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JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting May 2024Fathers play a pivotal role in parenting and child feeding, but they remain underrepresented in intervention studies, especially those focused on disadvantaged...
BACKGROUND
Fathers play a pivotal role in parenting and child feeding, but they remain underrepresented in intervention studies, especially those focused on disadvantaged populations. A better understanding of fathers' experiences and needs regarding support access and child nutrition information in the context of disadvantage can inform future interventions engaging fathers.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to explore fathers' experiences; perceived enablers; and barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting, child feeding, and nutrition and to co-design principles for tailoring child nutrition interventions to engage fathers.
METHODS
Australian fathers of children aged 6 months to 5 years with lived experience of disadvantage participated in semistructured interviews and co-design workshops, primarily conducted via videoconference. Creative analogies were used to guide the ideation process in the workshops.
RESULTS
A total of 25 interviews and 3 workshops (n=10 participants) were conducted, with data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior model. The interview data illuminated factors influencing fathers' initiation in seeking support for parenting, child feeding, and nutrition, including their experiences. It highlighted fathers' diverse information needs and the importance of an inclusive environment and encouragement. Enablers and barriers in accessing support related to parenting and child nutrition were identified at the individual (eg, personal goals and resource constraints), interpersonal (family support and false beliefs about men's caregiving role), organizational (inadequate fathering support), and systemic levels (father-inclusive practice and policy). Digital data collection methods enabled Australia-wide participation, overcoming work and capacity barriers. Videoconferencing technology was effectively used to engage fathers creatively. Key principles for engaging fathers were co-designed from the workshop data. Interventions and resources need to be father specific, child centered, and culturally appropriate; promote empowerment and collaboration; and provide actionable and accessible strategies on the what and how of child feeding. Fathers preferred multiformat implementation, which harnesses technology-based design (eg, websites and mobile apps) and gamification. It should be tailored to the child's age and targeted at fathers using comprehensive promotion strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
Fathers faced barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting and feeding that may not adequately address their needs. Future interventions could integrate the co-designed principles to engage fathers effectively. These findings have implications for health service delivery and policy development, promoting father-inclusive practice.
PubMed: 38815260
DOI: 10.2196/57849 -
IScience Jun 2024The cerebral cortex is widely considered part of the neural substrate of consciousness, but direct causal evidence is missing. Here, we tested in mice whether...
The cerebral cortex is widely considered part of the neural substrate of consciousness, but direct causal evidence is missing. Here, we tested in mice whether optogenetic activation of cortical neurons in posterior parietal cortex (PtA) or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is sufficient for arousal from three behavioral states characterized by progressively deeper unresponsiveness: sleep, a coma-like state induced by muscimol injection in the midbrain, and deep sevoflurane-dexmedetomidine anesthesia. We find that cortical stimulation always awakens the mice from both NREM sleep and REM sleep, with PtA requiring weaker/shorter light pulses than mPFC. Moreover, in most cases light pulses produce both cortical activation (decrease in low frequencies) and behavioral arousal (recovery of the righting reflex) from brainstem coma, as well as cortical activation from anesthesia. These findings provide evidence that direct activation of cortical neurons is sufficient for behavioral and/or cortical arousal from sleep, brainstem coma, and anesthesia.
PubMed: 38812551
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109919 -
BMC Palliative Care May 2024In the context of pediatric palliative care, where the quality of life of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions is of utmost importance, the...
BACKGROUND
In the context of pediatric palliative care, where the quality of life of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions is of utmost importance, the integration of health technology must support the provision of care. Research has highlighted the role of healthcare personnel when utilizing health technology in home-based pediatric palliative care, but specific knowledge of healthcare personnel's views on the technological relevance remains limited. Therefore, our study has explored potentials and limitations of health technology in home-based pediatric palliative care from the perspectives of healthcare personnel.
METHODS
Our study utilized a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory design, including five focus groups with a total of 22 healthcare personnel. The participants were selected from various health regions in Norway and were experienced in providing home-based pediatric palliative care. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we interpreted data obtained from focus groups, identified patterns, and developed themes.
RESULTS
The analysis resulted in the development of three intersecting themes: balancing in-person interaction and time in home-based pediatric palliative care; exchange of information can improve timely and appropriate care; and the power of visual documentation in pediatric palliative care. The healthcare personnel acknowledged difficulties in fully replacing in-person interaction with health technology. However, they also emphasized potentials of health technology to facilitate information sharing and the ability to access a child's health record within interdisciplinary teams.
CONCLUSION
The results underscored that technology can support pediatric palliative care but must be thoughtfully integrated to ensure an individualized patient-centered approach. To maximize the benefits of health technology in enhancing home-based pediatric palliative care, future research should address the limitations of current health technology and consider the opinions for information sharing between relevant healthcare team members, the child, and their family.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Qualitative Research; Norway; Focus Groups; Home Care Services; Health Personnel; Female; Male; Pediatrics; Adult; Biomedical Technology; Attitude of Health Personnel; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38811957
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01464-w -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2024High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing using dry-type self-sampled vaginal specimens is becoming more widespread worldwide due to increased screening uptake....
OBJECTIVE
High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing using dry-type self-sampled vaginal specimens is becoming more widespread worldwide due to increased screening uptake. However, for the triage of hrHPV-positive women, a visit to a general practitioner is required for reflex cytology. This study aimed to evaluate the hrHPV detection capability of CellSoft®, a wet-type self-sampling method that also allows for cytology.
METHODS
Thirty-eight women aged 20 years and older were included in the study. The women self-sampled using CellSoft® after using an Evalyn® Brush. PCR-based HPV genotyping was performed on both specimens and hrHPV detection results of both devices were compared. Additionally, cytological exam was performed on CellSoft® samples.
RESULTS
Overall agreement between self-sampling devices for the detection of hrHPV in CellSoft® and Evalyn Brush was observed in 97.4% (37/38) of participants. More hrHPV genotypes were detected with Evalyn Brush than with CellSoft®. Among the 22 CellSoft® hrHPV-positive cases, 11 (47.6%) were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse.
CONCLUSION
CellSoft® hrHPV genotype detection results were in good agreement with those of Evalyn Brush. CellSoft® provided a sufficient cell volume for HPV testing and cytological evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Female; Papillomavirus Infections; Adult; Papillomaviridae; Genotype; Middle Aged; Vaginal Smears; Specimen Handling; DNA, Viral; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Young Adult; Early Detection of Cancer; Follow-Up Studies; Cytodiagnosis; Prognosis; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia; Aged; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Cytology
PubMed: 38809639
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1673 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024Infections caused by Candida spp. are frequent in critically hospitalized patients, especially among premature neonates, representing one of the most common... (Review)
Review
Infections caused by Candida spp. are frequent in critically hospitalized patients, especially among premature neonates, representing one of the most common healthcare-related infections. Although there is considerable production of current knowledge about the mechanisms of immune response, aspects involved in the newborn's innate defense are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to describe the innate immune mechanisms involved in the defense of neonates against invasive candidiasis. This is an integrative literature review from the Scopus, Scifinder, Medline, Web of Science databases and the electronic libraries ScienceDirect and Scielo, in the period between 2002 and 2020, with rescue based on primary descriptor Immunity Innate plus secondary descriptors Candidiasis Invasive AND Infant Newborn. We have observed the involvement of various mechanisms in the neonatal response against invasive candidiasis, including the recognition, signaling, recruitment, and initiation of an effective immune response. These mechanisms encompass the presence of antimicrobial peptides, phagocytosis, synthesis of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, and complex cell signaling systems mediated by Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs). With this study, it is expected to contribute to the expansion of knowledge about the immunological mechanisms involved in the innate immune response of the newborn against disseminated infections caused by Candida species, and in the same sense, highlight the importance of this knowledge as a reflex in the decrease in mortality in the neonatal period.
Topics: Immunity, Innate; Humans; Candidiasis, Invasive; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38808781
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.275155 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024This study investigated whether abnormal peak inversion spontaneous potentials (PISPs) recorded at resting myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) stem from the discharge of...
This study investigated whether abnormal peak inversion spontaneous potentials (PISPs) recorded at resting myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) stem from the discharge of muscle spindles. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Five groups underwent MTrP modeling intervention, whereas one group did not receive intervention and was duly designated as the blank control. After model construction, five rat models were randomly subjected to ramp-and-hold stretch tests, succinylcholine injection, eperisone hydrochloride injection, saline injection, and blank drug intervention. By contrast, the rats in the blank control group were subjected to ramp-and-hold stretch tests as a control. Frequencies and amplitudes of PISPs were recorded pre- and post-interventions and compared with those of the blank group. Stretch tests showed that the depolarization time and amplitude of PISPs ranged from 0.4 ms to 0.9 ms and from 80 uV to 140 μV, respectively. However, no PISPs were observed in the control rats. The frequency of PISPs in the ramp and hold phases and the first second after the hold phase was higher than that before stretching ( < 0.01). Succinylcholine and eperisone exerted excitatory and inhibitory effects on PISPs, respectively. In the group injected with 0.9% saline, no considerable differences of the PISPs were observed during the entire observation period. In conclusion, PISPs recorded at resting MTrPs are closely related to muscle spindles. The formation of MTrPs may be an important factor that regulate dysfunctional muscle spindles.
PubMed: 38808356
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1353407 -
Sisli Etfal Hastanesi Tip Bulteni 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of individuals over 60 years of age who have not been diagnosed with a specific vestibular pathology.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of individuals over 60 years of age who have not been diagnosed with a specific vestibular pathology.
METHODS
Bilateral six-semicircular canal video head impulse test (vHIT), Dizziness Handicap Inventory and European Evaluation of Vertigo scales were applied to participants.
RESULTS
In total, 103 participants were included in the study (75 male, 28 female), and the mean age was 69.35 ± 7.41 years. The mean age of 7th decade group was 64.32±3.12 (59 participants; 38 male, 21 female), and the mean age of 8th decade and older group was 76.11±5.93 (44 participants; 37 male, 7 female). No significant differences were found between the VOR gains of the lateral or vertical semicircular canals between the 7th decade and 8th decade and older groups (p>0.05). In the 8th decade and older group, the presence of right lateral semicircular canal corrective saccade and left posterior semicircular canal corrective saccade showed a positively moderate correlation with VOR gains of the same semicircular canals (r=0.455, p=0.002, and r=0.518, p=0.001, respectively). No significant correlation was found between age and VOR gain in the 7th decade group, however, there was a negatively weak correlation between age and left lateral semicircular canal VOR gain (r=-0.366, p=0.017) in the 8th decade and older group.
CONCLUSION
While assessing the age-related changes in VOR using vHIT, it must be considered that the changes related to aging of the vestibular system begin to emerge in the population over 70 years of age, and corrective saccade findings may be more informative than VOR gains in revealing these changes.
PubMed: 38808050
DOI: 10.14744/SEMB.2023.31967 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024Differences in metabolic homeostasis, diabetes, and obesity between males and females are evident in rodents and humans. Vagal sensory neurons in the vagus nerve ganglia...
INTRODUCTION
Differences in metabolic homeostasis, diabetes, and obesity between males and females are evident in rodents and humans. Vagal sensory neurons in the vagus nerve ganglia innervate a variety of visceral organs and use specialized nerve endings to sense interoceptive signals. This visceral organ-brain axis plays a role in relaying interoceptive signals to higher brain centers, as well as in regulating the vago-vagal reflex. I hypothesized that molecularly distinct populations of vagal sensory neurons would play a role in causing differences in metabolic homeostasis between the sexes.
METHODS
SnRNA-Seq was conducted on dissociated cells from the vagus nerve ganglia using the 10X Genomics Chromium platform.
RESULTS
Single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis of vagal sensory neurons from female and male mice revealed differences in the transcriptional profiles of cells in the vagus nerve ganglia. These differences are linked to the expression of sex-specific genes such as , , and . Among the 13 neuronal clusters, one-fourth of the neurons in male mice were located in the -enriched VN1 and VN8 clusters, which displayed higher enrichment of , , , and genes. In contrast, 70% of the neurons in females were found in -enriched clusters VN4, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 13, which showed enriched genes such as , , , , , , and . Two clusters of satellite cells were identified, one of which contained oligodendrocyte precursor cells in male mice. A small population of cells expressed and , indicating that they are epineural adipocytes.
DISCUSSION
Understanding the physiological implications of distinct transcriptomic profiles in vagal sensory neurons on energy balance and metabolic homeostasis would help develop sex-specific treatments for obesity and metabolic dysregulation.
PubMed: 38808032
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1393196 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports May 2024Differentiation of syncope from seizure is challenging and has therapeutic implications. Cardioinhibitory reflex syncope typically affects young patients where permanent...
BACKGROUND
Differentiation of syncope from seizure is challenging and has therapeutic implications. Cardioinhibitory reflex syncope typically affects young patients where permanent pacing should be avoided whenever possible. Cardioneuroablation may obviate the need for a pacemaker in well-selected patients.
CASE SUMMARY
A previously healthy 24-year-old woman was referred to the emergency department after recurrent episodes of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). The electrocardiogram (ECG) and the echocardiogram were normal. An electroencephalogram (EEG) showed intermittent, generalized pathological activity. During EEG under photostimulation, the patient developed a short-term TLOC followed by brachial myocloni, while the concurrent ECG registered a progressive bradycardia, which turned into a complete atrioventricular block and sinus arrest with asystole for 14 s. Immediately after, the patient regained consciousness without sequelae. The episode was interpreted as cardioinhibitory convulsive syncope. However, due to the pathological EEG findings, an underlying epilepsy with ictal asystole could not be fully excluded. Therefore, an antiseizure therapy was also started. After discussing the consequences of pacemaker implantation, the patient agreed to undergo a cardioneuroablation and after 72 h without complications, she was discharged home. At 10 months, the patient autonomously discontinued the antiepileptics. The follow-up EEG displayed unspecific activities without clinical correlations. An implantable loop recorder didn't show any relevant bradyarrhythmia. At 1-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and without syncopal episodes.
DISCUSSION
Reflex syncope must be considered in the differential diagnosis of seizures. The cardioneuroablation obviated the need for a pacemaker and allowed for the withdrawal of anticonvulsants, originally started on the premise of seizure.
PubMed: 38807945
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae256 -
A critical review of the reporting of reflexive thematic analysis in Health Promotion International.Health Promotion International Jun 2024Using the concept of methodological congruence-where the different elements of a study 'fit' together-we explore both problematic and good practice in (reflexive)... (Review)
Review
Using the concept of methodological congruence-where the different elements of a study 'fit' together-we explore both problematic and good practice in (reflexive) thematic analysis (TA) as reported in Health Promotion International (HPI). Aligning with the importance we place on 'owning your perspectives' we situate this exploration in relation to our understanding of the variation in approaches to TA and qualitative research more broadly. This contextualization is necessary for highlighting why we judge practices to be in/congruent, and to facilitate more knowing congruence in future research. We critically reviewed a 'sample' of 31 papers published in HPI between 2010 and 2023 citing Braun and Clarke as reference for TA. We overview a range of problematic and good features of the use of TA in HPI, before focusing on two domains that seemed to present key challenges: theory and themes. Methodological incongruence can occur when postpositivist values and practices unwittingly creep into ostensibly non-positivist TA; we encourage thoughtfully and what we term 'knowing' consideration of theory, and quality practices and criteria. Methodological incongruence can also occur through mismatched conceptualizations of themes-notably, the use of 'topic summaries' as themes for reflexive TA (and fragmented thematic structures with 'thin' themes). We provide examples from the reviewed papers to demonstrate good practice in researcher reflexivity, articulation of theoretical and methodological frameworks and congruent themes. However, mindful of power dynamics, we only discuss problematic practice in general terms, to protect author anonymity. To facilitate thoughtful, quality TA-of all kinds-we provide eight pointers for researchers (and reviewers) to guide quality practice, and facilitate the use of concepts, procedures and criteria that promote knowing methodological congruence.
Topics: Humans; Health Promotion; Qualitative Research; Research Design
PubMed: 38805676
DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae049