Western Countries Research Articles

'I thought we would be cherished and safe here': understanding the multi-faceted nature of mental health among Arab immigrants/refugees in Ontario, Canada- the CAN-HEAL study.

Mental health (MH) is a critical public health issue. Arab immigrants/refugees (AIR) may be at high risk for MH problems owing to various unique stressors, such as post-September/11 demonization. Despite the growing AIR population in Western countries, there is a lack of AIR-MH research in these nations. The CAN-HEAL study examined MH experiences and needs among AIR in Ontario, Canada. This study employed a cooperative community-based participatory research and integrated knowledge translation approach. The study used photovoice, qualitative interviews and a questionnaire survey. Sixty socio-demographically diverse AIR adults partook in this study. The research was informed by the "social determinants of health" framework and the "years since immigration effect" (YSIE) theory. The term "mental health" was deemed offensive for participants aged > 30years. Participants proposed other culturally-appropriate words including "well-being" and "emotional state". The prevalence of poor mental well-being in the sample was alarming (55%). Of first-generation immigrant participants, 86.8% reported negative changes in MH since migration. The negative changes are not straightforward; they are complex and dynamic, and mainly related to micro/macro-aggression, cross-cultural pressures, dissatisfaction with the health and social care system, and poor living conditions. Intersections between different socio-demographic factors (e.g., gender, length of residency, income, parenthood, religion) amplified the negative changes in MH and exacerbated inequities. MH needs among AIR are distinct and intersectionality aggravated inequities. Culturally and structurally competent healthcare and structural/policy reformation are required to tackle MH inequities. This can be fulfilled through intersectoral cooperation and including AIR in decision-making.

Advancements in the Management of Follicular Lymphoma: A Comprehensive Review.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common subtype of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Western countries. While FL is generally incurable, standard initial therapies are associated with high response rates and durable remissions for most patients. In addition, novel targeted agents and immunotherapies are changing the treatment algorithm for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. This review discusses initial staging, prognosis, and treatment options for newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory FL. Initial treatment options for FL include active surveillance, radiotherapy, rituximab monotherapy, and chemoimmunotherapy. Staging with PET/CT and bone marrow biopsy is crucial for identifying early-stage patients. Most patients with FL will receive chemoimmuntherapy as initial treatment with options including rituximab or obinutuzumab plus CVP, CHOP, bendamustine, or lenalidomide. No significant differences in overall survival have been observed in randomized studies comparing these regimens. Maintenance therapy with rituximab or obinutuzumab in responders to initial chemoimmunotherapy improves progression-free survival. For relapsed/refractory FL, treatment options include chemoimmunotherapy, lenalidomide-based regimens, tazemetostat, chimeric antigent receptor (CAR) T cell therapy (axicabtagene ciloleucel and tisagenlecleucel) and CD3/CD20 bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). Given encouraging outcomes with CAR T cell therapy and BsAbs, multiple trials are testing these highly active agents in earlier lines of therapy and among high-risk patients with early relapse after frontline chemoimmunotherapy. Additonal studies and follow-up are needed to understand how these novel agents may further change treatment algorithms for FL.

The social and political bases of political economy: interpreting and periodising Italian developments since WWII

ABSTRACT We investigate the transition between Fordism and neoliberalism in Italy employing insights from International (IPE) and Comparative Political Economy (CPE). Transitions are key periods to observe how countries tend to converge towards similar political economy developments through processes of social, political and institutional adaptation. We contribute to the literature by detailing how transformations in the ‘social and political bases of political economy’ influence institutional change. We understand these transformations as movements from below (changes in sociodemographic and productive compositions, and social movements) and above (agency in political parties, trade unions, business associations and elites); we name these components ‘the social and productive composition’ and ‘the social and political representation sphere’ respectively. Employing process tracing, we identify three historical periods in post-WWII Italian political economy – state Fordism (1945–78), a transitional period we name ‘the long 1980s’ (1979–91), and neoliberalism (1992–) – delineated by two historical ruptures: a breakup moment in 1978–9 that signalled the decline of Fordism, and a critical juncture that ushered in neoliberalism in 1992. Analytically, changes within the social and productive composition during state Fordism impacted on the social and political representation sphere, and on several reforms undertaken in different institutional domains. However, since the breakup moment 1978–9 this dynamic changed together with the international political economy context. Similar to other western countries, the main actors within the social and political representation sphere increasingly approached institutional regulation inspired by neoliberal ideas, while the pressures coming from the more active forces within the social and productive composition faltered.

Financial Loss and Financial Well-Being of Emerging Adults During COVID-19: The Limitations of Psychological Resilience

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging adults are especially vulnerable as they experience its financial impact as a source of stress. We tested a model of psychological resilience among emerging adults (18–25 years) during the pandemic from six Western countries (Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, and United States) using online survey data collected between May and September 2020. Framed in the conservation of resources theory, we examined the association between financial loss and financial well-being and the moderating role of psychological resilience in the association. Using path analysis, we found a direct negative association between financial loss and financial well-being, a direct positive association between psychological resilience and financial well-being, but no evidence of moderation. We discuss the findings in the context of continuing global economic uncertainty and the support needed to foster adult independence and financial well-being of emerging adults.

Porous Tantalum Acetabular Cups in Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: What Has Been the Experience So Far?—A Systematic Literature Review

Background: The global population, especially in the Western world, is constantly aging and the need for total hip arthroplasties has rocketed, hence there has been a notable increase in revision total hip arthroplasty cases. As time has passed, a considerable developments in science and medicine have been attained which have also resulted in the evolution of both surgical techniques and implants. Continuous improvements have allowed large bore bearings to be utilized which provide an increased range of motion, with ameliorated stability and a very low rate of wear. The trend for almost the last two decades has been the employment of porous tantalum acetabular cups. Several studies exist comparing them with other conventional methods for total hip arthroplasties, exhibiting promising short and midterm results. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and a Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used to identify published studies in a comprehensive search up to February 2023, and these studies were reviewed by the authors of the article. Specific rigorous pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented. Results: Fifty-one studies met our inclusion criteria and were involved in the systematic review. Sixteen studies examined postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes of using a tantalum cup in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty, whilst four biomechanical studies proved the superiority of tantalum acetabular components. Five articles provided a thorough comparison between tantalum and titanium acetabular cups, while the other studies analyzed long-terms results and complication rates. Conclusions: Porous tantalum acetabular cups appear to be a valuable option in revision total hip arthroplasty, providing clinical improvement, radiological stability, and promising long-term outcomes. However, ongoing research, longer follow-up periods, and careful consideration of patient factors are essential to further validate and refine the use of tantalum in various clinical scenarios.

Cardiovascular risk profile in two cohorts of young apparently healthy South Asian descendants in the Netherlands: still a long way to go!

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) imposes a major healthcare burden on young descendants of South Asian migrants living in the western world. In comparison to the native population, the prevalence is significantly higher and the prevalence of CVD risk factors is increasing rapidly. The cardiovascular risk profile and 10-year risk scores of South Asian descendants were evaluated in two cohorts with a 10-year time difference. Two cross-sectional studies, conducted in 2004 and 2014, focused on asymptomatic South Asian descendants aged 18-59 years were performed. A short questionnaire, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and nonfasting blood tests were obtained. The cohort of 2014 was matched with the cohort of 2004, based on age, gender, and family history of CVD. In 2014, 674 South Asians (44% men, age 38.2 ± 12.0 years) were matched with 674 South Asians (44% men, age 38.3 ± 12.1 years) included in 2004. Notably, hypertension prevalence decreased significantly in 2014 (10.6% vs 23.1% in 2004, P < 0.001), while mean BMI increased (26.1 vs 24.9, P < 0.001). The mean Framingham risk score was lower in 2014 (5.31 ± 6.19%) than in 2004 (6.45 ± 8.02%, P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that South Asian descendants in 2014 have a lower but still high absolute risk for coronary events compared to 2004. Important differences in cardiovascular risk profile exist. Despite improvements, South Asian descendants in 2014 still face a high absolute risk for coronary events compared to 2004, indicating the necessity for continued primary prevention and lifestyle interventions.

Late-life divorce and familyhood interplaying: a familial and dyadic perspective

Abstract Late-life divorce is a growing phenomenon in the Western world, likely to expand due to increasing expectancy and changes in marital and family values. However, existing research on divorce and its consequences for offspring focuses on young and middle-aged adults, analysing individual rather than familial/dyadic perspectives. Accordingly, our study employs a holistic perspective on the family unit following late-life divorce which is especially relevant to societies that value familism as an essential element in individuals' lives. Coincidingly, the term familyhood expresses an atmosphere of closeness and unity among family members and is a commonly used expression in Israel. Using family systems as a framework, our aim was to examine how, if at all, familyhood is experienced after divorce considering how it was experienced prior to divorce from a long-term marriage in Israel. Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews (N = 72) were conducted separately with divorcees aged 60–81 who divorced at age 56–68 (N = 44), and with their adult children aged 19–40 at the time of their parents' divorce (N = 28). Interviews were given thematic analysis and dyadic qualitative analysis. The findings reveal the meaningfulness of familyhood following late-life divorce via a fourfold typology of familyhood continuity/change experienced as present or lacking, before or after divorce. The typology addresses key elements of when, where, by whom and how familyhood is reconstructed, along with strategies to maintain familyhood. Paradoxes inherent in the intersection of divorce and familyhood, discussed within the Israeli sociocultural context, are located between self-determination and familism. Implications are presented.

Availability of drugs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in the World Health Organization European Region, October 2023.

The BPaLM regimen (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid and moxifloxacin) recently recommended by the World Health Organization offers short, safe, and effective treatment for multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (TB). In a survey with national TB focal points in 18 central and western European countries to explore barriers for the implementation of BPaLM, only three reported full availability of pretomanid, a necessary component of this regimen. Implementation barriers included financing and procurement. Solutions on national and supranational level are needed to guarantee universal access.

Factors associated with high costs of patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: an observational study using the French CONSTANCES cohort

Background & aimsDespite its high prevalence in the western world metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) does not benefit from targeted pharmacological therapy. We measured healthcare utilisation and identified factors associated with high-cost MASLD patients in France.MethodsThe prevalent population with MASLD (including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) in the CONSTANCES cohort, a nationally representative sample of 200,000 adults aged between 18 and 69, was linked to the French centralised national claims database (SNDS). Study participants were identified by the fatty liver index (FLI) over the period 2015–2019. MASLD individuals were classified according as “high-cost” (above 90th percentile) or “non-high cost” (below 90th percentile). Factors significantly associated with high costs were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsA total of 14,437 predominantly male (69%) participants with an average age of 53 ± SD 12 years were included. They mainly belonged to socially deprived population groups with co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health disorders and cardiovascular complications. The average expenditure was €1860 ± SD 4634 per year. High-cost MASLD cost €10,863 ± SD 10,859 per year. Conditions associated with high-cost were mental health disorders OR 1.79 (1.44–2.22), cardiovascular diseases OR 1.54 (1.21–1.95), metabolic comorbidities OR 1.50 (1.25–1.81), and respiratory disease OR 1.50 (1.11–2.00). The 10% high-cost participants accounted for 58% of the total national health care expenditures for MASLD.ConclusionOur results emphasize the need for comprehensive management of the comorbid conditions which were the major cost drivers of MASLD.Graphical

Investigating Factors Associated with Migration and Cultural Adaptation in Relation to Change in Attitudes and Behavior towards Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) among Populations from FGM/C-Practicing Countries Living in Western Countries: A Scoping Review

A growing body of evidence indicates a significant decrease in support for female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) within post-migration communities in Western countries. Addressing knowledge gaps and comprehending the factors associated with FGM/C discontinuation in these communities is crucial. The objective of this scoping review is to describe the effects of migration and cultural change on factors supporting FGM/C cessation in migrant communities. The review, from 2012 to 2023, included the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, Swisscovery, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and gray literature. Applying the PRISMA-ScR framework, we identified 2819 studies, with 17 meeting the inclusion criteria. The results revealed seven key factors shaping attitudes and behavior toward FGM/C abandonment: (1) legislation against FGM/C, (2) knowing that FGM/C is not a religious requirement, (3) enhancing education about the practice, (4) migration and cultural change, (5) awareness of the harmful effects of FGM/C, (6) a positive view of uncut girls, and (7) a sense of self-agency. These findings highlight factors on a social, community, interpersonal, and personal level that enhance the abandonment of the practice. Further research in the FGM/C field will gain more accuracy in understanding and accounting for these multilevel factors in post-migration settings, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions to promote the cessation of the practice.

Context counts: an exploration of the situational correlates of meat consumption in three Western European countries

Abstract A reduction in the demand for meat and particularly red meat has the potential to significantly enhance the sustainability and health of many people's diets. In the current work, I examine situational predictors of meat consumption in nationally representative nutrition surveys from three Western European countries: Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. More specifically, I examine whether the situational factors – the meal type, the day of the week and the location of the food consumption occasion – are predictive of whether meat and red meat are consumed. The results indicate that all three factors are linked to meat and red meat consumption with the patterns varying substantially across the different case study countries and in some cases also the gender of the consumer. The results emphasise the value of mapping situational correlates to inform situated interventions aimed at influencing meat consumption, while also highlighting important differences across both cultures and people.

The Effects of Admission Policies on Rates of Family Migration in European States, 2008&amp;ndash;2019

This study investigates whether and how much family migration policies have influenced patterns of family migration in European states. Family migration has been the largest category of entry in many Western countries in recent decades, and it has been the subject of increasing contestation in political debates. While research on family migration policies has advanced in recent years, no comprehensive cross-country comparisons have been done of the impact of different policies on the size and composition of family migrant inflows. This study addresses this gap by analysing the connection between admission policies and rates of family migration in 31 European states during the 2008 to 2019 period. Combining data from Eurostat and the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX), this study uses a time-series regression analysis to assess the effects of admission policies on different types of family related immigration. While restrictive admission policies have led to falling overall levels of family migration, the analysis here reveals stratifying implications, whereby the effect has been greater where the sponsor is a non-EU citizen than where he/she is an EU citizen. By providing evidence on the differential impacts of admission policies on family related immigration, this study contributes new insights on the effects of restrictive migration policies.

Training in optical diagnosis in community hospitals is associated with improved recognition and treatment of T1 CRC: a prospective multicenter intervention study (OPTICAL II).

Recognition of T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) is difficult, with sensitivities of 35-60% in Western countries. We evaluated the real-life effects of the implementation of the OPTICAL model, a recently developed structured and validated prediction model, in Dutch community hospitals. In this prospective multicenter study, 383 endoscopists from 40 hospitals were invited to follow an e-learning on the OPTICAL-model, to increase sensitivity for detecting T1CRC in non-pedunculated polyps. Next, real-life recognition of T1CRC was evaluated in 25 hospitals. Endoscopic and pathologic reports of T1CRCs detected during the next year were collected retrospectively while endoscopists were unaware of this evaluation. Sensitivity for recognition of T1CRC, R0 resection rate, and treatment modality were compared for trained vs. untrained endoscopists and for recognised vs. unrecognised T1CRCs. Within 1 year after the e-learning 251 endoscopists detected 528 non-pedunculated T1CRCs, 118 (47%) of the endoscopist were trained. T1CRCs had a median size of 20mm and were mainly located in the distal colorectum (66%). Trained endoscopists recognised T1CRCs more frequently than untrained endoscopists (sensitivity 74% vs. 62%; mixed model analysis OR 2.90; 95%CI 1.54-5.45. A higher rate of R0 resection was seen for T1CRCs detected by trained endoscopists (69% vs. 56%, OR 1.73; 95%CI 1.03-2.91). Training in optical recognition of T1CRCs in community hospitals was associated with an increase in sensitivity for T1CRCs. Recognition led to a higher rate of en bloc local excision, resulting in higher R0-resection rates. This may be an important step towards more organ-preserving strategies.

Organization Studies and the Legal Person

Abstract The social construction of legal persons developed in the Western world about one thousand years ago has historically influenced the construction of organizations, including monasteries, guilds, cities, universities, states, associations, and businesses. Yet the notion of legal person was not present in influential, early definitions of organizations; rather organizations were understood as systems of interacting physical persons. This understanding is problematic in several respects, whereas the notion of legal person helps to explain many fundamental characteristics of organizations. Furthermore, a definition of organizations inspired by the notion of legal person makes it easier to distinguish clearly among the three phenomena that constitute the main objects of organization studies: organizations, organizing, and the organized. A clearer distinction among three concepts has the potential to revive old questions and generate new questions for organizational research.

Determinants of long-lasting postviral COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 olfactory Dysfunction: The sanctuary theory

Since the onset of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the long-lasting postviral olfactory dysfunction (POD) became a prevalent symptom in Western country populations. However, the pathophysiology of long-lasting POD remains poorly understood. The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the olfactory clefts and recent findings from COVID-19 studies brought new elements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 long-lasting POD. The present hypothesis suggests that the long-lasting POD could be related to a long-lasting silent chronic inflammation in the neuroepithelium due to the persistence of virus antigen into stem cells. The immune response could limit the regenerative and recovery processes, making the olfactory region an incomplete immune sanctuary for some viruses according to some specific pathophysiological phenomena (syncytia formation).

Factors that facilitate consumer uptake of sustainable dietary patterns in Western countries: a scoping review

ObjectivesThis scoping review aims to describe factors that facilitate consumer-level transitions to more environmentally sustainable diets.MethodsUsing scoping review methods, four databases were searched for articles published in English examining facilitators to consuming an environmentally sustainable diet and focused on consumers, using data collected in Western countries, and were published between 2012 and 2022. Researchers extracted study characteristics and factors influencing adoption or uptake of sustainable foods or dietary patterns. Using this data, researchers conducted a thematic analysis to determine five main themes describing leverage points (modifiable) for dietary transitions.ResultsResults are reported per PRISMA guidelines: 21 studies were included with data from the U.K., U.S., Australia, and Europe. The results of this review indicate that values, knowledge, marketing, consumer-product relationships, and support networks, along with their respective subthemes, may be central drivers of consumer adoption of sustainable dietary patterns. Consumers are more likely to purchase and consume products which are familiar and appealing and align with their values. Cost, lack of knowledge, and lack of social support act as barriers to dietary change to more sustainable food choices. Income, education, ethnicity, sex, and employment were common individual-level characteristics identified as influential over likelihood of adopting environmentally sustainable dietary patterns. Individual-level characteristics create nuances in both likelihood to adopt, and the experience of barriers to adopting, sustainable dietary patterns.ConclusionKnowledge of leverage points and individual-level nuances is useful in informing strategies to facilitate transitions to more sustainable diets.

Prevalence, incidence, gender and age distribution, and economic burden of psoriasis worldwide and in Kazakhstan

&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the prevalence, incidence, gender and age distribution of psoriasis, as well as the economic burden of psoriasis worldwide, including Kazakhstan.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods: &lt;/b&gt;A literature review was conducted using keywords in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, eLibrary.ru databases, and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;The prevalence of psoriasis varies by geographic location and race. However, psoriasis is predominantly common in Western countries and among people of European descent: in Norway (4.6%), France (4.42%), Portugal (4.4%), and the United States of America (3.0%). Significant differences in the prevalence of this disease were identified in Kazakhstan, ranging from 0.86% to 2.5%. In many Western countries, the incidence rate of psoriasis is significantly higher than the global incidence rate (57.8 cases per 100,000 population): in Denmark (199.5), Italy (230.62), and Israel (280), respectively. In Kazakhstan, the incidence rate is 35.0 per 100,000 population, which is almost 1.7 times lower than the global rate. Psoriasis affects both genders. There is a bimodal pattern of manifestation of psoriasis with early (type I) and late (type II) onset, which occurs in the age range of 30–40 years, and about 60 years. In addition, treating and providing medications to patients with psoriasis represents a significant economic burden for both the government and the patients themselves.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/b&gt;The study made it possible to determine the current epidemiological situation of psoriasis worldwide, including Kazakhstan, as well as to assess the economic burden of this disease.

Family Factors Associated With Bullying Among Adolescents in Asia: A Scoping Review

Purposes: This scoping review aims to determine the family factors that influenced the occurrence of bullying among adolescents in Asian countries. Therefore, the research questions behind this review are as follows: What protective factors and risk factor are known to influence bullying among adolescent in Asian countries? Method: This study used PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. Search strategy in this study employs four electronic databases resources, SAGE, Springerlink, Science Direct, and Proquest. Result: Researchers compiled previous relevant quantitative and qualitative research to investigate family as a protective factor and a risk factor for adolescent bullying. The search on the database resulted in 28 studies published from 2012 to 2021 which have been analyzed. Parental bonding was the most common protective factor found in the literature, followed by warm parenting, parental involvement, parents’ support and acceptance. The risk factors for bullying included slapping, authoritarian parenting, parental control, weak family attachment, parental neglect, poor parental support, and poor communication with family. Applications/Originality/Value: The conclusion from this research is the scoping review results revealed that family variables became the protective and risk factors for adolescent bullying in the Asian context. The findings suggested that family was also an influential factor in adolescent bullying in the Asian context, in line with previous relevant studies in Western countries. However, the bonding with parents as a protective factor against bullying for adolescents in Asia might be explored further by employing collectivist cultural studies.

Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection in Western countries: current and future perspective.

Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection in Western countries: current and future perspective.

Differentiated Instruction for Gifted Teaching Behavior in Classrooms: What Are the Levers of Change in the United Arab Emirates?

Differentiation is recommended as the best teaching strategy to nurture gifted and talented (GT) students. While numerous studies have explored teachers’ perceptions of differentiating instruction for GT students in Western countries, the body of literature on this phenomenon remains small in non-Western contexts. This study attempted to understand the differentiation of the curriculum for GT students among teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Maker's model was used as a framework to guide development of the Gifted Teaching and Talent Development Scale (GTDS) and collect data from 239 teachers in the UAE. We assessed the structural validity of the GTDS using AMOS software to perform confirmatory factor analysis. Further, we used SPSS to compute multivariate analysis of variance, which revealed differences between background and latent variables (content, process, product, and environment). The findings support the use of multifaceted lenses to study gifted teaching behavior and its other implications.