impact an organization, nurse leaders, and employees. Deeper knowledge of trust and its attributes will be critical to the operationalization and estimation of levels of trust in healthcare organizations. Managerial Implications. Trust in the leader and the organization can significantly influence the attractiveness of an organization, retention of personnel, productivity, and work-related well-being. Thus, this aspect should be measured and developed systematically while acknowledging the antecedents of trust building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Prolonged use of oral devices as a substitute for traditional treatments has been studied in relation to the dental and skeletal changes associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), which is a sleep-breathing disorder. Materials and Methods. A review of articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and CINHAL databases in September 2022 based on MeSH-based keywords with "dental and skeletal" and "oral appliance" and "obstructive sleep apnea" was examined to ensure that the keywords alone or cross-linked, depending on which base of the searched data, were used. 16 articles out of 289 articles were included in the research, and 273 articles were excluded due to lack of study. Conclusions. CPAP treatment has limited dental or skeletal effects in short-term or long-term use. OAs and MADs show significant dental changes with prolonged use. MAS and TSD are more effective in short-term goals than CPAP. OAs' increase may cause dental and skeletal changes. MPD shows notable cephalometric alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome represent two closely intertwined public health challenges that have reached alarming epidemic proportions in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa as defined by the 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III 2004) and/or the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Methods. A systematic search was conducted to retrieve studies published in the English language on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetic individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. Searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and African Journal Online from their inception until July 31, 2023. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence of between-study variance attributed to heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic and the I2 statistic. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal criteria were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. The summary estimates were presented with forest plots and tables. Publication bias was checked with the funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Results. Overall, 1421 articles were identified and evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and 30 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. The weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa was 63.1% (95% CI: 57.9–68.1) when using the NCEP-ATP III 2004 criteria and 60.8% (95% CI: 50.7–70.0) when using the IDF criteria. Subgroup analysis, using NCEP-ATP III 2004 and IDF criteria, revealed higher weighted pooled prevalence among females: 73.5% (95% CI: 67.4–79.5), 71.6% (95% CI: 60.2–82.9), compared to males: 50.5% (95% CI: 43.8–57.2), 44.5% (95% CI: 34.2–54.8), respectively. Central obesity was the most prevalent component of metabolic syndrome, with a pooled prevalence of 55.9% and 61.6% using NCEP-ATP III 2004 and IDF criteria, respectively. There was no statistical evidence of publication bias in both the NCEP-ATP III 2004 and IDF pooled estimates. Conclusions. The findings underscore the alarming prevalence of metabolic syndrome among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is essential to promote lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and balanced diets, prioritize routine obesity screenings, and implement early interventions and robust public health measures to mitigate the risks associated with central obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Psychological distress is a progressive health problem that has been linked to decreased quality of life among university students. This meta-analysis reviews existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have examined the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the relief of psychosomatic stress-related outcomes and quality of life among university students. Methods. The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO (formerly PsychLit), Ovid MEDLINE, ERIC, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases were searched in November 2023 to identify the RCTs for analysis. Data on pathology (anxiety, depression, and perceived stress), physical capacity (sleep quality and physical health), and well-being (mindfulness, self-kindness, social function, and subjective well-being) were analyzed. Results. Of the 276 articles retrieved, 29 met the inclusion criteria. Compared with control therapies, the pooled results suggested that MBSR had significant effects, reducing anxiety (SMD = −0.29; 95% CI: −0.49 to −0.09), depression (SMD = −0.32; 95% CI: −0.62 to −0.02), and perceived stress (SMD = −0.41; 95% CI: −0.60 to −0.29) and improving mindfulness (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.59), self-kindness (SMD = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.12), and physical health (SMD = −0.59; 95% CI: −1.14 to −0.04). No significant differences were observed in sleep quality (SMD = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.20), social function (SMD = −0.71; 95% CI: −2.40 to 0.97), or subjective well-being (SMD = 0.07; 95% CI: −0.18 to 0.32). The quality of the evidence regarding sleep quality and physical health outcomes was low. Conclusions. MBSR therapy appears to be potentially useful in relieving functional emotional disorders. However, additional evidence-based large-sample trials are required to definitively determine the forms of mindfulness-based therapy that may be effective in this context and ensure that the benefits obtained are ongoing. Future studies should investigate more personalized approaches involving interventions that are tailored to various barriers and students' clinical characteristics. To optimize the effects of such interventions, they should be developed and evaluated using various designs such as the multiphase optimization strategy, which allows for the identification and tailoring of the most valuable intervention components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Social support, as a multidimensional concept, is studied across disciplines. However, examining the concept in relation to first-time fathers in the perinatal period remains an underexplored avenue. This analysis aims to clarify what social support for first-time fathers means through an operational definition that will assist healthcare providers in supporting fathers as valuable assets to the wellbeing of their partners and children. Design. Walker and Avant's concept analysis approach is used to identify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of social support for first-time fathers during the perinatal period. Data Source. A thorough title and abstract review led to the analysis of 41 articles from databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Social Sciences Citation Index, and Embase databases from 1970 to 2022. Results. Social support for first-time fathers can be described as a relational strategy and supportive intervention from both informal and formal sources. This concept analysis broadens the meaning of social support by considering structural and functional attributes. It offers fresh insights into how support can be coordinated across microsystems and macrosystems to address the distinctive requirements of current-day fathers within the intricate family dynamics. Furthermore, gender, cultural, and generational differences affect the preferences and needs of fathers, as well as their ability to support their partners and infants. Fathers preferred emotional support from their partners and sought informational and appraisal support from healthcare professionals. In addition, supportive relationships are characterized by proximity, reciprocity, congruency, and continuity during the perinatal period. Conclusion. Conceptualizing social support encompasses both upstream and downstream approaches across structures and systems to support fathers. Support for first-time fathers includes developing father-specific approaches to perinatal nursing care and practice. Social support carries implications for fostering socially inclusive policies, interdisciplinary curriculum integration, advocacy, and research aimed at improving paternal mental health and perinatal wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered as one of the risk factors for cognitive impairment. DPP4 inhibitors are effective drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the relationship between DPP4 inhibitors and cognitive dysfunction remains unclear. Therefore, we used a meta-analysis to determine the association between DPP4 inhibitors and cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods. We systematically searched PubMed, CNKI, and the Cochrane Library at the time of establishment, 2022, and then made inclusion criteria and screened strategies to identify studies with more precise correlations. Results. We included 10 studies with 5,583 participants. The data showed that DPP4 inhibitors significantly reduced the incidence rate of cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (SMD: 0.99; 95% CI [0.59, 1.38]). Furthermore, there was a linear correlation found between cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus and fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin. DPP4 inhibitors decreased fasting blood glucose (FPG) (SMD: 0.52; 95% CI [−0.68, −0.37]), blood glucose (2hPPG) at 2 hours after the meal (SMD: 0.82; 95% CI, [−1.2, −0.43]), and HbA1c (SMD: 0.34; 95% CI [−0.48, −0.21]). All data were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, we conducted subgroup analyses of the following measures at various treatment durations and ages: cognitive scores, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and two-hour postprandial blood glucose. Conclusion. DPP4 inhibitors significantly improved type 2 diabetic mellitus individuals' cognitive impairment and reduced fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Subgroup analysis showed that people aged 60 to 70 years had better treatment effects at 0–180 days. This trial is registered with CRD42023399473. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypharmacy is common in older people who often live with disability and dependency. The number of older people living with unmet needs for social care is also believed to be rising. Polypharmacy is simple to operationalise, whilst unmet needs are not routinely identified but are known to adversely affect health and well-being. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to investigate whether polypharmacy is a marker of unmet needs for social care in older people. Sixteen databases were searched from inception to January 2021. Studies were included if they reported quantitative data for polypharmacy ("multiple medicines") in relation to unmet needs for social care ("relative or absolute") in older people ("study criteria aged ≥55 years or mean age ≥55 in the sample as a whole or stratified data for the ≥55-year age group") and were from a high-income country (defined by the World Bank). Quality was assessed using the National Institute for Health tool for observational studies. Four studies were identified from 2,549 citations, and overall, the quality of evidence was low. Some older people using multiple medications had their social care needs met, whilst others did not. However, there is a clear rationale as to why polypharmacy may be linked to unmet social care needs. Given the limited studies identified in this review, future research should explore this further. The type of unmet need measure may be important to understand the nature of the relationship between the use of multiple medications and unmet social care needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social participation is positively associated with older adults' health. Health-care services, therefore, need to empower older adults to adapt to the social changes that accompany aging. This systematic review, with a metasynthesis of qualitative studies, aimed to describe and develop an understanding of home-dwelling older adults' (65 yrs+) experiences of using strategies to maintain and foster their social participation. The main search was performed in March 2022 using the PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and AMED databases and included peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2022. A total of 35 full-text articles from 15 different countries were included and assessed for quality by the assessment tool for qualitative studies provided by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). The metasynthesis resulted in the main theme: strategically creating routines that foster social participation and two main categories: inward-looking strategies for social participation and outward-looking strategies for social participation. Each main category contained three subcategories. The findings suggest that for perceiving social participation, it is important for older adults to create routines with patterns of activities and to be able to engage in these activities. The findings further reflect that older adults use earlier experiences of social participation to facilitate the making of routines. This indicates that health-care interventions supporting older adults' social participation must be applied early and with a health-promotive focus. Conclusively, researchers need to develop interventions that support older adults in healthy activity patterns by raising awareness of how to use inward-looking and outward-looking strategies to create routines for social participation. The findings further suggest that older adults' possibilities for social participation could be supported by designing accessible venues that facilitate spontaneous meetings and encourage older adults' own choices and initiatives for social participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. As the second leading cause of death in women in the world, breast cancer has several physical and psychological effects. Nowadays, nonclinical approaches such as patient empowerment have been considered by physicians along with clinical care. Given the increasing number of breast cancer women worldwide, promoting the empowerment of these patients is one of the key factors affecting their survival and quality of life. Therefore, because of no comprehensive research on the empowerment needs and related improvement strategies, this study is aimed at determining the empowerment status of breast cancer patients referred to the Shahid Motahari Breast Cancer Clinic in Iran, Shiraz, and at providing strategies to improve their empowerment in 2021. Methods. This applied study was conducted in two phases. In the quantitative phase, 310 Cancer-Related Patient Empowerment Scale questionnaires (Persian format) were distributed among the studied patients selected through the random sampling method in the clinic, and the items with "unacceptable status" became the basis for determining the empowerment strategies through the scoping review and semistructured interviews with 22 medical staff and patients through the thematic analysis. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 and MAXQDA10 software. Results. The mean score of the participants' empowerment strategies was 3.58. The results showed that trust in the physician, family support, and spiritual beliefs could affect the empowerment of the studied patients. Moreover, the participants needed empowerment strategies in 11 scale items with unacceptable status, for which 46 strategies were determined in the scoping review and interview phase. Conclusion. The results of this study provided useful strategies for empowering breast cancer patients, the most important of which were classified into five categories of financial support, informational support, interaction with the physician, occupational support, and complementary therapies, the use of which by the stakeholders could help to improve the patients' quality of life while improving their empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abuse of animals is evident in different contexts. This article takes two discrete bodies of literature: threats and actual harm to animals in the context of domestic abuse and sex offending in the context of animal abuse. The reviews focus on the implications for risk assessment and risk management and explore the following questions: What is the international evidence base for threats or violence towards animals, with a specific focus on risk assessment, in the context of domestic abuse? What is the international evidence base for threats or violence towards animals, with a specific focus on risk assessment, in the context of sex offending? What similarities and differences are evident in the approaches in the two bodies of literature? A scoping review methodology was applied to the two bodies of animal abuse literature. The domestic abuse literature elicited 27 studies for full inclusion, while the sex-offending literature examined 15 papers. A broad analysis of the literature was taken to understand the implications for risk assessment and risk management. In the context of risk assessment, the literature indicates that threats or harm towards animals, including the sex abuse of animals, has the potential to be used in four ways: (1) animal abuse as an indicator of domestic abuse; (2) childhood animal abuse as a signal of other problems within a household; (3) animal abuse as an indicator of more severe domestic abuse; and (4) the inclusion of pet abuse as a unique form of domestic abuse. The comparison of the literature on animal abuse and animal sex abuse highlighted not only different approaches theoretically and methodologically but also important similarities. Both literature highlighted gaps in risk assessment, risk management, and the lack of identification and training in this neglected area of the service system prevention and response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Rasagiline or pramipexole monotherapy has been suggested for the management of early Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this research was to systematically review the clinical efficacy and safety of rasagiline or pramipexole in early PD (defined as disease duration ≤5 years and Hoehn and Yahr stage of ≤3). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of rasagiline or pramipexole for early PD published up to September 2021 were retrieved. Outcomes of interest included changes in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Parts II and III and the incidence of adverse events. Standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and heterogeneity was measured with the I2 test. Results. Nine rasagiline and eleven pramipexole RCTs were included. One post hoc analysis of one rasagiline study was included. Five studies for each drug were included in meta-analyses of the UPDRS scores. The rasagiline meta-analysis focused on patients receiving 1 mg/day. Rasagiline and pramipexole significantly improved UPDRS Part II and III scores when compared to placebo. Significant heterogeneity among the studies was present (I2 > 70%). Neither rasagiline nor pramipexole increased the relative risk for any adverse events, serious adverse events, or adverse events leading to withdrawal when compared with placebo. Conclusion. Applying a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach to summarize the evidence, we found moderate confidence in the body of evidence for the efficacy of rasagiline or pramipexole in early PD, suggesting further well-designed, multicenter comparative RCTs remain needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. With the increasing accessibility of smartphones, their use has been considered in healthcare services. Mobile applications have played a pivotal role in providing health services during COVID-19. This study is aimed at identifying the features, advantages, and disadvantages of health management mobile applications during COVID-19. Methods. This systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the related keywords up to November 2021. The original articles in English about the health management mobile applications in COVID-19 were selected. The study selection was done by two researchers independently according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was done using a data extraction form, and the results were summarized and reported in related tables and figures. Results. Finally, 12 articles were included based on the criteria. The benefits of mobile health applications for health management during COVID-19 were in four themes and 19 subthemes, and the most advantages of the application were in disease management and the possibility of recording information by users, digital tracking of calls, and data confidentiality. Furthermore, the disadvantages of them have been presented in two themes and 14 subthemes. The most common disadvantages are reduced adherence to daily symptom reports, personal interpretation of questions, and result bias. Conclusion. The study results showed that mobile applications have been effective in controlling the prevalence of COVID-19 by identifying virus-infested environments, identifying and monitoring infected people, controlling social distancing, and maintaining quarantine. It is suggested that usability, ethical and security considerations, protection of personal information, and privacy of users be considered in application design and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a form of peritoneal malignancy. It originates from a perforated appendiceal epithelial tumour. Patients with PMP experience various stressful and traumatic events including diagnosis with a rare disease, treatment with extensive and complex surgery, and long hospital stays. Currently, there is a scarcity of studies that primarily aim to assess the quality of life of patients with PMP, and there is no reviews or comprehensive understanding of the quality of life (QoL) issues faced by these patients. Even fewer studies have consulted with patients themselves. Objective. To review the current literature on the QoL of patients with PMP and answer two main questions: What methods are being used to assess the QoL patients with PMP and what are the main findings?. Methods. For the scoping review, five scientific databases were searched (CINAHL, EMBASE, Pubmed, PsycInfo, and Medline). Publications that were published between 2002 and 2022 and in English were included in this review. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers against the review's eligibility criteria. Data related to the QoL of patients with PMP in the included studies were extracted to answer two main questions (what were the methods used to assess QoL in this population, and what were the findings?). The extracted data was presented in table form and qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. Findings. Fourteen studies were included in this review. Only five studies out of fourteen assessed the QoL of patients with PMP as a main outcome, and all these studies assessed QoL in relation to surgery. Studies that assessed QoL used different validated measures. There was a consensus among studies that patients' QoL improved by 12 months posttreatment. The most commonly cited symptom of PMP in this review is abdominal pain. Conclusion. The evidence on the QoL of patients with PMP is limited. Studies that assess the quality of life of these patients independent of surgery are needed. There is no consensus on the measure used to assess QoL in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Idiopathic scoliosis may affect adolescents' physical development. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises in improving clinical symptoms of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Methods. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase for randomized controlled studies investigating core stabilization exercise and idiopathic scoliosis. Two investigators independently extracted data based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the selected literature and we performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical utility of core stabilization exercise for the improvement of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Results. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 9 studies. Three of the studies revealed that core stabilization exercise improved Cobb's angle (SMD: −1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): (−1.41, −0.72), and P < 0.001) in adolescents' idiopathic scoliosis, but the subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in Cobb's angle in the thoracic and lumbar segments (SMD: −0.25, 95% CI: (−0.55, 0.04), and P = 0.89). In the angle of trunk rotation subgroup analyses (SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: (−0.01, 0.72), and P = 0.33), there was no significant difference before and after core stabilization exercise treatment. Conclusions. The results showed a very short-term effect of core stabilization exercise on patients with idiopathic scoliosis. However, this study contains a relatively short period of research and more long-term research is needed in the future to support this conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Various conflicting views have been presented between beneficiaries from different countries regarding the usage of virtual prenatal care. This review aimed to explain the perspectives of mothers and providers in high- and low-income countries regarding virtual approaches during pregnancy. Methods. This synthesis was conducted with an aggregative technique (which adopts a pragmatist epistemological framework) by searching the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, SID, Irandoc, Magiran databases, and Google Scholar search engine from January 2005 to February 2021 and completed until December 2022. Qualitative and mixed-method studies in English were included in this review. Extracted codes were set in three areas: participants, type of views (+ or −), and countries' income levels. We used the JBI checklist for critical appraisal of the included studies. Results. Altogether, 1201 studies were retrieved, and finally, 16 articles were included in this review. We focused on the similarities of the extracted codes based on the stakeholders' perspectives. These codes were organized into seven categories: positive or negative belief/sense, socio-cultural issues, economic save or cost, communication and information, technical issues, access and utilization, and management issues. At both income levels countries, the availability of services, lack of trust in virtual methods, cost of services or smartphones, and challenging interactions were shared codes between mothers. Also, raising engagements and extending workloads were shared items between providers. Overall, language barriers, saving time, and Internet disconnection or poor connectivity were three shared codes between the beneficiaries at two levels of countries regarding virtual care during pregnancy. Conclusion. Paying attention to virtual methods in maternal care is inevitable. Evidence illustrated that mothers and healthcare providers had different positive or negative views on this issue. The stakeholders' perspectives should be considered in policies related to removing barriers and strengthening the benefits of virtual care during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study was designed to assess the effects of febuxostat on the uric acid level and kidney function of hyperuricemia (HUA) patients complicated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. A computer-based search was conducted on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from the inception of the databases to April 2023 to identify clinical randomized controlled trials on HUA and CKD, with comparisons between febuxostat and allopurinol as variables of interest. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata v17.0. Results. Eighteen studies were included in this meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 1877 patients. These patients were segregated into a control group (treated with allopurinol or placebo) consisting of 1039 individuals and an experimental group (treated with febuxostat alone or a combination of febuxostat with other therapies) comprising 838 patients. The meta-analysis revealed that patients in the experimental group, treated with febuxostat, exhibited a significantly higher estimated glomerular Altration rate (eGFR) than those in the control group treated with allopurinol (weighted mean difierence (WMD): 2.897, 95% CI: 1.336 to 4.458, P < 0.001). In addition, the experimental group demonstrated signiAcantly lower levels of serum creatinine (WMD: -17.810, 95% CI: -24.147 to -11.474, P < 0.001), serum uric acid (WMD: -91.891, 95% CI: -117.609 to -66.173, P < 0.001), and blood urea nitrogen (WMD: -1.284, 95% CI: -1.837 to -0.731, P < 0.001). However, there was no signiAcant difference in 24-hour urinary protein quantity (WMD: -0.198, 95% CI: -0.413 to 0.016, P = 0.070) between the two groups. Conclusion. These Andings suggest that febuxostat may offer a more beneficial therapeutic option for managing CKD in hyperuricemic patients. However, the observed heterogeneity and the limited diversity of the study population warrant cautious interpretation of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This systematic review was aimed to evaluate the e3cacy and safety of trastuzumab in combination with pertuzumab for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC). Methods. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wanfang databases was conducted. All randomized controlled trials on trastuzumab in combination with pertuzumab for HER2-positive BC from the time of database construction to October 2022 were included. A meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using STATA 17.0 software. Results. A total of 8 studies were included, involving a total of 7628 patients, including 3814 patients in the treatment group and 3814 patients in the control groups. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the median progression-free survival was much shorter in the treatment group (trastuzumab combined with pertuzumab) than in the control group (placebo) (OR = 0.656, 95% CI (0.581, 0.741), P < 0.001) and that patients in the treatment group experienced signiDcantly more cases of diarrhea than those in the control group (OR = 2.429, 95% CI (2.065, 2.856), P < 0.001) while experiencing signiDcantly less cases of constipation (OR = 0.641, 95% CI (0.473, 0.869), P = 0.004). Notably, the incidence of nausea and vomiting did not diEer signiDcantly between the two groups. In addition, there was no signiDcant diEerence between the two groups in the incidence of systemic adverse eEects such as neutropenia, fatigue, myalgia, and cardiac disease (P > 0.05). However, the treatment group had a much higher incidence of rash than the control group (OR = 1.915, 95% CI (1.505, 2.437), P < 0.001). The risk of serious adverse reactions was markedly higher in patients in the treatment group than that in the control group (OR = 1.342, 95% CI (1.206, 1.494), P < 0.001). Conclusion. The combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab was not effective in improving the intermediate progression-free survival of patients. However, adverse eEects, including diarrhea and rash, are the limiting factors for the current promotion of this combination method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hypertension is a major global health concern, and lifestyle modifications have been recommended as first-line treatment for hypertension in many guidelines. However, different guidelines may recommend different types of lifestyle adjustment, and it is unclear which ones are most effective. In this review, we compared hypertension guidelines to identify any differences and/or consensus in content, efficacy, and timing of initiation of lifestyle modifications. Methods. We conducted a search of databases to identify hypertension guidelines available in English. We extracted and compared information about lifestyle modifications recommended by the guidelines. Results. Five hypertension guidelines from America, Europe, the UK, Canada, and the International Society of Hypertension are included. They all recommend diet adaptation, sodium reduction, alcohol restriction, physical exercise, and weight reduction. Other lifestyle interventions emphasized by some guidelines, such as potassium supplementation, smoking cessation, and stress management, are not recommended by all the five guidelines. Among lifestyle changes, the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet may be considered the most effective treatment for reducing blood pressure. These guidelines recommend that for patients with high-normal blood pressure or grade 1 hypertension without high risk factors, lifestyle medicine should be used first for 3–6 months, if blood pressure is still not controlled, then start medication. For those patients who need drug treatment, lifestyle changes can also enhance the effects of antihypertensive therapy. Conclusion. Lifestyle modifications are crucial in the treatment of hypertension and should be recommended to most hypertensive patients. Among these lifestyle interventions, diet adaptation containing low sodium and alcohol restriction may be the most effective in reducing blood pressure. Physical exercise and weight reduction are also recommended. In some cases, lifestyle modifications should be tried first. They may also enhance the effects of antihypertensive drugs in other patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. We aimed to undertake a systematic review focusing on organisational strategies that specifically advance women nurses in healthcare leadership. Background. Despite nursing being the largest health workforce and being dominated by women, they face significant barriers in career progression and have limited leadership opportunities, with a need to move from a focus on individuals to organisational level change. Methods. Methods for our overarching systematic review are published and follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Databases searched include MEDLINE via OVID; MEDLINE in-process and other nonindexed citations via OVID; PsycINFO; and Scopus. Any study describing a strategy that was not implemented for nurses and all non-peer-reviewed studies were excluded. Included studies were appraised using CASP checklists. A thematic analysis approach was employed to facilitate the systematic generation of themes. Results. Findings were reported under two main themes: leadership barriers and enablers and organisational strategies for advancing women nurses to leadership. The latter included: mentorship, leadership training, career planning and coaching, opportunities for networking, sponsorship, and targeted recruitment processes for increasing gender diversity in leadership roles. Conclusion. This review synthesises organisational-level strategies that advance women nurses in healthcare leadership. Barriers and individual-level strategies for advancing women nurses in healthcare leadership have been extensively studied in the current literature. Systems and organisational strategies are less studied yet show that they can advance women in nursing into healthcare leadership. Implications for Nursing Management. This paper suggests that optimising women nurses' leadership attainment needs to shift focus from individual strategies to systemic level and organisational strategies and use tailored evidenced-based approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives. To evaluate nonpharmacological interventions for preventing patient and visitor-perpetrated violence against healthcare workers within hospital settings. Background. Up to 92% of health workers experience some form of patient-perpetrated violence. The highest risk environments include emergency departments, acute care settings, and mental health units. Given such elevated rates of violence, current interventions have questionable efficacy or implementation challenges. Design. We conducted a systematic review conforming to PRISMA reporting requirements. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies reporting interventions to prevent patient-initiated violence against healthcare workers in hospitals were included, and findings were synthesised. Results. Based on meeting eligibility criteria, twelve studies were included in the review. Most interventions reported an effect with eleven of the twelve studies describing changes in the incidence of violence postintervention. Most studies were evaluations of education and training programs (n = 7), followed by action plans (n = 2), and a reporting instrument, risk assessment tool, and legislation (n = 1). Conclusions. Insights into effective strategies to prevent hospital patient and visitor-initiated violence are necessary to develop guidelines for better aggression/violence deterrence. Violence prevention requires strong, evidence-based, and clinically applicable interventions that promote the safety and satisfaction of all healthcare workers. Relevance to Clinical Practice. Formulating effective and appropriate strategies that aid in early recognition, prevention, and management of aggression/violence will benefit all health workers. Patient and staff satisfaction will rise; healthcare workers will regain a sense of preparedness, and higher levels of safety will be achieved. Without these effective interventions being established, the magnitude of adverse outcomes from patient-perpetrated violence will continue in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social prescribing link workers interventions have been widely adopted within healthcare systems, particularly in the UK, to support a range of patients' needs and to help improve condition management for those living with multiple long-term conditions. However, there is a lack of consistency in implementation and unclear guidance about how social prescribing link workers might address these needs, particularly in individuals living with physical and mental health long-term conditions who bear a greater burden of multifaceted everyday problems and health challenges. This review aimed to identify the existing ways in which link workers might support the needs of this group. Systematic literature search strategies were carried out with a systematic methodology that identified 18 eligible articles that mostly consisted of qualitative studies (N = 10) with the remaining studies employing a range of designs. Following a thorough process of data extraction and synthesis of findings, two principal themes and four subthemes were developed that together helped to explain the process of support and the enablers that determined how successful link workers' interventions were in supporting adults with physical and mental health long-term conditions. We found that personalised plan development and goal setting was a central collaborative task between the link worker and the patient that helped in "linking" people to beneficial and relevant sources of support. However, the catalyst for a successful change appears to be a combination of a therapeutic relationship with a link worker facilitated by a range of practical advice and "hands on" solutions that were highly desired elements of support. We have identified directives for future research and practical suggestions for enhancing the setup of link workers' interventions with this group of adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]