ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography for the identification of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CAPES Periodicals, and LILACS scientific databases was conducted to identify relevant full-text articles published in English and Portuguese from January 2012 to January 2025. To comprehensively evaluate […]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute kidney injury is a common and serious condition in critically ill patients. Current biomarkers, such as serum creatinine, are limited in early detection and prognostic assessment. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has emerged as a promising inflammatory biomarker, reflecting systemic inflammation and potentially serving as a tool for risk stratification in high-risk groups. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting mortality in patients with acute kidney injury through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: […]

ABSTRACT Introduction: The controversy surrounding the potential benefits of the basic saline solution vs. Ringer’s lactate solution for patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataracts prompted a systematic review and meta-analysis for comparing the two solutions. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the basic saline solution with Ringer’s lactate for irrigation in phacoemulsification for cataracts. Methods: We searched the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials comparing basic saline solution with Ringer’s lactate in relation to central […]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide, with age-related cataracts being the most common type. With advancements in digital workflows, new alternative surgical processes aim to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital versus manual workflows for cataract surgery through a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on preoperative assessment time, surgery planning time, intraoperative duration, and transcription frequency. Methods: The study was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines […]

ABSTRACT Teachers have the significant potential to facilitate alterations in the teaching-learning process that can positively affect student outcomes. In the healthcare field, exposure to effective teachers is associated with enhanced clinical performance and student knowledge. The literature explores several characteristics that increase the possibility of obtaining better outcomes when developed by teachers. These features are described from the perspectives of students, managers, and teachers. However, when considering teacher development programs, it is necessary to translate these characteristics, skills, and […]

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the short-term (≤1 month) effects of remote ischemic conditioning versus sham remote ischemic conditioning on vascular function in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant studies through six healthcare science databases up to March 2025. Arterial stiffness and endothelial function were defined as the primary outcome. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model. Also, GRADE Pro software was used to evaluate […]

ABSTRACT Objective To systematically review and analyze studies investigating the efficacy and safety of inspiratory muscle training in adult chronic critically ill patients. Methods The MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, LILACS, Clinical Trials Registry, and World Health Organization databases were queried on November 24, 2022 and January 22, 2025. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. RevMan V5.4 was used to analyze mean differences or standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for continuous variables and risk ratios […]

ABSTRACT Incidentalomas are lesions incidentally identified in patients undergoing imaging for unrelated reasons. Breast incidentalomas have a high correlation with malignancy, occurring in over 40% of cases. Consequently, their interpretation poses significant challenges for radiologists who must discern the findings that may present a potential risk to the patient. This pictorial review presents different incidental breast lesions revealed through cross-sectional imaging. We further review key concepts related to such incidentalomas.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) tool to ensure methodological rigor. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant literature published between 2018 and 2023. Results Twenty-four studies were included, mostly single-center studies from six continents, […]

ABSTRACT Purpose of review Coronary artery bypass grafting, revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention, and heart valve surgery are crucial therapeutic interventions for patients with various cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this literature review was to present the main evidence and practical aspects of the perioperative management of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve surgery. Recent findings Despite advancements in surgical and anesthetic techniques, coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve surgery present significant risks for perioperative complications […]