Artificial Intelligence in Elite Sports—A Narrative Review of Success Stories and Challenges

This paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in elite sports. We approach the topic from two perspectives. Firstly, we provide a literature based overview of AI success stories in areas other than sports. We identified multiple approaches in the area of Machine Perception, Machine Learning and Modeling, Planning and Optimization as well as Interaction and Intervention, holding a potential for improving training and competition. Secondly, we discover the present status of AI use in elite sports. Therefore, in addition to another literature review, we interviewed leading sports scientist, which are closely connected to the main national service institute for elite sports in their countries. The analysis of this literature review and the interviews show that the most activity is carried out in the methodical categories of signal and image processing. However, projects in the field of modeling & planning have become increasingly popular within the last years. Based on these two perspectives, we extract deficits, issues and opportunities and summarize them in six key challenges faced by the sports analytics community. These challenges include data collection, controllability of an AI by the practitioners and explainability of AI results.

Nutrition Transition in Europe: East-West Dimensions in the Last 30 Years—A Narrative Review

The current review aims to summarize published research on nutrition transition patterns (depicting changes in dietary consumption) in European populations over the last three decades (1990–2020), with a focus on East-West regional comparisons. Pubmed and Google-Scholar databases were searched for articles providing information on repeated dietary intakes in populations living in countries across Europe, published between January 1990 and July 2021. From the identified 18,031 articles, 62 were found eligible for review (17 from Eastern and 45 from Western European populations). Overall, both in Eastern and Western Europe, there have been pronounced changes in dietary consumption patterns over the last three decades characterized by reductions in average reported intakes of sugar, carbohydrates and saturated fats and increases in reported fruit and vegetable consumption. There has also been a tendency toward a reduction in traditional foods, such as fish, observed in some Mediterranean countries. Overall, these data suggests that European countries have undergone a nutrition transition toward adopting healthier dietary behaviors. These processes occurred already in the period 1990–2000 in many Western European, and in the last decades have been also spreading throughout Eastern European countries. Firm conclusions are hampered by the lack of standardized methodologies depicting changes in dietary intakes over time and the limited coverage of the full variety of European populations. Future studies based on standardized dietary assessment methods and representative for the whole range of populations across Europe are warranted to allow monitoring trends in nutrition transition within and among European countries.

Advancing multimorbidity management in primary care: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in the same individual, is becoming a crucial health issue in primary care. Patients with multimorbidity utilize health care at a higher rate and have higher mortality rates and poorer quality of life compared to patients with single diseases.

AIMS

To explore evidence on how to advance multimorbidity management, with a focus on primary care. Primary care is where a large number of patients with multimorbidity are managed and is considered to be a gatekeeper in many health systems.

METHODS

A narrative review was conducted using four major electronic databases consisting of PubMed, Cochrane, World Health Organization database, and Google scholar. In the first round of reviews, priority was given to review papers summarizing the current issues and challenges in the management of multimorbidity. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was used to build a framework on how to advance management. The second round of review focused on original articles providing evidence within the primary care context.

RESULTS

The review found that advancing multimorbidity management in primary care requires a health system approach and a patient-centered approach. The health systems approach includes three major areas: (i) improves access to care, (ii) promotes generalism, and (iii) provides a decision support system. For the patient-centered approach, four key aspects are essential for multimorbidity management: (i) promoting doctor-patient relationship, (ii) prioritizing health problems and sharing decision-making, (iii) supporting self-management, and (iv) integrating care.Advancement of multimorbidity management in primary care requires integrating concepts of multimorbidity management guidelines with concepts of patient-centered and chronic care models. This simple integration provides an overarching framework for advancing the health care system, connecting the processes of individualized care plans, and integrating care with other providers, family members, and the community.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Inpatient Care: A Mixed Design Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

In the context of the digital transformation of all areas of society, health care providers are also under pressure to change. New technologies and a change in patients' self-perception and health awareness require rethinking the provision of health care services. New technologies and the extensive use of data can change provision processes, optimize them, or replace them with new services. The inpatient sector, which accounts for a particularly large share of health care spending, plays a major role in this regard.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the influences of current trends in digitization on inpatient service delivery.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review. This was applied to identify the international trends in digital transformation as they relate to hospitals. Future trends were considered from different perspectives. Using the defined inclusion criteria, international peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2021 were selected. The extracted core trends were then contextualized for the German hospital sector with 12 experts.

RESULTS

We included 44 articles in the literature analysis. From these, 8 core trends could be deduced. A heuristic impact model of the trends was derived from the data obtained and the experts' assessments. This model provides a development corridor for the interaction of the trends with regard to technological intensity and supply quality. Trend accelerators and barriers were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact analysis showed the dependencies of a successful digital transformation in the hospital sector. Although data interoperability is of particular importance for technological intensity, the changed self-image of patients was shown to be decisive with regard to the quality of care. We show that hospitals must find their role in new digitally driven ecosystems, adapt their business models to customer expectations, and use up-to-date information and communications technologies.

Could melatonin have a potential adjuvant role in the treatment of the lasting anosmia associated with COVID-19? A review

INTRODUCTION

Anosmia, the loss of the sense of smell, is usually associated with rhinopathies and has been reported as a common symptom of COVID-19. There is no specific drug to treat this condition, although some evidence suggests that melatonin could promote the recovery of olfactory sensory neurons.

METHODS

We set out to perform a narrative review to synthesize the current evidence in this area in respect of our hypothesis that melatonin may be linked with anosmia and play a part in oxidative stress and the regulation of inflammation. The main electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched.

RESULTS

The search produced 26 articles related to our hypothesis. Some studies examined issues related to melatonin's effects and its use as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19. Despite some studies suggesting that melatonin may have potential in the treatment of COVID-19, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no trials that have used it to treat anosmia associated with the disease. Few articles identified proposed that melatonin might have an effect on olfactory cells.

DISCUSSION

Further experimental and clinical research on the role of circadian melatonin in the olfactory system is warranted. This will provide evidence of the use of melatonin in the management of anosmia. A number of identified studies suggest that the imbalanced release of melatonin by the pineal gland associated with sleep disturbance may play a role in anosmia, although the specific pathway is not yet entirely clear. This may be a base for further research into the potential role of melatonin as adjuvant treatment of anosmia.

Kinect-Based Assessment of Lower Limbs during Gait in Post-Stroke Hemiplegic Patients: A Narrative Review

The aim of this review was to present an overview of the state of the art in the use of the Microsoft Kinect camera to assess gait in post-stroke individuals through an analysis of the available literature. In recent years, several studies have explored the potentiality, accuracy, and effectiveness of this 3D optical sensor as an easy-to-use and non-invasive clinical measurement tool for the assessment of gait parameters in several pathologies. Focusing on stroke individuals, some of the available studies aimed to directly assess and characterize their gait patterns. In contrast, other studies focused on the validation of Kinect-based measurements with respect to a gold-standard reference (i.e., optoelectronic systems). However, the nonhomogeneous characteristics of the participants, of the measures, of the methodologies, and of the purposes of the studies make it difficult to adequately compare the results. This leads to uncertainties about the strengths and weaknesses of this technology in this pathological state. The final purpose of this narrative review was to describe and summarize the main features of the available works on gait in the post-stroke population, highlighting similarities and differences in the methodological approach and primary findings, thus facilitating comparisons of the studies as much as possible.

Barriers and facilitators to delivering everyday personal hygiene care in residential settings: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Globally, the population is ageing, and more people live in residential care. Best practice in personal hygiene care may reduce distressing and debilitating skin and oral problems and improve resident outcomes. Although there is guidance on personal hygiene care, implementation may be a challenge.

AIM

To identify barriers and facilitators to delivering personal hygiene care for older persons in residential care settings.

METHODS

Systematic review reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidance. Databases MEDLINE, CIHAHL and PsychINFO were systematically searched using terms and synonyms 'barriers', 'facilitators', 'hygiene', 'older adults' and 'residential care'. Only empirical studies, reporting everyday skin and oral care, in English, peer reviewed and published from 2000 to 2021 were included. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

Sixteen papers yielded nine categories of barrier or facilitator. Five related to skin and oral care: (i) knowledge, (ii) skills relating to hygiene care, (iii) skills relating to supporting 'uncooperative' behaviours, (iv) lack of resources and (v) time, workload and staffing levels. The remainder related only to oral care: (vi) resident, family or carer motivation, (vii) dislike of hygiene care, (viii) carer attitudes and beliefs and (ix) social influences and communication. Six papers reported interventions to optimise care.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the persistent dearth of research into everyday personal hygiene practices, in particular skin hygiene in residential care. Existing literature identifies a range of barriers; however, there is a mismatch between these and reported interventions to improve practice.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Advances in implementation science to support optimal care have yet to be applied to interventions to support hygiene practices in care homes and it is imperative this is addressed. Future interventions should involve: (i) systematically and theoretically assessing barriers, (ii) application of tailored behaviour change techniques (iii) using these co-design pragmatic, locally acceptable strategies.

Understanding the Experiences of Black Women Medical Students and Residents: A Narrative Review

Background

Few research studies examine medical students and residents with intersectional identities. In the emerging literature, data on Black women's experiences may be misrepresented and misinterpreted as studies aggregate data for women, students of color, and Black/African American men. As such, these studies do not account for the nuanced experiences of gendered racism that Black women students and residents may encounter during their medical education.

Methods

Using Crenshaw's intersectionality as an analytical tool, we conducted a narrative review to highlight how Black women medical students and residents are rendered invisible in the current literature on medical education.

Results

The results generated 13 citations specifically discussing Black women medical students and residents, with only six studies being empirical research.

Conclusion

We conclude that 13 articles is inadequate for understanding the experiences of these populations. Without centering Black women or using an intersectional lens, researchers could invalidate the lived experiences of this population and create barriers to the political resources Black women learners need to be successful. Moreover, the lack of intention behind addressing the needs of Black women can be viewed as complicity in the oppressive structures that serve to subjugate them.

From stretcher bearer to practitioner: A brief narrative review of the history of the Anglo-American paramedic system

BACKGROUND

This narrative review presents a brief chronological history of the Anglo-American paramedic system, combining decades of stories from across ambulance services in western, English-speaking developed countries METHODS: Databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched from the inception of the databases. A grey literature search strategy was conducted to identify non-indexed relevant literature along with forwards and backwards searching of citations and references of included studies. Two reviewers undertook title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening. Included studies were summarised using narrative synthesis structured around the exploration of the history of the Anglo-American paramedic system.

RESULTS

The research team structured the narrative in chronological order and used metaphorical models based on philosophical underpinnings to describe in detail each era of paramedicine. The narrative explores several key milestones including, industrial orientation, scope of practice, innovation, education and training, regulation as well as significant clinical and technological advancements in the delivery of traditional and non-traditional paramedic care to patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Paramedicine, like other allied health professions, has successfully navigated the pathway toward professionalisation in a considerably short period of time. From its noble beginnings as stretcher bearers in times of war, the profession has looked outwards to emulate the success of our healthcare colleagues in establishing its own unique body of knowledge supported by strong clinical governance, national registration, professional regulatory boards, self-regulation, and a move towards higher education supported by the development of entry-to-practice degrees. Whilst the profession has achieved many great milestones, their application across multiple jurisdictions within the Anglo-American paramedic system remains inconsistent, and more research is needed to explore why this is.

Helping the quitters quit: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the barriers and facilitators to e-cigarette cessation and the support that is needed

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the barriers and facilitators to and support needed for e-cigarette cessation.

METHODS

We systematically searched the subject-specific databases MEDLINE, CINAHL complete and psycINFO and the Cochrane database using synonyms relating to the terms e-cigarettes and cessation including English language, empirical, peer reviewed research papers, published from 2010 to 2021. We included papers that addressed the research question in its broadest sense, including papers reporting reasons for and interventions to support e-cigarette cessation. Data extraction was completed two authors independently using a bespoke spreadsheet. We conducted a narrative synthesis of all data and we were able to extract and combine descriptive quantitative data from included survey papers.

RESULTS

After reviewing 2593 titles 10 papers fit our criteria. Barriers to e-cigarette cessation were: a fear of returning to tobacco, dependency and stress reduction. Barriers or facilitators were: health and hazard beliefs, degree of enjoyment, social influences and environmental factors. A number of e-cigarette smoking support measures were suggested by participants.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

E-cigarette cessation poses similar and additional challenges to that of tobacco cessation. E-cigarettes are not the final step on a journey to smoking cessation. Addressing barriers specific to e-cigarettes need to be considered in intervention design.

Mentoring Medical Education Research: Guidelines from a Narrative Review

Mentorship is critical to develop research scholars. Current literature provides mentorship guidance for biomedical research; however, mentorship for educational research is scarce. We explored literature to offer evidence-based guidance for medical education research mentors. A librarian searched peer-reviewed literature from 2001 to 2021 to identify guidelines for research mentors. Thirty-five articles were included in this narrative review. Our results identified attributes of mentors, overlapping roles, and barriers and benefits of mentoring. The structures and processes related to mentoring are reviewed and applicability to medical education research mentorship is summarized.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-022-01565-2.

A Review of Physical and Digital Mock-Up Applications in Healthcare Building Development

Mock-up simulation is a design or human factor research method to help designers identify key design issues and factors of a product or environment. This paper discusses physical mock-up (PMU) and digital mock-up (DMU) applications in healthcare building development through a narrative literature review. The following questions are addressed in this paper: what would the purposes of using PMU or DMU simulations be? At which phase of a hospital design would a PMU or DMU simulation be used? What methods can be used to conduct PMU and DMU simulations? The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these two mock-up methods and highlights the importance of clinical staff’s involvement in mock-up simulations. It gives recommendations for the design practitioners or project managers of healthcare building development recommendations to implement these two mock-up methods in healthcare building development projects.

Opportunities for Smartphone Sensing in E-Health Research: A Narrative Review

Recent years have seen significant advances in the sensing capabilities of smartphones, enabling them to collect rich contextual information such as location, device usage, and human activity at a given point in time. Combined with widespread user adoption and the ability to gather user data remotely, smartphone-based sensing has become an appealing choice for health research. Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the promise of using smartphone-based sensing to monitor a range of health conditions, particularly mental health conditions. However, as research is progressing to develop the predictive capabilities of smartphones, it becomes even more crucial to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of using this technology, given its potential impact on human health. To this end, this paper presents a narrative review of smartphone-sensing literature from the past 5 years, to highlight the opportunities and challenges of this approach in healthcare. It provides an overview of the type of health conditions studied, the types of data collected, tools used, and the challenges encountered in using smartphones for healthcare studies, which aims to serve as a guide for researchers wishing to embark on similar research in the future. Our findings highlight the predominance of mental health studies, discuss the opportunities of using standardized sensing approaches and machine-learning advancements, and present the trends of smartphone sensing in healthcare over the years.

Lifelog Retrieval From Daily Digital Data: Narrative Review

Background

Over the past decade, the wide availability and small size of different types of sensors, together with the decrease in pricing, have allowed the acquisition of a substantial amount of data about a person’s life in real time. These sensors can be incorporated into personal electronic devices available at a reasonable cost, such as smartphones and small wearable devices. They allow the acquisition of images, audio, location, physical activity, and physiological signals among other data. With these data, usually denoted as lifelog data, we can then analyze and understand personal experiences and behaviors. This process is called lifelogging.

Objective

The objective of this paper was to present a narrative review of the existing literature about lifelogging over the past decade. To achieve this goal, we analyzed lifelogging applications used to retrieve relevant information from daily digital data, some of them with the purpose of monitoring and assisting people with memory issues and others designed for memory augmentation. We aimed for this review to be used by researchers to obtain a broad idea of the type of data used, methodologies, and applications available in this research field.

Methods

We followed a narrative review methodology to conduct a comprehensive search for relevant publications in Google Scholar and Scopus databases using lifelog topic–related keywords. A total of 411 publications were retrieved and screened. Of these 411 publications, 114 (27.7%) publications were fully reviewed. In addition, 30 publications were manually included based on our bibliographical knowledge of this research field.

Results

From the 144 reviewed publications, a total of 113 (78.5%) were selected and included in this narrative review based on content analysis. The findings of this narrative review suggest that lifelogs are prone to become powerful tools to retrieve memories or increase knowledge about an individual’s experiences or behaviors. Several computational tools are already available for a considerable range of applications. These tools use multimodal data of different natures, with visual lifelogs being one of the most used and rich sources of information. Different approaches and algorithms to process these data are currently in use, as this review will unravel. Moreover, we identified several open questions and possible lines of investigation in lifelogging.

Conclusions

The use of personal lifelogs can be beneficial to improve the quality of our life, as they can serve as tools for memory augmentation or for providing support to people with memory issues. Through the acquisition and analysis of lifelog data, lifelogging systems can create digital memories that can be potentially used as surrogate memory. Through this narrative review, we understand that contextual information can be extracted from lifelogs, which provides an understanding of the daily life of a person based on events, experiences, and behaviors.

Feasibility assurance: a review of automatic item generation in medical assessment

BACKGROUND

Current demand for multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in medical assessment is greater than the supply. Consequently, an urgency for new item development methods arises. Automatic Item Generation (AIG) promises to overcome this burden, generating calibrated items based on the work of computer algorithms. Despite the promising scenario, there is still no evidence to encourage a general application of AIG in medical assessment. It is therefore important to evaluate AIG regarding its feasibility, validity and item quality.

OBJECTIVE

Provide a narrative review regarding the feasibility, validity and item quality of AIG in medical assessment.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed, English language articles published between 2000 and 2021 by means of the terms 'Automatic Item Generation', 'Automated Item Generation', 'AIG', 'medical assessment' and 'medical education'. Reviewers screened 119 records and 13 full texts were checked according to the inclusion criteria. A validity framework was implemented in the included studies to draw conclusions regarding the validity of AIG.

RESULTS

A total of 10 articles were included in the review. Synthesized data suggests that AIG is a valid and feasible method capable of generating high-quality items.

CONCLUSIONS

AIG can solve current problems related to item development. It reveals itself as an auspicious next-generation technique for the future of medical assessment, promising several quality items both quickly and economically.

Attributes of excellent clinician teachers and barriers to recognizing and rewarding clinician teachers' performances and achievements: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Over the last 31 years, there have been several institutional efforts to better recognize and reward clinician teachers. However, the perception of inadequate recognition and rewards by clinician teachers for their clinical teaching performance and achievements remains. The objective of this narrative review is two-fold: deepen understanding of the attributes of excellent clinician teachers considered for recognition and reward decisions and identify the barriers clinician teachers face in receiving recognition and rewards.

METHODS

We searched OVID Medline, Embase, Education Source and Web of Science to identify relevant papers published between 1990 and 2020. After screening for eligibility, we conducted a content analysis of the findings from 43 relevant papers to identify key trends and issues in the literature.

RESULTS

We found the majority of relevant papers from the US context, a paucity of relevant papers from the Canadian context, and a declining international focus on the attributes of excellent clinician teachers and barriers to the recognition and rewarding of clinician teachers since 2010. 'Provides feedback', 'excellent communication skills', 'good supervision', and 'organizational skills' were common cognitive attributes considered for recognition and rewards. 'Stimulates', 'passionate and enthusiastic', and 'creates supportive environment', were common non-cognitive attributes considered for recognition and rewards. The devaluation of teaching, unclear criteria, and unreliable metrics were the main barriers to the recognition and rewarding of clinician teachers.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our narrative review highlight a need for local empirical research on recognition and reward issues to better inform local, context-specific reforms to policies and practices.

Public Safety Personnel Family Resilience: A Narrative Review

The families of public safety personnel (PSP) face demands that are unique to these occupations. Nonstandard work, trauma exposure, and dangerous work environments affect both workers and the families who support them. This narrative review aims to identify the stressors that PSP families experience and the support and resources needed to enhance family resilience. Due to a lack of research on PSP families, this review is a necessary first step to summarizing and interpreting a diverse body of research. The studies included addressed structural and emotional work-family conflict with reference to PSP sectors. A framework from the military family resiliency literature interprets the findings. Factors influencing family functioning and the availability and accessibility of resources provide clues about the type of skills and supports that PSP families rely on. Meaning-making, collaboration, a sense of coherence, and communication were identified as themes associated with intrafamilial processes. Extrafamilial themes included public perceptions, a lack of recognition for the roles families fulfill, and the need for information and education. The results suggest that the vulnerability of PSP families is variable and extrafamilial resources in the form of formal and informal supports are necessary to enhance family resiliency.

Using COVID-19 Pandemic as a Prism: A Systematic Review of Methodological Approaches and the Quality of Empirical Studies on Physical Activity Behavior Change

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of scientific endeavors. The goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of the research on physical activity (PA) behavior change and its potential to contribute to policy-making processes in the early days of COVID-19 related restrictions.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of methodological quality of current research according to PRISMA guidelines using Pubmed and Web of Science, of articles on PA behavior change that were published within 365 days after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Items from the JBI checklist and the AXIS tool were used for additional risk of bias assessment. Evidence mapping is used for better visualization of the main results. Conclusions about the significance of published articles are based on hypotheses on PA behavior change in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Among the 1,903 identified articles, there were 36% opinion pieces, 53% empirical studies, and 9% reviews. Of the 332 studies included in the systematic review, 213 used self-report measures to recollect prepandemic behavior in often small convenience samples. Most focused changes in PA volume, whereas changes in PA types were rarely measured. The majority had methodological reporting flaws. Few had very large samples with objective measures using repeated measure design (pre and during the pandemic). In addition to the expected decline in PA duration, these studies show that many of those who were active prepandemic, continued to be active during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Research responded quickly at the onset of the pandemic. However, most of the studies lacked robust methodology, and PA behavior change data lacked the accuracy needed to guide policy makers. To improve the field, we propose the implementation of longitudinal cohort studies by larger organizations such as WHO to ease access to data on PA behavior, and suggest those institutions set clear standards for this research. Researchers need to ensure a better fit between the measurement method and the construct being measured, and use both objective and subjective measures where appropriate to complement each other and provide a comprehensive picture of PA behavior.

Virtual Power Plant Optimization in Smart Grids: A Narrative Review

Virtual power plants (VPPs) are promising solutions to address the decarbonization and energy efficiency goals in the smart energy grid. They assume the coordination of local energy resources such as energy generation, storage, and consumption. They are used to tackle problems brought by the stochastic nature of renewable energy, lack of energy storage devices, or insufficient local energy flexibility on the demand side. VPP modeling, management, and optimization are open to research problems that should consider, on one side, the local constraints in the operation of the energy resources and power flows and the energy grid’s sustainability objectives on the other side. There are multiple goals to create a VPP, such as to deliver energy services on a market or to the grid operator, to operate a microgrid in autonomy decoupled from the main grid, or to sustain local energy communities. In this paper, we present the results of a narrative review carried out on the domain of VPP optimization for the local energy grid integration. We have defined a search strategy that considers highly rated international databases (i.e., Elsevier, IEEE, and MDPI) in a six-year timeframe and applied objective inclusion/exclusion criteria for selecting articles and publications for the review; 95 articles have been analyzed and classified according to their objectives and solutions proposed for optimizing VPP integration in smart grids. The results of the study show that VPP concepts and applications are well addressed in the research literature, however, there is still work to be done on: engaging prosumers and citizens in such a virtual organization, developing heuristics to consider a wider range of local and global constraints and non-energy vectors, and to decentralize and make transparent the services delivery and financial settlement towards community members. This study can help researchers to understand the current directions for VPP integration in smart grids. As a next step we plan to further analyze the open research directions related to this problem and target the development of innovative solutions to allow the integration of multi-energy assets and management of cross energy sector services in energy communities.

Together from the start: A transdiagnostic framework for early dyadic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases

BACKGROUND

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are increasingly prevalent and radically alter the lives of individuals and their informal care partners (together called a dyad). As symptoms progress, dyads are at risk for elevated emotional distress and declines in relationship functioning and quality of life. Psychosocial interventions delivered to dyads early after diagnosis have successfully prevented chronic emotional distress across several chronic illnesses including cancer and acute brain injury. Dyads with NDD could benefit from such interventions, however, they are limited. Because NDDs have symptom profiles that are distinct from other chronic illnesses, they require a unique framework and interventions. Given the limited dyadic interventions and unified symptoms across NDDs, a transdiagnostic framework may help to enhance scalability and efficiency. To address this problem, we developed a transdiagnostic framework that cuts across NDD physical and emotional diagnoses to inform cost-effective and sustainable NDD dyadic interventions.

METHODS

To develop this framework, we conducted: (1) a narrative review on dyadic adjustment and existent dyadic interventions for those with NDDs, and (2) integrated findings to develop our NDD transdiagnostic framework for dyadic interventions early after diagnosis.

RESULTS

Findings revealed no existent dyadic interventions for NDDs delivered shortly after diagnosis. Among available interventions, all were delivered later in disease progression, thereby focusing on dyadic challenges at more advanced stages. In addition, although research emphasized the influence of individual, dyadic, and contextual factors on dyads' early adjustment to NDDs, no conceptual model has been developed. Informed by theory and current research, we introduce an NDD transdiagnostic framework for couples' early biopsychosocial adjustment. This framework includes NDD specific: contextual factors, illness-related factors, individual and dyadic stressors, adaptive coping strategies, and dyads' resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Our NDD transdiagnostic framework can be used to inform early dyadic psychosocial interventions that cut across all NDDs. This approach has important implications for implementation and scalability.

Is the healthcare provision in the Netherlands compliant with universal health coverage based on the right to health? A narrative literature review

Universal health coverage, as one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, is the access to key promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health interventions for all at an affordable cost. It is a practical expression of the concern for health equity and the right to health, and a goal for all countries. This review is a novel attempt to explore the healthcare provision in the Netherlands as an expression of universal health coverage based on the right to health.

The study adopted a narrative review approach using a framework that consists of 10 universal health coverage indicators which are derived from seven human rights principles. The techno-economic approach to healthcare provision by the Dutch state achieves a healthcare system where most of the population is covered for most of the services for most of the costs. The Dutch state complies with its minimum core obligations, while less attention is paid to participatory decision making and non-discrimination principles. However, with the fiscal sustainability of healthcare provision showing erosion, basing healthcare policy on values based on human rights principles might prevent a regressive policy.

Alternative Ways of Capturing the Legacies of Traumatic Events: A Literature Review of Agency of Children Living in Countries Affected by Political Violence and Armed Conflicts

BACKGROUND

It has been revealed that the construct of agency plays a crucial role in contributing to children's positive functioning and well-being despite their traumatic contexts. Yet there is little agreement within the literature about the definition of agency, how agency is displayed by children, or how it should be investigated.

AIMS

This study provides a synthetic overview of studies that have analyzed the agency of children living in contexts affected by political violence and armed conflict. In the process, it highlights major theoretical breakthroughs and findings in this area of research. The aim was to review research investigating the different ways in which children's agency manifests itself within their everyday lives, as well as possible policy implications.

METHOD

We identified published peer-reviewed studies relating to children's agency in conflict-affected environments through a narrative literature review. An ecological framework was used to organize studies according to the different settings (personal, familial, cultural, or contextual) within which the children's agency was displayed.

RESULTS

Of 682 studies identified from online searches of the literature and the three additional sources gathered through bibliography mining, 63 qualified for full review, with 15 studies included in the final synthesis. Overall, the literature focused mostly on the ways in which children's ability to mobilize resources emerged in order to cope with their challenging contexts.

CONCLUSION

Scholars advocated for community-oriented and child-centered programs that are aimed not only at promoting recovery from symptoms but also at fostering advocacy and a sense of agency in children.

Intelligent Systems Using Sensors and/or Machine Learning to Mitigate Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions: A Review, Challenges, and New Perspectives

Worldwide, the persistent trend of human and animal life losses, as well as damage to properties due to wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) remains a significant source of concerns for a broad range of stakeholders. To mitigate their occurrences and impact, many approaches are being adopted, with varying successes. Because of their increased versatility and increasing efficiency, Artificial Intelligence-based methods have been experiencing a significant level of adoption. The present work extensively reviews the literature on intelligent systems incorporating sensor technologies and/or machine learning methods to mitigate WVCs. Included in our review is an investigation of key factors contributing to human-wildlife conflicts, as well as a discussion of dominant state-of-the-art datasets used in the mitigation of WVCs. Our study combines a systematic review with bibliometric analysis. We find that most animal detection systems (excluding autonomous vehicles) are relying neither on state-of-the-art datasets nor on recent breakthrough machine learning approaches. We, therefore, argue that the use of the latest datasets and machine learning techniques will minimize false detection and improve model performance. In addition, the present work covers a comprehensive list of associated challenges ranging from failure to detect hotspot areas to limitations in training datasets. Future research directions identified include the design and development of algorithms for real-time animal detection systems. The latter provides a rationale for the applicability of our proposed solutions, for which we designed a continuous product development lifecycle to determine their feasibility.

A Neurobiological Framework for the Therapeutic Potential of Music and Sound Interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Critical Illness Survivors

Overview: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a severely debilitating psychiatric disorder associated with critical illness. Little progress has been made in the treatment of post-intensive care unit (ICU) PTSD. Aim: To synthesize neurobiological evidence on the pathophysiology of PTSD and the brain areas involved, and to highlight the potential of music to treat post-ICU PTSD. Methods: Critical narrative review to elucidate an evidence-based neurobiological framework to inform the study of music interventions for PTSD post-ICU. Literature searches were performed in PubMed and CINAHL. The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guided reporting. Results: A dysfunctional HPA axis feedback loop, an increased amygdalic response, hippocampal atrophy, and a hypoactive prefrontal cortex contribute to PTSD symptoms. Playing or listening to music can stimulate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, enhance brain recovery, and normalize stress response. Additionally, evidence supports effectiveness of music to improve coping and emotional regulation, decrease dissociation symptoms, reduce depression and anxiety levels, and overall reduce severity of PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: Despite the lack of music interventions for ICU survivors, music has the potential to help people suffering from PTSD by decreasing amygdala activity, improving hippocampal and prefrontal brain function, and balancing the HPA-axis.

Mycotoxin Exposure during the First 1000 Days of Life and Its Impact on Children’s Health: A Clinical Overview

The first 1000 days of life are very sensitive to any event that alters health programming, and they represent a window for intervention to improve population health. Pregnant women, fetuses, and infants are particularly vulnerable to exposure to food contaminated with mycotoxins. This review aimed to gather data from the literature on mycotoxins exposure during intrauterine life and early childhood, and associated health risks, as assessed through human biomonitoring and mycotoxins occurrence in foods, in different continents. Maternal internal exposure to aflatoxins is associated with fetal growth restriction, while exposure to fumonisins increases the risk of offspring’s neural tube defects. Mycotoxin contamination of breast milk is reported worldwide, but data on adverse effects of the lactational transfer of mycotoxins on infant health are lacking. Young children are exposed to mycotoxins through contaminated infant formulas and baby foods. Both external and internal exposure to aflatoxins and fumonisins in children are reported to be associated with growth impairment. In low-income settings, where other co-factors can affect growth, this association should be interpreted with caution. Further studies on human biomonitoring of mother–infant pairs and young children are needed to guide management strategies aiming to minimize mycotoxin exposure at critical developmental stages.

The Effects of Health Purchasing Reforms on Equity, Access, Quality of Care, and Financial Protection in Kenya: A Narrative Review

Kenya has implemented several health purchasing reforms to facilitate progress toward universal health coverage. We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed and grey literature to examine how these reforms have affected health system outcomes in terms of equity, access, quality of care, and financial protection. We categorized the purchasing reforms we identified into the areas of benefits specification, provider payment, and performance monitoring. We found that the introduction and expansion of benefit packages for maternity, outpatient, and specialized services improved responsiveness to population needs and enhanced protection from financial hardship. However, access to service entitlements was limited by inadequate awareness of the covered services among providers and lack of service availability at contracted facilities. Provider payment reforms increased health facilities' access to funds, which enhanced service delivery, quality of care, and staff motivation. But delays and the perceived inadequacy of payment rates incentivized negative provider behavior, which limited access to care and exposed patients to out-of-pocket payments. We found that performance monitoring reforms improved the quality assurance capacity of the public insurer and enhanced patient safety, service utilization, and quality of care provided by facilities. Although health purchasing reforms have improved access, quality of care, and financial risk protection to some extent in Kenya, they should be aligned and implemented jointly rather than as individual interventions. Measures that policymakers might consider include strengthening communication of health benefits, timely and adequate payment of providers, and enhancing health facility autonomy over the revenues they generate.

Metabolic risk factors and fertility disorders: A narrative review of the female perspective

Metabolic risk factors such as obesity are considered major obstacles to female fertility. Chronic infertility imposes psychological and social burdens on women because infertility violates societal gender roles. Although the prevalence of obesity among women is expected to increase in the future, the relevance of metabolic status for fertility is still underestimated. However, the assessment of metabolic risk factors is highly relevant for understanding fertility disorders and improving infertility treatment. This narrative review discusses the associations of metabolic risk factors (e.g. obesity, female athlete triad, oxidative stress) with significant infertility. An electronic search was conducted for studies published between 2006 and 2020 in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and related databases. In total, this search identified 19,309 results for polycystic ovary syndrome, 28,969 results for endometriosis, and only 1611 results for idiopathic and/or unknown infertility. For the present narrative review, 50 relevant studies were included: 19 studies were on obesity, 24 studies investigated the female athlete triad, and seven studies addressed other risk factors, including reactive oxygen species. This narrative review confirms the direct impact of obesity on female infertility, while the effect of other risk factors needs to be confirmed by large-scale population studies.

Mental Health Needs of Aging Veterans: Recent Evidence and Clinical Recommendations

Objectives: Large numbers of older Americans have a history of military service, which may be positively or negatively associated with mental health in late life. We reviewed literature with the aim of better understanding the mental health needs of older Veterans.Methods: Articles included those published in 2009-2018 and focused on prevalence/risk for mental illness and suicide among older Veterans; utilization of mental health services; effectiveness of evidence-based behavioral treatments; and pertinent care delivery models.Results: Older Veterans are generally resilient. A significant minority experience mental health concerns that are associated with poor outcomes including a substantial number of suicides. Most published research is based on the approximately one third of Veterans who use the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for care. Older Veterans with mental health diagnoses are less likely to utilize mental health services compared to younger Veterans, but as likely to benefit once engaged. Integrated care models in primary and geriatric care settings are promising.Conclusions: Aging Veterans are a large subset of Americans whose mental health needs are complex and deserve attention.Clinical Implications: Clinicians should ask about history of military service (i.e., Veteran status) and utilize available resources when providing care for older Veterans.

Exploring the psychological effects of sharps injuries sustained by healthcare workers

Much of the research into sharps injuries sustained by healthcare workers focuses on prevalence and incidence and to a lesser extent the financial implications of such injuries. An under-researched area is the psychological effects of such injuries. This article reports the findings of a narrative literature review that aimed to synthesise the evidence on this subject. Electronic databases and the grey literature were searched with no date limits set and 27 articles were included in the review. Findings suggested that healthcare workers may experience a range of psychological issues following a sharps injury, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. There was also evidence to suggest that the necessary psychological follow-up care is often inadequate, so improvements are required in this area. Further research is necessary to enhance understanding of the psychological effects of sharps injuries on healthcare workers and to ensure they receive appropriate support.

Reproducibility: A Researcher-Centered Definition

Recent years have introduced major shifts in scientific reporting and publishing. The scientific community, publishers, funding agencies, and the public expect research to adhere to principles of openness, reproducibility, replicability, and repeatability. However, studies have shown that scientists often have neither the right tools nor suitable support at their disposal to meet these modern science challenges. In fact, even the concrete expectations connected to these terms may be unclear and subject to field-specific, organizational, and personal interpretations. Based on a narrative literature review of work that defines characteristics of open science, reproducibility, replicability, and repeatability, as well as a review of recent work on researcher-centered requirements, we find that the bottom-up practices and needs of researchers contrast top-down expectations encoded in terms related to reproducibility and open science. We identify and define reproducibility as a central term that concerns the ease of access to scientific resources, as well as their completeness, to the degree required for efficiently and effectively interacting with scientific work. We hope that this characterization helps to create a mutual understanding across science stakeholders, in turn paving the way for suitable and stimulating environments, fit to address the challenges of modern science reporting and publishing.

Physical exercise intervention via telerehabilitation in patients with neurological disorders: a narrative literature review

Background

In recent years, telerehabilitation applications have increased with the rapid development of mobile technology. Remote rehabilitation services have utmost importance in chronic neurological disorders. The aim of this narrative literature review was to discuss the physical exercise interventions via telerehabilitation in patients with neurological disorders. The literature search was conducted via PubMed using the neurological pathology terms in the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) database. Physical exercise-based studies within the scope of neurological rehabilitation were included in the study. The contents of the studies were discussed with narrative synthesis.

Results

A total of 329 studies were obtained in the initial search. Twelve studies including cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, parkinson's disease, intracranial tumors, spinal-cord injury were interpreted. A vast majority of studies (50%) was conducted with stroke cases. On the other hand, half of the studies addressed the specific results of balance or balance-falling. The results of the studies were discussed comprehensively.

Conclusion

Physical exercise with telerehabilitation provides productive results to improve quality of life, muscle strength-endurance, hand function, balance, aerobic capacity in neurologic rehabilitation.

White-collar crime: a neglected area in forensic psychiatry?

White-collar crime (WCC) causes considerable societal harm, the economic and psychosocial costs of which exceed those of conventional crime. Despite the impact, it has received scant attention from the academic literature in forensic psychiatry. This narrative literature review covers important topics in our understanding of white-collar crime, including offender characteristics such as demographics, criminal history, mental illness, personality and psychopathy, the link with violent offending and the trajectory of the white-collar offender (WCO) through the criminal justice system. White-collar crime is under-researched, particularly with regards to psychopathology, and the field of forensic psychiatry may have important contributions to make to our understanding of this important and harmful type of crime.

Well-being and Life Satisfaction in Children Living in Contexts of Political Violence: A Narrative Literature Review

Background

Children and youth growing up in contexts characterized by political violence are at high risk of developing mental health impairments. In recent years, a growing interest has been directed to the study of children’s well-being after being exposed to political violence in order to develop interventions aimed at preserving and enhancing it.

Objective

This study provides a synthetic overview of studies that have explored or implemented interventions aimed at improving well-being and life satisfaction in conflict-affected children.

Methods

We identified peer-reviewed studies relating to children’s well-being in conflict-affected environments through a narrative literature review. An ecological framework was used to organize the studies in relation to the individual, family, social and community factors playing a role in promoting and preserving participants’ well-being. Implications for practices, policies and research were summarized to highlight areas in which they need strengthening.

Results

Of 1221 unique studies returned from online searches of the literature, 70 qualified for full review, with a total of 22 peer-reviewed studies included in the final synthesis. Results indicate a range of domains and dimensions that mutually interact to either enhance or diminish children’s well-being and life satisfaction. Four studies explicitly focused on assessing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting and assessing children’s well-being and health.

Conclusions

Researchers were able to identify several dimensions that were contributing to the children’s well-being in situations of significant adversity. The concept of well-being emerged as a combination of personal resources and supportive contexts—such as family, peers, and community—that vary over time or across contexts. Well-being and life satisfaction in children living in contexts of political violence: a narrative literature review.

Fetal Tachyarrhythmia Management from Digoxin to Amiodarone-A Review

Sustained fetal tachycardias are rare but represent a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Consensus has yet to be found regarding their optimal management. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the data available in the current literature regarding the efficacy and safety of medications used in the management of intrauterine tachyarrhythmias and to provide possible treatment protocols. In this review, we would like to emphasize the importance of a thorough evaluation of both the fetus and the mother, prior to transplacental antiarrhythmic drug initiation. Factors such as the hemodynamic status of the fetus, possible mechanisms of fetal arrhythmia, and concomitant maternal conditions are of primordial importance. As a possible treatment protocol, we would like to recommend the following: due to the risk of sustained supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), fetuses with frequent premature atrial beats should be evaluated more frequently by echocardiography. A careful hemodynamic evaluation of a fetus with tachycardia is primordial in forestalling the appearance of hydrops. In the case of atrial flutter (AFL), sotalol therapy could represent a first choice, whereas when dealing with SVT patients, flecainide should be considered, especially for hydropic patients. These data require consolidation through larger scale, non-randomized studies and should be handled with caution.

Transferable learning about patient and public involvement and engagement in gambling support services from health and social care: findings from a narrative review and workshop with people with lived experience

Purpose

The involvement of patients or members of the public within public health, health and social care and addictions services is growing in the UK and internationally but is less common in gambling support services. The purpose of this study was to explore Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) infrastructures and engagement channels used in health and care services and debate their transferability to the gambling support sector (including research, education and treatment).

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review examined data from six English language electronic databases, NHS evidence and grey literature covering the period 2007–2019. We identified 130 relevant items from UK literature. A workshop was held in London, England, with people with lived experience of gambling harm to seek their views on and applicability of the review findings to gambling services.

Findings

Synthesis of literature and workshop data was undertaken. Main themes addressed “What works” in relation to: building infrastructures and organising involvement of people with lived experience; what people want to be involved in; widening participation and sustaining involvement and respecting people with lived experience.

Practical implications

Examination of the literature about involvement and engagement of patients, service users and the public in public health, health and social care and addiction services provides potentially useful examples of good practice which may be adopted by gambling services.

Originality/value

The involvement of people with lived experience of gambling harms in gambling support services is under-explored, with little published evidence of what constitutes good practice amongst self-organising groups/networks/grassroots organisations or rights-based/empowerment-based approaches.

Development of and Preliminary Validity Evidence for the EFeCT Feedback Scoring Tool

BACKGROUND

Narrative feedback, like verbal feedback, is essential to learning. Regardless of form, all feedback should be of high quality. This is becoming even more important as programs incorporate narrative feedback into the constellation of evidence used for summative decision-making. Continuously improving the quality of narrative feedback requires tools for evaluating it, and time to score. A tool is needed that does not require clinical educator expertise so scoring can be delegated to others.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an evidence-based tool to evaluate the quality of documented feedback that could be reliably used by clinical educators and non-experts.

METHODS

Following a literature review to identify elements of high-quality feedback, an expert consensus panel developed the scoring tool. Messick's unified concept of construct validity guided the collection of validity evidence throughout development and piloting (2013-2020).

RESULTS

The Evaluation of Feedback Captured Tool (EFeCT) contains 5 categories considered to be essential elements of high-quality feedback. Preliminary validity evidence supports content, substantive, and consequential validity facets. Generalizability evidence supports that EFeCT scores assigned to feedback samples show consistent interrater reliability scores between raters across 5 sessions, regardless of level of medical education or clinical expertise (Session 1: n=3, ICC=0.94; Session 2: n=6, ICC=0.90; Session 3: n=5, ICC=0.91; Session 4: n=6, ICC=0.89; Session 5: n=6, ICC=0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

There is preliminary validity evidence for the EFeCT as a useful tool for scoring the quality of documented feedback captured on assessment forms. Generalizability evidence indicated comparable EFeCT scores by raters regardless of level of expertise.

Hospitality Industry 4.0 and Climate Change

This paper investigates under which conditions implementation of Industry 4.0 in the hospitality sector could help to combat climate change. The paper takes the form of a systematic literature review to examine the main pillars of Industry 4.0 in the hospitality industry and discuss how these technologies could help combat climate change. We propose five conditions under which Industry 4.0 could help to combat climate change. First, in the hospitality industry, increased use of Industry 4.0 technologies induces an increase in energy efficiency and a reduction of GHG. Second, increased use of Industry 4.0 technologies induces a reduction in water consumption and an increase in water use efficiency. Third, increased use of Industry 4.0 technologies induces a reduction in food waste. Fourth, increased use of Industry 4.0 technologies can promote Circular Hospitality 4.0. Fifth, increased use of Industry 4.0 technologies helps to reduce transport and travel. Hospitality Industry 4.0 technologies offer new opportunities for enhancing sustainable development and reducing GHG emissions through the use of environmentally friendly approaches to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives.

Management of Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Caused by Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs: A Narrative Review from 1970 to 2020

Simple Summary

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common acquired cardiovascular disease in dogs. The progression of the disease and the increasing severity of valvular regurgitation cause a volume overload of the left heart, leading to left atrial and ventricular remodeling and congestive heart failure (CHF). The treatment of chronic CHF secondary to MMVD in dogs has not always been the same over time. In the last fifty years, the drugs utilized have considerably changed, as well as the therapeutic protocols. Some drugs have also changed their intended use. An analysis of the literature concerning the therapy of chronic heart failure in dogs affected by this widespread degenerative disease is not available; a synthesis of the published literature on this topic and a description of its current state of art are needed. To the authors’ knowledge, a review of this topic has never been published in veterinary medicine; therefore, the aim of this study is to overview the treatments of chronic CHF secondary to MMVD in dogs from 1970 to 2020 using the general framework of narrative reviews.

Abstract

The treatment of chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs, has considerably changed in the last fifty years. An analysis of the literature concerning the therapy of chronic CHF in dogs affected by MMVD is not available, and it is needed. Narrative reviews (NRs) are aimed at identifying and summarizing what has been previously published, avoiding duplications, and seeking new study areas that have not yet been addressed. The most accessible open-access databases, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, were chosen, and the searching time frame was set in five decades, from 1970 to 2020. The 384 selected studies were classified into categories depending on the aim of the study, the population target, the pathogenesis of MMVD (natural/induced), and the resulting CHF. Over the years, the types of studies have increased considerably in veterinary medicine. In particular, there have been 43 (24.29%) clinical trials, 41 (23.16%) randomized controlled trials, 10 (5.65%) cross-over trials, 40 (22.60%) reviews, 5 (2.82%) comparative studies, 17 (9.60%) case-control studies, 2 (1.13%) cohort studies, 2 (1.13%) experimental studies, 2 (1.13%) questionnaires, 6 (3.40%) case-reports, 7 (3.95%) retrospective studies, and 2 (1.13%) guidelines. The experimental studies on dogs with an induced form of the disease were less numerous (49–27.68%) than the studies on dogs affected by spontaneous MMVD (128–72.32%). The therapy of chronic CHF in dogs has considerably changed in the last fifty years: in the last century, some of the currently prescribed drugs did not exist yet, while others had different indications.

Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality in Dentistry: A Narrative Review on the Existing Platforms and Future Challenges

The recent advancements in digital technologies have led to exponential progress in dentistry. This narrative review aims to summarize the applications of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality in dentistry and describes future challenges in digitalization, such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality represent effective tools in the educational technology, as they can enhance students’ learning and clinical training. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and can also be useful aids during clinical practice. Augmented Reality can be used to add digital data to real life clinical data. Clinicians can apply Virtual Reality for a digital wax-up that provides a pre-visualization of the final post treatment result. In addition, both these technologies may also be employed to eradicate dental phobia in patients and further enhance patient’s education. Similarly, they can be used to enhance communication between the dentist, patient, and technician. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics can also improve clinical practice. Artificial Intelligence is currently developed to improve dental diagnosis and provide more precise prognoses of dental diseases, whereas Robotics may be used to assist in daily practice.

Recent Developments in Phenotypic and Molecular Diagnostic Methods for Antimicrobial Resistance Detection in Staphylococcus aureus: A Narrative Review

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections in humans, such as skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, food poisoning or sepsis. Historically, S. aureus was able to rapidly adapt to anti-staphylococcal antibiotics and become resistant to several classes of antibiotics. Today, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant pathogen and is one of the most common bacteria responsible for hospital-acquired infections and outbreaks, in community settings as well. The rapid and accurate diagnosis of antimicrobial resistance in S. aureus is crucial to the early initiation of directed antibiotic therapy and to improve clinical outcomes for patients. In this narrative review, I provide an overview of recent phenotypic and molecular diagnostic methods for antimicrobial resistance detection in S. aureus, with a particular focus on MRSA detection. I consider methods for resistance detection in both clinical samples and isolated S. aureus cultures, along with a brief discussion of the advantages and the challenges of implementing such methods in routine diagnostics.

Air Pollution in Poland: A 2022 Narrative Review with Focus on Respiratory Diseases

According to the World Bank Group, 36 of the 50 most polluted cities in the European Union are in Poland. Thus, ambient air pollution and its detrimental health effects are a matter of immense importance in Poland. This narrative review aims to analyse current findings on air pollution and health in Poland, with a focus on respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, as well as the Poles’ awareness of air pollution. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched. In total, results from 71 research papers were summarized qualitatively. In Poland, increased air pollution levels are linked to increased general and respiratory disease mortality rates, higher prevalence of respiratory diseases, including asthma, lung cancer and COVID-19 infections, reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The proximity of high traffic areas exacerbates respiratory health problems. People living in more polluted regions (south of Poland) and in the winter season have a higher level of air pollution awareness. There is an urgent need to reduce air pollution levels and increase public awareness of this threat. A larger number of multi-city studies are needed in Poland to consistently track the burden of diseases attributable to air pollution.