National Public Research Articles

Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in rural African adults: a scoping review protocol of primary health care interventions

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases cause 74% of global deaths, with cardiovascular diseases as the major contributor. Hypertension, a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is highly prevalent in Africa. Diagnosis, treatment and...

Endodontic-periodontal continuum of tooth: Systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION. The pathogenetic relationship between periodontal and pulp diseases was first described by Simring and Goldberg in 1964. Since then, the term “endodontic-periodontal” lesion (or “endo-perio”) has been used to describe lesions caused by inflammatory products found to varying degrees in both the periodontal and dental pulp tissues. The pulp and periodontium have embryonic, anatomical and functional relationships. The simultaneous presence of changes in pulp tissue and inflammatory periodontal diseases can complicate diagnosis and treatment planning. The etiology, pathogenesis and treatment methods of endodontic-periodontal lesions can vary from quite simple to relatively complex aspects. Knowledge of the basis of concomitant inflammatory processes in the pulp and periodontium is important for making the correct diagnosis.AIM. Carry out a systematic analysis of the literature and summarize the available data on etiopatogenetic relations, diagnostic features and clinical history of endodontic periodontal dental lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS. A systematic literature analysis was carried out, as well as a manual search in the databases PubMed, Google Search, eLibrary, disserCat, Cyberleninka. Among national and foreign publications corresponding to the topic of this review, 28 publications were selected for systematic analysis, the results of literature review are presented in this article.CONCLUSION. This systematic review found that dental anatomy and the etiology of endodontic periodontal lesions are the basis for difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with endo-periodontal lesions. Determining the prevalence of infection and the individual characteristics of EPP pathogenesis in patients in this group remains a challenge. In the future, it is necessary to develop new methods of diagnosis, prophylaxis and complex treatment of combined periodontal tissue and tooth pulp, which will improve the prognosis of treatment of injured teeth in the long term.

China's National Public Cultural Security Construction under the Cultural Differences Between East and West

Since Hu Huilin's concept of China's national cultural security was proposed, it has inspired many qualitative studies, and then Han Yuan's team introduced quantitative research methods in 2021. On this basis, this study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis to explore the current situation, challenges, and coping strategies of China's national cultural security, especially the impact of cultural differences between Chinese and Western cultures on China's cultural security in the context of globalisation. It also conducts a data-driven comparative study using Hofstede's National Culture Model and existing national cultural security assessment indicator systems. The analysis focuses on six cultural dimensions, including power distance, individualism masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence. The findings suggest that China differs significantly from the West in terms of individualism and long-term orientation, which has important implications for China's cultural policies and social structures. China's power distance and relatively low uncertainty avoidance index provide opportunities for the development of cultural innovation and diversity. Moreover, the balance between indulgence and restraint is equally important in preserving cultural diversity and promoting social harmony.

National public health institutes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Insights from experts in the field

National public health institutes (NPHIs) are crucial to the effectiveness of public health systems, including delivering essential public health functions and generating evidence for national health policies, strategies and plans....

Emergence of OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Lithuania, 2023: a multi-cluster, multi-hospital outbreak.

In 2023, an increase of OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was noticed by the Lithuanian National Public Health Surveillance Laboratory. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 106 OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae isolates revealed three distinct clusters of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae high-risk clones, including sequence type (ST) 45 (n = 35 isolates), ST392 (n = 32) and ST395 (n = 28), involving six, six and nine hospitals in different regions, respectively. These results enabled targeted investigation and control, and underscore the value of national WGS-based surveillance for antimicrobial resistance.

Development of a workforce self-assessment tool for public health emergency preparedness.

In collaboration with six European public health agencies as part of the PANDEM-2 consortium, we have developed and validated a self-assessment tool that captures the workforce capacities and capabilities needed at the institutional level within National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) to deal with public health emergencies. The work carried out in this study included (i) a review of existing tools for workforce assessment, (ii) focus group discussions and interviews to map the experiences and needs of NPHI's, (iii) the development of a tool for NPHI's to assess their workforce capacity and capabilities in public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) and (iv) refinement of the assessment tool via a Delphi study. Capacity markers were identified to assess the workforce required for PHEP functions and the availability of surge capacity during a public health emergency. The tool also enables NPHIs to analyze gaps in PHEP staff competencies. The assessment scores can assist NPHI pandemic preparedness by identifying and prioritizing training and recruitment needs. In line with EU Regulation 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health, article 11 Training of healthcare staff and public health staff, Member States (MS) are tasked with assessing current workforce capacity and capability gaps. The PANDEM-2 workforce self-assessment tool aligns with this requirement and will support effective planning and development to strengthen the public health workforce capacity in EU MS.

Tíz év a különleges bánásmód szolgálatában: a köszönet szavai a Különleges Bánásmód Folyóirat jubileumi évfordulója alkalmából

The Special Treatment Journal was launched in 2014 to provide a platform for national and international publications on children/students/persons with special educational needs, learning, and behavioral difficulties and talents. Today, the 'Special Treatment' is one of the respected journals on the national and international academic lists (as evidenced by the publication of nearly 400 papers in recent years by 313 major national and international authors). In this paper, we would like to express thanks and gratitude to all those who have contributed to the publication and survival of the journal over such a long period.

ON THE ISSUE OF IMPROVING THE LEGISLATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE

Science, as a branch of the economy, always needs to be stimulated. The primary thing in this is to stimulate the scientists themselves, as the most important link in the development of science. Therefore, it is necessary to take steps to improve legislation in the field of science. The first direction of improving legislation is the procedure for awarding academic titles. The current practice of awarding academic titles requires revision, as it is complicated by the procedure of publishing scientific articles in national and international publications and requires financial costs. In this article, the author proposes to provide clear criteria for awarding an academic title. Such conditions should be work experience as a teacher and scientific work experience of more than fifteen years in educational organizations and scientific organizations. Along with this, it is necessary to have scientific publications as an important condition for the "maturity" of a scientist. If a scientist has such achievements, it is necessary to develop a procedure for awarding scientific titles by petition of the Academic Council of a scientific or educational organization to the Ministry of Science. The second direction of improving legislation is the material remuneration of scientists. The current allowances do not meet the principle of fairness. There is a gross disproportion in material allowances, generating resentment among scientists. The author in the article proposes to change the size of surcharges based on the principle of justice and humanism, establishing a gap between the degrees of five MCI. This approach will help to avoid many social problems and improve the system of surcharges. The third direction of improving legislation is represented by the problem of the duration of annual leave for scientists. The current norms, as well as material allowances, do not meet the principle of fairness. The author proposes to provide for setting the duration of annual work leave for doctors of sciences at fifty–six calendar days, for candidates of sciences – forty-nine days, for doctors of philosophy (PhD) and doctors in the profile - forty-two calendar days.

Study protocol for the development, trial, and evaluation of a strategy for the implementation of qualification-oriented work organization in nursing homes

BackgroundStaffing ratios in nursing homes vary among the federal states of Germany, but there are no rational grounds for these variations. In a previous study, a new instrument for the standardized calculation of staffing requirements in nursing homes was developed (Algorithm1.0). The development was based on a new empirical data collection method that derives actual and target values for the time and number of care interventions provided. Algorithm1.0 found an increased requirement of 36% of staff in German nursing homes. Based on these results, the German legislature has commissioned a model program to trial and evaluate a complex intervention comprising increased staffing combined with strategies for organizational development.MethodsThe mixed-methods study consists of (i) developing a concept for restructuring the work organization, (ii) the application of this concept combined with increased staffing in 10 nursing homes (complex intervention), and the further development of the concept using a participatory and iterative formal evaluation process. The intervention consists of (a) quantitative measures of increased staffing based on a calculation using Algorithm1.0 and (b) qualitative measures regarding organizational development. The intervention will be conducted over one year. The effects of the intervention on job satisfaction and quality of care will be evaluated in (iii) a comprehensive prospective, controlled summative evaluation. The results will be compared with ten matched nursing homes as a control group. Finally, (iv) prototypical concepts for qualification-oriented work organization, a strategy for the national rollout, and the further development of Algorithm1.0 into Algorithm 2.0 will be derived.DiscussionIn Germany, there is an ongoing dynamic legislation process regarding further developing the long-term care sector. The study, which is the subject of the study protocol presented here, generates an evidence-based strategy for the staffing requirements for nursing homes.Ethics and dissemination.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the German Association of Nursing Science (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pflegewissenschaft) on 02.08.2023 (amended on 20.09.2023). Research findings are disseminated through presentations at national and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration number: German Clinical Trails Register DRKS00031773 (Date of registration 09.11.2023).

The 1988 IOM Report: A Philosophical Renaissance Short of Recommending a National Public Health System.

The 1988 IOM Report: A Philosophical Renaissance Short of Recommending a National Public Health System.

Regulatory control over the electricity market in Ukraine: the problem of duplication of powers

The purpose of this article is to substantiate the existence of the problem of duplication of powers in the system of regulatory control over the electricity market in Ukraine and to determine ways to solve it. This research task should be carried out using, first of all, the formal-dogmatic method within the framework of a critical assessment of the relevant legislative provisions, perceiving them being detached from the environment of their application, as well as relying on the method of legal and institutional modeling to outline the organizational and legal contours of the system of regulatory control over the electricity market in Ukraine. Results: the subject matter of regulatory control (supervision) over the electric power industry carried out by the State Energy Supervision Inspectorate of Ukraine covers the production, transmission, distribution of electric energy, energy storage, as well as the use of energy for their own needs by market participants in part of technical operation of power plants and networks, energy equipment, testing and repair of power plants and networks, performance of works on the design of power plants and networks, while the National Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission carries out regulatory control over compliance by economic entities carrying out activities in the fields of energy with legislation in this area as well as with the licensing conditions by conducting scheduled and unscheduled on-site, as well as off-site inspections in accordance with the control procedures approved by this commission. Conclusions: the optimal institutional reform designed to ensure the exclusivity and indivisibility of powers regarding regulatory supervision (control) over the electric power market appears to be the concentration of these powers in the field of competence of the National Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission as an independent market regulator with a complete and self-sufficient complex of control and supervision measures, which can be enriched with the prepared proposals on reforming the procedures of activity of the State Energy Supervision Inspectorate of Ukraine.

The Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa Towards Digital Services Security Model for Public Universities

The integration of the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) into Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa’s (PLMun) digital services framework is the main topic of the study. The research tackles the urgent need for a strong security model to protect sensitive data and strengthen public institutions’ overall security posture as digitalization becomes more widespread in academic settings. Its goals are to determine if integrating PNPKI into PLMun’s digital services is feasible, examine how PNPKI improves data security and integrity, and develop a complete security model for public universities based on PNPKI. The research study uses a methodical approach, looking closely at PNPKI features and how well they fit with PLMun’s digital infrastructure. Comparison studies of current security models for public universities based on PNPKI. The research study uses a methodical approach, looking closely at PNPKI features and how well they fit with PLMun’s digital infrastructure. We’ll compare the security approaches that are currently in use in educational institutions, and we might use surveys or interviews to get feedback from pertinent parties. The study expects to demonstrate the possible advantages of PNPKI implementation in PLMun, including increased data security, better authentication procedures, and improved digital resilience in general. Analyses of comparisons will shed light on the benefits of PNPKI over other security methods. In summary, it offers PLMun and other public universities a workable implementation roadmap for PNPKI. Policymakers, university administrators, and IT experts will find great value in the expected outcomes, which highlight the importance of a uniform security architecture. Keywords: Information Technology, Public Key Infrastructure, Digital Services, Security Model, Data Integrity

National COVID-19 preparedness and response plans: a global review from the perspective of services for maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and older people

IntroductionInfectious disease outbreaks have historically led to widespread disruptions in routine essential health services. Disruptions due to COVID-19 responses led to excess deaths, including among women and children. This review...

The methodological approaches to evaluation of effect of tuberculosis as socially significant infection on decreasing of public health quality

The study reveals main methodological approaches in monitoring and evaluating role of socially significant infectious diseases in reducing quality of public health in the Russian Federation. The article proposes at population level the grouping of main risk factors affecting quality of public health, exemplified by epidemiology of tuberculosis. The purpose of the study is to develop methodology of exploration of impact of socially significant infections on decreasing of quality of public health exemplified by epidemiology of tuberculosis as infectious disease that is well studied in medical social aspects and having fully functioning TB control and high level monitoring system. The informational analytical methodology was applied conjointly with critical analysis of national and foreign publications, normative legal acts, selected through scientific search systems PubMed, Medline, www.base-search.net, www.refseek.com, E-library, CiberLeninka, "Garant" and "ConsultantPlus". The depth of search was limited by 15 years and more. The data from the federal statistical observation form No. 8 "Information about diseases with active tuberculosis" for 2021 was also evaluated. For the first time, the grouping of main risk factors of socially significant infections , affecting decrease of quality of public health at population level are proposed. The mentioned factors are grouped as epidemiological; social economic (including economic damage caused directly by tuberculosis); demographic; behavioral; biomedical (presence of diseases not associated with tuberculosis, but reducing immunity); climatic geographical, etc. The further analysis and listing of specific indicators of each group of factors is required in order to monitor and quickly assess impact of socially significant infectious diseases on public health in the Russian Federation and its Subjects. The analysis of scientific literature demonstrated that, despite breadth of studying tuberculosis risk factors, they are non-systematized and fragmented. The methodological approaches to studying impact of socially significant infectious diseases on public health in foreign countries and in the Russian Federation, are practically absent. The compilation and actualization of listing of indicative indicators for each group of factors with the choice of statistical methods of their calculation, evaluation and interpretation will permit to develop methodological approaches to monitoring and assessing role of tuberculosis (hereinafter - HIV infection, parenteral viral hepatitis, etc.) in altering quality of public health in the Russian Federation with development of rapidly updated database of selected indicators at the level of each Subject of the Russian Federation.

Effect of Diabetes on Wound Healing: A Bibliometrics and Visual Analysis.

The quality of life of diabetic patients is seriously affected by wound healing difficulty, which can lead to increased infection, skin deep tissue injury and continuous pain. By analyzing the research trends and hot spots in this field, the visualization analysis map is constructed. The contents of the selected articles were sorted out and analyzed by bibliometrics. We use CiteSpace, Vosviewer and HistCite to visualize literature information, including national publication statistics, institutions, authors, journal partnerships, and citations of published articles. Among the 2942 articles, the United States and China ranked first in both article circulation and TGCS, and many countries also cooperated. The collaboration between schools and research institutions is a core part of dissertation research institution collaboration, with most authors coming from the same institution. Most of the literature studies on the mechanisms and methods of promoting diabetic wound healing. Improving cell function or making innovative attempts in local treatment are the fruits of researchers' efforts to promote diabetic wound healing in recent years. Through the metrology method, the time distribution, author institution, cooperation network, research status, research hotspot and development trend of the literature on the influence of diabetes on wound healing were intuitively displayed, which provided a reference for further research and development direction.

The Role of Probiotics in Children with Diarrhea or Constipation

Probiotics are non-pathogenic living microorganisms and can encourage the growth of other microbes that can benefit the host's health when consumed in sufficient quantities. The aim of this study was to explore the role of probiotics in the management of diarrhea or constipation in children by clarifying their effectiveness, safety and mechanism of action. The type and design of this research is observational analysis with a literature review method. Data was collected from national and international journal publications via scientificdirect.com and pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov which met the inclusion criteria, namely research examining the role of giving probiotics to children suffering from diarrhea or constipation, research that has been published in the last ten years using data primary and secondary data as well as cross-sectional and cohort research designs. The dependent variable in this study is the outcome of diarrhea or constipation, and the independent variable is probiotics. Data analysis was carried out narratively. This research found that in children suffering from diarrhea, giving probiotics can shorten the duration of diarrhea, especially that caused by rotavirus. On the other hand, in children with constipation, probiotics can increase intestinal motility and shorten transit time so that stool consistency changes and the frequency of defecation increases. There is a relationship between giving probiotics to children and diarrhea or constipation.

The ambivalence of the implementation of the US arctic policy: integrating and disintegration factors of the allies

The Arctic region is gaining increasing strategic importance due to its economic potential, resource richness, and shifting geopolitical landscape. The United States has recognized this significance and has established alliances and partnerships with various countries in the region to enhance its positions and interests. However, concerns exist regarding the limited understanding of the complex dynamics and evolving relationships among the US Arctic allies. The lack of comprehensive analysis and up-to-date information hinders the understanding of their strategic documents, military exercises, and interactions with global players like China and Russia. To address these concerns, our objective was to identify, analyze, and assess the factors that strengthen or weaken the interaction between US allies and partners in the Arctic region. We conducted an analysis of national Arctic strategies, reports, publications, and expert opinions from Western Arctic Council countries such as the USA, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. We also examined the reports and structures of the US defense services, interstate organizations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), as well as insights from leading experts on Arctic affairs in allied countries. The study revealed several factors that contribute to the strengthening of the US allies in the Arctic. These include active military cooperation within the North Atlantic Alliance, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and the development of Arctic infrastructure to enhance regional security and defense capabilities. However, we also identified factors that weaken engagement among the US allies. These include differences in strategic goals, competing territorial claims, domestic political considerations, and varying relationships with other Arctic stakeholders like Russia and China. These factors can lead to tensions and challenges, which undermine collective action and impede the achievement of common goals.

Shifts in property crime patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico

Abstract Objectives To estimate the dynamic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on property crime in Mexico. We do so for a longer time horizon than the existing literature and for two types of property crime: on-line and on-site. Methods A retrospective ecological analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic using an event study methodology. This paper uses administrative data from Mexico’s National Public Security System from January 2017 to December 2022. Our data is structured as a monthly series covering all 2457 Mexican municipalities. Results We find heterogeneity in the pandemic’s impact by type of property crime and a dynamic, permanent effect for both types of property crime. Namely, our results point to a drop and quick recovery of fraud—property crime mostly committed on-line—, which in the medium run surpasses pre-pandemic levels by 44%. Further, our results point to a significant drop in robbery, theft, domestic burglary, and motor vehicle theft—all property crimes committed on-site—, with a slight recovery after the end of the national lockdown, even though rates for these crimes never reached pre-pandemic levels. Conclusions The 2020 pandemic caused a permanent shift in property crime from on-site to on-line spaces. Potential mechanisms point to disruptions in mobility in retail and recreational areas, residential zones, and workplaces as important mediating factors.

STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE THE MENTAL HEALTH OF PATIENTS IN PALLIATIVE CARE: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

The respective research aims to analyze national and international publications that investigate mental health promotion strategies carried out by the nursing team for patients in palliative care. It is understood that palliative care is a methodology developed to provide differentiated assistance to patients with advanced illness until the end of life, in the hospital and home environment, based on the patient-family binomial, called the hospice movement. To this end, a bibliographical research was carried out, using a qualitative descriptive approach using the techniques of systematic integrative literature review. Focusing on the results, 7 articles were selected and after analyzing the studies, the categories emerged: 1) Strategies for promoting the mental health of patients in palliative care: caring for patients, family members and workers; 2) Necessary requirements for humanized nursing care for patients in palliative care: Professional training and continuing education. The study concludes that it is extremely important that nursing professionals are equipped with skills and qualifications to develop strategies that promote the mental health of patients and their families, as well as health professionals. To achieve this, it is necessary to disseminate good practices in palliative care through humanized care with a focus on promoting the mental health of everyone involved using as strategies the insertion of empathy, solidarity, spirituality, effective communication, as well as investing in professional training and ongoing in-service education.

Common mutation analysis of beta-thalassemia carriers by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction in cases diagnosed by capillary zone electrophoresis at National Public Health Laboratory, Nepal

Abstract BACKGROUND: Beta (β)-thalassemia is a globally prevalent genetic disorder with over 350 known mutations in the β-globin gene. Intervening-sequence (IVS) 1–5 (G→C), 619 bp deletion, IVS 1–1 (G →T), C-15 (G→A), frameshift (FS) 41/42 (−CTTT), FS 8/9 (+G), codon 19, A-G, and codon 17 (A→T) are some common mutations in β-thalassemia. This study aimed to identify and analyze the common mutation by amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction in β-thalassemia carriers diagnosed by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) at National Public Health Laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the basis of archived data, the CZE performed on 781 samples between June 2019 and July 2022 was analyzed. Without regard to age, gender, race, or address, 121 samples were ultimately selected for mutation analysis during this time because they were identified as positive for the β-thalassemia traits based on high HbA2 levels of more than 3.5%. RESULTS: IVS 1–5 (G→C) was the most common mutation followed by 619 bp deletion. Five mutations namely IVS 1–5 (G→C), 619 bp deletion, FS 41/42 (−TTCT), FS 8/9 (+G), and codon 15 (G→A) accounted for 84.3% of cases. A single mutation was seen in 87 cases (71.9%), more than one mutation in 15 cases (12.4%) whereas 19 cases (15.7%) did not show any of the mutations tested. CONCLUSION: IVS 1–5 (G-C) is the most prevalent mutation in Southeast Asian nations, with the 619 bp deletion predominant in the Tharu community. Further research is needed to understand diverse ethnic groups and regions, enabling prenatal diagnostics and genetic counseling for β-thalassemia prevention.