Does lecture playback speed not affect memory and concentration in medical students?

Merhavy et al.'s study on the impact of lecture playback speeds on concentration and memory is valuable as it is one of the few studies on how different playback speeds may affect medical students' learning. However, despite the novelty of this study, some limitations concerning its methodological rigor, including statistical analyses, lack of evaluation of confounders, unclear characteristics of participants, and lack of a true control group, need to be considered in the interpretation of findings.

Burden of alcohol use disorder and its consequences in Iran from 1990 to 2019: Findings from the global burden of disease study.

Background: This study aimed to provide an up-to-date evaluation of the burden of alcohol use disorder and its consequences in Iran from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We assessed the burden of alcohol use disorder and its three subsequent disorders, including cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases, liver cancer, and cardiomyopathy using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data. We retrieved data on incidence, prevalence, death, Years of Life Lost from mortality (YLL), Years of healthy life Lost due to Disability (YLD), and Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY), which is calculated by summing YLL and YLD values, indices, as well as sociodemographic index (SDI) values. Results: Age-standardized DALY rate of alcohol use disorder reduced from 55.5 in 1990 to 41.8 per 100,000 in 2019 (-24.1 %). Similarly, age-standardized DALY rates of cirrhosis due to alcohol use (-28.7 %), liver cancer due to alcohol use (-20.9 %), and alcoholic cardiomyopathy (-36.3 %) decreased in Iran from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, alcohol use disorder had the highest DALY rate among individuals younger than 55 years, while cirrhosis due to alcohol use imposed the greatest burden on those older than 55. After adjusting for the year, SDI was negatively associated with the age-standardized DALY rate of liver cancer due to alcohol use (p < 0.001), positively associated with that of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (p = 0.002), and not significantly associated with the burden of other conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Despite reductions in the age-standardized DALY rate of alcohol use disorders and related consequences among Iranians, they remain a serious public health concern in Iran.

Enhanced favipiravir drug degradation using the synergy of PbO2-based anodic oxidation and Fe-MOF-based cathodic electro-Fenton.

Favipiravir (FAV) is a widely utilized antiviral drug effective against various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RNA viruses. This article aims to introduce a novel approach, known as Linear-Paired Electrocatalytic Degradation (LPED), as an efficient technique for the electrocatalytic degradation of emerging pollutants. LPED involves simultaneously utilizing a carbon-Felt/Co-PbO2 anode and a carbon-felt/Co/Fe-MOF-74 cathode, working together to degrade and mineralize FAV. The prepared anode and cathode characteristics were analyzed using XPS, SEM, EDX mapping, XRD, LSV, and CV analyses. A rotatable central composite design-based quadratic model was employed to optimize FAV degradation, yielding statistically desirable results. Under optimized conditions (pH = 5, current density = 4.2 mA/cm2, FAV concentration = 0.4 mM), individual processes of cathodic electro-Fenton and anodic oxidation with a CF/Co-PbO2 anode achieved degradation rates of 58.9% and 89.5% after 120 min, respectively. In contrast, using the LPED strategy resulted in a remarkable degradation efficiency of 98.4%. Furthermore, a cyclic voltammetric study of FAV on a glassy carbon electrode was conducted to gather additional electrochemical insights and rectify previously published data regarding redox behavior, pH-dependent properties, and adsorption activities. The research also offers a new understanding of the LPED mechanism of FAV at the surfaces of both CF/Co-PbO2 and CF/Co/Fe-MOF-74 electrodes, utilizing data from cyclic voltammetry and LC-MS techniques. The conceptual strategy of LPED is generalizable in order to the synergism of anodic oxidation and cathodic electro-Fenton for the degradation of other toxic and resistant pollutants.

The association between anthropometric indices and ischemic heart disease: a large-scale cross-sectional study on the Iranian population.

This study aimed to evaluate the superiority of anthropometric indices compared to others for predicting ischemic heart disease (IHD) or cardiometabolic risk factors. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of the Pars Cohort Study data. In total, 9229 Valashahr inhabitants aged 40-75 were included in the analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analyses was used to compare the predictive accuracy of four anthropometric measures, including body mass index, waist to height ratio (WHtR), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (WC). IHD prevalence was 10.4% in our sample. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome was 12.7%, 29.2%, 58.4%, and 22.3%, respectively. All anthropometric indices had poor to good accuracy in predicting IHD risk factors, with AUCs ranging between 0.580 and 0.818. WHR was the most accurate measure for predicting IHD in both genders. All indexes had a better accuracy for predicting DM, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in males than in females. To conclude, anthropometric measures, especially WC and WHtR, are recommended for predicting metabolic syndrome in primary prevention settings. These simple indices could help physicians find those who need further evaluation for MetS.

Pivotal response treatment and applied behavior analysis interventions for autism spectrum disorder delivered by human vs robotic agents: a systematic review of literature.

Robotic technology-aided instruction and interventions have been designed to support both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) interventions for children with ASD. However, to the best of our knowledge, this field has not been systematically reviewed. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the literature to determine whether ABA or PRT methods in a robotic therapeutic context yield better outcomes for individuals with ASD, specifically in terms of approaching and accepting robots. A comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar was conducted. Randomized control trials (RCT) and pre-post-test design investigations that assessed the impact of ABA vs. PRT approach via robot-mediated technology vs. human trainers on intervention outcomes of children with ASD were selected and included in this systematic review. Finally, 13 papers met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Two independent reviewers extracted the associated data from each selected study according to the standardized data extraction form. Two reviewers also assessed the quality of each study independently using the Cochrane Back Review Scale and JBI tool for quasi-experimental studies. We categorized two general classifications of findings including ABA vs. PRT as well as robotic technology vs. human. In conclusion, the existing investigations on the effect of robotic assistive technology using ABA or PRT approach are promising particularly in therapeutic contexts with a more natural context and social flavor.

Assistive robotic technology could teach social skills with both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) approach to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with an acceptable efficiency and efficacy as human delivered therapies.The use of robotic technology as a means of delivering ABA or PRT interventions could offer a valuable alternative approach to human trainers in the treatment of children with ASD, potentially enhancing their acceptance and engagement with therapy.

Effects of dry needling on spasticity and motor function in paralympic athletes: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

No study has evaluated the effects of dry needling on Paralympic athletes. Therefore, in this study, we will evaluate the effect of dry needling on lower limb spasticity and motor performance, as well as the range of motion of Paralympic athletes. The study will be a triple-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-four athletes aged 18-45 in T35-T38 groups of the International Paralympic Committee classification will be included in the study. Twelve participants will receive dry needling of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles, and 12 will receive placebo treatment with sham needles at similar points. We will assess the spasticity of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using the Modified Ashworth Scale, evaluate motor function using the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity Scale and measure ankle range of motion (ROM) with a goniometer. Considering our hypothesis, the athletes who will undergo the dry needling are supposed to achieve better improvements in spasticity, ROM and motor performance. This study can provide useful information to help better decide on managing complications in Paralympics and its long-term outcomes, to cover the current lack in the literature.

Efficacy of supervised self-reduction vs. physician-assisted techniques for anterior shoulder dislocations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reduction manipulation using self-reduction procedures such as Stimson, Milch, and Boss-Holtzach should be easy and effective and also require less force, pain medication, and outside assistance. This technique should not cause damage to arteries, nerves, or shoulder joint components. Self-reduction is straightforward and can be done in clinics, making it ideal for people who suffer from shoulder joint dislocation frequently. The goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness of supervised self-reduction procedures vs. physician-assisted treatments in the treatment of anterior shoulder dislocations. METHOD: We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane up to March 22, 2023, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Relevant articles were reviewed, with a focus on studies comparing supervised self-reduction techniques to physician-assisted techniques in cases of anterior shoulder dislocation. RESULTS: Four papers in all were included in the meta-analysis. One prospective trial, one case-control study, one randomized clinical trial, and one retrospective trial made up these studies. The studies involved 283 patients in the physician-assisted group and 180 patients in the supervised self-reduction group. They were carried out in four European countries: Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. The success rate of supervised self-reduction techniques was significantly higher, with an odds ratio of 2.71 (95% CI 1.25-5.58, p-value = 0.01). Based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, the physician-assisted group reported significantly higher maximum pain, with a mean difference of 1.98 (95% CI 1.24-2.72, p-value < 0.01). The self-reduction approaches exhibit shorter reduction time in comparison to physician-assisted groups. In addition, the self-reduction groups do not document any complications. Based on the GRADE system, the level of assurance in the evidence was high. CONCLUSION: Supervised self-reduction techniques outperform in terms of success rate and reduction-related maximum pain. These techniques could be used as an effective first-line treatment for anterior shoulder dislocation, potentially reducing the need for analgesics and emergency room visits.

Balance measures of mini and brief balance evaluation system tests for Iranian population.

Introduction: Falling is a serious problem for all ages. There are several tests to assess balance. Mini-BESTest and brief-BESTest are balance tests for which there are no normative values for Iranian people. We aimed to provide the normative values of mini-BESTest and brief-BESTest among healthy Iranian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed. Three hundred healthy adults (150 males and 150 females) in six age groups (18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, +70 years) completed the tests using Persian mini-BESTest and brief-BESTest. Normative values were calculated for age groups. Results: Normative values of mini-BESTest and brief- BESTest decreased significantly with age (from 27 to 21.9 for mini-BESTest and from 22.9 to 15.4 for brief BESTest). There were no significant differences between genders except for females in 30-39 and 40-49 years age groups which scored better on brief-BESTest and mini-BESTest, respectively. Males had significantly scored better in brief- BESTest in 60-69 and ≥ 70 age groups. Conclusions: The normative values of the mini-BESTest and brief-BESTest provided for healthy Iranian adults can help clinicians when assessing subjects with balance dysfunction.

What makes an article a must read in medical education?

BACKGROUND: The dissemination of published scholarship is intended to bring new evidence and ideas to a wide audience. However, the increasing number of articles makes it challenging to determine where to focus one's attention. This study describes factors that may influence decisions to read and recommend a medical education article. METHODS: Authors analyzed data collected from March 2021 through September 2022 during a monthly process to identify "Must Read" articles in medical education. An international team of health sciences educators, learners, and researchers voted on titles and abstracts to advance articles to full text review. Full texts were rated using five criteria: relevance, methodology, readability, originality, and whether it addressed a critical issue in medical education. At an end-of-month meeting, 3-4 articles were chosen by consensus as "Must Read" articles. Analyses were used to explore the associations of article characteristics and ratings with Must Read selection. RESULTS: Over a period of 19 months, 7487 articles from 856 journals were screened, 207 (2.8%) full texts were evaluated, and 62 (0.8%) were chosen as Must Reads. During screening, 3976 articles (53.1%) received no votes. BMC Medical Education had the largest number of articles at screening (n = 1181, 15.8%). Academic Medicine had the largest number as Must Reads (n = 22, 35.5%). In logistic regressions adjusting for the effect of individual reviewers, all rating criteria were independently associated with selection as a Must Read (p < 0.05), with methodology (OR 1.44 (95%CI = 1.23-1.69) and relevance (OR 1.43 (95%CI = 1.20-1.70)) having the highest odds ratios. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the published medical education articles did not appeal to a diverse group of potential readers; this represents a missed opportunity to make an impact and potentially wasted effort. Our findings suggest opportunities to enhance value in the production and dissemination of medical education scholarship.

Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Iran Based on Sex, Age, and Geographical Regions: A Study of 2014-2017 and Projected Rates to 2025.

BACKGROUND: While there has been extensive research on colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and its associated factors in Iran, a significant gap exists in studies predicting its future trends. Our study aimed to thoroughly report CRC incidence across Iran from 2014 to 2017, by sex, age, and geographical regions, and provide a projection for 2025. METHODS: This retrospective study utilized data from the Iranian National Population-based Cancer Registry (INPCR). Patients with the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd Edition (ICD-O-3) codes C18 to C21 were included. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR), was calculated per 100000 individuals annually, and crude incidence rates were retrieved for various demographic groups and years. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 43580 new CRC cases (55.96% males) were registered. Men exhibited an ASR of 134.45, while women's ASR was 94.85. The highest ASRs were observed in Tehran, Qom, and Ilam (18.99, 18.26, and 18.06, respectively). Incidence rates surpassed 20 after age 50 for both genders, reaching their peak within the 80-84 age group. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type of CRC in nearly all provinces. Case numbers and ASRs are projected to continuously rise until 2025, with a predominance of male cases. CONCLUSION: The anticipated increase in CRC incidence in Iran emphasizes the need for additional studies to better identify risk factors. Furthermore, implementing screening programs is recommended for individuals at a higher risk of CRC, including men, the elderly population, and those residing in regions with a notable prevalence of CRC.

Burden and Epidemiology of Mental Disorders in the Middle East and North Africa from 1990 to 2019: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study

Background: Previous studies have mainly focused on individual mental disorders, and there is no study addressing the total burden of mental disorders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Aims: To evaluate the burden of mental disorders in the MENA region from 1990 to 2019. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: We utilized global burden of disease data to examine the burden of 12 mental disorders from 1990 to 2019 across age groups, genders, and the 21 MENA countries. We collected data on prevalence, incidence, mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALY), including both crude and age-standardized rates per 100,000 people. Results: The DALY rate of mental disorders in MENA countries increased by 13.88% from 1,747.92 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 1990.5 per 100,000 people in 2019. The highest percentage increases in the DALY rates of mental disorders were observed for bulimia nervosa (35.69%), other mental health disorders (34.58%), and schizophrenia (33.02%) from 1990 to 2019. However, the DALY rates for idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (-26.48%), conduct disorder (-23.91%), attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder (-16.46%), and autism spectrum disorders (-4.12%) decreased in the MENA region from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, the highest DALY rates for idiopathic developmental intellectual disability, anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorder were observed in age groups ≤ 4 years, 5-19 years, and ≥ 20 years, respectively. The age-standardized DALY rate of mental disorders was the highest in Palestine (2,396.9 per 100,000), Iran (2,295.8 per 100,000), and Lebanon (2,126.0 per 100,000) compared with other MENA countries in 2019. Conclusion: There has been a slight increase in the burden of mental disorders in the MENA region between 1990 and 2019. National policies should prioritize evidence-based preventive measures and ensure accessible treatment options for mental health disorders in the population, especially in the MENA region.

Increasing Burden of Lower-Extremity Fractures in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A 30-Year Epidemiological Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lower-extremity fractures (LEFs) account for >30% of all skeletal injuries, contributing to the global health and economic burden. Fracture epidemiology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been studied little. Health factors and disease epidemiology differ greatly among populations in MENA despite cultural, political, and economic similarities among the region's countries. This study examined the epidemiology of LEFs and the need for rehabilitation in MENA from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: We examined the epidemiology of fractures of the pelvis, hip, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, ankle, and foot bones using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data. Fracture incidence, counts, and rates were measured for males and females across age groups in the 21 MENA countries as identified by the GBD data set. Associations between years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD) resulting from fracture and the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) were analyzed. RESULTS: In contrast to the global trend, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of LEFs in the MENA region increased by 4.57% from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, the highest ASIR among fractures was attributed to fractures of the patella, fibula, tibia, or ankle (434.36 per 100,000), most frequently occurring among those 20 to 24 years of age. In 2019, the highest ASIR of all fractures was noted in Saudi Arabia (2,010.56 per 100,000) and the lowest, in Sudan (523.29 per 100,000). The greatest increases from 1990 to 2019 in the ASIR of LEFs were noted in Yemen (132.39%), Syria (107.27%), and Afghanistan (94.47%), while the largest decreases were found in Kuwait (-62.72%), Sudan (-48.72%), and Iran (-45.37%). In 2019, the YLD rate of LEFs had increased to 277.65 per 100,000, up from 235.55 per 100,000 in 1990. CONCLUSIONS: Between 1990 and 2019, LEFs increased in the MENA region. Violence, war, and road traffic accidents increased, leading to a high rate of fractures, especially among youth. Low bone-mineral density related to vitamin D deficiency has also been reported as a risk factor for fracture in the region. Regional health authorities should be informed of fracture patterns by this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effects of whole-body vibration on chronic ankle instability: a systematic review.

Background and objective: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is one of the most common sports injuries, and whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been used lately as a potential rehabilitation modality for these patients. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether WBV training positively affects patients with CAI. Materials and methods: The authors systematically searched four databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, for randomized and non-randomized trials evaluating the effects of WBV on individuals with CAI. The authors used Cochrane RoB2 to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials. A meta-analysis was conducted if three or more studies measured the same outcome. Effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Results were retrieved from seven articles encompassing 288 participants who had CAI. The reach distance of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was regarded as the study's main finding. The authors saw a significant training effect on certain planes of motion on dynamic balance. The findings showed that the post-intervention measurements in the WBV group compared to control groups showed improvements in the posterolateral, posteromedial, and medial directions, respectively. There were also promising results on improvements in muscle activity, strength, and proprioception sense measurements with a great diversity in the reported parameters. Conclusion: The authors observed a significant WBV training effect on dynamic balance over posterolateral, posteromedial, and medial reach distances. These findings suggest future studies on the effects of WBV on muscle activity, strength, and proprioception in addition to dynamic and static balance.

Automated diagnosis of autism with artificial intelligence: State of the art.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a panel of conditions that begin during the developmental period and result in impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning. Early diagnosis is directly related to a better prognosis. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of ASD requires a long and exhausting subjective process. We aimed to review the state of the art for automated autism diagnosis and recognition in this research. In February 2022, we searched multiple databases and sources of gray literature for eligible studies. We used an adapted version of the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the risk of bias in the studies. A brief report of the methods and results of each study is presented. Data were synthesized for each modality separately using the Split Component Synthesis (SCS) method. We assessed heterogeneity using the I 2 statistics and evaluated publication bias using trim and fill tests combined with ln DOR. Confidence in cumulative evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach for diagnostic studies. We included 344 studies from 186,020 participants (51,129 are estimated to be unique) for nine different modalities in this review, from which 232 reported sufficient data for meta-analysis. The area under the curve was in the range of 0.71-0.90 for all the modalities. The studies on EEG data provided the best accuracy, with the area under the curve ranging between 0.85 and 0.93. We found that the literature is rife with bias and methodological/reporting flaws. Recommendations are provided for future research to provide better studies and fill in the current knowledge gaps.

Increasing Burden of Upper-Extremity Fractures in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A 30-Year Analysis of the Epidemiology and Causes of Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Upper-extremity fractures (UEFs) account for a large proportion of bone fractures and are costly to both health and the economy. The fracture burden in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is influenced by the region's diverse cultural, economic, and political status. This study examined UEF epidemiology and causes across the MENA region and within the 21 MENA countries as categorized by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data set. METHODS: On the basis of GBD data, this study evaluated the epidemiology of UEFs from 1990 to 2019. The causes of injuries, incidence, number of years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD), and their association with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) were obtained and calculated for males and females in all age groups. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of UEFs in the MENA region increased by 2.33%, to 1,086.39 per 100,000 people, and the YLD rate increased 15.69%, to 9.17 per 100,000, opposing the global decreasing trends. Fractures of the radius and/or ulna had the highest ASIR (505.32 per 100,000) of all UEF types in 2019. The clavicle, scapula, and humerus had the highest increasing trend among the fracture sites. In 2019, Saudi Arabia had the highest ASIR of UEFs (2,296.93 per 100,000). Afghanistan had the highest age-standardized YLD rate due to UEFs (19.6 per 100,000) in 2019, with Syria (153.32%) and Iran (37.04%) experiencing the greatest increase and decrease, respectively, from 1990 to 2019. Falling was the leading cause of UEFs, accounting for 45.05% of incidence and 41.19% of YLD overall. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to global trends, UEFs increased in the MENA region during the study period. Countries with higher fracture incidence and YLD should consider preventive and rehabilitation strategies.

Boosted electrocatalytic oxidation of organophosphorus pesticides by a novel high-efficiency CeO2-Doped PbO2 anode: An electrochemical study, parameter optimization and degradation mechanisms.

This article presents a novel and highly efficient electrocatalytic degradation method for two significant organophosphorus pesticides, fenitrothion (FEN), and methyl parathion (MPN), using a Ti/ß-PbO2-CeO2 modified anode (indirect oxidation). A comprehensive electrochemical investigation was also carried out to gain new insight into the redox behavior and destruction pathway of these pesticides (direct oxidation). The study also explores the effects of various operating parameters, such as initial solution pH, applied current density, and initial pesticides concentration, on the conversion-paired electrocatalytic removal process. To further enhance the degradation efficiency, a new configuration of the electrochemical cell was designed, employing two types of electrodes and two independent power supply devices. The conversion paired electrocatalytic degradation process of these pesticides involves first the direct reduction of FEN (or MPN) on a graphite cathode and then the indirect oxidation of reduced FEN (or MPN) by hydroxyl radicals electro generated on the Ti/ß-PbO2-CeO2 anode. The synergism of these two processes together will effectively lead to FEN (or MPN) degradation. The degradation percentages of 98% for FEN and 95% for MPN at the optimal conditions for the electrochemical degradation of these pesticides were achieved at pH = 7, initial concentration 50 mg L-1, with a current density of 90 mA cm-2 for direct reduction and 11 mA cm-2 for indirect oxidation. Overall, this study presents a promising and efficient approach for the remediation of organophosphorus pesticide-contaminated environments, offering valuable insights into the electrochemical degradation process and highlighting the potential for practical application in wastewater treatment and environmental protection.

Efficacy of trigger point dry needling on pain and function of the hip joint: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the evidence for the impact of dry needling (DN) on hip pain and function. METHODS: Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched systematically through June 2022 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of DN on hip pain and function. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used to assess risk of bias. Descriptive analysis was conducted to explain the outcomes and adverse events of DN in hip joint diseases. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to significant heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of seven eligible studies (including 273 patients) were included out of 2152 screened records. Five studies were in participants with hip osteoarthritis (OA; n = 3), greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS; n = 1) or piriformis syndrome (n = 1); the other two studies were conducted in healthy athletes (n = 2). Two articles assessed changes in participants' short-term visual analog scale (VAS) scores (<1 week), one of which showed that DN significantly reduced pain (P < 0.05). One-week VAS scores were analyzed in three studies, all of which demonstrated reduced scores following DN (P < 0.05). Hip range of motion (ROM) and muscle force were also improved following DN. No serious side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: DN may be safe and effective at relieving hip pain and improving hip function. DN performs significantly better than several different types of control intervention (including sham DN, no treatment, corticosteroid injections and laser). Strong evidence (high degree of certainty around the results) is lacking, and future studies should ideally use longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes. REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022297845 (PROSPERO).

Translation, Adaptation, and Determining the Intra-Rater Reliability of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) for Persian Patients with Chronic Stroke.

This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the BESTest to the Persian language and evaluate its intra-rater reliability in Iranian patients with stroke. A forward-backward translation and expert panel review method was followed. Eighteen patients post-stroke (15 men, 3 female) were included which were assessed by a physiotherapist two times with a one-week interval. The mean total score for the test and retest were 83.66 (SD = 11.98) and 82 (SD = 13.23), respectively. There were no floor and ceiling effects. The intra-rater ICC for the total score was 0.88 (95% CI = 0.73-0.95). The ICC for the BESTest sections ranged from 0.55 (95% CI = 0.12-0.80) to 0.89 (95% CI = 0.55-0.96). The standard error of measurement and the smallest detectable change of the BESTest total score were 8.33 and 22.82, respectively. Our findings confirm the intra-rater reliability of the Persian BESTest for balance assessment of patients with chronic stroke.

Associations between exposure to common technology devices and reported neck pain among Iranian school-age adolescents: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The advancement of technology has contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle, and the extensive use of handheld devices among adolescents may potentially result in neck pain. This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to common technology devices and self-reported neck pain in Iranian school-age adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 2021, employing a randomized multi-stage cluster sampling approach. We enrolled 808 adolescent students aged 11 to 19 years old. We asked participants about any neck pain they experienced in the week leading up to the study. Additionally, we gathered demographic information and assessed participants' use of electronic devices using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Our study comprised 73.5% female participants with an average age of 15.1 ± 1.7 years and 26.5% male participants with an average age of 14.5 ± 1.5 years. In the regression model, the female gender (p = 0.038), using mobile for more than 6 h (p = 0.04), and using electronic devices while sitting on the floor (p = 0.02) were associated with a higher prevalence of neck pain among participants. CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed a relatively high prevalence of neck pain, which was linked to extended daily mobile phone usage and body posture during electronic device use. Policymakers may consider interventions aimed at reducing mobile phone usage and promoting proper body posture while using electronic devices as potential strategies to alleviate the burden of neck pain among Iranian adolescents.