Advancements in medical science and digital access made it easier for individuals to seek appropriate treatment. Despite living in the current information era, the practice of quackery has continued worldwide. The current scoping review was planned to explore different definitions and laws related to quackery, and the acceptance of allied healthcare services in traditional, cultural and legal contexts. The review examined a total of 3,327 published studies and 400 pieces of grey literature, including existing laws, regulatory authority websites, news articles and reports. A total of 56 studies and 21 excerpts were shortlisted for analysis. The definitions of quackery varied significantly across regions, but a general consensus is that unauthorised healthcare practices constitute quackery. Legal perspectives differed worldwide, with Europe, North America and Oceania discouraging allied healthcare services, such as homeopathy, naturopathy and traditional methods, considering them quackery. In contrast, Asian and African regions endorsed allied healthcare and established provider registration and licensing systems.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly of the umbilical ring with increasing prevalence, especially amongst younger mothers. There is increasing evidence that exposure to genitourinary infections (GUTI) may play an important role in the etiology of gastroschisis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify, appraise, and summarize the literature on exposure to GUTI and gastroschisis.
METHODS: Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library electronic databases, and Prospero) were searched using a comprehensive search strategy. Citations and cited articles for all included studies were searched. Peer-reviewed, quantitative studies reporting an association of urinary tract infections (UTI) and/or sexually transmitted infections (STI) with gastroschisis were included. Prospero registration CRD42022377420.
RESULTS: A total of 2392 papers were identified via the searches of which 15 met our inclusion criteria and were included after title and abstract and full text screening. The study period for included studies ranged from 1995 to 2016, most were from the USA. Four studies considering exposure to STIs and five to UTIs were eligible to progress to meta-analysis. Meta-analysis identified a significantly increased risk of gastroschisis in association with periconceptional exposure to UTI [OR 1.54 (95% CI 1.29, 1.8)], STI [OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.01, 1.79)].
CONCLUSIONS: Periconceptional exposure to GUTI is associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. The prevention and timely treatment of GUTI amongst women of childbearing age may help to reduce the occurrence of gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson\'s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, exhibiting an upward trend in prevalence. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease, temporal trends between 1980 and 2023, and variations in prevalence by location, age, sex, survey period, sociodemographic index (SDI), human development index (HDI), and study characteristics (sample size, diagnostic criteria, and data source).
METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Global Health for observational studies that reported Parkinson\'s disease prevalence in the general population from database inception to Nov 1, 2023. We included studies if they were original observational investigations, had participants from the general population or community-based datasets, and provided numerical data on the prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease either with 95% CIs or with sufficient information to calculate 95% CIs. Studies were excluded if they were conducted in a specific population, had a sample size smaller than 1000, or were review articles, case reports, protocols, meeting abstracts, letters, comments, short communications, posters, and reports. The publication characteristics (first author and publication year), study location (countries, WHO regions, SDI, and HDI), survey period, study design, diagnostic criteria, data source, participant information, and prevalence data were extracted from articles using a standard form. Two authors independently evaluated eligibility, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion with the third author. We used random effect models to pool estimates with 95% CIs. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to assess the temporal trend in prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022364417.
RESULTS: 83 studies from 37 countries were eligible for analysis, with 56 studies providing all-age prevalence, 53 studies reporting age-specific prevalence, and 26 studies providing both all-age and age-specific prevalence. Global pooled prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease was 1·51 cases per 1000 (95% CI 1·19-1·88), which was higher in males (1·54 cases per 1000 [1·17-1·96]) than in females (1·49 cases per 1000 [1·12-1·92], p=0·030). During different survey periods, the prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease was 0·90 cases per 1000 (0·48-1·44; 1980-89), 1·38 cases per 1000 (1·17-1·61; 1990-99), 1·18 cases per 1000 (0·77-1·67; 2000-09), and 3·81 cases per 1000 (2·67-5·14; 2010-23). The EAPC of Parkinson\'s disease prevalence was significantly higher in the period of 2004-23 (EAPC 16·32% [95% CI 6·07-26·58], p=0·0040) than in the period of 1980-2003 (5·30% [0·82-9·79], p=0·022). Statistically significant disparities in prevalence were observed across six WHO regions. Prevalence increased with HDI or SDI. Considerable variations were observed in the pooled prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease based on different sample sizes or diagnostic criteria. Prevalence also increased with age, reaching 9·34 cases per 1000 (7·26-11·67) among individuals older than 60 years.
CONCLUSIONS: The global prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease has been increasing since the 1980s, with a more pronounced rise in the past two decades. The prevalence of Parkinson\'s disease is higher in countries with higher HDI or SDI. It is necessary to conduct more high-quality epidemiological studies on Parkinson\'s disease, especially in low SDI countries.
BACKGROUND: National Nature Science Foundation of China.
UNASSIGNED: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

OBJECTIVE: Mammoplasty, a common cosmetic procedure involving breast augmentation and reduction surgeries, has gained global popularity. Recently, attention has shifted towards understanding the prevalence and significance of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms following mammoplasty. This systematic review aims to consolidate existing literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the type and frequency of GI problems associated with various mammoplasty procedures.
METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted until January 22, 2024, identifying observational and interventional studies examining GI symptoms post-mammoplasty. Inclusion criteria covered human studies, while exclusion criteria ensured specificity. Two independent investigators performed screening, and data extraction included study characteristics, surgical procedures, anesthesia methods, and interventions.
RESULTS: Nineteen studies, involving 2,487 subjects, were included in the review. Breast reconstruction emerged as the most studied procedure, followed by breast reduction, augmentation, mastectomy, and breast cancer surgery. Predominant GI symptoms included nausea and vomiting, with varying rates across mammoplasty types. Anesthesia modality influenced symptomatology, with general, local, and combined anesthesia associated with GI disturbances. Antiemetics, notably ondansetron and droperidol, showed variable efficacy. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as preoperative hypnosis, were explored for symptom management.
CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review reveals insights into GI symptoms post-mammoplasty, emphasizing the common occurrence of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, alongside less frequent manifestations such as constipation, dry mouth, retching, abdominal pain, and tightness. Variations in symptom prevalence were noted across diverse mammoplasty surgeries, anesthesia methods, and the use of antiemetics, underscoring the complex nature of post-mammoplasty GI disturbances.

BACKGROUND: Work-related burnout is a significant concern amongst healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists. It can negatively impact on both staff well-being and the quality of care delivered to patients.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists.
METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and PsycINFO, from inception to February 1st, 2022.
METHODS: Studies reporting burnout prevalence among physiotherapists.
METHODS: Prevalence of burnout. Sub-analyses were performed grouping studies based on countries where surveys were conducted, classified as developed or developing countries. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS: 32 studies were included in the systematic review and 31 in the meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 5984 physiotherapists from 17 countries. Pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of burnout was 8% (4-15). Prevalence figures for Maslach Burnout Inventory dimensions were: (i) emotional exhaustion, 27% (21-34) (ii) depersonalization, 23% (15-32) (iii) low personal accomplishment, 25% (15-40). Both overall and single components prevalence was higher, although not significantly, in studies from developing than in developed countries.
CONCLUSIONS: Tools used to assess burnout and cut-off scores chosen to identify the burnout prevalence differed across studies.
CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of burnout reported by physiotherapists appears high worldwide, in particular in developing countries, and compares with that reported by nurses and physicians. Substantial heterogeneity in the prevalence of burnout, in its definition and assessment methods across studies, and limited quality of most studies precludes drawing definitive conclusions.
UNASSIGNED: PROSPERO CRD42022307876 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

OBJECTIVE: Globally, hospital malnutrition prevalence is estimated at 20-50%, with little known about the situation in African hospitals. The aim of this scoping review was to appraise the current evidence base regarding the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition and related assessment practices in an African context.
METHODS: A comprehensive and exhaustive search strategy was undertaken to search seven electronic bibliographic databases (including Africa-specific databases) from inception until August 2022 for articles/resources reporting on the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition in an African setting. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles and data extraction was undertaken in duplicate.
RESULTS: We screened the titles and abstracts of 7537 records and included 28 studies. Most of the included studies were conducted in the East African region (n = 12), with ten studies from South Africa. Most studies were single-centre studies (n = 22; 79%), including 23 to 2126 participants across all studies. A variety of study populations were investigated with most described as medical and surgical populations (n = 14; 50%). Malnutrition risk prevalence was reported to be between 23% and 74%, using a variety of nutritional screening tools (including MNA-SF/LF, NRS-2002, MUST, NRI, GNRI). Malnutrition prevalence was reported to be between 8% and 85%, using a variety of tools and parameters, including ASPEN and ESPEN guidelines, SGA, MNA-SF/LF, anthropometric and biochemical indices, with one study using the GLIM criteria to diagnose malnutrition.
CONCLUSIONS: Both malnutrition risk and malnutrition prevalence are alarmingly high in African adult hospitalised patients. The prevalence of malnutrition differs significantly among studies, owing in part to the variety of tools used and variability in cut-offs for measurements, underscoring the importance of adopting a standardised approach. Realities in the African context include limited nutritional screening and assessment, poor referral practices, and a unique disease burden. General awareness is needed, and routine nutritional screening practices with appropriate nutrition support action should be implemented as a matter of urgency in African hospitals.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, the safety of blood transfusions remains an important public health concern as it is associated with a higher risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). In this study, we aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa and assess the temporal trends and regional differences within the continent through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, HINARI, Global Index Medicus and Clinical.
METHODS: gov) were searched for relevant studies for our research. We included all primary studies that estimated the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa with an age population from 16 to 65 years old, without language restrictions, from inception up to March 1st 2024. The pooled seroprevalence was estimated through the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. The temporal trends and regional differences were assessed through subgroup and meta-regression analysis.
RESULTS: We obtained 122 studies that met our inclusion criteria, comprising 7,814,996 blood donors tested for HIV. Sixty-six percent of the studies were from Western and Eastern Africa. The pooled seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa was 2.66% (95% CI: 2.17-3.20%; I2 = 99.80%, p < 0.01). The highest prevalence was observed in the Central African region, 3.28% (95% CI: 2.57%-4.06%), followed by the Eastern 3.21% (95% CI: 2.12%-4.52%), and the Western 2.66% (95% CI: 1.93%-3.49%) regions. Lower prevalences were observed in the Northern region, 0.57% (95% CI: 0.0%-2.10%), followed by the Southern African region with 0.45% (95% CI: 0.16%-0.86%). We observed a temporal decreased trend of HIV prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV infection among African blood donors remains high and is not homogeneous across the continent. Efficient measures to strengthen HIV testing and prevent HIV transmission through blood transfusion are needed in Africa. Systematic review protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42023395616.
BACKGROUND: This article was supported by National Funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia,I.P., within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UIDP/4255/2020).

OBJECTIVE: Racial differences in prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have shifted in the United States (US) since the 1990s. This review addresses the nature and context of this shift and discusses potential contributing factors and areas for future research.
METHODS: Seventeen population-based epidemiological birth cohort studies on ASD prevalence in the US that included race as a variable are included in the review. Studies were identified via a keyword search on PubMed. To be included, studies were required to include race or ethnicity as a variable in the prevalence estimates, include at least 1000 cases with autism, and be published in English by June 3rd, 2023.
RESULTS: Results suggest that in nearly all birth cohorts prior to 2010, ASD prevalence rates were highest among White children. ASD prevalence rates among Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) children (22.3, 22.5, and 22.2 per 1000, respectively) surpassed prevalence rates among White children (21.2 per 1000) in the 2010 birth cohort and continued to increase in the 2012 birth cohorts.
CONCLUSIONS: There are persistent racial differences in ASD prevalence in the US, and these differences were inverted after 2010, when ASD prevalence among Black, Hispanic, & API children surpassed ASD prevalence among White children. Possible drivers of this racial repatterning of ASD prevalence include changes in ASD screening and diagnosis, changes to health insurance policy, changes to immigration policy, and increased education attainment by minority groups.

UNASSIGNED: To estimate the predictors, prevalence and prognostic role of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) using meta-analysis.
UNASSIGNED: The PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane library were systematically searched for eligible studies from inception till May 2024. All of pooled analyses were performed using the random-effects model.
UNASSIGNED: Fifty observational studies involving 17,558 CKD patients were selected. The prevalence of PH in CKD patients was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33%-43%), and the prevalence according to CKD status were 31% (95% CI: 20%-42%) for CKD (I-V), 39% (95% CI: 25%-54%) for end stage kidney disease (ESKD) (predialysis), 42% (95% CI: 35%-50%) for ESKD (hemodialysis), and 26% (95% CI: 19%-34%) for renal transplant. We noted the risk factors for PH in CKD included Black individuals (relative risk [RR]: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.63; p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.21-1.82; p < 0.001), cardiovascular disease history (RR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.05-2.51; p = 0.030), longer dialysis (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.18-2.46; p = 0.005), diastolic dysfunction (RR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.38-2.55; p < 0.001), systolic dysfunction (RR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.88-4.87; p < 0.001), and grade 5 CKD (RR: 5.64; 95% CI: 3.18-9.98; p < 0.001). Moreover, PH in CKD patients is also associated with poor prognosis, including all-cause mortality, major cardiovascular events, and cardiac death.
UNASSIGNED: This study systematically identified risk factors for PH in CKD patients, and PH were associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, patients with high prevalence of PH should be identified for treatment.

BACKGROUND: The steep rise in substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) shows an urgency to assess its prevalence using valid measures. This systematic review summarizes the validity of measures to assess the prevalence of substance use and SUD in the US estimated in population and sub-population-based surveys.
METHODS: A literature search was performed using nine online databases. Studies were included in the review if they were published in English and tested the validity of substance use and SUD measures among US adults at the general or sub-population level. Independent reviews were conducted by the authors to complete data synthesis and assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS: Overall, 46 studies validating substance use/SUD (n = 46) measures were included in this review, in which 63% were conducted in clinical settings and 89% assessed the validity of SUD measures. Among the studies that assessed SUD screening measures, 78% examined a generic SUD measure, and the rest screened for specific disorders. Almost every study used a different survey measure. Overall, sensitivity and specificity tests were conducted in over a third of the studies for validation, and 10 studies used receiver operating characteristics curve.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a lack of standardized methods in surveys measuring and reporting prevalence of substance use/SUD among US adults. It highlights a critical need to develop short measures for assessing SUD that do not require lengthy, time-consuming data collection that would be difficult to incorporate into population-based surveys assessing a multitude of health dimensions.
BACKGROUND: PROSPERO CRD42022298280.