Individual Suffers Research Articles

Choking under pressure in online and live esports competitions

This paper explores the phenomenon of choking under pressure within the context of esports, particularly focusing on the difference between online and live competitive settings and on high-pressure situations during overtime rounds. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the research leverages an extensive dataset covering professional CS:GO matches from 2012 to 2022 (match-level) and from 2015 to 2023 (round-level), including performance metrics such as players' ratings, headshot percentages, and teammate damage. The findings indicate a substantial decrease in the performance of esports players during overtime. This effect, however, is significantly mitigated in online competitions compared to live events. The study also reveals that while individual performance suffers under pressure, the impact on team coordination is less pronounced in online settings, suggesting that the virtual environment might offer a buffer against the negative effects of stress on team dynamics. This study enriches our understanding of performance psychology in digital settings but also opens up new avenues for research on stress, teamwork, and performance in professional and virtual environments.

Polyaptamer-Driven Crystallization of Alendronate for Synergistic Osteoporosis Treatment through Osteoclastic Inhibition and Osteogenic Promotion.

Osteoclastic inhibition using antiresorptive bisphosphonates and osteogenic promotion using antisclerostin agents represent two distinct osteoporosis treatments in clinical practice, each individual treatment suffers from unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy due to its indirect intervention in osteoclasis and promotion of osteogenesis simultaneously. Although this issue is anticipated to be resolved by drug synergism, a tempting carrier-free dual-medication nanoassembly remains elusive. Herein, we prepare such a nanoassembly made of antiresorptive alendronate (ALN) crystal and antisclerostin polyaptamer (Apt) via a nucleic acid-driven crystallization method. This nanoparticle can protect Apt from rapid nuclease degradation, avoid the high cytotoxicity of free ALN, and effectively concentrate in the cancellous bone by virtue of the bone-binding ability of DNA and ALN. More importantly, the acid microenvironment of cancellous bone triggers the disassociation of nanoparticles for sustained drug release, from which ALN inhibits the osteoclast-mediated bone resorption while Apt promotes osteogenic differentiation. Our work represents a pioneering demonstration of nucleic acid-driven crystallization of a bisphosphonate into a tempting carrier-free dual-medication nanoassembly. This inaugural advancement augments the antiosteoporosis efficacy through direct inhibition of osteoclasis and promotion of osteogenesis simultaneously and establishes a paradigm for profound understanding of the underlying synergistic antiosteoporosis mechanism of antiresorptive and antisclerostin components. It is envisioned that this study provides a highly generalizable strategy applicable to the tailoring of a diverse array of DNA-inorganic nanocomposites for targeted regulation of intricate pathological niches.

Dimensions of living with emetophobia

Purpose This paper aims to present an examination of selected literature about the lived experiences of those with emetophobia. Its intention is to inform further empirical enquiry and subsequent approaches to treatment and care aimed at inclusive support for sufferers. To that end, it is important to bring the sufferers’ narrative into public and professional domains. Design/methodology/approach A systematic search of multiple databases using the search engine Discover@bolton and grey literature was undertaken to obtain evidence about the lived experiences of people with emetophobia. The search terms used were “emetophobia” and combinations of associated topic phrases using Boolean operators (AND / OR): “Emetophobia” OR “fear of vomiting” OR “fear of being sick”, Emetophobia AND “lived experiences” and finally Emetophobia OR “fear of vomiting” OR “fear of being sick” AND “lived experiences”. Eight papers were included in the review and five items of grey literature. Findings Several themes were identified in this literature including fear, escape and avoidance, other influences, consequences and medicalisation. The findings reveal that the experiences of those with emetophobia are subsumed beneath a focus on diagnosis and treatment. When it comes to understanding the actual lived experience of a person with emetophobia, the evidence presents the reader with what treatment may work and how they might respond to it, but largely omits the voice of the individual with emetophobia. This signals a need to undertake enquiry to bring this to the fore and so inform ways of greater inclusive practice for the public and professionals alike. Research limitations/implications The evidence reviewed in this paper can be noted for the limited discussion about the individual’s lived experience of emetophobia. Gaining insight into this would contribute to raising awareness in a wider public arena and inform carers and healthcare professionals’ understanding. It would also display the importance of an individual context and health journey. Practical implications Knowing this can inform approaches to helping an individual either to live with the phobia and manage its impact on daily living (positive rather than maladaptive coping mechanisms) or to overcome it with or without adjunct medical treatment (if this is possible). Social implications Knowing based on contemporary empirical enquiry will inform policy and guideline development. Whatever course is taken, it must contribute to steps being taken towards achieving a better quality of life for individual sufferers. The findings of this paper likewise inform the need for further study into the individual lived experience of emetophobia. Originality/value This paper is original in having identified a need to bring empirical evidence of the lived experience of sufferers with emetophobia into the public and professional domain.

Prevalence and Associations of geriatric depression in Sudur-Paschim Province of Nepal: A community-based cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe elderly population is rapidly growing worldwide. Depression is an important public health concern among the elderly population in terms of its prevalence and the burdens of ill health in individual sufferers and families.A considerable number of studies focusing on the prevalence, associated factors, and treatment of depression have been conducted in Western Europe and North America. However, this kind of research is relatively limited in Nepal.Objectives- To find out and prevalence and its associated factors of depression among the elderly in sudur paschim province Nepal.MethodsThis community-based, cross-sectional, door-to-door survey was conducted in the two representative districts of Sudur-paschim Province, Nepal. Eligible participants were assessed for geriatric depression and quality of life. the sample size was calculated at 945.ResultsDepression was found in 43.9% of the participants.The association of different variables with WHOQOL-8 first question. Income was significantly associated with poor quality of life (p-value 0.04).Furthermore, we have evaluated the association of different variables across four domains of the WHOQOL-8 scale and found statistically significant differences across age, sex, residence, occupation, income, history of smoking, history of alcohol use, comorbidities, and depression.ConclusionsDepression is highly prevalent among the elderly in the Sudur-Paschim Province of Nepal. So policymakers should take this research outcome seriously and should keep the mental health of the elderly population a priority during the implementation of public health policies.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Eating Disorders: Analysis and Therapy Based on Personality Organization

Eating disorders are generally described as being associated with body image, involving an attempt to reduce bodily dimensions to the maximum extent. The disorders are characterized by fasts that last for a period of one or two days, minimal food intake, vomiting and bulimic consumption. The present article proposes that the customary categorization according to symptomatic evidence is inadequate and that a more accurate classification would be based on the sufferer’s level of personality organization. Such a division would enable therapy to be optimally matched to each patient [1], greatly assisting therapists in choosing and planning treatment for the individual sufferer.

Proximally Fat? Extending Stigma by Association to Explore Why an Employee May be Impacted by Another Employee’s Obesity

Across three studies, we explore the workplace implications of “obesity proximity effects,” where a proximal person working with an obese individual suffers the same negative perceptions and outcomes as the obese individual. Specifically, we investigate why working with an obese coworker would affect a proximal employee’s job performance. We use this context to propose new theory-driven mechanisms to challenge the understanding of stigma-by-association processes more broadly. Studies 1–2 extend theory on stigma-by-association effects by introducing a novel self-stigmatization perspective. Results from two time-lagged, multisource field studies reveal that obesity proximity effects emerge most consistently from the proximal employee taking on the emotions associated with obese people when working with an obese coworker. Study 3 dives deeper into this self-stigmatization path through a between-person, experimental coworker simulation. Results again show that a proximal employee, when working with an obese coworker, will take on emotions associated with people who are obese, independently of their own obesity status. These studies show it is important to study the broader impact of obesity, exploring its influence on other organizational members. Implications for the obesity literature, stigma theory, and other stigmatized characteristics are discussed.

Narrative Review on Osteoporosis: A Silent Killer

Osteoporosis is a common condition affecting the elderly population. Most of the time, it is diagnosed only after an individual suffers from a fracture. In addition to the fracture and its complications, the patients and their families must also bear the psychological and financial consequences of the disease. There are multiple risk factors associated with osteoporosis, hence it requires a multimodal approach in management as well. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the classification, prevalence, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, risk factors, screening tools, management, differential diagnosis, prognosis, complications, and recent advances in osteoporosis.

Youth's internet dependence forming factors as a global public health problem.

Aim: The aim is to study the main factors of youth's Internet dependence formation. Materials and Methods: We conducted psychodiagnostic examination of students in the National Academy of Internal Affairs. The research involved 154 students: full-time students aged 18-25 (n = 78) and part-time students aged 26-35 (n = 76). Results: The degree of prevalence of various types of Internet dependence among young people was determined. It was determined that the problem of Internet dependence requires consideration of socio-demographic, socio-psychological, individual, and psychological, as well as organizational factors. Conclusions: It was found that the number of Internet-dependent people among youth is currently growing rapidly. The most favorable individual-typological properties of a personality for the development of Internet dependence are introversion, anxiety, sensitivity, and aggressiveness. Internet dependence is a type of social dependence. An Internet-dependent individual suffers from the inability to maintain harmonious interpersonal contacts and resolve personal issues that are distorted by the virtual environment. Deviations from normal behavior in society change the peaceful way of life and affect public health.

Increased Relationship Quality in Couples Relieves Individual Suffering Following Systemic Therapy: A Hierarchical Mediation Analysis

We examined relationship quality of couples as a mediator between therapy progression and reduced individual distress in short-term systemic couple therapy. Participants evaluated relationship-quality (EVOS), therapy progress (STEP), and individual distress (OQ45) before therapy and one month after therapy. Clients’ evaluation of the therapeutic process predicted a reduction of individual distress. Hierarchical mediation-analysis revealed that the effect was completely mediated by the change in the relationship quality over the course of the therapy. Results highlight the importance of relationship quality for each individual’s health. Specifically in systemic couple therapy, improving relationship quality is the core ingredient that drives its effectiveness.

Upaya Meningkatkan Kesadaran Masyarakat terhadap Hipertensi dan Pencegahannya pada Komunitas Lanjut Usia

World Health Organization (WHO) approximates 1.28 billion individual suffers hypertension, with 46% of them does not realize it, and only 1 of 5 hypertensive individual has their blood pressure controlled. Hypertension prevalence is still relatively high in the elderly population who live in nursing home. This is one of the main health adversities that often happens and should not be underestimated due to its risk of complications. Uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the main risk factor to the global disease burden and total of global death, contributing up to 9,4 millions of deaths (8,5% of the global total) annually. This activity aims to increase the knowledge of the community about hypertension in elderly who lives in nursing home to increase the quality of life and reducing the cost burden of therapies and treatments. We use PDCA activity method to ensure the program could run smoothly and efficiently. This activity included 34 elderly respondents of the St Fransiscus Community with the mean age of 4 (11,8%) years. We found that 4 (11,8%) of the respondents have uncontrolled blood pressure. With the implementation of this program, it is hoped that the public awareness of elderly hypertension and its prevention is increased, so that there will be increase of quality of life for the elderly in the future and relieving the economical burden.

Sample preparation for suspect and non-target screening of xenobiotics in human biofluids by liquid chromatography—High resolution tandem mass spectrometry

The concept of exposome covers all the exposures an individual suffers from conception to death, which can be partially assessed through the monitoring of human biofluids. In there, target analytical approaches tend to focus on a limited set of xenobiotics, whereas exposomic studies need broad scopes in search of a full understanding. Given the issue, suspect and non-target screening are feasible alternatives. However, adequate sample preparation procedures should minimize interferences without significantly reducing the number of xenobiotics. Within this context, the present article aims to describe comprehensive sample preparation procedures for suspect or non-target screening of organic xenobiotics in several human biofluids, all coupled to unified separation and detection conditions based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLCHRMS/MS). The referred biofluids consist of human urine, breast milk, saliva and ovarian follicular fluid.•Analytical methods for untargeted analysis of a wide range of xenobiotics in human biofluids are fully described in order to ensure reproducibility.•The sample preparation procedures balance selectivity and sensitivity.•Unified analysis conditions allow simultaneous analysis of diverse biofluids.

Association between physical activity and health-related quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders: Findings from a national cross-sectional study in Korea.

This study aimed to identify the association between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. This study used data from the 2016-2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We included only those over 40 years of age diagnosed with one or more of the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and osteoporosis. In total, 4,731 participants (783 men and 3,948 women) were included as the study population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between physical activity and HRQoL. In the case of middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, the likelihood of HRQoL worsening was significantly lower for those who regularly engaged in physical activity compared with that of those who did not engage in physical activity at all (men: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.90; women: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53-0.79). Stratified analysis by the type and intensity of physical activity revealed that the possibility of poor HRQoL was lowest when leisure-related moderate-intensity physical activities were performed (men: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.89; Women: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.36-0.69). Our findings suggest that engaging in regular physical activity contributes to preventing exacerbation of HRQoL, even if the individual suffers from musculoskeletal disorders. It is necessary to provide an appropriate type and intensity of physical activity in consideration of the patients' pain and severity.

The Pathophysiology and Management of NAFDL in Post-menopausal Women: An Updated Short Review

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFDL) is a condition in which an individual suffers from an accumulation of fat in the liver. This is a disease condition with a multifactorial etiology. Some potent causes of such conditions are altered thyroid condition, abnormal metabolism in the body due to aging or menopause, or any other hormonal imbalance. Most of these causes are regulated by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Menopause comes with tremendous hormonal turmoil in the human body and brings various abnormal conditions that significantly divert from physiological conditions. One such condition that comes along with menopause in women is NAFLD. Also, the progression of NAFDL is more in post-menopausal women than in premenopausal women. This review aims to comprehend and understand from the existing literature if the prevailing NAFLD condition worsens and aggravates in women with menopause or remains unaffected. This short review briefly discusses the pathophysiology of the onset and progression of NAFDL in post-menopausal women. Lifestyle restrictions, diet, proper monitoring, and medications and supplementations are the only ways to manage NAFLD in post-menopausal women. A detailed and better understanding of NAFDL, its onset, progression, and association with the physiological condition of post-menopausal women is necessary to better manage and treat the NAFDL condition in post-menopausal women.

The impact of fibromyalgia on society

Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by intense generalized chronic musculoskeletal pain. Its etiology is not known and there is no curative treatment but only symptomatic and focused on pain management. The lack of empathy on the part of family, work, friends and health professionals increases the psychosocial discomfort. Educating the population and health professionals on the behavior of the disease could be an opportunity to improve social ties, including friendships, family, health and work. The development of the community approach in the study of fibromyalgia is of significant importance in the understanding and management of this complex chronic disease. Fibromyalgia not only affects the individual sufferer, but also has a profound impact on their social and family environment. By adopting a community approach, it is recognized that community support and understanding is crucial to improving the quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia. This approach involves building support networks and promoting public awareness of fibromyalgia, which in turn reduces the stigma associated with the disease. In addition, the development of community education programs and support groups can help empower people with fibromyalgia to better manage their symptoms and find effective coping strategies.

After-effect on tear film quality and quantity of reading on laptop computer screen versus hardcopy

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Electronic displays, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, have dramatically altered the way information is accessed and become significant factors in human daily life. They interfere with the blink rate and increase dry eye symptoms, which lead to more discomfort compared to hard copy while reading. Background Digital eye strain occurs when an individual suffers from symptoms, or they are exacerbated, while performing a task requiring digital screen viewing. This study assessed the tear film status immediately following reading on a laptop computer screen versus an identical hard copy. Methods Thirty young adults with normal ocular health and reporting no significant symptoms of dry eye (ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score < 13 and non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) > 10 seconds) read a text as hard copy and on a laptop computer screen for 30 min on separate days in a random sequence in a controlled reading experimental condition. The texts were matched in size and contrast and presented at a viewing distance of 40 cm. The NITBUT and strip meniscometry tube tests were administered at baseline and after reading in both conditions. Results The median baseline NITBUT decreased from 13.0 s to 10.0 s (P < 0.001) after hardcopy reading and to 7.0 (P < 0.001) after reading from a laptop computer screen, with a significant difference between the task medium (P = 0.001). The baseline strip meniscometry tube results decreased from 6.7 mm to 5.0 mm (P < 0.001) after hardcopy reading and to 5.0 mm (P < 0.001) after reading from a laptop computer screen, but there was no significant difference with the task medium (P = 0.085). Conclusion Reading in both conditions led to tear film instability in terms of the tear film quality and quantity. Additionally, the computer screen has a greater impact on the TBUT compared to hardcopy reading, while these two reading mediums had a similar effect on the tear volume.

Prevalence of Obesity in High Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) occurs when an individual suffers from tibial nerve compression at the tarsal tunnel. Symptoms of TTS may include pain, burning, or tingling on the bottom of the foot and into the toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be divided into distal and proximal TTS. Furthermore, a high tarsal tunnel syndrome (HTTS) has also been described as a fascial entrapment proximal to the laciniate ligament at the level of the high ankle. Multiple risk factors, including obesity, have been said to be associated with TTS. This study aimed to determine the frequency of obesity in the form of body mass index (BMI) with HTTS. A cross-sectional descriptive study using a nonprobability sampling method retrospectively surveyed the BMI of 73 patients whose clinical presentation suggested HTTS or TTS, and in which electrodiagnostic testing found HTTS. The age of the patients ranged from 25 to 90 years (mean, 56.4 years). Thirty-five patients were men and 38 patients were women. Based on BMI, nine patients with HTTS had normal weight (12.9%), 17 patients were overweight (23.3%), and the remaining 47 patients were obese (64.3%). The frequency of obesity in the form of BMI was 64.3% in patients with HTTS, which is a significantly high correlation.

A comparison analysis using the MCDM technique using Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Nanoparticles as Traditional Therapeutic Approaches to Cancer Tumors

Uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a particular region of the body leads to cancer, a disease that worsens or kills off cells. This could result in the recipient carrier dying. The majority of cancer patient deaths have been associated with the systematic administration of therapeutic agents (chemotherapy) and other conventional methods, which is the preferred treatment approach for cancer therapy. The mortality of this therapy is associated with side effects, off-target accumulation, toxicity, and rapid renal and hepatic clearance. Scientists have recently studied tumor site targeting and better retention of constant drug delivery to tumors in order to minimize side effects and toxicity-related challenges. Ingenious drug delivery methods for cancer therapy have been developed by scientists and researchers using water-containing polymers known as hydrogels. These drug transport systems' network-like structure and biological tissue-like consistency allow the drugs loaded into them to remain in a relatively stable condition. This study compares hydrogel-based drug delivery systems with other conventional cancer therapy approaches using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) way of multicriteria decision making (MCDM). Based on specific criteria with given importance weights, a comparison is made. This study shows that by offering additional alternatives and criteria with availability and significance weights, the approach taken can be made more helpful and helpful in offering remedies to healthcare decision-makers facing ambiguous problems. Individual cancer sufferers' specific medical conditions.

The Prevalence and Management of Chronic Tonsillitis: Experience From Secondary Care Hospitals in Rabak City, Sudan.

Background Tonsillitis is defined as an inflammation of the tonsils, which is a common clinical condition caused by either bacterial or viral infections. It affects a significant percentage of the population especially children. Chronic tonsillitis (CT) is described as when an individual suffers from seven or more attacks of tonsillitis per year. Aim This study aimed to determine the prevalence and management of CT among patients attending all secondary care hospitals in Rabak city, Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in June-September 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to screen 297 Patients who presented to all ENT clinics within the study period. Out of the 297 patients, 77 patients were confirmed to be having CT based on the inclusion criteria. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and arranged into a simple frequency table. Results The prevalence of CTwas found to be 25.9 % (77) among all screened patients. The majority (67.5%) of the patients with CT were male, and mostly between the age of 11-20 years (32.4%). A considerable number of them (32.4%) were residing in the urban-industrial part of the city, and about 36.3% are not working. All the patients with CT complained of throat pain, while 88% presented with red inflamed tonsils.Laboratory investigations of these patients revealed 64% to have Neutrophilia, while 54 and 50% had high ESR and positive ASO titer, respectively.57%of the patients underwent tonsillectomy while (30%) were managed medically. Conclusion The prevalence of CT was found to be high in the agro-industrial area of Rabak city and more among teenagers, and most cases were managed by tonsillectomy.

The hunt for hidden hearing loss in humans: From preclinical studies to effective interventions.

Many individuals experience hearing problems that are hidden under a normal audiogram. This not only impacts on individual sufferers, but also on clinicians who can offer little in the way of support. Animal studies using invasive methodologies have developed solid evidence for a range of pathologies underlying this hidden hearing loss (HHL), including cochlear synaptopathy, auditory nerve demyelination, elevated central gain, and neural mal-adaptation. Despite progress in pre-clinical models, evidence supporting the existence of HHL in humans remains inconclusive, and clinicians lack any non-invasive biomarkers sensitive to HHL, as well as a standardized protocol to manage hearing problems in the absence of elevated hearing thresholds. Here, we review animal models of HHL as well as the ongoing research for tools with which to diagnose and manage hearing difficulties associated with HHL. We also discuss new research opportunities facilitated by recent methodological tools that may overcome a series of barriers that have hampered meaningful progress in diagnosing and treating of HHL.

The Possibility of Truth and Justice in Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden

The paper examines the possibility of attaining justice and truth for victims of human rights abuses as represented in Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden (1991). The paper investigates the validity of the concept of transitional justice, as a national reconciliation policy, in addressing individual sufferings and stories. While analyzing the play, the paper handles certain questions: is transitional justice the appropriate tool to expose the truth and achieve the justice desired by the victims? Is the perpetrators accountability possible? Is retribution more effective if taken by the hands of the victims themselves? Can reconciliation even be possible for the victims? The paper uses theories and definitions of the concept of transitional justice as well as those of Trauma as its main framework of inquiry. The conclusion of the play is open to speculations as it is the case with most of human rights abuses and the process of justice and accountability related to them.