Review and Analysis: Evaluation of the Impacts and Consequences of Using Agricultural Herbicides as Military Chemical Weapons in Second Indochina War

The legacy of the human misery caused by the application of the herbicides including Agent Purple and Agent Orange contaminated with unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD and Agent Blue, the arsenic-based herbicide, sprayed over the jungles, rice fields, and hamlets of Vietnam is still haunting us today. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? Was it necessary United States military strategy? Was it an intentional decision to inflict this blight on the enemy soldiers and the Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian civilians, to poison their land and cause generations of harm? Alternatively, was it an unpreventable accident in the march of military history? What patterns in the U.S. government’s thought process could be identified as the cause, which led to the decision to use these herbicides as tactical chemical weapons? If the introduction of herbicide (chemical) weapons had not been made, would the outcome of the Vietnam War and the Secret Wars in Laos and Cambodia have been any different? The objective of this treatise is to outline the role of world events and backgrounds and the role of the leaders, U.S. military, CIA, USDA, U.S. State Department, the U.S. President appointed Ambassadors to Vietnam and Laos, chemical companies, and President Diệm’s Republic of Vietnam (RVN) government and military. Their collective advice led to the decision to use herbicides as military and environmental chemical weapons in the Second Indochina War. Were the National interests achieved by U.S. military strategy in the RVN using herbicide weapons worth the long-term environmental and human health consequences in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos? Did it impact the outcome of the Second Indochina War?

The influence of resistance exercise training prescription variables on skeletal muscle mass,strength,and physical function in healthy adults:An umbrella review

Purpose:The aim of this umbrella review was to determine the impact of resistance training(RT)and individual RT prescription variables on muscle mass,strength,and physical function in healthy adults.Methods:Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,we systematically searched and screened eligible systematic reviews reporting the effects of differing RT prescription variables on muscle mass(or its proxies),strength,and/or physical function in healthy adults aged>18 years.Results:We identified 44 systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria.The methodological quality of these reviews was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews;standardized effectiveness statements were generated.We found that RT was consistently a potent stimulus for increasing skeletal muscle mass(4/4 reviews provide some or sufficient evidence),strength(4/6 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),and physical function(1/1 review provided some evidence).RT load(6/8 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),weekly frequency(2/4 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),volume(3/7 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),and exercise order(1/1 review provided some evidence)impacted RT-induced increases in muscular strength.We discovered that 2/3 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence that RT volume and contraction velocity influenced skeletal muscle mass,while 4/7 reviews provided insufficient evidence in favor of RT load impacting skeletal muscle mass.There was insufficient evidence to conclude that time of day,periodization,inter-set rest,set configuration,set end point,contraction velocity/time under tension,or exercise order(only pertaining to hypertrophy)influenced skeletal muscle adaptations.A paucity of data limited insights into the impact of RT prescription variables on physical function.Conclusion:Overall,RT increased muscle mass,strength,and physical function compared to no exercise.RT intensity(load)and weekly frequency impacted RT-induced increases in muscular strength but not muscle hypertrophy.RT volume(number of sets)influenced muscular strength and hypertrophy.

Effectiveness of Music-Based Therapeutic Intervention on People with Dementia: A Rapid Review

Background: Dementia is a condition with progressive cognitive dysfunction and manifestation of both behavioral and psychosocial symptoms. Non-pharmacological measures such as music therapy are gaining importance since efficacy and safety of people with dementia have been questionable for pharmacological measures. Patient’s response to music is persistent even in the later stage of dementia. Aim: This rapid review aims to identify, analyze, evaluate, and summarize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of music-based therapeutic interventions among people with dementia. Method: CINAHL Cochrane Library, internet websites of rapid review producers, and reference lists were searched to identify articles for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened the literature search results. Effectiveness, music-based therapeutic intervention, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, systematic review and systematic review with meta-analysis terms were used to abstract data from included studies. Main Findings: 11 SRs and SRs with meta-analysis were reviewed which revealed positive effect of music therapy on five major outcomes with 9 studies effect on behavioral outcome, 6 studies with positive effect on psychosocial outcome reducing anxiety, 6 with improved cognition, 1 study revealed with improved quality of life and 1 study revealed effect on physiological outcomes. Conclusion: Music therapy has positive effect on treatment of dementia but further studies with larger sample size and specified to single intervention should be conducted to provide generalisable and precise results on this topic.

A Review and Bibliometric Analysis of the Current Studies for the 6G Networks

The race to develop the next generation of wireless networks,known as Sixth Generation(6G)wireless,which will be operational in 2030,has already begun.To realize its full potential over the next decade,6G will undoubtedly necessitate additional improvements that integrate existing solutions with cutting-edge ones.However,the studies about 6G are mainly limited and scattered,whereas no bibliometric study covers the 6G field.Thus,this study aims to review,examine,and summarize existing studies and research activities in 6G.This study has examined the Scopus database through a bibliometric analysis of more than 1,000 papers published between 2017 and 2021.Then,we applied the bibliometric analysis methods by including(1)document type,(2)subject area,(3)author,and(4)country of publication.The study’s results reflect the research 6G community’s trends,highlight important research challenges,and elucidate potential directions for future research in this interesting area.

Spontaneous Abortions in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Research and Analysis of Factors Associated at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala

Introduction: Spontaneous abortion of the second trimester is an interruption of pregnancy with complete expulsion or not of the product of conception between 15 and 28 weeks of pregnancy without any maneuvers. The objective of our study was to determine the factors associated with second trimester spontaneous abortions at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. Methodology for this purpose: We conducted a case-control study from January to May 2019 on pregnant women who may or may not have had spontaneous second trimester abortions. Results: In total we recorded 1609 pregnancies and recruited 184 patients, including 46 cases and 138 controls;which gave a frequency of spontaneous abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy of 2.85%. A correlative analysis showed that spontaneous abortions in the second trimester were associated with housewife status (OR = 2.89;CI = 1.21 - 6.79;p = 0.010), gestation > 5 (OR = 4.09;CI = 1.02 - 17.66;p = 0.040), multiparity (OR = 3.81;CI = 1.59 - 9.16;p = 0.002), history of endouterine maneuvers (OR = 5.64;CI = 2.43 - 13 .03;p = 0.000), malaria in pregnancy (OR = 3.99;CI = 1.1 - 14.76;p = 0.030), incompleteness on the second trimester ultrasound (OR = 2.37;CI = 1.18 - 4.70;p = 0.010), jolts when traveling (OR = 46.04;CI = 17.29 - 123.66;p = 0.000), long car journeys (OR = 7.05;CI = 1.99 - 27.77;p = 0.000). After logistic regression eliminating the confounding factors, only the following were associated with abortions: Multiparity (OR = 13.90;CI = 2.96 - 65.18;p = 0.000), endo uterine maneuvers (OR = 3.69;CI = 1. 01 - 13.44;p = 0.047), jolts when traveling (OR = 72.63;CI = 19.47 - 270.96;p = 0.000), long car journeys (OR = 15.41;CI = 2.7 - 85, 95;p = 0.000). Conclusion: Our study reveals that a set of factors contribute to the occurrence of spontaneous abortions in the second trimester of pregnancy in our context.

Synthesis of Reviews on Auscultation, Approaches, and Methods for Engineering Structures

Topometric auscultation is used to monitor the durability of structures, measure deformations linked to the structure of a structure or to the movement of the ground over a part of the globe, set up warning systems, etc. It first appeared as a visual method and rapidly evolved through the various techniques used. Some of these techniques using topography are used in several fields (civil engineering, geodesy, topography, mechanics, nuclear engineering, hydraulics, physics, etc.). These topometric techniques have undergone major changes as a result of technological advances, growing needs in the monitoring of movements or deformations, increased requirements and new challenges. The methodology adopted depends on the measuring instrument used, the parameters to be estimated and access to the area to be measured. There are two types of methods: destructive and non-destructive. In addition to the visual method, they can also be classified as mechanical, physico-chemical, dynamometric, electrophysical and geometric. The estimated parameter varies according to the methodology adopted. It can be defined by coordinates, distances, potential, electrical resistance, etc.

Understanding the catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of second-promoter doped Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3) catalysts in the glycerol hydrogenolysis for selective and cleaner production of 1,3-propanediol

The selective aqueous-phase glycerol hydrogenolysis is a promising reaction to produce commercially useful 1,3-propanediol(1,3-PDO).The Pt-WOx bifunctional catalyst can catalyse the glycerol hydrogenol-ysis but the catalyst deactivation via sintering,metal leaching,and coking can predominantly occur in the aqueous phase reaction.In this work,the effect of reaction temperature,pressure and second promoter(Cu,Fe,Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,Sn,B,and P)on catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of Pt/WOx/-Al2O3 was investigated.When doped with Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,B,and P,the second promoter boosts catalytic activity by promoting great dispersion of Pt on support and increasing Pt surface area.The increased Bronsted acid sites lead to selective synthesis of 1,3-PDO than 1,2-propanediol(1,2-PDO).The characterization studies of fresh and spent catalysts reveal that the main cause of catalyst deactivation is the Pt sintering,as interpreted based on XRD,CO chemisorption,and TEM analyses.The Pt sintering is affected depending on the second promoter that can either or reduce the interaction between Pt,WO_(χ)/γ and Al_(2)O_(3).As an electron acceptor of Pt in Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3),Re and Mn as second promoters resulted in increased Pt^(2+) on the catalytic surface,which strengthens the contact between Pt andγ-Al_(2)O_(3) and WO_(χ),resulting in a decrease in Pt sintering.The metal leaching and coking are not affected by the presence of second promoter.The catalyst modified with a second promoter possesses improved catalytic activity and 1,3-PDO production,however the stability continues to remain a challenge.The present work unrav-elled the determining parameters of catalytic activity and deactivation,thus providing a promising pro-tocol toward effective catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis.

Comparing the efficacy and safety of low,medium,and high dosages of selexipag for treating pulmonary hypertension:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The maintenance dosage of selexipag is categorized as low,medium or high.In order to assess the efficacy and safety of different dosages of selexipag for the risk stratification of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH),we performed a sys-tematic review and meta-analysis.Methods:Studies assessing PAH risk stratification indices,such as the World Health Organization functional class(WHO-FC),six-minute walk distance(6MWD),N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)level,right atrial pressure(RAP),cardiac index(CI)and mixed venous oxygen saturation(SvO2),were included.Results:Thirteen studies were included.Selexipag led to improvements in the 6MWD(MD:24.20 m,95%CI:10.74-37.67),NT-proBNP(SMD:-0.41,95%CI:-0.79-0.04),CI(MD:0.47 L/min/m^(2),95%CI:0.17-0.77)and WHO-FC(OR:0.564,95%CI:0.457-0.697).Subgroup analysis demonstrated that all three dosages improved the 6MWD.A moderate dosage led to improvements in the CI(MD:0.30 L/min/m^(2),95%CI:0.15-0.46)and WHO-FC(OR:0.589,95%CI:0.376-0.922).Within 6 months of treatment,only the WHO-FC and CI were significantly improved(OR:0.614,95%CI:0.380-0.993;MD:0.30 L/min/m^(2),95%CI:0.16-0.45,respectively).More than 6 months of treatment significantly improved the 6MWD,WHO-FC and NT-proBNP(MD:40.87 m,95%CI:10.97-70.77;OR:0.557,95%CI:0.440-0.705;SMD:-0.61,95%CI:-1.17-0.05,respectively).Conclusions:Low,medium,and high dosages of selexipag all exhibited good effects.When treatment lasted for more than 6 months,selexipag exerted obvious effects,even in the low-dosage group.This finding is important for guiding individualized treatments.

Review of Maternal Deaths over 3 and a Half Years at the Kara University Hospital Center, Northern Togo: About 65 Cases

Objective: To analyze maternal deaths, identify causes and dysfunctions leading to these deaths in order to contribute to the implementation of strategies to reduce maternal mortality at CHU Kara. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study involving 65 cases of maternal deaths recorded at CHU-Kara from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021. Results: Our study focused on 65 cases of maternal deaths recorded at the maternity ward of CHU-Kara. The average age was 30 years, with a range of 15 to 45 years. They were mostly housewives (52.3%), uneducated (38.5%), multiparous (41.5%), and referred (86.2%). The causes were mainly direct obstetric causes (81.54%), with preeclampsia and its complications (28.30%) and immediate postpartum hemorrhage (20.75%) being the most common. However, uterine rupture (20.5%) and post-abortion sepsis (16.4%) were the most lethal etiologies. Delayed evacuation (46.43%), inadequate transportation (91%), and insufficient prenatal care (72.31%) were the dysfunctions before referral. Within the CHU Kara, delays in management (58.46%), unavailability of blood and labile products (18%), and insufficient monitoring were the dysfunctions identified. Ninety-five point four percent (95.4%) of the deaths were preventable. Conclusion: The magnitude of intrahospital maternal deaths, the various dysfunctions observed in the occurrence of maternal deaths before referral/evacuation and within the hospital highlight the importance of effectively implementing recommendations from audits in the fight against maternal mortality. The majority of the deaths were preventable (95.38%).

A Tutorial Review of the Solar Power Curve: Regressions, Model Chains, and Their Hybridization and Probabilistic Extensions

Owing to the persisting hype in pushing toward global carbon neutrality,the study scope of atmospheric science is rapidly expanding.Among numerous trending topics,energy meteorology has been attracting the most attention hitherto.One essential skill of solar energy meteorologists is solar power curve modeling,which seeks to map irradiance and auxiliary weather variables to solar power,by statistical and/or physical means.In this regard,this tutorial review aims to deliver a complete overview of those fundamental scientific and engineering principles pertaining to the solar power curve.Solar power curves can be modeled in two primary ways,one of regression and the other of model chain.Both classes of modeling approaches,alongside their hybridization and probabilistic extensions,which allow accuracy improvement and uncertainty quantification,are scrutinized and contrasted thoroughly in this review.

The Applicability and Productiveness of a Systematic Literature Review Methodology in Volcanology Research: Case of the Magma Pathway at the Mount Cameroon Volcano

The presented research illustrates the applicability and productiveness of the systematic literature review methodology, a non-empirical methodology in the geological sciences, particularly volcanology. The systematic literature review methodology is a replicable, rigorous, and transparent methodology for synthesizing existing literature to answer questions on a specific topic. The synthesis allows for knowledge consolidation, such as identifying knowledge gaps. In our illustration of this methodology, we focused on the expanding knowledge about the magma pathway at Mount Cameroon, one of Africa’s active volcanoes. Our synthesis of the relevant international geoscience research literature is based on the framework of knowledge about the magma pathway beneath a typical basaltic volcano. The framework has three primary components: magma supply, storage, and transport to erupting vents. Across these components is a total of twelve secondary components. The result is a previously non-existent and fragmented overall understanding of the magma pathway at Mount Cameroon. The gaps in the understanding (such as in the magma supply rates, timescales of chamber processes, and magma ascent rates) may be addressed in future research. Another key implication of the presented research lies in the proof of concept of the systematic literature review methodology as an applicable qualitative research methodology in the study of volcanoes.

Life Review the Impact of Combined Watson Care Theory Intervention on Psychological Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Terminal Lung Cancer

Objective: To analyze the impact of combined Watson care theory intervention on the psychological state and quality of life in patients with terminal lung cancer. Methods: 72 patients with terminal lung cancer admitted from March 2021 to January 2024 were selected, which were divided into research group (life review combined with Watson care theory intervention) and control group (conventional intervention), with 36 cases each. Compare the nursing effect between the two groups. Results: The anxiety self-rating scale (SAS) and depression self-rating scale (SDS) scores were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the quality of life score was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Life review combined with Watson care theory intervention can improve the psychological state and improve the quality of life of patients with terminal lung cancer.

Research progress on the development of hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met signaling pathway in gastric cancer:A review

Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)and its receptor,c-Met,play important roles in the occurrence,development,and treatment of gastric cancer(GC).This review explored the function of the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway in GC and its potential targeted therapeutic mechanisms.As one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide,GC has a complex pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options.Therefore,a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism of GC is very important for the development of new therapeutic methods.The HGF/c-Met signaling pathway plays an important role in the proliferation,migration,and invasion of GC cells and has become a new therapeutic target.This review summarizes the current research progress on the role of HGF/c-Met in GC and discusses targeted therapeutic strategies targeting this signaling pathway,providing new ideas and directions for the treatment of GC.

Application of Chinese Medicine Nursing Techniques in the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases: A Review

Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (SPID) is a common and frequent disease in gynecology, which adversely affects women’s reproductive health and quality of life due to its prolonged course. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China has gradually shown its clinical advantages in the treatment of SPID. Therefore, the present review summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of SPID, the evidence typology, and the clinical application effects of moxibustion, herbal retention enema, acupoint compresses, external application of traditional Chinese medicine, auricular pressure beans, tuina massage, traditional Chinese medicine gongfu, and other commonly used Chinese medicine nursing techniques, with the aim of providing references and experiences for the subsequent related studies.

Management of distal cholangiocarcinoma with arterial involvement: Systematic review and case series on the role of neoadjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND The use of neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)in distal cholangiocarcinoma(dCCA)with regional arterial or extensive venous involvement,is not widely accepted and evidence is sparse.AIM To synthesise evidence on NAT for dCCA and present the experience of a highvolume tertiary-centre managing dCCA with arterial involvement.METHODS A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidance to identify all studies reporting outcomes of patients with dCCA who received NAT.All patients from 2017 to 2022 who were referred for NAT for dCCA at our centre were retrospectively collected from a prospectively maintained database.Baseline characteristics,NAT type,progression to surgery and oncological outcomes were collected.RESULTS Twelve studies were included.The definition of“unresectable”locally advanced dCCA was heterogenous.Four studies reported outcomes for 9 patients who received NAT for dCCA with extensive vascular involvement.R0 resection rate ranged between 0 and 100%but without survival benefit in most cases.Remaining studies considered either NAT in resectable dCCA or inclusive with extrahepatic CCA.The presented case series includes 9 patients(median age 67,IQR 56-74 years,male:female 5:4)referred for NAT for borderline resectable or locally advanced disease.Three patients progressed to surgery and 2 were resected.One patient died at 14 months with evidence of recurrence at 6 months and the other died at 51 months following recurrence 6 months postoperatively.CONCLUSION Evidence for benefit of NAT is limited.Consensus on criteria for uniform definition of resectability for dCCA is required.We propose using the established National-Comprehensive-Cancer-Network®criteria for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Quality-adjusted life years and surgical waiting list:Systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND The quality-adjusted life year(QALY)is a metric that is increasingly used today in the field of health economics to evaluate the value of different medical treatments and procedures.Surgical waiting lists(SWLs)represent a pressing problem in public healthcare.The QALY measure has rarely been used in the context of surgery.It would be interesting to know how many QALYs are lost by patients on SWLs.AIM To investigate the relationship between QALYs and SWLs in a systematic review of the scientific literature.METHODS The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement.An unlimited search was carried out in PubMed,updated on January 19,2024.Data on the following variables were investigated and analyzed:Specialty,country of study,procedure under study,scale used to measure QALYs,the use of a theoretical or real-life model,objectives of the study and items measured,the economic value assigned to the QALY in the country in question,and the results and conclusions published.RESULTS Forty-eight articles were selected for the study.No data were found regarding QALYs lost on SWLs.The specialties in which QALYs were studied the most in relation to the waiting list were urology and general surgery,with 15 articles each.The country in which the most studies of QALYs were carried out was the United States(n=21),followed by the United Kingdom(n=9)and Canada(n=7).The most studied procedure was organ transplantation(n=39),including 15 kidney,14 liver,5 heart,4 lung,and 1 intestinal.Arthroplasty(n=4),cataract surgery(n=2),bariatric surgery(n=1),mosaicplasty(n=1),and septoplasty(n=1)completed the surgical interventions included.Thirty-nine of the models used were theoretical(the most frequently applied being the Markov model,n=34),and nine were real-life.The survey used to measure quality of life in 11 articles was the European Quality of Life-5 dimensions,but in 32 articles the survey was not specified.The willingness-to-pay per QALY gained ranged from$100000 in the United States to€20000 in Spain.CONCLUSION The relationship between QALYs and SWLs has only rarely been studied in the literature.The rate of QALYs lost on SWLs has not been determined.Future research is warranted to address this issue.

Effect of Six Bacterial Strains on the Activity of Second Instar Larvae and Egg Hatching of Meloidogyne incognita

[Objectives]The paper was to screen effective biocontrol strains against Meloidogyne incognita.[Methods]The effect of six bacterial strains sourced from the research group s strain library on the activity of second instar larvae of M.incognita,as well as on egg hatching,was evaluated.[Results]The treatment of fermentation supernatant derived from the X-2 strain exhibited a pronounced lethal effect on M.incognita,with a corrected mortality rate reaching 97%within 72 h.Additionally,this treatment significantly inhibited egg hatching,achieving an inhibition rate of 94.69%at a 20-fold dilution.The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis,belonging to the genus Bacillus,and was designated as RKN1111.[Conclusions]This study presents alternative strains and a theoretical framework for the biological control of M.incognita.

Investigating the therapeutic efficacy of psilocybin in advanced cancer patients: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Psilocybin,a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms,is known for its effects on anxiety and depression.It has recently gained increasing interest for its potential therapeutic effects,particularly in patients with advanced cancer.This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of psilocybin on adult patients with advanced cancer.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect of psilocybin in patients with advanced cancer.METHODS A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted in PubMed,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,and Google Scholar for articles published up to February 2023.The reference lists of the included studies were also searched to retrieve possible additional studies.RESULTS A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review,comprising 132 participants.The results revealed significant improvements in quality of life,pain control,and anxiety relief following psilocybin-assisted therapy,specifically results on anxiety relief.Pooled effect sizes indicated statistically significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety at both 4 to 4.5 months[35.15(95%CI:32.28-38.01)]and 6 to 6.5 months[33.06(95%CI:28.73-37.40)].Post-administration compared to baseline assessments(P<0.05).Additionally,patients reported sustained improvements in psychological well-being and existential distress fo-llowing psilocybin therapy.CONCLUSION The findings provided compelling evidence for the potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy in improving quality of life,pain control,and anxiety relief in patients with advanced cancer.

Predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for neoadjuvant therapy response in triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)levels and the res-ponse to neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the predictive potential of TIL levels for the response to NAT in TNBC patients.METHODS A systematic search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed database was performed to collect relevant published literature prior to August 31,2023.The correlation between TIL levels and the NAT pathologic com-plete response(pCR)in TNBC patients was assessed using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Subgroup analysis,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias analysis were also conducted.RESULTS A total of 32 studies were included in this meta-analysis.The overall meta-ana-lysis results indicated that the pCR rate after NAT treatment in TNBC patients in the high TIL subgroup was significantly greater than that in patients in the low TIL subgroup(48.0%vs 27.7%)(risk ratio 2.01;95%confidence interval 1.77-2.29;P<0.001,I2=56%).Subgroup analysis revealed that the between-study hetero-geneity originated from differences in study design,TIL level cutoffs,and study populations.Publication bias could have existed in the included studies.The meta-analysis based on different NAT protocols revealed that all TNBC patients with high levels of TILs had a greater rate of pCR after NAT treatment in all protocols(all P≤0.01),and there was no significant between-protocol difference in the statistics among the different NAT protocols(P=0.29).Additionally,sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the overall results of the meta-analysis remained consistent when the included studies were individually excluded.CONCLUSION TILs can serve as a predictor of the response to NAT treatment in TNBC patients.TNBC patients with high levels of TILs exhibit a greater NAT pCR rate than those with low levels of TILs,and this predictive capability is con-sistent across different NAT regimens.

Review of Albanian studies suggests the need for further efforts to counteract significant hepatitis B virus prevalence

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus(HBV)is categorized as one of the smallest enveloped DNA viruses and is the prototypical virus of the Hepatoviridae family.It is usually transmitted through body fluids such as blood,semen,and vaginal secretions.The majority(more than 95%)of immunocompetent adults infected with HBV spontaneously clear the infection.In the context of the high prevalence of HBV infection in Albania,the research gap is characterized by the lack of studies aimed at advancing the current understanding and improving the prevailing situation.The main objective of this study was to address the low rate of HBV diagnosis and the lack of a comprehensive national program to facilitate widespread diagnosis.AIM To analyze the prevalence of HBV infection in Albania and elucidate the persistently high prevalence despite efforts and measures implemented.METHODS Using a systematic literature review,we collected existing research on the epidemiology of HBV in Albania from PubMed,Cochrane Library,Google Scholar,and Albanian Medical Journals,focusing on studies published after the 1980s and conducted solely in the Albanian population.RESULTS The findings reveal a dynamic shift in HBV prevalence in Albania over several decades.Initially high,the prevalence gradually declined following the implementation of screening and vaccination programs.However,the prevalence rates have remained notably high,exceeding 8%in recent years.Contributing factors include vertical transmission,inadequate healthcare infrastructure,and challenges in screening and diagnosis.Studies among Albanian refugees in neighboring countries also reported high prevalence rates,emphasizing the need for transnational interventions.Despite advancements in screening,vaccination,and healthcare infrastructure,Albania continues to face a substantial burden of HBV infection.CONCLUSION The persistence of high prevalence underscores the complexity of the issue,requiring ongoing efforts to ensure a comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation.Addressing gaps in vaccination coverage,improving access to screening and diagnosis,and enhancing public awareness are crucial steps toward reducing HBV prevalence in Albania.