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Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2024Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), known as Chen Pi in China, is the most commonly used medicine for regulating qi. As a traditional medicine, CRP has been extensively... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), known as Chen Pi in China, is the most commonly used medicine for regulating qi. As a traditional medicine, CRP has been extensively used in the clinical treatment of nausea, vomiting, cough and phlegm for thousands of years. It is mainly distributed in Guangdong, Sichuan, Fujian and Zhejiang in China. Due to its high frequency of use, many scholars have conducted a lot of research on it and the related chemical constituents it contains. In this review, the research progress on phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of CRP are summarized.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
The review aims to sort out the methods of extraction and purification, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of the chemical constituents in CRP, in order to elaborate the future research directions and challenges for the study of CRP and related chemical constituents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Valid and comprehensive relevant information was collected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, PubMed and so on.
RESULTS
CRP contains a variety of compounds, of which terpenes, flavonoids and alkaloids are the main components, and they are also the primary bioactive components that play a pharmacological role. Flavonoids and terpenes are extracted and purified by aqueous and alcoholic extraction methods, assisted by ultrasonic and microwave extraction, in order to achieve higher yields with less resources. Pharmacological studies have shown that CRP possesses a variety of highly active chemical components and a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, therapeutic for cardiovascular-related disorders, antioxidant, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a diversity in the chemical compositions of CRP, which have multiple biological activities and promising applications. However, the pharmacological activities of CRP are mainly dependent on the action of its chemical components, but the relationship between the structure of chemical components and the biological effects has not been thoroughly investigated, and therefore, the structure-activity relationship is an issue that needs to be elucidated urgently. In addition, the pharmacokinetic studies of the relevant components can be further deepened and the correlation studies between pharmacological effects and syndromes of TCM can be expanded to ensure the effectiveness and rationality of CRP for human use.
PubMed: 38942157
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118503 -
PloS One 2024Invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health costs worldwide, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health costs worldwide, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Surveillance about the distribution of serotypes causing IPD and the impact of pneumococcal vaccination is an important epidemiological tool to monitor disease activity trends, inform public health decision-making, and implement relevant prevention and control measures.
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the serotype distribution for IPD and the related disease burden in LAC before, during, and after implementing the pneumococcal vaccine immunization program in LAC.
METHODS
Systematic literature review following Cochrane methods of studies from LAC. We evaluated the impact of the pneumococcal vaccine on hospitalization and death during or after hospitalizations due to pneumococcal disease and serotype-specific disease over time. We also analyzed the incidence of serotyped IPD in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV10 and PCV13. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023392097).
RESULTS
155 epidemiological studies were screened and provided epidemiological data on IPD. Meta-analysis of invasive diseases in children <5 years old found that 57%-65% of causative serotypes were included in PCV10 and 66%-84% in PCV13. After PCV introduction, vaccine serotypes declined in IPD, and the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes varied by country.
CONCLUSIONS
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines significantly reduced IPD and shifted serotype distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean. PCV10/PCV13 covered 57-84% of serotypes in children under 5, with marked decline in PCV serotypes post-vaccination. Continuous surveillance remains crucial for monitoring evolving serotypes and informing public health action.
Topics: Humans; Latin America; Caribbean Region; Pneumococcal Infections; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Serogroup; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Vaccination; Cost of Illness; Incidence
PubMed: 38935748
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304978 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In the light of growing concerns faced by Western societies due to aging, natality decline, and epidemic of cardio-metabolic diseases, both preventable and treatable,... (Review)
Review
In the light of growing concerns faced by Western societies due to aging, natality decline, and epidemic of cardio-metabolic diseases, both preventable and treatable, new and effective strategical interventions are urgently needed in order to decrease their socio-economical encumbrance. The recent focus of research has been redirected towards investigating the potential of haskap ( L.) as a novel functional food or superfruit. Therefore, our present review aims to highlight the latest scientific proofs regarding the potential of L. (LC), a perennial fruit-bearing plant rich in polyphenols, in reversing cardio-metabolic dysfunctions. In this regard, a systematic search on two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 1 January 2016 to 1 December 2023 was performed, the keyword combination being L. AND the searched pharmacological action, with the inclusion criteria consisting of in extenso original articles, written in English. The health-enhancing characteristics of haskap berries have been examined through in vitro and in vivo studies from the 35 included original papers. Positive effects regarding cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome have been assigned to the antioxidant activity, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, as well as to the hepatoprotective and vasoprotective potential. Latest advances regarding LCF mechanisms of action are detailed within this review as well. All these cutting-edge data suggest that this vegetal product would be a good candidate for further clinical studies.
PubMed: 38929133
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060694 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed medication for depression, has been studied in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients for its effectiveness on cognitive symptoms. The aim... (Review)
Review
Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed medication for depression, has been studied in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients for its effectiveness on cognitive symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the therapeutic potential of fluoxetine in cognitive decline in AD, focusing on its anti-degenerative mechanisms of action and clinical implications. According to PRISMA, we searched MEDLINE, up to 1 April 2024, for animal and human studies examining the efficacy of fluoxetine with regard to the recovery of cognitive function in AD. Methodological quality was evaluated using the ARRIVE tool for animal AD studies and the Cochrane tool for clinical trials. In total, 22 studies were analyzed (19 animal AD studies and 3 clinical studies). Fluoxetine promoted neurogenesis and enhanced synaptic plasticity in preclinical models of AD, through a decrease in Aβ pathology and increase in BDNF, by activating diverse pathways (such as the DAF-16-mediated, TGF-beta1, ILK-AKT-GSK3beta, and CREB/p-CREB/BDNF). In addition, fluoxetine has anti-inflammatory properties/antioxidant effects via targeting antioxidant Nrf2/HO-1 and hindering TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome. Only three clinical studies showed that fluoxetine ameliorated the cognitive performance of people with AD; however, several methodological issues limited the generalizability of these results. Overall, the high-quality preclinical evidence suggests that fluoxetine may have neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in AD animal models. While more high-quality clinical research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects, fluoxetine is a promising potential treatment for AD patients. If future clinical trials confirm its anti-degenerative and neuroprotective effects, fluoxetine could offer a new therapeutic approach for slowing down the progression of AD.
Topics: Fluoxetine; Alzheimer Disease; Humans; Animals; Cognitive Dysfunction; Disease Models, Animal; Neurogenesis; Neuronal Plasticity
PubMed: 38928248
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126542 -
Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a... Jun 2024Behavior change techniques (BCTs) have been extensively used in physical activity interventions for children, however, no systematic reviews have synthesized their...
BACKGROUND
Behavior change techniques (BCTs) have been extensively used in physical activity interventions for children, however, no systematic reviews have synthesized their effects.
PURPOSE
The present review aimed to identify the most promising BCTs used in physical activity interventions associated with (i) increased physical activity behavior and (ii) positive psychosocial outcomes in children with chronic conditions.
METHODS
A systematic search of 6 databases identified 61 articles as eligible for inclusion. Data, including BCTs, were extracted from these studies and analyzed descriptively. Due to the heterogeneity of interventions, chronic conditions, and outcome measures, a meta-analysis was not conducted.
RESULTS
Social support (unspecified), graded tasks, generalization of target behavior, and credible source were the most commonly reported and most promising (i.e., present in 2+ studies evidencing significant effects) BCTs across all studies. These BCTs were found to be especially relevant to improving psychosocial outcomes in the short- and long-term and improving physical activity behaviors in the long-term. Meanwhile, to improve short-term physical activity behaviors, in addition to social support (unspecified), action planning, goal setting (behavior), and problem solving were found to be promising BCTs.
CONCLUSIONS
The BCTs identified in this review may be relevant to incorporate when planning future interventions to support physical activity and psychosocial outcomes for children with chronic conditions.
PubMed: 38917474
DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaae033 -
The American Journal of Drug and... Jun 2024Given the accumulating research, evolving psychosocial treatment, and equivocal findings, updating WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme-2015 was necessary to ensure...
Given the accumulating research, evolving psychosocial treatment, and equivocal findings, updating WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme-2015 was necessary to ensure guidelines reflect effective strategies for alcohol use disorder (AUD). To estimate the effects of psychosocial interventions on drinking and related outcomes. We included randomized controlled trials published between January 2015 and June 2022 on adults with alcohol dependence (ICD 10/DSM-IV) and moderate to severe AUD (DSM-5), and those examined psychosocial interventions against treatment-as-usual (TAU) and active controls. Eight databases and registries were searched. Relative Risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used for dichotomous and continuous outcomes. We used Cochrane's risk of bias assessment (RoB2). Of 873 screened records, 14 and 13 studies in the narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Of the 2,575 participants, 71.5% were men. Thirteen studies used ICD 10/DSM IV diagnosis. Compared to TAU, any psychosocial intervention increased the relative risk of abstinence by 28% [ = 7, RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.53, = .01, NNT = 9]. There were minimal heterogeneity and no evidence of publication bias. Psychosocial interventions were not effective in reducing the drinking frequency ( = 2, Hedge's g = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.26, = .57) and drinks/drinking days ( = 5, g = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.37 to 0.16, = .43). Treatment discontinuation did not differ between intervention and control groups [RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.80]. Psychosocial interventions are effective in improving abstinence but not in reducing drinking frequency or amount. Policymakers must consider this evidence to generate AUD treatment guidelines. PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022342608.
PubMed: 38904466
DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2350056 -
Clinical Psychology Review Jun 2024Perception has been conceptualised as an active and adaptive process, based upon incoming sensory inputs, which are modified by top-down factors such as cognitions.... (Review)
Review
Perception has been conceptualised as an active and adaptive process, based upon incoming sensory inputs, which are modified by top-down factors such as cognitions. Visuospatial perception is thought to be scaled based on threat, with highly threatening objects or contexts visually inflated to promote escape or avoidance behaviours. This meta-analytical systematic review quantified the effect and evidence quality of threat-evoked visuospatial scaling, as well as how visuospatial scaling relates to affordances (perceived action capabilities) and behavioural avoidance/escape outcomes. Databases and grey literature were systematically searched inclusive to 10/04/24. Studies were assessed with a customised Risk of Bias form and meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. 12,354 records were identified. Of these, 49 experiments (n = 3027) were included in the review. There was consistent evidence that threat the of height influenced contextual perception (g = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88) and affordances (g = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.03). Threatening objects were viewed as larger (g = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.26, 1.26) and as closer (g = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.42). Bodily threat (pain) yielded conflicting effects on visuospatial perception/affordances. We conclude that threat may influence visuospatial perception and affordances. However, since behavioural measures were poorly reported, their relationship with visuospatial perception/affordances remains elusive.
PubMed: 38901066
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102449 -
Nutrients May 2024Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate,... (Review)
Review
Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate, prompting a growing demand for novel, safe, and effective therapies. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates in drug development due to their diverse biological activities, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. This paper begins by reviewing existing treatment methods and drugs for liver cancer. It then summarizes the therapeutic effects of NPs sourced from various origins on liver cancer. Finally, we analyze the potential mechanisms of NPs in treating liver cancer, including inhibition of angiogenesis, migration, and invasion; regulation of the cell cycle; induction of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; influence on tumor metabolism; immune regulation; regulation of intestinal function; and regulation of key signaling pathways. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NPs research in liver cancer treatment, offering a foundation for further development and application in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
Topics: Humans; Biological Products; Liver Neoplasms; Apoptosis; Signal Transduction; Antineoplastic Agents; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Autophagy
PubMed: 38892575
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111642 -
Campbell Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Many intervention studies of summer programmes examine their impact on employment and education outcomes, however there is growing interest in their effect on young... (Review)
Review
REVIEW RATIONALE AND CONTEXT
Many intervention studies of summer programmes examine their impact on employment and education outcomes, however there is growing interest in their effect on young people's offending outcomes. Evidence on summer employment programmes shows promise on this but has not yet been synthesised. This report fills this evidence gap through a systematic review and meta-analysis, covering summer education and summer employment programmes as their contexts and mechanisms are often similar.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
The objective is to provide evidence on the extent to which summer programmes impact the outcomes of disadvantaged or 'at risk' young people.
METHODS
The review employs mixed methods: we synthesise quantitative information estimating the impact of summer programme allocation/participation across the outcome domains through meta-analysis using the random-effects model; and we synthesise qualitative information relating to contexts, features, mechanisms and implementation issues through thematic synthesis. Literature searches were largely conducted in January 2023. Databases searched include: Scopus; PsychInfo; ERIC; the YFF-EGM; EEF's and TASO's toolkits; RAND's summer programmes evidence review; key academic journals; and Google Scholar. The review employed PICOSS eligibility criteria: the was disadvantaged or 'at risk' young people aged 10-25; were either summer education or employment programmes; a valid group that did not experience a summer programme was required; studies had to estimate the summer programme's impact on violence and offending, education, employment, socio-emotional and/or health ; eligible were experimental and quasi-experimental; eligible were high-income countries. Other eligibility criteria included publication in English, between 2012 and 2022. Process/qualitative evaluations associated with eligible impact studies or of UK-based interventions were also included; the latter given the interests of the sponsors. We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Campbell Collaboration. The search identified 68 eligible studies; with 41 eligible for meta-analysis. Forty-nine studies evaluated 36 summer education programmes, and 19 studies evaluated six summer employment programmes. The number of participants within these studies ranged from less than 100 to nearly 300,000. The PICOSS criteria affects the external applicability of the body of evidence - allowances made regarding study design to prioritise evidence on UK-based interventions limits our ability to assess impact for some interventions. The risk of bias assessment categorised approximately 75% of the impact evaluations as low quality, due to attrition, losses to follow up, interventions having low take-up rates, or where allocation might introduce selection bias. As such, intention-to-treat analyses are prioritised. The quality assessment rated 93% of qualitative studies as low quality often due to not employing rigorous qualitative methodologies. These results highlight the need to improve the evidence.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The quantitative synthesis examined impact estimates across 34 outcomes, through meta-analysis (22) or in narrative form (12). We summarise below the findings where meta-analysis was possible, along with the researchers' judgement of the security of the findings (high, moderate or low). This was based on the number and study-design quality of studies evaluating the outcome; the consistency of findings; the similarity in specific outcome measures used; and any other specific issues which might affect our confidence in the summary findings.Below we summarise the findings from the meta-analyses conducted to assess the impact of allocation to/participation in summer education and employment programmes (findings in relation to other outcomes are also discussed in the main body, but due to the low number of studies evaluating these, meta-analysis was not performed). We only cover the pooled results for the two programme types where there are not clear differences in findings between summer education and summer employment programmes, so as to avoid potentially attributing any impact to both summer programme types when this is not the case. We list the outcome measure, the average effect size type (i.e., whether a standardised mean difference (SMD) or log odds ratio), which programme type the finding is in relation to and then the average effect size along with its 95% confidence interval and the interpretation of the finding, that is, whether there appears to be a significant impact and in which direction (positive or negative, clarifying instances where a negative impact is beneficial). In some instances there may be a discrepancy between the 95% confidence interval and whether we determine there to be a significant impact, which will be due to the specifics of the process for constructing the effect sizes used in the meta-analysis. We then list the statistic and the -value from the homogeneity test as indications of the presence of heterogeneity. As the sample size used in the analysis are often small and the homogeneity test is known to be under-powered with small sample sizes, it may not detect statistically significant heterogeneity when it is in fact present. As such, a 90% confidence level threshold should generally be used when interpreting this with regard to the meta-analyses below. The presence of effect size heterogeneity affects the extent to which the average effects size is applicable to all interventions of that summer programme type. We also provide an assessment of the relative confidence we have in the generalisability of the overall finding (low, moderate or high) - some of the overall findings are based on a small sample of studies, the studies evaluating the outcome may be of low quality, there may be wide variation in findings among the studies evaluating the outcome, or there may be specific aspects of the impact estimates included or the effect sizes constructed that affect the generalisability of the headline finding. These issues are detailed in full in the main body of the review. -Engagement with/participation in/enjoyment of education (SMD):∘Summer education programmes: +0.12 (+0.03, +0.20); positive impact; = 48.76%, = 0.10; moderate confidence.-Secondary education attendance (SMD):∘Summer education programmes: +0.26 (+0.08, +0.44); positive impact; = N/A; = N/A; low confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: +0.02 (-0.03, +0.07); no impact; = 69.98%; = 0.03; low confidence.-Passing tests (log OR):∘Summer education programmes: +0.41 (-0.13, +0.96); no impact; = 95.05%; = 0.00; low confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: +0.02 (+0.00, +0.04); positive impact; = 0.01%; = 0.33; low confidence.-Reading test scores (SMD):∘Summer education programmes: +0.01 (-0.04, +0.05); no impact; = 0.40%; = 0.48; high confidence.-English test scores (SMD):∘Summer education programmes: +0.07 (+0.00, +0.13); positive impact; = 27.17%; = 0.33; moderate confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: -0.03 (-0.05, -0.01); negative impact; = 0.00%; = 0.76; low confidence.-Mathematics test scores (SMD):∘All summer programmes: +0.09 (-0.06, +0.25); no impact; = 94.53%; = 0.00; high confidence.∘Summer education programmes: +0.14 (-0.09, +0.36); no impact; = 94.15%; = 0.00; moderate confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: +0.00 (-0.04, +0.05); no impact; = 0.04%; = 0.92; moderate confidence.-Overall test scores (SMD):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.01 (-0.08, +0.05); no impact; = 32.39%; = 0.20; high confidence.-All test scores (SMD):∘Summer education programmes: +0.14 (+0.00, +0.27); positive impact; = 91.07%; = 0.00; moderate confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: -0.01 (-0.04, +0.01); no impact; = 0.06%; = 0.73; high confidence.-Negative behavioural outcomes (log OR):∘Summer education programmes: -1.55 (-3.14, +0.03); negative impact; = N/A; = N/A; low confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: -0.07 (-0.33, +0.18); no impact; = 88.17%; = 0.00; moderate confidence.-Progression to HE (log OR):∘All summer programmes: +0.24 (-0.04, +0.52); no impact; = 97.37%; = 0.00; low confidence.∘Summer education programmes: +0.32 (-0.12, +0.76); no impact; = 96.58%; = 0.00; low confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: +0.10 (-0.07, +0.26); no impact; = 76.61%; = 0.02; moderate confidence.-Complete HE (log OR):∘Summer education programmes: +0.38 (+0.15, +0.62); positive impact; = 52.52%; = 0.06; high confidence.∘Summer employment programmes: +0.07 (-0.19, +0.33); no impact; = 70.54%; = 0.07; moderate confidence.-Entry to employment, short-term (log OR):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.19 (-0.45, +0.08); no impact; = 87.81%; = 0.00; low confidence.∘Entry to employment, full period (log OR)∘Summer employment programmes: -0.15 (-0.35, +0.05); no impact; = 78.88%; = 0.00; low confidence.-Likelihood of having a criminal justice outcome (log OR):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.05 (-0.15, +0.05); no impact; = 0.00%; = 0.76; low confidence.-Likelihood of having a drug-related criminal justice outcome (log OR):∘Summer employment programmes: +0.16 (-0.57, +0.89); no impact; = 65.97%; = 0.09; low confidence.-Likelihood of having a violence-related criminal justice outcome (log OR):∘Summer employment programmes: +0.03 (-0.02, +0.08); no impact; = 0.00%; = 0.22; moderate confidence.-Likelihood of having a property-related criminal justice outcome (log OR):∘Summer employment programmes: +0.09 (-0.17, +0.34); no impact; = 45.01%; = 0.18; low confidence.-Number of criminal justice outcomes, during programme (SMD):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.01 (-0.03, +0.00); no impact; = 2.17%; = 0.31; low confidence.-Number of criminal justice outcomes, post-programme (SMD):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.01 (-0.03, +0.00); no impact; = 23.57%; = 0.37; low confidence.-Number of drug-related criminal justice outcomes, post-programme (SMD):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.01 (-0.06, +0.06); no impact; = 55.19%; = 0.14; moderate confidence.-Number of violence-related criminal justice outcomes, post-programme (SMD):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.02 (-0.08, +0.03); no impact; = 44.48%; = 0.18; low confidence.-Number of property-related criminal justice outcomes, post-programme (SMD):∘Summer employment programmes: -0.02 (-0.10, +0.05); no impact; = 64.93%; = 0.09; low confidence. We re-express instances of significant impact by programme type where we have moderate or high confidence in the security of findings by translating this to a form used by one of the studies, to aid understanding of the findings. Allocation to a summer education programme results in approximately 60% of individuals moving from never reading for fun to doing so once or twice a month (engagement in/participation in/enjoyment of education), and an increase in the English Grade Point Average of 0.08. Participation in a summer education programme results in an increase in overall Grade Point Average of 0.14 and increases the likelihood of completing higher education by 1.5 times. Signs are positive for the effectiveness of summer education programmes in achieving some of the education outcomes considered (particularly on test scores (when pooled across types), completion of higher education and STEM-related higher education outcomes), but the evidence on which overall findings are based is often weak. Summer employment programmes appear to have a limited impact on employment outcomes, if anything, a negative impact on the likelihood of entering employment outside of employment related to the programme. The evidence base for impacts of summer employment programmes on young people's violence and offending type outcomes is currently limited - where impact is detected this largely results in substantial reductions in criminal justice outcomes, but the variation in findings across and within studies affects our ability to make any overarching assertions with confidence. In understanding the effectiveness of summer programmes, the order of outcomes also requires consideration - entries into education from a summer employment programme might be beneficial if this leads towards better quality employment in the future and a reduced propensity of criminal justice outcomes.
QUALITATIVE SYNTHESIS
Various shared features among different summer education programmes emerged from the review, allowing us to cluster specific types of these interventions which then aided the structuring of the thematic synthesis. The three distinct clusters for summer education programmes were: catch-up programmes addressing attainment gaps, raising aspirations programmes inspiring young people to pursue the next stage of their education or career, and transition support programmes facilitating smooth transitions between educational levels. Depending on their aim, summer education programme tend to provide a combination of: additional instruction on core subjects (e.g., English, mathematics); academic classes including to enhance specialist subject knowledge (e.g., STEM-related); homework help; coaching and mentoring; arts and recreation electives; and social and enrichment activities. Summer employment programmes provide paid work placements or subsidised jobs typically in entry-level roles mostly in the third and public sectors, with some summer employment programmes also providing placements in the private sector. They usually include components of pre-work training and employability skills, coaching and mentoring. There are a number of mechanisms which act as facilitators or barriers to engagement in summer programmes. These include tailoring the summer programme to each young person and individualised attention; the presence of well-prepared staff who provide effective academic/workplace and socio-emotional support; incentives of a monetary (e.g., stipends and wages) or non-monetary (e.g., free transport and meals) nature; recruitment strategies, which are effective at identifying, targeting and engaging participants who can most benefit from the intervention; partnerships, with key actors who can help facilitate referrals and recruitment, such as schools, community action and workforce development agencies; format, including providing social activities and opportunities to support the formation of connections with peers; integration into the workplace, through pre-placement engagement, such as through orientation days, pre-work skills training, job fairs, and interactions with employers ahead of the beginning of the summer programme; and skill acquisition, such as improvements in social skills. In terms of the causal processes which lead from engagement in a summer programme to outcomes, these include: skill acquisition, including academic, social, emotional, and life skills; positive relationships with peers, including with older students as mentors in summer education programmes; personalised and positive relationships with staff; location, including accessibility and creating familiar environments; creating connections between the summer education programme and the students' learning at home to maintain continuity and reinforce learning; and providing purposeful and meaningful work through summer employment programmes (potentially facilitated through the provision of financial and/or non-financial incentives), which makes participants more likely to see the importance of education in achieving their life goals and this leads to raised aspirations. It is important to note that no single element of a summer programme can be identified as generating the causal process for impact, and impact results rather from a combination of elements. Finally, we investigated strengths and weaknesses in summer programmes at both the design and implementation stages. In summer education programmes, design strengths include interactive and alternative learning modes; iterative and progressive content building; incorporating confidence building activities; careful lesson planning; and teacher support which is tailored to each student. Design weaknesses include insufficient funding or poor funding governance (e.g., delays to funding); limited reach of the target population; and inadequate allocation of teacher and pupil groups (i.e., misalignment between the education stage of the pupils and the content taught by staff). Implementation strengths include clear programme delivery guidance and good governance; high quality academic instruction; mentoring support; and strong partnerships. Implementation weaknesses include insufficient planning and lead in time; recruitment challenges; and variability in teaching quality. In summer employment programmes, design strengths include use of employer orientation materials and supervisor handbooks; careful consideration of programme staff roles; a wide range of job opportunities; and building a network of engaged employers. Design weaknesses are uncertainty over funding and budget agreements; variation in delivery and quality of training between providers; challenges in recruitment of employers; and caseload size and management. Implementation strengths include effective job matching; supportive relationships with supervisors; pre-work training; and mitigating attrition (e.g., striving to increase take up of the intervention among the treatment group). Implementation weaknesses are insufficient monitors for the number of participants, and challenges around employer availability.
PubMed: 38873396
DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1406 -
IET Nanobiotechnology 2024Foodborne disease outbreaks due to bacterial pathogens and their toxins have become a serious concern for global public health and security. Finding novel antibacterial... (Review)
Review
Foodborne disease outbreaks due to bacterial pathogens and their toxins have become a serious concern for global public health and security. Finding novel antibacterial agents with unique mechanisms of action against the current spoilage and foodborne bacterial pathogens is a central strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance. This study examined the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of action of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) against foodborne bacterial pathogens. The articles written in English were recovered from registers and databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Directory of Open Access Journals) and other sources (websites, organizations, and citation searching). "Nanoparticles," "Inorganic Nanoparticles," "Metal Nanoparticles," "Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles," "Antimicrobial Activity," "Antibacterial Activity," "Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens," "Mechanisms of Action," and "Foodborne Diseases" were the search terms used to retrieve the articles. The PRISMA-2020 checklist was applied for the article search strategy, article selection, data extraction, and result reporting for the review process. A total of 27 original research articles were included from a total of 3,575 articles obtained from the different search strategies. All studies demonstrated the antibacterial effectiveness of inorganic NPs and highlighted their different mechanisms of action against foodborne bacterial pathogens. In the present study, small-sized, spherical-shaped, engineered, capped, low-dissolution with water, high-concentration NPs, and in Gram-negative bacterial types had high antibacterial activity as compared to their counterparts. Cell wall interaction and membrane penetration, reactive oxygen species production, DNA damage, and protein synthesis inhibition were some of the generalized mechanisms recognized in the current study. Therefore, this study recommends the proper use of nontoxic inorganic nanoparticle products for food processing industries to ensure the quality and safety of food while minimizing antibiotic resistance among foodborne bacterial pathogens.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Foodborne Diseases; Nanoparticles; Food Microbiology; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Metal Nanoparticles; Bacteria; Humans
PubMed: 38863967
DOI: 10.1049/2024/5417924