Support Options Research Articles

Vitamin D Deficiency And Risk Of COVID-19 Infection

There is an urgent need for new supportive treatment options against infectious viral diseases, given the rapid spread and huge number of individuals affected worldwide by these diseases, so cost-effective, globally available and safe options with minimal side effects and simple application are highly assured. This study will therefore discuss the potential of vitamin D supplementation as a preventive and therapeutic agent in combination with other strategies, as this vitamin meets all the criteria described above. A variety of data are available on the association of vitamin D with respiratory infections and viral infections, as well as on the immune response by supplementation with this vitamin.Vitamin D deficiency adds to the variables that make people more susceptible to infection and the damaging development of COVID-19, as there is a correlation between its levels in the body and the severity of COVID-19 infections. Due to its direct antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be assumed that maintaining it within normal levels in the body is necessary to maintain the health of the body, and when its level in the body is below the optimal level, this can be compensated for with vitamin D supplements.

Brief online ACT intervention to improve adolescents’ well-being: Effectiveness among adolescents with depressive symptoms during COVID-19

BackgroundThe mental health and well-being of children and adolescents declined globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people need support, yet relatively few receive psychological help, even among those who experience psychological symptoms. The existing options for support that focus on the traditional one-on-one treatment delivery approach require alternatives that can be widely disseminated. PurposeThe current study examined the effectiveness of a brief acceptance- and values-based online intervention for alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and for improving psychological flexibility among adolescents who experience depressive symptoms. MethodsA total of 43 adolescents reporting elevated levels of depression symptoms who were selected from a total of 348 adolescents were randomized to receive a five-week intervention with support from a coach and/or virtual coach or to participate in the treatment-as-usual control condition. ResultsThe results suggest that the online intervention alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety, while adolescents who received only the usual support from their schools reported increasing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic (Cohen’s d = 0.70 and d = 0.66, respectively). ConclusionsThe online intervention is a promising alternative to respond to the increased need for support among young people who experience ill-being. Technology-based approaches can increase the reach of evidence-based psychological support while also offering an acceptable and motivating approach to young people who may not actively seek traditional face-to-face treatment. The current results support the inclusion of online support in the services provided to young people facing mental health problems.

Involving stakeholders in designing a mental health curriculum for staff in the vision impairment sector

Depression and anxiety are common in people with congenital and acquired vision impairment but often go unaddressed. Staff from a variety of professions and roles in the sight impairment sector are well-placed to identify mental health issues and signpost individuals for support. However, many of these individuals need training to do this competently. The aim of this project was to develop a mental health training curriculum for staff. We used a seven-step method involving staff and service users from national sight loss charities and local authorities, and university researchers. The result was a curriculum containing five modules covering an introduction to mental well-being, the use of a standardised depression and anxiety screening tool, referral and support options and implementation issues to consider. Future work involves developing the curriculum into an online training programme for wide dissemination across the sight loss sector.

Characteristics and challenges of companion animal rescue organisations in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Aims To describe the characteristics of companion animal rescue organisations (CARO) in New Zealand; to describe current capacity, resource limitations and challenges of CARO with a particular focus on cats and dogs; and to explore support for creating a national database of CARO in New Zealand. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to CARO in New Zealand in May 2022. The survey asked about organisational characteristics, types and numbers of animals cared for, services provided, policies, staffing, funding sources, challenges, and attitudes towards a national database for rescue organisations. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and free-text comments were analysed for common themes. Results The survey was completed by 106/208 (51%) known CARO distributed across the country. These CARO provided services to an estimated 59,874 homeless animals annually with 86/106 (81%) providing services to cats and/or dogs. Primary services provided by CARO who cared for cats or dogs included rehoming (72/86; 84%) and housing (70/86; 81%) animals. Intake was managed through a combination of strategies. Donations (72/86; 82%) were the main funding source. The 62 registered charities were more likely to report being funded by grants than the 23 non-charities (39/62 (63%) vs. 1/23 (4%); p < 0.001), and non-charities were more likely to self-fund (18/23 (78%) vs. 20/62 (32%); p < 0.001). Nearly half of the CARO that provided workforce information (35/72; 49%) had a workforce of 10 or fewer including volunteers. A total of 5,699 people worked for 86 CARO that care for cats or dogs of whom 4,847 (85%) were part-time volunteers. Of the 72 cat and dog CARO who provided workforce information, 57/72 (79%) relied solely on volunteers. The majority of all 106 CARO respondents (78/106; 73%) indicated they were likely to register on a national database of CARO, subject to addressing concerns about time required and information security. CARO respondents described challenges of insufficient funding, access to veterinary services, and a shortage of volunteers and foster homes, with additional concerns including a lack of public awareness, supportive legislation, and resources. Financial support (90/106; 85%) and policy change (76/106; 72%) were preferred support options. Conclusions This study highlights the significant role played by CARO in New Zealand and the challenges they face, emphasising the need for financial support, legislation, and initiatives extending beyond the rescue sector to reduce the number of animals being surrendered. The findings also suggest a willingness among CARO to participate in a national database.

Ethical dilemmas: a student reflection on safeguarding in adult domestic abuse

This reflective account discusses a case where a patient refused a safeguarding referral after disclosing domestic abuse to a student paramedic on an MSc programme. The author examines the medical, ethical and legal evidence when determining whether the right path was taken in caring for this patient. It is argued that the care delivered was lawful and ethical but the student paramedic did not have sufficient awareness of the support options available to those experiencing domestic abuse. Their oversimplification of the dilemma to the patient having capacity to refuse referral omitted key aspects of the medico-legal framework, potentially to the detriment of the patient's care. Reflective learning has allowed the author to recognise the limits of his understanding of the complex medico-ethico-legal framework surrounding domestic abuse, consent, coercion and controlling behaviour. In response, he has established a new methodology to assess the underlying reasons for refusing a safeguarding referral.

The benefits of using a Shared Lives type community response to support survivors of domestic abuse with disabilities and older survivors

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce the concept of using the well-established Shared Lives approach to support survivors of domestic abuse with complex needs including those with learning and physical disabilities, older people and carers.Design/methodology/approachSurvivors with complex needs are often excluded from traditional domestic abuse support services thus increasing their risk and making recovery impossible. Using the Shared Lives approach in suitable cases could address gaps in provision and improve the outcomes for survivors with disabilities, older survivors and carers.FindingsThe paper draws on evidence from reports and research about the experiences of these cohorts of survivors to explain how the Shared Lives approach could increase support options for specific categories of survivors.Practical implicationsUsing the Shared Lives approach to support cohorts of victims/survivors who experience barriers to accessing support could improve outcomes for these people, reduce risk of serious harm and improve quality of life.Originality/valueWith the recent recommendation from Association of Directors of Adult Social Services around increasing use of Shared Lives, this paper provides one potential way to meet this recommendation.

Toward a holistic approach to mathematics support at Munster Technological University’s Academic Learning Centre

This case study outlines plans for a revised approach to mathematics support at Munster Technological University’s Academic Learning Centre. Under this proposed approach, mathematics support – delivered both on a one-to-one basis and in group settings – is to be supplemented by and integrated with learning supports offered by the Academic Learning Centre’s sister programmes, Academic Success Coaching and Navigate Learning Development. This new approach will see the three programmes brought together under the Academic Learning Centre name. In implementing this approach, we have two key objectives: firstly, to determine the impact of this integrated approach on our mathematics support service and on its users – particularly those displaying traits of mathematics anxiety – and, secondly, to assess the extent to which presenting students with one integrated support option may result in increased service access and use.

Autistic students speak about their experience with their one-to-one teaching assistants in general high schools

ABSTRACT The number of autistic students in general schools has increased substantially. Traditionally, ‘one-to-one teaching assistants’ (TAs) support them academically and socially. Little is known about the impact of the TA from autistic students’ points of view. This qualitative study aimed to understand the perceptions of autistic high school graduates regarding their experiences with their TA. Fourteen autistic young adults (ages 19–27) who had graduated from general high schools in which a TA had accompanied them were individually interviewed. The thematic analysis showed a complex response. The strongest negative responses reflected unsuitable educational support, unnecessary dependencies, and disrupted social interactions with classmates. It seems that personal TAs can hinder the student’s learning and social interactions. Therefore, it is essential to hear autistic students’ suggestions about what can improve their inclusion experience in general high school and ensure that the students are both aware of and involved in the support options available to them.

Positive aging-How does it work? : Contribution of resilience to the prevention of depressive disorders in old age

Although the prevalence of depressive disorders in old age is high, many older people succeed in staying healthy despite age-related stressors. The individual resilience or mental power of resistance can explain these differences. It is shown how resilience factors or strategies of healthy aging can be used for the primary prevention of depressive disorders in old age. The article summarizes the practically relevant age-specific aspects of resilience obtained through anarrative literature search and evaluates the relevant state of knowledge, also with respect to the consecutive development of primary preventive measures to avoid depressive disorders. Individual psychological strategies for promoting resilience include "stay active", and "mindfulness towards positive things", social strategies "remain socially connected" and "acceptance of support options". In addition to this individual level, which aims at every single person, the social dimension of resilience also includes strategies that start at the social level. Above all, this includes the esteem of older people in society as well as improved opportunities for participation. Age-specific aspects of resilience can be specifically used for the prevention of depressive disorders in old age. They enable aframework to establish resource-promoting and activating interventions, to counteract the deficit perspective on ageing. At the same time, there are clear limits to individual prevention and resilience. The responsibility cannot be seen solely for each individual but above all social structures and framework conditions must enable successful implementation in old age.

Comparison of CAD Software for Designing Cellular Structures for Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies provide significant design freedom, which is highly desirable in today’s fast-paced product design processes. However, most of the parametric CAD software tools used today do not fully utilize this potential for freedom of form and design. Design mechanisms, such as topology optimization (TO), generative design (GD), and lattice structures, are available on the market to help designers minimize weight and material cost while maximizing the stiffness and flexibility of planned designs. This paper proposes a benchmarking approach for designers and engineers to select a suitable software tool for lattice structure generation for their specific applications. The approach includes preselecting software tools based on a weighted point evaluation of seven significant criteria. The tools are then evaluated based on key metrics such as computing time and file size of exported structures, as well as the following six distinctive attributes: usability, reliability, availability, performance, support, and cost. The evaluation process considers a total of 32 defined features. The investigation produced clear recommendations regarding overall performance, reliability, and user experience. The findings indicate that the option of a comprehensive support offering, as well as the initial and operational costs, are significant drivers in the decision-making process.

HIV preexposure prophylaxis in adolescents and young adults: an update.

This review provides an update of evidence for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), including efficacy and safety of newly available medications. It discusses barriers to care that are unique to adolescents and young adults as well as interventions that may help increase uptake, adherence, and retention in care. Tenofovir alafenamide-emtricitabine and cabotegravir are both newly approved medications for the prevention of HIV and are well tolerated and effective for adolescents. These medications, along with tenofovir disoproxil-emtricitabine, offer a variety of PrEP options to choose from. Adolescents and young adults have many options when it comes to HIV prevention, but barriers persist in terms of uptake and adherence to PrEP and retention in care. Technology-based interventions, provider education, navigation support, and multiple access options are all tools to help increase PrEP use in young people.

Application of biochar in electro-Fenton process: Advantages and recent advancements

The electro-Fenton (EF) process is a well-known electrochemical advanced oxidation process that produces highly active hydroxyl radicals via the externally added catalytic amount of iron catalyst and in-situ generated hydrogen peroxide. The performance of the EF process depends on the choice of catalyst and the cathode. Biochar, an economically viable carbon-rich material derived from locally available biomass, presents a promising option for both catalyst support and cathode materials. The heterogeneous EF process using biochar-based catalyst has several advantages over the conventional EF process, including enhanced efficiency, declined iron leaching, surface-predominated radical generation, and pollutant degradation even in neutral pH conditions. Moreover, biochar demonstrates the capacity to generate a significant amount of hydrogen peroxide and regenerate ferrous ions rapidly. Additionally, biochar has a high adsorption capacity for many organic pollutants and ensures the contaminants' proximity and generated reactive species when applied as supports, catalysts, or electrodes in EF and related processes. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive review of the significant advancements and advantages of the applications of biochar in the EF process, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment methodologies.

Neuroprotective effect of apelin-13 and other apelin forms-a review.

Neurodegenerative diseases, which occur when neurons begin to deteriorate, affect millions of people worldwide. These age-related disorders are becoming more common partly because the elderly population has increased in recent years. While no treatments are accessible, every year an increasing number of therapeutic and supportive options become available. Various substances that may have neuroprotective effects are currently being researched. One of them is apelin. This review aims to illustrate the results of research on the neuroprotective effect of apelin amino acid oligopeptide which binds to the apelin receptor and exhibits neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system. The collected data indicate that apelin can protect the central nervous system against injury by several mechanisms. More studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of this peptide in neurodegenerative diseases and various other types of brain damage.

Teacher Stress and Resilience During the Cascading Events of Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19

Teachers experienced additional hardship throughout the pandemic, including new stressors, contributing to worsened mental health. Many teachers across the Southwest endured the added strain of Winter Storm Uri in February of 2021. This qualitative study explored the impacts of the winter storm on teachers' experiences of stress and trauma within their work and personal lives, with the intention of better understanding support options to provide teachers during and after similar crises. Qualitative analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis and yielded five main themes: instructional impacts, administrator and district relations, psychological impacts, basic resource impacts, and concern for others. Results from the analysis illuminated teachers’ sources of stress, resilience, and support in coping with trauma. Implications for responses to potential future natural disasters, including possible policy changes and interventions, are explored.

Understanding Postpartum Depression: A Comprehensive Review

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern affecting women worldwide, with implications for maternal well-being and infant development. This article provides a comprehensive overview of PPD, including its prevalence, risk factors, and impact on maternal-infant health outcomes. The prevalence of PPD varies across different countries, with recent studies indicating rates ranging from 10% to 23% among new mothers. Younger maternal age, history of mental health issues, lack of social support, and stressful life events are among the identified risk factors for developing PPD. Untreated PPD can have detrimental effects on both maternal and infant health. Mothers experiencing PPD may struggle with bonding with their infants, leading to disrupted attachment and compromised emotional regulation in infants. Furthermore, untreated PPD is associated with adverse outcomes such as impaired cognitive development in infants and an increased risk of behavioral and emotional difficulties in children. Early detection and intervention are crucial in addressing PPD and mitigating its impact. Healthcare providers play a vital role in recognizing PPD symptoms and providing appropriate support and treatment options to affected mothers. Screening programs aimed at identifying at-risk women during prenatal and postnatal care can help in timely intervention and support. In conclusion, understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of PPD is essential for promoting maternal mental health and ensuring optimal outcomes for both mothers and infants. Efforts to increase awareness, improve screening practices, and enhance support services are critical in addressing this significant public health issue.

Trapped in an Abusive Relationship with an Organized Crime Offender: the Importance of Mental Health Support

AbstractThis study aims to get more insight into experiences in the process towards mental recovery and the feasibility of providing mental health support to victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) committed by organized crime offenders in The Netherlands. 150 female victims were identified and, when reached, offered the option for safe and anonymous mental health support for their trauma-related symptoms. We used a mixed-method design involving information from police files (n = 150), patient files (n = 7), focus groups with therapists involved in the mental health support program (n = 4) and in-depth interviews with patients themselves (n = 4). Results showed that participants in the interviews experienced many mental health complaints, but limited access to mental health support. They were trapped in a relationship characterized by violence, psychological warfare and a forced dependency. All interviewed participants were isolated from social support and society in general. Escaping the criminal partner was extremely difficult and even when the participant successfully regained some form of independency, true separation appeared to be almost impossible. The participants felt little support from governmental and non-governmental aid organisations in this process. The mental health support in the current project proved challenging but feasible. Findings suggest that victims of IPV committed by organized crime offenders urgently need professional help. Actions to ensure their safety and to overcome barriers that hamper access to aid organizations are required.

Beneficial effects of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction on testicular injury caused by busulfan

The use of stem cells can attenuate testicular injury and promote sperm production. The adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has become an attractive cell source for cell-based therapies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of SVF on busulfan-induced testicular damage in rats. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into control, busulfan, SVF, and busulfan + SVF groups. Testicular damage was induced by intraperitoneal administration of busulfan (35 mg/kg). SVF obtained from human adipose tissue using Lipocube SVF™ was injected into rats 5 weeks after busulfan administration. At the end of the 8th week, rats were sacrificed, and histopathological, biochemical, and western blotting analyses were performed. No harmful effects of SVF on healthy testis tissue and sperm parameters were detected. SVF improved busulfan-induced oxidative stress in both testis tissue and serum. SVF injection to damaged testicular tissue resulted in increases in the healthy spermatozoon numbers and decreases in the abnormal tail numbers. Additionally, SVF increased bax/Bcl, DAZL, and TGF-β1 levels whereas decreased ATG5 and NF-kB levels. According to the results we obtained in this study, we suggest that SVF is beneficial in restoring damaged tissue by primarily being a multipotent cell source, by inhibiting oxidative stress and converting necrotic cell death to apoptotic cell death. In the future, clinical applications should bring higher benefits. Since SVF is the patient’s own tissue, being harmless, it will offer an advantageous supportive treatment option for patients already weakened by cancer and anticancer therapy.

Reintroducing face-to-face support alongside remote support to form a hybrid stop smoking service in England: a formative mixed methods evaluation

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, United Kingdom (UK) stop smoking services had to shift to remote delivery models due to social distancing regulations, later reintroducing face-to-face provision. The “Living Well Smokefree” service in North Yorkshire County Council adopted a hybrid model offering face-to-face, remote, or a mix of both. This evaluation aimed to assess the hybrid approach’s strengths and weaknesses and explore potential improvements.MethodsConducted from September 2022 to February 2023, the evaluation consisted of three components. First, qualitative interviews involved 11 staff and 16 service users, analysed thematically. Second, quantitative data from the QuitManager system that monitored the numbers and proportions of individuals selecting and successfully completing a 4-week quit via each service option. Third, face-to-face service expenses data was used to estimate the value for money of additional face-to-face provision. The qualitative findings were used to give context to the quantitative data via an “expansion” approach and complementary analysis.ResultsOverall, a hybrid model was seen to provide convenience and flexible options for support. In the evaluation, 733 individuals accessed the service, with 91.3% selecting remote support, 6.1% face-to-face, and 2.6% mixed provision. Remote support was valued by service users and staff for promoting openness, privacy, and reducing stigma, and was noted as removing access barriers and improving service availability. However, the absence of carbon monoxide monitoring in remote support raised accountability concerns. The trade-off in “quantity vs. quality” of quits was debated, as remote support reached more users but produced fewer carbon monoxide-validated quits. Primarily offering remote support could lead to substantial workloads, as staff often extend their roles to include social/mental health support, which was sometimes emotionally challenging. Offering service users a choice of support options was considered more important than the “cost-per-quit”. Improved dissemination of information to support service users in understanding their options for support was suggested.ConclusionsThe hybrid approach allows smoking cessation services to evaluate which groups benefit from remote, face-to-face, or mixed options and allocate resources accordingly. Providing choice, flexible provision, non-judgmental support, and clear information about available options could improve engagement and match support to individual needs, enhancing outcomes.

A clinical consensus paper on jejunal tube feeding in children.

Feeding problems are common in children with complex medical problems or acute critical illness and enteral nutrition may be required. In certain situations, gastric tube feeding is poorly tolerated or may not be feasible. When feed intolerance persists despite appropriate adjustments to oral and gastric enteral regimens, jejunal tube feeding can be considered as an option for nutrition support. A multidisciplinary expert working group of the Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition was convened. They identified topic questions and five key areas of jejunal tube feeding in children. Literatures searches were undertaken on Pubmed, Embase, and Medline for all relevant studies, between January 2000 and September 2022 (n = 103). Studies were assessed using National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines to generate statements, which were discussed as a group, followed by voting on statements using a modified Delphi process to determine consensus. A total of 24 consensus statements were created for five key areas: patient selection, type and selection of feeding tube, complications, clinical use of jejunal tubes, follow-up, and reassessment. Jejunal tube feeding is a safe and effective means of providing nutrition in a select group of pediatric patients with complex medical needs, who are unable to be fed by gastric tube feeding. Appropriate patient selection is important as complications associated with jejunal tube feeding are not uncommon, and although mostly minor, can be significant or require tube reinsertion. All children receiving jejunal tube feeding should have multidisciplinary team assessment and follow-up.

Creating an Open Online Educational Resource to Support Learners as They Navigate Their Studies Alongside Work and/or Family

As labour markets undergo rapid and profound transformations, lifelong learning is essential to ensure a responsive, competitive, and skilled workforce. Mature learners are a diverse group, but in comparison to their younger student counterparts, are more likely to have employment and/or caring responsibilities. This field note discusses the development and features of a novel online open educational resource, called At a crossroads: Navigating work and/or family alongside study (At a crossroads for brevity). The resource aimed to assist university students to both learn about the support options available to them as well as to consider how they themselves might make decisions if they experienced a conflict between their student/work/family roles. At a crossroads is innovative in terms of how it was developed (i.e., via survey-based research, story completion method, and consultations sessions with tertiary students) and in terms of what it is (i.e., an online interactive resource that incorporates short dramatizations, social polls, and opportunities to reflect). Our experience in developing this resource caused us to consider how making resources designed to be engaging and informative, while encouraging, positive changes, must be part of the solution. This is especially so when there is significant concern around the overall well-being of tertiary students and their course completion rates. While universities have attempted to offer a range of tools to support their students, on-demand online resources such as At a crossroads are easily accessed, free to use, and deliver content in an engaging manner.