Effective Preventive Interventions Research Articles

Increased prevalence of recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma arising from buccal mucosa: A pervasive threat requiring multidimensional perspectives

Perspective goalSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa is at a higher risk of local recurrence. Surgery in this area is complex and frequently results in close or positive margins, which increases the risk of recurrence. A margin distance of less than 1 mm from the tumour is linked to a higher rate of recurrence. DiscussionAnatomic, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to its resurgence. Effective prevention strategies, early detection, and treatment require a multidimensional approach. Understanding genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors can help develop effective prevention strategies, improve early detection, and enhance treatment outcomes. ConclusionDespite advancements in medical technology and awareness campaigns, the aggressive nature of SCC and its adverse impact on patient's quality of life necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its factors. A comprehensive and multidimensional approach is crucial for combating this pervasive public health threat. By integrating this knowledge into prevention strategies, healthcare professionals can work towards reducing the burden of SCC and enhancing patients' quality of life.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Risk of Future Hepatocarcinoma

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. While NAFLD itself is generally considered benign, it can progress to more severe forms such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The risk of developing hepatocarcinoma in individuals with NAFLD is considerably higher than in the general population. Factors such as obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and inflammation contribute to the development and progression of NAFLD and its subsequent transformation into hepatocarcinoma. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and timely treatment of co-existing conditions are crucial in mitigating the risk of hepatocarcinoma among patients with NAFLD. Further research into the underlying mechanisms linking NAFLD to hepatocarcinoma is essential for developing effective preventive strategies and treatments for this increasingly prevalent condition.

#2593 Comparison of four predictive scoring models as assessment tools for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury in post cardiac surgery patients

Abstract Background and Aims Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a predominant contributor to hospital-acquired AKI in ICU following sepsis. Despite a rising frequency of CSA-AKI, currently examined predictive models have not consistently delivered accurate stratification. Utilizing risk stratification systems offers clinicians the opportunity to identify patients at high risk, extend monitoring intervals, facilitate timely referral to nephrology services, and promptly initiate effective preventive and therapeutic interventions known to enhance renal function. This study seeks to identify the most effective model by comparing four established predictive scoring systems. The objective of this single-center retrospective, cross sectional study is to compare the clinical values of the Cleveland Clinical Score, Mehta Score, Simplified Renal Index and Acute Kidney Injury following Cardiac Surgery (AKICS) Score in predicting CS-AKI among patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Method A comprehensive examination of medical records was conducted for all individuals who underwent open-heart surgery between January 2010 and January 2019. Those patients who had CSA-AKI were subsequently identified. These identified individuals underwent assessment using the four predictive scoring models, leading to their categorization into high or low-risk groups for AKI development. Binary logistics regression was then used to describe the association between CSA-AKI development and the four scoring methods as predictors. Results Among the 114 cases of open-heart surgeries, 86 were eligible for inclusion in the study. Half of the patients, specifically 43 individuals (50%), developed CS-AKI, with 5 requiring renal replacement therapy. Among the four scoring methods evaluated, only the Mehta score (95% CI, p 0.019) and AKICS score (95% CI, p 0.011) demonstrated statistical significance in predicting CS-AKI. The odds ratios for both the Mehta Score (1.10) and AKICS Score (1.19) exceeded 1, suggesting that an increase in either score is associated with a higher likelihood of AKI occurrence. Conversely, the Cleveland Clinical Score (p 0.106) and Simplified Renal Index (p 0.399) were not found to be predictive. Conclusion In this single-center study, both the Mehta score and the AKICS scoring system demonstrated predictability for AKI after open-heart surgery. However, the Cleveland Clinical Scoring and Simplified Renal Index did not exhibit predictive capability in this context.

Favorable Lifestyle Behaviors as Reverse Risk Factors and Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Background. Lifestyle behaviors such as sleep, sedentary behavior, physical activity (PA) or exercise, and diet may influence risk for postpartum depression (PPD) or serve as treatment options for those diagnosed with PPD. The purpose of this review was to summarize existing research about four key lifestyle behaviors (sleep, sedentary behavior, PA and exercise, and diet) and their potential influence on PPD. Methods. Studies that were published in English after 2000 were drawn from the PubMed database. Observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized, controlled trials that enrolled >50 participants were considered for inclusion. Results. Quality sleep and PA or exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period may reduce PPD risk or help improve PPD symptoms. Data regarding the utility of intervening on diet patterns or specific nutrients for lessening PPD risk or serving as PPD treatment are inconsistent. Evidence for vitamin D supplementation is extensive, while evidence supporting other vitamins, nutrients, and minerals remains inconclusive. Research linking sedentary behavior and PPD is extremely limited. Conclusion. Sleep quality and PA or exercise may reduce the risk of PPD or mitigate its symptoms. Further high- quality research studies examining the relationship between sedentary behavior and PPD risk are necessary. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, alone or in conjunction with other evidence-based strategies recommended by healthcare providers, may serve as effective preventive measures and treatments for PPD in the pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Assessment of the Effects of Physiotherapy on Back Care and Prevention of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in children and adolescents has increased in recent years, and the evidence of the physiotherapy interventions in back care needs to be updated. Our main goal was to quantify the effects of preventive physiotherapy interventions on improving behavior and knowledge related to back care and prevention of NSLBP in children and adolescents. Based on two previous meta-analyses, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PEDro, Web of Science, LILACS, IBECS, PsycINFO, and IME databases and several journals were searched. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the studies using the RoB2 tool. Data were described according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 24 studies (28 reports) were included. In the posttest, the behavior variable obtained an overall effect size of d+ = 1.48 (95%CI: 0.40 to 2.56), and the knowledge variable obtained an effect size of d+ = 1.41 (95%CI: 1.05 to 1.76). Physiotherapy has demonstrated beneficial impacts on behavior and knowledge concerning back care and to prevent NSLBP in children and adolescents. Interventions focusing on postural hygiene and exercise should be preferred, especially those that are shorter in number of weeks, more intense, and incorporate as many intervention hours as possible.

Ziabetus (Prediabetes): A Harbinger of Critical Stage in the Continuum of Glucose Metabolism Disorder: A Review

Background: Prediabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by blood glucose levels higher than normal but below the threshold for diabetes mellitus. It represents a critical stage in the progression towards type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications. The two major pathophysiologic defects responsible for losing glucose tolerance are insulin resistance and β-cell glucose insensitivity, both appearing in subjects of Intermediate Hyperglycaemia. In classical literature, Unani physicians have described the initial symptoms and factors leading to the pathology, the risk factors are described in terms of ‘Su-e-mizaj’ as per the concept of Tibb. So, it is considered in the context of Ziabetus which is described as a disease that develops due to Sue-mizaj haar (abnormal hot temperament). The symptoms mentioned in Unani medicine are increased frequency of micturition (ants and flies are attracted to urine), increased thirst, nocturia, dryness of mouth and whole body, fatigue, loss of weight, malaise, and cramps in lower extremities. The modern drug-based approach for the management of Intermediate Hyperglycaemia is associated with inherent drawbacks, including toxicity, tolerability, cost, and efficacy. Objective: The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth understanding of prediabetes concerning the classical literature of Greek medicine based on the analysis of certain parameters like etiopathophysiology, current diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and evidence-based management strategies. By synthesizing findings from epidemiological studies, and clinical trials, this paper aims to enhance understanding of prediabetes and facilitate effective preventive measures and interventions. Keywords: Prediabetes, Intermediate hyperglycaemia, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, Impaired Fasting Glucose, Insulin Resistance.

The association between energy‐adjusted dietary inflammatory index and 10‐year cardiovascular risk: Fasa adult cohort study

AbstractA healthy diet is dominant in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Inflammation is pivotal for CVD development. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the pro‐inflammatory diet and the CVD risk. This cross‐sectional study involved 10,138 Fasa adult cohort study participants. After excluding participants with missing data, the Energy‐Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E‐DII) was calculated to assess the inflammatory potential of diet using the recorded Food Frequency Questionnaire. Framingham risk score (FRS) was used to predict the 10‐year risk of CVD. The association between E‐DII and high risk for CVD was investigated using multinominal regression. After exclusion, the mean age of studied individuals (n = 10,030) was 48.6 ± 9.6 years, including 4522 men. Most participants were low risk (FRS <10%) for CVD (87.6%), while 2.7% of them were high risk (FRS ≥20%). The median FRS was 2.80 (1.70, 6.30). The E‐DII ranged from −4.22 to 4.49 (mean E‐DII = 0.880 ± 1.127). E‐DII was significantly associated with FRS. This result persisted after adjusting for confounding factors and in both genders. This study revealed that the pro‐inflammatory diet significantly increases the CVD risk. Consequently, reducing the inflammatory potential of diet should be considered an effective dietary intervention in CVD prevention.

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of supportive parents – coping kids (SPARCK)—a transdiagnostic and personalized parent training intervention to prevent childhood mental health problems

BackgroundTo meet the scientific and political call for effective prevention of child and youth mental health problems and associated long-term consequences, we have co-created, tested, and optimized a transdiagnostic preventive parent-training intervention, Supportive parents – coping kids (SPARCK), together with and for the municipal preventive frontline services. The target group of SPARCK is parents of children between 4 and 12 years who display symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or behavioral problems, that is, indicated prevention. The intervention consists of components from various empirically supported interventions representing different theorical models on parent–child interactions and child behavior and psychopathology (i.e., behavioral management interventions, attachment theory, emotion socialization theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family accommodation intervention). The content and target strategies of SPARCK are tailored to the needs of the families and children, and the manual suggests how the target strategies may be personalized and combined throughout the maximum 12 sessions of the intervention. The aim of this project is to investigate the effectiveness of SPARCK on child symptoms, parenting practices, and parent and child stress hormone levels, in addition to later use of specialized services compared with usual care (UC; eg. active comparison group).MethodsWe describe a randomized controlled effectiveness trial in the frontline services of child welfare, health, school health and school psychological counselling services in 24 Norwegian municipalities. It is a two-armed parallel group randomized controlled effectiveness and superiority trial with 252 families randomly allocated to SPARCK or UC. Assessment of key variables will be conducted at pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up.DiscussionThe current study will contribute with knowledge on potential effects of a preventive transdiagnostic parent-training intervention when compared with UC. Our primary objective is to innovate frontline services with a usable, flexible, and effective intervention for prevention of childhood mental health problems to promote equity in access to care for families and children across a heterogeneous service landscape characterized by variations in available resources, personnel, and end user symptomatology.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NTCT05800522

Effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management: An umbrella review.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Globally, the number of cases of HIV continues to increase. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions have emerged as promising tools to support disease self-management among people living with HIV. The purpose of this umbrella review is to systematically evaluate and summarize the evidence and results of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for reviews. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2. A total of 22 systematic reviews were included. The methodological quality of the reviews was low or critically low. EHealth interventions range from Internet, computer, or mobile interventions to websites, programs, applications, email, video, games, telemedicine, texting, and social media, or a combination of them. The majority of the reviews showed evidence of effectiveness (including increased participation in HIV management behaviours, successfully changed HIV testing behaviours, and reduced risk behaviours). EHealth interventions were effective in the short term. Ehealth interventions have the potential to improve HIV prevention, HIV testing and disease management. Due to the limitations of the low methodological quality of the currently available systematic reviews, more high-quality evidence is needed to develop clear and robust recommendations.

Women's perspectives on mHealth behavior change interventions for the management of overweight, obesity, or gestational diabetes: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

mHealth interventions play an increasingly important role in health behavior change for gestational diabetes or peripartum obesity management. This qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis aims to explore women's perceptions of mHealth behavior change interventions for gestational diabetes and/or overweight/obesity management during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO) databases were searched using a Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type (SPIDER) concept framework through to February 2024. Included studies were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Study findings were evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis and GRADE-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) checklist. We identified 29 studies, representing 604 women's views from one upper middle-income and nine high-income countries. Two themes were generated: mHealth as a supportive tool; and mHealth as a personalizable tool. Women highlighted the importance of self-monitoring, information trustworthiness, peer support, motivational tools (goal setting, risk awareness, and problem solving) and convenience in achieving behavior change using mHealth technology. They suggest mHealth programs incorporate these elements to support user engagement and improved health outcomes. Understanding what women want as mHealth users is particularly important for effective interventions in gestational diabetes, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. Creating a better, more woman-centered experience by addressing central engagement issues should result in improved maternal health outcomes.

The Impact of Digital Life on Oral Health: A Critical Review

The widespread adoption of digital technologies has transformed various aspects of daily life, including communication, entertainment, and work. This review examines the potential implications of digital life on oral health, focusing on behaviours such as increased screen time, sedentary habits, and altered dietary patterns associated with digital device usage. Additionally, the impact of social media on oral health perceptions and behaviours is explored. Furthermore, the role of digital tools, such as tele-health and mobile applications, in promoting oral hygiene and facilitating access to dental care is discussed. Understanding the multifaceted influence of digital life on oral health is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and interventions to mitigate potential adverse effects and promote overall oral health and well-being in the digital age.

Prevalence of Neck Pain and Associated Disabilities among Students who Use Computers

Background: Neck pain is increasingly prevalent among computer users, leading to significant health concerns and impacting daily activities. Understanding the prevalence and associated disabilities of neck pain in this population is crucial for developing effective preventive measures and interventions. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of neck pain and associated disabilities among university students who use computers, and to identify the factors contributing to these conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore. A sample of 144 students from DPT, MBBS, BDS, and Pharm-D programs, aged 20-28 years, was selected. Participants included both males and females who used computers for more than two hours daily and had no history of cervical trauma or underlying medical conditions. Data were collected using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics summarizing demographic information and inferential statistics examining associations between neck pain and risk factors. Results: The study found that 29.2% of participants reported no pain, 20.8% had very mild pain, 45.8% had moderate pain, and 4.2% experienced severe pain. Weak correlations were observed between neck pain and disabilities, with 33.33% of participants able to care for themselves without pain, 62.50% able to care for themselves with extra pain, and 4.17% finding personal care difficult and slow. Regarding headaches, 16.67% reported no headaches, 20.83% had slight headaches infrequently, and 62.50% experienced moderate headaches frequently. Conclusion: The study concluded that a significant number of university students suffer from neck pain due to prolonged computer use, with most experiencing mild to moderate pain. Preventive measures, including ergonomic interventions and educational initiatives on proper posture and taking breaks, are essential to reduce the incidence of neck pain and improve the quality of life for computer users.

Preventive efficacy of 38% silver diamine fluoride and CPP-ACP fluoride varnish on molars affected by molar incisor hypomineralization in children: A randomized controlled trial

Background This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride varnish (CPP-ACPFV) in preventing caries development, enamel breakdown, and sensitivity on molars affected by molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children. Methods A total of 100 children aged 6 to 9 years were enrolled in the study with two contralateral permanent molars mildly affected by MIH. Affected molars were randomly and equally assigned to receive either SDF or CPP-ACPFV treatment. The interventions were applied at four different time points (baseline, 3, 6, 9 months), and the incidence of caries, caries progression, enamel breakdown, and sensitivity were assessed. Results The findings of this study revealed significant differences in the incidence of caries between the groups treated with SDF and CPP-ACPFV (P-value < 0.05). Similarly, there was a significant difference in caries progression between the two groups (P-value < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in enamel breakdown scores between the treatment groups, as the majority of teeth in both groups exhibited a score of 0. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in sensitivity between the treatment groups throughout the study period. Conclusions In conclusion, the results of this study provide evidence that molars treated with SDF demonstrated a lower incidence of caries and a higher rate of caries arrest compared to those treated with CPP-ACPFV. Both interventions showed promise in preventing enamel breakdown and improving sensitivity. These findings highlight the potential of SDF and CPP-ACPFV as effective treatments for caries prevention and management, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and appropriate dental care strategies in maintaining oral health. Trial registration ISRCTN54243749 (13/01/2022).

LASSO-based nomogram predicts the risk factors of low anterior resection syndrome for middle and low rectal cancer underwent robotic surgery.

This study aims to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) in patients with middle and low rectal cancer who underwent robotic surgery. It also seeks to predict the probability of LARS through a visual, quantitative, and graphical nomogram. This approach is expected to lower the risk of postoperative LARS in these patients and improve their quality of life through effective prevention and early intervention. This research involved patients with middle and low rectal cancer who underwent robotic surgery in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2015 to October 2022. A series of intestinal dysfunction symptoms arising from postoperative rectal cancer were diagnosed and graded using LARS scoring criteria. After the initial screening of all variables related to LARS with Lasso regression, they were included in logistic regression for further univariate and multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for LARS. A prediction model was then constructed. The study included 358 patients. The parameters identified by Lasso regression included obstruction, BMI, tumor localization, maximum tumor diameter, AJCC stage, stoma, neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), and postoperative adjuvant therapy (AT). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that a higher BMI, lower tumor localization, higher AJCC stage, neoadjuvant therapy, and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent risk factors for total LARS. The AUC of the prediction nomogram was 0.834, with a sensitivity of 0.825 and specificity of 0.741. The calibration curve demonstrated excellent concordance with the nomogram, indicating the prediction curve fit the diagonal well. Higher BMI, lower tumor localization, higher AJCC stage, neoadjuvant therapy, and adjuvant therapy were identified as independent risk factors for total LARS. A new predictive nomogram for postoperative LARS in patients with middle and low rectal cancer undergoing robotic surgery was developed, proving to be stable and reliable. This tool will assist clinicians in managing the postoperative treatment of these patients, facilitating better clinical decision-making and maximizing patient benefits.

Prediction and causal inference of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases based on lifestyle questionnaires

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD) are prominent mortality causes in Japan, necessitating effective preventative measures, early diagnosis, and treatment to mitigate their impact. A diagnostic model was developed to identify patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, or both, using specific health examination data. Lifestyle habits affecting CCVD development were analyzed using five causal inference methods. This study included 473,734 patients aged ≥ 40 years who underwent specific health examinations in Kanazawa, Japan between 2009 and 2018 to collect data on basic physical information, lifestyle habits, and laboratory parameters such as diabetes, lipid metabolism, renal function, and liver function. Four machine learning algorithms were used: Random Forest, Logistic regression, Light Gradient Boosting Machine, and eXtreme-Gradient-Boosting (XGBoost). The XGBoost model exhibited superior area under the curve (AUC), with mean values of 0.770 (± 0.003), 0.758 (± 0.003), and 0.845 (± 0.005) for stroke, IHD, and CCVD, respectively. The results of the five causal inference analyses were summarized, and lifestyle behavior changes were observed after the onset of CCVD. A causal relationship from ‘reduced mastication’ to ‘weight gain’ was found for all causal species theory methods. This prediction algorithm can screen for asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and stroke. By selecting high-risk patients suspected of having CCVD, resources can be used more efficiently for secondary testing.

Interventions to prevent or manage workplace violence against student nurses during clinical placement: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to investigate the effectiveness of workplace violence management or prevention interventions, including strategies, protocols, and policies, to address violence against, and provide support to, registered nursing students (RNS) following incidents of violence during clinical placement. Workplace violence is a global issue that affects victims' physical and mental health. RNS are especially vulnerable to workplace violence because of their limited work experience and confidence. These students often feel shocked and unprepared when experiencing workplace violence due to limited education and support provided by educational institutions or clinical sites. Workplace violence can lead to anxiety, decreased confidence, and professional attrition. There is a need to systematically synthesize the evidence on workplace violence management and prevention to support nursing students during clinical placement. The review will consider studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions to address workplace violence or improve support for RNS. Studies that report on educational interventions or pre-clinical placement strategies and measure the preparedness of students will also be considered. Study designs will be limited to quantitative methods that evaluate intervention effectiveness. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central, ERIC (ProQuest), ProQuest Central, ProQuest Social Science Premium Collection, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. Two independent reviewers will screen, review, appraise, and extract data from eligible articles. For data synthesis, studies will be pooled using JBI SUMARI. The GRADE approach for grading the certainty of evidence will be followed and a Summary of Findings will be created. PROSPERO CRD42022377318.

Validity of a common measure of intimate partner violence perpetration: Impact on study inference in trials in low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundIn lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs), studies of interventions to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration are expanding yet measurement equivalence of the construct has not been established. We assessed the measurement equivalence of physical and sexual IPV perpetration used in recent trials in LMICs and tested the impact of non-invariance on trial inference. MethodsWith data from three recent intervention trials among men (sample size 505–1537 across studies), we calculated tetrachoric correlations among items and used multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis to assess invariance across arms and over time. We also assessed treatment effects adjusting for covariate imbalance and using inverse probability to treatment weights to assess concordance of invariant measures with published results, where warranted. Findings.The average correlation among items was high and increased over time with several items in two studies showing correlations ≥0.85 at endline. Increases in correlation for physical IPV were concentrated in the treatment arm in two of the studies. The increase in correlation in sexual IPV differed by arm across studies. Across all studies, a correlated two-factor solution was the best fitting model according to the EFAs and CFAs. One study demonstrated measurement invariance across arms and over time. In two of the studies, longitudinal measurement non-invariance was detected in the intervention arms. In post hoc testing, one study attained invariance with a one-factor model and study inference was concordant with published findings. The other study did not attain even partial invariance. ConclusionCommon measures of physical and sexual IPV perpetration cannot be used for valid effect estimation without further refinement. The study highlights the need for an expanded item set, content validity assessments, further measurement invariance testing, and then consistent use of the item sets in future intervention trials to support accurate inference on the effectiveness of IPV perpetration prevention interventions.

Opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening in primary care in Ireland: results of a pilot screening programme

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF), a common, frequently asymptomatic cardiac arrhythmia, is a major risk factor for stroke. Identification of AF enables effective preventive treatment to be offered, potentially reducing stroke risk...

Porous Se@SiO2 nanocomposites play a potential inhibition role in hyperoxaluria associated kidney stone by exerting antioxidant effects.

Nephrolithiasis seriously affects people's health with increasing prevalence and high recurrence rates. However, there is still a lack of effective interventions for the clinical prevention of kidney stones. Hyperoxaluria-induced renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury is a known key factor in kidney stone formation. Thus, developing new drugs to inhibit the hyperoxaluria-induced TEC injury may be the best way. We synthesized the Se@SiO2 nanocomposites as described in Zhu's study. The size and morphology of the Se@SiO2 nanocomposites were captured by transmission electron microscopy. Cell viability was measured by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: (I) the control group (n=6); (II) the Se@SiO2 group (n=6); (III) the glyoxylic acid monohydrate (GAM) group; and (IV) the GAM + Se@SiO2 group (n=6). The concentration of Se in the mice was quantified using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The CCK-8 assays showed that Se@SiO2 nanocomposites had almost no obvious cytotoxicity on the Transformed C3H Mouse Kidney-1 (TCMK-1) cell. The mice kidney Se concentration levels in the Se@SiO2 groups (Se@SiO2 6.905±0.074 mg/kg; GAM + Se@SiO2 7.673±2.85 mg/kg) (n=6) were significantly higher than those in the control group (Control 0.727±0.072 mg/kg; GAM 0.747±0.074 mg/kg) (n=6). The Se@SiO2 nanocomposites reduced kidney injury, calcium oxalate crystal deposition, and the osteoblastic-associated proteins in the hyperoxaluria mice models. Se@SiO2 nanocomposites appear to protect renal TECs from hyperoxaluria by reducing reactive oxygen species production, suggesting the potential role of preventing kidney stone formation and recurrence.

Understanding the Factors Promoting Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. This review aimed to identify and understand key factors promoting MTCT and assess the effectiveness of current prevention interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases using relevant keywords and approximately 57 individual literatures was reviewed. Studies focusing on MTCT in Nigeria published after 2015 were included. Eligible studies were critically appraised for quality and relevance. Findings indicate significant knowledge gap (such as misconceptions about transmission routes, limited understanding of prevention methods, delay in seeking testing and care and inconsistent adherence to Antiretroviral therapy) among pregnant women regarding HIV transmission, persistent stigma and discrimination hindering access to PMTCT services, and challenges within the healthcare system such as geographical disparities and inadequate provider training. Cultural practices, including breastfeeding and postnatal rituals, further exacerbate MTCT risk. Male partner involvement emerges as a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of PMTCT. Existing interventions showed moderate effectiveness, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Strengthening multi-level interventions addressing social, economic, and cultural determinants, alongside culturally sensitive approaches and increased male engagement, are crucial to address MTCT and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions tailored to specific contexts and populations.