Deep brain stimulation (DBS) effectively treats Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms, highlighting a gap in understanding current research trends and future directions. This study aims to analyze DBS literature systematically using bibliometric methods to map trends and identify opportunities. A total of 6,041 publications on DBS for PD from 1993 to 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) on July 24, 2023. A total of 3,518 documents were recorded at last. Microsoft Office Excel, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer were then used to carry out a scientometric analysis of the relevant literature according to seven bibliometric indicators: document type, countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, most cited articles, and keywords. Research publications have significantly increased over the past three decades, especially after 2010. The United States, Germany, and France contributed the most research. Prolific authors included Okun, Lozano, and Moro. Udice-French Research Universities stands out among the many institutions. Movement Disorders led in both publication volume and citations. Highly-cited papers evaluated DBS comparisons and its effects on motor/non-motor symptoms. Key research areas included basal ganglia oscillations, cognitive effects, cost-effectiveness, and non-motor symptoms. This bibliometric analysis provides insights into the evolving DBS research landscape for PD, identifying key contributors, research gaps, and future directions. It aims to advance knowledge and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries, many of which are in the Arab region. We aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to assess the scientific output concerning CVDs in the Arab region and the Middle East over the past decade. Methods: A bibliometric search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus between 2012 and 2022. The study analyzed the number of publications, countries, institutional sources, authors, journals, and keywords. Visualization analysis was executed using various software tools, including R, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results: PubMed and Scopus yielded 5340 documents related to CVDs at the time of data collection. A total of 1263 documents were retrieved after screening based on specific inclusion criteria that guarantee the inclusion only for Arab region studies and authors. There has been a consistent increase in annual publications in recent years. The countries that contributed the most to research in this field were Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Although Egypt stood out as the most productive country, the institute with the highest number of documents was in Qatar. In addition, the Top 3 authors hailed from Qatar. Saudi Medical Journal leads the field as the most productive journal, followed closely by PLoS One and Angiology. Research topics of significant interest in the realm of CVDs include specific diseases such as heart failure, risk factors related to CVDs, genetic aspects of CVDs, and congenital disorders in infant's cardiac health. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of CVD research in the Arab region. It includes research hotspots that can guide authors in determining the necessary future investigations within this field. There is a clear call for further exploration of various aspects of CVDs in the Arab world. Strengthening cooperation between countries and institutes is needed.
BACKGROUND:Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in Arab countries. Lack of knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer screening has increased the breast cancer-related morbidity and mortality. PURPOSE:This literature review aimed to assess published research papers with a focus on the levels of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers of women in Arab countries of the Middle East toward breast cancer and its screening. METHOD:SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched using specific terms for relevant, quantitative, original studies published between 2017 and 2022. All English articles that matched the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Fourteen studies focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and barriers regarding breast cancer were included. Two independent reviewers performed screening and extraction. RESULTS:Among the reviewed studies, a range from 19.6% in Oman to 67% in Saudi Arabia had poor knowledge of breast cancer. Past personal or family history was a well-recognized risk factor (n = 5), and being worried about the results was the most common barrier to screening. Although most women were aware of screening methods, the majority did not practice screening. Social media and the internet were the most used sources of information used by women to obtain knowledge regarding breast cancer and its screening (n = 6). CONCLUSION:Most of the Arab female population had low levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast cancer and its screening. Programs designed to raise awareness are necessary, and more policy changes must take place on the national level in Arab, Middle Eastern countries to address the low knowledge, the negative attitudes, and the limited access to breast cancer screening.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely performed procedure that significantly enhances patients’ quality of life by reducing pain and improving daily function. While the traditional tibial plate design used in TKA has been symmetrical, there has been a recent trend towards using asymmetrical designs. Our study aimed to compare symmetrical and asymmetrical tibial designs, focusing on outcomes related to overhang, malrotation, and tibial coverage. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was carried out up to January 22nd, 2024, to identify comparative studies on symmetrical and asymmetrical designs, as well as those reporting postoperative functional and clinical outcomes. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). This systematic review included 587 patients from seven comparative studies that met the inclusion criteria. Our findings indicate that asymmetrical tibial components generally provided better outcomes in terms of tibial coverage, malrotation, and overhang. Asymmetrical designs provided greater tibial coverage and reduced posterolateral overhang compared to symmetrical designs, which is essential for minimizing complications like soft tissue irritation and patellar maltracking. Additionally, asymmetrical components were associated with less severe tibial malrotation. This systematic review showed that asymmetrical tibial implants offer better tibial coverage, with less overhang and fewer rotational issues compared to symmetrical implants. As a result, asymmetrical designs in TKA may lower complication rates, enhance patient satisfaction, and improve quality of life post-surgery.
Background: The most accurate method of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in cataract surgery has not been determined, and further studies are needed to reach a consensus. The aim of this study was to assess publications related to IOL power calculation formulas, mapping their yearly trends, most productive authors, top publishing countries and institutions, and areas of specialization for IOL power formulas. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of research articles published on the topic of IOL power calculation formulas. Using PubMed, we employed appropriate search terms and filtered the results for the period of January 1, 1946, to June 28, 2023. Data were analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel programs. The visual representations of the collected data through the use of figures was provided to demonstrate the aspects of IOL power calculation research. Results: We retrieved 5475 documents in the initial search. Analysis of these documents revealed an increase in the number of publications, from one publication in 1946 to 201 publications in 2023. The top three countries contributing to these publications were the United States, China, and Japan, collectively accounting for over 27% of the total articles. However, the two institutions with the highest contributions were located in the United Kingdom and Hungary, neither of which was among the top 10 countries in overall contributions. Overall 15326 authors contributed to publications pertaining to IOL power calculation formulas. Among these authors, the most prolific contributors included Achim Langenbucher from Saarland University (Germany), Giacomo Savini from G.B. Bietti Foundation I.R.C.C.S. (Italy), and Kenneth J Hoffer from the University of California (United States). Saarland University emerged as the most productive institution, contributing equally to two distinct departments: the Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell Research and Congenital Aniridia, as well as the Department of Experimental Ophthalmology. The School of Physical Science at the Open University in the United Kingdom engaged in partnership with various institutions including Eye & Laser Clinic Castrop Rauxel in Germany and Johannes Kepler University Linz in Austria. Among the top 10 keywords found in the publications were “cataract”, “cataract surgery”, and “intraocular lens”. Conclusions: This study represents the first scientometric analysis of publications related to IOL power calculation formulas. The study offers valuable insights into the geographic distribution, contributing authors, and emphasis of research on the IOL power calculation formulas. Further cooperation is essential to pinpoint the most suitable formula and to address gaps in our current understanding.
e18761 Background: Among all types of cancer, breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer in women and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in females globally. Developing countries possess approximately 60% to 70% of all worldwide breast cancer deaths. Despite the increasing efforts to expand awareness and encourage screening, breast cancer is still the most frequently diagnosed form of the disease in Arab countries. In this study, we aim to systematically review the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of middle-eastern Arab women toward the recognition of early breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus to identify relevant literature. Search terms included “Knowledge” OR “attitude” OR “practice” AND “breast cancer” AND “Arab region” OR “middle east region”, and other relevant and equivalent terms. All English language studies which achieved the inclusion criteria were included. Each article was independently screened by two researchers in two levels (title/abstract and full-text screening). Data extracted included, but was not limited to, country, study design, study population, sample size, level of knowledge, attitudes, practices, conclusions, and limitations for each study. Results: Out of the 1182 publications identified, 14 cross-sectional studies were included with respondents aged 15 and above. Study populations varied from females attending healthcare centers, to country residents and students. Five studies reported the level of overall BC knowledge, where respondents with low levels of knowledge ranged from 19.7% to 67%. The most chosen risk factors for BC were personal or family history (n = 5), and prior radiation (n = 2). A breast lump or mass was the most chosen warning sign (n = 5), followed by an armpit lump (n = 2). Regarding screening, women who had ever performed breast self-examination (BSE) ranged from 30.3% in Yemen to 57.5% in Oman, while those who consistently performed BSE ranged from 17.4% to 27.9%. Women who had ever undergone mammography ranged from 1.6% to 40%. Barriers to screening included system-related barriers (n = 2), feeling healthy (n = 2), fear of the results (n = 2), and others. Better screening practices were mostly associated with a higher level of education (n = 5), and personal or family history (n = 4). Conclusions: The majority of Arab women in the middle east had heard about breast cancer, but had a low level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward breast cancer and its screening methods, which was also variable among different counties. Multiple barriers to screening were found. Such findings can raise the need for programs that elevate knowledge, and provide accessible screening programs that solve for the barriers to screening in the Arab region.
Sleeping is regarded as a significant biological and behavioral component of human physiology. Also, physical activity is considered a crucial part of human daily life. Data is scarce regarding sleep problems and physical activity among medical students especially in the Middle East. The current study aimed to identify the incidence of sleep disturbances among medical students and to investigate the effects of physical activity on sleep disturbances and self-reported insomnia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at our institution. The Insomnia Severity Index and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to assess insomnia and physical activity, respectively. The total number of participants who filled the survey was 509 medical students. Our results revealed that 60.0
BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide with numerous undiagnosed and untreated cases, emphasizing the need for TB awareness to minimize transmission and initiate early treatment. Data regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward TB among Jordanians is lacking but requires attention given the massive migration spells to Jordan from neighboring countries in the past decade. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2022. An online questionnaire was developed following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for TB KAP surveys and was distributed to Jordanian university students. The questionnaire documented sociodemographic data and measured participants' KAP toward TB. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used to report KAP levels and highlight relevant sociodemographic factors associated with better KAP. Results602 participants completed the survey; most were females (60.8%), in their first 3 years of school (84.4%), and from a healthcare field of study (57.0%). The knowledge section median score was 27 out of 51. Knowledge gaps in TB treatment, and to a lesser extent, TB transmission routes were identified. The attitudes section median score was 6 out of 9, attitudes were generally positive toward TB patients with no indication of a social stigma. The practice section median score was 6 out of 8, most participants would take the correct measures if they suspected being infected, yet around 41.0% were not confident that masks are important in preventing airborne diseases. Students in healthcare specialties had significantly better KAP scores and identifying as a smoker was associated with a lower practice score. ConclusionAlthough university students displayed satisfactory KAP scores, the focus should be aimed at informing students from non-healthcare fields on TB transmission routes, treatment options, and the role of masks in preventing disease transmission.