Focus Of Interventions Research Articles

Variation in Hypertension Control by Race and Ethnicity, and Geography in US Veterans.

Hypertension control and related cardiovascular outcomes among Americans remain suboptimal, and differ by race, ethnicity, and geography. Healthcare access is one of multiple critical factors in hypertension control. Understanding the degree to which healthcare access, versus other factors, produce these outcomes can inform policies and interventions to improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce disparities. Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System data provide a unique opportunity to understand residual racial and ethnic differences in hypertension control after accounting for healthcare access. Our objective was to describe pre-pandemic post-Affordable Care Act implementation hypertension control by geographic sector and race and ethnicity, and assess spatial clustering of hypertension control. A secondary data analysis of hypertension control among US veterans (n=1 619 414) nationwide and in 4 US territories was conducted using electronic health record data. Age- and sex-adjusted regression models estimated overall and race- and ethnicity-specific rates by geographic sector. We created choropleth maps of hypertension control rates and assessed spatial autocorrelation. Hypertension control rates varied across sectors by race and ethnicity (range, 44.1%-97.5%); Black veterans, followed by American Indian or Alaska Native veterans, had the lowest mean control rates (72.5% and 75.4%, respectively). There was clustering of low hypertension control rates for Black veterans in the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas, and for American Indian or Alaska Native veterans in the West and Southwest. Hypertension control rates varied geographically for veteran groups experiencing racial and ethnic disparities. Geographic areas with concentrations of low rates of hypertension control should be a focus for interventions to address racial and ethnic disparities.

Improving apgar scores and reducing perineal injuries through midwife-led quality improvements: an observational study in Uganda

BackgroundGlobally, the quality of maternal and newborn care remains inadequate, as seen through indicators like perineal injuries and low Apgar scores. While midwifery practices have the potential to improve care quality and health outcomes, there is a lack of evidence on how midwife-led initiatives, particularly those aimed at improving the use of dynamic birth positions, intrapartum support, and perineal protection, affect these outcomes.ObjectiveTo explore how the use of dynamic birth positions, intrapartum support, and perineal protection impact the incidence of perineal injuries and the 5-min Apgar score within the context of a midwife-led quality improvement intervention.MethodsA cohort of 630 women with uncomplicated full-term pregnancies was recruited from a hospital in Uganda. Observations and questionnaires assessed birth positions, intrapartum support, perineal protection, health outcomes and maternal characteristics. Primary outcomes included perineal injuries and the 5-min Apgar scores. The primary outcomes were analysed using descriptive data, with trends visualised through a run chart to assess changes during the midwife-led Quality Improvement intervention. Secondary outcomes included postpartum haemorrhage, admission to neonatal intensive care, newborn resuscitation, skin-to-skin care, and breastfeeding initiation.ResultA statistically significant association was found between women having intact perineum (i.e., no perineal injuries) and giving birth in a dynamic birth position [AOR; 0.6 (95% CI 0.4 – 0.90)], receiving intrapartum support [AOR; 0.9 (95% CI 0.9 – 1.0)], and using perineal protection measures [AOR; 0.3 (95% CI 0.2 – 0.5)]. Newborns with an Apgar score below seven at five minutes were significantly associated with intrapartum support [AOR; 0.8 (95% CI 0.7 – 1.0)] and perineal protection [AOR; 0.3 (95% CI 0.1 – 0.8)]. However, after adjustment, no significant association was found between Apgar score and birth positions [AOR; 0.5 (95% CI 0.2 – 1.5)]. Perineal injuries and low Apgar scores significantly decreased (p < 0.001) during the Midwife-led Quality Improvement intervention period.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that low 5-min Apgar scores and perineal injuries decreased during a midwife-led Quality Improvement intervention focusing on dynamic birth positions, intrapartum support, and perineal protection strategies.Clinical trialThis study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as of 14th February 2022, under registration number NCT05237375.

Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss and Physical Function in Young to Middle-Aged Adult Patients With Diabetes: Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Recently, it has been reported that older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have lower skeletal muscle mass than healthy individuals. Although skeletal muscle mass in older adults with diabetes is occasionally reported, similar reports on young to middle-aged adults are limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence of skeletal muscle loss in young to middle-aged adults with diabetes, examine the relationship between skeletal muscle loss and physical function in these patients, and examine whether there are differences in these characteristics between men and women. This cross-sectional, observational study included patients younger than 65 years with T2DM who were admitted to our hospital between 2014 and 2022 for educational admission for glycemic control and requested rehabilitation by the Department of Metabolic Medicine. The control group consisted of patients who received rehabilitation during their hospitalization at our hospital and did not have diabetes. The main parameters included skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and activities of daily living. The prevalence of skeletal muscle mass loss in this study was 18.2% (10/55) in men and 7.7% (4/52) in women. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was 7.7 (SD 0.8) and 8.4 (SD 0.5) for men in the T2DM and control groups, respectively, and 7.0 (SD 0.9) and 6.8 (SD 0.7) for women in the T2DM and control groups, respectively. Therefore, compared with the nondiabetes group, a significant difference was observed in men but not in women (men: P<.001, women: P=.35). Nonetheless, the diabetes group exhibited significantly lower physical functions, such as a walking speed of 1.3 (SD 0.2) m/s and 1.2 (SD 0.43) m/s for men and women in the T2DM group and 1.6 (SD 0.2) m/s and 1.5 (SD 0.1) m/s for men and women in the control group, respectively (men: P<.001, women: P<.001). One-leg standing time was measured as 30.7 (SD 26.9) seconds and 29.4 (SD 25.5) seconds for men and women in the T2DM group, compared with 100.5 (SD 30.6) seconds and 82.5 (SD 39.8) seconds for men and women in the control group, respectively, with the T2DM group's times being significantly lower (men: P<.001, women: P<.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that SMI was significantly associated with age, BMI, and peripheral neuropathy (all P≤.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that BMI exhibited the strongest association (odds ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.23; P<.001), and peripheral neuropathy was also significantly associated with SMI (P=.009). Patients with diabetes, even those who are not older adults, face an elevated rate of skeletal muscle mass loss, muscle weakness, and a decline in physical function; moreover, they are susceptible to dynapenia and presarcopenia. Therefore, early intervention focusing on muscle evaluation and exercise is crucial.

A mixed-methods pilot randomized control trial of ultrasound visual biofeedback versus standard intervention for children with cleft palate ± cleft lip: Parents' and children's perspectives.

Ultrasound visual biofeedback (UVBF) has the potential to be useful for the treatment of compensatory errors in speakers with cleft palate ± lip (CP±L), but there is little research on its effectiveness, or on how acceptable families find the technique. This study reports on parents' and children's perspectives on taking part in a pilot randomized control trial of UVBF compared with articulation intervention. To determine the acceptability of randomization, UVBF and articulation intervention to families. We set feasibility criteria of at least 75% of responses rated as acceptable or positive in order to determine progression from a pilot to a full randomized control trial. A total of 19 families who received UVBF therapy (11 families) and articulation intervention (eight families) were invited to participate. Mixed methods were employed: two questionnaires to determine the acceptability of UVBF and articulation intervention, respectively; and semi-structured focus groups/interviews. Questionnaires were analysed for frequency of positive versus negative acceptability and the focus groups/interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and coded using the theoretical framework of acceptability. More than 75% of families rated randomization as acceptable and more than 75% of families rated both interventions as acceptable, with the caveat that half of the participants did not wish to continue articulation intervention after the study. For some families, this was because they felt further intervention was not required. Six families (three in each intervention) volunteered to take part in the focus groups/interviews. Results showed more positive than negative themes regarding acceptability, particularly affective attitude where high levels of enjoyment were expressed, although some participants found the articulation intervention 'boring'. In both groups, there was a considerable burden involved in travelling to the hospital location. Randomization in a clinical trial is acceptable to families; UVBF and articulation intervention are acceptable and indeed enjoyable. The burden of the additional outcome measures required for a clinical trial is manageable, although there is a travel burden for participants. Future studies should seek to mitigate the travel burden by considering additional locations for intervention. What is already known on the subject UVBF shows potential for teaching children with speech sound disorders new articulations. Previous studies looking at the acceptability of using ultrasound in speech intervention have only asked for the drawbacks of the intervention: finding the ultrasound gel to be cold and sticky and the probe to be uncomfortable. SLTs, however, believe that the technique offers advantages due to its ability to visualize tongue movements. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study asks parents and children for their full views about using ultrasound in speech intervention and compared this to articulation intervention. We also asked parents how they feel about being randomized to one of these interventions. Results were positive for both interventions, with parents highlighting the importance of intelligible speech to their child. Children enjoyed both interventions, though the articulation intervention could be 'boring' or 'repetitive'. For all families, there was a considerable burden travelling to clinics. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Clinicians can be assured that both articulation therapy and ultrasound therapy are acceptable to families. Efforts could be made to ensure that articulation intervention is not repetitive and that appointments are offered at locations which are accessible to families where possible.

Computer-assisted morphology training of reading with grade 2 and grade 3 poor readers

AbstractExplicit morphology instruction has been recommended for poor readers. Still, hardly any studies have compared the effectiveness of both explicit and implicit morphology training in relation to business-as-usual support in improving reading proficiency. In this study, 277 poor readers in Grades 2 and 3 participated in a computer-assisted eight-week intervention focusing on suffixes in a randomised control trial, with pre-, post- and follow-up assessment in schools for Swedish-speaking children in Finland. Students were randomly allocated into two experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group played a digital game with explicit instruction in lexical morphology (explicit). The other experimental group played the game without said instruction (implicit). Intervention and Grade effects were analysed using mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA). A significant time x group intervention effect was found only in the implicit vs. control group comparison between pre- and post-assessments; a moderate gain in identification of trained words assessed in a game-like manner was found in the implicit group unlike in controls. The difference in gain remained significant at follow-up for both grades. Additionally, third graders in the implicit group demonstrated a more significant improvement than controls in reading aloud pseudowords with trained suffixes, both in the pre‒post comparison and at follow-up. Results suggest that poor readers benefitted from implicit morphology training, but explicit instruction in lexical morphology (animations with verbal explanations) did not have a significant effect on reading proficiency.

Perfectionism and Suicidal Ideation in Outpatient Depressed Adults: The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem, Loneliness and Rumination

IntroductionIdentifying factors that contribute to the development of suicidal ideation (SI) is crucial for prevention and treatment. Perfectionistic Concerns (PC) represent the experience of external pressure to be perfect and have been consistently linked to SI, but it is unclear how PC and SI are associated in depressed adults. This study examined the association between PC and SI and whether self-esteem, loneliness and rumination (brooding, reflection and depression-related rumination) moderated this association in a clinical sample.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a psychiatric outpatient sample of depressed adults, selected for the presence of SI. In total 110 adults (mean age 33.54 (SD = 12.03) and 60% female) participated in this study. Associations were estimated by regression analyses.ResultsPC was not associated with SI in the sample (r = .16, p = .087). However, high levels of PC in combination with low self-esteem (β = -.29, p = .007) or with high levels of depression-related rumination (β = .22, p = .017) were positively associated with SI. Loneliness, brooding and reflection did not moderate the PC-SI relationship.DiscussionThese findings underline the importance of taking into account the individual characteristics in depressed, perfectionistic individuals when estimating SI severity and selecting the focus of intervention. Due to the cross-sectional design no causal inferences can be made.

Beauty growth-mindset promotes prosocial and altruistic behavior

The effects of beauty on judgment and behavior are well-established and somewhat “unidirectional” (i.e., it seems that only beautiful people reap social benefits). In particular, a person’s beauty does not seem to have any effect on his/her own prosocial behavior. In the current research, we focus on how people relate themselves to beauty, namely beauty mindset, and how it may shape prosocial and altruistic behavior. We present 10 experiments (N = 4,449). Participants who hold a beauty growth-mindset (i.e., believing that beauty is improvable) donated more money to charity (vs. fixed-mindset), were more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19 after exposure to an intervention focusing on herd-protection (vs. self-protection), and showed increased intention to engage in other forms of prosocial and altruistic behavior. Empirically, these effects are mediated by a self-perception of the ability to exert impact on others. The present research serves as a starting point for investigating how beauty growth-mindset brings profound societal effects such as promoting prosociality.

Longitudinal associations between parental attachment and adolescents' pro-bullying bystander behaviors: The mediating role of moral disengagement

BackgroundPro-bullying bystander behaviors refer to actively taking the bullies' side when the bullying occurs, such as joining in the bullying or assisting the bullies by laughing or cheering. Previous studies have indicated that pro-bullying bystander behaviors might increase the incidence and intensity of bullying directly. Poor-quality parental attachment has been found to predict adolescents' pro-bullying bystander behaviors. ObjectiveWe tested whether adolescents' moral disengagement mediated the association and tested for gender differences in this process. MethodsA longitudinal study was conducted three times, each 6 months apart to test our hypotheses. Participants and setting885 participants (47.91 % boys) were included in the longitudinal mediating model of parental attachment, moral disengagement, and pro-bullying bystander behaviors. ResultsWe found that parental attachment at Time 1 negatively predicted moral disengagement at Time 2, and moral disengagement at Time 2 positively predicted adolescents' pro-bullying bystander behaviors at Time 3. Moral disengagement at Time 2 mediated the relationship between parental attachment at Time 1 and pro-bullying bystander behaviors at Time 3. The longitudinal mediation was marginally significant for boys but not for girls. ConclusionsOur findings indicated that moral disengagement, as a longitudinal mediating factor in the link between parental attachment and pro-bullying bystander behaviors, might be a useful focus in interventions to reduce school bullying.

Young adult impaired driving behaviors and perceived norms of driving under the influence of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use.

Impaired driving behaviors among young adults who are under the influence of simultaneous alcohol and marijuana/cannabis (SAM) use are associated with increased risks of motor vehicle accidents and resulting increased injury and mortality. Exploration of associations with descriptive and injunctive norms may have prevention implications. Young adults (aged 18-25; N = 1941) in the 2019 cohort of the Washington Young Adult Health Survey comprised study participants. Associations between descriptive norms (estimates of other's frequency of driving under the influence of SAM [DUI-SAM] and riding with a SAM impaired driver [RWI-SAM]), injunctive norms (perceived approval or disapproval of DUI-SAM and RWI-SAM for young adults in their community), and past month DUI and RWI behaviors were assessed with logistic regression models, adjusting for covariates and applying post-stratification weights. DUI-SAM was reported by 2.7% and almost double (5.3%) reported RWI-SAM at least once in the past month. Almost half of the participants believed the average young adults in Washington State engaged in DUI-SAM (49.8%) and RWI-SAM (48.7%) at least once a month in the past year (i.e., descriptive norms). The majority reported DUI-SAM (68.8%) and RWI-SAM (67.6%) to be totally unacceptable for young adults in their community (i.e., injunctive norms). In models adjusting for covariates including SAM use frequency and corresponding injunctive norms, descriptive norms were not associated with DUI, but were positively associated with RWI-SAM. However, after controlling for SAM use frequency and descriptive norms, higher perceived approval (i.e., injunctive norms) was significantly associated with increased odds of all DUI and RWI behaviors. Injunctive norms for SAM impaired driving behaviors may be a promising intervention focus for DUI and RWI behaviors. Future research is needed to replicate these findings to determine if development and evaluation of individual and community-based interventions focused on changing normative beliefs are warranted.

“Suiting up”: Preparing workforces to take on the mantle of preventing child maltreatment from a public health perspective

Internationally, particularly in anglophone countries, there are increasing calls for a new vision for child welfare involving significant shifts in service delivery from a statutory intervention focus to systems based on public health approaches. The impetus for change includes the rapidly growing demand for services, chronic workforce challenges, systemic inequities, systemic failings, disproportionate representation of disadvantaged groups, and poor outcomes for many children subject to child protection intervention. Research suggests that public health approaches, focusing on primary prevention and population-wide delivery of interventions, are more likely to support the safety and wellbeing of children and families across the community, reducing the escalation of risk and the need for statutory intervention. Despite this, the preparation of the child welfare workforces across health and social care sectors required to implement public health approaches, and implications of current workforce shortfalls for such a transition has received little attention. Drawing on the findings from a child welfare workforce study in Australia (Russ et al., 2022), this paper considers the workforce challenges present in current neo-liberal child protection systems and looks to what is needed to engage families and communities, ‘suit up’ and equip workforces for preparing for system reform to shift the dial from risk-oriented responses to the prevention of child maltreatment across the entire community.

Child maltreatment and suicidal ideation among justice–and welfare–involved adolescents in Nigeria: Investigating the mediating role of social support and emotion regulation

BackgroundSuicidal ideation is a global public health burden and justice and welfare–involved adolescents are more affected than the general population. Past studies have examined its risk and protective factors among adolescents. However, the association between child maltreatment and suicidal ideation remains an under-studied topic among at-risk adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. This study filled this gap by examing the association between child maltreatment and suicidal ideation among two high-risk adolescents in Nigeria MethodsThe purpose of this study was to examine the nexus between child maltreatment and suicidal ideation. A cross-sectional design was adopted through multi-stage sampling. Suicidal ideation was measured using a validated self-report Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI-2). Child maltreatment was measured using a validated self-report intrusment (ICAST-C). The sample comprised 205 respondents: justice-involved adolescents (102 (49.8 %) and welfare-involved adolescents (103 (50.2 %). Among them, 151 (73.7 %) were males, while 54 (26.3 %) were females. ResultsHalf (51 %) of the adolescents in detention and 39 % of the adolescents in residential care reported suicidal ideation. Emotional abuse (OR = 0.072; 95CI% –412, 0.75, p < .001), no parent is alive (OR = 0.502; 95CI% 0.234–3.15; p < .001), one parent is alive (OR = 0.522; 95 %CI 0.207, 3.09; p < .025) and female gender (OR = −0.22; 95CI% -1.37- 207; p < .008) predicted suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was comorbid with depressed-anxious symptoms (OR = 1.46; 95 %CI 1.172, 1.83; p < .001) accounting for 31 % (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance. Social support had an indirect effect on suicidal ideation via emotional abuse (OR = 0.072; 95 % CI = −412–0.75). ConclusionThe findings underscore the influence of child maltreatment and family background on suicidal ideation. Interventions should include emotional abuse in suicide screening. Children who have lost one or both parents should be the primary focus of interventions.

Childhood emotional maltreatment predicts social well-being beyond individual well-being: a daily diary study

ABSTRACT Childhood emotional maltreatment can have a profound impact on well-being. However, past research has largely focused on individual well-being, making it noteworthy to examine whether childhood emotional maltreatment predicts social well-being beyond individual well-being. To fill this gap, the current study employed a daily diary approach to investigate the independent effect of childhood emotional maltreatment on social well-being, and examined gratitude’s mediating role in the relationship. A total of 483 participants (Mage = 19.30, SDage = 2.12) completed daily surveys for 14 consecutive days. The results of the multilevel regression analysis indicated that childhood emotional maltreatment negatively and independently predicted social well-being, even after controlling for individual well- being, other forms of maltreatment (i.e. physical and sexual maltreatment), age and gender. Moreover, multilevel mediation analysis elucidated that gratitude served as a mediating factor in this association. In summary, these findings underscore the adverse effects of emotional maltreatment on social well-being and suggest gratitude as a possible intervention focus.

Qualitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators to community pharmacy PrEP delivery for UK pharmacists and underserved community members using the COM-B model of behaviour change

ObjectivesExpanding delivery of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to community pharmacies could improve access, aligning well with the UK government’s goals to eliminate new HIV acquisitions by 2030. Using the Capability,...

Making it on the breadline – improving food security on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, Central Australia

BackgroundThis longitudinal case study describes the efforts and impacts of community-controlled service organisations on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in Central Australia to tackle food security since the 1980s, with a focus on the last decade, particularly during a year of concerted action from mid-2018.MethodsThe co-designed study comprised an interrupted time series with controls. Availability, affordability, accessibility and sales of foods in the community retail stores on the APY Lands were monitored regularly from 2014 to mid-2022, including by local research teams. Store nutrition policy was updated early 2018. For a year from mid-2018, of the eight communities with stores: (i) two were the focus for concerted intervention, including support from a locally based project officer to help implement the policy and action 105 community requests for nutrition activities (ii) three received usual support to implement the policy; and (iii) three were subject to ‘business as usual’. From mid-2019, all communities/stores received usual service, from 2020 with some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results were compared over time, across different community/store groups and with controls.ResultsIn the 12 months from mid-2018, all food security metrics improved most in the two focus communities. Impacts were less marked in the communities without additional support to implement the revised nutrition policy, and even less apparent, although more varied, in the other three communities/stores. Dietary intake improved only in the two focus communities.In all communities from early 2020 most gains eroded due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other external stressors. Food security metrics, including price of healthy food, appeared more resilient in the focus communities, although diet quality worsened. At all times assessed, healthy diets were unaffordable for welfare-dependant households.ConclusionsThis co-designed study demonstrates the effectiveness of community-led approaches, confirming that it is possible to improve food security and diet in remote Aboriginal communities. However, sustained action and monitoring, dedicated resources and employment of local people are critical for success. Results also highlight that low incomes are a major barrier to food security.

Emotion dysregulation in autism: Severity and correlates in early childhood.

Emotion dysregulation (ED) is common and severe in older autistic youth, but is rarely the focus of early autism screening or intervention. Moreover, research characterizing ED in the preschool years (when autism is typically diagnosed) is limited. This study aimed to characterize ED in autistic children by examining (1) prevalence and severity of ED as compared to children without an autism diagnosis; and (2) correlates of ED in autistic children. A sample of 1864 parents (Mean child age = 4.21 years, SD = 1.16 years; 37% female) of 2-5 year-old children with (1) autism; (2) developmental concerns, but no autism; and (3) no developmental concerns or autism completed measures via an online questionnaire. ED was measured using the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory-Young Child, a parent report measure characterizing ED across two dimensions: Reactivity (fast, intense emotional reactions) and dysphoria (low positive affect, sadness, unease). Autistic preschoolers, compared to peers without developmental concerns, had more severe ED (+1.12 SD for reactivity; +0.60 SD for dysphoria) and were nearly four and three times more likely to have clinically significant reactivity and dysphoria, respectively. Autistic traits, sleep problems, speaking ability, and parent depression were the strongest correlates of ED in the autism sample. While more work is needed to establish the prevalence, severity, and correlates of ED in young autistic children, this study represents an important first step. Results highlight a critical need for more high-quality research in this area as well as the potential value of screening and intervention for ED in young autistic children.

Photo-supported conversations about well-being (BeWellTM) for patients with exhaustion disorders – a controlled clinical intervention study

Introduction Health-promotion approaches to address stress-related exhaustion disorders, reduce personal suffering, improve coping and participation in everyday life are needed in primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported health and well-being before and after an intervention focusing on well-being with photo-supported conversations (BeWellTM). Material and methods Eighty-one patients (69 women), 20–67 years old, with exhaustion disorders were recruited at Swedish primary health care centres (PHCC) to a controlled clinical study. The intervention group (n = 40) were offered BeWell™ by therapists in addition to care as usual. Controls (n = 41) received only care as usual. The primary outcome, self-rated symptoms of exhaustion (Karolinska exhaustion disorder scale, KEDS), and secondary outcomes, anxiety and depression, sense of coherence, quality of life, occupational balance, and work ability, were assessed by validated questionnaires. Non-parametric statistical analyses were used to compare data collected directly after the treatment period with baseline measures. Results Demographics and self-rated baseline measures of health and well-being were comparable between the groups, apart from sick leave being more common in the intervention group. Participants in the intervention group reduced their level of exhaustion more than the control group (median difference on KEDS −9.0 vs −4.0, p = .035). However, the size of the KEDS reduction was related to baseline KEDS and, not independently associated with group assignment. Both groups improved regarding secondary outcome measures. Conclusion Stress-related symptoms decreased considerably over the treatment period for both groups. The potential benefit of the BeWell™, which was intended to facilitate recovery, needs to be further evaluated.

Exercise training to preserve vitality capacity in ageing.

Ageing is an escalating global health issue, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that one in six individuals will be 60years or older by the year 2030. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of complex biological ageing processes and associated healthcare challenges has become increasingly important. Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined by WHO as the composite of all physical and mental capacities an individual possesses, can be used as a proxy for defining healthy ageing. IC has five key components: locomotion, cognition, psychological, sensory, and vitality capacity (VC). This review paper specifically focuses on exercise as an effective tool to preserve VC in ageing populations. The physiological domains of VC discussed include energy and metabolism, neuromuscular function, immune and stress response, mitochondrial function, and the methylation clock. Additionally, we highlight potential outcome measures for assessing each of these domains. This review also covers areas of focus for future research and possible interventions. We ultimately conclude that ageing is a complex, multifaceted process resulting in deficits across multiple VC components. However, regular exercise is capable of producing physiological adaptations that may be beneficial in the context of healthy ageing and improving or preserving the status of VC components.

Examining the effectiveness of interventions to reduce discriminatory behavior at work: An attitude dimension consistency perspective.

Academic interest in reducing discrimination has produced substantial research testing interventions to mitigate biased outcomes. However, disparate findings and a scarcity of studies examining work-related behavioral measures make it challenging to determine which interventions are better suited to reduce workplace discrimination. Derived from the tripartite theory of attitudes and the principle of compatibility, I develop a conceptual model mapping the attitude focus of interventions and code studies in this literature from the past two decades for these common properties. Based on a meta-analysis of 70 articles totaling 208 effect sizes, I test this conceptual model, finding that it helps explain why some interventions to reduce discrimination yield superior outcomes relative to others. In particular, results indicate that passive interventions, such as short-term education or reminders of bias processes, are largely ineffective in shifting behavior. Conversely, the class of interventions that targets behavior directly by attempting to inhibit the manifestation of bias (e.g., making individuals accountable for their decisions or changing social norms) emerged as the most helpful category of interventions in this area. Overall, results support a key prediction of the attitude dimension consistency perspective, demonstrating that aligning the attitude dimension primarily targeted by an intervention and the outcome measured could lead to improved results in this area. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

GRANULOSA CELL DYSFUNCTION AND IMPAIRED OOCYTE MATURATION PLAY SIGNIFICANT ROLES IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PATHOGENESIS

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology.With a particular focus on granulosa cell dysfunction and abnormal oocyte maturation, this comprehensive review explores the intricate molecular mechanisms driving PCOS pathogenesis. PCOS is characterized by hormonal and metabolic disturbances caused by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling pathway.In this review, we discuss the dysregulation of certain lncRNAs, such as NEAT1, and miRNAs, including miR-29a-3p, in PCOS granulosa cells, as well as how these dysregulations affect cell proliferation, insulin sensitivity, and steroidogenesis. This study examines the interaction between non-coding RNAs and the IGF1 system, which reveals an intricate regulatory network involved in follicular development and ovarian function. These pathways are altered in expression and activity, which has implications for how oocytes mature and how fertility is affected.In addition, this review emphasizes the interconnected nature of granulosa cell dysfunction, oocyte maturation defects, and systemic metabolic disturbances in PCOS pathogenesis. Granulosa cells have the potential to be used as a research and therapeutic intervention focus, due to their accessibility and central role in ovarian function.Additionally, we propose future research directions using advanced technologies such as single cell sequencing and multi-omics technologies. According to the review, studies that focus on granulosa cells can help develop novel diagnostic markers, personalized treatment strategies, and potential PCOS-based therapies.In addition to providing insight into the molecular underpinnings of PCOS, this study sets the stage for future investigations aimed at improving diagnosis, management, and treatment.

Parental attachment, attachment to friends, and well-being among Chilean adolescents and emerging adults.

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are two life stages marked by notable cognitive and socioemotional changes. During both periods, friendships play an increasingly significant role and can significantly impact individuals positively or negatively. Despite the evolving nature of these relationships, parents remain crucial to the development of both adolescents and emerging adults, playing a key role in their well-being. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of attachment to friends in the relationship between parental attachment and the well-being of Chilean adolescents and emerging adults. In a cross-sectional correlational study, 363 adolescents (48.2% female) aged 14 to 17 years (M = 15.33, SD = 0.95) and 199 emerging adults (67.8% female) aged 18 to 29 years (M = 22.42, SD = 2.53) completed the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and the Pemberton Happiness Index Scale to assess general, eudaimonic, hedonic, and social well-being. Results of path analyses indicated that, for both adolescents and emerging adults, a more secure attachment to parents was directly associated with higher scores in all well-being dimensions. Additionally, more secure parental attachment was indirectly associated with better eudaimonic and social well-being through a more secure attachment to friends. These findings suggest that enhancing parental attachment could be a valuable focus in clinical interventions aimed at improving overall well-being in adolescents and emerging adults.