Review Of International Literature Research Articles

Factors associated with the place of death of persons with advanced dementia: A systematic review of international literature with meta-analysis.

Many individuals with advanced dementia die in hospital, despite preferring home death. Existing evidence of factors affecting their place of death is inconsistent. To inform policies/practices for meeting needs/preferences, systematically establishing the evidence is pertinent, particularly given the exponential rise in advanced dementia prevalence. To identify factors influencing where people with advanced dementia die. This systematic review with meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022366722). Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and a grey literature database, Overton, were searched on 21/12/2022, supplemented by hand-searching/citation tracking. Papers reporting quantitative data on factors associated with place of death in advanced dementia were included and appraised using QualSyst. Data were analysed using random effects with the certainty of evidence determined using the GRADE criteria. Thirty-three papers involving >5 million individuals (mean age = 89.2 years) were included. Long-term care setting deaths were relatively common but hospice deaths were rarer. Marriage's association with home death underscores social networks' importance, while younger age's and male gender's associations with hospital death demonstrate patients' and families' interdependency. Pneumonia/COPD's opposing effects on hospital deaths with cancer/functional impairment highlight the challenges of advanced dementia care. Unlike hospital/nursing home bed availability's lack of effect, capitated funding (fixed-amount-per-patient-per-period) decreased hospital death likelihood. This comprehensive review of place of death determinants highlight the profound challenges of advanced dementia end-of-life care. Given that bed capacity did not affect place of death, a capitation-based, integrated palliative care model would appear more likely to meet patients' needs in a resource-constrained environment.

Veterans in Care Homes: An International Scoping Review to Inform UK Policy and Practice

Context: In contrast to the mental and physical health needs of veterans, veterans’ social care needs remain relatively neglected by policymakers and researchers. Objective: To inform UK veterans policy and practice by drawing together the expectedly limited international research base on veterans in care homes. Method: An international scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey research literature was conducted, informed by Levac et al.’s (2010) six-stage process. Findings: Thirty-three papers were found to meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The papers’ contents typically fell into one or more of the following themes: social connection, care preferences and autonomy, and military-related physical and mental health needs. Limitations: Very little (n = 1) UK-situated research was found, with the majority of retrieved papers (n = 24) being US-based, impeding transferability and relevancy of the findings to a UK context. Implications: Veterans’ social care needs were found to be a largely underexplored area of research, especially in the UK. There is a pressing need for UK veterans’ policymakers to redress existing imbalances in the focus of policy and research by raising the status and importance of the social care needs of UK veterans, as has been achieved on the mental and physical health fronts.

The Role of Higher Education in the Formation of the Gender Inequality in the Labor Market. A Review of Russian and International Literature

The Role of Higher Education in the Formation of the Gender Inequality in the Labor Market. A Review of Russian and International Literature

Men, masculinities and climate crisis: An international literature review

Men, masculinities and climate crisis: An international literature review

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition, ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction, and research progress of Chinese medicine intervention

Ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction(VRAMI) is a pathological phenomenon triggered by the abrupt occlusion of coronary arteries, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. This intricate process encompasses alterations in the dimensions, composition, and elasticity of the ventricular tissue and reflects pathophysiological reactions and self-repair after cardiomyocytes are damaged. The characteristic pathological manifestation of VRAMI is the presence of myocardial fibrosis(MF), wherein fibrotic cardiac tissue undergoes a loss of contractile and relaxation capacity, ultimately culminating in heart failure(HF) and significantly impacting the patient's prognosis. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition(EndMT) is a biological process in which endothelial cells, in response to diverse pathological stimuli such as ischemia and hypoxia in the embryonic development period, undergo morphological alterations and functional impairment, progressively acquiring mesenchymal cell properties and ultimately differentiating into mesenchymal cells. The ongoing advancement of the EndMT process will result in an excessive buildup of collagen, thereby inducing structural harm to the myocardium and exacerbating the processes of VRAMI and MF. Recent investigations have demonstrated the pivotal involvement of EndMT in the pathological advancement of VRAMI. Consequently, a targeted intervention aimed at effectively impeding VRAMI, safeguarding cardiac function, and potentially serving as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of VRAMI. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent Chinese and international literature, focusing on the role and pathophysiological mechanisms of EndMT in VRAMI. Additionally, it discusses the research progress of innovative targeted interventions using both traditional Chinese and Western medicine, so as to offer new insights and a theoretical foundation for the clinical treatment of the disease.

A multi-method approach to drafting candidate entrustable professional activities for a general internal medicine residency programme.

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are units of concrete daily clinical tasks that trainee physicians should be able to handle with increasing autonomy during their postgraduate training. EPAs are gaining international recognition as an essential component of competency-based medical training programmes. The process of developing EPAs for a nationwide training programme is complex and requires an in-depth understanding of EPAs as a concept and good knowledge of appropriate development processes. This article provides a detailed description of the methodology and results of a multi-step approach for developing a list of candidate EPAs for Switzerland's postgraduate training programme in general internal medicine (GIM). We took a multi-step approach including a systematic review of international literature, four national focus groups, a national consensus process using a RAND appropriateness method, and a quality check of the selected candidate EPAs using EQual criteria. These steps generated a final list of 247 candidate EPAs in general internal medicine that were submitted for the national consensus process. After two rounds of rating, experts agreed on the appropriateness for general internal medicine postgraduate training of 225 candidate EPAs. Twenty-two were deemed inappropriate, and disagreement persisted only for two EPAs. This multi-step programme is one of the few describing in detail the process of developing a list of EPAs and providing evidence of validity at each step. The clinical breadth of our candidate EPAs, together with the detailed description of our methodology, could serve as a useful starting point from which medical education specialists or clinicians could develop or revise applicable lists of EPAs, particularly for postgraduate training programmes in either general internal medicine or family medicine.

Impact and intervention of postoperative complications after gastric cancer surgery from a health economics perspective

Gastric cancer ranks as the third most prevalent malignant tumor in our nation, imposing a substantial health and economic burden. The occurrence of postoperative complications in gastric cancer not only hinders patient recovery but also significantly increases the medical expenditures of patients, contributing supplementary health economic challenges to both society and healthcare institutions. Conducting health economic analysis on postoperative complications in gastric cancer provides evidence for the formulation of health policies, offers guidance for hospital cost control, and furnishes economic insights for the development of new technologies in the prevention and treatment of complications. This paper, through a thorough review of domestic and international literature, comprehensively examines the impact of complication severity on healthcare expenses, delineates the principal contributors to healthcare costs in patients with postoperative complications, and proposes practical strategies to alleviate the health economic burden resulting from such complications. Furthermore, this study delves into and analyzes the health economic considerations associated with postoperative complications within the framework of the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) billing model.

Public procurement from the triple bottom line lens: the identification of sustainability criteria from the international literature review

Public procurement from the triple bottom line lens: the identification of sustainability criteria from the international literature review

Students' perspectives on racism and anti-racism in physical education: a systematic review.

Sports, with their various social manifestations, exhibit racist structures and incidents. Physical education (PE) has the potential to serve as an environment to combat racism, but it can also perpetuate and (re)produce racist attitudes and behaviors. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of national (German) and international literature concerning racism and anti-racism within the context of PE specifically from a students' perspective. The research methodology followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard and encompassed a four-step process: (1) searching 11 electronic databases using 70 keyword combinations in both German and English; (2) selecting studies based on five predetermined inclusion criteria; (3) evaluating the quality of selected studies using established appraisal tools; and (4) conducting descriptive and template analyses. Of 5,213 publications, 16 met the inclusion criteria, demonstrating diverse theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. Five themes were constructed: "How racism is understood" (1); "What students experience," encompassing discriminatory incidents in PE, sports, and daily life classified as racial stereotypes, prejudices, and everyday racism (2); and "What physical education teachers (3)/Institutions (4)/researchers (5) can and should do." These themes provided recommendations for teachers, institutions, and researchers, including training and curriculum reforms. While valuable international literature was identified, no German PE specific publications were found emphasizing the necessity of a local (German) survey to comprehend students' experiences, knowledge, and potential for anti-racism efforts. Such insights are crucial for shaping teacher-related training programs and policy demands in an informed and targeted manner.

Exploring Muslim Communities' Experiences and Barriers While Accessing Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Scoping Review of International Literature.

This study adopted a scoping review methodology to analyze international literature on the barriers impacting Muslim couples' access to equitable assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A total of 27 studies were included for review. Results show that Muslim communities face several barriers when accessing ART. These include cultural and religious barriers that impacted which aspects of ART couples were open to adopting, diminished quality of care due to low cultural/religious capacity of practitioners, as well as gendered norms which intersect with experiences of ART treatments. Further research, based in western countries, should be conducted to better understand how these contexts can support Muslim patients accessing ART.

Inter-Agency Analysis of EU Specialised Administrative Services: Insights from the Republic of Cyprus

Purpose: The Republic of Cyprus is a small EU member state whose domestic administrative structures replicate an enduring tradition of centralisation. This study employs three Europeanisation processes toinvestigate the influence of European integration on EU specialised administrative services and explain possible differentiations.Design: This research employs two methodological tools: a literature review of domestic and international literature on Europeanisation and historical institutionalism, and a field study employing interviews and questionnaires with public servants working within these services.Findings: The results suggest that while Cyprus’s EU membership has played a significant role in the Europeanisation of domestic administrative structures, this process remains incomplete due to historical continuitiesfrom previous eras. These have an enduring impact on formal andinformal institutions, diminishing the role of the examined services and constraining the behaviour of public servants.Academic contribution to the field: This study offers a theoretical contribution by providing a comprehensive understanding of moderate Europeanisation effects on EU specialised structures within the Cypriot administrativeframework. It also highlights the consequences of historical continuities manifested through formal and informal institutional constraints (endogenous characteristics, tangible factors, and conservative attitudes) and their adverse effects on the promotion of institutional and administrative change.Practical implications: The research findings underscore the relevance for future studies. They are particularly pertinent in assessing the effects of European integration and administrative change in other EU member statessharing similar historical experiences with Cyprus, such as Greece and Malta.Originality/Significance/Value: This study is innovative in its focus on specific administrative actors in Cyprus whose role has not been examined so far. It sheds light on tangible and intangible factors that may influence the promotion of institutional and administrative change.

HEART FAILURE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, ITALIAN VALIDATION OF THE "NEED ASSESSMENT TOOL: PROGRESSIVE DISEASE – HEART FAILURE" (NAT: PD–HF)

Abstract Palliative Care in Heart Failure cardiology setting is still a demanding topic and lacking of clear indications regarding which patients should be referred to palliative care is an actual issue, as confirmed by a systematic review of international literature. Assessment tools facilitate the identification of patient needs and guide the actions of healthcare professionals to address them. Some existing tools described in literature were used with non–cardiological patients, but they cannot be applied to Heart Failure as they are incomplete and investigate non–specific aspects of the disease. Two recent systematic reviews indicate that the most comprehensive and specific tool for Heart Failure patients is the "NAT: PD–HF." The "NAT: PD–HF" has already been translated and validated from English to Dutch and German, but an Italian validation is still missing in literature. It is a quick and easy–to–use tool consisting of four sections that assess the patient’s well–being and quality of life, the caregiver‘s ability to provide assistance and support, both patient’s and caregiver’s needs and requests and any critical element that, if present, would justify a specialist palliative evaluation. Therefore, with prior authorization from the original authors, we proceeded with the translation and transcultural validation of the tool. The study protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of Bologna in April 2023. We are currently at the final phase of the protocol, namely testing the tool on the target population by the professionals involved in the care process. The purpose of transcultural validation is to provide the Italian scientific community with the "NAT: PD–HF" tool: throw its incorporation into the medical records of Heart Failure Patients receiving care in the territorial setting, we aim to increase the use of palliative cares and, consequently, the quality of life of patients and caregivers, as demonstrated in the original study.

A composite indicator-based method to assess the energy security of Nepal and prospects of cross-border electricity sharing in South Asia

Scholars recommend country (or region) specific energy security indices capable of adequately considering local specificities in the absence of a ‘universal’ index. Such an index is not available for Nepal. Hence, this study is the first to develop the Energy Security Composite Index of Nepal (ESCOIN), applying a comprehensive indicator-based approach to quantify energy security (ES) of Nepal. We build upon the notion that a country is able to trade energy when it is energy secure. We quantify Nepal's energy security and qualitatively assess the prospect for regional power trade in South Asia. A long list of 77 indicators is compiled from an extensive review of international literature. Based on the context, applicability to Nepal, data availability and conditions of multi-collinearity, this list of indicators is narrowed down to 21. Principal Component Analysis is then applied to evaluate the importance of the components for ESCOIN. Our results show that Nepal has consistently held a boundary position between “moderate” to “high” classes of ES in the last decade. We identify key reasons for this. First, the country's domestic sector is over-reliant on traditional fuels (dry-dung, firewood and agricultural residues). Second, Nepal faces a problem of suppressed demand in the absence of energy-intensive development activities in all productive sectors of the economy. Third, the growth in the energy demand is met only marginally by domestic hydropower and other renewables, and largely by increasing imports. Hence, we surmise a ‘pseudo energy secure’ state for Nepal. Although efforts are underway, electricity trade with China, Bangladesh and other South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries is economically difficult and technically challenging. Hence, cross-border electricity trading, particularly with India, can be seen as an opportunity for Nepal provided considerable infrastructural development occurs, institutional capacity is strengthened, and genuine political commitment and trust are sustained. Moreover, Nepal should focus on achieving self-sufficiency in energy through domestic hydropower and renewable sources and aim to stabilize energy consumption rather than being overly ambitious of exports, at least in the near future.

Current State of Factors Influencing the Development of Running Speed in the 100m Sprint for Non-Specialized University Students at Tan Trao University

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of factors influencing the development of running speed in the 100m sprint for non-specialized university students at Tan Trao University. The primary objective of this research is to identify and examine the key elements that contribute to the improvement of short-distance running speed among this student population. Through an extensive review of both domestic and international literature, the study encompasses 20 relevant publications from 2012 to 2024, establishing a robust foundation for understanding the current state of research and best practices in this domain. The findings reveal that the development of running speed is influenced by a multifaceted interplay of biomechanical, physiological, psychological, and training-related factors. Specifically, the study delves into the significance of proper running technique, muscle strength and power, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, energy system utilization, athlete motivation, goal-setting, and mental preparation. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of implementing effective training programs that incorporate periodization, volume and intensity management, and evidence-based injury prevention strategies. The implications of this study are paramount, as it offers valuable insights for coaches, physical education instructors, and sports science professionals working with non-specialized university students. The findings can inform the design and implementation of comprehensive training programs aimed at enhancing the speed capabilities of this population, while also prioritizing injury prevention and overall athletic development.

Shared Decision Making in Oncology and Its Implementation in Cervical Cancer Management in the Philippines: A Narrative Review.

Shared decision making (SDM) is an approach where clinicians and patients make decisions together using the best available evidence. Although much studied, recognized to be ethically imperative, and recommended in international health policies, it remains poorly implemented. In the Philippines, there are limited studies on patient decision making preferences and SDM. Practical guidance on the implementation of SDM or use of patient decision aids (PtDAs) is often not detailed in existing national clinical practice guidelines in oncology. We performed a systematic search of Philippine literature on SDM in oncology and an iterative review of international literature on the philosophy and methods of SDM, the utility and effectiveness of PtDAs, and the facilitators and barriers to implementation or usage. We contextualized our review to the cervical cancer management and health service delivery in the Philippines. Local literature is limited to five scientific publications and two registered studies. International literature encompasses patient decisional preferences, the role of PtDAs and the standards for their development and evaluation, their effectiveness, and barriers and facilitators to their use in cancer-related decision making. We discussed the implications on the management of cervical cancer in the Philippines, challenges in health service delivery and standards, and SDM research. Local SDM research is limited. Our preliminary experience in a multicenter clinical trial in Manila on PtDA use in the framework of SDM in cervical cancer suggest good patient and clinician acceptability. Challenges to implementation such as unfavorable financial situations, urgency of clinical decisions, low patient or caregiver educational attainment, and poor integration of multidisciplinary and SDM in organizational workflows will be important when implementing SDM in different settings.

Coproduction of accessible digital mental health supports in partnership with young people from marginalised backgrounds: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionDespite the evidence supporting the value of digital supports for enhancing youth mental health services, there is a lack of guidance on how best to engage with young people in...

Enhancing students’ motivation in studying mathematics disciplines: The effectiveness of applying contextual and gaming technologies

Introduction. Russian and international research investigations conducted on the problem of using game and contextual technologies in education have proven their effectiveness in obtaining certain knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as developing logical thinking. However, previous works have not suggested effective interactive game and contextual trainings that teach teamwork, improve communication skills and increase students’ interest in studying the subject. The aim of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of using contextual and game technologies in enhancing students’ motivation to studying mathematics disciplines. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted using the following methods: review and analysis of international and Russian scholarly literature on the research problem, tests, questionnaires, educational experiments. Results. The authors studied and analysed Russian and international scholarly literature and conducted theoretical and methodological research. The analysis of test results revealed that the knowledge obtained by means of contextual techniques and games contributes to enhancing motivation to studying mathematics disciplines. The analysis of the survey data showed that technologies are useful in learning, develop logical and analytical thinking, help to develop cognitive abilities, curiosity, attention and intelligence, as well as the ability to acquire knowledge independently. It is emphasized that practice-oriented tasks developed by the authors, aimed at integrating mathematical principles into real situations and problems in various fields of knowledge, facilitate the development of professional competences in future professionals. The authors note that the results of using the developed educational tools were tested in academic groups where the authors conducted practical classes. Conclusions. The article concludes about the effectiveness of using contextual and game learning techniques in developing logical and practice-oriented thinking and encouraging students to study mathematics disciplines.

Chinese expert consensus on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gut microecology in chronic constipation (2024 edition)

Chronic constipation is one of the common gastrointestinal disorders, with an incidence rate that is gradually increasing yearly and becoming an important chronic disease that affects people's health and quality of life. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the basic and clinical research of chronic constipation, especially the gut microbiota therapy methods have received increasing attention. Therefore, under the initiative of the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Chinese Society for the Promotion of Human Health Science and Technology, and Committee on Gut Microecology and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, experts from relevant fields in China have been organized to establish the "Chinese Expert Consensus on the Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Gut Microecology in Chronic Constipation (2024 Edition)" committee. Focusing on the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, the indications for gut microbiota therapy, and the protocols for fecal microbiota transplantation, 16 consensus opinions were proposed based on the review of domestic and international literature and the clinical experience of experts, aiming to standardize the clinical application of gut microbiota in chronic constipation.

Reinventing a training program to support the professional development of inspectors and school principals: Overcoming difficulties and creating new actions through activity analysis

AbstractThis article presents an empirical study on a new training program for the professional development of school inspectors and principals. The international literature reviews show that training based on the learning of managerial skills has limits. Another approach to training based on professional difficulties experienced and on authentic practice is necessary for school inspectors and principals. The study explores the effects of the training program “NeopassCadres” on the professional development of inspectors and school principals. A qualitative research design elaborated from a practice perspective and based on self‐confrontation interviews with inspectors and school principals who participated in the program “NeopassCadres”. The results show the impact of the activity analysis on the professional development of inspectors and principals. The activity analysis is an opportunity to describe professional actions and difficulties, share experiences between peers, engage in professional debates on generic problems, identify progress in the practice, and assess the effectiveness of new actions. The study focuses on a case study in France. The number of participants is low; the results must therefore be supplemented by new studies on the impact of activity analysis on the professional development of inspectors and principals. The study contributes to the evolution of training for novice inspectors and novice school principals. The main contribution concerns the understanding of the process of professional development, linking it with individual and collective activity analysis. The other contribution relates to the evolution of the trainers' posture during viewing and analysis of videos. The study provides knowledge about training based on analyzing the “non‐visible” dimensions of actors' activity at work. The activity analysis method helps inspectors and school principals evoke difficulties, motives, intentions, and emotions.

Paradoxical reaction to IL-17A inhibitor: a case report and literature review.

A case of pustular psoriasis after treatment with secukinumab in a patient with plaque psoriasis is reported, which is the first case in China. To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients who developed the rare paradoxical reaction and treatment options received IL-17A antagonist therapy, we conducted a further literature review. Data were analyzed from a patient with plaque psoriasis who developed pustular psoriasis after treatment with secukinumab. A comprehensive review of relevant domestic and international literature was conducted, focusing on cases that met our inclusion criteria for analysis and synthesis. Anti IL-17A therapy may lead to type conversion, with reported cases more prevalent in women and varying in onset time, predominantly involving palmoplantar pustulosis. Given the increasing use of IL-17A antagonists in psoriasis treatment, it is crucial to monitor for rare adverse reactions, including the paradoxical induction of pustular psoriasis.