PLOS ONE: [sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST, sort=Date, newest first, q=subject:"Research assessment"]PLOShttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/webmaster@plos.orgaccelerating the publication of peer-reviewed sciencehttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/search/feed/atom?sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST&unformattedQuery=subject:%22Research+assessment%22&sort=Date,+newest+firstAll PLOS articles are Open Access.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.icohttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.ico2024-03-29T12:14:06ZVolumetric quantification identifies some left atrial dilations undetected by left atrium:aorta ratio measurements: A prospective echocardiographic study in 155 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with and without degenerative mitral valve diseaseValérie ChetboulCamille PoissonnierPierre FoulexMaria Paz AlvaradoÉmilie Trehiou-SechiVittorio SaponaroPeggy PassavinLoïc Desquilbet10.1371/journal.pone.03008272024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Valérie Chetboul, Camille Poissonnier, Pierre Foulex, Maria Paz Alvarado, Émilie Trehiou-Sechi, Vittorio Saponaro, Peggy Passavin, Loïc Desquilbet</p>
Introduction <p>Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is the most common canine heart disease with a high predisposition in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs). Mitral regurgitation related to DMVD can lead to left atrial (LA) dilation, which is associated with survival time. Left-atrial-to-aortic (LA:Ao) ratio assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography is commonly used to evaluate LA size. The objectives of this prospective observational study were therefore 1) to compare different echocardiographic methods (i.e., monoplane and biplane Simpson’s methods of discs (SMOD) and area-length methods (ALM)) in evaluating LA volume (LAvol) in CKCSs, 2) to assess LA volumes according to DMVD severity and, 3) compare the ability of LAvol and LA:Ao ratio to identify LA enlargement in CKCSs with subclinical DMVD (i.e., American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stage B).</p> Materials and methods <p>155 CKCSs, either healthy or affected by DMVD, were recruited. Variability and concordance between volumetric methods were evaluated. Values were analyzed according to 2019 ACVIM stages.</p> Results <p>All Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients regarding intra- and inter-observer variability were considered as very good to excellent. Monoplane methods and ALM produced higher values of LAvol than biplane methods and SMOD, respectively. The upper limit of normal end-systolic LAvol/body weight (LASvol/BW) was defined as 0.90 mL/kg. Left atrial volumes significantly increased with ACVIM stages. Additionally, 37% of stage B1 CKCSs demonstrated LA enlargement using LASvol/BW assessment, with significantly lower LASvol/BW values in dogs with regurgitation fraction ≤30% than in others (<i>p</i><0.01).</p> Conclusion <p>In CKCSs, LAvol methods are not interchangeable. In ACVIM stage B CKCSs, LAvol quantification is more effective to detect LA enlargement than LA linear measurements.</p>DEW: A wavelet approach of rare sound event detectionSania GulMuhammad Salman KhanAta Ur-Rehman10.1371/journal.pone.03004442024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Sania Gul, Muhammad Salman Khan, Ata Ur-Rehman</p>
This paper presents a novel sound event detection (SED) system for rare events occurring in an open environment. Wavelet multiresolution analysis (MRA) is used to decompose the input audio clip of 30 seconds into five levels. Wavelet denoising is then applied on the third and fifth levels of MRA to filter out the background. Significant transitions, which may represent the onset of a rare event, are then estimated in these two levels by combining the peak-finding algorithm with the K-medoids clustering algorithm. The small portions of one-second duration, called ‘chunks’ are cropped from the input audio signal corresponding to the estimated locations of the significant transitions. Features from these chunks are extracted by the wavelet scattering network (WSN) and are given as input to a support vector machine (SVM) classifier, which classifies them. The proposed SED framework produces an error rate comparable to the SED systems based on convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. Also, the proposed algorithm is computationally efficient and lightweight as compared to deep learning models, as it has no learnable parameter. It requires only a single epoch of training, which is 5, 10, 200, and 600 times lesser than the models based on CNNs and deep neural networks (DNNs), CNN with long short-term memory (LSTM) network, convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN), and CNN respectively. The proposed model neither requires concatenation with previous frames for anomaly detection nor any additional training data creation needed for other comparative deep learning models. It needs to check almost 360 times fewer chunks for the presence of rare events than the other baseline systems used for comparison in this paper. All these characteristics make the proposed system suitable for real-time applications on resource-limited devices.Confirming the attainment of maximal oxygen uptake within special and clinical groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiopulmonary exercise test and verification phase protocolsVictor A. B. CostaAdrian W. MidgleyJulia K. BaumgartSean CarrollTodd A. AstorinoGustavo Z. SchaunGuilherme F. FonsecaFelipe A. Cunha10.1371/journal.pone.02995632024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Victor A. B. Costa, Adrian W. Midgley, Julia K. Baumgart, Sean Carroll, Todd A. Astorino, Gustavo Z. Schaun, Guilherme F. Fonseca, Felipe A. Cunha</p>
Background and aim <p>A plateau in oxygen uptake (V˙O2) during an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to volitional exhaustion appears less likely to occur in special and clinical populations. Secondary maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) criteria have been shown to commonly underestimate the actual V˙O2max. The verification phase protocol might determine the occurrence of ‘true’ V˙O2max in these populations. The primary aim of the current study was to systematically review and provide a meta-analysis on the suitability of the verification phase for confirming ‘true’ V˙O2max in special and clinical groups. Secondary aims were to explore the applicability of the verification phase according to specific participant characteristics and investigate which test protocols and procedures minimise the differences between the highest V˙O2 values attained in the CPET and verification phase.</p> Methods <p>Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched using specific search strategies and relevant data were extracted from primary studies. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis techniques were applied to quantify weighted mean differences (standard deviations) in peak V˙O2 from a CPET and a verification phase within study groups using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses investigated the differences in V˙O2max according to individual characteristics and test protocols. The methodological quality of the included primary studies was assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist to obtain a level of evidence. Participant-level V˙O2 data were analysed according to the threshold criteria reported by the studies or the inherent measurement error of the metabolic analysers and displayed as Bland-Altman plots.</p> Results <p>Forty-three studies were included in the systematic review, whilst 30 presented quantitative information for meta-analysis. Within the 30 studies, the highest mean V˙O2 values attained in the CPET and verification phase protocols were similar (mean difference = -0.00 [95% confidence intervals, CI = -0.03 to 0.03] L·min<sup>-1</sup>, <i>p</i> = 0.87; level of evidence, LoE: strong). The specific clinical groups with sufficient primary studies to be meta-analysed showed a similar V˙O2max between the CPET and verification phase (<i>p</i> > 0.05, LoE: limited to strong). Across all 30 studies, V˙O2max was not affected by differences in test protocols (<i>p</i> > 0.05; LoE: moderate to strong). Only 23 (53.5%) of the 43 reviewed studies reported how many participants achieved a lower, equal, or higher V˙O2 value in the verification phase versus the CPET or reported or supplied participant-level V˙O2 data for this information to be obtained. The percentage of participants that achieved a lower, equal, or higher V˙O2 value in the verification phase was highly variable across studies (e.g. the percentage that achieved a higher V˙O2 in the verification phase ranged from 0% to 88.9%).</p> Conclusion <p>Group-level verification phase data appear useful for confirming a specific CPET protocol likely elicited V˙O2max, or a reproducible V˙O2peak, for a given special or clinical group. Participant-level data might be useful for confirming whether specific participants have likely elicited V˙O2max, or a reproducible V˙O2peak, however, more research reporting participant-level data is required before evidence-based guidelines can be given.</p> Trial registration <p>PROSPERO (CRD42021247658) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero.</p>Efficacy and safety of biologic agents for IgA nephropathy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysisJia MaJianyue XingYupeng ZhangGuangzhen Liu10.1371/journal.pone.02987322024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Jia Ma, Jianyue Xing, Yupeng Zhang, Guangzhen Liu</p>
Background <p>IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. There are currently no definitive therapeutic regimens to treat or prevent the progression of IgAN. However, biologic agents offer novel therapeutic approaches that target immunological mechanisms to slow or halt disease progression. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biologic agents in patients with IgA nephropathy.</p> Methods <p>We will systematically search PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and www.clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials of biologic agents for the treatment of IgA nephropathy. The search period will span from the establishment of each database until October 2023. The quality assessment of included studies will be performed individually using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2), and meta-analysis will be conducted using Revman 5.4.1 software.</p> Conclusions <p>The results of this study will provide evidence-based medical evidence for the clinical application of biologic agents in patients with IgA nephropathy.</p> Prospero registration number <p>CRD42023400450.</p>Human myiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic reviewBinta J. J. JallowGoudja GassaraOusman BajinkaYifei LuoMandie LiuJifeng CaiJingjing HuangFanming Meng10.1371/journal.pntd.00120272024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Binta J. J. Jallow, Goudja Gassara, Ousman Bajinka, Yifei Luo, Mandie Liu, Jifeng Cai, Jingjing Huang, Fanming Meng</p>
Background <p>Human myiasis is a parasitic dipteran fly infestation that infects humans and vertebrates worldwide. However, the disease is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is under-reported and therefore its prevalence is unknown. This systematic review aims to elucidate the prevalence of human myiasis, factors that influence the infection, and myiasis-causing fly species in SSA. The review also dwelled on the common myiasis types and treatment methods of human myiasis.</p> Methods <p>Here, we collect cases of human myiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa based on literature retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct from 1959 to 2022. A total of 75 articles and 157 cases were included in the study. The recommendations of PRISMA 2020 were used for the realization of this systematic review.</p> Results <p>In total, 157 cases of human myiasis in SSA were reviewed. Eleven fly species (<i>Cordylobia anthropophaga</i>, <i>Cordylobia rodhaini</i>, <i>Dermatobia hominis</i>, <i>Lucilia cuprina</i>, <i>Lucilia sericata</i>, <i>Oestrus ovis</i>, <i>Sarcophaga</i> spp., <i>Sarcophaga nodosa</i>, <i>Chrysomya megacephala</i>, <i>Chrysomya chloropyga</i> and <i>Clogmia albipuntum</i>) were found to cause human myiasis in SSA. <i>Cordylobia anthropophaga</i> was the most prevalent myiasis-causing species of the reported cases (n = 104, 66.2%). More than half of the reported cases were from travelers returning from SSA (n = 122, 77.7%). Cutaneous myiasis was the most common clinical presentation of the disease (n = 86, 54.7%). Females were more infected (n = 78, 49.6%) than males, and there was a higher infestation in adults than young children.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings of this study reveals that international travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa were mostly infested therefore, we recommend that both international travelers and natives of SSA be enlightened by public health officers about the disease and its risk factors at entry points in SSA and the community level respectively. Clinicians in Sub-Saharan Africa often misdiagnose the disease and most of them lack the expertise to properly identify larvae, so we recommend the extensive use of molecular identification methods instead.</p>Raising awareness of uncertain choices in empirical data analysis: A teaching concept toward replicable research practicesMaximilian M. MandlSabine HoffmannSebastian BieringerAnna E. JacobMarie KraftSimon LemsterAnne-Laure Boulesteix10.1371/journal.pcbi.10119362024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Maximilian M. Mandl, Sabine Hoffmann, Sebastian Bieringer, Anna E. Jacob, Marie Kraft, Simon Lemster, Anne-Laure Boulesteix</p>
Author summary: Throughout their education and when reading the scientific literature, students may get the impression that there is a unique and correct analysis strategy for every data analysis task and that this analysis strategy will always yield a significant and noteworthy result. This expectation conflicts with a growing realization that there is a multiplicity of possible analysis strategies in empirical research, which will lead to overoptimism and nonreplicable research findings if it is combined with result-dependent selective reporting. Here, we argue that students are often ill-equipped for real-world data analysis tasks and unprepared for the dangers of selectively reporting the most promising results. We present a seminar course intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students of data analysis fields such as statistics, data science, or bioinformatics that aims to increase the awareness of uncertain choices in the analysis of empirical data and present ways to deal with these choices through theoretical modules and practical hands-on sessions.Progress and challenges in achieving tuberculosis elimination in India by 2025: A systematic review and meta-analysisAbhishek PadhiAshwini AgarwalMayuri BhiseAnil ChaudharyKrupal JoshiC. D. S. Katoch10.1371/journal.pone.03010602024-03-27T14:00:00Z2024-03-27T14:00:00Z<p>by Abhishek Padhi, Ashwini Agarwal, Mayuri Bhise, Anil Chaudhary, Krupal Joshi, C. D. S. Katoch</p>
Background <p>Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant public health challenge in India, which is home to one of the highest TB burdens worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis will aim to synthesize the anticipated progress and potential challenges in achieving TB elimination in India by 2025.</p> Methods <p>A comprehensive search will be conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies. The eligibility criteria will encompass individuals diagnosed with TB in India, interventions targeting TB treatment, prevention, or control, and various comparator groups. Outcomes of interest will include incidence reduction, mortality rate, treatment success rate, barriers to TB care, and more. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be synthesized, and the risk of bias will be assessed using established tools.</p> Outcomes <p>The review is expected to provide a holistic understanding of the TB landscape in India, highlighting the effective interventions and potential challenges in the journey towards TB elimination.</p> Conclusions <p>While it is anticipated that significant progress will be made in the fight against TB in India, challenges are likely to persist. This review will offer a comprehensive roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts, innovative strategies, and a multi-pronged approach in achieving the goal of TB elimination in India by 2025.</p>The effects of gases from food waste on human health: A systematic reviewPaulina RudziakEvans BatungIsaac Luginaah10.1371/journal.pone.03008012024-03-27T14:00:00Z2024-03-27T14:00:00Z<p>by Paulina Rudziak, Evans Batung, Isaac Luginaah</p>
Food waste is a routine and increasingly growing global concern that has drawn significant attention from policymakers, climate change activists and health practitioners. Amid the plurality of discourses on food waste-health linkages, however, the health risks from food waste induced emissions have remained under explored. This lack of evidence is partly because of the lack of complete understanding of the effects of food waste emissions from household food waste on human health either directly through physiological mechanisms or indirectly through environmental exposure effects. Thus, this systematic review contributes to the literature by synthesizing available evidence to highlight gaps and offers a comprehensive baseline inventory of food waste emissions and their associated impacts on human health to support public health decision-making. Four database searches: Web of Science, OVID(Medline), EMBASE, and Scopus, were searched from inception to 3 May 2023. Pairs of reviewers screened 2189 potentially eligible studies that addressed food waste emissions from consumers and how the emissions related to human health. Following PRISMA guidelines, 26 articles were eligible for data extraction for the systematic review. Findings indicate that emissions from food waste, such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, and volatile organic carbons, can affect human endocrine, respiratory, nervous, and olfactory systems. The severity of the human health effects depends on the gaseous concentration, but range from mild lung irritation to cancer and death. This study recommends emission capture technologies, food diversion programs, and biogas technologies to reduce food waste emissions.Prevalence of physical violence against people in insecure migration status: A systematic review and meta-analysisAlexandria InnesSophie CarlisleHannah ManzurElizabeth CookJessica CorsiNatalia V. Lewis10.1371/journal.pone.03001892024-03-27T14:00:00Z2024-03-27T14:00:00Z<p>by Alexandria Innes, Sophie Carlisle, Hannah Manzur, Elizabeth Cook, Jessica Corsi, Natalia V. Lewis</p>
Objectives <p>This study summarised evidence on the prevalence of interpersonal, community and state physical violence against people in insecure migration status.</p> Methods <p>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies that estimated prevalence of physical violence against a population in insecure migration status. We searched Embase, Social Policy and Practice, Political Science Complete, SocINDEX and Web of Science Social Sciences Citation Index for reports published from January 2000 until 31 May 2023. Study quality was assessed using an adapted version of the Joanna Briggs assessment tool for cross-sectional studies. Two reviewers carried out screening, data extraction, quality assessment and analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted in Stata 17, using a random effects model and several exploratory subgroup analyses.</p> Results <p>We retrieved 999 reports and included 31 retrospective cross-sectional studies with 25,997 migrants in insecure status. The prevalence estimate of physical violence was 31.16% (95% CI 25.62–36.70, p < .00). There was no statistically significant difference in the estimates for prevalence of violence for men (35.30%, 95% CI 18.45–52.15, p < .00) and for women (27.78%, 95% CI 21.42–34.15, p < .00). The highest point estimate of prevalence of violence was where insecure status was related to employment (44.40%, 95% CI 18.24–70.57, p < .00), although there were no statistically significant difference in the subgroup analysis. The prevalence of violence for people in undocumented status was not significantly different (29.13%, 95% CI 19.86–38.41, p < .00) than that for refugees and asylum seekers (33.29%, 95% CI 20.99–45.59, p < .00). The prevalence of violence in Asia was 56.01% (95% CI 22.47–89.55, p < .00). Europe had the lowest point prevalence estimate (17.98%, 95% CI 7.36–28.61, p < .00), although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence estimate during the migration journey was 32.93% (95% CI 24.98–40.88, p < .00). Intimate partner violence attached to insecure status was estimated at 29.10%, (95% CI 8.37–49.84, p = .01), and state violence at 9.19% (95% CI 6.71–11.68, p < .00).</p> Conclusions <p>The prevalence of physical violence is a concern among people in a range of insecure migration statuses. Prevalence of violence is not meaningfully higher for people in undocumented status than for people in other types of insecure status.</p> Review registration <p>PROSPERO (CRD42021268772).</p>Electroacupuncture stimulation enhances the permeability of the blood-brain barrier: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical evidence and possible mechanismsNuo XuPeng GongShiting XuYangyun ChenMengyuan DaiZhaoxing JiaXianming Lin10.1371/journal.pone.02985332024-03-27T14:00:00Z2024-03-27T14:00:00Z<p>by Nuo Xu, Peng Gong, Shiting Xu, Yangyun Chen, Mengyuan Dai, Zhaoxing Jia, Xianming Lin</p>
An important cellular barrier to maintain the stability of the brain’s internal and external environment is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It also prevents harmful substances from entering brain tissue through blood circulation while providing protection for the central nervous system. It should be noted, however, that the intact BBB can be a barrier to the transport of most drugs into the brain via the conventional route of administration, which can prevent them from reaching effective concentrations for the treatment of disorders affecting the central nervous system. Electroacupuncture stimulation has been shown to be effective at opening the BBB in a series of experimental studies. This study systematically analyzes the possibility and mechanism by which electroacupuncture opens the BBB. In PubMed, Web of Science, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, papers have been published for nearly 22 years aimed at opening the BBB and its associated structures. A comparison of EB content between electroacupuncture and control was selected as the primary outcome. There were also results on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), P-Glycoprotein (P-gp), Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We utilized Review Manager software analysis to analyze correlations between studies with a view to exploring the mechanisms of similarity. Evans Blue infiltration forest plot: pooled effect size of 2.04, 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.87, P < 0.01. These results indicate that electroacupuncture significantly increases EB penetration across the BBB. Most studies have reported that GFAP, MMP-9, and VEGF were upregulated after treatment. P-gp expression decreased as well. Electroacupuncture can open the BBB, and the sparse-dense wave is currently the most effective electroacupuncture frequency for opening the BBB. VEGF plays an important role in opening the BBB. It is also important to regulate the expression of MMP-9 and GFAP and inhibit the expression of P-gp.Social contact as a strategy to reduce stigma in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and expert perspectivesCarlijn DamstéPetra C. GronholmTjitske de GrootDristy GurungAkerke MakhmudRuth M. H. PetersKim Hartog10.1371/journal.pgph.00030532024-03-27T14:00:00Z2024-03-27T14:00:00Z<p>by Carlijn Damsté, Petra C. Gronholm, Tjitske de Groot, Dristy Gurung, Akerke Makhmud, Ruth M. H. Peters, Kim Hartog</p>
Social contact (SC) has been identified as a promising strategy for stigma reduction. Different types of SC exist. Various scholars defined positive factors to strengthen SC. This study aims to investigate the application and effectiveness of SC as a strategy to reduce stigmatisation across stigmas, settings and populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We specifically examine the use of positive factors. A systematic review was conducted in twelve electronic databases using key terms related to stigma AND social contact AND intervention AND LMICs. Data were synthesised narratively. Study quality was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were used with first/corresponding authors of included publications to investigate their practical experiences with SC. Forty-four studies (55 publications) were identified. Various stigmas (n = 16) were targeted, including mental health (43%). Indirect (n = 18) and direct contact (n = 16) were used most frequently, followed by collaboration, imagined and vicarious contact, or a combination. The most applied additional strategy was education. Almost half of the studies, explicitly or implicitly, described positive factors for SC, such as PWLE training or disconfirming stereotypes. The majority suggested that SC is effective in reducing stigma, although inconsistent reporting overshadows conclusions. Perspectives of people with lived experience (PWLE) were infrequently included. Expert perspectives stressed the importance of contextualisation, PWLE participation, and evaluation of SC. This study provides an overview of SC as a stigma reduction strategy within LMICs. Conclusions about which type of SC is more effective or whether SC is more effective for a specific stigma category cannot be drawn. We recommend future research to strengthen reporting on effectiveness as well as PWLE perspective and SC processes, and to further critically examine the potential of SC. An overview of positive factors applied to strengthen SC is provided, which can stimulate reflection and guide future SC.The social determinants of migrant domestic worker (MDW) health and well-being in the Western Pacific Region: A Scoping ReviewJamie ChanGeorgia DominguezAntonia HuaMelissa GarabilesCarl A. LatkinBrian J. Hall10.1371/journal.pgph.00026282024-03-27T14:00:00Z2024-03-27T14:00:00Z<p>by Jamie Chan, Georgia Dominguez, Antonia Hua, Melissa Garabiles, Carl A. Latkin, Brian J. Hall</p>
The health and well-being of transnational migrant domestic workers (MDWs) is a pressing but largely neglected public health concern. The Asia Pacific region is home to over 20% of the global MDW population. Living and working conditions, social contexts, political environments, and migration regimes are recognized as consequential to the health of this population, but currently no synthesis of available literature to prioritize research or policy agenda setting for MDW has yet been conducted. This scoping review screened 6,006 peer-reviewed articles and 1,217 gray literature sources, identifying 173 articles and 276 gray literature sources that reported key MDW health outcomes, social determinants of health, and related interventions. The majority of identified studies were observational and focused on the prevalence of common mental disorders and chronic physical conditions, with most studies lacking population representativeness. Identified social determinants of health were primarily concerned with personal social and financial resources, and health knowledge and behaviors, poor living and working conditions, community resources, experienced stigma and discrimination, poor healthcare access, exploitation within the MDW employment industry, and weak governance. Six interventional studies were identified that targeted individual-level health determinants such as financial and health knowledge with mixed effectiveness. Future population representative epidemiological and respondent driven sampling studies are needed to estimate population health burdens. In addition, randomized control trials and public health intervention studies are needed to improve women’s health outcomes and address proximal health determinants to reduce health inequalities. Leveraging social networks and community facing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are promising directions to overcome access to care for this population.The impact of food insecurity on mental health among older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic reviewCornelius Osei-OwusuSatveer DhillonIsaac Luginaah10.1371/journal.pone.03010462024-03-26T14:00:00Z2024-03-26T14:00:00Z<p>by Cornelius Osei-Owusu, Satveer Dhillon, Isaac Luginaah</p>
Over the past few years, food insecurity has been increasing globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, economic downturns and conflict and a number of other intersecting factors. Older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to food insecurity. While the impacts of food insecurity on physical health outcomes have been thoroughly researched, the effect on mental health outcomes remains under-researched, especially among older adults. Hence, this systematic review aims to investigate existing literature to assess how food insecurity impacts the mental health of older persons residing in LMICs. A systematic search of six databases and Google for studies was conducted. The search was limited to studies written in English and published between 2000 to the present. We identified 725 studies, out of which 40 studies were selected for a full-text review and 12 studies were included for a final analysis. The significant finding in all the included studies was that food insecurity is associated with the worsening mental health of older adults. We also found a complex interplay of factors such as gender, age, rural/urban and health conditions associated with the aggravation of several mental health outcomes. The findings of this study illuminate the need for improved food programs to improve food security and, consequently, mental health among older adults.Prevalence and concentration of pesticides in European waters: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysisManuel Serrano ValeraNuria VelaGrasiela PiuvezamFrancisco Mateo-RamírezIsac Davidson Santiago Fernandes PimentaIsabel Martínez-Alcalá10.1371/journal.pone.02823862024-03-26T14:00:00Z2024-03-26T14:00:00Z<p>by Manuel Serrano Valera, Nuria Vela, Grasiela Piuvezam, Francisco Mateo-Ramírez, Isac Davidson Santiago Fernandes Pimenta, Isabel Martínez-Alcalá</p>
There is currently a growing interest in the so-called emerging pollutants, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal hygiene care products, drugs, etc., whose presence in natural ecosystems is not necessarily recent, but the development in latest years of new and more sensitive methods of analysis has allowed their detection. They can be present in the natural environment, food, and many products of everyday origin, which suggests that human exposure to them is massive and universal. Therefore, the study of this type of substances is becoming one of the priority lines of research of the main agencies dedicated to the protection of public and environmental health, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or European Union (EU). In this sense, it is of vital importance to know the nature and quantity of this type of contaminants, to establish preventive mechanisms that minimize its presence in aquatic systems, with special requirements for human consumption. This study aimed to describe a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the status of pesticides in European waters. We will search for original studies in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect databases. Prevalence studies of emerging contaminants (pesticides) in water resources (watersheds, aquifers, rivers, marine and springs), wastewaters (influent and effluent), and drinking water should be included. Two reviewers will independently screen and assess the included studies, with any disagreements being resolved by a third reviewer. We will summarize the findings using a narrative approach and, if possible, conduct a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). We will conduct the protocol following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The review will summarize the current evidence on the presence of pesticides in European waters such as glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, pyrethroid pesticides, neonicotinoid pesticides, and/or fungicides, in samples of different water resources like wastewaters and drinking water. We expect that this systematic review will establish preventive mechanisms that minimize the presence of pesticides in water in the environment.Moral judgment of objectionable online content: Reporting decisions and punishment preferences on social mediaSarah VahedCatalina GoantaPietro OrtolaniAlan G. Sanfey10.1371/journal.pone.03009602024-03-25T14:00:00Z2024-03-25T14:00:00Z<p>by Sarah Vahed, Catalina Goanta, Pietro Ortolani, Alan G. Sanfey</p>
Harmful and inappropriate online content is prevalent, necessitating the need to understand how individuals judge and wish to mitigate the spread of negative content on social media. In an online study with a diverse sample of social media users (n = 294), we sought to elucidate factors that influence individuals’ evaluation of objectionable online content. Participants were presented with images varying in moral valence, each accompanied by an indicator of intention from an ostensible content poster. Half of the participants were assigned the role of user content moderator, while the remaining participants were instructed to respond as they normally would online. The study aimed to establish whether moral imagery, the intention of a content poster, and the perceived responsibility of social media users, affect judgments of objectionability, operationalized through both decisions to flag content and preferences to seek punishment of other users. Our findings reveal that moral imagery strongly influences users’ assessments of what is appropriate online content, with participants almost exclusively choosing to report and punish morally negative images. Poster intention also plays a significant role in user’s decisions, with greater objection shown to morally negative content when it has been shared by another user for the purpose of showing support for it. Bestowing a content moderation role affected reporting behaviour but not punishment preferences. We also explore individual user characteristics, finding a negative association between trust in social media platforms and reporting decisions. Conversely, a positive relationship was identified between trait empathy and reporting rates. Collectively, our insights highlight the complexity of social media users’ moderation decisions and preferences. The results advance understanding of moral judgments and punishment preferences online, and offer insights for platforms and regulatory bodies aiming to better understand social media users’ role in content moderation.