Low-calorie diets are effective for weight loss in patients undergoing benign upper gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Obesity may increase surgical complexity in patients undergoing abdominal surgery by limiting visualization and increasing the risk of peri-operative complications. A preoperative reduction in weight and liver volume may improve surgical outcomes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a low-calorie diet (LCD) versus a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) in reducing weight and liver volume prior to laparoscopic surgery.

Barriers and enablers of uptake and adherence to digital health interventions in older patients with cancer: A systematic review.

Introduction: Digital health interventions (DHIs) provide patients with remote access to healthcare information and services through devices and online portals. Older patients (≥65 years old) with cancer may face difficulties using DHIs due to higher physical and psychological burden, but little is known about their pattern of use. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise current findings related to user's perception of barriers and enablers to uptake and adherence of DHIs in this population.

Multi-domain narrative review of vaccine hesitancy in childhood.

Vaccine hesitancy, where individuals delay or refuse some or all vaccines, is a perennial problem. It undermines the success of the immunisation programmes and places the society, especially vulnerable populations such as children, at risk of contracting infectious diseases. The phenomenon has been extensively analysed based on four aspects - confidence, complacency, convenience and costs.