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Nutrients May 2024Food marketing targeting children influences their choices and dietary habits, and mainly promotes food high in fat, sugar, and salt as well as ultra-processed food. The...
Food marketing targeting children influences their choices and dietary habits, and mainly promotes food high in fat, sugar, and salt as well as ultra-processed food. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of food and beverages marketed to children over the age of 3 and available on the Swiss market. Products with at least one marketing technique targeting children on the packaging were selected from five food store chains. Three criteria to assess nutritional quality were used: (1) nutritional composition (using the Nutri-Score), (2) degree of processing (NOVA classification), and (3) compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). A total of 735 products were found and analyzed. The most common marketing techniques used were childish names/fonts (46.9%), special characters (39.6%), and children's drawings (31.3%). Most products had a Nutri-Score of D or E (58.0%) and were ultra-processed (91.8%). Only 10.2% of products displayed the Nutri-Score. The least processed products generally had a better Nutri-Score ( < 0.001). Most products (92.8%) did not meet the criteria of the WHO NPM. Products that met the WHO NPM criteria, organic products, and products with a nutritional claim generally had a better Nutri-Score and were less processed (p < 0.05). Pre-packaged foods and beverages marketed to children in the Swiss market were mostly of poor nutritional quality. Public health measures should be adopted to improve the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in Switzerland and restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
Topics: Switzerland; Nutritive Value; Humans; Child; Marketing; Food Packaging; Child, Preschool; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38892589
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111656 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024As we move into the era of precision medicine, the growing relevance of genetic alterations to prostate cancer (PCa) development and treatment demonstrates the...
As we move into the era of precision medicine, the growing relevance of genetic alterations to prostate cancer (PCa) development and treatment demonstrates the importance of characterizing preclinical models at the genomic level. Our study investigated the genomic characterization of eight PCa cell lines to understand which models are clinically relevant. We designed a custom AmpliSeq DNA gene panel that encompassed key molecular pathways targeting AR signaling, apoptosis, DNA damage repair, and PI3K/AKT/PTEN, in addition to tumor suppressor genes. We examined the relationship between cell line genomic alterations and therapeutic response. In addition, using DepMap's Celligner tool, we identified which preclinical models are most representative of specific prostate cancer patient populations on cBioPortal. These data will help investigators understand the genetic differences in preclinical models of PCa and determine which ones are relevant for use in their translational research.
Topics: Humans; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Genomics; Signal Transduction; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; DNA Repair
PubMed: 38892296
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116111 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Structural and behavioral interventions to manage work-related stress are effective in employees. Nonetheless, they have been implemented insufficiently, particularly in...
BACKGROUND
Structural and behavioral interventions to manage work-related stress are effective in employees. Nonetheless, they have been implemented insufficiently, particularly in micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSE). Main barriers include a lack of knowledge and limited resources, which could potentially be overcome with simplified web-based alternatives for occupational stress prevention. However, there is a lack of implementation research about web-based prevention in realistic settings of MSE.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation process and success of an integrated web-based platform for occupational stress prevention ("System P") and to identify potential barriers for its uptake and use in MSE in Germany.
METHODS
This study with a mixed-methods approach investigates eight process-related outcomes in a quantitative part I (adoption, reach, penetration, fidelity/dose, costs, acceptability) and a qualitative part II (acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility). Part I has a pre-post design with two measurements (6 months apart) with 98 individual participants and part II consists of 12 semi-structured interviews with managers and intercorporate stakeholders.
RESULTS
Part I revealed shortcomings in the implementation process. Adoption/Reach: Despite extensive marketing efforts, less than 1% of the contacted MSE responded to the offer of System P. A total of 40 MSE registered, 24 of which, characterized by good psychosocial safety climate, adopted System P. Penetration: Within these 24 MSE, 15% of the employees used the system. Fidelity/Dose: 11 MSE started a psychosocial risk-assessment (PRA), and no MSE finished it. The stress-management training (SMT) was started by 25 users and completed by 8.
COSTS
The use of System P was free of charge, but the time required to engage with was an indirect cost. Part II added insights on the perception of the web-based intervention: Acceptance of System P by users and stakeholders was good and it was assessed as appropriate for MSE. Results for feasibility were mixed.
CONCLUSIONS
Although System P was generally perceived as useful and appropriate, only a small number of contacted MSE implemented it as intended. Prior experience and sensitivity for occupational (stress) prevention were mentioned as key facilitators, while (perceived) indirect costs were a key barrier. Enabling MSE to independently manage stress prevention online did not result in successful implementation. Increasing external support could be a solution. ⁺ FULL PROJECT NAME: "PragmatiKK - Pragmatische Lösungen für die Implementation von Maßnahmen zur Stressprävention in Kleinst- und Kleinbetrieben" (= Pragmatic solutions for the implementation of stress prevention interventions in micro and small-sized enterprises).
TRIAL REGISTRATION
German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS) DRKS00026154, date of registration 2021-09-16.
Topics: Humans; Germany; Occupational Stress; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Small Business; Internet; Program Evaluation; Internet-Based Intervention; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 38886711
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19102-8 -
ArXiv Jun 2024Limited universally adopted data standards in veterinary science hinders data interoperability and therefore integration and comparison; this ultimately impedes...
BACKGROUND –
Limited universally adopted data standards in veterinary science hinders data interoperability and therefore integration and comparison; this ultimately impedes application of existing information-based tools to support advancement in veterinary diagnostics, treatments, and precision medicine.
HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES –
Creation of a Vertebrate Breed Ontology (VBO) as a single, coherent logic-based standard for documenting breed names in animal health, production and research-related records will improve data use capabilities in veterinary and comparative medicine.
ANIMALS –
No live animals were used in this study.
METHODS –
A list of breed names and related information was compiled from relevant sources, organizations, communities, and experts using manual and computational approaches to create VBO. Each breed is represented by a VBO term that includes all provenance and the breed's related information as metadata. VBO terms are classified using description logic to allow computational applications and Artificial Intelligence-readiness.
RESULTS –
VBO is an open, community-driven ontology representing over 19,000 livestock and companion animal breeds covering 41 species. Breeds are classified based on community and expert conventions (e.g., horse breed, cattle breed). This classification is supported by relations to the breeds' genus and species indicated by NCBI Taxonomy terms. Relationships between VBO terms, e.g. relating breeds to their foundation stock, provide additional context to support advanced data analytics. VBO term metadata includes common names and synonyms, breed identifiers/codes, and attributed cross-references to other databases.
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE –
Veterinary data interoperability and computability can be enhanced by the adoption of VBO as a source of standard breed names in databases and veterinary electronic health records.
PubMed: 38883236
DOI: No ID Found -
Health Expectations : An International... Jun 2024Patient and public involvement is vital for high-quality research. Integrating patients' and providers' perspectives early in research enhances the feasibility and...
INTRODUCTION
Patient and public involvement is vital for high-quality research. Integrating patients' and providers' perspectives early in research enhances the feasibility and relevance of study results. Within our family practice-based research network ForN, we established a standing patient advisory board (PAB) to include patients with diverse conditions and experiences. In this paper, we aim to describe the establishment and functioning of a standing PAB in family medicine research from patients' and researchers' perspectives.
METHODS
After each PAB meeting, patients and researchers were asked to name anonymously positive and challenging moments in a feedback form with open questions. Researchers were also asked to reflect on how they implemented the discussion content in their research projects. The responses from both groups were transferred to MAXQDA 2018 and analyzed separately using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
We analyzed 40 feedback forms from patients and 14 feedback forms from researchers. The dominant theme in the patients' feedback was 'exchange': They positively emphasized the 'exciting and open discussions' and the exchange of perspectives with one another and researchers. The clarity of the researchers' presentations and the research topics were appreciated. Researchers also positively highlighted the open atmosphere of the discussions. Presenting their research to the PAB helped most researchers reflect on their research topics from patients' perspectives and implement changes. However, researchers also mentioned several barriers to the implementation of PAB members' feedback.
CONCLUSION
The establishment of a standing PAB in family practice research is feasible and productive both from patients' and researchers' perspectives.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
This study reports the evaluation of the establishment of a standing PAB in family practice research. Board members are involved in the design of studies, the co-production of interventions and information material, and the interpretation of data.
Topics: Humans; Advisory Committees; Qualitative Research; Family Practice; Research Personnel; Male; Female; Patient Participation; Middle Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38881096
DOI: 10.1111/hex.14094 -
BMC Health Services Research Jun 2024Universal health visiting has been a cornerstone of preventative healthcare for children in the United Kingdom (UK) for over 100 years. In 2016, Scotland introduced a...
BACKGROUND
Universal health visiting has been a cornerstone of preventative healthcare for children in the United Kingdom (UK) for over 100 years. In 2016, Scotland introduced a new Universal Health Visiting Pathway (UHVP), involving a greater number of contacts with a particular emphasis on the first year, visits within the home setting, and rigorous developmental assessment conducted by a qualified Health Visitor. To evaluate the UHVP, an outcome indicator framework was developed using routine administrative data. This paper sets out the development of these indicators.
METHODS
A logic model was produced with stakeholders to define the group of outcomes, before further refining and aligning of the measures through discussions with stakeholders and inspection of data. Power calculations were carried out and initial data described for the chosen indicators.
RESULTS
Eighteen indicators were selected across eight outcome areas: parental smoking, breastfeeding, immunisations, dental health, developmental concerns, obesity, accidents and injuries, and child protection interventions. Data quality was mixed. Coverage of reviews was high; over 90% of children received key reviews. Individual item completion was more variable: 92.2% had breastfeeding data at 6-8 weeks, whilst 63.2% had BMI recorded at 27-30 months. Prevalence also varied greatly, from 1.3% of children's names being on the Child Protection register for over six months by age three, to 93.6% having received all immunisations by age two.
CONCLUSIONS
Home visiting services play a key role in ensuring children and families have the right support to enable the best start in life. As these programmes evolve, it is crucial to understand whether changes lead to improvements in child outcomes. This paper describes a set of indicators using routinely-collected data, lessening additional burden on participants, and reducing response bias which may be apparent in other forms of evaluation. Further research is needed to explore the transferability of this indicator framework to other settings.
Topics: Humans; Scotland; Child, Preschool; Infant; Routinely Collected Health Data; Universal Health Care; Female; Child Health Services; Male; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Breast Feeding; Infant, Newborn; Child; Quality Indicators, Health Care; House Calls
PubMed: 38877550
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11178-7 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Perineal hernias are protrusions of intra-abdominal contents resulting from weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. They are an uncommon complication after ultraradical...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Perineal hernias are protrusions of intra-abdominal contents resulting from weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. They are an uncommon complication after ultraradical pelvic surgeries, with no established gold standard for surgical treatment. This case describes a rare anterior perineal hernia that developed after radical surgery for bladder carcinoma.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 77-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a painful 10 cm bulge in the perineal region. The hernial sac involved the entire left labia majora and developed 4 years after radical surgery for bladder carcinoma. She had been misdiagnosed twice in the past with vaginal prolapse, leading to two unsuccessful vaginoplasty procedures due to recurrence. She underwent hernia repair with perineal approach and polypropylene mesh placement. The postoperative period was uncomplicated, and the patient was discharged after five days, with histology showing no malignancy.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Perineal hernias are protrusions of intra- or extraperitoneal contents into the perineum due to a defect in the pelvic musculature. Various surgical modalities exist for perineal hernia repair, which adhere to the fundamental principles of hernia surgery: sac mobilization, precise incision, sac debridement and excision, and defect repair. Here, we successfully applied the perineal approach in a complicated case of a misdiagnosed perineal hernia after radical surgery.
CONCLUSION
The perineal approach for hernia repair, involving an implantation of a polypropylene mesh and tissue flap was successfully applied, confirming its main place in the surgical treatment of perineal hernias. During the two-year follow-up no postoperative complications or recurrence hernia were registered.
PubMed: 38875825
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109859 -
Communicative & Integrative Biology 2024Biological theory assumes the organized appearance of life and the reliable recurrence of traits are due to inheritance. Natural selection acting on blind variations...
Biological theory assumes the organized appearance of life and the reliable recurrence of traits are due to inheritance. Natural selection acting on blind variations produces phenotypes with heritable traits, one of which may be natural learning. The aim of learning, then, is solving problems related to survival and reproduction. But what if these views confuse cause with effect? Perhaps a learning algorithm is required for any phenotype at all to arise. If so, evolution proceeds learning-first, with individuals pursuing another telos entirely. I argue that this aim may be epistemological, the drive to understand the world through an umwelt. By "understand" I mean neither association nor prediction but Karl Popper's concept of explanation through conjecture and refutation. I propose that if only genetic materials are truly heritable, not traits, then testing a successful physical theory of life will depend on building abiotic machines which can perform natural learning without the presence of any inherited materials or conditions. I name this process "epistolution," combining "epistemology" and "evolution," to distinguish it from other concepts. Epistolution is an integral consequence of any learning-first view of life, such as the Cellular Basis of Consciousness theory. This type of theory suggests that in all cells during the history of life full-blown agency, involving beliefs, intentions, and desires, generated all the phenotypes that have then been winnowed by natural selection. Unlike in other versions, I posit that the aim of agential living systems is the explanation of reality rather than inductive prediction or survival/reproduction.
PubMed: 38873336
DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2024.2366249 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38864804
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.04.007 -
Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Jun 2024Trauma is recognized globally as a great public health challenge. It stands as the predominant cause of mortality among those under the age of 45 and is also ranked...
Trauma is recognized globally as a great public health challenge. It stands as the predominant cause of mortality among those under the age of 45 and is also ranked among the top five causes of death for both urban and rural populations within China. This stark reality underscores the critical urgency in establishing an efficient system for trauma care, which is pivotal for substantially enhancing the survival rates of patients. An optimally developed system for trauma care not only guarantees that patients promptly receive professional medical assistance but also facilitates significant improvements in the outcomes of trauma care through the strategic establishment of trauma centers. At present, a considerable variation exists in the quality of trauma care provided across various regions within China. The adoption of comprehensive quality management strategies for the medical processes involved in trauma care, alongside the standardized management of on-site rescue operations, pre-hospital emergency care, and in-hospital treatment protocols, stands as a fundamental approach to boost the capabilities of trauma care and, consequently, the survival rates of trauma patients. Serving as the cornerstone of comprehensive medical quality management, key quality control indicators possess the capacity to steer the development direction of trauma centers. In a concerted effort to further augment the medical quality management of trauma care, standardize clinical diagnosis and treatment methodologies, and advocate for the standardization and ho-mogenization of medical services, the Medical Quality Control Professional Committee of the National Center for Trauma Medicine has undertaken a detailed refinement and update of the 16 key quality control indicators for trauma centers. These were initially put forward in the "Notice on Further Enhancing Trauma Care Capabilities" disseminated by the National Health Commission in 2018.Consequent to this endeavor, a revised set of 19 quality control indicators has been devised. This comprehensive set, inclusive of the indicators' names, definitions, calculation methodologies, significance, and the subjects for quality control, is designed for utilization within the quality management and control operations of trauma centers across various levels. This initiative aims to furnish a concrete and executable roadmap for the quality control endeavors of trauma centers. Through the enactment of these quality control indicators, medical institutions are empowered to conduct more stringent monitoring and evaluative measures across all facets of trauma care. This not only facilitates the prompt identification and rectification of existing challenges but also substantially boosts the efficiency of internal collaboration. It enhances the synergy between different departments, thereby markedly improving the efficiency and quality of trauma care.
Topics: Humans; Trauma Centers; China; Quality Control; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Wounds and Injuries; Consensus
PubMed: 38864144
DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167X.2024.03.025