Health Practice Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Tillage Practices on Soil Characteristics in Vertisol for Groundnut-based Cropping System

Tillage practices in groundnut-based Vertisol systems is essential for improving soil health and maximizing agricultural productivity. This study investigates the impact of tillage practices and cropping systems on soil physical and chemical properties in the Vertisol region of Karnataka during the 2022-23 Kharif and Rabi seasons. Conducted at the MARS, UAS, Dharwad, the experiment utilized a strip plot design, comparing minimum tillage with crop residue incorporation (M1) and conventional tillage without residue (M2) across four cropping systems. Findings revealed that minimum tillage significantly enhanced soil properties, demonstrating improved porosity (52.14%), maximum water holding capacity (55.97%) and soil aggregate stability (62.42%) while reducing bulk density (1.27 Mg m⁻³) at the surface layer. Among cropping systems, the groundnut + pigeon pea combination showed superior soil characteristics, with porosity at 50.88%, MWHC at 55.05%, and reduced bulk density of 1.31 Mg m⁻³ at 0-15 cm depth. Additionally, minimum tillage led to higher soil organic carbon (7.65 g kg⁻¹) and available NPK levels (315.8 kg ha⁻¹ N, 44.06 kg ha⁻¹ P, 324.53 kg ha⁻¹ K), particularly in the groundnut + pigeon pea system. These findings emphasize the efficacy of conservation agriculture techniques, reinforcing existing research that highlights how minimum tillage and leguminous cropping systems enhance soil health and foster sustainable farming practices. Such results are pivotal for promoting sustainable agricultural development, as they illustrate that implementing these practices can lead to significant improvements in soil vitality, crucial for boosting crop yields and ensuring ecological stability in Karnataka's Vertisol region.

The Emergence of Cat-Transmitted Sporotrichosis Driven by Sporothrix brasiliensis in Piauí, Brazil.

In Brazil, the emergence of feline sporotrichosis, a neglected subcutaneous mycosis primarily transmitted by cats and caused by the fungus Sporothrix brasiliensis, has been monitored via molecular tools. This approach underscores the geographic expansion of this disease and highlights the critical role of molecular surveillance in understanding its epidemiology and guiding public health interventions. We investigated three domestic cats (Felis catus) with multiple skin lesions in Picos, Piauí, Brazil. The cats were examined, and samples were collected for laboratory diagnosis, including cytological evaluation, fungal culture, and molecular characterisation. The molecular analysis involved a one-tube multiplex probe-based qPCR assay for the diagnosis of Sporothrix species, mating-type determination, and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP, EcoRI-GA/MseI-AG) to assess genetic similarity and potential origin. All three cats were diagnosed with sporotrichosis caused by the hypervirulent S. brasiliensis. A probable case of zoonotic transmission has been reported in a 12-year-old girl who developed Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome after contact with one of the cats with sporotrichosis. The molecular analysis revealed that the cat isolates were MAT 1-2 and formed a single cluster according to the AFLP analysis, suggesting direct transmission (cat-cat) and a potential founder effect. The isolates were also closely related to strains from Pernambuco and Southeast Brazil, indicating a possible introduction from these regions. Identifying S. brasiliensis in Piauí emphasises the need for increased awareness and control measures to prevent further spread. The predominance of the MAT1-2 idiomorphs and the genetic similarity among outbreak isolates suggest clonal expansion, which could have significant implications for public health and veterinary practices. Considering its zoonotic potential and environmental adaptability, a One Health approach is crucial for managing and controlling the spread of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis.

Decoding the Digital Pulse: Bibliometric Analysis of 25 Years in Digital Health Research Through the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

As the digital health landscape continues to evolve, analyzing the progress and direction of the field can yield valuable insights. The Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) has been at the forefront of disseminating digital health research since 1999. A comprehensive network analysis of JMIR publications can help illuminate the evolution and trends in digital medicine over the past 25 years. This study aims to conduct a detailed network analysis of JMIR's publications to uncover the growth patterns, dominant themes, and potential future trajectories in digital health research. We retrieved 8068 JMIR papers from PubMed using the Biopython library. Keyword metrics were assessed using accuracy, recall, and F1-scores to evaluate the effectiveness of keyword identification from Claude 3 Opus and Gemini 1.5 Pro in addition to 2 conventional natural language processing methods using key bidirectional encoder representations from transformers. Future trends for 2024-2026 were predicted using Claude 3 Opus, Google's Time Series Foundation Model, autoregressive integrated moving average, exponential smoothing, and Prophet. Network visualization techniques were used to represent and analyze the complex relationships between collaborating countries, paper types, and keyword co-occurrence. JMIR's publication volume showed consistent growth, with a peak in 2020. The United States dominated country contributions, with China showing a notable increase in recent years. Keyword analysis from 1999 to 2023 showed significant thematic shifts, from an early internet and digital health focus to the dominance of COVID-19 and advanced technologies such as machine learning. Predictions for 2024-2026 suggest an increased focus on artificial intelligence, digital health, and mental health. Network analysis of JMIR publications provides a macroscopic view of the evolution of the digital health field. The journal's trajectory reflects broader technological advances and shifting research priorities, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The predicted trends underscore the growing importance of computational technology in future health care research and practice. The findings from JMIR provide a glimpse into the future of digital medicine, suggesting a robust integration of artificial intelligence and continued emphasis on mental health in the postpandemic era.

Forming of modern Russian youth’s social representations about maintaining health: condition and problems

The article deals with the study of health maintaining among Russian youth. Based on data from all-Russian surveys and presented in relevant studies, the contradictions between the value perception of health and destructive health practices among young people were found. In this regard, based on the understanding of health conservation as a purposeful activity, in the structure of which the cognitive component plays a significant role, the author underlines to study young people’s ideas about health and health caring in order to realise the reasons of differences between the state of health and the attitude of Russian youth. In this regard, the author conducted a study of the structure of social ideas of young Russians. The theoretical basis of the study was the key provisions of the concept of social representations by S. Moscovici. The empirical basis was the data of the author’s empirical study “Health Saving of Modern Russian Youth: Ideas and Practices”. Based on the results of the study, it was established that the core of modern youth’s social ideas about health conservation are traditional images and ideas that reflect the most characteristic of Russian society and its health conservation culture, but in a limited format. The peripheral zone includes components such as breaking bad habits, well-being, and maintaining emotional stability. The least characteristic of young Russians is the connection between ideas about health and health preservation with institutional practices of clinical examination and preventive examinations, which suggests a decrease in the role of the medical institute as an agent of social control in relation to health in the ideas of the younger generation. Thus, the social ideas of young Russians about health and the practices of its preservation, along with traditional ideas, are distinguished by features, the formation of which, according to the author, is due to the influence of new agents of healthy lifestyle socialization and the online-sources

Factors associated with HPV vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Africa: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide. HPV vaccination is an important tool to prevent and control HPV infection and its complications. Despite carrying the...

Association between coordinated counseling from both ASHA and Anganwadi Workers and maternal health outcomes: A cross-sectional study from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, India.

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play crucial roles in health promotion and services in rural India. Previous research investigating the effectiveness of coordinated health promotion by different community health workers (CHWs) cadres on health practices is scarce. This study examines the effectiveness of coordinated health promotion by different CHW cadres, specifically Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi Workers (AWW), on maternal health outcomes. Using endline data from a 2019 impact evaluation of 6635 mothers with children <12 months in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, we compared the association between standalone and coordinated counseling by ASHA and AWW on various maternal health practices. Outcomes included four or more antenatal care visits, birth preparedness, institutional delivery, postnatal care visits, and contraceptive uptake. Fixed effects logistic regression with robust standard errors, corrected for multiple hypothesis tests, was used for analysis. Results showed that 39.6% of women received four or more ANC visits, 31.2% adopted birth preparedness practices, 79.6% had institutional deliveries, 23.3% received postnatal care, and 19.5% adopted a postpartum contraceptive method. Coordinated counseling from both ASHA and AWW was associated with a greater prevalence of four outcomes (birth preparedness, institutional delivery, PNC visit, and contraception) compared to standalone counseling from either ASHA or AWWs. These findings suggest that health promotion by AWW complements that of ASHA, collectively associated with improved health outcomes. This study underscores the effectiveness of coordinated health promotion and highlights the need for multisectoral and coordinated efforts among different CHW cadres at the community level. The results emphasize the importance of integrating various CHW roles to enhance maternal health practices and outcomes in rural India. Trial registration number: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN83902145. Date of registration: 08/12/2016.

INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND LITERATURE IN HUMANISTIC HEALTH TRAINING: EFFECTS OF TEXTS ON THE HUMANIZATION OF CARE

Given the need to develop educational practices that transcend technical knowledge, promoting ethical reflection and empathetic understanding of patients, this study aimed to analyze how the use of literary texts in health education can promote the humanization of care, integrating digital technology to maximize educational impact and improve the training of professionals. The proposal explores the potential of digital technologies to maximize educational impact and improve the training of future health professionals. A mixed methodological approach was used, with qualitative and quantitative analyses, applied in the discipline of Nursing in Women's Health at a private university in São Paulo. The research was conducted remotely, due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic, and involved 58 undergraduate nursing students. During the study, students read and discussed the works The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Little Doctor through the Google Classroom platform. The activities included guided readings, weekly discussions, and questionnaires to assess the impact of the readings on students' understanding and practice in relation to the humanization of care. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in student participation and depth of reflections after the introduction of literary texts, while qualitative analyses highlighted the importance of literature in fostering a more empathetic and humanized perspective in health practice. It is concluded that the integration of literary texts, mediated by digital technologies, proved to be effective in improving the understanding and practice of humanization in care, contributing to a more sensitive and reflective professional training.

Distribution and Implications of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Genotypes in Animals: A Comprehensive Review

This narrative review discusses the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among animal populations, focusing on M. tuberculosis genotype distribution and frequency across different species. To develop comprehensive tuberculosis control strategies under the One Health approach, it is important to have an understanding of the genotypes of M. tuberculosis in animals. Animal infections are discussed, as well as the pathogenesis and epidemiology of M. tuberculosis. Various genotyping methods, including spoligotyping, MIRU-VNTR, and whole genome sequencing, are discussed in the review, emphasizing their role in understanding strain diversity and transmission dynamics. There are many factors influencing the distribution of M. tuberculosis genotypes in animals, including environmental conditions, host factors, human-animal interactions, and animal trade practices. It is clear from the review that the Euro-American lineage is widely distributed across animal species, with the Beijing genotype becoming increasingly prevalent in regions where it is prevalent in humans. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive genotyping studies as well as the development of better diagnostic tools. This will enhance our understanding of M. tuberculosis in animal populations. A conclusion to the review, emphasizes that standardizing genotyping protocols, utilizing whole genome sequencing, and fostering international collaboration are essential for improving our understanding of M. tuberculosis diversity in animals and developing targeted tuberculosis control strategies. The impact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes in animals is multi-faceted, affecting both public health and veterinary practices. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach that considers the interconnectedness of human and animal health systems, fosters research, enhances surveillance, and implements effective control strategies.

Protecting Emergency Responders with Evidence-Based Interventions (PEREI): protocol for a randomized controlled trial for early career emergency responders, significant others, and supervisors

ABSTRACT Background: Emergency service personnel perform roles associated with high levels of trauma exposure and stress, and not surprisingly experience greater risk for poor mental health including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use relative to the general population. Although programs exist to minimise the risk of developing mental health problems, their efficacy to date has been limited or untested. We will test the efficacy of the three programs which form PEREI: Protecting Emergency Responders with Evidence-Based Interventions. PEREI consists of modified versions of internet-delivered cognitive training in resilience (iCT-R) for early career first responders, PEREI-S for supervisors, and Be Well for Significant Others (BW-SO). Method: Up to 450 members in their first 5 years of service across multiple agencies will be recruited, with their adult supports (significant others, friends) invited to participate. Up to 180 supervisors in the agencies will be recruited. Participants will be randomized to their respective program or to receive the standard practice for mental health offered by the service (or usual mental health support for significant others). Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-program, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome is PTSD and depression severity and probable-diagnosis. Secondary measures will index hypothesized mediators and moderators of outcome and determine whether the programs are cost-effective. Conclusions: The results will provide evidence as to efficacious methods for reducing risk of mental health problems in high-risk occupations, a better understanding of how such interventions may work, and whether they are good value for money. Trial registration: www.anzctr.org.au (ACTRN12622001267741)

The Role of Biotechnology in Shaping the Future of Modern Agriculture

Biotechnology stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of modern agriculture, offering an array of innovative solutions poised to revolutionize crop productivity, enhance nutritional quality, and foster environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted role of biotechnology in shaping the future landscape of agriculture, encompassing diverse realms such as genetic engineering, molecular breeding, and microbial biotechnology. Spanning from crop improvement to pest and disease management, soil health, and sustainable agriculture practices, the applications of biotechnology in agriculture are far-reaching and profound. Genetic engineering emerges as a powerful tool in the arsenal of agricultural biotechnology, facilitating the precise manipulation of plant genomes to confer desirable traits such as increased yield, enhanced nutritional content, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Molecular breeding techniques complement this approach, leveraging advances in genomics and bioinformatics to expedite the breeding process and develop high-performing crop varieties tailored to specific agroecological contexts, microbial biotechnology emerges as a pivotal force in sustainable agriculture, harnessing the power of beneficial microorganisms to improve soil fertility, enhance nutrient uptake, and suppress plant pathogens. From biofertilizers and biopesticides to bioremediation and phytoremediation, microbial-based solutions hold immense potential in mitigating environmental degradation and promoting agroecosystem resilience, the widespread adoption of biotechnology in agriculture is not devoid of societal, economic, and ethical considerations. Regarding food safety, environmental impact, and socio-economic equity underscore the need for rigorous regulatory frameworks and robust risk assessment protocols to ensure the responsible deployment of biotechnological innovations, public perceptions and fostering dialogue between stakeholders are essential for building trust and garnering support for biotechnology in agriculture. Education, transparency, and stakeholder engagement are paramount in navigating the complex terrain of biotechnology governance and fostering an enabling environment for innovation, the current state and future prospects of biotechnology in agriculture, this review endeavors to inform policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders about the transformative potential of biotechnology to address pressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Embracing the opportunities afforded by biotechnology holds the key to unlocking a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural future.

Machine learning-based crop type detection and vegetation mon-itoring using Sentinel-1 SAR and Landsat 8

This study explores the use of machine learning for crop type detection and vegetation monitoring in arid and semi-arid regions, specifically in Biskra and Khenchela, Algeria. Traditional field-based agricultural monitoring is labor-intensive and limited in spatial coverage, prompting the need for more efficient and scalable methods. The research integrates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 and optical imagery from Landsat 8 to enhance the classification of different crop types and track vegetation dynamics. Key metrics such as radar backscatter and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are employed to distinguish between irrigated and rainfed crops. The Random Forest algorithm is utilized for classification, with training data derived from field surveys, high-resolution satellite imagery, and existing land cover maps. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform facilitates large-scale data processing, providing real-time agricultural analysis. Over the 12-month study period (January to December 2020), the integrated approach demonstrated high accuracy, achieving over 85% precision in classifying key crops such as date palms, cereals, and vegetables. Results indicate that SAR and NDVI data provide complementary insights into vegetation health, phenology, and agricultural practices in different climatic zones. This methodology offers a promising solution for improving agricultural monitoring and resource management in arid and semi-arid regions, enhancing food security and optimizing water usage. The study’s findings also underscore the value of satellite-based remote sensing for large-scale, real-time agricultural analysis.

Optimisation of the sampling method for skin microbiome studies in healthy children: a pilot cohort study

IntroductionRecent interest in the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses that make up the skin microbiome has led to numerous studies investigating the skin microbiome in healthy skin and in dermatological conditions. However, skin microbiome analysis is challenging due to relatively low numbers of skin microorganisms compared to mucosal sites, such as the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Microbiome results are heavily influenced by sampling methods. Previous sampling methods include that of cotton swabs, tape stripping, patch sampling and punch biopsies. It is essential to have a standardised sampling method for microbiome studies to have comparable results between studies. Two non-invasive methods of sampling the skin microbiome; a skin scraping versus a flocked swab were chosen as methodologies likely to be efficient, effective, and easy to access for future skin microbiome studies in children. Here we compare the two sampling methods to describe the composition of the skin microbiome in healthy children.MethodSamples were collected from six healthy children aged three to nine years from the skin overlying the cubital fossa, cheek and axilla using (i) flocked swabs and (ii) skin scrapings with a glass slide. Samples were collected from the left and right sides of the body at two separate time points, one week apart. Quantitative PCR of the gene encoding 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) was performed to compare the bacterial load collected by each sampling method. Full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to compare the relationship of sampling method and time with the diversity and ecology of bacteria between different body sites.ResultsFrom six children, 78 flocked swabs and 78 skin scraping samples were collected, along with details of their overall health and skin care practices. qPCR results indicated higher total bacterial load from flocked swabs compared with skin scrapings. Flocked swabs and skin scraping methods had very similar bacterial compositional profiles. The skin microbiome was diverse between individuals and remained relatively stable within individuals over time.DiscussionOverall, results were similar between sample types, however bacterial DNA yield was higher for flocked swab samples (compared to skin scraping methods) and with a simpler protocol is the preferred sampling method for future studies.

Stagnating Life Expectancy Among American Indians and Alaska Natives: Understanding the Drivers and Recommendations for Research, Policy, and Practice.

Life expectancy among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) has declined from 72 years in 2019 to 68 years in 2021. This current life expectancy for AI/ANs is equivalent to the overall life expectancy in the United States population in the 1940s. The significant and persistent nature of AI/AN health inequities, and the lack of clarity around what is driving them, requires urgent action. The purpose of this article is threefold. First, we provide a comprehensive conceptual framework of health that presents Indigenous perspectives of health and recognizes settler colonialism as a key structural determinant of the health of AI/ANs. Second, we underscore the importance of Tribal self-determination and sovereignty in public health research and practice and identify successful initiatives centering these efforts. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for future research, practice, and policy.

Reaccreditation and Pathways Recognition Experiences of Small Local and Tribal Health Departments

Context: This paper describes experiences and views of leadership teams from 4 small local health departments (LHDs) seeking Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) reaccreditation or Pathways Recognition using PHAB Standards &amp; Measures Version 2022. The Pathways program launched in 2022 provides additional supports for improvement of public health practice. Objective: Given the need to accelerate accreditation among small health departments, the purpose of this study is to share small health departments’ strategies for overcoming accreditation challenges and actionable advice for use by other health departments. Design: In this descriptive qualitative study, the study team conducted 22 individual interviews with 4 small LHDs from January to March 2024. Setting: Participating small health departments were located in the Midwestern and Western United States with staff sizes ranging from 3 to 47. Participants: Interview participants included small health department leadership teams, a local board of health member, and a contracted external accreditation consultant. Main Outcome Measures: We used a semi-structured interview guide to elicit participant experiences and views on accreditation processes, benefits, facilitators, strategies for overcoming challenges, and advice for other small health departments. Results: Participants suggested that accreditation benefits far outweighed the challenges. Perceived benefits included improved organizational procedures, equitable delivery of needed effective programs and services, and enhanced public perception. Key strategies to overcome staff capacity challenges were establishing a team approach and orienting and mentoring new staff in the “why” and “how” of accreditation. Advice included learning what is involved, taking the time to lay a foundation beforehand, and not waiting for a perfect time as accreditation is about improvement, not perfection. Conclusions: Small health departments can achieve and maintain PHAB accreditation by strategically implementing strategies to overcome staff capacity and other challenges. The Pathways Recognition program is a supportive option for small health departments wanting to improve public health practice.

A Typology of US Public Health Work-Education Programs

Objective: A pipeline is required to build a qualified and diverse public health workforce. Work-education programs offer public health students experiential learning, training, and a pathway to public health professions. However, there is a gap in the literature to guide public health practice on the types of programs, their components, and their potential impact. By defining and differentiating work-education programs, we aim to provide public health practitioners a useful tool to advance public health careers. Design: We conducted a scoping review of US-based public health work-education programs and performed a content analysis to extract, analyze, and synthesize data to develop a typology of programs in the US. We searched CINAHL, ERIC, PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science databases for papers published between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022. Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion criteria included programs with a description, intervention design, student characteristics, setting characteristics, and program outcomes if available. Exclusion criteria included programs with no description, that focused on the expansion of a specific clinical profession (ie, dentistry), that were implemented outside of the US, and that targeted exclusively high school students. Study Selection: The search resulted in 650 references, which yielded 35 articles from 33 interventions. Main Outcome Measure(s): The main outcome measures were qualitative and included program design, features, and implementation. Results: We identified 3 types of programs: those that (1) expose students to public health (n = 6), (2) guide students to specific public health professions (n = 12), and (3) connect students with organizations for public health practice (n = 15). Program types were influenced by student participants, setting, and program components. Conclusions: This typology illustrates the spectrum of work-education programs and their variability in design and implementation. The typology has utility for practitioners to identify programmatic aspects that may be feasible and desirable in the context of their practice.

Global trends in importance of 24-hour movement behaviors to pediatric health: Implications for South Korea.

Cultivating a 24-hour movement behavioral profile conducive to health and well-being, marked by adequate levels of physical activity, limited screen time, and sufficient sleep, has emerged as an important avenue for promoting pediatric health. We aimed to provide evidence of this potential, this multiphase, multimethod, and integrative review comprehensively investigated the global trends in health promotion initiatives and status of the Korean pediatric population. This integrative review comprised three phases employing various review methods: an environmental scan of existing guidelines for 24-hour movement behaviors worldwide, a rapid review of physical activity-related indicators from Global Matrix data, and a systematic review of 24-hour movement behaviors among children and adolescents in South Korea. The growing recognition of a holistic approach to the 24-hour movement behavior paradigm in pediatric health promotion has led to the establishment and adoption of 24-hour movement guidelines in different countries and by the World Health Organization (WHO). Korean health authorities have also responded to this need by releasing a translated report of the WHO guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior as well as the 2024 update of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Koreans. Accordingly, actions must be followed in policy, research, and practice. This is critical considering that Korean children and adolescents exhibit an unfavorable profile of 24-hour movement behaviors compared to the global average. Among those aged 0-6 years, the weighted averages for guideline adherence were 18.2% for physical activity, 38.1% for sedentary behavior, and 76.2% for sleep. For those aged 12-18 years, the weighted averages for guideline adherence were 20.4% for physical activity, 55.9% for sedentary behavior, and 26.2% for sleep. Building on these current findings, this integrative review provides three priorities for pediatric health promotion policy and practice and three recommendations for future research.

Advancing Patient Safety Culture: A Systematic Review of Strategies and Best Practices in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This research study is an important contribution to that critical argument of how to develop patient safety culture in health care settings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Having understood the pivotal role played by culture in the improvement of patient outcomes, very systematically lays down a literature review looking for the prevalent gaps and inefficiencies occurring in the present practices. That is to mean, the paper duly critically appraises different approaches and interventions that have greatly contributed to making a huge difference in the organizational climate, regarding the culture of safety through a systematic and rigorous manner. These findings, therefore, underline the need for full-fledged deployment of safety protocols, fostering a transparent atmosphere through which healthcare providers should learn from their mistakes, and demand quality enhancement programs. Presents a summary of such findings, and their general meanings with regards to health policy, leadership, and practice that suggest a way for healthcare institutions in Riyadh, to draw a more resilient and patient-centered safety culture. This research contributes to the academic void of discourse of patient safety by offering practical insights to the health leaders and policy-makers in Riyadh that, when implemented, will optimize the quality of care in health care and experience that patients have in it

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF CHRONIC DISEASES IN VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in vulnerable populations, who often face difficulties in accessing adequate medical care. Primary care, especially family medicine, plays a central role in the prevention and control of these diseases, as it offers continuous, comprehensive and personalized care, focused on health promotion and the prevention of complications. This model of care is especially effective in communities that face economic, social and cultural barriers, allowing for early intervention and appropriate management of chronic conditions. The aim of this study is to analyze strategies for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in vulnerable populations, with a focus on family medicine. The aim is to identify effective approaches that can be used to improve the quality of life of these populations and reduce the incidence and progression of chronic diseases. The research was carried out through a qualitative literature review, focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2022. The aim was to explore the advances and challenges in the management of chronic diseases, with an emphasis on primary health practices, the impact of social determinants of health, and the role of technologies such as telemedicine in the management of these conditions. By providing continuous and comprehensive care, family medicine uses various strategies to prevent and control chronic diseases. These include regular patient follow-up, early screening for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and health education, which guides individuals on healthy behaviors and self-care. In addition, disease monitoring programs and interventions such as modifying eating habits and promoting physical activity have shown positive results in the management of chronic diseases. However, there are still significant challenges, such as the scarcity of resources and the lack of qualified professionals, which limit the effectiveness of these approaches in certain regions and social groups. Overcoming these barriers requires a joint effort between health professionals, managers and public policies. It is concluded that family medicine is a fundamental approach to the control and prevention of chronic diseases, especially in vulnerable populations. The strategies adopted in this model of care, such as continuous monitoring, health education and early intervention, have shown significant results in improving quality of life and reducing complications associated with chronic diseases. However, in order to optimize the results, it is necessary to overcome challenges related to access and the training of professionals, as well as ensuring adequate support for the implementation of public health programs that favour the population in situations of vulnerability. Implementing efficient public policies and expanding access to primary health care are essential to achieving effective control of chronic diseases.

2018-2019 human seasonal H3N2 influenza A virus spillovers into swine with demonstrated virus transmission in pigs were not sustained in the pig population.

Human seasonal H3 clade 3C3a influenza A viruses (IAV) were detected four times in U.S. pigs from commercial swine farms in Michigan, Illinois, and Virginia in 2019. To evaluate the relative risk of this spillover to the pig population, whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic characterization were conducted, and the results revealed that all eight viral gene segments were closely related to 2018-2019 H3N2 human seasonal IAV. Next, a series of in vitro viral kinetics, receptor binding, and antigenic characterization studies were performed using a representative A/swine/Virginia/A02478738/2018(H3N2) (SW/VA/19) isolate. Viral replication kinetic studies of SW/VA/19 demonstrated less efficient replication curves than all 10 swine H3N2 viruses tested but higher than three human H3N2 strains. Serial passaging experiments of SW/VA/19 in swine cells did not increase virus replication, but changes at HA amino acid positions 9 and 159 occurred. In swine transmission studies, wild-type SW/VA/19 was shed in nasal secretions and transmitted to all indirect contact pigs, whereas the human seasonal strain A/Switzerland/9715293/2013(H3N2) from the same 3C3a clade failed to transmit. SW/VA/19 induced minimal macroscopic and microscopic lung lesions. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that these human seasonal H3N2 3C3a-like viruses did not require reassortment with endemic swine IAV gene segments for virus shedding and transmission in pigs. Limited detections in the U.S. pig population in the subsequent period of time suggest a yet-unknown restriction factor likely limiting the spread of these viruses in the U.S. pig population.IMPORTANCEInterspecies human-to-swine IAV transmission occurs globally and contributes to increased IAV diversity in pig populations. We present data that a swine isolate from a 2018-2019 human-to-swine transmission event was shed for multiple days in challenged and contact pigs. By characterizing this introduction through bioinformatic, molecular, and animal experimental approaches, these findings better inform animal health practices and vaccine decision-making. Since wholly human seasonal H3N2 viruses in the United States were not previously identified as being transmissible in pigs (i.e., reverse zoonosis), these findings reveal that the interspecies barriers for transmission to pigs may not require significant changes to all human seasonal H3N2, although additional changes may be required for sustained transmission in swine populations.

Dental Health Literacy among Highly Skilled Professionals in India: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Research in medical settings has consistently demonstrated that health literacy is essential for patient adherence and comprehension to medical/dental instructions including prescriptions and improving positive holistic health outcomes. Despite its recognized importance, the role of literacy in dentistry has received limited focus. This study aimed to assess the level of oral health literacy among professionals in a multinational company, using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-30 (REALD-30) as the measurement tool. Methods: A convenience sample of 111 adults was recruited from a dental camp held at two locations within an IT firm. Oral health literacy was measured and analysed using the REALD-30 scale. Participants also participated in interviews to collect sociodemographic information, dental visit history, dental needs, global oral health ratings, dental knowledge, practices, and comprehension. Additionally, clinical examinations were conducted to record the DMFT index (Decayed; D component, Missing; M component, and Filled; F component Teeth), as well as the presence of dental stains and calculus. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. Results: REALD-30 scores ranged from a low of 8 to a high of 25. Participants who had decayed, missing, or filled teeth, or a DMFT score higher than one, exhibited lower oral health literacy compared to the reference group. Similarly, lower oral health literacy was observed in participants with dental stains or calculus. Conclusions: Effective communication with patients is crucial for delivering high-quality dental care. The study concluded that a significant proportion of the highly educated professional group of people has less oral health literacy, which may obstruct their basic ability to understand and process the fundamental oral health information.