Disruption Of Life Research Articles

Turning Cramps into Comfort: A Review of Yogas Role in Alleviating Primary Dysmenorrhea and Promoting Reproductive Health

Abstract: Dysmenorrhea, the most frequent menstrual problem in adolescence, is a widespread condition affecting women globally. It is highly prevalent, affecting around 50–90% of the female population, with a global prevalence rate of 71.1% according to a meta-analysis spanning 38 countries. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common menstrual disorder affecting many women and significantly impacting their quality of life. The symptoms of PD are lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may radiate to the back or legs, typically starting 6 to 12 months after menarche. Dysmenorrhea caused significant effects, including school absenteeism, poor performance, difficulty in daily activities, and social life disruption. Yoga, as nonpharmacological alternative medical intervention, has been increasingly studied for its potential benefits in managing PD. The purpose of this review is to highlight Yoga therapy as most effective alternative treatment in this cutting-edge era for primary dysmenorrhea. This study reviewed English-language literature published from 2000 to 2024, searching databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using keywords “yoga” and “menstrual pain” or “dysmenorrhea.” Out of 1,453 articles, 12 studies met the selection criteria and were included in the final review. This review of 12 RCTs’ highlights the effectiveness of yoga therapy for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Various yoga practices, including asanas, Yoga Nidra, and pranayama, significantly alleviated pain and improved symptoms. This study concludes the positive effectiveness of yoga therapy in managing primary dysmenorrhea. Yoga practices significantly alleviated pain and improved physical, psychological and social aspects of health, suggesting yoga as a holistic and beneficial treatment for dysmenorrhea.

Systematic review of the needs and health-related quality of life domains relevant to people surviving cancer in Europe.

To systematically review qualitative studies on outcomes, needs, experiences, preferences, concerns and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people surviving cancer in Europe in the last decade. Protocol registered ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO , ID575065). studies with qualitative methods, constructs related to HRQoL, andadults surviving cancer in Europe. The search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus since 2013. Abstracts and full text were revised, data extracted and study risk of bias assessed independently by two researchers. The primary outcomes were the themes arising from each study. A thematic analysis stratified according to the study objective was undertaken by grouping themes into categories. Of 18,256 articles identified, 43 fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 16 studies with a generic objective and 27 with specific objectives. Seven categories (57 themes) emerged from the studies with a generic focus: Clinical Management (n = 16), Symptoms and Physical Function (n = 5), Psychological Function (n = 21), Social Function (n = 18), HRQoL (n = 3), Life Disruption (n = 6), and Individual Factors (n = 1). The 12 studies focused on treatment and care experiences stand out among those with specific objectives, with most themes fitting into the same seven categories. Results clearly showed the predominance of the social and psychological function domains over physical domains among people surviving cancer, additionally identifying specific needs in clinical management, such as information and communication, and relationship with and support from professionals. Therefore, these aspects should be incorporated into the evaluation of patient-centred initiatives for people surviving cancer. only two databases were searched, and most European countries were not represented.

Unexpected effects of pandemic-related changes on mental health: Evidence from a nationwide survey in South Korea.

Substantial evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected population mental health globally. However, most studies assumed a linear relationship where only negative pandemic-induced changes led to worse mental health outcomes, overlooking the complex relationship between COVID-19-related changes and mental health. This study examined how various types and magnitudes of pandemic-related changes relate to depression and suicidal thoughts in a large, nationwide adult population sample. We analyzed data from the 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 229,213 adults. The study examined the association between mental health outcomes and three types of pandemic-related changes: daily life impact (scored 0-100), economic activities (employment and income changes), and health behaviors (physical activity, instant food consumption, alcohol consumption, and smoking). Complex sample multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess these associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. The relationship between pandemic-related changes and mental health showed non-linear patterns. Compared to those reporting moderate changes, individuals reporting either no change (depression: aOR 1.253, 95% CI 1.135-1.384; suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.355, 95% CI 1.236-1.486) or complete disruption (depression: aOR 1.895, 95% CI 1.667-2.155; suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.788, 95% CI 1.558-2.052) in daily life showed higher risks of poor mental health. Unexpectedly, positive changes such as improved working conditions (suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.419, 95% CI 1.200-1.677) and increased income (depression: aOR 1.304, 95% CI 1.139-1.493; suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.244, 95% CI 1.079-1.435) were also associated with adverse mental health outcomes. This study reveals that both minimal and substantial changes in daily life, as well as both positive and negative changes in economic conditions and health behaviors, were associated with poor mental health outcomes during the pandemic. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive mental health interventions that consider various types and magnitudes of life changes during crisis situations.

Skeletal and Adipose Manifestations of Stress in a Contemporary Pediatric Sample.

Adverse experiences leading to physiological disruptions (stress) in early life produce cascade effects on various biological systems, including the endocrine and metabolic systems, which, in turn, shape the developing skeletal system. To evaluate the effects of stress on adipose and skeletal tissues, we examine the relationship between skeletal indicators of stress (porotic hyperostosis [PH] and cribra orbitalia [CO]), bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral neural canal (VNC) diameters, and adipose tissue distribution in a contemporary pediatric autopsy sample. Data is from 702 (409 males, 293 females) individuals from a pediatric (0.5-20.9 years) autopsy sample from New Mexico who died between 2011 and 2022. Data includes visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in the abdomen, heart, and liver, CO/PH, VNC size of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and BMD. We find that adipose tissue distribution and location are differentially associated with CO/PH, BMD, and VNC size; VNC size is smaller, and liver adiposity is higher in those with CO/PH. Further, increased VAT and small VNC size are associated with PH presence and low BMD. Body mass index categories do not correspond with porous cranial lesion presence. This paper provides evidence for the complex relationship between skeletal markers of early-life stress (CO/PH, reduced VNC size, low BMD) and endocrine system function. VAT distribution and VNC size are partly shaped by stressors during gestation, likely through alterations of the HPA axis. It is possible that alterations of the HPA axis due to gestational stress also shape the expression of porous cranial lesionsduring exposure to childhood stressors.

숏폼 미디어 몰입이 집중력에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구: 20대 청년을 대상으로

Short-form media is a type of video content that attracts attention and focus from many people due to its short running time. It has the advantage of being easy to convey information to many people because it is easy to access. Along with the convenience of short-form media, there are also disadvantages. Excessive immersion in short-form media is also deeply related to short-form media addiction, which significantly lowers academic performance and the overall quality of daily life. Representative examples include not being able to control the duration and frequency of short-form media viewing or putting off tasks that need to be done. In this study, we defined the degree of immersion by dividing the scale of short-form media immersion into daily life disruption, avoidance of negative emotions, withdrawal, and dependence, focusing on young people in their 20s who access short-form media the most, and studied how immersion in short-form media affects short-form media addiction. In addition, based on previous studies, we assumed that short-form media addiction would affect concentration, divided concentration into academic concentration and attention concentration, and studied how short-form media addiction affects the two types of concentration. In this study, a corresponding research model was constructed and samples were collected through a questionnaire targeting young people in their 20s. The questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and the following hypotheses were verified through Smart PLS 4.0. Hypothesis H1-2 was rejected, but hypotheses H1-1, H1-3 and H1-4 were statistically confirmed to be accepted. Hypotheses H2-1 and H2-2 were statistically confirmed to be accepted. Therefore, through this study, it was confirmed that factors that significantly affect short-form media addiction are daily life disruption, withdrawal, and dependence. It was also confirmed that short-form media addiction can affect academic concentration and attention.

UNDERSTANDING RINGING IN THE EARS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO TINNITUS

Tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears, is a prevalent auditory condition affecting millions globally, with symptoms ranging from mild annoyance to severe disruption of daily life. Despite its widespread occurrence, tinnitus remains a complex phenomenon with diverse etiologies, including auditory system dysfunction, neurological disorders, and psychological stress. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tinnitus, focusing on its underlying mechanisms, classification, and associated risk factors. Furthermore, it examines current diagnostic tools and treatment modalities, including pharmacological therapies, sound therapy, cognitive-behavioural interventions, and emerging technologies such as neuromodulation. By synthesizing the latest research, this guide aims to enhance understanding among healthcare practitioners and offer practical strategies for effective management. The article concludes with a discussion of future directions in tinnitus research and therapy development

Environmental degradation and its symbolic representation in Nnedi Okorafor’s Lagoon

This paper investigates how Lagoon critiques environmental neglect, employing speculative fiction to engage with pressing ecological issues. Through an ecocritical lens, it emphasizes the novel’s call for reimagining humanity’s relationship with nature, advocating for sustainable futures rooted in both cultural and ecological resilience. Nnedi Okorafor’s Lagoon stands out as a landmark in African speculative fiction, blending elements of science fiction with sharp ecological and socio-political commentary. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the novel vividly depicts environmental degradation, symbolized by the polluted waters of Bar Beach, as a microcosm of broader ecological crises. Through richly detailed descriptions of oil spills, marine life disruption, and urban pollution, Okorafor critiques human exploitation of natural resources and its devastating socio-economic and cultural consequences. The arrival of extraterrestrial beings introduces a speculative framework that critiques human inaction while envisioning pathways for ecological restoration. These aliens, capable of purifying polluted waters and reviving marine ecosystems, serve as a metaphor for humanity’s potential to reverse environmental harm through collective action and innovation. The novel also explores the symbolic role of water and marine life, portraying them as sites of both destruction and renewal. By examining the intersections of environmental degradation, governance, and resilience, Lagoon situates itself within the emerging field of African ecocriticism.

FACTORS PREDICTING PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY ENLARGEMENT IN SETTLEMENTS OF RA

In 2022, the elections of local self-government bodies in the Republic of Armenia ended the process of community enlargement, which was started in 2011.The community enlargement process deviated several times from the initial implementation methodology, and was conceptually revised in 2018 after the velvet revolution. Currently, multiple deviations and changes from the prescribed approaches have created a situation where a number of communities have been enlarged using the pre-2018 methodology and the rest using the post-2018 methodology. As a result, there was no coincidence that complaints arose, especially among the population of small rural settlements related to the possible deterioration of the socio-economic condition of settlements, the weakening of local self-governance and the disproportionate increase of dependence on large settlements. Illegitimate communal enlargement implies an uncontrollable increase of mistrust among the population towards the policies implemented at the local level and those who implement them, which can lead to the disruption of public life. In this context, the lack of knowledge related to the public perceptions of the changes implemented in the enlarged communities, especially in the context of the discussed problems and the risks arising from them, makes the implementation of research aimed at clarifying the abovementioned issue more than relevant. In April-June 2024, a survey was conducted in the enlarged communities of RA, with the aim of identifying, in addition to a number of research problems, public perceptions of the impact of community enlargement in individual settlements and the factors affecting them. As a result of the ordinal regression analysis carried out in this context, it becomes clear that among a number of research variables, only social capital, place leadership and population dispersion index in enlarged communities meet the statistical assumptions for inclusion in the specified regression model. The odds ratios calculated in the later stages of the model construction show that in the case of social capital, place leadership and dispersion index, the transition to each next category increases the probability of recording positive perceptions of community enlargement among the population. Thus, the proposed hypothesis is also confirmed, according to which: Each 1-level increase in social capital, place leadership and dispersion index in enlarged communities increases the probability of recording positive perceptions of community enlargement impact among residents.

Current status and factors associated with sexual harassment among operating room nurses: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual harassment among operating room nurses, and to analyze the influencing factors. Sexual harassment in the healthcare field has a high incidence and nurses are the main victims; sexual harassment not only leads to physical and mental problems, but also undermines nurses' performance and affects the quality of medical care. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey to investigate the sexual harassment experiences of 483 operating room nurses. The survey included demographic information, personality traits (Ten-Item Personality Inventory), sexual harassment experiences (Workplace Sexual Harassment Questionnaire), negative consequences, coping strategies, and social support status. 63% of operating room nurses experienced sexual harassment in the past 12 months, with gender harassment predominating (56.7%), followed by unwanted sexual attention (28.6%) and sexual coercion (13.6%). Surgeons (81.20%) and married ones (66.7%) were the most common perpetrators. Most victims possess limited knowledge regarding sexual harassment laws and exhibit weak awareness of their rights protection. 47.8% remained silent after being sexually harassed; most of nurse employed passive coping strategies. Sexual harassment had the most prominent impact on the work of operating room nurses, mainly in the form of decreased work quality and efficiency (87.3%), as well as decreased work engagement (77.0%) and negative workplace pressure experience (72.2%); emotional disturbances, such as anxiety (76.6%), stigma (71.8%), and fear (71.5%); and was accompanied by sleep disorders (74.9%), headaches (56.0%) and nausea and vomiting (54.3%); as well as reduced trust in the opposite sex (83.8%) and disruption of family life (82.1%).Only 39.2% of the hospitals had sexual harassment reporting channels or methods, 30.7% had departments to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace, and 46.8% had communication discussions about psychological safety after sexual harassment. Personality traits, drinking behaviour, age, marriage, and social support were associated with sexual harassment behavior in the operating room. The high incidence of sexual harassment in the operating room affects nurses' productivity and physical and mental health. Operating room nurses had insufficient legal knowledge about sexual harassment and lacked hospital organizational support. agreeableness and openness personality traits, alcohol consumption, age, being married, and lack of social support were influential factors of sexual harassment in the operating room. Healthcare organizations should encourage reporting, care for victims, and join with the police department, judiciary, and women's federation to develop reporting procedures and training programs on sexual harassment knowledge to create a safe and comfortable professional environment.

Critical points in the views of G7’s country leaders on national agendas for SDGs and SFDRR

PurposeDisasters are catastrophic events that result in loss of life, injury and significant disruptions to everyday life. Unsustainable poverty, crises and migration policies worsen them. This study aimed to evaluate the critical perspectives of G7’s country leaders regarding their national agendas in 2022, focusing on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR).Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. Using purposive sampling, we analyzed 20,215 words of X (Twitter) data from G7’s country leaders between January 1 and December 31, 2022, with a thematic approach using MAXQDA qualitative software. MAXQDA applied Code Cloud, Code Matrix Browser, Word Frequencies and MaxMaps Code Models tests. Results are presented based on codes, categories and themes identified during analysis.FindingsThe G7’s country leaders emphasized peace, justice and strong institutions as their SDGs priority. However, it was observed that developed nations often overlooked critical issues such as hunger, quality education and inequality in their agendas in 2022. Based on SFDRR, the leaders addressed crisis response and recovery topics, but it is crucial to note that there is a need for a shift towards proactive measures in their disaster policies. The study also noted limited coverage of migration issues affecting many countries globally. There is an urgent need to address hunger, provide quality education and reduce inequality worldwide.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several limitations: Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi did not have an X (Twitter) account in 2022, and the data only reflect the situation in 2022. Also, simply analyzing statements does not necessarily indicate what these countries support and promote in practice. However, this study could be enhanced by including analyses of funding allocations for projects that target various SDGs and SFDRR objectives. Lastly, this study focused on the strategic policy statements made by representatives of different countries. It does not include tactical and operational disaster management processes, which is a limitation because it is difficult to provide a broader perspective.Practical implicationsDeveloped countries’ approaches to disaster and development policies are essential for disaster risk reduction strategies. Future analyses of funding allocations for projects targeting various SDGs and SFDRR objectives can lead to practical implications.Originality/valueThe authors present a critical viewpoint on the SDGs and SFDRR perspectives of G7’s country leaders. As developed countries possess significant resources and capabilities, they should set a positive example in the global implementation of disaster policies. Consequently, their annual official statements are a valuable guide for disaster policymakers and practitioners.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors for infection among children in Uganda: A serial cross-sectional study

Background Understanding COVID-19’s impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status. Methods Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave). Household questionnaires and blood samples were collected to test for malaria by microscopy and for SARS-CoV-2 using a Luminex assay. Seroprevalence was estimated at both the survey and community level. Mixed-effects logistic regression models assessed the association between individual and household factors and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in children, adjusting for household clustering. Results More households reported disruptions in daily life at baseline compared to follow-up, though economic impacts lingered. By the follow-up survey, 52.7% of adults had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Overall seroprevalence in children was higher at follow-up compared to baseline (71.6% versus 19.2%, p < 0.001). Seroprevalence in children ranged across communities from 6–37% at baseline and 50–90% at follow-up. At baseline, children from the poorest households were more likely to be infected. Increasing age remained the only consistent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion at both timepoints. Conclusions Results indicate that a larger number of children were infected during the Delta and Omicron waves of COVID-19 compared to the Alpha wave. This study is the largest seroprevalence survey in children in Uganda, providing evidence that most children were infected with SARS-CoV-2 before the vaccine was widely available to pediatric populations. Pediatric infections were vastly underreported by case counts, highlighting the importance of seroprevalence surveys in assessing disease burden when testing and reporting rates are limited and many cases are mild or asymptomatic.

International Collaboration and Diplomacy in Disaster Management: Analyzing Türkiye's Response to the 2023 Nigerian Floods

Disaster management has increasingly become a platform for international collaboration and diplomacy, highlighting the role of state and non-state actors in addressing transnational crises. This study examines Türkiye's response to the 2023 Nigerian floods, focusing on its humanitarian aid efforts and diplomatic engagement. The floods, among the most severe in Nigeria’s recent history, caused widespread devastation, including significant loss of life, displacement, and economic disruption. Through the lens of disaster diplomacy, the article evaluates Türkiye’s mobilization of resources, personnel, and financial assistance, alongside its coordination with Nigerian authorities and international organizations. Primary data from official reports, statements by Nigerian and Turkish authorities, and secondary literature provide insights into the disaster's scope and the effectiveness of Türkiye’s interventions. This study contributes to the broader discourse on international disaster management by identifying best practices and areas for improvement in Türkiye’s approach. It concludes with recommendations for strengthening bilateral and multilateral frameworks to enhance the resilience of disaster-prone regions like Nigeria. This research has implications for policymakers, humanitarian actors, and scholars of international relations.

Effects of Ketamine and Esketamine on Cognitive Functions in Treatment-Resistant Depression

Major depressive disorder is a public health issue that negatively impacts quality of life and leads to cognitive impairments, causing significant disruptions in work, education, and social life. Treatment-resistant depression is defined as the failure to achieve improvement in depressive symptoms despite the use of at least two different antidepressant medications at adequate doses and durations. Current pharmacological approaches are inadequate for about half of treatment-resistant depression patients, and the effects of these medications on cognitive impairments are limited. Therefore, there is a need for new and effective treatment methods. This review aims to evaluate the effects of ketamine and esketamine on cognitive functions in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression patients. Relevant literature has been reviewed and recent studies have been evaluated. The results of randomized controlled trials indicate that ketamine is effective in treating treatment-resistant depression and can improve specific cognitive domains. Significant improvements in cognitive functions such as visual memory, processing speed, working memory, and attention have been recorded in patients responding to 0.5 mg/kg ketamine infusion. However, long-term use of ketamine may have negative effects on spatial working memory. Esketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has shown rapid and effective antidepressant outcomes, providing stability or improvement in cognitive functions. Additionally, its intranasal administration offers practical advantages. However, findings suggest that high doses of esketamine may have neurotoxic effects and negatively impact cognitive functions. The effects of both drugs on depressive symptoms and cognitive functions vary depending on dose, duration of use, and frequency of administration. In conclusion, while ketamine and esketamine show significant potential in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and improvement of cognitive symptoms, further research is needed regarding their long-term effects and safety.

Heavy menstrual bleeding clinics for adolescents.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common symptom in adolescence, often leading to significant disruptions in daily life, such as school absences, shame caused by the stigma surrounding menstruation, and symptoms from iron deficiency. Further, HMB may be the first and/or only sign of an underlying bleeding disorder. Navigating the symptoms, effects, and treatments of HMB during adolescence requires a collaborative approach between the patient, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This work can be effectively and efficiently conducted in interdisciplinary clinics, where patients see hematology, gynecology, and adolescent providers. In these settings, healthcare providers exchange knowledge and expertise, after which they can reach a consensus for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. Development and implementation of an interdisciplinary hematology and gynecology clinic can be challenging; however, the crucial rationale is that established clinics improve patient outcomes. Using an example interdisciplinary adolescent clinic, we outline the critical components needed to execute a successful clinic for adolescents with HMB and share key takeaways.

Patient perspectives on low back pain treatment in primary care: a qualitative study of hopes, expectations, and experiences

BackgroundPatients’ hopes and expectations for low back pain treatment influence their consultation experiences and treatment outcomes. These hopes and expectations may evolve over time, potentially leading to a shift in what patients consider important before and after a consultation. Understanding the distinction between hopes and expectations, and how they evolve is important for improving patient care. This study explored patients’ hopes and expectations prior to LBP consultations and examined how these were reflected in their post-consultation experiences.MethodsWe employed a qualitative design consisting of individual semi-structured pre- and post-consultation interviews with patients seeking care for low back pain from general practitioners, physiotherapists, and chiropractors in Denmark. A convenience sample of 18 patients (10 females and 8 males) aged between 28 and 79 years were interviewed about their hopes and expectations before a consultation and their experiences immediately following the consultation. Data were analysed employing Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.ResultsTwo themes with five subthemes were developed: (1) “Something needs to be done,” which included subthemes related to life disruption, expectations of clinical assessment, and the clinicians as experts; and (2) “Experiences and emotional responses to the interaction with the clinician”, highlighting the importance of trust and the personal attributes of clinicians. Patients initially sought urgent help and clarity regarding their condition but shifted their focus post-consultation to the relational dynamics and emotional engagement experienced during interactions with clinicians.ConclusionsThis study contributes to the understanding of how patients’ hopes and expectations regarding low back pain consultations evolve, shifting from a focus on clinical actions and outcomes to valuing interpersonal relationships and emotional support from clinicians. Recognising these shifts can enhance clinician-patient interactions and improve overall patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Experience and Needs of Patients With Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Study.

The incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (YOCRC; defined as patients who are diagnosed with CRC before age 50 years) is rising rapidly, and CRC is predicted to be the leading cause of cancer death in this age group by 2030. Yet, there has been limited research into the experiences and needs of patients with YOCRC and their caregivers. The goal of this study was to better understand the experiences and needs of patients with YOCRC and their caregivers. Semistructured focus groups were conducted with patients with YOCRC, caregivers of patients with YOCRC, and bereaved caregivers of patients with YOCRC. Focus group discussion guides addressed the experience and impact of diagnosis and treatment of YOCRC. Results were analyzed using a thematic analysis informed by framework analysis. Twenty patients and caregivers participated in three focus groups (eight patients, seven caregivers, and five bereaved caregivers). Four primary themes were identified: (1) feeling overwhelmed by the health care system and desiring patient navigation; (2) feeling isolated and wanting opportunities for peer support; (3) life disruption because of difficulty juggling multiple roles and desiring psychosocial support; and (4) enthusiasm about participation in research and genetic testing. This study identified and described the unique experiences and care needs of patients with YOCRC and their caregivers. The findings provide evidence that specialized models of care are needed. The results of this study informed the development of a center dedicated to the care of patients with YOCRC.

Ritual Arrhythmia and Religious Dissonance: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Greek and Cypriot Orthodoxies

This article analyzes the discussion and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic within the Orthodox Churches of Greece and Cyprus. First, we investigate the attitudes, responses, and reactions of these churches towards the various facets of the pandemic. Second, our research also covers the area of “lived religion” by exploring the religious practices of active believers and their responses to the transformations and innovations in their religious habits and towards official church policies. Using Lefebvre’s “rhythmanalysis,” we concentrate on the phenomenon of “ritual arrhythmia” that resulted not only in the disruption of ritual life, but also in ritual transformation and innovation. By combining these two different strands of research, we aim to provide a more holistic picture of what “pandemic Orthodoxy” looked like in our specific contexts.

Expanding the Connection Between Cognition and Illness Intrusiveness in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease factors, such as cognitive impairment, can cause disruptions in meaningful activities, also known as illness intrusiveness. Although the association between specific objective measures of cognition and illness intrusiveness has been documented in MS, the contributions of individuals' perceptions of their cognition or whether any psychological factors can buffer the relationship have yet to be explored. This study aimed to (1) simultaneously examine objective processing speed and subjective cognition as disease factors contributing to illness intrusiveness and (2) explore whether resilience moderates the relationship between cognition and illness intrusiveness. Participants (N = 112) were individuals with MS who completed the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), and MS Resiliency Scale (MSRS) as part of a larger cross-sectional study. A hierarchical linear regression was done, followed by individual moderation analyses. Both the PDQ (b = .43, P = .001) and SDMT (b = -4.17, P = .003) were independent predictors of the IIRS. There was no evidence of moderation in either model, although the MSRS independently contributed to the IIRS. Among individuals with MS, objective processing speed and subjective cognition were independently associated with illness intrusiveness, highlighting the importance of considering both cognitive performance and perceptions as contributing factors to life disruptions.

Application and effectiveness of adaptive AI in elderly healthcare.

In addressing elderly healthcare issues, cognitive impairment can cause significant disruptions in daily life and may potentially develop into dementia. Thus, finding ways to delay the progression of cognitive impairment is a critical issue. This study aims to develop an adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) mechanism that creates enjoyable and beneficial content to help delay cognitive impairment in the elderly. Utilising virtual reality (VR) and a fishing game, the design enhances reaction time and attention through interactive fishing activities. The AI personalises content based on individual performance to improve cognitive function. Experimental results showed that adaptive AI increased participant satisfaction from 86.84 to 91.05 points and future willingness from 75.26 to 85.68 points. The number of fish caught rose from 98 to 120, with the average per participant increasing from 2.64 to 2.85. This is undoubtedly the trend of the future. VR allows the elderly to have a more impactful and memorable first experience, while AI dynamically adjusts the game's difficulty based on the elderly's performance, addressing the issue of reduced willingness to continue due to inappropriate game difficulty. The VR game developed in this study is designed to be relaxing and incorporates mechanisms to promote the elderly's health. It is not restricted by location or time and, more importantly, meets the health promotion needs of the elderly.

Household exposure to COVID‐19 and life insurance holdings

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in substantial loss of life and economic disruption, leading to a reevaluation of financial planning strategies. This paper examines the relationship between household exposure to COVID‐19 and their life insurance holdings using data from a nationwide household survey in the US. The results indicate that households diagnosed with COVID‐19 are more likely to own life insurance and hold a larger amount of coverage due to the pandemic, with these effects significantly influenced by the bequest motive. Conversely, hospitalization and the death of family members due to COVID‐19 are negatively correlated with life insurance holdings. The implications can inform household and industry decisions to enhance household financial welfare in response to pandemic risks.