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The Effect of Leisure-Time Exercise on Mental Health Among Adults: A Bibliometric Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Get PDFBackground: Adequate levels of leisure-time exercise (LTE) are associated with mental health benefits. Despite increased research in recent years through randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a systematic literature review summarizing these findings is lacking. Here, we examined publication trends, impact, and research gaps regarding LTE’s effects on mental health in the form of a bibliometric analysis. Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, and the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched from their inception until 20 November 2024. Citations were independently screened by two authors and included based on pre-determined eligibility criteria. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using SciVal and VOSviewer under five themes: (1) descriptive analysis, (2) network analysis, (3) thematic mapping, (4) co-citation and co-occurrence analysis, and (5) bibliometric coupling. Results: The systematic search identified 5792 citations, of which 78 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Only one study was conducted in a low- or middle-income country. Sixty-four percent of studies were published in quartile-one journals. Most studies were conducted in the United States, followed by Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. National collaborations yielded the highest citation rates, reflecting the influence of cultural and social norms on exercise and mental health. Research gaps were identified with regards to the validity of mental health measures, the paucity of data from low- and middle-income countries, and emerging research sources. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis highlights the existing evidence on LTE’s impact on mental health and identifies areas for future research and policy. Trials exploring valid mental health outcomes, biomarkers such as mood and oxidative stress, and collaborative research are needed, particularly in underrepresented regions of the world
Examining the connection between perceived stress and post-traumatic stress in women who experienced a traumatic childbirth
Get PDFAim: This study aimed to: (1) explore post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in relation to sociodemographic, obstetric, and childbirth trauma factors; (2) assess the association between perceived stress levels and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms; and (3) analyze how the duration of perceived stress affects post-traumatic stress disorder.
Design: A cross-sectional study.
Methods: Data were collected via an online survey, including demographic and obstetric information, traumatic childbirth events, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and perceived stress levels and duration in the postpartum period. The study was conducted with 202 women who self-identified as having experienced a traumatic childbirth.
Results: Post-traumatic stress disorder scores did not differ significantly by most sociodemographic or obstetric factors, but cesarean delivery was linked to higher post-traumatic stress disorder scores compared to vaginal delivery with forceps or vacuum extraction, mediated by increased perceived stress. Perceived stress levels showed a significant positive association with all post-traumatic stress disorder dimensions. Stress duration significantly was related to total post-traumatic stress disorder scores, with longer stress being associated with greater severity of symptoms.
Conclusion: Cesarean delivery and prolonged, elevated stress during childbirth are key risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted postpartum mental health interventions
A Narrative Inquiry Approach to Conducting Research Into Sexual Violence and Analyzing Narratives Using the Listening Guide
No full textThis case study draws upon a qualitative study of sexual violence experienced by Nigerian women living in England. The study was guided by a feminist methodological approach. In this case study, narrative inquiry is discussed, while demonstrating that narrative inquiry not only aligns with feminist perspectives but fits women’s mode of making sense of their experiences of violence. The recruitment methods are set out, along with reflexively discussing how the study opened up questions in relation to my “insider/outsider” status. Feminist researchers who advocate the use of qualitative methods such as narrative interviews have also drawn attention to the ethical considerations that are inseparable from such research methods. For this study, these included issues relating to informed consent and confidentiality, and the practice of minimizing harm on participants and the researcher. I also discuss the ethical dilemma of power relations in narrative interviews, along with the practicalities of conducting narrative interviews on a sensitive topic. I provide a discussion of how I applied the Listening Guide (LG) in analyzing narrative data, including the limitations to be aware of when using the LG in analyzing narrative data
Possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on contextual fear conditioning, hippocampal perivascular space, apoptosis and adrenal gland microarchitecture in rats
Get PDFWhilst the world sees the tremendous growth of mobile phone technology, radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) induced possible health effects have emerged as a topic of recent day debate. The current study is designed to test the hypothesis that chronic 900 MHz radiation exposure would potentially dysregulate the stress response system (HPA axis) in vivo, via, its non-thermal mechanisms, leading to alterations in the microarchitecture of the adrenal gland, vulnerable brain regions such as the hippocampus which may results in altered behaviours in rats. Male albino Wistar rats aged four weeks, weighing 50-60 g were subjected to 900 MHz radiation from a cellphone for four weeks at a rate of one hour per day. On the 29th day, animals from the control, sham exposed and RF-EMR exposed groups were tested for contextual fear conditioning. They were later euthanized to study hippocampal and adrenal gland cytoarchitecture. Bright and dark compartment transitions in the avoidance box were considerably elevated in the RF-EMR exposed group and they exhibited a significant decrease in the latency to enter the dark compartment during the contextual fear conditioning test. Apoptosis was apparent in the CA3 region and perivascular space was significantly increased in the hippocampus of the radiation-exposed group. In addition to lymphocytic infiltrates, congested sinusoids, and apoptotic-like changes were evident in the zona fasciculata. However, the cytoarchitecture of the adrenal medulla was comparable in all three groups. Chronic RF-EMR exposure caused changes in contextual fear conditioning, enlargement of hippocampal perivascular space, apparent CA3 apoptosis, and apoptotic-like changes in the zona fasciculate of the adrenal gland in rats
Advanced thermodynamics of hydrogen and natural gas blends for gas transmission and distribution networks
Get PDFThe cubic, multiparameter and saft based equations of state (Peng-Robinson, AGA8, GERG-2008 and PC-SAFT) were used to predict thermo-physical properties of H2-mixed with N2, CO2, C1-C4 as a H2-enriched natural gas blend. The experimental data covers a range of 10–200 bara and temperatures 15 °C, 25 °C, and 45 °C with high accuracy and precision. These data were measured with the UK's unique hydrogen thermodynamic test rig situated at the TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory (hereby referred to as NEL).
Based on our research, it has been determined that, under the mentioned experimental conditions, the AGA8 and GERG-2008 have the capability to predict thermophysical properties of H2-enriched natural gas, and the Peng-Robinson can be used to predict with good accuracy the values of density and speed of sound of this complex mixture without attempting to tune binary interaction parameters. Although, PC-SAFT is preferable for the modelling of associating compounds, it showed acceptable and reliable results for H2 containing mixtures as well
Barriers and Facilitators to implementation of the Free Water Protocol in the acute stroke unit setting: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Get PDFFree Water Protocols (FWP) give patients at risk of aspiration the option to drink water between meals. Evidence is lacking about their use in acute stroke care. This systematic review evaluated the literature about barriers and facilitators to FWP implementation in acute stroke unit settings. Electronic databases and grey literature sources were systematically searched, eligible studies were critically appraised, and data extracted and mapped onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The results are presented in a narrative synthesis. Five studies were identified for inclusion: Two qualitative studies, 1 mixed method study, 1 randomised controlled trial and 1 pilot cohort study. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified across the 5 CFIR domains. Key barriers were a lack of evidence base and a standard protocol, trying to adapt and deliver a protocol designed for a different setting, complexity of patient selection and FWP design, culture of risk aversion, nursing staff availability and skills to deliver the FWP, and a greater use of agency nurses and transient workforce. Key facilitators were the existence of national guidance for research into its use, implementation of oral care protocols prior to FWP implementation, the unique characteristics of the acute stroke setting, leadership and modelling by senior clinicians, interdisciplinary working and accountability for roles and responsibilities for each discipline, regular communication and ongoing education, and involving patients in decision making and implementation. The findings of this review will guide the data collection of a feasibility study of the FWP in acute stroke
Ketamine Infusion for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment: A Narrative Review
No full textPurpose of Review
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by pain disproportionate to the inciting event that is constant for an extended duration. Numerous treatment options for this condition have been explored with unsatisfactory results in many cases. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist typically used as an anesthetic and analgesic, presents a promising potential treatment for CRPS in patients who fail to respond to traditional therapies.
Recent Findings
Numerous studies report significant improvement in the degree of pain, mobility of extremities, and other parameters after ketamine infusion in patients with CRPS. Although adverse effects were not reported often, some subjects experienced nausea, vomiting, headache or psychotropic or psychomimetic symptoms which could be mitigated with cessation of the drug. Although more research is needed to determine optimal dosing and duration, ketamine seems to be a safe and effective treatment for refractory cases of CRPS.
Conclusion
The present investigation summarizes existing knowledge and research surrounding ketamine infusions for CRPS to provide a well-rounded depiction of advantages and disadvantages for physicians who may be considering it for patients with this challenging and complex condition
Knowledge, Practice and Professional Identity: Unthreading the Challenges of Contemporary Police Tutoring Arrangements in England and Wales
Get PDFPolice tutoring, to date, has received little attention from researchers and, what research currently exists, points to a system that is largely failing. The current research was undertaken in response to specific recent concerns relating to the impact on tutoring of a new underpinning educational framework (Policing Education Qualifications Framework) and a substantial increase in police recruitment (Police Uplift Programme). Furthermore, the research is unique in that it explores the different models by which tutoring is delivered within police forces in England and Wales. The data upon which this paper draws consists of survey data returned from each of the 43 Home Office funded forces in England and Wales, 25 semi-structured interviews and four focus groups. Descriptive and thematic analysis of this data allowed the authors to identify four inter-related themes which will be reported on in this paper – ‘Different Models of Tutor Delivery’, ‘Structure of Tutoring Arrangements’, ‘Status of Tutoring’ and ‘Classroom, Practice-based and Reflective Learning’. These point to the nuanced relationship between structural arrangements for tutoring delivery, the value which police organisations attribute to tutoring and the impact of these on the ways in which ‘learning’ is positioned within these arrangements. In doing so, this draws attention to the apparently intractable tension between ‘codified’ and ‘personal’ knowledge (Eraut, 2000). The paper concludes that police tutoring arrangements exist without a defined set of underlying pedagogic principles, are often primarily focussed on enabling organisational capacity and conflate organisational socialisation with the translation of knowledge into practice
Bioethanol from Waste Biomass: A Sustainable Approach in Circular Economy
No full textBioethanol production has recently intensified due to its environment-friendliness, usability, greener output, and its applicability as an alternative solution for fossil fuel depletion. Because of uncontrollable carbon emissions, many researchers have recently focused on reprocessing waste to biofuel, adopting technologies in the circular economy. Waste biomass generated in larger quantities in agriculture and horticulture sector is freely dumped in open lands or poorly valorized without using these biomaterials in their maximum resource use efficiency. Thus, bioethanol production from agricultural and horticultural waste poses numerous advantages in the long run. This preliminary study focused on producing bioethanol using three plant species, Ricinus communis, Impatiens balsamina, and Lantana camara, which are fast-growing aggressive plants found on roadsides, abounded lands, and freely available as waste biomass. The biomass from selected plants was converted to bioethanol using the cheapest, locally applicable, zero waste, and most conventional fermentation method, yeast fermentation. According to obtained results, the bioethanol concentration of R. communis, Impatiens balsamina, and L. camara, respectively, was 7%, 10%, and 12%, showing that Lantana camara plant achieved the highest when compared to others. These findings demonstrate the potential of these plant species for bioethanol production, contributing to renewable energy generation and highlighting the viability of utilizing agricultural and horticultural waste for sustainable fuel production
The influence of HARP (the Health Access for Refugees’ Project) on vaccine hesitancy in people seeking asylum and refugees in Northern England
Get PDFBackground
Evidence suggests that people who are asylum seekers and refugees experience poorer physical and mental health compared to the general UK population and poor outcomes from COVID-19 if unvaccinated. However, this population can experience vaccine hesitancy and other barriers inhibiting their up-take of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Objectives
This study explored the influence of HARP (Health Access for Refugees’ Project) workshops on the intention to have the vaccine in people who are asylum-seekers and refugees.
Methods
A qualitative study including clients (asylum-seekers and refugees), volunteers and HARP staff was undertaken to explore perceptions of HARP workshops and their influence on the barriers to the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine including vaccine hesitancy. Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with 10 participants, HARP clients (n = 1), HARP volunteers (n = 6, of whom 4 had been clients) and staff (n = 3). Data were thematically analysed.
Results
Intention to have the vaccine was influenced by trusted sources including peers and health professionals. Tailoring evidence-based information to individuals and challenging misinformation were important influencers on vaccine uptake. HARP activity increased the uptake of vaccines in large accommodation centres and hotels. Grassroots-level interventions such as HARP workshops appear to increase intention to take up the COVID-19 vaccine in asylum seeking and refugee communities.
Conclusion
This model could be adopted for health screening such as breast cancer and other vaccinations within asylum seeking and refugee communities.
Paper Context
Main findings: Intention to have the vaccine and vaccine uptake was influenced by trusted sources, such as peers and health professionals, providing tailored and evidence-based information which challenged misinformation and gave individuals increased confidence in vaccination.
Added knowledge: Grassroots-level interventions which work within the community appear to increase intention to take up the COVID-19 vaccine in asylum seeking and refugee communities.
Global health impact for policy and action: This model has implications for the promotion and uptake for various public health initiatives including health screening and other vaccinations within asylum seeking and refugee communities