A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Most-Cited Papers Concerning Dental Fluorosis.

A high number of citations can indicate the potential of any specific paper to influence other research and generate changes in clinical practice. Analyzing the most-cited papers in a certain scientific field may assist researchers to identify the influential papers as well their main characteristics. The present study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited papers concerning dental fluorosis (DF) through a bibliometric review. A search was performed in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database in November 2021. The papers were displayed in descending order according to the number of citations in WoS-CC. Two independent researchers performed the selection. Scopus and Google Scholar were used to compare the number of citations with WoS-CC. The following data were extracted from the papers: title, authors, number and density of citations, institution, country, continent, year of publication, journal title, keywords, study design, and theme. Collaborative networks were generated using the VOSviewer software. The top 100 most-cited papers were published between 1974 and 2014 and were cited 6,717 times (ranging from 35 to 417). Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology (24%), Journal of Dental Research (21%), Journal of Public Health Dentistry (17%), and Caries Research (13%) published the most papers. Observational studies (60%) and literature reviews (19%) were the most common study designs. The main topics were epidemiology (44%) and fluoride intake (32%). The countries with the highest number of papers were the USA (44%), Canada (10%), and Brazil (9%). The University of Iowa (USA) had the most papers (12%). Levy SM was the author with the highest number of papers (12%). The 100 most-cited papers on DF were mainly observational studies focused on epidemiology and originated in North America. There were few interventional studies and systematic reviews among the most-cited papers concerning this topic.

Fluoride Varnish in Dentistry: A Bibliometric Analysis of the 100 Most-Cited Papers.

A highly cited paper is a milestone and might impact research and clinical practice. The present study analyzed the 100 most-cited papers on fluoride varnishes in dentistry. A search was performed on July 20, 2022, on the Web of Science Core Collection. Two independent researchers extracted the following data: number and citation density; year and journal of publication; study design; main topic; authors; institutions; keywords; countries and continents. Scopus and Google Scholar were consulted to compare the number of citations. Bibliometric networks were generated in the VOSviewer. The number of citations ranged from 36 to 351, and thirteen papers were cited more than 100 times. The papers were published between 1977 and 2018, most of which were published after 2008 (48%). The most prevalent journal was Caries Research (17%). Intervention studies were the most common design (41%). The most discussed topics were dental caries prevention (48%) and dental remineralization (31%). Europe was the continent with the highest number of publications (46%), mainly from Sweden (14%), and Umea University had the most substantial number of studies (8%). Petersson L.G. was the author with more papers in the top 100 (6%). The most used keywords were "dental caries" (34%) and "fluoride varnish" (31%). It can be concluded that the top 100 cited papers on fluoride varnish primarily originated from Europe, with the majority consisting of intervention studies focusing on the utilization of fluoride varnish for the prevention of dental caries.

The Top 100 Most-Cited Papers in Erosive Tooth Wear: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Citation rates can be used as an indicator of the influence and relevance of scientific papers. The present study analyzed the 100 most-cited articles related to erosive tooth wear (ETW). The top 100 most-cited papers focusing on ETW topics were collected from the Web of Science database on November 11, 2020. The following bibliometric data were extracted from papers: title, authorship, institutions, countries, number of citations, year of publication, journal title, study design, topic, and keywords. Scopus and Google Scholar were searched to compare the number of citations. The VOSviewer software was used to generate collaborative network maps for the authors and keywords. The number of citations of the 100 most-cited papers ranged from 71 to 330 (average: 97.44). The papers were published between 1949 and 2015. Caries Research (28%) and The Journal of Dentistry (16%) presented the majority of papers. Laboratorial (44%) and observational studies (33%) were the most common study designs. The most studied topics were epidemiology (31%) and the erosive potential of substances (drinks, foods, or medicines) (22%). The countries with the highest number of most-cited papers were England (32%), Germany (18%), and Switzerland (10%). The University of Bern was the institution with the most papers (10%). Lussi A was the author with the highest number of papers in the top 100 (14%). The most common keyword was "dental erosion" with 64 occurrences. The top 100 most-cited papers related to ETW were composed mainly of laboratorial and observational studies focusing on epidemiology and the erosive potential of substances.

The top 100 most-cited papers authored by Dr. Jens Ove Andreasen: A bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dr. Jens Ove Andreasen, the "father" of dental traumatology, passed away on September 26, 2020. As a tribute, the aim of this study was to catalog and analyze the top 100 most-cited papers (co)authored by Dr. Andreasen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on October 21, 2020, in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database. The numbers of citations in the WoS "All Databases" section, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were cross-matched. Two researchers collected the following bibliometric data: title, number of citations, authors, country, year, journals, study design, and theme. The VOSviewer software was used to generate collaborative network maps for the authors and keywords. RESULTS: Of 194 papers identified in WoS-CC, a list was compiled with the 100 most-cited papers (co)authored by Dr. Andreasen. The number of citations of each paper ranged from 24 to 365 (mean: 85.4). Nine papers were cited more than 200 times. Most papers were published in Dental Traumatology (55%), between the 1990's and 2000's (60%), with a laboratory design (40%). One hundred and nine (co)authors, from 19 countries were identified in the top 100 most-cited papers. Dental traumatology was the most studied theme (52%). CONCLUSIONS: The top 100 most-cited papers (co)authored by Dr. Jens Ove Andreasen were composed mainly of laboratory and observational studies, published mostly in Dental Traumatology. The present study was a humble homage to highlight the importance of his research and work. However, his legacy goes beyond the numbers and will always remain unsurpassed.

Does the pre-emptive administration of paracetamol or ibuprofen reduce trans- and post-operative pain in primary molar extraction? A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus whether the pre-emptive administration of analgesics reduces trans- and post-operative pain in primary molar extraction. AIM: Investigate whether the pre-emptive administration of ibuprofen and paracetamol reduces trans- and post-operative pain on primary molars extraction compared to placebo. DESIGN: A parallel, placebo-controlled, triple-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Forty-eight children who needed primary molar tooth extraction were selected and treated under local anaesthesia and pre-emptive administration of placebo or analgesics. Self-reported pain was evaluated during the anaesthesia, extraction, and 2, 6, and 24 hours of post-operative period, using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Children's baseline anxiety, behaviour during the procedure, parents' anxiety, and post-operative analgesia were also assessed. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: No association was found between the use of pre-emptive analgesic and lower scores of trans- and post-operative pain compared to placebo. Children who presented negative behaviour reported greater pain during anaesthesia (P = .04) regardless of pre-emptive analgesia group. Children from the placebo group were more likely to need post-operative analgesia at 2 hours of follow-up (P = .03). CONCLUSION: The pre-emptive administration of analgesics did not significantly reduce trans- and post-operative pain in children after primary molars extraction.

Poor sleep quality and prevalence of probable sleep bruxism in primary and mixed dentitions: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in the primary and mixed dentitions using non-instrumental approach and evaluate whether sleep quality is associate with probable SB in different age ranges. METHODS: School-based cross-sectional study with children aged 2-5 (primary dentition, n = 372) and 8-10 years old (mixed dentition, n = 563) enrolled in public schools at Florianopolis and their parents. The sleep characteristics, socioeconomic status, and presence of probable SB were assessed using questionnaires. Seven trained examiners (Kappa > 0.7) assessed tooth wear. Children were selected following a stratified sample (2-5); and a system of the proportionality, first the schools of the sanitary districts and after the classrooms (8-10). Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression was performed with probable SB as a dependent variable. Independent variables were as follows: family income, parent schooling, drooling, tooth wear, and sleep quality. The independent variables presenting p value ≤ 0.20 were included in the adjusted model. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable SB was 22.3% in primary and 32.7% in mixed dentition. Probable SB was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (p < 0.001) in mixed dentition (PR 1.80; 95% CI 1.34-2.44) adjusting for age and drooling. In the primary dentition, the adjusted regression did not show association between analyzed characteristic and probable SB. Sex, socioeconomic, head of the household educational status, drooling, and tooth wear were not associated with probable SB in both dentitions. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of probable SB is higher in mixed than in primary dentition and poor sleep quality is associated with probable SB in children aged 8-10 years.

Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Overweight With Academic Performance in 12-Year-Old Brazilian Children.

Obesity has been associated with poor academic achievement, while cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been linked to academic success. PURPOSE: To investigate whether CRF is associated with academic performance in Brazilian students, independently of body mass index (BMI), fatness and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: 392 5th and 6th grade students (193 girls) (12.11 ± 0.75 years old) were evaluated in 2012. Skinfold thickness measures were performed, and students were classified according to BMI-percentile. CRF was estimated by a 20-meter shuttle run test, and academic achievement by standardized math and Portuguese tests. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association between academic performance and CRF, adjusted for SES, skinfold thickness or BMI-percentile. RESULTS: Among girls CRF was associated with higher academic achievement in math (ß = 0.146;p = .003) and Portuguese (ß = 0.129;p = .004) in crude and adjusted analyses. No significant association was found among boys. BMI was not associated with overall academic performance. There was a weak negative association between skinfold thickness and performance in mathematics in boys (ß =- 0.030;p = .04), but not in girls. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the importance of maintaining high fitness levels in girls throughout adolescence a period commonly associated with reductions in physical activity levels and CRF.

Androgen receptor CAG polymorphism and sporadic and early-onset prostate cancer among Mexican men.

A short CAG repeat length in the gene encoding for the androgen receptor (AR) has been associated with prostate cancer (PC) risk and aggressiveness. In Latino men, information on this association is scarce. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate this association in Mexican males. Using fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis, we determined the number of CAG repeats-(CAG)n-in AR gene from 158 incident PC cases and 326 age-matched healthy controls (±5 years), residing in Mexico City, Mexico. According to Gleason scale and age at diagnosis, cases were classified as high (⩾7) and low grade (<7), as well as early onset (<60 years) or late onset PC (⩾60 years). At diagnosis, 78% of cases were classified as high-grade and 26.6% as early onset. Men with sporadic (no family history of PC) and early-onset PC presented shorter CAG repeat length than controls (18.6±2.2 vs 19.5±2.5; P=0.02). Lower number of CAG repeats (CAG)⩽19 were associated with a greater risk for early-onset PC (odds ratio: 2.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-4.69). CAG repeat length could increase the risk for sporadic and early-onset PC. The best cutoff point for identifying at-risk subjects was (CAG)19. However, further studies are necessary to replicate our findings in subjects with a family history of PC and also to evaluate the association between CAG repeats length and disease progression.

PPARG-LYPLAL1 Multi-Allelic Combination Associated with Obesity and Overweight in Mexican Adolescent Females.

OBJECTIVE: We studied multi-loci variants to identify the contribution of six candidate genes (ADIPOQ, CDH13, LYPLAL1, MC4R, PPARG and PGC1A) in the development of obesity and overweight. DESIGN: We genotyped 404 chromosomes with eleven SNPs in Mexican female adolescents, who were subdivided into two groups (obesity-overweight and normal-weight) using the World Health Organization parameters. Genomic (800 chromosomes) and ancestral (208 chromosomes) controls were included to reduce the population bias. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and caloric intake were obtained only in the groups of Mexican female adolescents. RESULTS: A positive genotype-phenotype association was found that involves the multi-allelic combination of three risk alleles (one in PPARG and two in LYPLAL1) with obesity and overweight (OR=3.1, P=.010). This combination also exhibited a significant association with waist circumference (P=.030) and triglycerides levels (P=.030). These associations were supported by a logistic regression analysis adjusted for several confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest the joint participation of PPARG-LYPLAL1 genes in metabolic disorders development. Hence, these genes could act as potential biomarkers in obesity and overweight. Our findings underscore the complexity of metabolic disorders and provide evidence about the importance of multi-loci analysis to study complex diseases.

Forensic-paternity effectiveness and genetics population analysis of six non-CODIS mini-STR loci (D1S1656, D2S441, D6S1043, D10S1248, D12S391, D22S1045) and SE33 in Mestizo and Amerindian populations from Mexico.

BACKGROUND: STRs are powerful tools intensively used in forensic and kinship studies. AIM: In order to assess the effectiveness of non-CODIS genetic markers in forensic and paternity tests, the genetic composition of six mini short tandem repeats-mini-STRs-(D1S1656, D2S441, D6S1043, D10S1248, D12S391, D22S1045) and the microsatellite SE33 in Mestizo and Amerindian populations from Mexico were studied. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using multiplex polymerase chain reactions and capillary electrophoresis, this study genotyped all loci from 870 chromosomes and evaluated the statistical genetic parameters. RESULTS: All mini-STRs studied were in agreement with HW and linkage equilibrium; however, an important HW departure for SE33 was found in the Mestizo population (p ≤ 0.0001). Regarding paternity and forensic statistical parameters, high values of combined power discrimination and mean power of exclusion were found using these seven markers. The principal co-ordinate analysis based on allele frequencies of three mini-STRs showed the complex genetic architecture of the Mestizo population. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that this set of loci is suitable to genetically identify individuals in the Mexican population, supporting its effectiveness in human identification casework. In addition, these findings add new statistical values and emphasise the importance of the use of non-CODIS markers in complex populations in order to avoid erroneous assumptions.

Genetic analysis of 17 Y-STRs in a Mestizo population from the Central Valley of Mexico.

This study aims to portray the complex diversity of the Mexican Mestizo population, which represents 98.8% of the entire population of Mexico. We compiled extended haplotype data of the Y chromosome from populations in the Central Valley of Mexico (CVM), which we compared with other Mestizo and parental (Amerindian, European, and African) populations. A complex ancestral relationship was found in the CVM population, suggesting cosmopolitan origins. Nevertheless, the most preeminent lineages point toward a European ancestry, where the R1b lineage was most frequent. In addition, important frequencies of Amerindian lineages were also found in the Mestizo sample studied. Interestingly, the Amerindian ancestry showed a remarkable substructure, which was represented by the two main founding lineages: QL54 (× M3) and M3. However, even within each lineage a high diversity was found despite the small number of sample bearers of these lineages. Further, we detected important genetic differences between the CVM populations and the Mexican Mestizo populations from the north and south. This result points to the fact that Mestizo populations present different ancestral proportions, which are related to the demographic events that gave origin to each population. Finally, we provide additional forensic statistical parameters that are useful in the interpretation of genetic analysis where autosomal loci are limited. Our findings illustrate the complex genetic background of the Mexican Mestizo population and reinforce the need to encompass more geographic regions to generate more robust data for forensic applications.

Aspects of manual wheelchair configuration affecting mobility: a review.

Many aspects relating to equipment configuration affect users' actions in a manual wheelchair, determining the overall mobility performance. Since the equipment components and configuration determine both stability and mobility efficiency, configuring the wheelchair with the most appropriate set-up for individual users' needs is a difficult task. Several studies have shown the importance of seat/backrest assembly and the relative position of the rear wheels to the user in terms of the kinetics and kinematics of manual propulsion. More recently, new studies have brought to light evidence on the inertial properties of different wheelchair configurations. Further new studies have highlighted the handrim as a key component of wheelchair assembly, since it is the interface through which the user drives the chair. In light of the new evidence on wheelchair mechanics and propulsion kinetics and kinematics, this article presents a review of the most important aspects of wheelchair configuration that affect the users' actions and mobility.

Research interest on dental sealant in dentistry based on the 100 most cited articles: bibliometric analysis.

The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the characteristics of the 100 most cited articles about dental sealants (DS) in dentistry. In September 2023, a search was performed in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database. The following information was extracted from each article: number and density of citations, year of publication, authorship, journal, impact factor, keywords, study design, theme, continent, country, and institution. The citations of the WoS-CC were compared with those of the Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The VOSviewer software was used to generate collaborative networks. The number of citations ranged from 33 to 205. The articles were published between 1961 and 2016. Buonocore MG (7%) was the most prominent author among the most cited. The Journal of the American Dental Association was the most frequent journal (25%) and Journal of Dental Research (7.6) had the highest impact factor. Most studies had interventional (41%) and laboratory (31%) designs, mainly addressing DS effectiveness in the prevention and control of dental caries (86%). There was a predominance of publications from North America (46%) and the USA was the country with the highest number of articles (44%). The most frequent institutions were the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) and the University of Rochester (USA) (6% each). "Retention" was the most frequent keyword. In conclusion, the 100 most cited articles were mostly interventional and laboratory studies, addressing the retention and efficacy of DS. Most of the articles were concentrated in North America and Europe, demonstrating a little collaboration from other continents.

Tooth Bleaching: A bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited papers.

This study analyzes the characteristics of the top 100 most-cited papers related to tooth bleaching. A literature search was performed on the Web of Science up to March 2022. The number of citations was cross-matched with the citation count on Scopus and Google Scholar. The following data were collected: number and density of citations; authorship; year and journal of publication; study design and thematic; keywords; institution and country of origin. Spearman's correlation and Poisson regression were used to determine associations between the number of citations and study characteristics. The VOSviewer software was used to generate collaborative network maps for the authors and keywords. The number of citations ranged from 66 to 450. Papers were published between 1981 and 2020. The most frequent study design and topic were laboratory-based studies and 'interaction of the bleaching agent with dental tissues', respectively. Cochran M, Loguercio AD, Matis B, Reis A, and Suliman M were the authors with the highest number of papers. The countries with the most papers were the United States of America (USA) (28%) and Brazil (20%). Indiana University and State University of Ponta Grossa were the institutions with the most papers (6% each). There was a very strong correlation among the number of citations of the three databases. The 100 most-cited papers related to tooth bleaching were mainly published by the USA and Brazil, with laboratory-based studies addressing topics related to the effects of bleaching agents on tooth structure being the most prevalent.

Does Physical Fitness Relate to Academic Achievement in High School Students?

BACKGROUND: Academic achievement (AA) is an important issue not only during the school period since it is a strong predictor of long-term professional and social success. Physical fitness (PF) components are associated with AA, and previous studies were conducted with relatively small samples, lack of statistical power, and the conclusions are based on simple correlational analyses. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between PF (single and clustered) with AA in a large and representative sample of high school students. METHODS: Cross-sectional design study conducted with 911 students, aged 13-15 years (38.52% boys) enrolled in the first year of high school. Cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run test), muscular strength (dynamometer), and body composition (skinfolds) were measured. PF components were clustered (Z-cardiorespiratory fitness + Z-muscular strength - Z-body fatness). AA was analyzed through standard math tests. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was applied to verify the independent contribution of each single component and PF's cluster on AA. Age, screen time, maternal education, race, and type of residence were used as covariates. RESULTS: Among boys, cardiorespiratory fitness was negatively associated with AA (ß = -0.137; P = .041), while strength was positively associated with AA (ß = 0.188; P = .004). There was no association between clustered PF indicators and AA (ß = 0.064; P = .297). There was a negative association between age and AA in girls (ß = -0.151; P = .003) and in boys (ß = -0.128; P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: These results support current literature, indicating an association between PF's component, namely muscular strength and AA (mathematics) in adolescents, even when controlled for several covariates.

Mexican mestizo population sub-structure: effects on genetic and forensic statistical parameters.

Since Mexican mestizos are an admixed population, it is necessary to determine the effects that the substructure of the population has on genetic and forensic parameters. With this aim, a study was performed with 15 STR loci (CODIS plus D2S1338 and D19S433) on 1,640 unrelated Mexican mestizos. We determine allele and genotypic frequencies observing departure from Hardy-Weinberg expectation (12 out of 15 loci, with an excess of homozygotes, Fis > 0), as well as pairs of loci in an apparent linkage disequilibrium (13 of 92 loci). We conducted a test for genetic population stratification, the results show that the Mexican mestizo population is substructured into three subgroups, which are in HW and linkage equilibrium. The combination of the 15 loci in the whole population has high forensic efficiency with the capacity to genetically discriminate one individual in one quintillion (1/10(18)). Our data potentially validates the use of these 15 STR loci to establish forensic identity and parentage testing for legal purposes, and offers a powerful tool for genetic variation analysis. However, given that the population is stratified, we highly recommend applying a correction with the inbreeding coefficient in calculations of paternity and forensic studies to avoid erroneous assumptions.

The 100 most-cited papers in dentistry for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: Bibliometric profile of scientific research.

AIM: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited papers in dentistry for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS AND RESULTS: A search strategy was constructed and conducted at the Web of Science in the category of "Dentistry, Oral Surgery, and Medicine". The following information was extracted from each paper: title, authorship, year of publication, title of the journal, study subject, study design, age range of sample participants, type of disability, institution, country and continent, number of citations and citation density. Google Scholar and Scopus were used to crosscheck the number of citations of the most-cited papers. The VOSviewer software was used to generate bibliometric network maps. The papers received 4453 citations in Web of Science, ranging from 30 to 106 citations. Most papers were published by the USA (35%), had an observational design (78%) and the main subject was epidemiology (31%). Most studies focused on individuals with Down syndrome (34%) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (18%) and were published in the Journal of Periodontology (10%) and the Pediatric Dentistry Journal (7%). CONCLUSION: Most of the studies included in this review were characterized as epidemiological studies. Future research should focus on behavior guidance, dental education, and access to dental services.

The effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on physical activity of people with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association of changes on physical activity levels during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak of individuals with normal weight and overweight/obesity, and the influence of sex in this relationship. METHODS: This cross-sectional study (survey research) was conducted in Brazil between May 5 and May 17, 2020. Participants (n=1,828 / 1,062 women >18 years) were invited through social media to answer a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. The online assessment included self-reported responses to questions on physical activity, overall health, weight, and height. Binary logistic regression analyzed the relationship between overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25kg/m2), the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity level, and the influence of sex. RESULTS: Compared to normal weight people, those with overweight/obesity practice less moderate to vigorous physical activity (p<0.001). There were associations between women and men with overweight/obesity and the impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity practice compared to normal weight people, adjusted by age, education level, social isolation, and previous physical activity level (p<0.017). CONCLUSION: The study found an association of weight and changes in physical activity levels. Individuals with overweight/obesity were more likely to have a lower physical activity level during COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of sex.

Alternative SARS-CoV-2 detection protocol from self-collected saliva for mass diagnosis and epidemiological studies in low-incoming regions.

Until mass vaccination befalls, control of the new betacoronavirus-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) is based on decreasing virus circulation by social distancing and blocking transmission foci after diagnosis. Globally adopted SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic criteria embrace viral RNA detection by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on nasopharynx secretions, which requires healthcare facilities and specialized personnel for sample collection. To develop an alternative protocol, hydrophilic cotton as the material and saliva as the source for biological sample collection in qRT-PCR/RT-endpoint-PCR SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic methods prepared with local consumables were evaluated using 99 archived nasopharynx samples previously diagnosed as positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 111 prospective saliva samples pared with nasopharynx samples from patients attending the local reference ABC Medical School diagnostic laboratory. The kappa agreement coefficient between the SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR and RT-endpoint-PCR was k = 0.97 (95 % CI 0.92-1.00) and k = 0.90 (95 % CI 0.81-0.99), respectively, on SARS-CoV-2-positive archived samples, with the initial qRT-PCR CT under 25. The agreement coefficient of the SARS-CoV-2 alternative saliva diagnostic protocol, when used to test the paired nasopharynx samples, was k = 0.79 (95 % CI 0.56-1,00). These data support that the SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic assay based on self-collected saliva on cotton represents an alternative protocol for mass diagnosis and epidemiological studies in low-income regions.

Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass in Older Females: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, which is associated with a reduced quality of life, particularly in older females. Resistance training (RT) is well established to be an effective intervention to counter indices of sarcopenia. Accumulating research indicates that the addition of creatine supplementation (Cr) to RT augments gains in muscle strength and muscle mass, compared to RT alone. However, some evidence indicates that sex differences may alter the effectiveness of Cr. Therefore, we systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of Cr + RT on measures of upper- and lower-body strength and muscle mass in older females. A systematic literature search was performed in nine electronic databases. Ten RCTs (N = 211 participants) were included the review. Overall, Cr significantly increased measures of upper-body strength (7 studies, n = 142, p = 0.04), with no effect on lower-body strength or measures of muscle mass. Sub-analyses revealed that both upper-body (4 studies, n = 97, p = 0.05) and lower-body strength (4 studies, n = 100, p = 0.03) were increased by Cr, compared to placebo in studies ≥ 24 weeks in duration. In conclusion, older females supplementing with Cr experience significant gains in muscle strength, especially when RT lasts for at least 24 weeks in duration. However, given the level of evidence, future high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.