Physical Discomfort Research Articles

Effect of hyperhidrosis on quality of life and its correlation with anxiety

Hyperhidrosis, characterized by excessive sweating beyond thermoregulatory needs, affects about 3% of the global population. This condition, often underreported and underdiagnosed, significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) and may correlate with increased anxiety.This study explores the impact of hyperhidrosis on QoL and examines its correlation with anxiety levels among affected individuals.A qualitative and correlational study was conducted over two months, involving 70 participants who met inclusion criteria from an initial screening of 366 individuals. Data were collected using a QoL questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Participants were recruited through snowball sampling from a dermatology department and social networks.Of the 70 participants, 91.4% reported that excessive sweating adversely affected their daily lives. Key areas impacted included physical activities (37.1%), hobbies and chores (50%), work and career (24.3%), use of technology (37.5%), physical discomfort (62.8%), and clothing choices (50%). Psychosocial effects were substantial, with 88.6% of participants experiencing negative emotions, 78.5% reporting nervousness and lack of self-confidence, and 82.8% avoiding social interactions. STAI results indicated that 11.4% had no or low anxiety, 52.8% had moderate anxiety, and 35.7% had high anxiety. The severity of hyperhidrosis correlated with higher anxiety levels. Hyperhidrosis profoundly impacts QoL and is strongly associated with elevated anxiety levels. Despite its significant effects, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of hyperhidrosis among sufferers and healthcare providers. Enhancing awareness and implementing appropriate interventions are crucial to improve the QoL and mental health of individuals with hyperhidrosis.

Misdiagnosis in breast imaging: a statement paper from European Society Breast Imaging (EUSOBI)-Part 1: The role of common errors in radiology in missed breast cancer and implications of misdiagnosis.

Misdiagnosis in breast imaging can have significant implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system as a whole. Some of the potential implications of misdiagnosis in breast imaging include delayed diagnosis or false reassurance, which can result in a delay in treatment and potentially a worse prognosis. Misdiagnosis can also lead to unnecessary procedures, which can cause physical discomfort, anxiety, and emotional distress for patients, as well as increased healthcare costs. All these events can erode patient trust in the healthcare system and in individual healthcare providers. This can have negative implications for patient compliance with screening and treatment recommendations, as well as overall health outcomes. Moreover, misdiagnosis can also result in legal consequences for healthcare providers, including medical malpractice lawsuits and disciplinary action by licensing boards. To minimize the risk of misdiagnosis in breast imaging, it is important for healthcare providers to use appropriate imaging techniques and interpret images accurately and consistently. This requires ongoing training and education for radiologists and other healthcare providers, as well as collaboration and communication among healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely care. If a misdiagnosis does occur, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate with patients and provide appropriate follow-up care to minimize the potential implications of the misdiagnosis. This may include repeat imaging, additional biopsies or other procedures, and referral to specialists for further evaluation and management. Question What factors most contribute to and what implications stem from misdiagnosis in breast imaging? Findings Ongoing training and education for radiologists and other healthcare providers, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, is paramount. Clinical relevance Misdiagnosis in breast imaging can have significant implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the entire healthcare system.

Research on the relationship between college students’ English learning anxiety and biomechanical factors

English learning has become essential for higher education for students throughout the world, particularly in non-English-speaking nations where fluency in the language is frequently linked to success in the classroom, employment prospects, and international communication. Learning English is an emotional as well as a cognitive endeavor for many students. Anxiety related to language acquisition, including exam anxiety, fear of rejection, and fear of communication, is a common issue that can significantly impact how well students achieve. The goal of this research is to examine the connection among biomechanical characteristics and the anxiety that college students have while learning English. Participating in this study were 326 college students in total. Participants will also complete a structured questionnaire survey on biomechanical factors, as well as supposed muscle tension, posture habits, and physical discomfort throughout English learning sessions. The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) is a validated instrument that will be used to measure English learning anxiety levels. The data was analyzed by statistical methods, including Regression analysis and Pearson correlation were utilized to ascertain the association between the English learning anxiety score and biomechanical factors. To evaluate students’ anxiety and biomechanical reactions, an ANOVA will be used. The data was analyzed using SPSS v20 software. The result established the relationship between English learning anxiety and biomechanical factors is necessary for creating more supportive learning environments. Research demonstrates that the relationship between bodily reactions and anxiety, needs to address the mental and physical components of stress, and the significance of developing more effective methods of lowering anxiety, boosting student well-being, and raising academic achievement in English learning. This research suggests the relationship between college students’ English learning anxiety and biomechanical characteristics, adding to a more complete understanding of how physical and psychological aspects impact English language learning outcomes.

The Outcomes of the Voice Use Reduction Program on Voice Quality and Vocal Fatigue in Occupational Voice Users

The study aimed to describe the outcomes of the voice use reduction (VUR) program on voice quality and vocal fatigue (VF) in occupational voice users (OVUs). A within-subject, quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test research design was performed on 30 OVUs. Perceptual and acoustic outcome measures were employed pre-and post-implementation of the VUR, including the GRBASI 4-point rating scale, jitter, shimmer, fundamental frequency ( F0), harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), maximum phonation time (MPT), frequency min and max, intensity min and max, the dysphonia severity index (DSI), and the vocal fatigue index (VFI). The pre-and post-test outcomes revealed significant ( p < .001) decreases in perceptual G (Grade of hoarseness), R (Roughness), A (Asthenia), S (Strain), and I (Instability). Perceptual normality in these areas increased significantly ( p < .001). Acoustic measures revealed significant ( p < .05) decreases in Jitter%, Intensity (dB) Min, and DSI scores as well as significant ( p < .05) increases in MPT /a/, /s/, and /z/, Frequency (Hz) Max, and F0 (Hz) Max, indicating improved voice quality at post-test. The VUR program positively affected and improved OVUs’ perception of VF in the areas of tiredness of voice and physical discomfort. OVUs strongly perceive improvement of VF symptoms with rest regardless of the current level of VF they are experiencing. When approaching OVUs, clinicians are encouraged to use a combination of direct voice therapy and vocal hygiene accompanied by VUR to help develop healthier use of the voice, facilitate healing, and prevent further/future injury or disorder.

Comfort Need of Hospitalised Patients With Covid-19 During Isolation Precaution: A Qualitative Study.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of hospitalised patients with Covid-19 in terms of the meeting of their comfort needs and the source of discomfort during isolation precautions. Qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was applied in this study. There were 16 hospitalised patients with Covid-19 and 11 nurses who were thoroughly interviewed. Content analysis was conducted to examine the data of the interviews and then managed using Atlas ti-9 software. Five central themes were identified that describe the comfort needs and the source of discomfort, as follows: (1) nursing professionalism; (2) physical discomfort; (3) psychological responses; (4) poor sleep quality; and (5) spiritual adaptations. The study promoted further explanation about comfort need in patients with Covid-19 in isolation room. This study also highlighted that nursing care played a pivotal part in assisting patients to reach their highest comfort level.

"There is a lot of shame that comes with this": A qualitative study of patient experiences of isolation, embarrassment, and stigma associated with overactive bladder.

Beyond causing physical discomfort, overactive bladder (OAB) is distressing to patients across a variety of psychosocial domains. In this qualitative component of a larger mixed methods study, we explore patients' lived experience with OAB to understand how this condition impacts individuals on a personal and social level, as well as their experiences interacting with the health care system. A total of 20 patients and 12 physicians completed a questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The interview guide, developed in an iterative fashion by the authors, included questions about treatment decision making as well as experiences living with or treating OAB; this manuscript focuses on the questions probing lived experiences and interactions between patients and physicians. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and inductively coded and analyzed according to the principles of interpretive description to develop themes. Analysis of patient and physician interviews yielded five key themes: isolation due to OAB diagnosis, social stigma associated with noticeable OAB symptoms, embarrassment from interactions with the health care system, feeling invalidated and dismissed by physicians, and OAB patients as a "vulnerable" population with "desperation" for cure. OAB causes patients marked distress beyond their physical symptoms; it causes feelings of isolation from friends and family and makes them feel embarrassed to discuss their condition with loved ones and physicians alike. Efforts to destigmatize OAB, validate patient experiences, and improve access to OAB care may help diminish the psychosocial burden of OAB.

Stress-induced cortisol response predicts empathy for pain: The role of task-based connectivity between the insula and sensorimotor cortex during acute stress

Empathy for pain is a key driver of prosocial behavior and is influenced by acute psychosocial stress. However, the role of task-based brain connectivity during acute stress have been neglected. Hence, we aimed to explore the relationship between the magnitude of cortisol response to acute stress and empathy for pain, as well as the neural connectivity mechanisms involved. In this study, 80 healthy participants (37 women and 43 men) were exposed to the acute psychosocial stress paradigm (ScanSTRESS) and were scanned by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Saliva samples were collected to measure the magnitude of cortisol stress response. Subsequently, the participants took part in a pain-video task to assess their empathy for pain. Six participants were excluded because of physical discomfort or excessive head movement in all runs during the task-dependent fMRI scan. Therefore, 33 women and 41 men were included in data analysis. We found that empathy for pain was negatively correlated with the magnitude of cortisol stress response (r = -0.268, p = 0.018) and that the task-based connectivity between the salience network and sensorimotor network, including its sub-network and sub-region, was negatively correlated with the magnitude of cortisol stress response, and positively correlated with empathy for pain. Furthermore, task-based connectivity between the insula and the paracentral lobule mediates the effect of the stress-induced cortisol response on empathy for pain (indirect effect = -0.0152, 95% CI = [- 0.036, -0.001], p = 0.036). Our research suggests that empathy is not only correlated with stress-induced glucocorticoids but also tied to the stress-induced reduced communication between basic and higher brain regions.

Motivations for and experience with labor induction at 39 weeks in women with obesity-A qualitative study.

Timing of induction of labor (IOL) at term has been investigated in multiple settings. In Denmark, the 'When to INDuce for OverWeight' (WINDOW) study compares IOL at 39 weeks of gestation versus expectant management in low-risk women with obesity. However, knowledge on women's expectations of and experience with IOL is sparse. The aim of this study was to explore women's motivation to join the WINDOW study and their experience when randomized to IOL at 39 gestational weeks. A qualitative interview study of 25 pregnant women with obesity randomized in the WINDOW study to IOL at 39 weeks of gestation was conducted. Participants were recruited from four hospitals in Central Denmark Region and were interviewed four to six weeks after giving birth. A thematic analysis was performed using a phenomenological approach. The analysis resulted in three main themes, (1) Motivation for IOL, (2) The IOL process, and (3) IOL in recollection and in the future. Participants perceived inclusion into the WINDOW study as a "great opportunity," as they hoped to be randomized to IOL at 39 weeks of gestation. Their main motivation for participating was physical discomfort in late pregnancy and a wish for "knowing" the timing of the birth. BMI-related risk factors were mentioned by few as a motivating factor. Some participants described the IOL process as a team effort between the couple and the midwives and were positive towards future IOL. Others associated the IOL process with prolonged labor or described the body as "reluctant" to respond to the induction regime. A desire to experience spontaneous onset of labor in a future pregnancy was mentioned. Physical discomfort and wanting to "control" the onset of labor were main motivations for women's decision to participate in the WINDOW study, hoping they would be allocated for IOL. Comprehensive information and being supported by midwives through the IOL process was crucial for a positive IOL experience. Some participants were positive towards a future IOL. Others speculated if their body was not ready for birth in 39 weeks of gestation and/or associated the IOL process with a challenging labor.

The Effect of Combined Foot Massage and Nature Music on the Sleep Quality of Critically Ill Patients

Aims: Critical patients in ICU and HCU often experience poor sleep due to excessive stress and various symptoms like environmental factors, pain, noise, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Foot massage and natural music interventions can help meet their sleep needs, providing a relaxing effect and improving physical and psychological conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of providing combination therapy of foot massage and natural music therapy in Dr. Hospital's peacock room Salamun 2023. Methods: This type of research is pre-experimental with a pre-post test of one group and uses the Richard Champbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Then the data was processed using a paired sample T-test. The sample in this study is 16 respondents. Results: The results of the statistical test obtained a p-value of 0.01, meaning that there was an effect between the pretest and posttest of the combination of foot massage and natural music therapy on the quality of sleep in critical patients in the peacock room at Dr. Salamun Hospital, Bandung City, 2023. Conclusions : the conclusion of this study is that there is an effect of foot massage therapy and natural music on the sleep quality of critical patients as shown by the results of measuring the quality of critical patients before and after consecutive interventions with massage of both feet combined with natural music. For 10 minutes it has been proven to be able to improve sleep quality in critically ill patients so that this intervention can be applied as a therapy to improve sleep quality.

Traditional massage “Peuseul” for pregnant women in Kuta Village and its impact on pregnant women's well-being: A qualitative study

“Peusuel” is a traditional massage practice performed on pregnant women in Tatar Sunda, believed to have various benefits for maternal and fetal health. This study aims to explore how Peusuel is implemented, understand the experiences of pregnant women who undergo Peusuel, and evaluate its impact on their physical and emotional well-being. The observed variables include physical discomfort levels (such as back pain, swelling, and fatigue), emotional states (including anxiety and mood changes), and social connectedness. The key parameters measured were frequency and duration of the Peusuel sessions and the involvement of community members in the process. Using qualitative research methods, particularly in-depth interviews and participant observations, data were collected from pregnant women who have experienced Peusuel, as well as from traditional practitioners and family members involved. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights. This analysis revealed that Peusuel not only helps reduce physical discomfort during pregnancy but also contributes to emotional relief by alleviating anxiety and stress. Additionally, it strengthens social and cultural ties between pregnant women and their communities, creating a sense of belonging and support. This study provides important insights into the preservation and development of the traditional practice of Peusuel in the context of modern health, while also highlighting its potential integration as a complementary approach in maternal care.

Wearable smart glasses for first‐person video analysis to evaluate nursing skills: A pilot study with a mixed method design

AbstractBackgroundComprehensive assessment of skills and performance are necessary to improve the quality of care in nursing education. Various factors pose challenges to accurate assessments, including high student–teacher ratio and observer bias.ObjectivesTo establish an assessment system based on first‐person video of smart glasses and validate its usability and feasibility.MethodsWe used two cameras (smart glasses for first‐person perspective and a web cam) to perform video analysis for skill and performance assessments. Usability tests were conducted using quantitative and qualitative questionnaires for the usefulness and acceptability of the current assessment system. Data from standardised checklists for three clinical nursing skills (intramuscular injection, endotracheal suction, and Levin tube feeding) were used to analyse the inter‐rater reliability in addition to Fleiss' Kappa coefficient analysis. A total of 22 participants (18 students and 4 reviewers) were recruited. They completed the study. Apart from physical discomfort component, the proposed smart glasses‐based first‐person video assessment system achieved good usability scores from both students and reviewers.Results and ConclusionsFleiss' Kappa values for individual items ranged from 0.450 to 0.808, with an overall average value of 0.592. Results of this study validated the potential of smart glasses‐based assessment system where a set of beneficial mechanisms may meaningfully support the formative learning process. However, issues regarding upgrading the device and need for guidelines for roles of raters and students still remain.

Advanced Bio-sensing Technologies for Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosis.

Sickle cell diseases are widespread in regions encompassing the Mediterranean, Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and specific parts of Asia, primarily due to the abnormal production of hemoglobin S. This genetic blood disorder stems from a mutation in the beta-globin gene, a crucial component of hemoglobin and the heme-containing protein found in red blood cells. Point mutations in the hemoglobin gene can be inherited as a heterozygous or homozygous pattern. These mutations disrupt the normal configuration of the protein, impeding its physiological function and altering the cell's shape, giving it a sickle-like appearance. The resulting sickle cells can lead to organ damage, intense physical discomfort, and anemia; in severe cases, the condition can be fatal. Early detection and effective treatment methods have the potential to progressively reduce the associated mortality rate over time. To diagnose sickle cell disease and its carrier states with unparalleled specificity, a variety of approaches have been developed. The most common method includes differential blood cell counts and their assessment, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Furthermore, innovative sensing technologies are currently under development, encompassing user-friendly, cost-effective and portable point-of-care devices that are capable of timely diagnosis at the genetic and molecular levels of these disorders. The review delves into a range of established and innovative strategies utilized in the detection of sickle cell disease, also underscoring the essential role played by diverse bio-sensing techniques in propelling the advancement of early diagnosis of SCD.

Leukocyte infiltration and cross-talk with cardiomyocytes exploit intracellular stress pathways in dilated cardiomyopathy of idiopathic origin.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent form of heart failure results in dilation and disruption of heart. Most strikingly a majority of the DCM cases do not have any identified etiology, hence known as idiopathic DCM (IDCM). Our study aimed to investigate the cross-talk between leukocytes and cardiomyocytes in terms of cardiac inflammation and stress response in IDCM. 60 IDCM patients and 60 age and sex matched healthy volunteers were recruited in this study based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) guidelines. Their echocardiographic and biochemical markers were assessed and PBMCs were analyzed for leukocyte migration and inflammation. Also C2C12 myocyte cells were cultured with LPS-activated RAW264.7 monocytes to investigate the cross-talk between them. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was evident in the IDCM patients which were correlated with their physical discomfort level according to NYHA classification. Their serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α (≈ 20 pg/ml) were found to be very high along with hs-CRP and IL-2. Elevated levels of ROCK, SMA and ICAM-1 proteins indicated activation and migration of the leukocytes. During monocyte-myocyte co-culture, robust diapedesis was observed in the cultured macrophage cells towards myocytes through the transwell pores (8 µM) in presence of IL-1β and TNF-α causing ER stress and cell death in the myocytes. Inhibition of this migration or by alleviating ER stress inhibits leukocyte recruitment and ensures protection to the myocytes. The present study showed that alleviating cellular stress and managing leukocyte migration promotes protection to the heart.

A survey of healthcare workers on the acceptance and value of personal protective equipment for patient care.

Assess healthcare workers' (HCW) attitudes toward universal masking, and gowns and gloves used as part of transmission-based precautions. Cross-sectional survey. Academic, tertiary care medical center in Baltimore, Maryland. HCW who work in patient care areas and have contact with patients. In May 2023, a 15-question web-based survey was distributed by the hospital's communications team via email. The survey contained questions to assess HCW perceptions of universal masking policies prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and at the time of the survey, and the use of gowns and gloves for transmission-based precautions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Differences in agreement with universal masking over time, level of agreement with gown and glove policies, and with all PPE types across respondent characteristics were assessed. 257 eligible respondents completed the survey. Nurses and patient care technicians (43%) and providers (17%) were the most commonly reported roles. Agreement with universal mask use decreased from 84% early in the pandemic to 55% at the time of the survey. 70% and 72% of HCW agreed masks protect themselves and others, respectively. 63% expressed any level of annoyance with mask wearing, the most often due to communication challenges or physical discomfort. 75% agreed with gown use for antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared with 90% for glove use. The majority of HCW agree with the use of PPE to prevent pathogen transmission in the healthcare setting. Agreement with universal mask use for patient care shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring the lived experience of performance-related health and wellbeing among flautists.

The study has investigated the lived experience of flautists, focusing on their experiences and perceptions of performance-related physical discomfort, injury and related mental health challenges that they might have encountered in practice and performance. The aims of the research have been to provide flautists with an opportunity to reflect on any physical or psychological performance issues in their own words, and to understand the subjective meaning of these experiences. A basic qualitative approach was used for gathering data. All the fieldwork was undertaken during or immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, the participating flautists were deliberately selected using professional networks on the basis of their answers to a pre-interview initial questionnaire related to the characteristics of their personal backgrounds and their experiences, as well as being able to participate remotely. There have been two data collection phases. Phase 1 was a specially designed pre-interview questionnaire drawing on themes from appropriate literature. Phase 2 built on the pre-interview questionnaire responses and was designed as semi-structured interviews, undertaken on Zoom, and included a 'River of Flute-playing Experience' activity during the interview. The 'River of Experience' method is an autobiographical research tool in which participants were asked to annotate key biographical experiences and challenges at various points along their drawing of a meandering river. The combined data analyses drew on thematic analysis. The eight participants reported a personal history of performance-related health and wellbeing challenges that they had faced at some point in their lives. The findings reveal that flautists encounter health-related challenges associated with their practice and performances, and the data suggest that they each require an understanding of likely performance-related health challenges and supportive resources to assist them in managing these challenges. The participants' diverse experiences highlight the importance of managing health and the value of supportive social connections. They cope with health challenges by integrating passion, resilience, and adaptability into their lives, finding ways to grow and continue to thrive in their flute-playing journey. The study underscores the need for comprehensive health education and support resources for flautists, emphasising the significance of resilience and adaptability in fostering health, wellbeing, and success.

Child-Centered Care: A Qualitative Study Exploring Pediatric Hospitalization Through Children's Perspectives.

Background/Objectives: Hospitalization can be stressful for children due to the influence of unfamiliar environments, separation from family, and interactions with healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore children's hospitalization experiences from a child-centered care perspective to develop interventions that better meet their emotional and psychological needs. Methods: This qualitative study employed Husserl's descriptive phenomenology to explore hospitalization experiences among children aged 9-13 years. Conducted at a primary health center in Spain from October 2022 to June 2023, the study used purposive sampling to select participants hospitalized within the past six months. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and children's self-created drawings, analyzed using thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software. Results: A total of 10 school-age children (five boys and five girls) were interviewed. Three main themes emerged: (1) Emotions and Feelings-children described fear, anxiety, and loneliness during their hospital stay; (2) Experiences of Pain and Discomfort-participants reported physical pain and discomfort; (3) Interactions with Medical Staff-children expressed a need for more detailed explanations and clearer communication. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of family-centered care and improved communication between healthcare providers and children. Strategies like art therapy and flexible visiting hours could provide better emotional support. Tailored communication to children's developmental levels is crucial. Integrating these strategies into clinical practice could enhance the well-being of hospitalized children. Future research should focus on evaluating these interventions to improve pediatric care.

How anti-brand activism generate from negative online word of mouth on customer-run communities: the moderating role of physical discomfort

The rising power of social media is undeniable in brands' health and consumers' confidence. This study explores the influence of negative online word of mouth on brand hate and anti-brand activism behavior. Additionally, psychological discomfort is treated as a moderator to examine the influence on the relationships mentioned above. A quantitative study is adopted. Using data collected from 300 respondents, this paper reveals the following results. First, negative online word-of-mouth on consumer-run social platforms does influence brand hate, which turns to anti-brand activism behavior as a consequence. Interestingly, psychological discomfort moderates the relationship between brand hate and brand anti-brand activism, which is unclear in the prior studies. Examining these relationships enriches the current brand's literature and highlights the significant impacts of negative online word of mouth, especially on consumer-run platforms. Branders need to fasten their response speed towards negative information in order to prevent spillover. They should avoid silent responses to any crisis since consumers might be in discomfort states which enrich the anti-brand actions.

Acceptability and use of HIV self-testing among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed methods systematic review

BackgroundYoung people (YP) are disproportionately affected by the HIV pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but testing rates remain low despite global targets of testing 95% of people with HIV infection by 2030. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been recently introduced to reach high-risk population groups such as these. Thus, synthesis of emerging evidence on the acceptability and use of HIVST among YP in SSA is needed so that comprehensive information can be generated to inform policy and practice.MethodsWe employed a mixed methods systematic review of quantitative and qualitative literature reporting on HIVST among YP involving any design and published in English by 31st of October 2023. The review synthesized quantitative evidence on acceptability and use of HIVST, and qualitative evidence on perspectives of YP about HIVST. We searched databases of published articles (e.g. MEDLINE, CINAHL) and Gray literature sources (e.g. Google, Google Scholar). The concepts for the search included self-testing, HIV/AIDS, and countries in SSA. Two authors independently screened, retrieved full-text, and assessed quality of the studies.ResultsA total of 4150 studies were retrieved and 32 studies were finally included in the review. Acceptability of HIVST computed from a single item asking YP on their preference or willingness or demand for HIVST was moderate (34–67%) to high (≥ 67%) among YP in SSA. Nine of the fourteen studies that reported on acceptability found high acceptability of HIVST. Use of HIVST ranged from 0.8 to 100% while in most studies the use rate was below 50%. Key barriers to HIVST use were coping with a positive test in the absence of counselling and support, physical discomfort, and cost of kits. Perceived enablers included perceptions of HIVST as promoting personal empowerment and autonomy; privacy and confidentiality; and convenience in location, time, and skill.ConclusionsHIVST was highly accepted but not well utilized among YP in SSA. YP showed diversified needs with mixed preferences for location, and modalities of service provision. Overall, the review identified heterogeneous evidence in terms of methods, population, outcome measures, and results. The review was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: ID = CRD42021278919).

The Effects of Adding TiO2 and CuO Nanoparticles to Fuel on Engine and Hand–Arm Driver Vibrations

Occupant comfort is a key consideration in automobile dynamics, with vibrations potentially causing long-term physical discomfort, especially for drivers. This study investigates the impact of adding TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles to fuel on engine-induced vibrations. Experiments were conducted at various nanoparticle concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm) and engine speeds (1000, 2000, and 3000 rpm). Key performance metrics, including kinematic viscosity, density, heating value, thermal conductivity, and brake power (BP), were analyzed. The results indicated that increasing nanoparticle concentration led to a rise in BP. The highest reduction in root mean square (RMS) vibration accelerations occurred at 3000 rpm and 150 ppm, with vibration reductions of 30.33% for CuO and 28.61% for TiO2. Additionally, 8–10% of engine vibrations were transmitted to the steering wheel. The use of 150 ppm CuO nanoparticles resulted in reduced vibration transmission to the steering wheel at all tested speeds. These findings suggest that nanoparticle-enhanced fuels can significantly reduce engine vibrations, potentially improving driver comfort and reducing wear on vehicle components.

Examining the relationship between subjective exercise tolerance and psychophysiological reactivity during physical stress.

It has been hypothesized that one's ability to control impulses aids in sustaining effort despite experiencing painful physical sensations. Physical exercise has been used extensively as an intervention to strengthen the inhibitory control system and protect an individual's cognitive plan of action. It is unclear, however, whether the high levels of exercise tolerance could facilitate inhibitory control under varied stressors. The present study explored the relationship between subjective exercise tolerance and psychophysiological characteristics that indicate reactivity capacity when exposed to the cold pressor test. Thirty-six participants were divided into two groups based on their subjective exercise tolerance profiles. During the test, participants' psychophysiological reactivity was monitored via heart rate variability. Participants were also required to answer questions about their perceptual and affective states at the beginning and immediately after the stress test. The study revealed insights into dominance perception and emotional states among individuals with varying subjective exercise tolerance levels. High-tolerant individuals endured physical discomfort longer (~50 s) and exhibited higher perceived dominance at the outset of the test when compared to their low-tolerant counterparts. Despite differences in task performance, both groups experienced more positive affective states post-task, potentially as a result of a heightened sense of self-accomplishment. Notably, both groups showed similar levels of psychophysiological reactivity, suggesting a protective effect of physical tolerance on ensuing biological responses. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex relationship between exercise tolerance, dominance perception, and psychophysiological reactivity during physically demanding tasks, enriching our understanding of how developing physical tolerance may impact inhibitory control under stress.