Category: Nevin Manimala

J Migr Health. 2022;5:100098. doi: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100098. Epub 2022 Apr 4.

ABSTRACT

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has overwhelmed the existing health care systems, finding it challenging to provide essential health services besides the COVID-19 response interventions. Refugees are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of the barriers they face to access health care. However, there is limited research that investigates how access to HIV/AIDS or TB care services by urban refugees is affected during pandemics such as the COVID-19. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey utilizing quantitative (N=229) and qualitative data (26 in-depth interviews and 8 key informant interviews) held among urban refugees living in Kampala, Uganda. Results revealed that more females (75%) than males (25%) were able to access TB or HIV/AIDS services during COVID-19 related lockdowns. A decrease in queues, delivery of drugs through Village Health Teams (VHTs), proximity to health facilities, supply of necessities like food and the reception at the health facilities facilitated access to TB or HIV/AIDS services. On the other hand, restrictions on public transport, high transport costs, unemployment and subsequent poverty were barriers to access to TB or HIV/AIDS services. Results offer major insights into the effect of COVID-19 control measures on disruption of access to services particularly in relation to being able to access service points. The findings suggest that recognizing structural barriers to uninterrupted or continued access to HIV/AIDS or TB services during pandemics such as COVID-19 can go a long way in helping stakeholders to design measures that make it possible for more urban refugees to access HIV/AIDS or TB services.

PMID:35403075 | PMC:PMC8979625 | DOI:10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100098

Brain Behav. 2022 Apr 10:e2565. doi: 10.1002/brb3.2565. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of First-Person Perspective Action Observation training and Third-Person Perspective Action Observation training on upper extremity function and activities of daily living of patients with stroke-induced hemiplegia. This was a single-blind randomized study of 20 stroke patients (more than 6 months after the incident stroke) with upper extremity disabilities. The subjects who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups: First-Person Perspective Action Observation training group and Third-Person Perspective Action Observation training group. The measurements were performed using Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) and Motor Activity Log (MAL). The results of this study showed statistically significant differences (p < .05) in the upper extremity function and activity of daily living after the intervention in all two groups. Upon comparison of the amount of change between the experimental group and the control group, there was significant difference in upper extremity function and activity of daily living (p < .05). Action Observation training was found to have an effect on the upper extremity function and activity of daily living on chronic stroke patients. First-Person Perspective Action Observation training was more effective in improving upper limb function and activity of daily living than the Third-Person Perspective Action Observation training.

PMID:35398981 | DOI:10.1002/brb3.2565

Int J Med Robot. 2022 Apr 5:e2400. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2400. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Long operation time remains a disadvantage of robotic-assisted gynaecological procedures. A score that predicts the duration of such surgeries could be useful.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of robotic-assisted gynaecological surgeries in our institution were conducted. We assessed preoperative values such as body mass index, uterine size, previous abdominal surgeries, way of previous deliveries and pathology that led patients to the theatre and we created a preoperative predictive score, the ‘Iavazzo score’. Thereafter, we correlated this score with duration of surgery.

RESULTS: 57 patients were included. Mean ‘Iavazzo’ score was 7.96, while mean surgery and overall time were 140 and 208.8 min, respectively. Correlation between Iavazzo score and operation time was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Using median operation time, we found an area under curve of 0.86 and a cut-off value of 7.5 for Iavazzo score.

CONCLUSIONS: ‘Iavazzo’ score can be a useful predictive score that evaluates duration of robotic-assisted gynaecological surgeries.

PMID:35398969 | DOI:10.1002/rcs.2400

Top Cogn Sci. 2022 Apr 10. doi: 10.1111/tops.12612. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

During the early postnatal years, most infants rapidly learn to understand two naturally evolved communication systems: language and emotion. While these two domains include different types of content knowledge, it is possible that similar learning processes subserve their acquisition. In this review, we compare the learnable statistical regularities in language and emotion input. We then consider how domain-general learning abilities may underly the acquisition of language and emotion, and how this process may be constrained in each domain. This comparative developmental approach can advance our understanding of how humans learn to communicate with others.

PMID:35398974 | DOI:10.1111/tops.12612

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Apr 9. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14980. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The nose is a central visual feature of the face leading many patients wishing to improve their facial aesthetic appearance to undergo rhinoplasty. Increasingly more patients are seeking non-surgical alternatives such as hyaluronic acid filler injections. These treatments have the ability to profoundly impact patients’ aesthetic appearance and first impressions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hyaluronic acid filler injection in non-surgical nasal augmentation on first impressions, quality of life, and to evaluate treatment efficacy in reducing the height of the nasal dorsal convexity.

METHODS: Ten female subjects underwent small-particle hyaluronic acid filler injection into the nasal soft tissues. Photographs of the subjects were taken at baseline and post-treatment after achieving an optimal correction result. Patients reported satisfaction with outcomes using a validated patient-reported outcome measurement tool. Blinded evaluators were used to assess first impressions across specifically defined categories using the baseline and post-treatment photographs. The height of the pre and post-injection nasal dorsal convexity was compared.

RESULTS: All patients experienced a statistically significant reduction in the height of their dorsal nasal convexity. There was significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes based on all measures of the FACE-Q scale. A total of 224 evaluators completed blinded assessments of first impressions. Mean first impressions in all eight categories, along with overall first impression score showed statistically significant improvement following treatment.

CONCLUSION: Hyaluronic acid filler injections for non-surgical nasal reshaping are a safe and effective method to improve perceived first impressions and to improve patient-reported self-esteem and aesthetic satisfaction with their nose.

PMID:35398952 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.14980

J Intern Med. 2022 Apr 5. doi: 10.1111/joim.13492. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported regional differences in end-of-life care (EoLC) for critically ill patients in Europe.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this post-hoc analysis of the prospective multi-centre COVIP study was to investigate variations in EoLC practices among older patients in intensive care units during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

METHODS: A total of 3105 critically ill patients aged 70 years and older were enrolled in this study (Central Europe: n = 1573; Northern Europe: n = 821; Southern Europe: n = 711). Generalised estimation equations were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) to population averages. Data were adjusted for patient-specific variables (demographic, disease-specific) and health economic data (GDP, health expenditure per capita). The primary outcome was any treatment limitation, and 90-day-mortality was a secondary outcome.

RESULTS: The frequency of the primary endpoint (treatment limitation) was highest in Northern Europe (48%), intermediate in Central Europe (39%), and lowest in Southern Europe (24%). The likelihood for treatment limitations was lower in Southern than in Central Europe (aOR 0.39; 95%CI 0.21-0.73; p = 0.004), even after multivariable adjustment, whereas no statistically significant differences were observed between Northern and Central Europe (aOR 0.57; 95%CI 0.27-1.22; p = 0.15). After multivariable adjustment, no statistically relevant mortality differences were found between Northern and Central Europe (aOR 1.29; 95%CI 0.80-2.09; p = 0.30) or between Southern and Central Europe (aOR 1.07; 95%CI 0.66-1.73; p = 0.78).

CONCLUSION: This study shows a north-to-south gradient in rates of treatment limitation in Europe, highlighting the heterogeneity of EoLC practices across countries. However, mortality rates were not affected by these results. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35398948 | DOI:10.1111/joim.13492

J Orthop Res. 2022 Apr 10. doi: 10.1002/jor.25333. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Modic changes (MC) and endplate abnormalities (EA) have been shown to impact preoperative symptoms and outcomes following spinal surgery. However, little is known about how these phenotypes impact cervical alignment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact that these phenotypes have on preoperative, postoperative, and changes in cervical alignment in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We performed a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of ACDF patients at a single institution. Preoperative magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) were used to assess for the MC and EA. Patients were subdivided into four groups: MC-only, EA-only, the combined Modic-Endplate-Complex (MEC), and patients without either phenotype. Pre and postoperative MRIs were used to assess alignment parameters. Associations with imaging phenotypes and alignment parameters were assessed, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.5. A total of 512 patients were included, with 84 MC-only patients, 166 EA-only patients, and 71 patients with MEC. Preoperative MC (p = 0.031) and the MEC (p = 0.039) had significantly lower preoperative T1 slope compared to controls. Lower preoperative T1 slope was a risk factor for MC (p = 0.020) and MEC (p = 0.029) and presence of MC (Type II) and the MEC (Type III) was predictive of lower preoperative T1 slope. There were no differences in postoperative alignment measures or patient reported outcome measures. MC and endplate pathologies such as the MEC appear to be associated with worse cervical alignment at baseline relative to patients without these phenotypes. Poor alignment may be an adaptive response to these degenerative findings or may be a risk factor for their development.

PMID:35398932 | DOI:10.1002/jor.25333

Scand J Psychol. 2022 Apr 10. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12820. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Resilience is one of the protective factors for mental health. The aim of this study is to reveal the role of COVID-19 anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty in predicting resilience in adulthood. To this end, data were collected from 533 adults (359 women-174 men). A hierarchical regression analysis was performed, controlling for the effects of gender and presence of a chronic disease on the prediction of resilience. Results showed that intolerance of uncertainty and COVID-19 anxiety were statistically significant predictors of resilience. Gender and presence of a chronic disease were not statistically significant in predicting resilience. These results indicate that intolerance of uncertainty plays an important role in explaining resilience.

PMID:35398920 | DOI:10.1111/sjop.12820

Acta Paediatr. 2022 Apr 9. doi: 10.1111/apa.16355. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate an intervention where nurses in child health care services routinely talk to and inform parents about violence.

METHODS: The intervention included providing information during home-visits and individual conversations with mothers and fathers/partners in connection with screening for parental depression. A convergent mixed-methods design was used with a documentation form for each child (n=475) and results from focus group interviews with nurses. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative with manifest content analysis.

RESULTS: Almost all families participated in the intervention; individual conversations were conducted with nearly all the mothers, and to a somewhat lesser extent with the fathers/partners. Initially, the nurses felt slightly uncomfortable about these conversations, but described experiencing development and professionalization in their role of talking about violence. Parents’ reactions were generally positive and they expressed appreciation for this topic being raised.

CONCLUSION: The results show that the intervention has been carried out successfully. The newborn period is a phase in which mothers and fathers are interested and receptive to knowledge and support in sensitive matters. Prerequisites for implementation were the preparation phase for the nurses, the use of routine questioning, and a questionnaire as a basis for the conversations.

PMID:35398911 | DOI:10.1111/apa.16355

J Oral Rehabil. 2022 Apr 9. doi: 10.1111/joor.13331. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The evidence on the relationship between anxiety and depression and patients with distinct subtypes of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is uncertain, so a thorough review study on the topic is still missing.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review investigated the distribution and severity of anxiety and depression in patients diagnosed with different subtypes of TMD.

METHODS: The study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020150562) and it followed the PRISMA 2020 Statement. We searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO databases (last search: 12 March 2021) and the reference list from the included studies. Study eligibility criteria consisted of: (i) patients diagnosed with TMD using the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) or Diagnostic Criteria (DC/TMD) instruments; (ii) assessment of anxiety and/or depression with validated psychological instruments; and (iii) allocation of patients into a minimum of two distinct TMD subtypes with at least one group having myofascial pain (comparison group). Analyses were carried out using RevMan 5.3.5 statistical package and random- or fixed-effects models (α=0.05). The quality of evidence was assessed based on review authors’ judgment derived from a 10-item appraisal tool for prevalence studies and with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS: Out of the 4,086 records identified in total, 24 were eligible for inclusion; meta-analyses were conducted with 20 studies. In total, 3,678 subjects were included in the review. Most of the studies found that patients with myofascial pain showed similar occurrence and severity of anxiety/depression as compared to other subtypes of TMD, although the average prevalence seemed to be higher among the diagnoses consisting of myofascial pain (muscular TMD). Despite the moderate-to-high heterogeneity, anxiety and depression were more frequently distributed within patients with myofascial pain (p=0.001). TMD patients without myofascial pain presented less severe levels of anxiety and depression than patients with only myofascial pain (p≤0.01). The type of psychological instrument seems to affect the assessment of both anxiety and depression emotional states.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this review suggest that patients with myofascial pain are more anxious and more depressed than patients with other subtypes of TMD.

IMPLICATIONS: Considering that anxiety and depression are differently distributed within the TMD population, a proper assessment of the psychological state of patients seems essential to offer an adequate treatment and management of each specific subtype of TMD.

PMID:35398904 | DOI:10.1111/joor.13331