The abundance, biomass, and distribution of ants on Earth.

Knowledge on the distribution and abundance of organisms is fundamental to understanding their roles within ecosystems and their ecological importance for other taxa. Such knowledge is currently lacking for insects, which have long been regarded as the "little things that run the world". Even for ubiquitous insects, such as ants, which are of tremendous ecological significance, there is currently neither a reliable estimate of their total number on Earth nor of their abundance in particular biomes or habitats. We compile data on ground-dwelling and arboreal ants to obtain an empirical estimate of global ant abundance. Our analysis is based on 489 studies, spanning all continents, major biomes, and habitats. We conservatively estimate total abundance of ground-dwelling ants at over 3 × 1015 and estimate the number of all ants on Earth to be almost 20 × 1015 individuals. The latter corresponds to a biomass of ∼12 megatons of dry carbon. This exceeds the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals and is equivalent to ∼20% of human biomass. Abundances of ground-dwelling ants are strongly concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions but vary substantially across habitats. The density of leaf-litter ants is highest in forests, while the numbers of actively ground-foraging ants are highest in arid regions. This study highlights the central role ants play in terrestrial ecosystems but also major ecological and geographic gaps in our current knowledge. Our results provide a crucial baseline for exploring environmental drivers of ant-abundance patterns and for tracking the responses of insects to environmental change.

Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2023-an update.

To date, 3,900 gene therapy clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide. Our database brings together global information on gene therapy clinical activity from trial databases, official agency sources, published literature, conference presentations and posters kindly provided to us by individual investigators or trial sponsors. This review presents our analysis of clinical trials that, to the best of our knowledge, have been or are being performed worldwide. As of our March 2023 update, we have entries on 3,900 trials undertaken in 46 countries. We have analyzed the geographical distribution of trials, the disease indications (or other reasons) for trials, the proportions to which different vector types are used, and which genes have been transferred. Details of the analyses presented, and our searchable database are on The Journal of Gene Medicine Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Worldwide website at https://a873679.fmphost.com/fmi/webd/GTCT. We also provide an overview of the progress being made around the world, and discuss key trends since the previous review, namely the unprecedented increase in gene therapy clinical trial activity, including the implementation of genome editing technology with the potential to transform the field moving forward.

Best practice guidelines on genetic diagnostics of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: Update of the 2012 guidelines.

The gold standard for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) genetic diagnostic procedures was published in 2012. With the increasing complexity of the genetics of FSHD1 and 2, the increase of genetic testing centers, and the start of clinical trials for FSHD, it is crucial to provide an update on our knowledge of the genetic features of the FSHD loci and renew the international consensus on the molecular testing recommendations. To this end, members of the FSHD European Trial Network summarized the evidence presented during the 2022 ENMC meeting on Genetic diagnosis, clinical outcome measures, and biomarkers. The working group additionally invited genetic and clinical experts from the USA, India, Japan, Australia, South-Africa, and Brazil to provide a global perspective. Six virtual meetings were organized to reach consensus on the minimal requirements for genetic confirmation of FSHD1 and FSHD2. Here, we present the clinical and genetic features of FSHD, specific features of FSHD1 and FSHD2, pros and cons of established and new technologies (Southern blot in combination with either linear or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, molecular combing, optical genome mapping, FSHD2 methylation analysis and FSHD2 genotyping), the possibilities and challenges of prenatal testing, including pre-implantation genetic testing, and the minimal requirements and recommendations for genetic confirmation of FSHD1 and FSHD2. This consensus is expected to contribute to current clinical management and trial-readiness for FSHD.

Worldwide disparities in access to treatment and investigations for nephropathic cystinosis: a 2023 perspective.

BACKGROUND: Nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is a rare lysosomal disease, leading to early kidney failure and extra-renal comorbidities. Its prognosis strongly relies on early diagnosis and treatment by cysteamine. Developing economies (DEing) face many challenges when treating patients for rare and chronic diseases. The aim here is to evaluate the access to investigations and treatment in DEing, and to assess for potential inequalities with Developed Economies (DEed). METHODS: In this international cross-sectional study, a questionnaire on access, price and reimbursement of genetic, biological analyses, and treatment was sent to nephrology centers worldwide during 2022. RESULTS: A total of 109 centers responded, coming from 49 countries and managing 741 patients: 43 centers from 30 DEing and Economies in transition (TrE), and 66 from 19 DEed. In 2022, genetics availability was 63% in DEing and 100% in DEed, whereas intra leukocytes cystine levels (IL-CL) were available for 30% of DEing patients, and 94% of DEed patients, both increasing over the last decade, as has access to immediate release cysteamine and to cysteamine eye drops in DEing. However, delayed released cysteamine can be delivered to only 7% vs. 74% of patients from DEing and DEed, respectively, and is still poorly reimbursed in DEing. CONCLUSIONS: Over the last decade, access to investigations (namely genetics and IL-CL) and to cysteamine have improved in DEing and TrE. However, discrepancies remain with DEed: access to delayed released cysteamine is limited, and reimbursement is still profoundly insufficient, therefore limiting their current use.

Optimal lymph node dissection for gastric cancer: a narrative review.

The management of gastric cancer has long been debated, particularly the extent of lymph node (LN) dissection required during curative surgery. LN invasion stands out as the most critical prognostic factor in gastric cancer. Historically, Japanese academic societies were the pioneers in defining a classification system for regional gastric LN stations, numbering them from 1 to 16. This classification was later used to differentiate between different types of LN dissection, such as D1, D2 and D3. However, these definitions were often considered too complex to be universally adopted, resulting in wide variations in recommendations from one country to another and making it difficult to compare published studies. In addition, the optimal extent of LN dissection remains uncertain, with initially recommended dissections being extensive but associated with significant morbidity without a clear survival benefit. The aim of this review is to make a case for extending LN dissection based on the existing literature, which includes a comprehensive examination of the current definitions of lymphadenectomy and an analysis of the results of all randomised controlled trials evaluating morbidity, mortality and long-term survival associated with different types of LN dissection. Finally, we provide a summary of the various recommendations issued by organizations such as the Japanese Gastric Research Association, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the French National Thesaurus of Digestive Oncology.

Global State of the Art and Science of Childhood Dysphagia: Similarities and Disparities in Burden.

Feeding/swallowing and airway protection are complex functions, essential for survival, and continue to evolve throughout the lifetime. Medical and surgical advances across the globe have improved the long-term survival of medically complex children at the cost of increasing comorbidities, including dysfunctional swallowing (dysphagia). Dysphagia is prominent in children with histories of preterm birth, neurologic and neuromuscular diagnoses, developmental delays, and aerodigestive disorders; and is associated with medical, health, and neurodevelopmental problems; and long-term socioeconomic, caregiver, health system, and social burdens. Despite these survival and population trends, data on global prevalence of childhood dysphagia and associated burdens are limited, and practice variations are common. This article reviews current global population and resource-dependent influences on current trends for children with dysphagia, disparities in the availability and access to specialized multidisciplinary care, and potential impacts on burdens. A patient example will illustrate some questions to be considered and decision-making options in relation to age and development, availability and accessibility to resources, as well as diverse cultures and family values. Precise recognition of feeding/swallowing disorders and follow-up intervention are enhanced by awareness and knowledge of global disparities in resources. Initiatives are needed, which address geographic and economic barriers to providing optimal care to children with dysphagia.

Perceptions and challenges of online teaching and learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in India: a cross-sectional study with dental students and teachers.

BACKGROUND: Online education has emerged as a crucial tool for imparting knowledge and skills to students in the twenty-first century, especially in developing nations like India, which previously relied heavily on traditional teaching methods. METHODS: This study delved into the perceptions and challenges experienced by students and teachers in the context of online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from a sample of 491 dental students and 132 teachers utilizing a cross-sectional research design and an online-validated survey questionnaire. RESULTS: The study's findings revealed significant insights. Internet accessibility emerged as a major impediment for students, with online instruction proving more effective for theoretical subjects compared to practical ones. Although most teachers expressed comfort with online teaching, they highlighted the absence of classroom interaction as a significant challenge. CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively examines the perspectives of both students and teachers regarding online education during the pandemic. The results carry substantial implications for the academic community, underscoring the need to address internet access issues and explore ways to enhance engagement and interaction in online learning environments.

An 18-month multimodal intervention trial for preventing dementia: J-MINT PRIME Tamba.

BACKGROUND: The number of people with dementia is increasing in Japan, and establishing evidence for preventing dementia is necessary. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial in cognitively normal community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 85 with diabetes and/or hypertension. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group underwent 90 min of group-based weekly physical exercise, cognitive training, nutritional counseling, and vascular risk management for 18 months. The primary endpoint was the change in a cognitive composite score calculated by averaging the z-scores of seven neuropsychological tests from baseline to 18 months. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 203 participants to two groups, and 178 (87.7%) completed the 18-month follow-up. There was a significant group difference in the cognitive composite score change at 18 months (mean difference 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.27; p = 0.009). DISCUSSION: An 18-month multimodal intervention for older adults at risk of dementia could improve their cognitive function. The trial was registered in the Clinical Trial Registration System (UMIN000041938). HIGHLIGHTS: Japan-Multimodal Intervention Trial for Prevention of Dementia (J-MINT) PRIME Tamba was a randomized controlled trial to prevent dementia. We provided a multifactorial intervention based on the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) trial methodology. The primary outcome, the cognitive composite score, improved with our intervention. Executive function/processing speed and memory improved in the intervention group. Intervention adherence was high, and no serious adverse events occurred.

Trends in Surgical and Nonsurgical Aesthetic Procedures: A 14-Year Analysis of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery-ISAPS.

INTRODUCTION: As part of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we present an analysis of our global aesthetic statistics, fulfilling the role of a worldwide organization of plastic surgeons with a clear mission to disseminate aesthetic education worldwide, promote patient safety, protect high ethical standards, and communicate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the ISAPS Global Aesthetic Statistics was conducted annually from 2010 to 2023. The design and analysis of each survey was carefully developed and validated by Industry Insights, Inc. prior to distribution. Participants were recruited using an anonymous online questionnaire that focused primarily on the number of surgical and nonsurgical procedures performed in the previous year, as well as questions related to surgeon demographics and the prevalence of medical tourism. ISAPS invited all physicians in their data base who were board-certified plastic surgeons or equivalent and suggested National Societies to encourage their members to participate. RESULTS: The latest survey reported a global increase in 3.4%, including 34.9 million surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons in 2023. More than 15.8 million surgical procedures and more than 19.1 million nonsurgical procedures were performed worldwide. During the past decade, a steady increase in aesthetic procedures has been observed, which has been more pronounced since 2021. In the last 4 years, the overall increase in procedures was 40%. SURGICAL PROCEDURES: The top five surgical procedures were liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, abdominoplasty, and rhinoplasty. This trend has been stable for 14 years, with the exception of 2022, when breast lift surgery temporarily replaced rhinoplasty. FACE AND HEAD PROCEDURES: These procedures continue to be the most popular. This group included brow lift, ear surgery, eyelid surgery, facelift, facial bone contouring, facial fat grafting, lip augmentation or frontal surgery, neck lift, and rhinoplasty. BODY AND EXTREMITIES PROCEDURES: This group included abdominoplasty, buttock augmentation, buttock lift, liposuction, lower body lift, thigh lift, arm lift, upper body lift, labiaplasty, and vaginal rejuvenation. Over the past 14 years, body and extremity procedures have increased, with more than 5.1 million procedures in 2023 compared to 2.6 million in 2009. NONSURGICAL PROCEDURES: The five most popular nonsurgical procedures are botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, hair removal, chemical peels, and nonsurgical fat reduction. In 2022, chemical peels will replace nonsurgical skin tightening in the top five. MALE AESTHETIC SURGERY: Procedures performed on men continue to grow, with minimally invasive procedures dominating. The most recent survey reported that they represented 14.5% of the total. The top five surgical procedures were eyelid surgery, gynecomastia, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and facial fat grafting. The most popular nonsurgical procedures for men were botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, hair removal, nonsurgical skin tightening, and nonsurgical fat reduction. This trend has held steady for more than a decade. DISCUSSION: This study analyzes the most recent data and experience of board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons in surgical and nonsurgical procedures worldwide over 14 years and provides insight into future trends. More than 60 years have passed since the introduction of liposuction, being one of the most performed aesthetic procedures worldwide over the past 14 years and currently number one procedure performed by plastic surgeons. New trends and technologies have evolved over the years, however, plastic surgeons must be cautious, as history has shown that risks increase when new technologies are introduced. With the popularity of liposuction, other body contouring procedures began to gain interest, and in 2015, gluteal lipoinjections were added to the ISAPS global aesthetic statistics and with them complications arise. In 2018 and 2019, the major patient safety societies, ISAPS, ASERF, ASPS, and ASAPS, began a systematic educational campaign to inform their members about the inherent risks of performing gluteal fat transfer surgery and what techniques or equipment can be used to minimize risks. Another procedure added to the ISAPS statistics in 2010 was vaginal aesthetic surgery. With the new trend of vaginal aesthetics, many believed that they were just changing the appearance of the area, but today it is clear that they are here for much more, to truly empower women with their sexuality. Breast augmentation showed a decline for the first-time last year. However, breast augmentation and liposuction have been the most performed procedures by plastic surgeons worldwide for more than a decade. On the other hand, implant removal has been the fastest growing procedure since 2015, with an overall increase in 46.3% over the past 5 years. In relation to male aesthetic surgery, the number of men undergoing aesthetic procedures has remained stable in recent years at around 14%. Male aesthetics is certainly a growing trend, and our practices should be more inclusive. Another prominent field is regenerative medicine. In relation to plastic surgery, regenerative surgery strategies often involve adipose tissue with stem cells and preadipocytes, alone or in combination with scaffolds. In terms of prevention, regenerative medicine aims to improve the quality of the skin by improving our outcomes and would make it possible to avoid the need for facelifts in the future. Finally, given the increasing popularity of medical procedures abroad ("medical tourism") and the fact that safety regulations and guidelines vary widely from place to place, we encourage patients to choose a board-certified, specialized, trained and experienced plastic surgeon for their procedure and an accredited surgical facility to ensure the procedure in done under the highest patient safety standards. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the obvious cultural and social differences from country to country that make certain procedures more desirable in some geographic areas and less so in other parts of the world, the results of this study show a significant overall increase in all surgical and nonsurgical procedures aimed at improving the aesthetic appearance of the body during14 years. As plastic surgeons, we are open to new possibilities in aesthetic procedures and are responsible for patient safety protocols and procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Human and Animal Fascioliasis: Origins and Worldwide Evolving Scenario.

Fascioliasis is a plant- and waterborne zoonotic parasitic disease caused by two trematode species: (i) Fasciola hepatica in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania and (ii) F. gigantica, which is restricted to Africa and Asia. Fasciolid liver flukes infect mainly herbivores as ruminants, equids, and camelids but also omnivore mammals as humans and swine and are transmitted by freshwater Lymnaeidae snail vectors. Two phases may be distinguished in fasciolid evolution. The long predomestication period includes the F. gigantica origin in east-southern Africa around the mid-Miocene, the F. hepatica origin in the Near-Middle East of Asia around the latest Miocene to Early Pliocene, and their subsequent local spread. The short postdomestication period includes the worldwide spread by human-guided movements of animals in the last 12,000 years and the more recent transoceanic anthropogenic introductions of F. hepatica into the Americas and Oceania and of F. gigantica into several large islands of the Pacific with ships transporting livestock in the last 500 years. The routes and chronology of the spreading waves followed by both fasciolids into the five continents are redefined on the basis of recently generated knowledge of human-guided movements of domesticated hosts. No local, zonal, or regional situation showing disagreement with historical records was found, although in a few world zones the available knowledge is still insufficient. The anthropogenically accelerated evolution of fasciolids allows us to call them "peridomestic endoparasites." The multidisciplinary implications for crucial aspects of the disease should therefore lead the present baseline update to be taken into account in future research studies.

Effects of fuel and driving conditions on particle number emissions of China-VI gasoline vehicles: based on corrections to test results.

The increasing number of vehicles are emitting a large amount of particles into the atmosphere, causing serious harm to the ecological environment and human health. This study conducted the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) to investigate the emission characteristics of particle number (PN) of China-VI gasoline vehicles with different gasoline. The gasoline with lower aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins reduced particulate matter (PM) and PN emissions by 24% and 52% respectively. The average PN emission rate of the four vehicles during the first 300 s (the cold start period) was 7.2 times that of the 300 s-1800s. Additionally, because the particle transmission time and instrument response time, the test results of instantaneous emissions of PN were not synchronized with vehicle specific power (VSP). By calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient between pre-average vehicle specific power (PAVSP) and the test results of PN instantaneous emissions, the delay time was determined as 10s. After the PN emissions results were corrected, the PN emissions were found to be more related to VSP. By analyzing the influence of driving status on emission, this study found that vehicles in acceleration mode increased PN emissions by 76% compared to those in constant speed mode.

Global burden of liver disease: 2023 update.

Liver disease accounts for two million deaths annually and is responsible for 4% of all deaths (1 out of every 25 deaths worldwide); approximately two-thirds of all liver-related deaths occur in men. Deaths are largely attributable to complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, with acute hepatitis accounting for a smaller proportion of deaths. The most common causes of cirrhosis worldwide are related to viral hepatitis, alcohol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatotropic viruses are the aetiological factor in most cases of acute hepatitis, but drug-induced liver injury increasingly accounts for a significant proportion of cases. This iteration of the global burden of liver disease is an update of the 2019 version and focuses mainly on areas where significant new information is available like alcohol-associated liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. We also devote a separate section to the burden of liver disease in Africa, an area of the world typically neglected in such documents.

Global, regional, and national incidence and prevalence of systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the global and country-specific unbiased epidemiological data of SSc. METHODS: Epidemiological studies were systematically searched in four databases. A Bayesian hierarchical linear mixed model was constructed to estimate epidemiological data. RESULTS: 82 studies were included and epidemiological data on SSc were missing for 83.9% of countries worldwide. The global SSc incidence and newly diagnosed population were estimated to be 8.64 per 100,000 person-years (1.78-23.57) and 0.67 million (0.14-1.84) people annually, respectively. Regarding prevalence, the global SSc prevalence and affected population were 18.87 per 100,000 persons (1.55-25.28) and 1.47 million (0.12-1.97) people, respectively. Relatively higher incidence and prevalence were observed in females, adults, and high-income level countries. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a comprehensive synthesis of SSc epidemiology and fill data gaps in most countries. Especially in low- and middle-income countries, epidemiological studies of SSc are insufficient. Further large-scale and standardized reported epidemiological investigations of SSc are imperative.

Prevalence of migraine in systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including neurological issues in about 25%-75% of cases. Among the neurological involvement cases, most cases show migraine. However, the prevalence of migraine varied worldwide, and in some studies, a higher incidence of migraine in SLE cases was reported compared to healthy controls. In the present study, we adopted a meta-analysis approach to find out the prevalence of migraine in SLE patients worldwide and investigate whether migraine frequency is more prevalent in SLE patients than controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Various literature databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were screened for eligible studies. The last search was performed on January 21, 2023. Publication biases were accessed by Egger's regression analysis and funnel plots. Cochrane Q statistics and I2 values explored the presence or absence of heterogeneity. All statistical analysis of meta-analysis was performed in comprehensive meta-analysis software v3. RESULTS: Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 reports comprising 2901 SLE patients and 575 healthy controls were considered in the present study. The meta-analysis revealed the prevalence of migraine to be 34.8%. Furthermore, migraine was more prevalent in SLE patients than healthy controls (OR: 1.964, p = 0.000, 95% CI = 1.512-2.550). Similar trends were also observed while considering another 10 independent reports those were not disclosed about the migraine diagnosis criteria (number of reports: 27, SLE: 3473, HC: 741, prevalence: 33.5%, SLE vs HC: OR = 2.107, p = 0.000, 95% CI = 1.672-2.655). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that SLE patients from South America had a higher prevalence of migraine (56.2%). CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of SLE patients experience migraine worldwide. The prevalence of migraine is more frequent in SLE patients than the healthy controls.

Sero-prevalence of hepatitis viral infections among sanitary workers across worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sanitation or sanitary workers are exposed to hepatitis virus infections because of filthy and dangerous working conditions. The current global systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled sero-prevalence of occupationally associated hepatitis virus infection among them. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA), and Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and study design (PICOS) were used for flow diagram, and review questions, respectively. Four databases other methods were used published articles from 2000 to 2022. Boolean logic (AND, OR), MeSH, and keywords were used: (Occupation *OR Job *OR Work) AND (Hepatitis A *OR Hepatitis B virus *OR Hepatitis C virus *OR Hepatitis E virus) AND (Solid waste collectors [SWCs] *OR Street sweepers [SS] *OR Sewage workers [STWs] *OR health care facilities cleaners [HCFCs)) AND (Countries). Stata MP/17 software was used for pooled prevalence analysis, meta-regression analysis (Hedges) at a 95% confidence interval (CI:95%). RESULTS: A total of 182 studies were identified studies, a total of 28 studies were included from twelve countries. Of these, from developed (n = 7) and developing countries (n = 5). From total a of 9049 sanitary workers, 5951(66%), 2280 (25%) and 818 (9%) were STWs, SWCs and SS, respectively. Globally, the pooled sero-prevalence of occupational-related hepatitis viral infections among sanitary workers was 38.06% (95% CI: 30-0.46.12). Of this, it was 42.96% (95% CI: 32.63-53.29) and 29.81% (95% CI: 17.59-42.02) for high-income and low-income countries, respectively. Meanwhile, by sub-analysis, the highest pooled sero-prevalence of hepatitis viral infections by categories, type and year were 47.66% (95%CI: 37.42-57.90), 48.45% (95% CI: 37.95-58.96), and 48.30% (95% CI: 36.13-60.47) for SWTs, HAV, and 2000 to 2010 year, respectively. CONCLUSION: The consistency of the evidence suggests that sanitation workers, particularly sewage workers, are susceptible to occupationally acquired hepatitis regardless of their working conditions, necessitating significant changes to occupational health and safety regulations from governmental policies and other initiatives to reduce risks among sanitary workers.

Trends in surgical techniques for the treatment of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer: the 2022 update.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practice in surgical techniques for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer surgery worldwide and to compare the results to the previous surveys in 2007 and 2014. An online survey was sent out among surgical members of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, the World Organization for Specialized Studies on Disease of the Esophagus, the International Gastric Cancer Association, the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland and Dutch gastroesophageal surgeons via the network of the investigators. In total, 260 surgeons completed the survey representing 52 countries and 6 continents; Europe 56%, Oceania 14%, Asia 14%, South-America 9%, North-America 7%. Of the responding surgeons, 39% worked in a hospital that performed >51 esophagectomies per year. Total minimally invasive esophagectomy was the preferred technique (53%) followed by hybrid esophagectomy (26%) of which 7% consisted of a minimally invasive thoracic phase and 19% of a minimally invasive abdominal phase. Total open esophagectomy was preferred by 21% of the respondents. Total minimally invasive esophagectomy was significantly more often performed in high-volume centers compared with non-high-volume centers (P = 0.002). Robotic assistance was used in 13% during the thoracic phase and 6% during the abdominal phase. Minimally invasive transthoracic esophagectomy has become the preferred approach for esophagectomy. Although 21% of the surgeons prefer an open approach, 26% of the surgeons perform a hybrid procedure which may reflect further transition towards the use of total minimally invasive esophagectomy.

Blastocystis occurrence in water sources worldwide from 2005 to 2022: a review.

There has been increasing interest in the study of Blastocystis in the last two decades. Many studies have been carried out in human and animal hosts including environmental sources, but there is little or no information on the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources across the world from 2005 to 2022, noting the method of detection and the distribution of the subtypes from various water sources. A literature search was performed on internet-based databases including Google search, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Upon application of the criteria for inclusion, 25 articles revealing the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources in 15 countries were included in the review. Blastocystis occurrence varies across water sources ranging from 0% in a drinking water source in Venezuela to 100% in rivers; well water, stored water, and fishpond in Nepal and Malaysia; and fountain water, irrigation water, and rainwater in Italy, Spain, and Thailand. The occurrence of the parasite was significantly associated with the coliform count, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and chemical oxygen demand. A total of 11 Blastocystis subtypes were identified in water sources worldwide, namely, ST1-ST8, ST10, ST23, and ST26 in which ST1 and ST3 were the most prevalent subtypes. Considering the importance of Blastocystis as a waterborne parasite, the subtype distribution and morphological distinction in water sources need to be carried out using molecular and electron microscopic techniques. Existing studies have covered only about 10% of the world's countries.

Global prevalence of needle stick injuries among nurses: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nurses usually provide direct patient care. However, they account for the majority of healthcare workers (HCWs) injured by needles or other sharp objects. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of needle stick injuries (NSI) among nurses worldwide; according to WHO regions, the socioeconomic development index (SDI) of countries, and the developmental status of individual countries, and in the Middle East. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We calculated the pooled NSI prevalence estimates using a random-effect meta-analysis with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The report of the study was in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. RESULTS: The overall worldwide NSI prevalence pooled from our analysis was 40.97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.29-50.63%, p = .00001). A subgroup analysis of NSI prevalence according to WHO regions revealed the highest prevalence in Southeast Asia (49.9%, 95% CI: [23.4-76.3%]) and the lowest in the United States of America (25.1%, 95% CI: [18.1-32.1%]), respectively. The pooled prevalence in developed and developing countries was 30.5% (95% CI: 27.3-33.8%) and 46.6% (95% CI: 33.7-59.5%), respectively. According to the SDI, NSI prevalence was highest in low-middle SDI countries (48.9% [95% CI: 30.7-67.2%]). CONCLUSION: Our results showed a high NSI prevalence among nurses worldwide. Developing countries had a significantly higher NSI prevalence than developed countries, especially low-middle SDI countries. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study highlighted the prevalence of NSI risk among nurses practising in clinical settings worldwide. The study findings suggest that continuous training programs should be implemented for nurses to enhance their knowledge, performance and attitude toward NSI prevention in clinical settings. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Contributions from patients or the public are irrelevant because the purpose of this study was to examine the global prevalence of NSIs in nurses.

Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS): Study design and harmonization.

INTRODUCTION: Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS) is the first non-pharmacological multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) to prevent cognitive impairment in Latin America (LA). Our aim is to present the study design and discuss the strategies used for multicultural harmonization. METHODS: This 1-year RCT (working on a 1-year extension) investigates the feasibility of a multi-domain lifestyle intervention in LA and the efficacy of the intervention, primarily on cognitive function. An external harmonization process was carried out to follow the FINGER model, and an internal harmonization was performed to ensure this study was feasible and comparable across the 12 participating LA countries. RESULTS: Currently, 1549 participants have been screened, and 815 randomized. Participants are ethnically diverse (56% are Nestizo) and have high cardiovascular risk (39% have metabolic syndrome). DISCUSSION: LatAm-FINGERS overcame a significant challenge to combine the region's diversity into a multi-domain risk reduction intervention feasible across LA while preserving the original FINGER design.

Adherence to a Mediterranean type of diet in the world: a geographical analysis based on a systematic review of 57 studies with 1,125,560 participants.

This systematic review aimed to assess the level and time-trends of adherence to Mediterranean-type diets (MTD) among the general population, globally. According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, a comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE and Scopus databases was carried out, until 04/09/2023, based on specific criteria. Fifty-seven studies with 1,125,560 apparently healthy adults from Europe (n = 37), US (n = 8), Asia (n = 8), Australia (n = 4) and Africa (n = 1) were included. Adherence to an MTD was moderate with a significant decline observed in the last decade. European countries, mainly driven by Mediterranean countries, showed higher adherence than other regions. Geographical analysis revealed that adherence to an MTD is related to both geographic location and socioeconomic status throughout the world.