COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A Systematic review of cognitive determinants

Background: Although mass vaccination is considered one of the most effective public health strategies during the pandemic, in the COVID-19 era, many people considered vaccines unnecessary and, or doubted the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. This review aimed to tabulate cognitive causes of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, which may help public health policymakers overcome the barriers to mass vaccinations in future pandemics. Methods: For this systematic review, studies pertaining to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy published up to June 2022 were retrieved from six online databases (Cochrane Library, Google Scholar Medline through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Inclusion criteria were the studies conducted on people who had a delay in accepting or refusing COVID-19 vaccines, reported the impact of cognitive determinants on vaccine hesitancy, and were written in English in the timeframe of 2020-2022. Results: This systematic review initially reviewed 1171 records. From these 91 articles met the inclusion criteria. The vaccination hesitation rate was 29.72% on average. This systematic review identified several cognitive determinants influencing vaccination hesitancy. Lack of confidence and complacency were the most frequent factors that predicted vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: The identified prevailing cognitive determinants for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy indicated that using initiative and effective communication strategies would be a determinant factor in building people's trust in vaccines during the pandemic and mass vaccinations.

New approaches in developing medicinal herbs databases

Medicinal herbs databases have become a crucial part of organizing new scientific literature generated in medicinal herbs field, as well as new drug discoveries in the information era. The aim of this review was to track the current status of medicinal herbs databases. Search for finding medicinal herbs databases was carried out via Google and PubMed. PubMed was searched for papers introducing medicinal herbs databases by the recruited search strategy. Papers with an active database on the web were included in the review. Google was also searched for medicinal herbs databases. Both retrieved papers and databases were reviewed by the authors. In this review, the current status of 25 medicinal herbs databases was reviewed, and the important characteristics of databases were mentioned. The reviewed databases had a great variety in terms of characteristics and functions. Finally, some recommendations for the efficient development of medicinal herbs databases were suggested. Although contemporary medicinal herbs databases represent much useful information, adding some features to these databases could assist them to have better functionality. This work may not cover all the necessary information, but we hope that our review can provide readers with fundamental concepts, perspectives and suggestions for constructing more useful databases.

The effect of Chlorella vulgaris on obesity related metabolic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a unicellular algae is a dietary supplement with beneficial nutritious content, used for decades in some countries. Positive effects for CV supplementation on metabolic parameters has been established in animal and human studies. However there is a gap for this results summary for a definite conclusion announce. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of CV on body weight, lipid profile, and blood glucose.

CONTENT

PRISMA guidelines were charted in this review. Subject search was performed in MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ISI web of sciences, Google scholar, Cochrane and Scopus databases for randomized clinical trials published in English languages, until December 2020, which assessed the effects of CV on metabolic syndrome related symptoms in clinical trials.

SUMMARY

Out of 4,821 records screened, after duplicate and irrelevant exclusion by title and abstract, 20 articles remained for full text screening. Finally a total of 12 articles met the study inclusion criteria and were assessed for study method and results.

OUTLOOK

The findings showed controversies in anthropometric, glycemic and lipid profile effects. CV may have beneficial effects on obesity-related metabolic disorders; however, collected studies lacked statistical power to reach a definite conclusion. More well-designed studies are required.

Quality of reporting of literature search strategies in systematic reviews published on the role of telehealth during COVID-19

A comprehensive and reproducible search strategy for systematic reviews especially about COVID-19 plays a pivotal role in conducting a reliable and unbiased review. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the quality of the search strategy reporting in systematic reviews conducted on the role of telehealth during COVID-19. The secondary aim of study was to explore some affecting factor in the quality of search strategy. The study evaluated the quality of the search strategy reporting with PRISMA-S checklist. The search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and other related databases. Systematic reviews were included. There was no language restriction. The correlation of the PRISMA-S scores with journal impact factor, CiteScore, and librarians’ role were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. A total of 85 articles were included in the review. The overall mean score of PRISMA-S checklist was 6.12 ± 1.46. PubMed was the most popular database for search. More than half of the studies did not provide a full search strategy. There was a significant positive correlation between PRISMA-S score and the journal impact factor (Spearman’s rho = 0.217; P = 0.46) and CiteScore (Spearman’s rho = 0.235; P = 0.03). The quality of literature search was poor in the included studies. Using the PRISMA-S as a search reporting guideline can be a helpful tool for authors. A professional librarian can be beneficial in improving the quality of the search. It is recommended to use a new pattern in COVID-19-related searches, such as preprint sources.

A framework for information technology-based management against COVID-19 in Iran

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global concern. Iran is one of the countries affected most by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. As a result, the use of information technology (IT) has a variety of applications for pandemic management. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic via IT management, based on extensive literature review and expert knowledge.

Methods

The conceptual framework is developed in three stages: (1) a literature review to gather practical experience with IT applications for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) a study of Iranian documents and papers that present Iran’s practical experience with COVID-19, and (3) developing a conceptual framework based on the previous steps and validating it through a Delphi approach in two rounds, and by 13 experts.

Results

The proposed conceptual framework demonstrates that during pandemics, 22 different types of technologies were used for various purposes, including virtual education, early warning, rapid screening and diagnosis of infected individuals, and data management. These objectives were classified into six categories, with the following applications highlighted: (1) Prevention (M-health, Internet search queries, telehealth, robotics, Internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, Virtual Reality (VR), social media); (2) Diagnosis (M-health, drones, telehealth, IoT, Robotics, AI, Decision Support System (DSS), Electronic Health Record (EHR)); (3) Treatment (Telehealth, M-health, AI, Robotic, VR, IoT); (4) Follow-up (Telehealth, M-health, VR), (5) Management & planning (Geographic information system, M-health, IoT, blockchain), and (6) Protection (IoT, AI, Robotic and automatic vehicles, Augmented Reality (AR)). In Iran, the use of IT for prevention has been emphasized through M-health, internet search queries, social media, video conferencing, management and planning objectives using databases, health information systems, dashboards, surveillance systems, and vaccine coverage.

Conclusions

IT capabilities were critical during the COVID-19 outbreak. Practical experience demonstrates that various aspects of information technologies were overlooked. To combat this pandemic, the government and decision-makers of this country should consider strategic planning that incorporates successful experiences against COVID-19 and the most advanced IT capabilities.

Indices and indicators developed to evaluate the "strengthening community action" mechanism of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To determine 1) the indexes/indicators used for evaluating the "strengthening community action" mechanism of the Ottawa Charter for health promotion, and 2) to extract the characteristics and key components of the indexes/indicators using a scoping review.

DATA SOURCE

In May 2020, the search was conducted across three databases; Medline (via Pub Med), Embase, and Scopus.

INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

All primary studies relating to development, identification, and measurement of health promotion indices/indicators associated to the "strengthening community actions" were included. The review articles were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

The data were extracted to a data-charting form that was developed by the research team. Two authors reviewed the extracted data. Data Synthesis To summarize and report the data, a descriptive numerical analysis, and a narrative descriptive synthesizing approach were used. Results In total, 93 study articles were included. A majority of studies (82%) were conducted in developed countries. Different types of recognized indices were categorized into seven groups: social cohesion (n=3), community capacity (n=1), community participation (n=7), social capital (n=6), social network (n=3), social support (n=1), and others (n=5).

CONCLUSIONS

Having a collection of "strengthening community action" indices/indicators in hand, health policy-makers and health promotion specialists might be able to do their best in considering, selecting, and applying the most appropriate indices/indicators while evaluating community health promotion interventions in different settings.

Community-based educational interventions for prevention of type II diabetes: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Our objective was to estimate the change in community-based education interventions throughout the world that may effectuate in risk parameters of type II diabetes (T2D), including the diabetes incidence rate, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

METHODS

A comprehensive search for globally eligible studies was conducted on PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, CINAHL nursing & allied health source, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, conference proceedings, and reference lists. Data were extracted using JBI standardized data extraction tool. The primary outcome variables were diabetes incidence rate, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbAlc), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (s/d BP). Random-effects meta-analysis and sub-group analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Nineteen interventional studies were included in the review, and ten studies were pooled in the meta-analysis (n = 16,106, mean age = 41.5 years). The incidence rate of T2D was reported in three trials, within which the risk of developing T2D was reduced by 54.0% in favor of community-based educational interventions, (RR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.38-0.75; p < 0.001). In eleven (n = 11,587) and six (n = 6416) studies, the pooled mean differences were - 0.33 (95% CI: - 0.45 to - 0.20, p < 0.0001) and - 0.15 (95% CI: - 0.28 to - 0.03, p < 0.0001) for FBS and HbA1c levels, respectively. Positive significant effects were observed on reducing BMI [pooled mean difference = - 0.47 (95% CI: - 0.66 to - 0.28), I² = 95.7%, p < 0.0001] and WC [pooled mean difference = - 0.66 (95% CI: - 0.89 to - 0.43), I² = 97.3%, p < 0.0001]. The use of theoretical frameworks was found to provide a 48.0% change in fasting blood sugar.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a comprehensive data collection of about 16,106 participants and reasonable analyses, we conclude that educational interventions may reduce diabetes incidence by 54.0%, particularly through reductions in fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and waist circumference. The diabetes risk parameters may favorably improve irrespective of the duration of intervention, at as low as 6 months. The application of theoretical frameworks while designing educational interventions is also encouraged.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018115877.

Immediate loading of short implants: A systematic review

Background

This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness and outcomes of immediate loading methods for short dental implants.

Methods

The authors independently conducted an electronic search in the PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, ProQuest, and Cochrane databases for relevant articles published until November 15, 2020. The references of the included studies were assessed, and a manual search was conducted in Google Scholar and PubMed to find additional relevant studies.

Results

Finally, three studies were selected and included in this systematic review. Significant heterogeneity existed in the design of the included studies, and due to the low number of the included studies, the authors could not perform a meta-analysis. The studies showed that the survival rate of immediate-loaded short implants is comparable to conventional loading Methods. However, more marginal bone loss is expected. Overall, the immediate loading of short dental implants might be clinically successful.

Conclusion

Based on the results, immediate loading protocols might be safely used for short implants. However, caution should be exercised in interpreting these results.Future welldesigned randomized clinical trials with more participants and study power are necessary to support the findings of this systematic review.

Spexin status in relation to obesity and its related comorbidities: a systematic review

Purpose

Spexin, a novel 14-amino acid peptide, has multiple physiological functions. The purpose of this paper was to systematically evaluate the current literature on the role of Spexin neuropeptide in obesity and its related comorbidities, food intake and overall metabolic status in human, animal and in vitro studies.

Methods

Multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for English-language papers published since inception until December 2018, that investigated Spexin levels in relation to chronic metabolic diseases, overall metabolism control and feeding-related behaviors.The quality of the included observational studies was assessed by a version of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) designed for non-randomized studies and SYRCLE's assessment tool for animal models.

Results

Out of 224 records screened, search results led to a total of 24 related studies (12 human studies (ten cross-sectional studies, one cohort study, and one longitudinal study) and 12 studies in either animals or in vitro).Nine of the included cross-sectional studies and one Longitudinal study had moderate to good study quality, and one cross-sectional and one cohort study had high-quality (or low risk of bias).

Conclusion

It appears that Spexin has a positive impact on overall metabolic status. As a novel appetite-regulating peptide, Spexin can act as an anorexigenic factor. Information about Spexin is very limited, and well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials are warranted for replicating, validating, and extending the current findings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018117198).

The Effect of Different Mixing Methods on the Properties of Calcium-enriched Mixture Cement: A Systematic Review of in Vitro Studies

Introduction

It has been shown that the mechanical and physical properties of Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM) cement are influenced by the mixing methods. Despite several studies conducted on different mixing methods of CEM cement, there is no systematic review to summarize the results. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the effect of different mixing techniques on mechanical and physical characteristics of CEM cement.

Methods and Materials

A professional librarian with skills in informatics conducted a systematic search by searching electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Ovid for English language peer-reviewed articles published between 1992 and April 2019.

Results

Initial searches from all sources identified 1175 references. Two of the authors examined the titles, abstracts of these articles and the full reports of 20 studies were obtained, and data extraction was performed. Seven studies satisfied the eligibility criteria for the review. The effect of different mixing methods was investigated on bacterial microleakage, push-out bond strength, flow rate, compressive strength, solubility, pH, film thickness, dimensional changes, working time, setting time and quality of the apical plug.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this systematic review, some of the important properties of CEM cement were affected by different mixing methods. Although none of these mixing methods could improve all the properties, mechanical and manual methods were more effective compared to ultrasonic method.

Risk factors for paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer

Background

Paclitaxel induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a major debilitating side effect of paclitaxel in patients with breast cancer with no fully known mechanisms. The aim of the study was to find out the possible risk factors for PIPN.

Methods

Eligible patients with node positive breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with paclitaxel were assessed. They belonged to an initial randomized controlled trial in which the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing and reducing severity of PIPN was evaluated (protocol ID: NCT01049295). Reduced total neuropathy score (r-TNS) was used for measuring PIPN. All analyses were performed adjusting for intervention effect. The association between age, BMI, BSA, pathological grade, molecular biomarkers and PIPN was evaluated.

Results

Fifty-seven patients with breast cancer were investigated. Age was significantly associated with risk of PIPN (RR:1.50, P value = .024). Body mass index and BSA had significant association with severity of PIPN (B:1.28, P = .025; and B: 3.88, P = .010 respectively). Also, BSA showed a significant association with the risk of PIPN (RR: 2.28, P = .035; B: 3.88, P = .035). Incidence and severity of PIPN were much more pronounced in progesterone receptor positive (PR⁺) patients (RR:1.88, P = .015 and B:1.54, P = .012). Multivariate analysis showed that age and the status of PR⁺ were independent risk factor for incidence and the status of PR⁺ was the only independent risk factor for severity of PIPN.

Conclusion

Age, BSA and the status of PR⁺, should be considered as the risk factors for PIPN before commencement of chemotherapy with paclitaxel in patients with breast cancer. Older patients, those with greater BSA and PR⁺ patients may need closer follow up and more medical attention due to greater incidence and severity of PIPN.

A new score for screening of malnutrition in patients with inoperable gastric adenocarcinoma

Background

Malnutrition is common in patients with gastric cancer. Early identification of malnourished patients results in improving quality of life. We aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients with inoperable gastric adenocarcinoma (IGA) and finding a precise malnutrition screening score for these patients before the onset of chemotherapy.

Methods

Nutritional status was assessed using patient generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), visceral proteins, and high-sensitivity C reactive protein. Tumor markers of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) and CA 19-9 and their association with nutritional status were assessed. Then a new score for malnutrition screening was defined.

Results

Seventy-one patients with IGA completed the study. Malnourished and well-nourished patients (based on PG-SGA) were statistically different regarding albumin, prealbumin and CA-125. The best cut-off value for prealbumin for prediction of malnutrition was determined at 0.20 mg/dl and using known cut-off values for albumin (3.5 g/dl) and CA-125 (35 U/ml), a new score was defined for malnutrition screening named MS-score. According to MS-score, 92% of the patients had malnutrition and it could predict malnutrition with 96.8% sensitivity, 50% specificity and accuracy of 91.4%.

Conclusion

MS-score has been suggested as an available and easy-to-use tool for malnutrition screening in patients with IGA.

Tobacco Use Prevention by Integrating Inside and Outside of School Based Programs: A Systematic Review Article

BACKGROUND

Experience of tobacco use in early ages will increase probability of addiction to nicotine therefore, efficient tobacco control programs for teenagers are crucial. This study was conducted to recognize elements of successful integrated inside and outside of school based smoking prevention programs.

METHODS

MeSH terms and related keywords were used to search PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, EMBASE, ERIC, SID databases from inception to 29th October 2013. Trials with random and non-random designs, systematic reviews and cohort studies that assessed or reported application of integrated tobacco control programs were included. Quality of the retrieved publications was checked independently by the authors and any disagreement was resolved by consensus.

RESULT

Among the 745 identified publications, only 15 studies had the inclusion criteria with a considerable methodological heterogeneity. While, precise out-come of integrated out of school/school-based interventions were not percepti-ble but this study's findings implied that outside of school intervention could strengthen school-based tobacco prevention programs. No study was found to examine school-based interventions integrated with primary health care such as anti-tobacco consultations, high-risk students screening and their referral to special centers.

CONCLUSION

Integration of outside and inside of school-based programs may boost probability of obtaining favorable outcomes and success rate in practice.