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Background: Road traffic accidents are preventable public health issues and are becoming more common. These accidents can be linked to a number of factors, including an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, changes in daily life, a nasty habit of breaking traffic laws, anarchic traffic systems, and risky driving practices. Thoraco-abdominal injury in different forms is one of the major causes of mortality in the victims of fatal road traffic accidents. The aim of this study was to know the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries in victims of fatal road traffic accident cases. Material & Method: The present study was conducted at the tertiary healthcare centre in southern Haryana. Total of 75 cases of fatal road traffic accident cases were enrolled during one year of study period. The basic information about the deceased like age, gender, mode of travel of the victim was obtained from investigating officer narration and inquest papers. During autopsy, detailed examination of injuries was carried out and the autopsy findings were recorded and analyzed. Results: It was observed that out of 75 cases male outnumbered females in ratio 5.25:1. Majority of the victims belonged to the age group 21-30 years. The commonest injury of the thoracic region was rib fracture (41.3%). It was also observed that 17.3% of victims had pelvic fracture. Conclusion: Human error is a major contributing factor to fatal RTAs, which can be avoided in many cases. A more stringent licensing policy, particularly for four-wheelers, increased knowledge of traffic laws, the reduction of drug abuse and an appropriate road network that is in line with traffic volume can help to reduce the number of fatal road traffic accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In current years, the increase in older population has led to creating one of the main public health challenges, worldwide. Because of the special characteristics of older adults, this age group is exposed to possible problems, such as mental and physical disorders, that usually affect their functional independence. The study aimed to determine the psychosocial determinants (e.g., depression, social support, and self-efficacy) affecting functional independence among older population. Methods: Our search was conducted on three international databases (Web of Sciences, PubMed/Medline, and Scopus) for all the observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort or longitudinal designs) on the social and psychological determinants of functional independence among older adults. Papers published in English without limitation of time were reviewed from inception to 26 August 2023. The quality assessment tool was the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The I2 index was used to quantify the degree of heterogeneity among the studies. In the case of heterogeneity higher than 50%, the random effects model has been used for overall estimation of the effects; otherwise, the fixed effects model was used. The pooled associations were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stata version 14 software (StataCorp LP) was used for data analysis. The significance level was considered at 0.05. Results: In the initial search, 6978 articles were retrieved, and finally, considering the inclusion criteria, 46 articles were examined. Finally, 18 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. The findings indicated that among all the determinants affecting functional independence among older adults, depression could lead to a 76% increase in functional dependence. Conclusion: The findings provide a statistically significant relationship between psychosocial factors and functional independence. Depression was the strongest determinant of functional dependence among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores racial differences in maternal risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes across urban and rural geographies using 2019 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Bivariate chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed which showed statistically significant geographical differences among Non-Hispanic (NH) Black pregnant women across income levels (p =.016) and perceived health status (p =.003). Regression analyses indicated an increased racial gap between NH White pregnant women and other racial/ethnic groups. The findings support that there are statistically significant racial differences in maternal risk factors across urban and rural geographies for NH Black and Hispanic pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition caused by progressive cutaneous hypomelanosis. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine its epidemiology and clinical aspects. As considerable progress has been made in understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo and its classification as an autoimmune disease, the paper pays particular attention to coexisting autoimmune or atopic diseases. Material and methods: The study included 55 patients attending the Diagnostic and Treatment Center of Skin Diseases in Lodz. Data were collected during outpatient dermatological consultation. Results: The most common type of vitiligo was nonsegmental (85.5%) followed by segmental (12.7%) and unclassified (2.1%). The first skin lesions were mostly located on the hands (45.5%) and face (38.2%). Older patients with higher body mass index tended to demonstrate a higher body surface area. Of the patients, 63.6% demonstrated an autoimmune or atopic comorbidity, the most common of which were type 1 diabetes mellitus (18.2%), psoriasis (16.4%) or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (14.5%). Location on the face was associated with a significantly greater incidence of autoimmune or atopic co-morbidities. Conclusions: A facial location may serve as a predictive factor for other autoimmune or atopic diseases in vitiligo patients. Determining clinical factors in vitiligo patients which could be associated with a higher risk of autoimmune comorbidities may allow for their early diagnosis and suitable treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The paper deals with older workers and the issue of combining informal care for family members with paid employment, which is increasingly important in the light of socio-demographic changes in society - namely demographic ageing and the lengthening of working life. The topic is highly relevant to the group of non-medical healthcare professions studied, as they combine care in the professional and domestic spheres. Purpose of the research: The aim of the research is to point to gender inequalities in how the combination of formal and informal care impacts the work and personal spheres of (pre-) retirement-age nonmedical healthcare workers. Methods: The article is based on the analysis of 36 qualitative interviews with nonmedical healthcare workers in Czechia. We used thematic analysis and approached the issue of (un)doing gender from a social constructivist perspective. Results: The results suggest that women and men in nonmedical healthcare professions face differences in relation to the double care burden in older age. Women are more likely to be affected by a combination of dual care, which has implications for their workload, financial remuneration, etc., whereas men are under greater pressure to perform at work, which becomes increasingly difficult at older ages. Conclusion: Gendered character of double care has implications for gender inequalities in mental and physical health and for the gender pension gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine age-related risk factors for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with asthma. Methods: Data were obtained from a national survey of non-hospitalized civilians conducted by the Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention. CRS diagnosis was based on the guidelines of the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020. Asthma was judged based on whether the patient had been diagnosed with asthma in the past. Of the 45,811 survey participants, 26,335 were included in the cross-sectional study. Participants included in the study were divided into the control, CRS, and CRS with asthma groups. Age-related risk factors were analyzed in patients aged < 60 or > 60 years. Univariate logistic analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between groups. Risk factors included age, sex, household income, residence, education level, occupation, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Education level (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.342, P =.0003), BMI (OR: 1.09, P =.0082), and total IgE (TIgE) levels (OR: 5.582, P =.003) were significantly different between the control and the CRS with asthma group. Education level (OR: 0.478, P =.0016) and TIgE levels (OR: 4, P =.0218) were significantly different between the CRS and CRS with asthma groups under 60 years of age. BMI (OR: 1.087, P =.0443; OR: 1.104, P =.0224) showed a significant difference between all three groups with age > 60 years. Conclusion: Progression to CRS with asthma is influenced by education level, occupation, and TIgE levels in patients under 60 years of age. BMI was the only influencing factor associated with the progression to CRS with asthma in those aged > 60 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Researchers who work in partnership with older adults in participatory studies often experience various advantages, but also complex ethical questions or even encounter obstacles during the research process. This paper aims to provide insights into the value of an intersectional lens in participatory research to understand how power plays out within a mixed research team of academic and community co-researchers. Design/methodology/approach: Four academic researchers reflected in a case-study approach in a dialogical way on two critical case examples with the most learning potential by written dialogical and via face-to-face meetings in duos or trios. This study used an intersectionality-informed analysis. Findings: This study shows that the intersectional lens helped the authors to understand the interactions of key players in the study and their different social locations. Intersections of age, gender, ethnicity/class and professional status stood out as categories in conflict. In hindsight, forms of privilege and oppression became more apparent. The authors also understood that they reproduced traditional power dynamics within the group of co-researchers and between academic and community co-researchers that did not match their mission for horizontal relations. This study showed that academics, although they wanted to work toward social inclusion and equality, were bystanders and people who reproduced power relations at several crucial moments. This was disempowering for certain older individuals and social groups and marginalized their voices and interests. Originality/value: Till now, not many scholars wrote in-depth about race- and age-related tensions in partnerships in participatory action research or related approaches, especially not about tensions in research with older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical body shape models (SBSM) provide compact, flexible representations of body shape that can be implemented in design software. However, few SBSMs have been created to represent adults in supported seated postures that are relevant for the design of seated environments, and none has incorporated the effects of age. This paper presents an SBSM based on surface laser-scan data from 155 U.S. adults. The data were processed to obtain homologous mesh structure and symmetric geometry, and the processed data were statistically analysed using principal component analysis to obtain a compact representation of the data variance. Regression analysis was conducted to predict body size and shape from stature, body mass index, ratio of sitting height to stature, sex, and age. The resulting model allows rapid generation of realistic body models for applications, including product design, accommodation assessment, and safety system optimisation. The model is publicly accessible at HumanShape.org. Practitioner summary: This paper presents a statistical model that represents adult body shapes in a supported seated posture based on 3 D anthropometric measurements. This model is the first whole-body parametric model known to incorporate age effects based on data extending beyond 65 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood gender segregation, the tendency for children to form acquaintanceships and friendships with those of the same gender (Mehta & Smith, 2019), has been proposed to be a universal phenomenon (Maccoby, 1998; Maccoby & Jacklin, 1974). However, as socialization and peer culture vary cross-culturally (Munroe & Romney, 2006), gender segregation may vary according to cultural context. This paper uses a sociocontextual framework to review cross-cultural comparative research on childhood gender segregation, considering cultural similarities and variations in correlates of gender segregation, including behavioral compatibility, age, the homosocial norm, availability of playmates, familiarity with peers, and gendered societal norms and constraints. In closing, the paper reflects on what cross-cultural research tells us about gender segregation and offers recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated a research area worthy of greater attention: foreign language classroom anxiety (hereafter FLCA) and enjoyment (hereafter FLE) of older adults learning English as a foreign language in Chinese Universities of the Third Age. Understanding the largely overlooked emotional involvement of older language learners contributes to sustaining their motivation in lifelong learning for more remarkable personal growth and successes. Based on the survey of 587 Chinese older learners of English between the age of 50 and 80, paired sample t-test showed that more FLE was reported than FLCA. The results of Welch's ANOVA suggested that those who were better educated had less FLCA and those who believed themselves healthier had more FLE. The language performance evaluation (i.e. relative standing in class and English mastery) affects both FLE and FLCA. Further interviews with 34 older participants revealed three major sources of FLE, including the language use in life situations, the favorable attitude toward FL learning in the cognitive, aesthetic cultural and pragmatic aspects and the social interactions in the U3As. FLCA occurs when the language performance is perceived as dissatisfying and when aspects of mental health (e.g. worsening memory) impede effective learning. Although FLCA and FLE had only a very weak correlation, Chinese older adult learners commented on a shared belief that anxiety usually precedes and subsequently enhances enjoyment in learning, indicating a sign of emotional resilience later in life. This paper demonstrates a need for understanding the emotions in language learning across life stages and socio-cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Older people are often explicitly or implicitly excluded from research, in particular clinical trials. This means that study findings may not be applicable to them, or that older people may not be offered treatments due to an absence of evidence. Aims The aim of this work was to develop recommendations to guide all research relevant to older people. Methods A diverse stakeholder group identified barriers and solutions to including older people in research. In parallel, a rapid literature review of published papers was undertaken to identify existing papers on the inclusion of older people in research. The findings were synthesised and mapped onto a socio-ecological model. From the synthesis we identified themes that were developed into initial recommendations that were iteratively refined with the stakeholder group. Results A range of individual, interpersonal, organisational, community and policy factors impact on the inclusion of older people in research. A total of 14 recommendations were developed such as removing upper age limits and comorbidity exclusions, involving older people, advocates and health and social care professionals with expertise in ageing in designing the research, and considering flexible or alternative approaches to data collection to maximise opportunities for participation. We also developed four questions that may guide those developing, reviewing and funding research that is inclusive of older people. Conclusion Our recommendations provide up to date, practical advice on ways to improve the inclusion of older people in health and care research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increase in the ageing population, there is a rise in the burden of cardiovascular disease. Age and Ageing have compiled collections of their key cardiovascular themed papers. The first Age and Ageing Cardiovascular Collection focussed on blood pressure, coronary heart disease and heart failure. In this second collection, publications since 2011 were selected with emphasis on atrial fibrillation, transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and stroke. The prevalence of TIA and stroke increases as people get older. In this commentary we summarise studies published in Age and Ageing that bring to the fore the need for a multidisciplinary, person-centred approach to care, conscientious identification of risk factors and their management and prevention strategies, which will inform policy ultimately reducing the burden of cost placed by stroke care on healthcare financing. Read the latest Cardiovascular Collection here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Much has been written about the changes in use and perspectives of telepractice among speech and language therapists (SLTs) during the global COVID‐19 pandemic. However, no long‐term study has been done to examine whether there is a permanent shift in attitudes towards telepractice as the world adjusts to new norms and endemic COVID‐19. Aims: To compare the speech telepractice use and perspectives of SLTs at two time points of the pandemic: during and after the height of the pandemic. Methods & Procedures: Two online surveys were distributed a year apart among SLTs in Singapore. The first survey was disseminated during an initial lockdown period in 2020 and the second survey was done in 2021 when Singapore was starting to reduce strict quarantine and safe‐distancing regulations. These surveys were distributed via communication channels of the local speech therapy association. A total of 115 and 71 responses to the survey were collected in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Responses were captured and analysed using descriptive statistics and statistical analysis while qualitative content analysis was used to derive key themes from open‐ended questions. Outcomes & Results: Telepractice use across all age groups and client types peaked at the height of the pandemic. Even as lockdown measures were eased, telepractice utilization was still higher than what it was before the pandemic. Dysphagia management was the only area where SLTs reduced their use of telepractice during the stabilization phase. After more experience with telepractice during the height of the pandemic, SLTs acknowledged the benefit of being able to use a wide range of media through telepractice and were less worried about not having the resources or knowledge to set up telepractice. SLTs also reported increased confidence in providing telepractice, which was reflected in their willingness to continue to provide telepractice even after the pandemic ends. Conclusions & Implications: The increase in use of telepractice during this pandemic is likely to be sustained as a majority of respondents believed they would continue to provide this mode of service delivery even after the pandemic ends. However, clinicians will still have to assess for client suitability, as clients with more complex medical or behavioural issues may still require in‐person therapy. Additionally, dysphagia management via telepractice will still be limited given that swallow presentations may be more variable. Lastly, although generic resources are helpful for clinicians, the long‐term sustainability of telepractice can be boosted by the sharing of resources that are suitable for the local context. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Current studies have examined telepractice use and perspectives of SLTs before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Despite the evidence for the efficacy of telepractice, uptake was low due to perceived lack of training and resources. Although more clinicians provided telepractice during the pandemic, many still doubted its efficacy over in‐person therapy and most studies concluded that longer term studies are required to ascertain if SLTs will continuing providing telepractice after the pandemic. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study shows that there is a definitive shift in perspectives in favour of telepractice after the pandemic, as clinicians continued to provide telepractice across most service areas even without lockdown restrictions. The previous challenges of insufficient resources, knowledge and privacy concerns were reduced with more experience in providing telepractice. Although client suitability remained a major barrier, more clinicians saw benefits of easy access to therapy and range of resources used as benefits that they could harness from telepractice. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: A majority of respondents stated that they are more confident in providing telepractice and would want to continue providing this service delivery mode after the pandemic, so more training and resources suitable for the local contexts can be provided by national associations to sustain this. More research and resources can be gathered to make telepractice more efficacious for dysphagia management and clients who may be deemed unsuitable for telepractice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health challenge leading to various detrimental health outcomes. Chinese women are a vulnerable population often overlooked in IPV research. Guided by the social–ecological model, this systematic review aims to synthesize literature on the risk and protective factors for IPV among Chinese women. A comprehensive search was conducted in nine major English and Chinese databases for articles with data collected since 2006 on adult Chinese women, leading to 29 papers in the final analysis. Risk and protective factors associated with IPV identified in this review include factors at the individual level such as demographics (e.g., a younger age, unplanned pregnancy, abortion, having children, and migration), socioeconomic status (e.g., income and partners' education level), attitudinal factors (e.g., attitudes justifying IPV and traditional beliefs about gender roles), behavioral factors (e.g., alcohol use of women, partners' alcohol use and frequency, and partners' high frequency of gambling), adverse childhood experiences (e.g., witnessed violence in childhood), and other personal characteristics (e.g., chronic illness and good health status). Factors at the relationship level include conflicts, power in intimate relationships, and social capital (e.g., the size of social networks, network participation of women and their partners, and social control). Community-level factors related to geographic locations were also explored while no factors were identified at the societal level. None of the included studies examined the intersections of factors within the same level or across different levels. Recommendations for future research, practice, and policy are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to adapt the Nurse Turnover Intention Scale to Turkish and test its validity and reliability. Methods: This methodological study was conducted with 200 nurses. The Personal Information Form and the Nurse Turnover Intention Scale were used for data collection between November and December 2021. Language and content validity, explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, criterion validity, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, item–total score correlation and test–retest reliability methods were used for the validity and reliability analysis of the scale. Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed that the Nurse Turnover Intention Scale had a single factor. Its single factor structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.902, and factor loading was between 0.60 and 0.78. Statistical analyses indicated that each item in the Turkish version of the scale had a high internal consistency. The test–retest correlation value was found as p < 0.05. Conclusion: The Nurse Turnover Intention Scale has been confirmed to be a suitable, valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish society. Nurse turnover intention is the most powerful predictor of actual turnover within the nursing profession. This scale will help to easily attain valid and reliable outcomes. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Nursing is a profession with a high rate of turnover intention.Nurse turnover intention is the most powerful predictor of actual turnover.There is no measurement tool in Turkey to evaluate the turnover intention specific to nurses. What this paper adds? The revised structure that was developed in this study comprised of 10 items was found to be appropriate, valid and reliable for the Turkish nursing population.Nurse turnover intention can now be measured using a valid and reliable tool. The implications of this paper: By using this scale, nursing services can contribute to the determination of the turnover intention levels of nurses and their reasons to take necessary precautions in the institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is a public health problem that tends to take dimensions of epidemic and has serious impact on the quality of life of patients undergoing haemodialysis, as it affects significally their social life. Specific variables, such as age, gender, frequency and duration of dialysis, education, family, financial and professional status, physical and social functioning, mental health, health effects and symptoms of the disease, can affect either favorably or adversely the quality of life (QoL) of these patients. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to explore the impact of haemodialysis on social life of people with chronic end stage renal failure. Methodology: Literature review based on studies and reviews derived from international (Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus) and Greek (Iatrotek) data bases concerning social problems of people with renal failure. The collection of data conducted from March to December 2012. Also, were used some keywords haemodialysis, psychosocial factors, social status, economic status, renal failure, quality of life, as well as articles by the National Documentation Centre, which provided valid and documented data from global research and epidemiology. Results: Chronic kidney failure is associated with long-term effects on social life of patients. Many demographic factors such as age, male, socioeconomic profile and education level affect their ability to work, their role in family, friends and society, their social relationships and their general health. Furthermore, unemployment is highly responsible for the occurrence of sexual problems in a high percentage of them. Conclusions: Providing social support, support of the family and support of the friendly environment in patients with CRF is associated with reduction in depressive symptoms, positive perception of their illness, general satisfaction of life and increased compliance to the treatment regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultrasound (US) is not widely used as part of the speech and language therapy (SLT) clinical toolkit. The COVID‐19 pandemic has intensified interest in US as an alternative to SLT instrumental tools such as the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and endoscopic evaluation of the larynx (EEL) as a non‐invasive, non‐aerosol‐generating procedure that can be delivered at the bedside to assess swallowing and/or laryngeal function. To establish the appropriacy of routine US use, and in response to a national professional body request for a position statement, a group of expert SLTs conducted a rapid review of the literature. Aim: To explore critically the clinical utility of US as an assessment tool for swallowing and laryngeal function in adults. Methods & Procedures: A rapid review of four databases was completed to identify articles using US to assess swallowing and/or laryngeal function in adults compared with reference tests (VFSS/FEES/EEL/validated outcome measure). Screening was completed according to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria and 10% of abstracts were rescreened to assess reliability. Data were extracted from full texts using a predeveloped form. The QUADAS‐2 tool was used for quality ratings. Information from included studies was summarized using narrative synthesis and visual illustration. Outcomes & Results: Ten papers used US to assess swallowing, and 13 to assess laryngeal function. All were peer‐reviewed primary studies across a range of clinical populations and with a wide geographical spread. Four papers had an overall low risk of bias, but the remaining 19 had at least one domain where risk of bias was judged as high or unclear. Applicability concerns were identified in all papers. The papers that used US to assess swallowing varied widely in terms of the anatomical structures assessed and methodology employed. The papers assessing laryngeal function were more homogenous in their methodology. Sensitivity and specificity data were provided for 12 of the laryngeal function papers with ranges of 64.3–100% and 48.5–100%, respectively. Conclusions & Implications: There is burgeoning evidence to support the use of US as an adjunct to SLT clinical assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function. However, the current literature does not support its use as a tool in isolation. Further research is required to establish reliability in US assessment as well as clear SLT‐driven protocols and training. What this paper addsWhat is already known on the subjectUS has demonstrated potential as an assessment tool for objective parameters of swallowing. Its use for laryngeal assessment (gross vocal fold movement) is also widely recognized within the literature. This review appraised the literature related to US as an alternative or adjunctive tool for the assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function.What this paper adds to existing knowledgeThis paper identifies that the current evidence base for US as a swallowing or laryngeal assessment tool is heterogenous and of variable quality. No study combined the assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function, and only two studies assessed more than one parameter of swallowing, limiting the clinical application of the results.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?This review shows that US is a non‐invasive accessible tool that can offer a detailed focal assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function, such as hyoid displacement and vocal fold mobility. With the development of protocols, training packages and competency standards, US has the potential to be used as an adjunct to SLT assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function. There is not currently enough evidence to support the use of US as a stand‐alone tool for SLT assessment of swallowing or laryngeal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem identification The surgical count is an integral component of the perioperative nurse's role designed to reduce the risk of unintentional retained items (URIs) during surgery. Current literature provides statistical data that URIs continue to occur which has exposed a lack of adherence to the surgical count process as a possible contributing factor. This review was undertaken to identify what is currently known about perioperative nurses' practices in relation to the surgical count and the perceived barriers and enablers when trying to follow best practice as outlined in ACORN's Standards for Perioperative Nursing in Australia. Literature search The objective of the search was to identify empirical data relating to nurses' knowledge and practices in relation to the surgical count. We identified 215 research papers in the literature search using search terms consisting of instrument counts, culture and patient safety. Data evaluation synthesis Studies from 2003 to 2018 were categorised methodologically as qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies. All papers were reviewed by the authors separately to extract key information around design, sample size, aim, key findings and limitations. Studies were critically appraised using the mixed method appraisal tool (MMAT) for mixed method studies and the QualSyst tool for quantitative and qualitative studies. The literature search identified a total of 215 studies, 109 of which were identified for further review using the 'preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis' (PRISMA) flow chart. Six exclusion criteria were applied to exclude a further 52 articles from the final review, which resulted in ten articles being included in the final sample. Implications for practice or research The review demonstrates that statistical data around URIs is widely reported. However, little is documented about the patient, case, individual and environmental factors that may impede perioperative nurses in following best practice when undertaking a surgical count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper intends to present the concrete situation in the South East Region of Romania, respectively in Tulcea County. In this paper it is presented data about the structure of the population, by ethnicity and gender, on the residence environment, distribution by age group, the accommodation units structure and the number of Romanian and foreign tourists who has visited the studied county. The development of agritourism in the area is laid in this paper, in close connection with the physical-geographic framework, the tourist objectives in the area and implicitly its economic development. National Institute of Statistics data were used and processed according to the objectives of the paper. The paper is finalized with a SWOT analysis that sets out conclusions and tries to be the reason why an investor would set up an agro-tourist hostel in the area taking advantage of the rare natural beauty and offering somewhat unusual accommodation conditions - but warm and welcoming - more especially for foreign tourists [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent political processes have rendered people with dementia an increasingly surveilled population. Surveillance is a contentious issue within dementia research, spanning technological monitoring, biomarker research and epidemiological data gathering. This paper explores surveillance in the relationships of people affected by dementia, how older relatives both with and without diagnoses are surveilled in everyday interactions, and the importance of expectations in guiding surveillance. This paper presents data from 41 in-depth interviews with people affected by dementia living in the community in the United Kingdom. Agedness was a key contributor to expectations that a person may have dementia, based on previous experiences, media accounts and wider awareness. Expectations provoked surveillance in interactions, with participants looking for signs of dementia when interacting with older relatives. Older people also enacted self-surveillance, monitoring their own behaviour. Various actions could be attributed to dementia because interpretation is malleable, partly vindicating expectations while leaving some uncertainties. Expectant surveillance transformed people's experiences because they organised their own actions, and interpreted those of others, in line with pre-existing meanings. The ability to interpret behaviours to fit expectations can bring coherence to uncertainties of ageing, cognition and dementia, but risks ascribing dementia to many older people who straddle those uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Variations in communicative participation of children with developmental language disorder (DLD) cannot be wholly explained by their language difficulties alone and may be influenced by contextual factors. Contextual factors may support or hinder communicative participation in children, which makes their identification clinically relevant. Aims: To investigate which contextual (environmental and personal) factors in early childhood are protective, risk or neutral factors for communicative participation among school‐aged children with DLD, and to identify possible gaps in knowledge about this subject. Methods & Procedures: A scoping review was conducted based on a systematic search of studies published from January 2007 to March 2022 in Pubmed, Embase (without MEDLINE), CINAHL and PsycINFO. In total, 8802 studies were reviewed using predefined eligibility criteria, of which 32 studies were included for data extraction and critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2021) tools. Main Contribution: The methodological quality of included studies was adequate to strong. Personal protective factors identified are being a preschool girl, reaching school age and being prosocial, while personal risk factors are becoming a teenager or adolescent, having low socio‐cognitive skills and experiencing comorbid mobility impairment or behavioural problems. Gender after the preschool years and non‐verbal abilities were not found to be of influence, and the role of socio‐emotional skills is inconclusive. Receiving therapy is an environmental protective factor, while the association between socio‐economical family characteristics with communicative participation is inconclusive. Conclusions & Implications: Limited research has been conducted on which risk and protective factors present in early childhood are associated with later communicative participation of children with DLD. The influence of co‐occurring health conditions, social background variables, individual psychological assets, interpersonal relationships and attitudes of other people represent knowledge gaps. In addition, knowledge about the comparative effectiveness of different types of interventions and service delivery models, and the impact of administrative control, organizational mechanisms and standards established by governments on children's communicative participation is lacking. More longitudinal research is needed focusing on the identification of relevant personal and environmental factors and the interactions between them in relation to communicative participation outcomes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Children with DLD experience varying degrees of communicative participation restrictions. Insight into contextual factors that influence communicative participation can help to identify children at risk and inform family and child‐centred therapy. Systematic research on contextual factors that facilitate or hinder communicative participation in children with DLD is currently lacking. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Knowledge of protective factors can guide the development of interventions for children and young people with DLD that boost resilience and facilitate communicative participation, while insight into the risk factors can help professionals identify the most vulnerable children and develop interventions that can lift or neutralize barriers present in the life of these children. Specific groups potentially at risk are young boys, children with co‐morbid mobility impairment, children with conduct problems, and children reaching adolescence. In contrast, potentially protective factors are reaching school age and being prosocial. In addition, the development of socio‐cognitive skills may be beneficial for the communicative participation of children with DLD. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: To support communicative participation, it is important that professionals who work with children with DLD understand which groups are at risk for communicative participation restrictions, and which factors can foster resilience. In the absence of evidence‐based instruments for the systematic assessment of personal and environmental factors, consulting parents and children on the contextual factors that they perceive as important remains critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eliminating poverty due to illness is an important way for China to pursue common prosperity. The high medical expenditure caused by the aging population has brought severe challenges to governments and families of all countries, especially in China, where the entire population has just been lifted out of poverty in 2020 and then hit by COVID-19. How to prevent the possible return of poor boundary families to poverty in China has become a difficult research topic. Based on the latest data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, this paper discusses the poverty reduction effect of medical insurance on middle-aged and elderly families from the absolute index and relative index. Medical insurance had a poverty reduction effect on middle-aged and elderly families, especially the poor boundary families. For example, people who participated in medical insurance reduced their financial burden by 2.36% for middle-aged and older families compared to people who did not participate in medical insurance. Furthermore, the poverty reduction effect had heterogeneity in gender and age. This research brings some policy implications. For example, the government should give more protection to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and low-income families and improve the fairness and effectiveness of the medical insurance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the relationships between self‐efficacy, uncertainty and anxiety among nursing graduates waiting for a mandatory nursing licensing test that was postponed due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 352 graduates of nursing education programs participated in this mixed‐methods study. The data were collected using an online questionnaire in June 2020. Results: The participants demonstrated high uncertainty and anxiety and low self‐efficacy towards the ability to succeed in the licensing exam. Graduates, who started working, reported lower uncertainty. Self‐efficacy, uncertainty, gender and family status contributed significantly to the explanation of 24% of the variance of the anxiety. The qualitative analysis revealed three themes: (a) emotional distress, cognitive challenge and social implications, (b) consequences for significant others and (c) strengthening of professional values and norms. Conclusions: A significant crisis like a pandemic is accompanied by acute cognitive burden and stressful emotional experiences and creates an unconventional situation that requires unusual solutions. Granting a temporary permit for employment as a nurse following the postponement of a licensing test contributed to the ability of nursing graduates to cope with the situation. Policies to deal with similar situations in the future emergencies should be developed and implemented. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The COVID‐19 pandemic changed all the rules when the licensing examination was postponed at relatively short notice.The graduates found themselves without a work permit and also outside the education system.Many graduates reported economic challenges and feelings of uncertainty and fear of the future. What this paper adds? The participants demonstrated high levels of uncertainty and anxiety, with low self‐efficacy.Self‐efficacy, uncertainty, gender and family status contributed significantly to the explanation of the anxietyQualitative analysis supported these findings through examples that paint the whole picture in vivid colours. The implications of this paper: The study emphasizes the importance of providing emotional support and information to the students in times of crisis, while communicating policy decisions.Granting a temporary permit for employment as a registered nurse following the postponement of the licensing test contributed to the ability of nursing graduates to contend with the situation.There is a need to formulate policies to deal with similar situations in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to analyse the variation of Menarcheal age among the Meitei, Muslim and Kabui populations of Manipur Valley. The sample of each population consists of 300 women. In women's life, menarche marks the beginning of sexual maturation and is influenced by various factors like - biological and genetic factors, socio-economic, environmental, and nutritional factors. In general menarcheal age varies from one population to another. Thus, this paper also aims to compare the mean age of menarche available from different ethnic groups of Manipur. The present study reports that mean age at menarche among the Meitei women is 14.11 ± 0.10 years, 13.81 ± 0.09 years among the Muslim and 14.71 ± 0.09 among the Kabui women. The findings of the present study revealed that mean age at menarche occur earliest among the Muslims and latest among the Kabuis, while that of the Meitei, lies in the middle. As per 't' tests, significant differences have been observed in all the three populations at 5% level. Significantly, it may be noted that a homogenous distribution of menarcheal age has been noted among the Meitei, the Aimol and the Kom tribes, whereas the Muslims show significant differences from all the three populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language development is an important facet of early life. Deaf children may have exposure to various languages and communication modalities, including spoken and visual. Previous research has documented the rate of growth of English skills among young deaf children, but no studies have investigated the rate of ASL acquisition. The current paper examines young deaf children's acquisition of ASL skills, the rate of growth over time, and factors impacting levels and growth rates. Seventy-three children ages birth to 5 were rated three times using the Visual Communication and Sign Language Checklist and given a scaled score at each rating. An average monthly gain score was calculated for each participant. The presence of a deaf parent, use of ASL at home, use of cochlear implant(s), whether the child was born deaf, and age of initial diagnosis were analyzed for their impact on the level of ASL skill and rate of growth. Results indicated that the use of ASL in the home has a significant positive effect on deaf children's ASL skill level. Additionally, children with lower initial ratings showed higher rates of growth than those with higher initial ratings, especially among school-aged children. The paper discusses implications and directions for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Interviewer effects can have consequential impacts on survey data, particularly for reporting sensitive attitudes and behaviours such as sexual activity and drug use, yet these effects remain understudied in low- and middle-income countries. The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) present a unique opportunity to study interviewer effects on the self-report of sensitive topics in low- and middle-income countries by including interviewer characteristics data. This paper aims to narrow the gap in research on interviewer effects by studying the effects that age difference between interviewer and respondent and interviewer survey experience have on the reporting of ever having sexual intercourse. Methods We used DHS data from 91 066 women and 56 336 men in 21 countries where the standard DHS was implemented among all women of reproductive age, and interviewer characteristics were included in the data set. Using a Bayesian cross-classified model with random intercepts for interviewer and cluster, we assessed whether the effect of an age difference of 10 years or greater was associated with a difference in self-report of ever having sexual intercourse, adjusting for respondent demographics. Results There was a meaningful association between an age difference of greater than ten years and reporting of ever having had sexual intercourse in most countries for both genders after adjusting for interviewer age and experience, rural or urban cluster, and individual-level characteristics. Among women, the marginal posterior probability of reporting ever having sexual intercourse if the interviewer was ten years or more years older was lower for 17 of 19 countries (countries ranged from -12.50 to 3.90 percentage points). Among men, the marginal posterior probability was lower for 16 of 20 countries, ranging from -18.30 to 17.10 percentage points. Conclusions In most countries, women and men were less likely to report ever having sexual activity if the interviewer was ten or more years older than them, adjusting for potential confounders. These findings have important implications for interpreting numerous sexual health indicators, such as unmet family planning needs and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) risk. Survey administrators may consider more careful interviewer-respondent characteristic matching or novel approaches like Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview to minimize interviewer-induced variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the potential causes of HIV prevalence among young women in South Africa. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa (SA) has the largest HIV pandemic in the world with approximately 7.2 million people living with HIV as of 2017. There is a disproportionate incidence of HIV between women and men, particularly affecting young women 15–24 years of age. This paper reviewed 10 articles on the impact of HIV in SA among young women. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 10 articles on HIV in SA were selected for review using academic databases including Library One Search Pro, Google Scholar, the British Medical Journal and Elsevier. The search generated 11,095 articles, which were narrowed down to 10 by the criteria of being specific to gender and age and publication period. Findings: Five themes were identified from the findings as to the potential causes of HIV prevalence among young women these included age-disparate relationships, social factors and sexual behaviour. Impact of HIV on communities and individuals, gender and patriarchy including poverty and social isolation. Originality/value: The paper shows the impact of inequalities between men and women leading to HIV infection among young women. It also shows some gaps that require further research with regards to HIV infections among young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Alcohol-related myopathy is one of the earliest alcohol-associated pathological tissue changes that is progressively exacerbated by cumulative long-term alcohol misuse. Acute and chronic alcohol use leads to changes in skeletal muscle mass and function. As discussed in this evidence-based review, alcohol-mediated mechanisms are multifactorial with effects on anabolic and catabolic signaling, mitochondrial bioenergetics, extracellular matrix remodeling, and epigenomic alterations. However, systematic studies are limited, especially regarding the acute effects of alcohol on skeletal muscle. SEARCH METHODS: This review focuses on peer-reviewed manuscripts published between January 2012 and November 2022 using the search terms "alcohol" or "ethanol" and "skeletal muscle" in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science using EndNote reference management software. SEARCH RESULTS: Eligible manuscripts included full-length research papers that discussed acute and chronic effects of alcohol on skeletal muscle mass and function in both clinical and preclinical studies. The review also includes alcohol-mediated skeletal muscle effects in the context of comorbidities. The three databases together yielded 708 manuscripts. Of these, the authors excluded from this review 548 papers that did not have "alcohol" or "muscle" in the title and 64 papers that were duplicates or did not discuss skeletal muscle. Thus, of all the manuscripts considered for this review, 96 are included and 612 are excluded. Additionally, relevant papers published earlier than 2012 are included to provide context to the review. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Both acute and chronic alcohol use decrease protein synthesis and increase protein degradation. Alcohol also impairs mitochondrial function and extracellular matrix remodeling. However, there is a gap in the literature on the known alcohol-mediated mechanisms, including senescence, role of immune activation, and interorgan communication, on the development of alcohol-related myopathy. With increased life expectancy, changing alcohol use patterns, and increasing frequency of alcohol use among females, current observational studies are needed on the prevalence of alcohol-related myopathy. Additionally, the compounding effects of acute and chronic alcohol use on skeletal muscle with aging or exercise, in response to injury or disuse, and in the context of comorbidities including diabetes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), call for further investigation. Though evidence suggests that abstinence or reducing alcohol use can improve muscle mass and function, they are not restored to normal levels. Hence, understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms can help in the design of therapeutic strategies to improve skeletal muscle health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some data call into question the persistence of developmental language disorders (DLDs) identified during the preschool period. For this reason, speech–language pathologists (SLPs) often reassess children. However, it is unclear if the instability of the profiles documented in community sample studies is present in children referred to specialized clinics. Given the scarcity of SLP resources, is re‐evaluating the language skills of these children a good use of clinical time? Aim: To examine the stability of the findings from two SLP assessments in a sample of Canadian preschool children referred to a tertiary clinic between the ages of 2 and 6 years. It was hypothesized that children under the age of 4 years at first assessment and children with less severe initial deficits would show less stability of DLD diagnosis. Methods & Procedures: The clinical files of children referred to an early childhood psychiatric clinic in Canada were reviewed. For 149 children with two SLPs assessment reports, persistence of language deficits was documented and tested with McNemar's statistics. Differences between preschoolers under the age of 4 versus 4 years and over, as well as between mildly and severely impaired children, were examined. Outcomes & Results: High level of agreement (94%) and McNemar's test (p = 0.180) supported the stability of initial diagnosis. The stability for children assessed before the age of 4 (n = 64) was 100%, and was significantly different from older children's (n = 85) stability of 89% (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.01; bilateral). The stability for children with mild impairments (n = 18) was 78%, which was significantly lower than the stability (97%) in children with severe impairments (n = 114) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.007; bilateral). Conclusions & Implications: No instability of language status was observed in children assessed before 4 years of age, which could be related to the significant severity of the difficulties that children in this age group presented and be specific to this type of clinical sample. The great stability of language status observed in preschoolers referred to a specialized clinic suggests that clinicians should limit reassessments to devote available resources to intervention efforts. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject?: Previous research that has demonstrated important instability in the classification of language impairment before 4 years of age gathered data mainly by screening the general population or was not based on a comprehensive clinical assessment. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: This study investigated the classification stability of DLD between two comprehensive SLP assessments in a clinical sample of Canadian preschoolers. The results indicate great stability of language status assessed before 4 years old in this population, suggesting that severity of impairments may trump the age factor in this group. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: In the case of children referred to a specialized clinic, clinicians and policymakers should be aware that DLD diagnosis made before 4 years of age remains stable during preschool age, and that a best practice with this population would be to abandon unnecessary testing in favour of early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa has every right to take pride in its rich and unique botanical diversity. As part of investigating the discipline of botany in the country,we have assessed the contents of five botany-related South African journals in the period 1988-2002, analysing the sub-disciplines, affiliations of the contributors, and the age, gender and race of the first authors. The results show various trends, such as a decline in the number of articles during the 1990s and then an increase in 2001 and 2002. A specific niche for each of the five journals has been identified. These journals have adopted strategies and introduced improvements to survive change in the evolving scientific environment. Most articles are from authors in the age group 31-40; men accounted for 68% of botanical papers and women 32%. Whites authored 94%, and other racial groups 6%. The botanical sciences are among the leaders in South African research publications in terms of output and citations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people experience significant health inequalities. Located within a European Commission funded pilot project, this paper presents a review of the health inequalities faced by LGBTI people and the barriers health professionals encounter when providing care. Methods A narrative synthesis of 57 papers including systematic reviews, narrative reviews, meta-analyses and primary research. Literature was searched in Cochrane, Campbell Collaboration, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Medline. The review was undertaken to promote understanding of the causes and range of inequalities, as well as how to reduce inequalities. Results LGBTI people are more likely to experience health inequalities due to heteronormativity or heterosexism, minority stress, experiences of victimization and discrimination, compounded by stigma. Inequalities pertaining to LGBTI health(care) vary depending on gender, age, income and disability as well as between LGBTI groupings. Gaps in the literature remain around how these factors intersect to influence health, with further large-scale research needed particularly regarding trans and intersex people. Conclusion Health inequalities can be addressed via changes in policy, research and in practice through health services that accommodate the needs of LGBTI people. With improved training to address gaps in their knowledge of LGBTI health and healthcare, health professionals should work in collaboration with LGBTI people to address a range of barriers that prevent access to care. Through structural change combined with increased knowledge and understanding, services can potentially become more inclusive and equally accessible to all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]