11237 research outputs found
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Veterans in Care Homes: An International Scoping Review to Inform UK Policy and Practice
No full textContext In contrast to the mental and physical health needs of veterans, veterans’ social care needs remain relatively neglected by policymakers and researchers. Objective To inform UK veterans policy and practice by drawing together the expectedly limited international research base on veterans in care homes. Method An international scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey research literature was conducted, informed by Levac et al.’s (2010) six-stage process. Findings Thirty three papers were found to meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The papers’ contents typically fell into one or more of the following themes: social connection, care preferences and autonomy and military-related physical and mental health needs. Limitations Very little (n=1) UK-situated research was found, with the majority of retrieved papers (n=24) being US based, impeding transferability and relevancy of the findings to a UK context. Implications Veterans’ social care needs were found to be a largely underexplored area of research, especially in the UK. There is a pressing need for UK veterans’ policymakers to redress existing imbalances in the focus of policy and research by raising the status and importance of the social care needs of UK veterans, as has been achieved on the mental and physical health fronts.</p
2023 UK and Ireland Consensus on myopia management in children and young people – a modified Delphi
No full textIntroduction
This work aims to establish the largest UK and Ireland consensus on myopia management in children and young people (CYP).
Methods
We conducted a modified Delphi consensus with a panel of 34 optometrists and ophthalmologists with expertise in myopia management. Results Two rounds of voting took place, and 131 statements were agreed, including that interventions should be discussed with parents/carers of all CYP who develop myopia before the age of 13 years, a recommendation for interventions to be publicly funded for those at risk of fast progression and high myopia, that intervention selection should take into account the CYP’s hobbies and lifestyle, and that additional training for eye care professionals should be available from non-commercial sources. Topics for which published evidence is limited or lacking were areas of weaker or no consensus. Modern myopia management contact and spectacle lenses are suitable first-line treatments. The role and provision of low-concentration atropine needs to be reviewed once marketing authorisations and funding decisions are in place. There is some evidence that combination of low-concentration atropine with an optical intervention can have an additive effect; further research is needed. Once an intervention is started, best practice is to monitor non-cycloplegic axial length six-monthly.
Conclusion
Research is needed into how to identify those at risk of progression, long-term effectiveness of individual and combined interventions, and how and when to discontinue treatment when myopia has stabilised. As further evidence continues to emerge, this consensus work will be repeated to ensure it remains relevant.</p
Preferred music listening for people living with dementia: Two home-based case studies discussing compilation process, autobiographical and biophysical responses
No full textNeuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia can be reduced through music listening. Little has been reported on home-based listening, compilation processes, or individual responses that include biophysiological data.
We aim to provide new insights from two home-based case studies focused on specific music selections. Participants were part of a larger study, co-designing an automated radio, diary reminder and personal playlist system for NPS management. Playlists were compiled that would have the best possible chance of achieving this, based on participants’ autobiographical, narrative, heart rate (HR) and videoed responses.
Participant's responses to their music aligned with the genre they chose – dancing to up-beat music, contrasting with subtle responses to Beethoven. Repeated listens may help to establish consistency of responses and allow time to communicate their genuine preferences, not those others suggested. If all of these data converge, then they could help confirm the suitability of music for NPS management.</p
Relationships and Within-Group Differences in Physical Attributes and Golf Performance in Elite Amateur Female Players
No full textThe aim of the present study was to examine the association between a comprehensive physical testing battery and measures of golf performance in elite female amateur players. Nineteen category one (handicap ≤ 5) or better golfers (age: 16.26 ± 1.28 years, height: 166.26 ± 3.62 cm, mass: 64.04 ± 11.27 kg, wingspan: 146.53 ± 15.59 cm, handicap: +1.45 ± 0.7) volunteered to participate in this investigation. All golfers attended a single 90 min testing session where golf shot data (clubhead speed [CHS], ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor) were measured with a Trackman 4 launch monitor and a battery of physical assessments were carried out. These included anthropometric data and assessments for seated thoracic rotation, the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), isometric bench press, countermovement jump (CMJ), and seated medicine ball throws for distance. Pearson’s r correlations showed CHS was the golf metric that most commonly demonstrated large associations with physical testing data, most notably with force at 100 ms during the isometric bench press (r = 0.70). Median split analysis was also conducted for the IMTP (force at 200 ms), isometric bench press (force at 100 ms), and CMJ (positive impulse). The results showed that players who produced more force at 200 ms during the IMTP exhibited a greater CHS (g = 1.13), ball speed (g = 0.90), and carry distance (g = 1.01). In addition, players with a greater positive impulse during the CMJ showed a greater ball speed (g = 0.93), carry distance (g = 1.29), and smash factor (g = 1.27). Collectively, these results highlight the relevance of explosive force production capabilities in both the lower and upper body for female golfers. This information can be used by practitioners to better target key physical attributes during testing and training of female players.</p
Multi-modal Bayesian Recommendation System
No full textIn this work, we introduce a Multi-modal Bayesian Recommendation System (MBR) that leverages both image and text modalities to enhance recommendation quality using common implicit feedback. Utilizing deep convolutional neural networks for image feature extraction and a language representation model for textual analysis, our proposed method effectively integrates these modalities to understand their collective impact on user preferences. Experiments on a large-scale dataset demonstrate the efficacy of MBR in providing improved recommendations.</p
Maternal and neonatal complications of pregnant women with bipolar disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackgroundConfidence in pregnancy outcome data for women with bipolar disorder is compromised by small cohort sizes. However, comprehensive national data have been published over the last decade, but no quantitative synthesis has been established to determine the factors associated with complications in these women. Our goal is to summarise the evidence of population-based data on obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes in women with bipolar disorder compared to women without bipolar disorder.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception to September 26th, 2024. Thirty-six outcomes were extracted from eligible articles for consideration. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023369031).FindingsFourteen population-based retrospective cohort studies from six high-income countries (Australia, Canada, Hong-Kong, Sweden, Taiwan, and USA) involving 47,954 women with bipolar disorder and their newborns compared to 11,896,577 women without bipolar disorder, published between 2005 and 2024, were identified. During pregnancy, women with bipolar disorders seemed to exhibit an increased risk of gestational diabetes OR = 1.46, (95% Confidence Interval [1.06–2.03]; I2 = 87%), gestational hypertension OR = 1.19 (95% CI [1.02–1.40]; I2 = 41%), antepartum haemorrhage OR = 2.02 (95% CI [1.30–3.13]; I2 = 67%), and pre-eclampsia or eclampsia OR = 1.20 (95% CI [1.05–1.36]; I2 = 67%). At delivery, women with bipolar disorder were observed to face a higher risk of caesarean section OR = 1.35 (95% CI [1.26–1.45]; I2 = 56%), and postpartum haemorrhage OR = 1.39 (95% CI [1.20–1.62]; I2 = 0%). Their newborns also appear to be at high risks of very prematurity OR = 1.84 (95% CI [1.32–2.57]; I2 = 74%), infant death OR = 1.77 (95% CI [1.01–3.13]; I2 = 41%), low birth weight OR = 1.54 (95% CI [1.19–1.99]; I2 = 70%), preterm birth OR = 1.49 (95% CI [1.29–1.72]; I2 = 87%), small for gestational age OR = 1.28 (95% CI [1.14–1.45]; I2 = 57%), and congenital malformations OR = 1.29 (95% CI [1.09–1.53]; I2 = 42%). According to the AMSTAR 2 tool, these results correspond to moderate-quality evidence.InterpretationDespite substantial heterogeneity observed, our findings suggest the presence of a broad spectrum of complications that may affect both pregnant women with bipolar disorder and their newborns. These results can serve as a basis for the development of guidelines for the prevention and management of these complications. We need additional data from other countries, particularly from low-to-moderate income countries.</p
Migration and Forced Displacement - Vulnerability and Resilience - Volume 1
No full textMigration has been one of the contested topics among scholars and politicians throughout the world. Similarly, the experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants have been different as they are influenced by race, gender, class, and geographical location. This book explores the experiences of international migrants, including the challenges they face from nation-states, environmental issues, and sociocultural factors. It consists of chapters that discuss the causes and effects of migration, the role of nation-states, and the environment. Moreover, the book covers gender and family relations and the relationship of refugees and migrants with the host population and the socio-cultural and economic integration of migrants. Overall, the book argues that international migrants, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, are among the most vulnerable groups in the world. However, they use various strategies to overcome their vulnerability and become resilient in the face of adversity. Hence, the book contributes to increasing people’s awareness of migration and the experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. It can also be a significant source for initiating further debate and academic discussion on issues of migration and forced displacement, vulnerability, and resilience.</p
Pea and soy fortified with leucine stimulates muscle protein synthesis comparable to whey in a murine ageing model
No full textPurpose: To meet the global dietary protein demands, a trend towards plant-based protein (PBP) sources to replace animal-derived protein is currently ongoing. However, PBPs may not have the same anabolic capacity to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) as dairy proteins. For vulnerable populations with specific medical needs, it is especially important to validate the anabolic properties of PBPs. In this study, a blend of pea and soy protein isolate, with or without additional leucine, was compared to whey protein isolate on MPS in aged mice.Methods: 25-Months aged C57BL/6J-mice received an oral gavage with 70 mg of whey protein isolate (W), PS protein isolate (PS; ratio 51:49), PS fortified with 19% leucine (PS + L), or 0.5mL water (F). Mice were subcutaneously injected with puromycin (0.04 µmol/g body weight, t = 30 min) and sacrificed 60 min thereafter. Left m. tibialis anterior (TA) was used to analyse MPS by the SUnSET method and mTOR signal transduction proteins. Amino acid concentrations were determined in plasma and right TA. Dried blood spots (DBS) were analysed for postprandial dynamics of amino acids at 10-20-45-60-min. Results: MPS was significantly increased by W and PS + L (p Conclusion: A PS blend fortified with leucine stimulates MPS comparable to whey protein in this acute murine ageing model. Leucine appears to be the main driver for the anabolic responses observed.</p
Knowledge, attitude, and diabetes self-care among individuals at high-risk of diabetes-related blindness in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground/Aim: Adequate knowledge, attitude, and self-care practice (KAP) are paramount in reducing diabetes complications. This study examined diabetes-related KAP in individuals who have been previously reported to be at a higher risk of blindness such as those on insulin treatment or with a longer (>6 years) duration of diabetes in Bangladesh. Methods: Six hundred community-dwelling individuals (mean age = 52.7±11.6 years) who had been diagnosed with diabetes by their doctor were interviewed. A semi-structured questionnaire obtained self-reported information about diabetes-related KAP, duration, treatment of diabetes, and sociodemographic parameters including age, gender, and education level. Data were collected using a purposive sample technique and analyzed using Fischer’s exact test or independent samples t-tests. Results: There were 271 males (45.2%) and 329 (54.8%) females. Of the total participants (mean diabetes duration = 6.6±6.2 years), 36.5% had diabetes for more than the median duration of 6 years, 80.7% were receiving insulin or insulin combined with tablets (insulin group) and the remaining 19.3% were on tablet only and/or diet control (non-insulin group). One-fifth (19.8%) of all the participants did not consider diabetes a serious disease, 31.3% were unaware that uncontrolled diabetes can cause blindness, 40.5% had never had their eyes tested for diabetic retinopathy and 41.5% stated that they would not attend diabetic retinopathy screening until their eyesight became worse. Among those in the insulin group, 42.1% reported being unaware that smoking may be harmful to diabetes compared to 30.2% of those in the non-insulin group (p= 0.02). Additionally, 64.7% of those in the insulin group were unaware that a diabetic retinal screening is different from a routine eye test for spectacles, compared to 44.8% in the non-insulin group (p6 years) also reported forgetting to take their medication more often than those with a shorter duration (p = 0.02). Twenty-one percent of participants with a duration of diabetes longer than six years had checked their eyes within the previous year compared to 63.5% of those with a shorter duration of diabetes (pConclusion: Individuals on insulin treatment demonstrated poorer knowledge and awareness of diabetes and diabetes eye screening. Those with a longer diabetes duration exhibited poorer self-care practices, particularly not taking the medication regularly, and neglecting diabetic retinal checkups. These issues need to be addressed in designing targeted educational interventions to prevent blindness from uncontrolled diabetes in the high-risk groups in Bangladesh.</p
Effects of therapeutic ultrasound in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full text
Background
Therapeutic ultrasound (US) is a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but its efficacy and safety are unclear. The objective of this study is to quantify the effect of US on pain relief and function recovery in KOA, and to analyze the US treatment duration and parameters on treatment outcome.
Methods
We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane databases and ClinicalTrials.gov databases up to 7 April 2023. RCTs that compared the efficacy of therapeutic US with the control in KOA were included in the study, and the methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
Results
Twenty-one RCTs (1315 patients) were included. US had a positive effect on visual analog scale (VAS) (SMD = -0.64, 95% CI [-0.88, -0.40], I2 = 71%) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) total scale (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.69, -0.20]; I2 = 67%) . Pulsed US with an intensity ≤2.5 W/cm2 reduced visual analog scale (VAS), and differed in sessions (24 sessions (SMD = -0.80, 95% CI [-1.07, -0.53], I2 = 0%) vs 10 sessions (SMD = -0.71, 95% CI [-1.09, -0.33], I2= 68%)). For pulsed US, a duration of treatment of 4-8 weeks (SMD = -0.69, 95% CI [-1.13, -0.25], I2 = 73%) appeared to be superior to ≤4 weeks (SMD = -0.77, 95% CI [-1.04, -0.49], I2 = 0%) for reducing visual analog scale (VAS). No US treatment-related adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
Therapeutic US may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with KOA. The mode, intensity, frequency, and duration of US may affect the effectiveness of pain relief. Pulsed US with an intensity ≤ 2.5 W/cm2, 24 sessions, and a treatment duration of ≤ 4 weeks appears to have better pain relief. </p
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