Search Results (8,577)

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, neurodegenerative movement disorder. Together with multiple system atrophy (MSA), Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), PSP forms a group of atypical parkinsonisms. The latest diagnostic criteria, published in 2017 by the Movement Disorders Society, classify PSP diagnosis into defined, probable, and possible categories based on clinical examination. However, no single test is specific and sensitive for this disease. Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are promising molecules, particularly in the case of diseases that lack appropriate diagnostic and treatment tools, which supports exploring their role in PSP. We aimed to systematically review the current knowledge about the role of miRNAs in PSP. This study was registered in the Open Science Framework Registry, and the protocol is available online. Primary original studies, both clinical and preclinical, written in English and assessing miRNAs in PSP were included. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, reviews, case reports, letters to editors, commentaries, conference abstracts, guidelines/statements, expert opinions, preprints, and book chapters were excluded. The following five databases were searched: Embase, Medline Ultimate, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Each database was last searched on 18 June 2024. Eventually, nine original studies relevant to the discussed area were included. The risk of bias was not assessed. The selected research suggests that miRNAs may be considered promising biomarkers in PSP. However, the exact involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PSP is still to be determined. Several microRNAs were found to be dysregulated in patients with PSP. This applies to both brain tissue and fluids like cerebrospinal fluid CSF or blood. Several miRNAs were found that could potentially be helpful in differentiating among PSP patients, PD patients, and healthy individuals. Although some correlations and alterations have already been found, this field requires much more research. MicroRNAs are exciting and promising small molecules, and their investigation into many diseases, including PSP, may lead to significant discoveries. Full article

Background and Objectives: Exercise enhances cardiovascular health through various mechanisms, including the modulation of autonomic nervous system activity. This study aimed to systematically examine the impact of exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) in adults during and within one hour after exercise (WHAE). Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed databases to identify published studies that reported the impact of exercise on autonomic nervous system activity in adults. The studies measured the absolute power of the low-frequency band (0.04–0.15 Hz) to the absolute power of the high-frequency band (0.015–0.4 Hz) (LF/HF ratio) to assess sympathetic activity and the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD) to assess parasympathetic activity. Results: A total of 3329 studies were screened for relevance, and finally, 10 articles that utilized methods for measuring autonomic nervous system activity, such as the LF/HF ratio and RMSSD, covering 292 adult patients, were included for meta-analysis. In the current meta-analysis, we observed a significant decrease in parasympathetic activity during and after exercise, as indicated by RMSSD, compared to pre-exercise levels (mean difference [MD] = −4.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.00 to −1.91, p = 0.003). However, sympathetic activity after exercise, represented by the LF/HF ratio, showed a borderline significant increase compared to pre-exercise levels (MD = 1.06, 95% CI: −0.01 to 2.12, p = 0.052). The meta-regression model found that factors associated with RMSSD included mean age, male gender, and duration post-exercise. Additionally, the factor associated with the LF/HF ratio was the healthy condition of participants. The trial sequential analysis provided robust evidence of a decrease in RMSSD and an increase in the LF/HF ratio during and WHAE. Conclusions: Given the limitations of the current study, the findings suggest that a significant decrease in parasympathetic activity and a borderline significant increase in sympathetic activity in adults during and WHAE, as confirmed by trial sequential analysis. Meta-regression analysis indicated that parasympathetic activity was negatively associated with participant age and male gender, but positively associated with duration post-exercise. Additionally, increased sympathetic activity was linked to the healthy conditions of participants. This study suggests that exercise might differentially affect autonomic balance in individuals with chronic conditions compared to healthy individuals. This highlights the potential need for tailored exercise interventions to improve autonomic function across different populations. Full article

Plants communicate with insects and other organisms through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Using Boolean operators, we retrieved 1093 articles from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, selecting 406 for detailed analysis, with approximately 50% focusing on herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). This review examines the roles of VOCs in direct and indirect plant defense mechanisms and their influence on complex communication networks within ecosystems. Our research reveals significant functions of VOCs in four principal areas: activating insect antennae, attracting adult insects, attracting female insects, and attracting natural enemies. Terpenoids like α-pinene and β-myrcene significantly alter pest behavior by attracting natural enemies. β-ocimene and β-caryophyllene are crucial in regulating aboveground and belowground interactions. We emphasize the potential applications of VOCs in agriculture for developing novel pest control strategies and enhancing crop resilience. Additionally, we identify research gaps and propose new directions, stressing the importance of comparative studies across ecosystems and long-term observational research to better understand VOCs dynamics. In conclusion, we provide insights into the multifunctionality of VOCs in natural ecosystems, their potential for future research and applications, and their role in advancing sustainable agricultural and ecological practices, contributing to a deeper understanding of their mechanisms and ecological functions. Full article

This article aims to assist readers in understanding the current status of studies on the subject by providing a descriptive bibliometric analysis of publications on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies in cultural heritage. A bibliometric analysis of 1214 publications in this discipline in the Scopus database between 2014 and the beginning of June 2024 was performed. We used VOSviewer and Bibliometrix as the analysis tools in this investigation. The outcome of this study provides a detailed overview of the descriptive bibliometric analysis based on seven categories, including the annual count of articles and citations, the most productive author, the primary affiliation, the publication source, and the subject areas. The contribution of this research lies in offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers, helping them make informed decisions on the use of immersive technologies, for example, VR, AR, and MR, in the context of cultural heritage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome consists of several disorders of the masticatory system, namely those of the muscles, the joint itself, as well as the dental and periodontal system. This syndrome is often characterized by pain and an inability to perform functions within the dental–maxillary apparatus, which creates a certain degree of disability in patients. Women are more susceptible to this syndrome than men and hormonal factors, particularly estrogen, are central to its etiology and physiopathology. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases regarding articles published from January 2008 to December 2023. Two authors conducted searches in the mentioned databases based on a pre-established search strategy using agreed-upon keywords. Additionally, each review author performed the selection process of eligible studies based on established inclusion criteria. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale and Risk of Bias tool 2 were used to assess each article for its methodological quality. Results: Of the 1030 records found in the four bibliographic databases, 22 studies were included in this review. Polymorphism in the alpha estrogen receptor appears to be significantly more prevalent in women with temporomandibular dysfunction, suggesting a genetic predisposition. There is a significant role of estrogen in the physiopathology of TMD-related pain. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly higher incidence of TMD, accompanied by elevated inflammatory factors and decreased progesterone levels. In premenopausal women, there is scientific relevance to the association between beta-estradiol levels and TMD development and progression. The effects of estrogen hormones on temporomandibular dysfunction remain highly debated and challenging. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of considering hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, and reproductive life stages in understanding and managing temporomandibular dysfunction. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these associations. Full article

Innovative approaches in nanotechnology provide a potentially promising alternative to untreatable cases of mastitis caused by genus Prototheca spp. algae infections. Drying of the teats of the affected animals or culling are typically the outcomes of mastitis in dairy cattle caused by these pathogens. A major issue in both veterinary medicine and animal breeding is the Prototheca species’ widespread resistance to the current methods of managing infections and the available drugs, including antibiotics. Commercial antifungal preparations are also ineffective. Nanotechnology, an emerging discipline, has the potential to create an effective alternative treatment for protothecal mastitis. The aim of the paper is to combine the literature data on the use of nanotechnology in the control of mastitis, taking into account data on combating mastitis caused by Prototheca spp. infections. The databases employed were PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, focusing on literature from the last 20 years to ensure relevance and currency. Studies conducted in vitro have demonstrated that nanomaterials have significant biocidal activity against mastitis infections of different etiologies. Analyzed research papers show that (NPs), such as AgNPs, CuNPs, AuNPs, etc., may not negatively impact various cell lines and may be effective agents in reducing the pathogens’ viability. However, it is also critical to assess the risks involved in using nanomaterials. Full article

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), presents a significant global health concern, particularly for immunocompromised individuals and congenitally infected newborns. Despite its widespread prevalence, there are limited data on T. gondii seroprevalence and ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania. This review aims to summarize the research accomplished on the prevalence and epidemiology of human ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania. Ocular toxoplasmosis, a leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis worldwide, involves complex interactions between host immune responses and parasite factors. Clinically, it presents as focal necrotizing retinitis, characterized by active focal retinal lesions with adjacent chorioretinal scarring, often accompanied by vitreous inflammation and anterior chamber reactions. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination supported by fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and serological assays. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards, conducting a literature review on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Our focus was on ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania, and we used keywords and specific MeSH terms. Finally, 17 articles met all the criteria, as summarized in the PRISMA diagram. This study underscores the need for improved diagnostic methods, increased research efforts, and comprehensive public health education to mitigate the burden of toxoplasmosis and ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania. Full article

Breast cancer is a significant global issue, ranking as the second most common cancer among women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although the exact causes of this increase remain unclear, factors such as genetics, epigenetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, and vitamin D deficiency have been implicated. The Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is recognized for its role in inflammation and innate immunity; however, its specific involvement in breast cancer pathogenesis requires further investigation. This study aims to systematically review the existing literature on TLR9 expression in normal and cancerous breast tissue, providing current knowledge and identifying gaps. Relevant articles in English were from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, with the inclusion criteria focusing on studies evaluating TLR9 mRNA and protein expression. The review found that TLR9 mRNA and protein exhibit variable expressions in both normal and cancerous breast tissue, highlighting the need for further research to clarify TLR9’s role in breast cancer. Full article

Patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) often suffer from cognitive dysfunction (CD), affecting their quality of life and daily functioning. Current treatments, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, have limited efficacy and notable side effects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive technique that modulates cortical activity, shows promise in improving cognitive function with minimal side effects and low cost, and could potentially serve as a valuable adjunct to existing therapies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature on the effectiveness of tDCS for CD in SUD patients to inform clinical practice and future research. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review includes studies that used tDCS for SUD-related CD. The criteria for inclusion encompassed participants aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of SUD, the use of tDCS (either conventional or high-definition), control groups receiving sham stimulation or no intervention, and cognitive outcome measures for substance-related cognitive function using validated tools. Databases searched were Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO, with specific keywords. Twenty-two studies met the criteria, suggesting tDCS can improve cognitive functions in SUD patients, though results varied. Effectiveness may depend on the brain area targeted, stimulation parameters, task requirements, and individual differences. tDCS shows potential in treating SUD-related CD, but further research is needed to optimize stimulation protocols and address study variability. Future studies should use functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the brain mechanisms by which tDCS improves cognitive function in SUDs and focus on larger, long-term trials to confirm efficacy and refine tDCS treatment parameters. Full article

In the ever-evolving landscape of organisational optimisation, the integration of business process management (BPM) and knowledge management (KM) emerges as a critical challenge. Beyond the opportunity to expedite the improvement of the organisation’s operations, this integration serves as a gateway to unlocking the full potential of organisational knowledge and digital transformation. With its comprehensive evaluation of the dimensions of research on BPM and KM, this article aims to unveil predominant topics and evolving trends within this intersection. By doing so, it seeks to catalyse meaningful advancements in organisational management practices, underscoring the relevance and importance of this topic to the audience. The authors conducted a rigorous research process. Using bibliographic analysis, they selected 359 publications from the Scopus database. They employed performance analysis and scientific mapping methods to extract meaningful insights facilitated by MS Excel and VOSviewer applications. Additionally, they conducted an in-depth analysis of 37 publications chosen through bibliographic coupling analysis. The findings highlight a significant gap in the scholarly discourse on BPM and KM, which is evident in the limited research outcomes and minimal influence on decision-making processes. This study reiterates the need for increased dedication to this research realm, particularly in areas identified in the future research agenda recommendations, to stimulate significant advancements in organisational management practices. This paper stands out from the up-to-date reviews by offering a unique contribution to the BPM and KM integration field. While these reviews often focus on specific niches within the broader domain, this study takes a holistic approach. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on integrating BPM and KM, delving into the quantity and quality of existing research. It also identifies emerging themes and potential directions for future scholarship, ensuring a robust understanding of the integrative landscape of BPM and KM. Full article

This systematic review identifies the contributions of creativity to learning and its integration into teaching within educational approaches with an ecosocial and/or sustainable perspective based on scientific publications in the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, following the PRISMA methodology guidelines. This study establishes a comprehensive understanding of creativity from a sociocultural perspective and examines the relationship between creativity and educational approaches based on sustainable education. The results highlight that creativity is incorporated into teaching in a cross-cutting manner in the ideation, design, and implementation of pedagogical strategies that include diverse techniques, resources, and methodologies. Creativity contributes to learning by being multifaceted and transforming the student experience through the identification, understanding, appropriation, and applicability of concepts. Various strategies and methodologies are identified that promote creativity by involving students in collaborative and reflective processes. Creativity stimulates imagination, interdisciplinary and intercultural integration, and experimentation. The fundamental role of the teacher and the learning environment is emphasized. Finally, the need to integrate creativity into educational plans from these approaches is highlighted, fostering the adaptability to uncertainty and the generation of creative and sustainable responses. This review provides a synthesized and updated resource for teachers and individuals interested in the relationship between creativity, learning, and sustainability. Full article

Introduction: Global aging presents socioeconomic and health challenges. Dementia, a growing concern, affects millions of older adults, intensifying the burden on family caregivers. E-health interventions offer hope through technological solutions, although current research is limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of internet-based or mobile app interventions for family caregivers of older adults with dementia. Methodology: A systematic review with a narrative synthesis was conducted using databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, and PsycInfo) and the bibliographies of retrieved articles, with no restrictions on time or language. Results: The search yielded 2092 results, of which 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 2761 family caregivers. Twenty-one different outcomes were evaluated and classified into three main types of interventions: psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic, and multicomponent. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of internet-based and mobile app interventions in supporting family caregivers of older adults with dementia. These interventions positively affect many aspects of caregiver well-being, suggesting their utility in addressing this group’s emotional, social, and self-care needs. Full article

Although the postmortem interval estimation still represents one of the main goals of forensic medicine, there are still several limitations that weigh on the methods most used for its determination: for this reason, even today, precisely estimating the postmortem interval remains one of the most important challenges in the forensic pathology field. To try to overcome these limitations, in recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the potential use of the mRNA degradation time for reaching a more precise post mortem interval (PMI) estimation. An evidence-based systematic review of the literature has been conducted to evaluate the state of the art of the knowledge focusing on the potential correlation between mRNA degradation and PMI estimation. The research has been performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus. The analysis conducted made it possible to confirm the potential applicability of mRNA for reaching a more precise PMI estimation. The analysis of the results highlighted the usefulness of some mRNAs, such as β-actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA, especially in short time frames, within a few hours or days of death. The matrices on which these analyses were conducted were also analyzed, resulting in less exposure to the external environment, including the heart, brain, and dental pulp. The major limitations were also reported, including the short time intervals analyzed in most of the articles, the lack of mathematical models, and the failure to report the error rate between the mRNA degradation time and PMI. Given the still small number of published articles, the lack of globally recognized standardized methods, and the numerous techniques used to evaluate the mRNA degradation times, numerous and larger studies are still necessary to reach more solid and shared evidence. Full article

Background: Non-melanocytic benign skin tumours encompass a diverse group of lesions, classified based on their cellular origin, such as epidermal, vascular, fibrous, neural, muscle, and adnexal tumours. Though they often reveal solitary lesions, multiple skin tumours focus on genodermatoses. Each syndrome exhibits distinct clinical characteristics and potential complications, including cutaneous and extra-cutaneous malignancies, some of which are potentially life-threatening. Diagnosing genetic syndromes is complex and requires numerous histopathological and immunohistochemistry tests due to similarities between the adnexal tumours and basal cell carcinoma upon pathology. Methods: To illustrate the clinical practice, we conducted a retrospective case study that included eleven patients with genodermatoses referred to a tertiary dermatology clinic from September 2018 to April 2024. We have also conducted a research study on available treatment modalities in this setting. Results: Five patients with excellent aesthetic results were treated using a recently approved FDA plasma device. After searching SCOPUS and PubMed database records, we assessed 96 original articles to present current knowledge regarding the dermato-surgical approach. Conclusions: Multiple skin tumours, especially on the face, may significantly affect patients' quality of life and have psychological consequences. An appropriate treatment selection tailored to the patient’s needs should be provided. There is no standardised treatment for multiple benign tumours in genodermatoses, and selected methods with varying efficacy are employed. We presented the utility of a new plasma device in these settings. Full article

Background: Lately, radiomic studies featuring the development of a signature to use in prediction models in diagnosis or prognosis outcomes have been increasingly published. While the results are shown to be promising, these studies still have many pitfalls and limitations. One of the main issues of these studies is that radiomic features depend on how the images are preprocessed before their computation. Since, in widely known and used software for radiomic features calculation, it is possible to set these preprocessing parameters before the calculation of the radiomic feature, there are ongoing studies assessing the stability and repeatability of radiomic features to find the most suitable preprocessing parameters for every used imaging modality. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search using four electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus. Mesh terms and free text were modeled in search strategies for databases. The inclusion criteria were studies where preprocessing parameters’ influence on feature values and model predictions was addressed. Records lacking information on image acquisition parameters were excluded, and any eligible studies with full-text versions were included in the review process, while conference proceedings and monographs were disregarded. We used the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2) tool to investigate the risk of bias. We synthesized our data in a table divided by the imaging modalities subgroups. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 43 works. This review examines the impact of preprocessing parameters on the reproducibility and reliability of radiomic features extracted from multimodality imaging (CT, MRI, CBCT, and PET/CT). Standardized preprocessing is crucial for consistent radiomic feature extraction. Key preprocessing steps include voxel resampling, normalization, and discretization, which influence feature robustness and reproducibility. In total, 44% of the included works studied the effects of an isotropic voxel resampling, and most studies opted to employ a discretization strategy. From 2021, several studies started selecting the best set of preprocessing parameters based on models’ best performance. As for comparison metrics, ICC was the most used in MRI studies in 58% of the screened works. Conclusions: From our work, we highlighted the need to harmonize the use of preprocessing parameters and their values, especially in light of future studies of prospective studies, which are still lacking in the current literature. Full article